The Adventures of BRUSANUS Prince of Hungaria, Pleasant for all to read, and profitable for some to follow.  
Written by Barnaby rich, seven or eight years sithence, and now published by the great entreaty of divers of his friends.  
FAMA FIDES 〈…〉 OCCULUS   blazon or coat of arms 
Imprinted at London for Thomas Adames 1592.   elaborate border  

To the worshipful, and virtuous young Gentlewoman, mistress jays Aston, daughter to the right worshipful Sir Edward Aston knight.  
MY very good cousin, if I should follow the fancies of some writers, who are accustomed in their dedycations, to glorify the parties whom they have chosen to be patrons of their works, with many strained words and far sought for phrases, then in seeking to praise your beauty. I should borrow colours for your cheeks, from lilies and red roses, for your lips cherries: & pearls, for your teeth, to figure forth your chastyty, wit and many other graces, I must seek out Diana, Pallas, the Muses and divers other helps both divine and precious, and thus whilst I might be curious in blazing the perfections of your body, I should utterly forget the beauty of your soul. Let this then suffice, your beauty is not borrowed, and therefore without blemish; your body comely neither bombast nor bolstered, and therefore not helped by art, for the gifts and qualities of your mind as they are many, so they are such as may well be said to be both virtuous and godly: and now affyenge myself in your courteous acceptance, I have made bold to present you with this history, The adventures of Brusanus▪ read it at your leisure, and what you mislike leave it and blame me, or blame it & chide me, and you shall see that your gentle rebuke shall be of importance, either to make me recant and so to ask mercy, or otherwise to satisfy for my miss as it shall please you to enjoin me: I have sought to shun undecent terms, unfytting for your modesty, and now commending altogether to be censured by your courtesy, I can but wish you that happiness that your own virtue doth worthily merit.  
Your loving Cousin who wisheth you all happiness, Barnaby Rich,   

The adventures of Brusanus Prince of Hungaria, pleasant for all to read and profitable for some to follow, written by Barnaby rich seven or eight years sithence, and now published by the great entreaty of divers of his friends.  

The first Chapter.  
Myletto King of Hungaria had a son and a daughter, the son called Brusanus the daughter Leonida.  
AT that time when the most renowned Liberius governed the empire of Constantinople holding the parts of Cayre Soria, Calypha, and all Grecia in the most christian & catholic faith, at that very instant there reigned likewise in Hungaria the noble king Myletto a prince of such justice as he never thought himself privileged in being a prince, nor did measure greatness by any thing but by goodness. This prince was so favoured and fostered up by fortune, his estate so established with honour, so beautified with wealth, so decked with the diadem of dignity, and so endued with fortunate prosperity, that he ●●med to want nothing which either fortune or the fates might afford him, so that he was honoured with the sacred titles of good, just, merciful, with many other like virtuous additions: But as the vices of children are swords which pass through the hearts of their parents, so the happiness of Myletto was greatly surcharged with this heaviness, for having to wife a lady called Paulina, by birth royal, by nature fair, by education learned, & by virtue mous, by this lady Myletto in the prime of his years had two children, the one a son called Brusanus, the other a daughter named Leonida▪ so perfect in complextion, so pure in constitution, so adorned with outward beauty, and so endued with inward bounty, as her very countenance was full of bashfulness, love and reverence. Brusanus on the other side, was so contrary to his sister (though not in state of body, yet in the stay of his mind) as it made all men marvel how two so contrary stems could spring of a self same stock, yet his parsonage was most comely, every lineament gallantly proportioned, his face and countenance sweet and amiable, with an enticing loveliness to as many as did behold it: But in the quality of his mind, he was so spotted with voluptuousness so nuzzled in wantonness, so given over to licentiousness, so linked to wilfulness, and so carried away with all kind of wickedness, that neither the fear of god, the displeasure of his parents, the sundry admonitions of his careful and loving friends, nor the regard of his own honour could make him desist, or drive him from this detestable kind of life: the day he consumed in such riot, excess, drunkenness, dicing, gaming, swearing & swashing, as whole millions of gold, were insufficient to maintain the expenses of so witless prodigality: the night he spent in masking, mumming, dancing, banqueting and hooring: do you think then there wanted ruffians, roisters, flatterers, brokers, bawds, and such other like to follow him? O no be sure there will be to many counterfeits to imitate the natural vice of princes but the good king his father having many times wasted his wind in fruitless exhortations to his son, being still gauled with this continual grief, fearing that after his death, his sons lascyvious life would be the overthrow of his house, the consumer of the kingdom, the wrack of the common weal, and the very man that should bring the state to mischief and misery, determined either to cut of the course of his living or of his life, thinking it better to want a son, than never to want sorrow, having so gracious a daughter to whom he might leave the inheritance of his crown, in whose issue the kingdom might be made more happy: but first determined to seek all other possible means. He caused his son to be sent for, to whom he said as followeth.   

The second Chapter.  
The fatherly exhortation of Myletto to Brusanus.  
CAlling to mind (Brusanus) first the royal race from whence thou art descended, the virtuous education wherein thou hast been nurtered, the sundry wholesome precepts where with thou hast been instructed: with the lewd and shameless demeanour wherein thou art daily nuzzled, as I can but lament thy misfortune, so I must more wonder at thy folly, and yet the more I think, the more cause I have of thinking & the less hope of thy amendment. Have thy friends hoped so long for a plentiful harvest, & now shallbe constrained to gather weeds, hast thou from thy youth been trained up in learning, and after thou hast given a good soap to the pail, thou shouldest kick it down curstly with thy heels, O how much better had it been for thee never to have rypened, then so soon to have rotten: thou seest (Brusanus) my white heaires are blossoms for the grave, and thy fresh colour, fruit for time and fortune, so that it behoveth me to think how to die, & for thee to care how to live: my crown I must leave by death, and thou enjoy my kingdom by succession: it is then requisite for thee so to fortify thy mind with strong reasons, grave sentences, and learned precepts of wisdom, that thy weak seeds of virtue be not drowned in the floods of vain delights: For as the prince being the head of his people, and most excellent of all: he must therefore by his good example be a pattern to al. What honour is it for a prince, to go far beyond the common sort in precious stones, beaten gold, coloured silcks, and great trains of servants, when he shall be inferior to all in virtues and honesty of life: For to instruct his people by precepts, is a long and difficult way, but to teach them by example, is very short, and of greater efficacy, for where they shall see virtue after a lively sort imprinted in a visible pattern, and that the prince's life is such an example, they become wise of their one accord, then is force, constraint or threatening, needless to bring them to their duty: O consider my son the difference between a virtuous king and a vicious prince, the one striveth to enrich his subjects, the other to destroy them, the one spareth the honour of good women, the other triumpheth in their shame: the one taketh pleasure to be freely admonished, the other misliketh nothing so much as wise and virtuous council: the one maketh great account of the love of his people, the other is better pleased with their fear: the one is never in doubt of his own subjects, the other standeth in awe of none more than them: the one burdeneth them but as little as may be upon public necessity, the other gnaweth the flesh from their bones to satisfy his vain pleasures, the one in time of war hath no recourse but to his subjects, the other keepeth war but only with his subjects: the one is honoured in the time of his life and mourned for after his death: the other is hated in his life with perpetual infamy after his death: A cruel prince will make a slaughter house of his common wealth, a hooremaister will make it a stews, a prodigal will suck the marrow of his subjects, to glut some half dosine flattering parrisites, that will be about his parson, disguised in the habit of fidelity: A good prince must not dedicate the common wealth to himself, but must addict himself to the common wealth, and because no man asketh account of him in his life, he ought to be so much the more stirred up to demand a straighter reckoning of himself: be must live as it were upon an open Theatre where he is seen on every side, so that his life will be a discipline and instruction of good or ill living unto others, therefore let him seek to excel those whom he ruleth and to surmount them as far in virtue, as he surpasseth them in riches and honour. But what is to be hoped for from that prince, that only accompanieth himself with courtesans, flatterers, drunkards, diceplaiers, dancers and inventors of pleasures, briefly in the midst of such caitiffs amongst whom he learneth nothing but pleasure, delight, pride, vanity and such other. Why shouldest thou make such account of the beauty of thy body, which having enclosed in it the soul which is defiled with ugly vice & monstruous sin, is nothing else but a proud sepulchre under which is contained a stinking and putrefied carrion: Forsake such vain delights (Brusanus) and let virtue be thy guide if thou wilt attain to happy honour. For For honour is the only reward of virtue▪ and only virtue must open the gates of honour.  
The Romans builded two temples joined together, the one being dedicated to virtue the other to honour: but yet in such sort, as no man could enter into that of honour, except he first passed through that of virtue, which is the only thing whereof all the greatness, glory and honour of men dependeth, and not in the dignity wherein they are placed: A small want to brag of the scutchyons and arms of our ancestors, when (to speak truly) there is no right nobility but that which springeth of virtue: He boasteth in vain of his great lineage, that seeketh to be esteemed for the nobility and virtue of his ancestors, and hath no goodness in himself: for what is it to vaunt of Hercules race, and not to follow his works, which made him so famous through the world: Despise not my son thy father's loving admonitions, for (as the wise man saith) he that honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children, and when he maketh his prayer he shall be hard: he that feareth the lord honoureth his parents, and doth service to his parents as to the lord: The blessings of the fathers establish the houses of the children, and the mother's curse rooteth out the foundations: He that forsaketh his father shall come to shame, and he that angreth his mother is cursed of god: To conclude, there is no prayer which god heareth more willingly than that of the father, which he maketh for his child: O my son while thou hast yet time, apply thyself to that now in thy youth, which will be profitable for thee in thy old age, namely to the attaining of virtue and knowledge, which will procure unto thee, honour, praise, safety, happiness, rest and tranquillity in this life, and will in the end guide thee to eternal life.   

Chapter third.  
The demeanour of Brusanns after his father's exhortations, and how he was handled by Petrona a curtizane.  
THe careful old father, having discoursed thus far to his careless young son, was here interrupted with the abundance of tears which streamed down his cheeks, but Brusanus who that very morning had appointed with certain of his companions, to meet in the City at a courtesans house, where great revel was appointed for, was all this while so busied in the contemplation of his pleasures, that he understood never a word what his father had delivered, and was therefore able to make him no manner of answer, but seeking his best opportunity to give his father that slip, in the end, conveyed himself away to his appointed place, where he found his companions attending his coming: The father wonderfully perplexed at his sons demeanour, had the narrower watch to the rest of his proseedinge, and finding his course of life rather to wax worse than any whit to better, resolved himself of this last experiment, which was to cut him from all manner of means whereby to maintain his lavish expenses, and not only by shutting up his own purse, but also by strait proclamation through his whole kingdom, he prohibited all under great penalty, neither to lend him money, nor to render unto him any manner of relief. But could there be a greater grief to Brusanus then so suddenly to be brought to so extreme want, his father would afford him no manner of allowance, the rest were restrained by the late proclamation, his companions that hitherto had followed him in all his follies, that were the very ministers of all his mischiefs, amongst whom he had consumed whole millions of treasure, and many of them made rich by his idle expenses, did not only refuse to help him in this necessity, but also left him alone, and refused to come in his company. Brusanus being now driven to his last refuge: calling to his remembrance an old acquaintance, called by the name of Madonna petrona, a curtyzane that himself had advanced from base parentage, who by his prodigality was wonderfully enriched, both in apparel, jewels, and great store of money which she put out to usury, thinking to find her as kind of her coin as she was of her honesty, he imparted unto her the extremity of his want, but she having had former intelligence how matters had passed between his father and him, and finding him now to be grown so bare, determined to shake hands with his acquaintance, and notwithstanding the many benefits which before he had bestowed of her, she rather resolved to see him beg, than she would part with one crown to do him pleasure, but yet for her better excuse she answers him thus: Three years are fully expired (my Lord Brusanus) since you took the first fruits of my body, sith which time I have remained altogether at your disposition, so often as it pleased yourself to command, yet not without great infamy and slander to my person, being discredited through the whole City, by your continual recourse and repair to my house, and although I must confess you have bestowed of me many liberal rewards, and from time to time have gratified me with rich and costly presents, yet sir when you shall consider well of your penny worths, I have greatest cause to complain of my market, when the bargain hath cost me the price of my maidenhead, my pain of pleasant years spent at your devotion, with my name and reputation for ever infamed: where otherwise my beauty might have proved a bait to have intangeled some amorous gentleman or other rich merchant, that might have maintained me and made me his wife, where now that hope were more than vain to look for: what resteth then for poor Petrona but to hold that she hath, and to make account of no more, than what she doth already possess. Brusanus, who all this while had listened to he speeches, was not a little pinched to hear her conclusion, but minding to make no other reply, embracing her in his arms he gave her a friendly buss, adding these few words as followeth: I perceive my Petrona, the old proverb must be newly verified, which saith, that poverty will part good company, thou knowest I have loved thee, and now I must leave thee, but if thou thinkest I have bought thy chaffer to cheap, blame but my fortune, which hath rather conducted me to crave new credit, then to pay old debts: with this he gave her an other friendly kiss, making semblance as though he would have taken his leave, thinking that for a farewell Petrona at the least would have relieved him with some five hundred crowns, who had bestowed of her (at several times) a great many thousands, but she more lavish of her lips, than she was of her purse, to shift him off by a prettyer mean replied in this manner. Alas Brusanus and must we needs part, if (as you say) there be no other remedy, know this by the way, Petrona cannot live by kisses, but if you love me as you have protested in words, I hope I shall find it confirmed in your deeds, and being fitted now by occasion to make trial of your kindness, I stand in want at this instant of a thousand crowns, the which (my Brusanus) I hope you will not deny me for a farewell, being the last gift (as I perceive by your own words) that I am ever like to receive at your hands.  
Brusanus finding himself to be thus prevented, answered thus: Petrona, thy former experience (I think) hath taught thee, that my crowns have been ever at thy commandment, my sword as ready to encounter thine enemies, my body as willing to satisfy thy pleasures, nay wherein have I failed to fulfil all duties proper to a lover, but Petrona the world is changed with Brusanus, hast thou not hard, my father is displeased with me, dost thou not know my friends have forsaken me, and dost thou not see my servants have left me, Brusanus hath been honoured as a prince, but now more despised than a poor peasant, what speakest thou of a thousand crowns (Petrona) to him that is not furnished of so many farthings: yet the thing that doth most grieve me, is to part with thy sweet company, but there is no remydye. Brusanus may not stay, Hungaria cannot hold him. Alas my Lord (said Petrona) and can you bestow nothing for a farewell, if you be driven to so narrow a scantling, the parings of your nay. es shall suffice to content your lover petrona, the which as a relic in your remembrance, I would charily keep, persuading myself that if you had had a better present, I know it would have fallen to my share. Brusanus seeing the kindness of the loving worm, cutting of the parings of his nails he delivered them into her hand, uttering these words: Lo petrona, to satisfy thy request, hold here the present, which I know thou hast desired for the love thou bearest unto me, and although for thy sake I could heartily wish them▪ to be jewels of inestimable price, yet knowing such wishes are ever but waist, I assure thee if my ability would stretch aswell to a whole million of gold, I would as willingly bestow the one as I have reddely given the other: And here withal pressing towards her, thinking once a gain to have taken a kindly kiss, she thrust him from her and said: Nay soft Brusanus you mistake your text, I am sure every parish priest could learn you this lesson, No penny no pater noster, and I have often hard it said, No longer piping no longer dancing, and now thou hast nothing left, what should I do with thy company, go vaunt thee now Brusanus, thy lover petrona would never leave thee, so long as thou haddest but the parings of thy nails left to bestow of her, the best advise I can now afford thee is, I would with thee presently to go hang thyself, by means whereof both thy ill fortune and thine ill life might both finish in an ill death: This said she speedily fling away from him, going into her chamber, where she shut fast the door, leaving Brusanus standing all alone, who recounting with himself of these despiteful taunts, had his fantasy so assailed with fear, grief, despair, heat, collar, wrath, and desire of revenge, that he raged against the gods, he railed on the destinies, he defied love, he cursed all woman kind: and having thus given allarume as well to all the powers of heaven as also to all the works of the earth, after a little pause and that he had a while bit on the bridle, he returned into these speeches.   

The fourth Chapter.  
How Brusanus sorrowing his former misled life, resolveth to travail.  
ANd wilt thou now be discouraged Brunsaus, by remembering thine own imperfections, seeing by labour and diligence thou mayest yet recover what thou hast hitherto lost, hast thou seen so much and canst thou practise nothing, are thine eyes clear, and wilt thou still counterfeit blindness, hast thou thy right fences and wilt thou seem senseless, canst thou not make profit of thine own folly, learn with the be to gather sweetest honey from the bitterest herbs, when both fortune, occasion, and thine own industry may so well help forward the matter, let thy vice make thy virtue more to shine, so mayst thou think thy poverty a happy prosperity, yea most happy mayst thou count thy mishap, that is the original of thy true hap, while thou diddest flourish, how wert thou fed with fair words, how many feigned friends, fine fawners and cunning flatterers did haunt thee, yea in thy wealth whole millions of friends did compass thee, but now in thy want, dost thou not see that both pleasure and company doth forsake thee, thou canst not find one that will afford thee so much as a good look. Sith than Brusanus, thou findest such falsehood in fellowship, and such faithless deeds in such painted speeches, shake of these fawning curs with the flag of defiance, and from henceforth try ere thou trust: I but now to late to apply a plaster when the sore is past cure, to cry Alarume when the City is sacked, to seek for covert, when the storm is past, and now thou wilt cry cavy, when thy coin is consumed, and beware of flatterers when thy wealth is wracked, to wax more chary when thou hast nothing in thy charge, and when thou hast already received the maate, thou seekest by cunning to make void the check: But now thou triest it true that thy father foretold thee, that so long thou wouldst be careless, that at the last repentance would pull thee by the sleeve: but the flattering pleasures of this world can promise no other bliss, for worldly prosperity (I see) is a spur to wickedness, it carrieth men willingly to the pleasant court of vanity. Leave of therefore Brusanus if not for shame yet to avoid sin: shake of this incumbraunce, strive to be virtuous, leave to be amorous, forsake misdemeanure, and since thou hast seen much, practise a little: it is a common imperfection to offend, but an extraordinary perfection to amend, the first springeth by nature, the other from virtue, & how often hath thy father told thee that honour is only to be sought for by the means of virtue. It only resteth then that I embrace thee (o sweet repentance) by whose only means, we are drawn to mercy, and without whose wings we cannot fly from vengeance. Brusanus thus thanked the Gods, that had wrought his honour out of his shame, that had made his own finding to go amise, to be the best mean ever after to hold him in the right paths, and although before he had showed himself a brave gallant in the court of Venus, yet now he vowed himself a professed soldier to march under the ensign of virtue, and calling to mind his former misled life, did not only detest and hate love, but so mightily contemned the whole feminine sex, that his hatred did so much exceed, by how much he remembered his present misfortunes. This was a sudden change, but sure a happy chance, but Brusanus holding on a determinate mind to seek after honour, resolved himself to travel, the which when his father had got intelligence of the news, was half a salve to his sorrow, thinking that it would either be a mean to end his life or mend his lewdness, he therefore took secret order to have him conveniently furnished as well with money as all manner of other necessaries.   

The fifth Chapter.  
Brusanus journeying through the country of Epirus, met with Leonarchus' king of that Region, disguised like a merchant, called himself Corynus, and what speeches passed between them.  
BRusanus being thus appointed, called to his remembrance the order of many travelers, who after their return into their own country are commonly so full fraught, with far fet follies, that they are utterly empty of their home virtues, and can make no better return then their heads ouerburthened with too many outlandish vanities, he therefore armed himself with a determinate mind, to gather a platform both of virtue & vice, imitating the good in their commendable qualities, & abhorring the bad in their foolish demeanours applying both presydents of good and bad to one virtuous purpose, & wholly to endeavour himself in all honourable enterprises having thus fortified himself with this virtuous imagination, directed his first course towards Epirus, where Leonarchus then reigned king, a prince that was renowned for his virtue, fortunate for his peaceable government, reverenced for his gravity, obeyed for his authority, loved for his mediocrity, and honoured for his liberality, administering justice with such sincerity, yet tempering the extremity of the law with such limmite, as he gained the good will of strangers in hearing his virtue, and won the hearts of his subjects in feeling his bounty, counting him unworthy to bear the name of a sovereign which knew not (according to desert) both to cherish and chastise his subjects. This noble prince upon a private conceit to himself, disguised in the habit of a merchant, had secretly left his court, and traveling through many parts of his own dominions (being not otherwise taken then for a merchant) called himself by the name of Corynus, the which name (because I perceive he was other wise loath to be known) I will therefore use for the time. Brusanus, who in the mean space had iurnied many days towards Epirus was now come to the confines, and taking his direct course towards the famous city of Doretta (where the court was still resident) he fortuned (in the way) to overtake this kingly marchante Corynus: and after friendly salutations passed between them, Corynus taking a through view of this gallant young prince, was wonderfully delighted in his comely parsonage, in his amiable countenance, and in his modest regards: and perceiving by his apparel that he was a stranger, to break of their unnecessary silence he said. Although (courteous gentleman) it be no part of good manners to desire to know a strangers secrets, yet if it pleased you but to recount unto me what country man you are borne, whether you are traveling, and what I might call your name, if (to requite your courtesy) there be any thing wherein I may stead you, you shall command me for a much greater matter than I have yet requested. Brusanus having heard the mild motion of this grave merchant whose outward show of countenance, did manifest an inward stay of mind answered thus? Sir, my country is Hungaria, my name Brusanus, by birth a gentleman, by fortune a traveler, and the cause standing of such nice points, as peradventure your gravity may hardly brook: let this suffice, my young years (as you see) subject to sundry impressions, at the last have taken holdfast in traveling to unknown cities, led by this resolution, that in seeing many things, I should learn some thing, and enticed by the general report of the rare virtues, the majestical government, and most renowned demeanour of Leonarchus, who holdeth her the princely diadem, I have left mine own country, and am traveling to his court to see if the bravery be correspondent to the brute, and the demeanour of the countries, so commendable as is reported. Corynus, secretly rejoicing to hear himself so praised, answered thus. Truly, (courteous gentleman) the commendations you have given to Leonarchus are so many, that myself (being as much affected towards him as any subject may be to his sovereign) can devise to say no more, and for that by your former speeches, I perceive your desire is to grow into the high way of experience, being arrived here to see the fashions of our court, whatsoever by eye yourself shall perceive, I by my experience can something lay open, having in my younger days ventured amongst the rest to become a courtier, although not so formal as county Baldassare hath figured. The court here of Epirus, being so renowned (as you would make it) by the king that now holdeth the sceptre, as it is replenished with men of diverse calling, so it is frequented by men of as sundry dispositions. Some repair thither hoping of preferment by their virtuous endeavours, who by their good deservings are to grow in favour, or by their valour and force of arms, are to be confirmed with martial honour. Other again incited by vanity (having the rain in their one necks) resort thither to satisfy their youthful humours with a little foolish bravery, where their brains are so continually cumbered with devising of new fashions, that many times of comely personages, they transform themselves to disguised puppittes. By this you may perceive that as the court is a school of virtue to such as can bridle their minds with discretion, so it is a nurse of vice to such as measure their wills with witless affection.   

The sixth Chapter.  
How Brusanus and this counterfeit Merchant were encountered by a courtier called Gloriosus, and lodged at Utica.  
COrynus had not scare ended these speeches, but they were overtaken by a Gentleman that was riding to the court, and a courtier he was, called by the name of signor Gloriosus, the loftiness of his looks was much to be marvelled at, but the manner of his attire was more to be laughed at. On his head he wore a hat without a band like a Mallcontent, his hair hanging down to both his shoulders, as they use to figure a hag of hell, his beard cut peecke a devant, turned up a little, like the vice of a play, his countenance strained as far as it would stretch, like a great Monarcho: his collar turned down round about his neck that his throat might be seen, as one that were going to hanging should make way for the hallter, his doublet holstered with bombast, as if he had been diseased with the dropsy: upon that he wore a lose Mandilyon, like a counterfeit soldier, in his hand a fan of feathers, like a demye harlot: Riding thus along by them, casting his eyes to and fro, seeming by his demenure, as if he had had, a whole common wealth in his head, without any word speaking, Corynus who before had known him in the court, and therefore best acquainted with his humour, said unto him: Gentleman, if I be not much mistaken you are riding towards the court, whither (if it please you) we will be glad to bear you company: Gloriosus bending his brow answered: thou base borne fellow, what dost thou think I would make a companion of thee, a peddling merchant, more fit for a aware house then a prince's court: Corynus smiling to himself to hear the folly of this vain headed courtier mildly made answer: Truly sir, I would not presume so far to make myself your companion, but I have known right worshipful Gentle men thus riding by the way, that would have been well pleased with good company: This soft reply wonderfully qualified the fierce nature of Gloriosus: whose choleric complexion was as testy as a goose that hath young goslings, yet easy to be pleased again with a handful of oats, so after a little more friendly communication had between them, they were come to the gallant City of Utica, where they all agreed to test for that night, and after they were come to the inn, Brusanus desirous to go visit the monuments of the City, and to take a view of the bravery of the buildings, was accompanied by Corynus, Gloriosus keeping his lodging as one disdaining to walk the streets with so simple company: but after they had walked themselves weary, and were returned again to their chamber, Corynus demanding of a servant what other strangers were in the house, was answered there were two other, the one a soldier, called by the name of Martianus, who was newly come from the court, the other called Castus, a country man that was traveling towards the court: Corynus willed the servant to entreat them both to come up, hoping to hear some news, especially by Martianus, who was come from the court, the which both himself and the rest desired.   

The seventh Chapter.  
What news Martianus brought from the court, how the king was missing, and how the courtiers did generally bewail his loss.  
BEing both come up into the chamber, after they had been very friendly welcomed, Corynus turning to Martianus said, as we understand you are lately come from the court, and we being desirous to hear what noveltyes are new coined, are to crave so much courtesy at your hands, to make us partakers of your news, and for mine own part, I shall think myself greatly pleasured, that am accustomed by such particular platforms, to gather an universal: cogniseance either of good or bad: Martianus curtiouslye aunswereed: truly Gentlemen the news at the court are strange, yet not so strange as true, yet not more true then generally lamented by as many as over heareth them: Twenty days are now fully expired, sith our most virtuous and noble prince Leonarchus hath been miss at the court, no man knowing what should become of him, neither can it be imagined whether he be dead or alive, gone he is, search there hath been, inquiry is daily made every way, and by all means, but no tidings can be learned more than I have told you. The lamentable clamours are universal, the grave counsellors sheades their tears for the loss of their prince, the father of their counsellors, the very stay and principal pillar of all their consultations, the gallant courtiers have left off their costly colours, betaking themselves to mourning hew, hanging their heads, wring their hands, lamenting the lack of him that was a prince to defend them, a father to care for them, a companion in their pleasures, a friend to reliue their wants, what should I say, the doleful memory is generally bewailed, some remembering the nobility of his birth, some his peaceable government, some his liberality, some his justice, mixed with such mercy, some the greatness of his authority, tempered with such familiar courtesies, that they did more feel the fruits of his clemency, than the pomps of his greatness, and all accounting him the father of his people, and the life of the country. The only comfort that is left them, is the hope they have received of the gracious young prince Dorestus, who imitating his father's virtues, and in whom they already shine so clear, that it is easy to discern him to be a blossom of the same branch, a stem of the same stock, and a son of the same sire: Ten days are over passed since (as well by the consent of the counsel, as by the requests of the commons in general) they would have established him in his father's seat: but Dorestus more surcharged with sorrow, then covetous of a kingdom, and more fit to furnish a funeral, then to sit in a prince's throne, would in no wise consent to their requests, until he might hear what was become of his father: But they never ceasing their suit, and he over woried with their importunities, to satisfy their requests, have adjourned the day of his crownation for fyfueteene days, if in the mean time they can learn no other tidings, he is then content to receive the diadem, as his proper right and due inheritance: I will not further enlarge the several conjectures that are gathered of his absence, some immagininge him to be privily murdered, some thinking him secretly vowed to some monestary or other religious house, some thinking so many things, that some knows not well what to think, and yet when they have all thought, the good king cannot be hard of, neither will I trouble to tell you what several examinations hath been taken, how many inquiries hath been made, and what continual posting there hath been through the whole realm, let this suffice, he cannot be found, and it is thought necessary (and that by general opinion) that there should be a sovereign governor, to redress wrongs, to punish vice, to correct abuse, to maintain justice, and to cherish virtue: Dorestus (though against his own will, yet to satisfy their requests) have assigned the day of his crownation (as I told you) within fyveteene days, whereof there are yet five to come, if in the mean time there come no other news, I have then briefly told you all the news.   

The eight Chapter.  
The sorrow Brusanus made to hear this news, and how Gloriosus vaunted upon this report.  
COrynus who was nearest touched with this discourse, yet best pleased to here the tale, wherein both Leonarchus the king, and Dorestus his son were so virtuously commended, made neither semblance of joy nor grief, but listening what other men would answer kept himself silent: But Brusanus, whose heavy countenance bewrayed his sudden passion said: And is it possible that so renowned a king, so virtuous a prince, and so loving a sovereign, should be thus consumed in his own realm, nay in his own court, nay more than that, in his own privy chamber, and amongst his own subjects, and yet cannot be learned how, well Brusanus thy hap is the harder, thou hast left thy parents, thy kindred and thy country to become a traveler, thy hope was to have bettered thine own experience, by the example of him, whose virtues were so famed through every nation, but thou findest thyself prevented by unjust fortune, and canst thou not draw her freaks to a platform of thine own profit, arm thyself against all her assaults, and beware how thou dost hereafter trust her, and esteem no better of these worldly honours, then as slippery joys, sliding pleasures, and transitory delights, and thus fixing his heavy eyes upon the ground, he ceased further speech: Gloriosus, who was all this while devising how to speak wisely, after that he had a little roused himself, bending his brows and putting on his terrible countenance, said: Well Leonarchus, if thy conspiring enemies, have shortened thy date, by untimely cutting of thy thread of life, unhappy was thy chance that signor Gloriosus was absent, whose provident eye, to look into matters of state, is enough to prevent all traitorous practices, convey they never so closely, whose very looks are leveled with such austere aspect, that they are able to fray the proudest practiser, from all unlawful attempts, and these arms, (that are the ministers of my displeasure should I but discontentedly stretch them forth, oh, who were able to abide it, neither strong Samson amongst his philistians, nor valiant Hercules against his ugely monsters, were half so terrible as angry Gloriosus against the troops of traitors, than Leonarchus, nay, then infortunate Leonarchus, and in nothing so much infortunate, as thus to be sequestered from such a stay to thy state, from such a pillar of thy preservation, and from such a castle of thy comfort, as might have prevented all perils, what so ever thou art happined into, after the whole company had a little smiled to themselves, and had much ado to forbear open laughter, Corynus said: it may be sir, you were unknown to Leonarchus, otherwise he was shrewdly over seen, so much to neglect a gentleman of your quality: My friend (answered Gloriosus) thou dost press me to far, I pray thee have care of thyself, and seek not thine own dismembering, by to much urging my patience▪ with thy unseasonable speeches, dost thou think Gloriosus could be unknown to Leonarchus, when his court hath been beautified with my presence, and whose palaces were adorned with my person: No, no, and therefore I tell thee (thou man of little understanding) thy words are to much prejudicial to the prerogative of my reputation, but it pleaseth me to impute thine error, to the want of knowledge, so that in beareing with the one, I am contented to pardon the other, and therefore I admonish thee hereafter to take heed how thou dost place thy phrase, to a gentleman of the king's court: Well sir answered Corynus, sith I do find courtiers to be so captions, you shall see hereafter that I will learn to speak more wiselier, when I have occasion to talk with them, in the mean time, me thinks here is a poor man that looks heavily on the matter: then turning himself to Castus, he said, how now my good friend, what news with you in the country, it seemeth by thy cheer, that all should not be well.   

The ninth Chapter.  
The woeful discourse of Castus: what craft in the country amongst Lawyers, and what adiorning amongst magistrates.  
CAstus, first breathing forth a piteous sigh, as the messenger of some mishap answered. Alas sir, a comfortless cause requireth a careful countenance, and a cureless grief, a desperate mind, and if my news be hapless that I have brought from the country, so now they be helpless by that I hear from the court, when we be deprived (as I perceive) from our good king, the only ankerholde of all my hope, that should have ministered right to my infinite wrongs. And are your wrongs such (answered Corynus) that they are not other wise to be remedied, then by the king himself, if I be not deceived, there be laws in the country to determine your right, you have likewise magistrates to administer the law, in mine opinion your cause were very strange if it should not be relieved by one or both. Very true sir (answered Castus) my cause is strange indeed, and yet if I were'aswell stored with coin wherewith to corrupt, as I am furnished with sorrow whereof to complain, I needed not have traveled to the court for redress, neither have I omitted (so far as my poor abillitye would stretch) both to attempt law, and to fee aturnies, but mine adversary is wealthy, and therefore worshipfulll, whose lofty countenance is enough to carry out his lewd conscience, and although the law in itself, intendeth nothing but right, yet as it is ordered by some that hath the handling of it, it is made the very instrument of wrong, yea the most of them framing their plea thereafter as they be feed not according to the truth, and for private advantage, or how many delays can they forge, from court to court, from day to day, from time to time, yea from year to year: then have they such distinctions, such errors, such demurs, such quillites, such shifts, and so many deceits that the plaintiff shall pass a thousand troubles, before he may proceed to one trial. Oh these golden dumb shows are so mighty in working, that he that hath them to give, they will make judges themselves to become both deaf and blind. Thus rich men need speak but a word, and all will hear them, when poor men may shed their tears but no man pity them: But after that I had thus tried myself in the law, I endeavoured by petition to present my cause before the pitiless magistrates, but alas there began my greater misery. For first even amongst their base and silly porters I found a peevish pride, and such a scornful demeanour, that I might not be suffered to stand near, much less to enter their gates without a bribe, but then again amongst their clerks: O what gaping for greater gifts, and what looking after costly rewards, the which my poverty not able to search unto, what found I then but coy countenances currish language, & other like disdainful demeanour, thus leaving their comfortless houses, I was driven to give attendance in the cold streets, where after long and tedious waiting, the very horsekéepers would shoulder me from their master, who if perhaps through my piteous exclamations, he chanced to cast his head aside, it was either to affright me with his terrible looks, or utterly to dismay me with his churlish checks. Thus having tried all, but finding none, to pity or comfort my distress, I determined with myself to travel to the court, hoping there to find some gentleman, attendant about his majesty, that might prefer my suit to the king himself, who is accustomed to hear suitors with more expedition, and to keep them with less expenses: but alas, I perceive my purpose is prevented, and I left destitute of all hope for ever to be happy.   

The tenth Chaper.  
The answer of Martianus, whether it be better for a suitor, the court or country.  
IT is but a bare comfort (answered Martianus) wherthe best choice hath yet assurance of doubtful end, you have ceased your plaint in the country, to become a suitor in the court, and herein you may be compared to him that goes out of god's blessing into the warm sun: do you think to find such courtesy amongst courtiers: you say you go to complain of a wrong, and peradventure to him that will give no man his right, you say you are poor and unable to give a fee, but you shall hardly find him in the court, that will do any thing for gods sake: in the country if you found such churlish regards, in the court you shall find as proud looks: yea the very doorkeepers to these great men in the court, will look for more caps and courtesies then (I answer) you have been accustomed unto, and yet still receive your obeisance, without any regard of your business: but do you complain of bribing in the country, and would you come empty handed to the court: where there is no grace without gold, nor no friend without a fee: and if your adversary be wealthy (as you have said) and that he be able to send five hundred duccattes on his message, do you not think them able to work wonders in the court, as the golden dumb shows (you speak of) could ever do in the country, yes be sure, they are not only able to make men blind and deaf, but they will open his lips that was dumb, to present all manner of ●easinges, yea for a need before the king himself. I am sorry my experience should serve me so well to display the court of Epirus, but he that himself hath been surely pricked, can bid others take heed how they run amongst thorns, and I that have sped so ill with my courting, can wish others to beware, how they come thither a sewing, if they be not able to maintain bribing. It is now thirty years sith I became a soldier, from which time I have served the king in all occasions against his enemies in the field, the rest of the time I have continued in his garrisons: in this mean space, I have spent what my friends left me, which was some thing; I have lost part of my blood, which was more: and I have consumed my prime of youth and flourishing years, which was most: and comforting myself with some hope of happy reward (for my better help now in my declining years) with this resolution I came to the court, what money I was able to make, I put it in my purse to bear my charges: I have there continued these six months, with caps and curtisies down to the ground, and some time, may it please your honour, otherwhiles, I beseech your worship, but neither honourable, nor worshipful, that I could find to better my state but I have spent my money, & am come away as you see. And yet I must confess that for the king himself, there was never prince that was more bountiful, nor liberal, nor that hath given oftiner or greater rewards. But alas poor king (if without arrogancy I may pity a king) he hath been nothing more deceived then in bestowing his rewards: for being driven to see with other men's eyes, to hear with other men's ears, and to reward by other men's commendations, it is seen that promotion is determined in such fort, as fancy rather confirmeth the election than discretion, in so much that desert may now go a begging, when all the world is guided by opinion, and many a one hath been rewarded, & commended by some noble man for his great service, that hath but help him off with his hose when he went to bed at night, or peradventure a ruffesetter, a bottle carrier, a news bringer, a parricite, a slaterer or some other such like minister of his pleasure, and it may be, a bribe giver, for a hundred angels of gold, in such a matter, are of greater virtue, than all the angels that be in heaven, yet (as I have said) such a one (upon some noble man's commendations) shall receive greater recompense, than the man of good desert indeed, of any condition or quality what soever: so that in the court, pleasing of humours, is found to be most profitable, where a fool shall glory of more savour, than a wise man of acceptance. But I pray you sir (answered Corynus) why did you not make your request to the king himself, who as it should seem by your own words is forward enough, to recompense well doing. Very true (answered Martianus) and to the king himself I presented my suit, who with most gracious promises, and comfortable speeches, willed me to commit my cause to some noble man, that might commend it to his majesty and get my disspatche: but alas, our dainty nobles are so dangerous to be spoke with 〈…〉, that it is well if in a months waiting, you may attain to three words speaking: for some times if I met them in merry talk with my betters, my petitions came then out of season to interrupt their pleasures, an other time if I met any of them solitary by himself, my lord was then in some melancholy mood and out of time to be spoken with all: thus between mirth and melancholy, poor suitors may long enough watch their seasons, yet never find them in season to do them any good: but could I once again have come to the presence of the king, I would have made no doubt, of that recompense that now I never look after. And why so (answered Corynus) if Dorestus be the man that he is taken for, good desert can never go unrewarded, god for bid he should sit in his father's seat, if he should neglect his father's virtues.   

The eleventh Chapter.  
Corynus, Martianus, and Castus, are arrested of treason and brought to the court to the young prince Dorestus, there to be tried.  
GLoriosus, who had over heard all, and by their speeches did think himself to be well furnished with suffitient matter to pick a thank (when he came to the court) but specially of these last words spoken by Corynus, god forbidden that Dorestus should sit in his father's seat) went presently to the criminal judge of the city, charging him in the behalf of the young prince Dorestus, to apprehend, both Corynus, Martianus, and Castus, and to see them brought to the court as traitors, where he himself would be ready to avouch against them, treason to the king, slander to his court, and infamy to his whole government, this said, without any longer stay, he took his journey towards the prince (with great expedition) intending to aggravate the matter as much as might be, the rather to win himself reputation, in performing so notable a piece of service, (as he supposed this would fall out to be) the magistrates understanding Gloriosus to be a courtier, hearing his words to import a matter of treason, and as it was thought the king being so long missing, was brought to some casualty by the practice of treason, accompanied therefore with some convenient number he came to the Inn where he arrested the foresaid three of treason, and although the apprehension in this manner was some amazement to their minds, yet it was most strange to Corynus to be thus taken for a traitor to the king, but after that he had a while deliberated what might be the matter, he requested the office to let him understand, whether it were by direction, information, or what other instruction he had thus to apprehend them, the other answered, sir you shall find mine own authority sufficient to arrest a traitor, for the rest what there is farther to charge you withal, you shall understand at your coming to the young Prince Dorestus, before whom I mind presently to bring you: and having a sufficient company to guard them, forwards they go, the prisoners every one comforting himself, knowing his own conscience to be clear. Brusanus that had given good heed to every accident, and perceiving by the former circumstances that Corynus, Martianus and Castus were mere strangers the one to the other, thought it therefore impossible that there should be any compact of treason between them, and having a special liking to Corynus, desirous to see what might fall out against▪ him he followed him, who when he had overtaken, he proffered any courtesy wherein a stranger might steed him, whether with his travail or his purse, they were both at his commandment: Corynus again in as great a league of liking towards Brusanus, and desirous to do him some honour, before he should leave the country, requested him to accept of a prisoners thanks, and that he would not leave his company, till, it was determined what should become of him, to which request Brusanus very willingly agreed unto: they travail so long that they come to the court, where Gloriosus was attending and had quickly certified the Prince of their arrival, who commanded that the prisoners should be safely kept until the next morning, when himself would be ready to hear their cause.   

The twelfth Chapter.  
Dorestus sitteth in judgement, Gloriosus accuseth Castus.  
THe next day, he being accompanied with the nobles that were in the court: came into the common place of justice, usually called by the name of The house of reformation. This house of reformation, was a very large room, where the kings of Epirus, in the ancient time were accustomed personally to sit, at the least three times every week, to hear suitors and to dispatch, all manner of causes and controversies, that were between their subjects, and to minister justice, to as many as were to demand it: and in this house of reformation it was ever accustomed, that if there were many suitors, the complaints of the poor were ever heard, before the requests of the rich: The Prince being come to this place, after that he had given reverence to the throne of majesty, wherein his father had been accustomed to sit, then sitting himself down in the next seat, the noblemen likewise every one taking his place: the prisoners were brought to the bar, where Gloriosus was likewise ready to inform, but before they did proceed to the hearing of the matter, the young Prince delivered these words: They make themselves guilty of great injustice, who being appointed of God to persecute the wicked with the sword drawn, will yet keep their hands clean from blood, whereas the wicked in the mean time commits all manner of sin, and that uncontrolled: and it is no less cruelty to punish no offence, than not to forgive any, the one being an abuse of clemency, the true ornament of a Sovereign, and the other to turn authority into tyranny: nevertheless magistrates in the execution of justice, aught to take great heed lest by over great severity, they hurt more than they heal, for the seat of a judge that is too severe seemeth to be a gibbet already erected, we must then diligently note, that as it is the duty of all magistrates, to chastise and to punish every malefactor, so likewise they must beware, least under pretence of exercising justice, they fall into an other kind of injustice through overmuch rigour, for too much severity, causeth men to be misled for cruelty, and belongeth rather to a beastly and sawage nature, then to the nature of man: for clemency & compassion, never ought to be separated from a good and just sentence, which is to hold small faults excused, or but lightly to punish them (provided all way that justice be not violated) for as the wise man saith, that it was ill to be subject to a Prince under whom nothing was tolerated, but worse where all things were left at random. Let us learn therefore for the conclusion of our discourse, so to use justice with mediocrity, that neither we learn to over much severity, nor yet may be led by too much lenity. Dorestus having thus ended his exhortation, the whole company that heard it, were wonderfully delighted, some extolling his virtue, and other commending this his proceeding: after a silence commanded and that every man was hushed: Gloriosus was willed to say what he had to infer against the prisoners, and according to the custom of the place, Castus cause was first to be examined, he was therefore willed to stand forth, and Gloriosus commanuded to proceed in that he had to charge him: who after he had first cleared his throat, then casting up his eyes to the roof of the house, he discoursed thus: I shall not need (gracious Prince) to travail much by circumstances, or to use many words, to make my proof the better against this wretched worm of the world, my credit being such here in the court, the testimony might seem sufficient, that Gloriosus having spoke the word, it should not be gainsaid: to come to the purpose, as mine ears then glowed to hear, so my heart now panteth to think, what hateful speeches were pronounced by this unhappy man Castus, so exclaiming of the lawyers, so crying out against the magistrate, so slandering of them both, as though there were neither law nor justice to be had within the whole dominions of Epirus: the which being weighed in a due consideration, is not a little stain to your worthy father's government. Stay there Gloriosus (said the Prince Dorestus) I must not suffer you to mince the matter so fit to your purpose, for it is not the Prince's fault, if justice be not ministered, when he hath appointed magistrates for the same purpose, but it is his blame if he defer punishment when he understandeth the contrary, the rest of your words import no other matter then an exclamation made by this poor man against the magistrates, and perhaps for want of justice, but whatsoever be the cause, it resteth in himself to avoid the crime, for as the sovereign Prince, acknowledgeth after God none greater than himself, so the magistrate holdeth his power after god of the sovereign prince, private men must therefore acknowledge both the prince and magistrate, every one in his place of iurysdiction with all honour and reverence: Speak then Castus, what hast thou to allege in thine own excuse, for these matters imposed against thee here by Gloriosus.   

The 13 Chapter.  
Castus answerch for himself  
THe poor man being altogether surprised with an encounter of fear and grief, was not able to speak one word, but wring his hands, hanging down his head, and casting his eyes in such sort, as who should say, alas, if my cause be not to be pitied what should if avail me to answer: but the good Prince observing his demeanour, and minding to cut off his timorous silence, spoke to him as followeth: My good friend, let not this courtly presence, dismay thy country plainness, but comfort thyself with hope of this place: which distinguisheth no persons either by fortune's faun: or poverties frown, neither yet to measure the person by his wealth, but justly to pease the equity of his cause, mercy and justice are the means, where with I mind to temper my proceed, but yet in such mediocrity as the one shall not be confounded in the other: persuade thyself therefore that thou shalt be heard with equity, and therefore spare not, but comfort thyself, and speak boldly. When the prince with his encouragement had set the poor man's tongue at liberty, he framed his complaint in this order: It is truth (most gracious prince) that twenty years are fully over passed since my father deceased, in his life time called by the name of Codron, and after his death, leaving me his heir to a poor country cottage, yet seated in a most pleasant orchard, planted (by my said father) in the prime of his youth, yet alas in a most infortunate soil, though happy enough, both for the serenity of the air, and fertility of the ground, but only unhappy in that it was seated to near an ill neighbour, for but on the other side of the hedge, there dwelled a gentleman whose living is great, whose credit is much, whose conscience is least, whose name is signor Orlando, who having many times taken survey of my poor plot, the fruits whereof yielded the greatest relief wherewith to sustain myself, my wife and children (but that which poor men take for their profits, is used of gentlemen but for their pleasures) and thinking how commodious it lay for his house, he was many times in hand with me to have bought the inheritance, the which I as often denayed him, being the only succorse that I had to repose in, but after that, o how many quarrels were picked upon small occasion, how was I berated if a chicken had but flyen over the hedge, the legs of my cattle were broken, if they strayed but forth of mine own gates, yea myself was every day threatened by his servants, that in the end glad to curry favour, I came unto him desiring his friendship: offering him my orchard for his pleasure to walk in at all times, and to make a way through his own ground, for his better passage, and for some part of the fruit that he best liked off for his own eating, and myself at his commandment to do him any service that I could, but all this would not serve, there was nothing would please him, but the whole possession of mine orchard, the which in the end he desired but for three years, and in the mean space to give an annual rent, and although in very troth, I was not contented, yet glad to win his favour I agreed, thinking to bear the brunt for so small a time, the which in deed, I might the better have done, if he had paid me the rend he promised, but I had no sooner given him place, voiding myself into a little room not far of, but mine orchard was enclosed with a mighty ditch, severalde into his own ground but for the rent that was promised, although his three years are more than three times expired, the day is yet to come that ever I could receive groat, to conclude, he not only with holdeth my rent, but he likewise holdeth me out of my house, and against all right, hath kept me out of my own, these ten years▪ I cannot deny but in this mean time I have attempted law, but I must confess it is to my great charge, for his great store of crowns so over weighed my right amongst the lawyers, that in four years suing, I could not bring my cause to one days hearing, but should I say now after I had been thus cozened amongst the lawyers, o no, I perceive it is offensive, let me then say thus, after I had been consumed amongst them, and that I was not longer able to see them, I made my complaint to the magistrates, but if it be a fault to say I found them pitiless, I humbly crave pardon (most gracious prince) for this is all that signor Gloriosus is able to charge me with.   

The fourteenth Chapter.  
Gloriosus accuseth Martianus, who answereth his accusation.  
THe poor man having thus finished his speech, was willed to stand by, and Gloriosus was now to infer against Martianus, who proceeded in this wise. Although I have found by the art of Logic, learned by the rules of Rhetoric, and gathered by the precepts of philosophy, what unnecessary members these soldiers are in a well governed state (in so much that many wise men deemeth them worthy of nothing then not to be) yet with all the learning I have gathered out of my libraries, with all the examples I have seen in my perigrinations, with all the experiments I have found in the court, nor with all the art that is in my head, the very stoorehouse of wisdom, and from whence whole fountains, nay huge floods of eloquence doth continually abound, yet (as I have said) all this will not serve me, to reiterate the words pronounced in disgrace of the whole court of Epirus, by this man of little reputation, I mean this soldier. His sentences, although not artificially couched, yet strained after a fulsome manner, to the very full sea marks of reproach, his phrases very harsh, but more spiteful, his words unaptly placed, yet according to the literal sense, all applied to a malicious purpose, I could hear distinguish upon every syllable, and (I give god thanks for it) I could (according to art) make division of his whole speeches into several parts, & so examine the mayor and minor, of all his arguments, as I might refel his propositions, and utterly deny his allegations: But this is enough for signor Gloriosus to conclude, Martianus hath distained the court with slander, and must cleanse it again with the price of his blood. The young gallants of the court, that stood by and had over-hearde all, wonderfully commended Gloriosus, protesting, that he had spoken very wisely, thinking him a very meet man to be a counsellor, but the young prince Dorestus said as followeth. So far as I can perceive Gloriosus, your learning is more than the matter wherewith you have charged Martianus, the some of all your eloquence concerneth a slander to the court, but how or in what manner there it still resteth, but say Martianus, what occasion hath led thee to speak ill of the place: Martianus answered thus. Most gracious prince, if in my words I shall not observe that reverence that I know is apertinente to this presence, I most humbly crave pardon, and the rather for that my bringing up hath not been so much to direct my speeches to princes in their palaces, as to soldiers in the fields: to answer then to the matter wherewith Gloriosus hath charged me, the beginning of whose tale is so spiced with such a deal of learning, that I know not what to say to it, whereby I perceive many courtiers to be much more fruitful than haares, for as it is said, when they have been at buck, within forty days after they litter there leverites, than again they go proud, are conceived, and all at an instant: but these go proud every day in the week, wax great with learning before they conceive it, and are delivered of the full burden of their wit, at the least forty weeks before it is begotten. Many wise men (saith Gloriosus) so condemneth soldiers, as they forbidden him to have place in a well governed state: and I never heard yet, but an honest soldier, was a more profitable member to his country, than any vain headed courtier: whose gentry (as it is written) comes from their parents; whose wealth, is the harvest of their flattery; whose victories, are the fruits of their soldiers: for the first, them selves blot with their vices; the second, they consume with their vanity; the last, is attributed to more than themselves, I can compare a courtier to nothing better than an ape, which no man would keep but to procure laughter, and the use of the courtier, is all for pleasure, nought for profit. It is further inferred against me by this man of little wit, (this courtier I mean) how slanderous I have been to the whole court of Epirus; I can not make so learned a demonstration of the matter as Gloriosus hath done, but according to a soldiers capacity. I will show you by example: suppose I should say (as I trust I shall never have cause to think) the Gloriosus the courtier were a very wise man, now, you must understand this (according to the interpretation of Gloriosus) to be spoken in the commendation of the whole court, & where my proposition includeth but a particular person he would infer a general conclusion. May it please your Grace now to understand, I have served your (most renowned Father) these thirty years as a Soldier, and comforting myself with some hope of reward, to help me now in mine elder years. I came to the Court, where I became a suitor, but those eyes that look into all proceedings, and are watchful only to their own profits, and loath that any fat should be licked from their own fingers, will suffer no good turn to pass which they can hinder, neither can I deny (most gracious Prince) but in lamenting mine own misfortune, that have been so long a suitor, that I am now become a beggar: I have complained that so many drones grating on the prince's purse, should eat up the honey from those that best deserve it. For the punishment of mine trespass, I humbly appeal to your gracious clemency, for I perceive, if Gloriosus were my judge, no less would content him, than the price of the blood in my belly, for a pennyworth of slander to his person. I will not tell you here, into what a pelting chafe Gloriosus was driven into upon these speeches: I pray you imagine, that he was wonderfully angry, and kept such a stur upon the matter, that there was no rule with him, till in the end the prince himself willed him to hold his peace like a fool. Well quoth Gloriosus, sith your Grace speaks so gently unto me, I am contented at your entreaty to bear with the matter, otherwise I protest by jupiter himself, he goes not upon two legs (if he bear the name of a soldier) but I would have made him to have repent this presumption nine hundred years hence.   

The fifteenth Chapter.  
Gloriosus accuseth Corynus of treason against Dorestus, the circumstances whereof are briefly laid open by Brusanus.  
AFter the gentleman had been in this sort qualified, he was willed to inform what he had against Corynus, and in this wise he began to tell his tale. Your Grace hath already heard by that is past, how infamous the first hath been unto the Country Magistrate: The second hath not feared to slander the court: but this third, in plain terms, hath presumed to touch your own person. The circumstances are but short, and thus followeth the words: God forbidden that Dorestus should sit in his father's seat: the sense is plain, and I will once again repeat the words: God forbidden, that Dorestus should sit in his father's seat. Let me see now what gloze can they set to this text? what ifs or and's can they patch to these speeches, to alter the sense from high Treason? The whole company that stood by began altogether to cry treason, treason, treason: but silence being commanded, Corynus was willed to speak for himself: who in this sort answered. Prince Dorestus, Sophocles the Tragedian, being accused before the magistrates of dotage, repeated unto them his Tragedy of Oedipus Coloneus, (which at that instant he had made) so that his accusers confounded in their own overweening, departed with a shameful repulse. So I am likewise accused of treason, and I am willed to make mine answer: see here worthy Prince, this wrinkled face, which many years hath withered, & should betoken staidness: behold these hoary hairs, whose colour time hath changed, & should carry some experience: and although by experience, I could answer in other circumstances, yet I hope this shall aswell find grace to clear me of treason, as the Tragedy of Sophocles to acquit him of dotage. This answer seemed confused to the multitude, but the prince Dorestus who had marked the grave aspects of this ancient man Corynus, gathered a further meaning of his words then the rest could well conceive, and whether it were by some secret instinct of nature, or what other motion it was that moved him, he fell into a most affection at liking of Corynus, but Brusanus that had stand by all this while, pressing forth said as followeth: Let not a stranger's presumption breed offence, (worthy prince Dorestus) that opposseth himself uncald for, to testify a truth, and although the matter that I pretend might crave long discourse, advised purpose, and seemly conveyance, yet the rare virtues which I see to accompany your calling, the singular justice that I see to carry your proceed, shall make me be the less tedious: Myself (noble prince) being led with delight to behold strange Cities, to discover unknown places, & to better mine own experience, have left my native country, and betaken myself to pretenced travel, and because I will leave nothing which the necessity of the cause enforceth me to open, though (peradventure) (in a courteous conceit my words might smell of flattery) true it is that the renown I have hard of this country of Epirus, the wisdom of the Prince that governed it, the wise men that inhabit it, the true justice that ruleth it: though one of them were sufficient to move admiration, yet the most of them have directed my travel into this country, and bending my journey towards this place, by the way I overtook this merchant Corynus: After salutations passed between us, we had not rid far but we were likewise overtaken by this Gloriosus, what speeches passed between us, because they are neither fitting to our purpose, nor necessary for the place, I will therefore omit them, but on we rid all together to the City of Utica, where determining to rest ourselves, in our lodging we met these other two Martianus and Castus: Martianus being new come from the court (as himself reported) was the first that gave us to understand of the king your father's missing, Castus on the other side was traveling towards the court (and as it should seem) to seek for justice, but now discouraged by these late news, Martianus again relating his cause (as even now before this presence) concluded likewise his little hope, to attain recompense for longs service, mark now (virtuous prince) for here is the point of all this treason: Corynus that had over hard all, comforted the poor man in these speeches: It were pity my friend (said Corynus) that good desert should go unrewarded, and god forbidden that Dorestus should sit in his father's seat, and neglect his father's virtues: I could farther enlearg touching the premises, but what should I need, when I find your own virtue (worthy Prince) more sufficient to consider of every necessary circumstance, than mine own little skill is able to deliver it.   

The sixteenth Chapter.  
Brusanus is discovered to be the Prince of Hungaria, a combination of friendship between Dorestus and him.  
IN this mean time that Brusanus was thus discoursing, a gentleman in the company that sometimes had been in the court of Hungaria, whispering in the Prince's ear, assured him that the party which presented that speech, was Brusanus, the only son of Myletto king of Hungaria: the which when Dorestus understood, taking the better survey of the man, and listening more attentively to his speeches, although he were wonderfully delighted with his words, yet he was a great deal better pleased with his parsonage, and having finished his tale, Dorestus requested Brusanus to tell his name, and what countryman he was, Brusanus answered, sir, I was borne in Hungaria, a gentleman by birth, and by name Brusanus: It is not unlikely (quoth Dorestus) that Brusanus, the Prince of Hungaria, should be any less than a gentleman, and if there be no other occasion than I can imagine, Brusanus can be no less than welcome to Dorestus. Brusanus seeing himself to be thus discovered, briefly made answer: and Brusanus desireth no greater contentment, then to be an assured friend to Dorestus. Dorestus then arising from his seat, and encountering with Brusanus said: and in token of perpetual amity with Brusanus, Dorestus here giveth his hand, and biddeth Brusanus most heartily welcome: the one of them then imbracinge the other, with more than ordinary affection, the whole company were delighted to see the courteous demeanour of these two gallant young Princes: but above the rest Corynus especially rejoiced at the sight, for knowing now that Brusanus was the Prince of Hungaria, commended him in his imagination to be the most rare and towardly young Prince that lived.   

The seventeenth Chapter.  
Dorestus proceedeth to judgement, he maketh choice of Corinus to direct him in his counsels.  
AFter the two Princes had one the other thus entertained. Dorestus willing a seat to be prepared, caused Brusanus to sit down next unto himself: and being thus settled: Dorestus minding to proceed in justice, delivered these words: The Office of a good Prince is to defend the common wealth, to help the innocent, to aid the simple, to correct the offender, to relieve the poor, to honour the virtuous, to punish the vicious, to bridle the ambitious, and by justice to give every one his own: and common wealths are not lost, for that Princes live in pleasure, but because they have no care of justice, neither do people murmur, when the Prince doth recreate his person, but when he is slack to redress wrongs. O that princes did know what it were to take charge of a kingdom, he should find that to be just in himself, were honour to his person, but to minister justice, is profit to the whole commonwealth: it is not therefore enough for him to be virtuous in his own person, but he is also bound to root all vices from amongst his people: But what profit is it for a prince himself to be honest, and those that should administer justice under him to be dissolute, For a prince to be true, and his officers false, for a prince to be gentle and his officers cruel: And hath it not been often known, that where the prince himself hath been careful, those that he hath put most in trust, have been negligent: I will for a time dissemble some thing of mine own knowledge, when we shall need no other precedent at this time, than the complaint of this poor man Castus, in redress of whose cause I do here decree, that Orlando shall speedily restore him again to his house and orchard, and for the annual rent that was concluded on between them, he shall restore it him four fold, and that for so many years as are behind.  
I do further ordain, that the Lawyers which have taken his money, and not ending his cause, shall repay it double: the magistrate likewise that denied him justice, I do here discharge him from bearing office, and for the small regard that he hath had to the complaint of the poor, I do cease him at five hundred pound fine, to be distributed to the relief of the poor. For thee Martianus that hast served so long a soldier, it is not requisite, that the virtue of valiancy should go unrewarded, for good soldiers must be cherished, and in respect of thy long service, and to comfort thee now in thy latter years, I do here bestow upon thee three hundred crowns, that shall presently be paid unto thee, and I do further give thee a pension of three hundred crowns by the year, to be paid unto thee during thy natural life. Corynus, I do here acquit thee of treason, thy words rather proceeding of honest affection: but if thou hast committed a fault, it touched but myself, and good Princes ought not so much to revenge their own injuries, as to defend those that are injuried: He should pardon wrongs that are done to his own person, but revenge the least ill that is committed against the Commonwealth: and for mine own part, since I came to the state of discretion, I have ever had two things before mine eyes, which is, not to revenge with rigour upon mine enemies, nor to be unthankful to my friends: and as it becometh a good Prince, to have more regard to the benefit of his Country, then to the delights of his person: yet for that they are often times negligent in many things, not so much for that they have no desire to foresee, as because there are none that dare warn them. I will that from hence forward thou be attendant about me, myself allowing thee a sufficient stipend for thy maintenance: thy office shall be to give me counsel in all my affairs, and to advertise me of such faults and imperfections as thou shalt see to appear in me, and if thou shalt see me to neglect my father's proceed, I will that thou shalt reprove me: and although there be many others, by whom I am counseled by, yet amongst them all, I reserve myself to be familiar with thee, hoping by thy grave looks, that thou wilt not advise me in any thing that shall not redound aswell to my honour as to my profit. The whole company did wonderfully commend this censure of the prince, some noting his justice, some his courtesy, some his liberality, others his clemency: but Corynus in this manner addressed his speech. As your Grace's authority to command, is full of virtue, wisdom, and granity: so it belongs to me to obey with diligence, truth, and fidelity, esteeming it much to my reputation to be commanded by your Grace, in whose proceedings there is so great a testimony of virtue: and because to princes and great Lords, we must minister our reasons by weight, and give our words by measure: yet because your wisdom deemeth it so reasonable to be advertised, I beseech you turn not that to presumption that I shall present by duty and office, and if my words shall derogate in any thing from your honour▪ let my profession suffer indignity, by which I hold the countenance of my reputation: and so I will wade no further in protestation, because great offers are oftener performed in words than deeds.   

The eighteenth Chapter.  
Dorestus seeketh to defer his establishment in the kingdom, Corynus adviseth him not to refuse it.  
THese premises thus concluded, every man remained satisfied, Dorestus himself excepted, whose mind was still molested, with the memory of his father, and whose spirits were daily troubled with this that now ensueth. You have partly heard that when Leonarchus was missing from the court, and that after all means of inquiry had been made after him and could not yet be heard of, it was desired by a general request, that Dorestus (according to his right) should presently be crowned king, and although at that very instant it was deferred by Dorestus, yet by their general importunity, he consented within fifteen days to satisfy their desires, to the which request he the rather granted for that he hoped in the mean time to hear some news of his father, thirteen of the fifteen days are expired, & Dorestus to give a longer time, useth these words. O what trust may be hoped for in this flattering world, whose custom is with a little gold to mix a great deal of dross, under a resemblance of truth, it leads into many deceits: and to over few and short delights, it joins infinite griefs and displeasures, to whom it shows most favour, in him is most peril and destruction: and the allurements of the world are but baits to beguile such as bite at them, when princes themselves are so far deceived, for where they are thought to have open liberty, they are kept in secret prison: when it is thought they have all things, alas they have nothing: when they are thought in greatest safety, then are they soonest assaulted with peril: so that truly we may boldly say, that he alone that is shut in the grave, is in safeguard from the unconstancy of fortune: consider (I beseech you) my, cause of grief, and if you shall find my complaints to be more than ordinary, you shall see the occasion to be no less than extreme: but have yourselves forgotten whom you have lost, remember, remember Leonarchus your king what he was towards you, how mercifully he governed you, how fatherly he loved you, how carefully he preserved you, and how cheerly he cherished you, and would you now with such speed establish an other in his place till it be assuredly known what is become of himself: O god forbidden that either you should be so ungrateful, or that Dorestus should be so unnatural, and if you should thus forget your Prince, it might be thought you were more in love with his fortune then with himself, and a small show of hearty good will whom you seemed so much to honour in his presence, that you should so suddenly forget in his absence: But if ever you loved your Prince now publish your gratefulness that it may be seen to the world: and leave off to make further request in a matter that so much concerneth your own reproach & my dishonour. Corynus, who only addressed himself to answer, said as followeth: Although it might be deemed▪ a sign of little wit and great folly, for a man to answer suddenly to every proposition, yet for as much as it hath pleased your grace to admit me to speak, and remembering with what devotion you requested me to do it. I am bound in like affection, with all humility to obey you: It is not unknown unto us the cause you have of grief, but if you may lament the loss of a loving father, we have no less reason to sorrow for the want of a gracious sovereign, yet seeing the chances of mortal creatures, do show that all men are subject to the law of nature and fortune, and albeit (there is no doubt) but that your father might be a worthy prince, and there with all replenished with every condition appertaining to the virtue, and condition of a king, yet since in his creation he brought with him a subjection to worldly casualtyes, I think your wisdom is too much, to make that grievous to you, which nature ordaineth common to all, when there is nothing happened to your father, otherwise then god hath determined, who no sooner had created his body, but he both directed the course of his life, and ordained the time of his death, for god having made all mortal things, hath authority to dispose them, even with the same power wherewith he hath created them, reserving only to himself imortality, so that we must confess, that all things are guided and gourned by the providence of god, who knoweth and ordereth casual things necessarily, and although in your father there was fully filled, the pattern of a good prince, you can not in better sort express your zeal, then to suffer god to have his will without grudge, let my words therefore but intimate thus much, that as you cannot recall again those that be absent, so you must not be careless of those that be present, and as no man is bound to those that are dead, yet every man must give succours to them that are alive: you are left here the right inheritor to the crown of Epirus, and by no other means than god himself hath appointed, refuse not then Dorestus, that intercession of thy subjects, which is so much desired for their comforts and thine honour.   

The nineteenth Chapter  
Dorestus what he replied, Corynus the merchant is become Leonarchus the king, the joy that was made for his recovery  
DOrestus, that was little stirred in the winding up of this discourse, briefly made this answer, dost thou call it honour Corynus, to put my father from his crown, he is unworthy to have honour, that by infamous means will seek after it, and the child that will unjustly take his father's honour, aught to lose his life, but if thou haddest so great regard to those vain prehemineces or honourable dignities, looked after by ambitious minds, o how much shouldest thou have respected mine honesty, which is the very first step (indeed) to win honour, and without the which we can attain to no better than vain glory, which is but a false shadow of true virtue, the liberty I gave thee to speak, contained things indifferent, neither unmeet to be required, nor worthy to be denayed, persuading altogether to bear more respect to my friendship, than remembrance to my calling: the which sith thou hast neglected, I do once again admonish thee hereafter to be more circumspect, and as thou tenderest my good will, to be better advised what thou speakest, Corynus immediately answered thus: Well Dorestus if Leonarchus hath left thee a sorrowful son, thou hast made Leonarchus a most joyful father: then sitting himself down in the seat of majesty, he further said: it were but in vain longer to conceal that, the knowledge whereof (I perceive) would turn to so great comfort▪ See here Dorestus, the instability of fortune, I was even now a prisoner, than a Counsellor, now a king▪ and all at an instant. Dorestus, who by this time had taken a better surnay of this counterfeit merchant, and having now gathered assured knowledge who it was, falling down on both his knees before him, he cried aloud, God save Leonarchus, my most redoubted king and father: The rest of the Nobility, with the whole assembly there present, altogether cried out, God save the king, God save the king: Do you not think this sudden alteration bred as great admiration: yes I can assure you, and it likewise brought with it no less contentation, for every man rejoiced in the recovery again of their good king, but Brusanus, both wondered and triumphed in his own imagination, to see the accident how strangely it fell out. Gloriosus amongst the rest, seeing the merchant (whom he had accused of treason) sitting under the cloth of estate, and remembering otherwise how he had handled him in speeches, was half out of love with his own wit: but after a convenient pause, that silence was commanded, the king in this wise began to discourse.   

The twentieth Chapter.  
Leonarchus discourseth what experience he hath gathered in his late travels, and first of the infections of his own Court.  
AS it is the nature of vice, to put on a vizard, & to disguise and cover itself with those shows that belong only unto virtue and being thus clothed with the help of corruptible pleasures, it yoaketh base minded men (whose care is 〈…〉 set upon the desire of earthly things) which it presenteth before their eyes as their felicity, seeking to defend itself by reason, which although they be altogether vain and frivolous, yet of great weight, in regard of the weak flesh of man, which easily suffereth itself to be a bondslave to sin: we are therefore to take good heed, that we suffer not ourselves to be surprised by so dangerous an enemy, nor to give him any access or entrance into us. To know then the causes of evils, is the readiest way to cure them, for a disease known is half cured, and many kingdoms are brought to ruin by diverse causes, which if they were known to their princes and governors, they might easily be prevented by providence and reason. The prince that is careful to see and inquire for the damages of his Realm, it may be said (if he provide not for them) that he can do no more, but to him that is negligent to learn them (if he do not provide) it may be said he will do no more. This hath been the cause that thus disguised as you see, I have travailed through mine own dominions to see the demeanours of my subjects, that by gathering a platform of common report, I might be the better able to reform a common mischief: for the surest Counsellors that belongeth to a prince, be his own eyes and his ears, which must be always vigilaunt: and it is not decent, that Princes should be Lords over many, and should communicate privately but with few. By my travail in the Country I have bettered my experience, to learn the follies of mine own Court, and omitting to speak of many alterations, I will but only glance at the superfluity of this our present age, wherein all kind of excess, riot, weltering in pleasures, curiosity in apparel, perfumes, frizzling of hair, not used so much amongst women, as practised daily amongst vain men. Should I speak here what intemperance is used in diet what curious dishes devised for appetite: nay, what filthy conceits to provoke beastly desire, what several sorts of cates to furnish forth a banquet, what excess & superfluity, both in meats and drinks, it were to much for me to tell, and to shameful for you to hear. In the first ages, the Hebrues used to eat but once a day, which was at dinner, so the Grecians used but only to sup, for this cause we read, that Plato being demanded whether he had seen any strange thing in Sicilia, answered he had found a monster in diet, which did eat twice a day, happy then might those days be accounted, that esteemed not of any thing more than was needful, but where as we have but hitherto looked into the vanity of their attire, and the curiosity in their diets, with their external follies, let us now but a little consider of the inward disposition of their minds, and we shall find that the whole sort of them are desirous of reputation, but by what means do they speak it, by flattering of Princes, by soothing of great men, by pleaseing of humours, by caring of news, and other like servile demeanours, not fit for an honest mind to apply itself unto, true honour (indeed) is by no other means to be achieved, then by virtuous indevoures: As for those honours that depend upon the bare opinion of Princes as they take their beginning without desert, so they have their ending again at an instant: But as I have gathered by this soldier Martianus, (in a discourse that he made, before we came to this place) Princes that are constrained to rely on other men's reports, must use great diligence, to discern flatterers, and disguisers of matters, and must likewise use no less circumspection, in bestowing of offices, and giving rewards: Princes many times gives preferment to their friends to recompense their friendship, other while to their servants to requite their services, and although it might be said that many Princes do err in distributing their offices, yet they do not err, for that they would err, yea, and many times it is seen in cases of promotion, high offices and dignities are rather bought with money, then deserved by virtue: where in time past, there was no man areared to honour, but he that deserved it: In former adges, men ofscience were searched for in strange countries, but now, though they knock at our gates, they are not suffered to enter, no our corruption and custom draws us to other delights: This court in elder adge was counted a receptacle of wise men, but now the common harbour for parasites and flatterers, but as no vermin breeds where they find no warmth, no vultures stoop where they smell no prey, no flies swarm where they see no flesh, no pilgrim creeps where there is no cross, so there is no parasit will lurk where he finds no gain, and therefore do flatterers praise us, because they would price us, but I wonder that these great men that have authority in the courts of Princes should be so generally seduced by flatterers, and so usually carried away, by these creeping parasites: But being instructed as I am, I doubt not but ere many days past, I will so scour that rabble from out of this court, that they shall be glad to seek a new haunt: Pretermitting many other follies entertained in the court, I will conclude with this example used by Alexander Severus as a caviat to courtiers. This good Emperor having a servant, whom he much favoured, but he abusing, his masters courtesy took great bribes of poor suitors promising them to befriende them in their requests: but the Emperor binding him to a post, caused him to be chook with smoke, making proclamation, that they that sell smoke, should die with smoke. If all the smoke sellers in every Prince's court were thus rewarded, and all the parrasites in like manner banished, I think the courts of Princes would not be so fully replenished, nor every great-man so mightily followed.   

The one and twentieth Chapter.  
The King proceedeth in his discourse, what vices he hath noted in the country.  
BUt do you think that where the court is thus infected with vices, that the country is not spiced with the same infirmities▪ O yes you may be sure, and mine own eyes hath been witnesses of many misdemeanurs: I have seen many men live idly and so utterly unprofitable, some others neither idle nor yet well occupied, and therefore not sufferable, and what usury doth abound in the City, what extortion & covetous hourding both in town & country, what pride and ambition in the laity, what simmony and heaping of benefices in the clergy, what plaints at the bar, what delays on the bench, what malice to those that be good, what boulstering of those that be ill, what lack of love in those that be rich, and what oppression of the miserable poor. This I say I have seen, and some things yourselves have heard by complaint of this pooreman, Castus, the maiestrat that we have appointed to execute justice▪ the lawyer that by profession should be a minister of right; the one of them is become negligent, the other careless, both corrupt and subject to lucre: they refuse nothing that is given them openly, the bribe is as much as they can do secretly, they grievously punish the offences of the poor, they closely dissemble the faults of the rich, and without a 〈…〉 it availeth no man to ask justice: a peniles suitor, makes a 〈…〉 judge: Cicero complained of his time, that many notable decrees of laws were corrupted and depraved by the curious heads of lawyers: what would he do if he were now alive and saw the lawyers so vilely polluted, where a thousand caviles and quidittes are continually coined. Gainful to wicked and faithless men that seeks nothing but deceit, and very prejudicial to good men, who many times had rather lose their right, then undo themselves by following with such delays, and so long time by way of justice. To the end therefore, that the disorders whereby all these vices have been brought into the coinmen wealth, may be plucked up by the roots: let us all set to our handees, that the entrance may be shut up against the wicked who are the nourishers of all this corruption: for mine own part, you shall see me so provide, that this sale of offices shall be abolished, that both judgement and justice, shall be better executed: and that the ancient and happy ordinances of our predecessors, shall be restored: Now touching the complaints of my late accusation, I mean Martianus and Castus my fellow prisoners: what hath been awarded in their behalf I do here ratify, with a benevolence of a thousand crowns to be divided between them out of mine own treasure. For thee Gloriosus, that hast accused me of treason, in whom I have found more majesty then good manners, more gravity than wit, more prattell than proof, yet for that there is nothing beseeming a Prince, to give place to any wrongs, than to those that are done to his own person: and as those men are most unworthy their sceptres, who cruelly revenge their own injuries, and pardon such as are done to others: I do here freely forgive thee for all manner of trespasses that thou hast committed against myself: but for the injury thou hast done to these other two, by the wrongful charging them with a false accusation; I do here presently banish thee the court, charging thee hereafter not to come within three leagues, until thou hast reform thyself, in all thy demeanours, manners and conditions.   

The two and twentieth Chapter.  
How Brusanus was entertained by the King Leonarchus, and after some pleasant time spent in the court, Brusanus and Dorestus betook themselves to travail.  
THese things thus performed the people altogether fell into a general commendation of their king, praising him to be so gentle in conversation, so patiented in injuries, so thankful of benefits, so good to the good, so severe to the ill, that the king acknowledging their faithful love, thanking them for their obedience, diligence and service, he arising from his seat, and taking Brusanus in his arms assured him to be as heartily welcome to the King Leonarchus, as ever he had been before to the merchant Corynus: thus accompanied with Brusanus, Dorestus, and the rest of his Nobility, he departed to the Court, where he caused a most sumptuous lodging to be made ready for Brusanus: he than proclaimed a general feast▪ and to be continued for twenty days: in the mean time, the people had prepared theatres, scaffoulds, & standings, whereon there was sometimes presented Comedies, Histories, and other rare inventions: other whiles again the Tilt was frequented, by many brave courageous knights, so strong and gallantly armed, as might have been judged that they did rather prepare to encamp themselves for war, then to show knightly exercises but in sport or pleasure. Brusanus and Dorestus, being now grown to a mutual love, and both of them desirous to approve their own valour, came into the lists amongst the rest gallantly mounted, and most richly armed. Brusanus carrying for his device in a field azure, Cupid, with both his arms fast pinioned like a malefactor, his bow and arrows broken, his word was invidia Amoris▪ Dorestus had for his devise in a field argent, the flying Daphne, in the figure of a Laurel, and the wise Apollo pursuing Cassandria: his word was Amorvincit omnia: the one of them so quite contrary to the other, the which although it fell out by adventure, yet sure it did presage the sequel of that which was to follow.  
I do not mean to set you down the sundry exploits performed by these two gallant Princes: let this suffice, they continually carried away the prize, to their great commendation, and to no less wonder to as many as did behold them, to see so brave encounters against so many hardy knights that were so well approved, and of so long experience. The performance of these noble exploits, did so imbou●●●● them in their courageous desire, as loathing to spend their lives in safe or slothful idleness, & more and more desirous to increase their virtues and experience, determined both together to leave the Court of Epirus, and to travail through the world to seek knightly adventures: with this resolution they came unto the king, craving his allowance in their determinations: the which at the first, although it were very grievous unto him, yet to appease their haughty desires, and hoping to beguile his pensive thoughts, with the memory of their worthy acts, he granted to their requests. There is no more now to be done, but for the princes to prepare themselves with necessaries fit for their journey, and because they are now making of their provision, I think it best for a little space to leave them about their business, when they are ready to set forward, you shall aswell understand of that, as of the rest of their fortunes what happens unto them in their travail.  
The end of the first Book.    

The secon Book, of the adventures of Brusanus.  

The first Chapter.  
Brusanus and Dorestus after long journeys, arrive at the court of Ileria: Astulpho King of that Region, hath a Son called Antipholus, and a daughter named Moderna, Moderna casteth a liking towards Brusanus, Dorestus falleth in love with Moderna.  
THese two princes were long in providing themselves, and now being ready, they were as long in taking of their leave, and bidding their friends farewell: but having accomplished all things necessarily, they take their journey, and passing through Phrigia, Misina, Leodicia, and Pannovia, they came to Illeria: And although I post them thus hastily on their way, you must imagine they took more leisure, and performed so many commendable exploits in their travail, that the report of their honourable actions, had a through recourse, even amongst all Nations and kingdoms in that part of the world. There reigned now in Illeria, a mighty Prince called by the name of Astulpho, who through his prowess in all martial exploits, waxed so proud and tyrannous, using such merciless cruelty to his foreign enemies, and such moodlesse rigour to his native subjects, that it was doubtful whether he were more feared of his foes for his cruelty, or hated of his friends for his tyranny: yet as the worst weed springeth up more bravely than the wholesomest herb, and as the crookedst tree, is commonly loaden with most fruit: so this rigorous king, was fostered up with great fortune, his estate established with no less worldly honour, endued he was with wonderful wealth, and fortunate again with the like prosperity, but most happiest of all, in a son and a daughter: the son called by the name of Antipholus, a most gallant young Prince, loved for his courtesy, reverenced for his virtue, and honoured for both, and the heir apparent to the Crown of Illeria. The daughter called by name Moderna: in demeanour decent, in countenance so sweet, in face so amiable, in body so comely, in all her parts so proportionable, that nature might not possibly afford more beauty in any creature, nor art supply any defect in nature. Besides all these exquisite perfections, she was the inheritrix to the kingdom of Dalmatia, by the right of her mother called Persida, the only daughter and heir to Vrbanus, the late king of Dalmatia, who before his death, gave his laid daughter Persida unto Astulpho for a second wife, assuring for her dowry (after his decease) the kingdom of Dalmatia to Astulpho during his life, and so to the heirs of his body begotten of his daughter Persida, of whom Astulpho had no other issue but only Moderna, at whose birth Persida died in childbed, so leaving the inheritance of the kingdom to Moderna, who although she were but the half sister to Antipholus, yet nature in respect of the Symphatie of their minds, seemed to have planted but one and the self same heart, they so entirely loved the one of them the other.  
These two Princes being thus come unto the Illerian Court, were very well welcomed by the King Astulpho, but most kindly entertained by the Prince Antipholus; and although the honourable exploits of these two gallant Princes was reported in the court of Illeria, long after their personal arrival, which won the hearers to love them before ever they saw them, yet now such heroical greatness showed in their eyes, such extraordinary majesty in all their actions, but especially the goodly presence of Brusanus (in whom such true valiance shined) bred a delight full admiration to all beholders, and now insinuating themselves into the socrety of the gallant courtiers, they proved to be in sport so pleasant, in talk so witty, in manners so modest, in conceits so cunning, in parley so pithy, and in all their conversation so comely, that they were generally liked of all, and for a time there was no other talk in the court, but in the commendation of the two Princes: But Brusanus besides the beauty of his body, had such a natural dexterity in all things, as in feats of arms who more hardy, in any excercise of the body, who more active, in communication or any discourse, who more pleasant, and in all manner of companies who better esteemed, so that there was no person, time, or place, whereunto he aptly applied not himself, insomuch that the familiaryty between himself and Antipholus, did more and more exceed, and it fortuned that Moderna casting a glance, upon the beauty of Brusanus felt a certain alteration in her affections, and as it were a sudden assault within herself, but having small practice in the pranks of love, she could not conjecture the secret cause of these her sudden passions, thinking it to be but some toy lightly taken, and would be again as suddenly left, and upon this she still rested herself, conceiving yet a good liking towards Brusanus, Dorestus on the other side having espied Moderna accompanied with other Ladies, walking in the fields to take the air, contemplating himself in the perfection of her beauty, he was taken prisoner before he had leisure to arm himself, but lo how occasion offered itself to a further mischief: Brusanus and Dorestus were invited (amongst many other) to a banquet prepared by Moderna, there was likewise her brother the Prince Antipholus, with many other Lords and Ladies of the court.   

The second Chapter.  
The perplexity of Dorestus for the love of Moderna, the like of Moderna for the love of Brusanus.  
During the time of this banquet, Dorestus being placed right over against Moderna, and taking a better views of this perfect blossom of beauty, this matchless paragon for parsonage, perfected by nature, and polished by nurture he was so fettered in the snare of fancy, his fancy so entangled in the trap of affecting, that his only bliss, pleasure, joy, and delight was in contemplating his eyes on the heavenly face of this Goddess, but alas her beauty bred his bane, her looks his loss, her sight his sorrow, her exquisite perfections, his extreme passions: Brusanus in this mean time now and then enterlarding the dishes with pleasant discourse, was throughly surveyed by Moderna, who marking his manners, and musing at his modesty, noting his excellent courtesy, and wondering at his exquisite beauty, was so inflamed with friendly affection towards this young Prince, that where before she esteemed her liking to be but the fruits of her gentle nature, she now gave free scope to those sweet thoughts, which by this had taken the full possession of her heart: The banquet once ended, and every one departed, Moderna shutting herself into her Chamber, discoursed thus: alas poor Moderna, how art thou bewitched where is thy wont virtue, hast thou prepared a banquet to entrap thyself with a more delicate dish, than any thou didst provide? hast thou laid a bait, and thyself poisoned with the bane? hast thou bid him welcome, that hath caught thee captive. Blush Moderna at thy Fortune, thy thoughts, thy choice, thy love cannot be uttered without shame, nor thy affections without discredit. But ah Brusanus, ah sweet Brusanus, thy beauty Brusanus: but peace Moderna, blab not out that which thou mayest be ashamed to reveal unto thyself: but thou dost love Moderna, yea, and whom? a stranger Prince, straggled out of his own Country, beautiful enough, but yet perhaps not stayed in mind, and therefore not fit for thee to fancy. Cease then Moderna, to look at Brusanus, much less to love him: be not overtaken with these dissembling men, whose eyes are framed by art to allure. Die them Moderna, Moderna die: better were it for thee to perish with high desires, then to live in base thoughts: thus throwing herself upon her bed, drawing the Curtains, she turned too and fro, as if she would have hidden herself from her own thoughts. Dorestus again who was departed from the banquet, with a new field of fancies traveling in his mind, went directly to his chamber, and making fast the door, began in this sort to discourse. Ah Dorestus, art thou alone? O no, not alone, when thou art accompanied with so many unacquainted passions: alas, what hellish hag doth possess thee, or what frantic fury doth enchant thee, that so suddenly thy mind is perplexed with such several passions? o'late free, now fettered: o'late swimming in rest, now sinking in care: ere while in security, now in captivity. Ah Moderna, thy courtly Majesty without coyness, thy perfect beauty without blemish, thy comely demeanour without curiosity, thy sweet and pleasant speeches seasoned with wit, thy decent mirth tempered with modesty: It is thou, it is thou, that hast thus charmed me, it is thy beauty that hath bewiched me. But I will love, nay I must love, and I will obey because I must obey; ye & beauty must be obeyed, because it is beauty, and framed it was of the gods to féedthe eye, but alas it formenteth the heart. O love, O divine love, feared of men, because honoured of the gods, not to be suppressed by wisdom, because not to be comprehended by reason, without law, and therefore above all law, But how now Dorestus, dost thou blaze that with praise which thou shouldest rather condemn with disgrace, or wilt thou seem to bless, where thou hast cause to curse, and why should I curse love that am in love, the gods disdained not to love, jupiter loved Io, and why should not I then love Moderna: Dorestus, love her, and in the contemplations let this be reserved in thy prayers, that it would please the gods to grant Moderna to be still fair, never adged and Dorestus to love assuredly, and to continue constant: with this resolution, he bond himself within the limits of his own chamber, suffering no other thoughts to have familiarity within his brains, but that which presented unto him the picture of his beloved.   

The third Chapter.  
Brusanus cometh to visit Dorestus in his lodging, Dorestus maketh him acquainted with his love towards Moderna.  
BRusanus, that could not joy out of the company of his dearest friend Dorestus, and marveling to find him so obstinent from wont exercises, that was accustomed to be so forward in all manner of commendable endeavours, coming to his chamber, where he found him by himself he said. I have found in you (worthy Prince Dorestus) a great slacking of your wont virtues, & you subject yourself to solitariness, the very enemy to nature itself, and the only hindrance of all good exercises: neither caring for company to solace your sadness, nor accustoming yourself to those delights that whilom won you commendation, which maketh the Gentlemen of the court to imagine they know not what. Dorestus, although he knew his own fault, yet desirous for a time to conceal his love: made this answer. I know not (my good Brusanus) what it pleaseth the Gentlemen of the court to surmise by my solitariness, neither would I wish them to impute it to any coy or curious stateliness that is in me, for in so doing they should do me wrong to conjecture of my disease before they have cast my water. But this solitariness (said Brusanus) cannot free you from suspicion, nor defend you from melancholy, being thus alone by yourself: and respecting our undertaken attempt, is it not time that we leave the Illerian court, prosecuting our journye as we first pretended: Dorestus who all this while had his mind fixed on an other devotion, hearing Brusanus to speak of leaving the Illerian court, gave a sudden start at the very word, breathing out a piteous sigh, answered thus: O Brusanus, doth not the pleasure of the court render sufficient recompense for our time spent in it, me thinks your very eyes should receive such contentment, that you should not seek now to departed, when your only counsel may work my greater relief, than mine own reason is able to render: Behold Brusanus, I do challenge that courtesy at thy hands which erst thou diddest promise with thy heart, in performance whereof thou shalt ease some part of my sorrow, and prove thyself faithful to thy friend, these speeches he delivered with a gesture governed by the force of his passions, thus ended his discourse listining what Brusanus would answer, who noting his words spoken with such vehemency, did rather increase new doubts, then give him ground to settel any judgement, but yet wonderfully dismayed, to see this alteration in him whom he so dearly loved, made this answrere. Where in may Brusanus steed you, that you may not command him, but the manner of your speeches are so strange unto me, as I know not where in I may pleasure you nor what I should answer you: Ah Brusanus (said Dorestus) if the violence of love have ever taken hold of you, I hope my case shall never want pity in your consideration, you would have me leave this court, but alas I am so surely fettered that I can not away, you would have me free, that am already so imprisoned as there is no other redress to purchase liberty, but only by her mercy that hath caught me captive: Moderna, Brusanus Moderna, ah Moderna (without superstition be it spoken) is the adored goddess of my amorous devotions, the imperious mistress of my martyred heart, whose beauty is my bliss, whose sweet countenance, is my soul comfort, to whom more then to myself, I only desire to live.   

The fourth Chapter.  
Brusanus persuadeth Dorestus to shake off his fits of love, Dorestus resolveth to submit himself a prisoner to love and beauty.  
BRusanus, who by this time had sounded the very depth of his intention, both what he said, and with what mind he spoke it, was stricken into a sudden amazement, but immediately recovering his spirits, he said: Is this Dorestus the only young prince of the world, noted for his virtue, that so suddenly should march under the banner of Venus, the very first down step to all grief and sorrow. O Feminine love, what power holdest thou in men's hearts, being (indeed) so far off from love, that I rather think it a doting frenzy, roving headlong upon impossibilities, engendered indeed betwixt lust and idleness, his associates & chiefest companions, are pain, travel, anger, rage, fury, doubt, grief, languish, threatening, despair, uncertain hope, his surest good, a certain base weakness, his fruits are laboursome adventures, nay, rather loathsome misadventures, which either will bring forth ill success, or no success: so conclude, love is in nothing more constant, then in tormenting his professors. O remember yourself then Dorestus, if not for my sake that am sorry to see your passions, yet for your own sake, that even now remains in jeopardy: purge your head of this infection, weave not the web of your own woe, spin not the thread of your own thraldom, it is better to beware by others mishaps, then by repentance of your own follies: hazard not at that which cannot be had without harm, stretch not too far, wade not too deep, use beauty but serve it not, taste wine but surfeit not, warm thee by the fire but burn thee not. Take heed therefore, and dwell nor long in this temptation, when it is neither convenient for your honour, your body, nor your profit. Dorestus that was strucken in a dump with these admonitions, answered again. You handle me Brusanus, as a crabbed mother, that when her child hath caught a fall, she whips the tail to make amends, but if you find yourself an Apostata to love, or that you have displayed the flag of defiance against fancy: can you not use your liberty to yourself, but you must use it, as if you would vantingly march over your friends misery: O Brusanus, things are soon promised, but not so hastily performed, it is easy to sound the victory, but very hard to obtain the conquest: all can say we would overcome, but few or none return with triumph. Love is a God and will be obeyed, and looks to command, not to be conquered, and beauty cannot be resisted: dare reason abide the brunt, where beauty bids the battle, can wisdom win the field, where love commands as captain? O no, no: love is without law, and therefore above all law: honoured in heaven, feared in earth, and a very terror to infernal ghosts. Lord how wise you be (answered Brusanus) in framing propositions to deceive but yourself: if love be lawless (as you infer) it is lewd: if without limits, lascivious: if contained within no bounds, beastly: if observed with no order, odious: so that lawless love without reason, is the very loadstone to ruth and ruin. How can you then imagine the effect to be good, when the subject is nought, or how can you so clearkely defend your desperate motion, proceeding from such a fond and foolish occasion: But you will say it was the perfection of her comely person, her exquisite feature and rare beauty that kind led your desire. But remember Dorestus, beauty no sooner slorisheth, but it as quickly fadeth, it is not fully ripe, before it begin to rot: it is no sooner out of the bud, but it withereth in the blossom. If then beauty be so fading, so fickle, so momentary, so withering, so waving, soon passed and so soon parched, is this the jewel that you make so dear off, is this the gem that you would purchase with so great danger, consider again, all beautiful things are not precious, Mercury is milk white, but deadly poison: the glow-worm, is bright in the hedge, but black in the hand, the Panther hath a painted skin, but a devouring paunch: the Serpent is pleasing to the eye, but pestilent to all our other parts: and he that taketh to much delight to gaze on beauty, shall sometimes be gauled with to much grief. Yet I say not nay, but that love may have a certain childish vehemency: but if lovers were not charmed with some secret enchantment, they would be able either to keep their fancies for being inflamed, or else to cool desire being already blinded: for the days they spend in thoughts the nights in dreams, both in griefs, either beguylinge them of that they had, and promising, that they are never like to find: their heads fraught with fantisies, fixed with ielosies, troubled with both: yea so many inconveniences wait upon love, as were infinite to reckon them all, and to much intolerable (for a reasonable man) to taste but one: being always begun with grief, continued with sorrow, and ended with death: and albeit the pleasure passeth away in a trise, no sooner done but forgotten, and the punishment is permanent, yet so delightful is the present sweet, that they never remember the following sour. The time is yet to come wherein many thorns are not found amidst the roses of marriage. Marius the Roman, asked Metellus why he would not take his daughter to wife, seeing she was beautiful in body, staid in countenance, eloquent in speech, noble by race, rich in dowry, happy in good name and adorned with sundry virtues: to whom the other replied that he knew all this to be true, yet (quoth he) I had rather be mine own then hers. another good fellow on a time, advised his friend not to marry his son before he were wise: (was thus answered) be not deceived my friend (quoth the other) if my son once grow to be wise, he will never marry: now Dorestus if you had a will that enticed you to love, recover now a wit to see the error in love, better counsel can you not have, more wholesome advise I cannot give, if you carry an obstinate ear, you hurt but yourself, if you accept of my courtesy I proffer it friendly, if you take it as I mean it, you will follow it willingly. Dorestus that stood all this while with a flea in his ear, at last made answer. I see Brusanus, that love and beauty are little beholding to you but that eye that loatheth to behold beauty, is unworthy to contemplate the heavens: what appetite more earnestly to be sought after then beauty, which conceiveth no blemish and concerneth the light of the body. But fortune I now most humbly thank thee, for the recomforting me with the delightful remembrance of the beauty of my mistress, making me partaker of that contemplation which is heavenly: the memory whereof is a present restoritive to all encumbrances that you have hitherto feared me with, and a sufficient defensative, to any misfortune, that can hereafter befall me: but it is against reason Brusanus, so uncharitably to exclaim against those, without whom our life though never so lucky should seem most loathsome, and so prejudicially to contemn those heavenly creatures, whose only sight is a salve against all hellish sorrows: If thou diddest know Brusanus, the joy, the comfort, and recreation that is conversante with beauty, thou wouldst do penance and martyr thyself, for abusing so high an estate as Cupid is. Truly (quoth Brusanus) thou art worthy Dorestus to be a chapman, that will bid so well for thy chaffer: But I would mine own experience had never served me to judge so well of women's manners, that sometimes addicted myself wholly to their service, and spent my life in the laps of Ladies, wasting my goods to maintain their bravery, and my wit to follow their folly. Oh how curious have I been to please my Lady, but how careless to serve my Lord, O that I had been more careful in avoiding women's company, and less cunning in deciphering their vanity: But if beauty be the mark that you shoot at Dorestus, take heed, for many vices of the mind, are covered under this vail of beauty, & it hath brought commodity to very few, but they are not to be numbered, that it hath brought to utter destruction: O shun Dorestus, shun I say this sugared mischief, be not longer obstinate, let not your virtues decrease, shake of this colour of incumberance, be not subjecteth by love, nor seduced by lust, no error shall then misled you, no foolish fancy shall feed you, no woman shall besotte you, no vice shall withdraw you, no glaring beauty shall entice you, and what knowledge but shall serve you: Dorestus that had his mind traveled with two extreme passions, the one of love towards his mistress, the other of grief to hear these words of Brusanus, after he had a while chafed to himself, he mildly made this answer: It is pity Brusanus, that wit should be no better employed, then in the contempt of beauty, the dispraise of love, the despite of women, and in the disparagement of their honours, but I cannot so lightly be induced, to mislike of that sex of whom I was borne, of whom I received life, by whom I have been nursed and charyly brought up, and women are framed of nature, with as great perfections of the mind, for the exercise of virtue, as men, but what soever fall out▪ I am fully resolved in myself, either to win the spurs or lose the horse, to have the blossom or lose the fruit, to enjoy the beauty of Moderna, or to jeopard my best joint, and therefore, what so ever the learning wills, I will consent to nature, what so ever the laws of philosophy persuades me, I will at this time give the rains of liberty to my amorous passions, and what so ever be the chance, I will cast at all, God send you good fortune (said Brusanus) but I fear me it will never be in love: By this time the yoonge Prince Antipholus was come to the chamber door, calling both Brusanus and Dorestus, to walk out, and to use some exercise until it were supper time, to the which Brusanus willingly agreed, but Dorestus framing a slight excuse remained still in his chamber, & being thus alone, he recalled to his mind the several speeches passed between Brusanus and himself, and now having better leisure to consider of every circumstance, resolved not so slightly to let pass the reasons of Brusanus, but like a champion in the defence of women, taking pene, ink and paper, thus he writeth.   

The fifth Chapter.  
Dorestus Prince of Epirus, to Brusanus, the professed enemy to love and beauty.  
THe philosophers (Brusanus) amongst their preseptes of good counsels, were accustomed very bitterly to reprehend the boldness of the tongue: this well considered, were sufficient to condemn your bitter invectives, seeking to bereave us of that comfort, without the which the depopulation of the world would follow, you dispraise women, who at the first were created by the almighty himself to be a helper unto man, doth it not then follow that as the creator, is more worthy they the things created, than the helper should in like manner be of greater moment than the matter helped: The better to confirm our argument and to prove women the more perfect creature, let us consider of the substance whereof she was created: It cannot be denayed, but metal the oftener it is fined, the purer it is made, then is it not as certain, that man being framed of the dust of the earth, & was yet made good, that woman being drawn from metal thus already purified, should be a great deal the better: here is now to be considered, the goodness of the creator, that having framed a pattern of such perfection, would cuple her as a companion to unthankful man, whose proud nature, not able to brook equality, hath even from that time, until this very instant, sought to reign over women, with an usurped prerogative, and to eclipse their virtues, with slanderous and false reports: it might have pleased god even then to have cupled man to a lion, to a tiger, to a serpent, or some other such, but he linked him to a woman, he gave man a woman to be a comfort unto him, to the intent therefore, and the rather that man should be induced to their imbracementes, hath not nature adorned them with perfection of beauty, delicacy of body, excellency of wit, and such sweetness in all their demeanours, that men of any judgement, and able to discern of such inestimable riches, do they not whet their wits, their wills, their tongues and all their whole inventions, how to comprehend their favour, and to insinuate themselves into their grace: yea they do add increase of courage to men of little hardiness, making them to be more valiant and venturous in arms, to be brief they are the very pictures of comeliness, the vessels of sobriety the ornaments of beauty, and the very images of continency modesty & virtue, whose natural property (in any injury done them) is either to excuse or to pardon: and here making a sparing conclusion of their unspeakable commendations, let me persuade thee Brusanus, to leave thy misdéeming of so precious a treasure, for whom we are borne, & not for ourselves, & by whom we are again revived in our posterity, & not of ourselves: Dorestus, having finished this discourse, sealing it up in the manner of a Letter, sent it the next day to Brusanus, who perusing the contents, and having with Euripides, proclaimed himself an open enemy to womankind, he determined to stand fast by his tackling, and to send Dorestus such an answer, as he should not easily be able to avoid: and being thus rather fraught with collar, then furnished with good matter: he betook himself to his pen, where we will leave him for a while, and speak of other matters.   

The sixth Chapter.  
Dorestus bewrayeth his love to Moderna, she utterly refuseth he unfoldeth his pretence to the king her father, who granteth to give him Moderna for his wife.  
DOrestus, that was now at leisure to cast about to bring his purpose to a desired success, and wading between small hopes, and huge despairs, yet remembering that nothing could be achieved that was never attempted, he determined to give the on set: and finding Moderna in a place convenient, nesling himself so near her as he might: to whom speaking in looks, for as yet his tongue was not come to a through boldness, and yet by the many services he proffered her, she might well perceive, that although he wanted power, yet he wanted no will to please her: thus determining to present his suit, when he came to the point, fear of offence, and dread of denial, disappointed his purpose, that he remained mute: but at the last, perceiving delay bred danger, hovering between hope and fear, finding his mistress at so good convenience, he began in this manner to display to Moderna, the storehouse of his deadly desires. My extreme affection (most worthy Princess Moderna) will either break out in words, or break my heart with silence: but it hath at the last enforced me to appeal unto your courtesy, as the only medicine that may cure my intolerable sickness: nay, incurable I may well call it: for unless the fruitful shows of your mercy, do mitigate the fire of my fancy: the drops of your princely favour, quench the flame of my affection: and the guerdon of your good will, give a sovereign plaster for my secret sore, I am like to continue in endless misery. Sith then my care proceedeth from your beauty, let my sore be cured by your bounty: sith the perfection of your person hath wrought my bale, let the effect of your courtesy procure my bliss, and reject him not with rigour, that respecteth you with reverence: loathe him not with hate, that loveth you in heart: it is your beauty that hath deprived me of liberty, and it is your bounty that must redeem me from captivity: and if my rashness be a fault in presuming thus to trouble you, let your beauty bear the blame, which is the spur to mine enterprise. Moderna, that had vowed herself to another saint, & hearing a fresh assault given to her heart which was already conquered: thought it not good for his stomach, to give him a surfeit of too much favour, answered thus. Sir, as I can perceive, your sickness threateneth no danger of death, and if it be but a love matter, the fit will soon be passed: but alas, your conveyance was nothing cleanly: if you had not the outside of love to cover your inside of lust: but be it love, or be it lust, Dorestus take this for an answer, I have vowed virginity, I mean to live chaste, cease then to crave that cannot be gotten, seek not for unpossibilities, you say my beauty was the spur to your enterprise, let my words then make you desire to leave of your suit. I will not feed you with delays, nor entertain you with fair words, and foul deeds, but speak as I think, and so you shall find it, and what soever you shall reply, my defence shall be to believe nothing: but yet lest you should think me too much unthankful, though I cannot inwardly mitigate your misery, I will yet teach you an outward plaster, the which being applied, you shall find a great virtue, to assuage the heat of that love, which you say is so pesterous and troublesome unto you, and thus followeth the medicine. Take two ounces of the sound of a bell when it is rung for a man's soul that died for love, as much of the neighing of a horse, that hath brought his Master from Dunmo with a Flitche of Bacon, then take the parings of any man's nails that is full four and twenty years old, and never flattered woman: grind these to fine powder in a windmill that stands in the bottom of a Fish-poole, then take half a pint of the water that is wiped from a man's eyes at the burial of his wife, put to a handful of a lovers protestations made to his Lady without dissimulation: boil all these together upon a few coals, then strain it through the lining of any man's gown that hath been married full out a year, and never quarreled with his wife, put to but one dram of good conscience, drawn from him that married his wife more for love of her virtue, then for the lucre of her dowry: use this plaster wise, laid warm to your left héel at night when you go to bed, and my life for yours, it shall both bring you into quiet sleep, and rid you of this incumbraunce that doth so trouble your head with love. Dorestus, to whom every syllable she pronounced was a thunderbolt, again answered. Alas, let not certain immaginative rules, whose truth standeth but on opinion, keep back your pity and mercy. O Moderna, for thin own virtues sake, let not my miseries be quited with disdain: I plainly lay my death before you: yea, the death of him that loves you, the death of him whose life you may save: O tread not of a soul that submits itself at your feet: let not your noble heart put a doubt, till occasion be offered: mistrust not him whom you shall never find halting: If there hath been a trothless jason, yet there was found a trusty Troilus: and as there hath been a dissembling Damocles, was there not yet a loyal Lelius: sith than my safely only consists in your mercy, I humbly beseech you to take pity upon him, who is either to be made happy or hapless, as it shall please you to award. Moderna, not longer able to tarry the hearing of more words, arose from her seat and gave him this for a farewell: Dorestus, to make you happy with mine own mishap, I neither can nor will, to love him whom I cannot like, were but to wrest against myself, to flatter him whom I mean not to fancy, is but a trick of extreme folly: no Dorestus, it is not possible to persuade me to enter league with fancy, that am a foe to affection, or to follow Venus, that am vowed to Diana, I mean not to love, lest I live by the loss, and she that is free and will be fettered is a fool, thus Dorestus you know my mind and so farewell: and away she goes leaving Dorestus, at his meditations: who seeing the manner of Moderna, was driven to use patience perforce, thinking her sharp answer very hard to be digested: but after he had a while paused on the matter, he burst out into these speeches: But by the sweet, (Dorestus) how shouldest thou know the sour: but by the black, how shouldest thou know the white, he never acompteth of prosperity, which hath not been before pinched with adversity, which perchance Moderna, means to make me try by experience: thinking to feed me with bitter broths, minding hereafter to give me a Cullis of better comfort: first to daunt me with the ranging storms of denial, that the calm of her consent may the more content me: to make me taste the bitter pills of annoy, hereafter to diet me with confections of sweeter joy: for the chilling cold of winter, makes the springe time seem more pleasant: so the frowning looks of Moderna, will make her smiling countenance seem more cheerful: then cease not Dorestus to pursue thy suit with endless pain, either to enjoy her courtesy, or taste of her cruelty, to thy great happiness, or extreme heaviness: Dorestus being settled in his determination, thought it convenient for his better speed, to break the matter to the king her father, and to crave his consent and furtherance in the cause: hoping that if he could win him, he should find Moderna the more tractable, and thinking it not for the best to make long delay, he determined in the morning to put in practise his pretence, and going to bed thinking to take his rest for that night, he was no sooner laid down, but the picture of his beloved presented itself, to his imagination, then calling again to his remembrance, her crabbed answers, and her flat denial to love: the height of all ugly sorrows, did so horribly appear before his amazed mind, that he could take no rest: then began he in this manner to complain, O love, dost thou not think the day torment sufficient, but thou dost envy me in the nights quiet: wilt thou give my sorrows no truce: and Moderna, is thy beauty utterly void of pity, dost thou disdain to help his ague, whose Cotidian fit, is converted to a frenzy, alas, love wanting desire maketh the mind desperate, and fixed fancy bereaved of love, turneth into fury, the loyoll love I bear to Moderna, and the loathsome fear of her ingratitude, the deep desire which enforceth my hope, and the deadly despair which infringeth my hap, so traveleth my mind with contrary cogitations, that death were thrice more welcome than thus to linger in despairing hope: ceasing further speeches, he lay all the rest of the might tumbling, and tossing without any manner of sleep: in the morning very early, making himself ready, and finding the king walking in a pleasant garden (which usually he was wont to do) he unfolded to the king, the love that he bore to his daughter Moderna, humbly beseeching his furtherance in his suit, proffering so large conditions, as pleased the king so well, that he not only promised his own goodwill, but also assured him to win Moderna to consent.   

The seventh Chapter.  
Dorestus triumpheth before the victory, the King persuadeth his daughter to take Dorestus for her husband, she cunningly dissembleth with the King her father.  
DOrestus receiving these joyful news began in this manner to triumph: what greater prosperity (quoth he) can happen unto any earthly wight, then if he be crossed with care to find a medicine to cure his calamity, then if he be pinched with pain, to get a plaster for his passion: if he be drenched in distress, to find a means to mitigate his misery: which I see by proof performed in myself, these comfortable speeches, having now salved my forepast sorrows, those honey sweet words have now so healed my wounds; that where before I was plagued in perplexity, I am now placed in felicity; wherbefore I was oppressed with car, I am now refreshed with comfort, O friendly fortune, if from henceforth thou furiously frown upon me, if thou daunt me with disaster mishap: this thy friendly courtesy shall be sufficient to counteruaill all future enormity In this manner Dorestus rejoiced to himself, I will not say triumphed before the victory, the sequel will manifest that to him that he is desirous to understand. The king that was especially well pleased to make Dorestus his son in law, and willing to let slip no time, the very same day after dinner, sent for his daughter Moderna into his own chamber, to whom he used these words. Moderna, as I have been careful to bring thee up a virgin, so I am desirous to make thee a wife: for as I know, there is nothing more commendable than virginity, so I am not ignorant, that there is nothing more honourable than matrimony: for if virginity be pleasing to one marriage is profitable to many: and as I have used these speeches to persuade thee to marriage, so I would have him that should match with thee, to be such a one, in whose society thou shouldest not count marriage a bondage, but a freedom: not a knot of restraint, but a bond of liberty: one whom thou shouldest like for his beauty, and love for his virtue. To come then from the general to a particular, it is Dorestus which I wish to be thy husband, and thou to be his wife: nay, Dorestus is the man that I am determined shall be thy husband, a Prince worthy to be beloved, and the gem which is gallant in colour, and perfect in virtue, is the more precious, the herb which hath a fair bark, and a sweet sap, is the rather to be esteemed: Thus thou knowest my mind Moderna, and the only care that I now have, is to see thee married before I die, and thou wax old: Moderna was driven into such a maze with this sudden motion of her father, as she knew not what answer to shape, for she meant nothing less than to yield to his request, having vowed in her conceit as before you have heard. And to make denial, she thought would either incur displeasure, or move superstition: but her father listening what she would say, she thought in this manner to have stopped his mouth, and thus she answered. Most sovereign Prince, and gracious father, as I know there is no greater bond than duty, nor no straighter law than nature: for disobedience in youth, is often galled with despite in age: the commandment of the father, aught to be a constraint to the child: for parents' wills are laws, so they pass not all laws, but this doth especially make me to muse, that in my tender years, my infancy being not able to receive your father lie counsel, your grace then preferred virginity as the only ornament wherewith to adorn me, and now in my riper years would you dissuade me from that, whereunto yourself hath already settled my mind: pardon me sir, I beseech you, and give me leave to continue this state which I now hold as the only thing that I account dear and precious unto me: for although (as you say) marriage be honourable, yet it is a thing that cometh by course, whereas virginity is no less admirable, and is a precious jewel given us by grace: To love, is the only thing that I do hate▪ and I hope, the fatherly care you took in my youth to bring me up in virtue, shall be still continued, finding me addicted to the same. Moderna answered the king, whatsoever persuasion I used in thine infancy, I know they were such, as fitting for thy years: but thou art yet young, and I am old: and age hath taught me, that which thy youth cannot conceive: thy youth warneth me to prevent the worst, and mine age to provide the best: actions measured betime, are seldom bitten with repentance: I confess virginity to be good, but marriage is necessary: yield then to thy father's persuasions which may prevent thy perils. I have chosen thee a husband, fair by nature, royal by birth, famous by virtue, learned by education, Dorestus by name: he I say, the Prince of Epirus, it is he, and no other that I have determined shall be thy husband, settle thyself therefore to like of thy father's choice, who knoweth best what is fit for thee: thus leaving his daughter for the time, who departing into her own chamber, where this new occurant gave her fresh occasion, thus to revive her former lamentations. O virtue, either I have hither too had but a shadow of thee, or thou thyself art but a shadow: but seek Moderna, seek to assuage this flame and to quench this fire, which as it cometh without cause, so it will consume without reason, if thou wilt thus give the rains of thy liberty to thy frantic affections, medicine will come to late when the disease will grow incurable: but can I deny, what the destinies have decreed, is it in my power to pervert that which the Planets have placed, or to resist that which the stars have ordained: what need I use so many words, I am not the first, neither shall I be the last, that have been thus wrong with this fit of frenzy: thy father would be contented thou couldst love, and thou therefore discontented because thou dost love: I, but thy father would have thee so to love Dorestus the Prince of Epirus: I, but thou art in love with Brusanus, the Prince of Hungaria: Why, then thou lovest a Prince as noble, as virtuous, as famous, as learned, as beautiful, and every way as worthy as Dorestus is: Love him still then Moderna, love him still, what, wilt thou prefer thy father's will before thine own liking, or thy father's liking before thine own love? No, no, do not so: choose for thyself, whatsoever be thy chance, follow thine own content, care not for the rest, thou canst but repent: but fool that thou art, where be thy wits? art thou sure all this while, that Brusanus will like of thee? Thou lovest him, but how dost thou think he will requite it, thou stoopest without a stalle, thou comest without call, yea, and to an empty fist: O lawless love, O witless will, O fancy full fraught with frenzy. But why dost thou move doubts Moderna? misdéeming either Brusanus or thyself: shall the reward of love be loathing? doth good will deserve hatred? or fancy defiance: or what is there in thee that Brusanus should mislike. Art thou not a Princess, as he is a Prince? I, but his perfection hath made thee unperfect. But, art not thou the next heir to the kingdom of Dalmatia, it is that Moderna, it is that: thou hast now hit it, that makes Dorestus so much to love, and will bring Brusanus to stoop to thy lure, fear not then Moderna, for she is acceptable to every man that brings a Crown for her dowry. Moderna settling herself in this resolution, so much the more armed her determinations as she saw herself assailed by her father's constraint: yet still remembering she must wade between constancy and courtesy: she therefore of policy used some better countenance to Dorestus, sometime baiting his hope with a dish of little certainty: neither comforting him with too much kindness, nor utterly dismaying him with too rough repulses: and now her only care consisted, how she might with modesty make her love known to Brusanus, the which with all speed she intended to put in practice. In this mean while, Brusanus, who had been long at his study, was prepared with an answer to send unto Dorestus: the tenor whereof ensueth in this manner.   

The eight Chapter.  
Brusanus Prince of Hungaria to Dorestus, a maintainer of feminine flattery.  
I Perceive (Dorestus) that between us the old saying is like to be verified, which is, that one fable draweth on another. And here I cannot a little wonder to think, what humour should draw Dorestus to praise those for the only paragons of the world, that in truth are the very outcasts of nature, who sith their first creation to this present, there was never any man (of upright judgement) that durst be so foolish-hardy, as once to bestow of them a general commendation: those only excepted, whose foolish affections drowned in the seas of folly, are thereby made partial, in the behalf of their mistress: but where blind men must judge of colours, there is ill painting, & where lovers dare speak in the behalf of women, there reason is enforced to play bankrupt. But if Dorestus, to try what he could do in a bad matter, would therefore write in the praise of women, as Erasmus wrote a book in the praise of folly: here is now the old proverb neglected. It were better to be idle, then ill occupied: and although I mean but slightly to run over your sorry allegations, yet I hope you will not turn my modesty unto want of matter, but in seeking confirmation from the Philosophers for the commendations of women, would seek the testimony of the jury that had all ready pronounced him guilty: or like a mad man that would power on a pail of water when he meant to make the fire burn: But shall I make repetition of their several opinions, and what they have written touching women in general. Marcus Aurelius, that noble Emperor, and worthy orator hath these sentences: There is not so fierce and perilous an enemy to man, as his own wife: Women be of a tender condition, they will complain of a small grief, and for less cause will rise into great pride, hardy is that woman that dare give council to a man, but he is a fool that will ask it, but he most foolish that will follow it: It is natural for a woman, to despise those things that are proffered unasked, so it is death to be denied of that she demandeth: There is no creature that more desireth honour and worse keepeth it, then doth a woman: women for a little good, look for great hire, but for much evil, no chastisement. Thus far Marcus Aurelius, and this might suffice, if men were not wilful, but I know that neither the dignity of his person, being an Emperor, nor the reputation of his wisdom, being a Philosopher were sufficient to guard him, but they would so taunt and rail at him, as he were not worthy to wear his mistress colours, that could not find out some name of reproach in disgrace of the Emperor: I will therefore accompany him, with such accomplices, as shall be able to stand by him in all assaults, and we will first begin with Senica, who hath these words: inconstancy is a common infirmity both to children and women, the one through slenderness of wit, the other as a natural sickness: Give thy wife no power over thee, for to day if thou suffer her to treat upon thy foot, to morrow she will sure tread upon thy head: Diogenes: they that had rather be conversante with women then with men, are like swine that had rather be rooting in dirt and mire, then in fair and clean water: Beware of the baits of women, which are laid out to catch men, for they are great hinderances, to him that desires wisdom: plutarch sweet savours and oils are more fit for women then for men, because they smell of folly: Hermes, beauty in women's faces, and folly in their lives, be two evils, that fretteth life, and resteth goods: Protegines, in three points women and fools be of like condition, for they are full foe vain affections, curious and peevish to please, & very wilful in foolishness: Plato: a woman is a necessary evil, women's company, a michséefe that cannot be shunned: Socrates: women are more pitiful than men, more envious than a serpent, more malicious than a tirante, more deceitful than the devil: Aristotle: women in mischief are wiser than men: Chylon: he that haunteth much women's company, cannot be strong, nor he rich that delighteth in wine: Pythagoras: there are in women's eyes two kinds of tears the one of grief, the other of deceit: Tertullian: a notable Doctor and pillar of the church with whom we will conclude, saith thus: woman was the first forsaken of God's law, the discloser of the forbidden tree, and the gate of the devil: Tell me now Dorestus, how can you commend treachery for truth, vanity for verity, and ugly vice for seemly virtue, or will you yet condemn me for an evil speaker: But because woman was given to be a helper unto man, must it therefore follow that the helper is more worthy than the thing helped: then must it needs fall out that the groom that helps Dorestus of with his hose when he goes to bed at night, is of better reckoning than Dorestus himself, & the slave that but carries lime and stone to the building, is to be preferred before the master workman: but I will grant Dorestus, that women he helpers, for he that follows them a pace, they lightly help him to the devil: Your comparison for the fining of metals, I cannot mislike, for that it hath some affinity with the truth: for in deed, the more mettales be fined the purer they prove, and gold before it be brought to his perfection, is first cleansed from his earthly substance, and being once drawn from his ore and droste, it than remaineth a metal, but yet unpure, because it is mixed with brass or copper, wherefore of necessity there must be a forced refining, & then the gold is perfect and remaineth in price: the brass or copper is likewise a metal, though of a far base condition, and therefore is referred for our mean and ordinary necessity: 〈…〉 when man was first framed from out the slime and dust of the earth, he was not yet perfect gold, for why there remained brass and copper, that is humour and passion, wherefore it was convenient there should be a second cleansing, which being once performed, man was then in full perfection, and of the grosser substance there was framed a base creature women being drawn from the parts where our affections lie hiden, and as she was thus endued with infinite passion, so it was necessary to take from her all force, for had she had ability to have performed her cruelty and rage, all the devils in hell had not been able to have ruled her, and therefore (according to the old proverb) God sends a cursed cow short horns: But was it such a benefit for man to be cupled to a woman, rather than to a Lion, to a Tiger or a Serpent, no truly, woman is more furious than a lion, more cruel than a tiger, more venimus than a serpent, and more subtle than the devil: and by her figured charms brought man from that blessedness in the which he was first created, when the devil himself was not able to do it: But to what sort of men is it that women be so acceptable, forsooth to lovers, let us directly then seek out whereto love leads us: The love of men to women being a rage exceeding all other passions, makes us forsake the love of God and to imagine our good to rest in them, as if we should do worship to Idols, whose nature is under vain resemblances, to corrupt the devotion of men, a thing so common in example, that (to a sensible judgement) a slender rehearsal may suffice) and who so ever treadeth that desperate labyrinth of love, is in ordinary destiny, of a wise man to take the habit of a fool, of a careful man to become negligent: of a valiant man to become so weak as to stand in awe of a foolish woman's word, of a provident man to lose all policy: of a young man to become withered, of a free man to become miserably bound, of a mild man to bear the burden of an ass: of a religious man to become an Idolater: of a rich man honoured, a poor man scorned: of a patiented man to be a revenger of the filthy causes of his minion: to be brief both to forget god & lose the knowledge of himself: I never knew any one truly translated into the stat of a perfect lover, but after he had possessed his actual felicity in love did not attend inward perplexities with outward disquietness, confused counsels, careless execution, broken speech, unsound judgements, yea, such a general negligence in all his actions and conversation of life, that in a due consideration of the affects of love, in his example it might easily be discerned, there is more gall than honey, less pleasure than pain, more care than comfort, and more want of courage, then due commendation of a noble mind. I have heard of many that were mad for love▪ yet I never heard of any that were wise in love, I have known the wise have been besotted by fancy, yet I never knew fancy that made a wise man: for it is no more possible, that love should be without passion, than the Sun without light, fire without heat, or water without moisture, whose pleasant motions are mixed with wonderful disquiet, his little pleasure with piles of sorrow, his small brooks of transitory joy, with great rivers of extreme anguish: In love, what seeth the eye? lasciviousness: what heareth the ear? lasciviousness: what inureth the body? lasciviousness: the badge of love idleness, the best rest corrupt delights▪ the final end repentance. Love is a bitter sweet, a poisoned bait, a golden hook, a contumelious comfort, a devilish intent. In love we misspend our time, consume our goods, wast our lands, yea, we do corrupt both body and soul. By love, our hearts are blinded, our understanding dulled, our memories mangled, our bodies distempered, and all desire of wisdom is set at a bay. Thus the poor lover finds his pleasure translated into a quality of bitterness, and his hope so turned into despair, that he hath no other refuge then in death, and yet in him he hardly finds medicine. If he be but a little disgraced of his body, he becometh wild of countenance, unquiet in mind: yea, his whole state so restless, as if he were tormented with some hurtful spirit, and in the absence of his mistress, you shall never see him settled in any company, or pla●● of what value or worthiness soever it be, but as vacabonds without a warrant, or people fearing the fall of the firmament, they run here and there, as though their safety consisted only in the eye of their mistress: Peradventure, there be some that will mistake my meaning, thinking this love that I would seem to disgrace, is but dishonest liking, or rather as it may be termed lawless lust, such as is practised with every mercenary woman: but take love when it is lawfully meant, wherein it is best to be admitted, and use women in their purest kind, whereunto they were first created, and you shall find, that there is not so much care in the one, but there is as great cumber in the other: and that the one breedeth not so much wrack, but the other bringeth as much woe: and where they both do but promise us a dram of delight they will surely pay us with a pound of despite. For the institution of marriage, I confess it to be good: nay further, I acknowledge it to be honourable, and it was first ordained to a most godly purpose, which was to keep men from that filthy sin of fornication: but what men, such as were not able to contain their fleshly desires within the limits and bounds of chastity, for as it is said, chastity is the beauty of man's souls, and it is further affirmed, that the first degree of chastity is pure virginity, the second honest matrimony, so that marriage hath here but a second place: now by this we may conclude, that marriage was ordained but as a mean or medicine, wherewith to allay our fleshly lusts: and like as in all other our natural infirmities, when they oppress us, we by and by seek the Physician, who to purge the humour, ministereth unto us but an Apothecary's drug, the which by artificial means may well be made pleasant in the receipt, but in operation and working, it so distempereth every part of our body, as we shall never find rest nor quiet, so long as there is any parcel of it remaining within us: so he that is infected with the sickness of loathsome lust, he may well seek Physic, that is, he may take a wife to allay the rage of his fleshly desires, but he shall find her but an Apothecary's drug: for though she seem pleasant in the first receipt, yet in the winding up, she proveth a continual torment, and his hasty attempt is ever rewarded with a gnawing repentance. Marriage is termed by the name of a yoke, by othersome it is called a bondage: and me thinks that these very names might persuade us, that there is no great felicity to be sought for in his fruit. I can most fitly compare lovers to hunters, that likes better of the sport, than they do of the game itself when they have it: or like him that would needs go a fishing, though he caught but a frog: and my lover in the time of his wooing, thinks there is no greater bliss, but having once attained the height of his desire, his affections strait gins to decline. Thus you may perceive, that in marriages there is not such sweet, but it is sauced with too much sour, in love such government, which savoureth not of folly, nor in affection such foresight, which is not repent with great heartbreak. O foolish therefore, that will suffer themselves to be conquered by a woman, whom God at the first created but as an instrument to man's necessity: But it is their beauty that be witcheth us, for with a pierce of their ein, there is harboured such power, that with the nature of the Basilike, they so inuenome every part of us, that no art will serve to purge it. Truly, the folly of affection is wonderful, yet are the errors of beauty more admirable, when of herself she is but a painted sepulchre, and in her actions, the diminisher of all natural and moral reason: we praise beauty, what more vading, we honour beauty, what more corrupt: we sorrow for beauty, what more foolish. In green grass you shall find biting serpents, in glorious sepulchres, rotten bones, in paineted pots, deadly poison: in fair women, false hearts. Their immodest boldness many times makes them adventure of that which is both expressly forbidden them, and also is most loathsome and contrary unto nature, as Myrrah, to fall in love with her father. Phedra, with her son. Biblis, with her brother. Pasiphae, with a Bul. The matrons of Rome in the time of Papirus, pretending to have two husbands, did manifestly bewray their inordinate lust, and is it not as likely that those dames, encroaching further liberty, might have sought for a third, and so for as many as they had list: but Dorestus, if women were so virtuous as you would make them, their vanity would be less in attire, and themselves not so popin-iae-like in their conversation: their golden cales would be set a side, which are more curious than comely, mor precious than necessary, unless with the old superstition, we should deck an artificial Idol, to draw the world to a vain worshipping: their curling of hair so divided and laid into locks, that it seemeth to carry precepts and propositions of Art, their masks and veils for their faces, that leads men in imagination of greater beauty than indeed there is: yea, to what other purpose are their Courtesans fans, their huge Verdingals, with infinite other vanities, but only to please men, and in pleasing of them, to be desired of them: but would you know the very mysteries of these alluring curiosities: they serve (indeed) for instruments to plead for that by show, which they would be glad to speak for with their tongue, but for sooth they must do all things with modesty. They would be seen to have many servants to sue unto them, for that in their own fancy, is the chiefest testimony of their beauty, and they have cunning to embrace every one with a particular affection, and that with such slight as the wisest shall be lead in hope of their good wills. They have with the juggler change of entertainment for every company, to persuade one with speech, to court an other with looks, to be familiar with a third by signs, to allure a fourth by false trains of cloaked honesty, feeding them all with uncertain hope, and him she makes the Ass to bear the burden, that bears her most affection. One shall be her servant, and he must wear her colour, a second her partner, and wear her garter, a third her Lover, and possess unchaste bed-pleasures, and though the two first, be as lavashe of their expenses as the rest: yet they must be content to hold the candle, while the third is offering to our Lady. They love above all things to be solicited with great importunity, accounting him for a meacock, that will be repulsed with a first denial, affirming that a woman must say nay and take it: and yet the more she seethe you plagued in passion for her, the less careful is she of your countenance, but the more you grow cold in your love, the greater increaseth the heat of her affections, like a disease, whose cure comes by contrary medicine: such is the violence of their spite, that with the Salimander they seem to have a felicity, in the torment of the poor fools that serves them, whose presence they feed with a flattering hope, and in his absence they make a scoff at his honest affections: Thus you may perceive they have tongues to train, eyes to allure, tears to excuse, looks to atract, smiles to flatter, imbracementes to provoke, frowns to delay, becks to recall, lips to enchant, kisses to inflame, bodies to perfume, and all these to poison: By their slights they have made Emperors idle as Anthony, strong men feeble as Samson, valiant men effeminate as Hercules, wisemen dissolute as Solomon, eloquent men lascivious as Aurelius: Wilt thou yet be married, when thou must bear with all her enormities, her railing, her scolding, her cursing, her banning, her envy, her pride, her flattering, her frowning, her cruelty, her spite, her wiliness, her wantonness, her nicety, her slight, her subtlety, her quesines, her disquietness, her taunts, her scoffs, her flouts, her perjury: but thou wilt say for increase females are good, very true, but for decrease there are none so ill, for who so ever tasteth of their breathing will wax bedlam, but he that delighteth in their brawling, will surely prove a beggar: Their commodity as it is got with care, so it is kept with to much disquiet: hast thou a wife and is she wise, then will she sure make thee a fool, if she be foolish, she will make thee ashamed; if she be fair, toll on guest to thy house more than thou hast need off: if she be foul, she will afflight thee: if barren, thy woe is increased: if fruitful, she heapeth upon thee either care to provide for a toward son, or sorrow to prevent the practices of a wicked daughter: Thus may you see their company doth corrupt us, their vices without number, their virtues none at all, their wit is will, their truth treachery, their trust treason, their faith fraud, their courtesy cruelty, their simpering civility, is body of all humanity: You may see Dorestus, the subject I have taken in hand ministereth such matter as I know not how to make an end, yet here I will conclude, hoping that hereafter you will be better advised, how you commend chalk for cheese, copper for gold, or shrew's for saints: Acknowledge your folly, be sorry for your error, it is the greatest sign of grace, for a man to confess his fault: Brusanus having thus ended his lines, sent them immediately to Dorestus, who taking a survey of the crciomstances, fell down of his knees, and holding up his hands to Venus, craved mercy, thinking he committed more than sacrilege in reading so horrible blasphemy to the deity of her son: enjoining himself for penance to make a present answer, which immediately he set himself unto.   

The ninth Chapter.  
Moderna bewrayeth her love to Brusanus, he scoffeth at her passions, and rejecteth her love.  
IN this mean while, Moderna, transported with desire to whom she had already bequeathed herself, wherefore after that she had with earnest and long endeavour sought to resist undesistable love, at the length taking courage, boldly to persist, she entereth with herself into these arguments: What reason hast thou Moderna to contend with love, that is both restless and unreasonable, or what stand'st thou upon these over curious points, thy father's displeasure or thine own modesty, when the first may be pacified, and the second nothing prejudiced: yea Moderna, thou mayst reverence as a daughter, and love as a wife, and yet the latter not prejudicial to the first: But how should I do now to make my love known to Brusanus, what shall I tell him, I love him, and myself become a suitor, for that every mean woman is ordinarily required in, fie no, that were a bold part, why then thou shouldest be noted of lewdness, and generally condemned of to much lightness: and who shall condemn thee for thine honest liking, thou dost not mean to practise lawless lust, and lawful love is neither offensive before God nor men, fear not then Moderna, make thy love known to Brusanus, the hand of marriage once confirmed, is enough to cover all faults: Speak then if thou mindest to speed, sue to him for love, that perhaps would speak to thee, but that he fears a repulse: Fortune (as it should seem) very favourable to further her intent, for the very same evining as she was walking into a pleasant garden to take the air: she found Brusanus sitting solitary by himself, debating in his mind what success were like to follow his friend Dorestus in his love: to whom coming with a pleasant countenance, and yet no other than stood with modesty: she saluted in this manner: It seemeth (courteous Prince Brusanus) you have some certain ceremonies to perform, you sit so sadly, what should move your melancholy demeanour, if ought be here that mislikes you, forbidden it, if any thing that may delight you command, and it shall be had: Truly madame (answered Brusanus) you are mistaken, for neither am I so holy as to meditate so much, nor in so pleasant mood, to laugh at every conceit, for other passion, if I seem a saint, I hope I shall scape the devil: I am the better pleased (answered Moderna) if you be well contented, but how like you this country of Illeria: As I should do Lady (answered Brusanus) it is pleasant in climate, populous in Cities, plenteous in dainties, and well stored with many brave personages: But our women are nothing so fair here as they are in Hungaria (answered Moderna) nor our ladies so well pleasing to your fancy, as peradventure you have met withal in other places: It is the thing I least care for (answered Brusanus) and yet if the perfections of their minds, be answerable to the habitude of their bodies, I fear me there is no other climate that can overlook more beautiful, or afford more wise, than I have seen in Illeria: If your thoughts be answerable to your words (answered Moderna) the end must thus follow, that where you allow so precisly, you must love a little, or else in contemning that you commend, we shall condemn you in that you plead not guilty: That were to much extremity (answered Brusanus) for so by the deeming of mine eye, I might be doomed to mine own destruction: Moderna, that had thus preuily felt his repulse, although not beating so amorously as she did wish: yet having opportunity to utter what she would, not omitting therefore so good occasion, she saith: It is no hard matter (Brusanus) to bring inward liking to outward confession, and if you will not think me to be more prodigal of my present, than your fancy will serve to take in good part, know this that sith thy first arrival here at my father's court, mine eyes have been so dazzled with the beams of thy beauty, and my mind so snared with the view of thy virtues, that thou only thou, art the man whom I like and love: and to cut off speeches, which might seem to savour either of flattery or deceit, as thou art the first unto whom I have vowed my love, so thou shalt be the last, only requiring this for my good will that thou take me to thy wife: for otherwise to practise pleasure without virtue, I protest my mind is nothing less: here withal the tears streaming down her eyes, gave her a short pause to this that followeth: again she saith: In troth thou mayst think either my message is great, or my modesty little, either that I take small care of myself, or repose great trust in thee, who so unfitting for my calling, without any regard to my estate, do so prodigally offer myself, to the disposition of thy judgement, to conceive of me at thine own pleasure, being provoked there unto by the pureness of my love, and the fidelity of my good will: honesty being the only guide of my conceits: if I have then committed a fault, it is in loving thee to well: Hear again the tears stopped her words for a time, but having dried her eyes, she thus proceeded: If you find aught immodestly escaping my tongue, impute the same to the integrity of my love, and the necessity of speedy dispatch: my father having already promised me in marriage, to your friend & companion Dorestus, whom in my heart I could never fancy, & whom with all my soul I utterly renounce, and have wholly settled myself to be thine only one: wherefore, neither fear nor scorn to enjoy that which is thine, or at the leastwise, let her presently understand thy pleasure, whose good or bad days, wholly consists in thy good or bad answer: thus ending her speeches, she now again begins to weep. Brusanus, that was almost out of his wits to hear this loving discourse, returned this answer for her better comfort. Madame, when dogs falls to snarling, serpents to hissing, and women to weeping: the one means to bite, the other to sting, and the third to deceive: but do you look for an answer: truly madame, I have no leisure to love, I must about other business, and thus away he flings, leaving Moderna in a pitiful plight (you may imagine) who finding herself so shaken off, departed presently into her chamber, and casting herself upon her bed, she closed her eyes, as if each thing she saw had been a picture of her mishap, where she began thus to exclaim. Alas (quoth she) disspised Moderna: is this the reward of thy given away liberty? Why didst thou not hold thy thoughts in their simple course, and content thyself with the love of thine own virtue? O unkind Brusanus, could thy force and courage find out no ●tter conquest, then to triumph over her mishaps, who at the first sight did wish thee all happiness? shall it be said, that the mirror of mankind hath been the wrack and ruin of a Lady that loved him? what triumph canst thou make of this conquest? what spoils wilt thou carry away of this my underserued overthrow? But O wicked mouth, how darest thou blaspheme the ornament of the earth, the vessel of virtue, the very object that all eyes own reverence unto? and how mayest thou blame him? or wherein hath he offended thee? O no, no: there is no fault, but in thine own imaginations, that would think that so high a perfection would stain itself with so great impossibilities. Alas, he hath then done thee no wrong, it was thine own weakness that wrought thine own woe, thou mayest then begin to hate thyself, but never leave to love him. But what a labyrinth am I entered into, I disdain my fortune, and yet I reverence him that disdains me, I accuse his ungratfulnes, and have his virtue in admiration. Oh heavens, I would his unkindness could raze out the depth of my affection, or my affection could make him to relent from his unkindness. Moderna thus taking to herself the weight of her own woes, left off further speaking, and began to turn herself to every thing: as if change of objects might help her invention, and although she had a great while travailed her thoughts, not settling any determination, in the end she resolved from that time forward, to restrain the liberty of her senses▪ not so much to look on the Sun, that had dimmed her eyes with brightness, Dorestus, that had been all this while busy at his pen, and being now prepared of an answer to Brusanus, sent it immediately unto him in these words.   

The tenth Chapter.  
Dorestus, Prince of Epirus, to Brusanus the common depraver of Feminine virtue.  
WHen the Fox doth once begin to preach, good women than beware your Geese, and where vanity dare oppose itself for verity, there vice may cry check, but never give the mate. How miserable is the condition of those men, that will make themselves guilty of their own mother's disgrace: and how unnatural may that seed be accounted, which will show itself unthankful to the soil: and although gross questions are to be answered with slender reasons, and addle heads should be scoffed at with idle answers: yet to help simplicity, thus beset with subtlety, I must not neglect the defence of so many innocent Dames, for any respect of a depraving friend. For your large exhortatory, I let it pass as frivolous: but we must not do women that wrong, to condemn them for a little foolish Philosophy: for as the Philosophers were men, so they had many faults: there were some of them Parasites, some Epicures, some jesters, some railers, some infected with pride, some with covetousness, but most lascinious: and it is a custom of ill men, to defame women openly, when they have abused them secretly. Such a one was your great Emperor, and worthy Philosopher Marcus Aurelius, whom you so much account of: but who more dissolute in the company of women, yet who more prodigal in defaming of women: in the disordered demeanour of his own wife, Faustine did many times so disquiet him, that he was not able to moderate himself, no not withal his precepts of Philosophy. I do not speak this to confirm Brusanus in his opinion, that women were thus able to martyr the minds of these learned Philosophers, but I speak it aswell to confute those bitter invectives pronounced by the Philosophers, (peradventure in a fury) as also to confound their actions, that notwithstanding their pretended knowledge, would suffer themselves to be seduced, not only by women that live in suspect, but some of them most notoriously known, as namely Layis of Corinth, whom Aristippus so nicely courted, and to whom Demosthenes came to cheapen, but her ware was too high prized. Periander, chief Philosopher in Gréece at the instant of a strumpet, slew his honest wife. Anacharsis was so bewitched on his Courtesan jelava, that he so instructed her in his knowledge of Philosophy, that on a time while he lay sick, she supplied his place of reading in the school. Cleobulus, when he was 60. years old, and had read Philosophy 45, years, climbing up a window, to have come to his beloved, fell down from the ladder, and died of the bruise. Solon, that was accounted such a sage, was besotted of his own bondwoman, whom he brought from the wars: Aristotle so much renowned for his wit, at the fond request of his foolish mistress, made himself a silly Ass, creeping about a chamber with a bridle in his mouth: where dame folly his mistress, sitting on his back, (having appointed her companions in privy corners to behold this pageant) made but a scorn of that learned Philosopher. Terrence was hanged out of a window in a Basket. Socrates was crowned with a pisspot by his own wife Zantippa. By this you may perceive, that these men, notwithstanding their great philosophy, submitted themselves to the wills of women's of little modesty: & is it not like that such as will commit idolatry with wicked women without care▪ may not after blaspheme all women without cause, and that they will observe as little gravity in their unbridled fury, as they observed reason in their disordered fantasy. But to make proof and trial of metals, there is no better mean then to bring them to the touch, then shall you find men to be furious, froward, overthwart, rash, sullen, boisterous, harsh, sturdy, and give them their best commendations, you may compare them but to Iron, which showeth by his rust, the uneven temperature of the elements, and malicious influence of the Planets in his composition, prefiguring the ungodly estate of man, wasted by the flame of concupiscence, and canker of lose life: where women by nature are mild, modest, sober, silent, gentle, loving, humble, meek, lowly, and in every perfection as pliant as the purest gold, whose property is neither yielding to the moistness of the water, nor consuming by the extreme fury of the fire, is the type of those, who despising all things, are afflicted for virtue: & where the countenance of a man threateneth nothing but cruelty, the very looks of a woman promiseth mercy and pity: But I think there was never Lion so furious, never Tiger so cruel, never Viper so infectious, never Aspic so mortal, neither ever Wolf so ravenous, but the males will rather oppose themselves to defend their Females, than any way to grieve them: and although these brute beasts are bereaved of reason, yet in the conversation of their kind, they show themselves more worthy than man: and was it not adam's own wretchedness, that wrought his own fall in Paradise. Let Brusanus look better of his text, and he shall find it to be so, and that Adam could never after have risen again, but by the seed of a woman. And now I can but pity Brusanus, who hath taken such pains, framed such arguments, alleged such examples, gathered such conclusions, and hath induced so many reasons, and all in the disgrace of love, under the shadow whereof he hath figured the very substance of lust They are evil acquainted with the nature of honest love, who will dispose him only under a contentment so frail, being in himself so divine and wonderful. The Philosophers, who in a deep insight, thinking to attain to the understanding of nature, imagined love to be a most excellent form or plot exceeding generally the consideration of man: the accidents which often do happen through the elements of fire and water, are many times perilous, and yet to hinder or take away their use, were to drive nature from her course, even so it is in love, whose profession you wish us to leave for certain light inconveniences accompanying him by circumstance, without any consideration of the sovereign benefits which secretly lie shrouded and hiden in him: and therefore as love is a poison unto fools, so it is sweet to them that know how to use him, for to love without reason, is a token of lust, and to live without love an argument of folly: And therefore Brusanus you labour with great wrong to exempt us from that divine amity which the almighty himself hath not only commended, but also straightly commanded unto us: If our Creator hath said it is not good for man to live alone, how dare we say we know better what is meet for us than he that made us, if he hath said, thou shalt leave father and mother and cleave to thy wife, dare we say she is but an Apothicaries' drug, and marriage to be esteemed as a yoke or a bondage, but a sweet yoke to be coupled to virtue, and a happy bondage to be linked to beauty, but what greater honour than that we do owe to our parents, expressly commanded: Honour thy father and mother, and yet this holy institution of wedlock is more worthily dignified, Thou shalt leave father and mother and cleave to thy wife, when a man therefore betakes himself to wife he gives no occasion to be slandered, but just occasion to be honoured.  
But Brusanus, me think you skip a little beyond your skill thus to quarrel with beauty, is the sun to be misliked because it is bright, the diamond to be refused because it is clear, the pearl to be condemned because it is orient, or women to be despised because they be beautiful, when it is the only dowry it hath pleased God to bestow amongst them, the more to show the majesty of his handy work: But you infer it causeth men to dote, and to whom do you impute the fault, would you have women to eclipse that perfection which themselves cannot hide, without prejudice to their creator: but he that standeth to near the fire, let him blame but himself, if he be scorched with the flame: Marcus Aurelius, wrighting to the lady Lydia, proveth by his Philosophy, that it is a token of great simplicity, not to descry the perfection of beauty, and an argument of greater folly, not to desire it: Now you begin to quarrel with women's apparel, but you are in this matter either not well informed or else to forward in judgement, seeing this curiosity (as you term it) is allowed to women, with more authority than you think, for women being only created for the pleasure of man, why might it not be thought, that God himself stirs that opinion in her, to give contentment to the eyes of him, for whose sake she was created: Lycurgus in his common wealth, precisely ordained that maidens should go bare faced, to the end they might be seen and desired, and by the same means, the married wives laboureth to please (not the popular sort as Brusanus imagineth) but her husband to whom she is married, as it is written of the daughter of Augustus, who on a day being attired above her wont custom of modesty, where at her father taking no great delight yet for the present, governing his judgement by silence, but another time finding her in habit more convenient to his liking, Oh (saith he) how far more seemly is this attire for the daughter of Augustus, then that which she wore this other day to the disguising of nature, to whom she answered and that with reverence: then sir I used my time to please the desire of my husband, and now I stand to satisfy my duty towards my father: The like example was used by the good lady Hester, when she protested before God that the sumptious attires which sometimes she used, carried no other purpose, then to feed the liking of that great king Assuerus, who had chosen her for his own, and as the frock makes the friar never the more devout, and so in the attire of a woman lieth no true argument of incontenency, and much less ought her garments to breed any opinion of her lewd life and although the suspicious, be apt to speak ill, yet wemen consciences being clear, what other reckoning have they to make of wicked speeches, but that they are rather of custom then of credit: Besides this, such is the malice to women's behaviour, that if any one should attire herself contrary to the use of others, she should be noted either disdainful of the fashion, or at least an hypocrite in conversation: Women are further charged that they love to have many servants, and how cunning they be in their change of entertainment unto such as be suitors unto themselves. In high attempts and martial exercises, our gallants now do practise nothing but to court Ladies and to trianll with Gentlewomen, whose dissimuling dealing deserves a counterchaunge of like quality, no marvel though women grow to be fond, when it is to please the fantasy of men that be foolish, or who can blame women though they juggle a little with those men, that practise nothing else but to play fast and lose with them: and although Brusanus hath thus generally exclaimed against all women, yet had he but looked into every ordinary calendar he might find out as many vigillies of holy women, as feasts of devout men, and in his racking of the scriptures it seemed his right eye was out and he could see but on the left side, for if he can find me a Dalida, I can show him a Deborah, if he can turn me to be a jesabel, I can seek out him a judith, and although some men through women hath fallen into the rebuke of the world, hath there not been as infortunate women that hath been ruinated by the treason of men, as Medea by jason; Philis by Demophoon: Dido by Aeneas: Ariadua by Theseus': with many others, if it were needful here to rehearse them: The rest of your words, which serveth to no other purpose but to deprave, there needeth no other answer but that they were spoken of spite: and the woman of good life, feareth no slanderous tongues, and a clear conscience, neither needs excuse, nor feareth accusation: See now, what is become of this terrible tempest, where he many malicious bolts have been thundered for the against women, alas it is over-paste without any danger, for the best substance were but puffs of wind, such as might make a noise, but do no hurt at all: But what a labyrinth should I now enter into, if I should take upon me to write in the commendation of women, that have aspired in the deep capacity of arts and sciences, and therein so profoundly, that men should not only have cause to praise, but also to wonder at them. Histories are plentifully replenished, where mention is made of Nycostrata, called also Carmenta, for the eloquence she had in versifying, of Lasterna and Axiothea, two worthy dames most highly renowned amongst the scholars of Plato, of Arethea, that wrote forty several books who read openly in the schoolles, and had a hundred and fifty Philosophers that were his scholars, of Aspasia that instructed Pericles of lelia Sabina so renowned in Rome for her letters of Amatasunta, and others like learned in the latin. But wherein have women been inferior to men in virtuous life, who more framed than Aemelya, Claudia, Tusia, Nycaulia: For government who more provident than Zenobia, for wisdom Saba that oposed Solomon: for activity in war, Penthasile: for poesy, Sappho: for policy, Zoe: for poetry, Thalia: for rhetoric, Helerna: for oratory, Cornelia: for eloquence, Hortensia: amongst the elemental gods is there not (for matter of war) aswell the goddess Bellona, as the god Mars: and for science and wisdom, is there not a Pallas aswell as Apollo: for poesy, or verfifieng are not the nine Muses as famous as Phoebus: By this you may see there was yet never man so profound in any knowledge, but there hath been a woman to second him, further more, these virtues of justice, Temperance, Fortitude, Patience, Pity, Mercy, Charity, Humility, and many other like, are all of the feminie gender: yea the very Church of god is compared to a woman, and figured forth in female shape. But yet a little better to make trial of women's perfections, we will examine their first creation, wherein is to be noted the substance whereof they were form, which was of the purified metal of man, the place where they were created, which was paradise, the time of their creation, which was the last, and therefore the perfitest handiwork of the creator, the cause why they were created, which was to be comfortable assistants to men: through the sin of a man, death and damnation were incident to all humane posterity, by the seed of a woman, life & salvation was purchased to all true believers, after Christ's nativity, during the time of his abode here on earth, who conspired against him, who sought to persecute him, who tempted him, who condemned his doctrine, who would have stoned him, who said he had the devil within him, who would have intraped him, who practised his death, none but men, Herod, Annas, Chayfas, Scribes, pharisees, unbelieving jews, yea judas one of his own apostles, contrary wise, who loved him most entirely, who embraced his doctrine, who confessed him to be a prophet, who entertained him in their houses, who ministered unto him even of their own substance, only women, Marry, Martha, the woman of Samaria, jonua, Susanna, and many others. It was a woman that poured a box of precious ointment on his head, they were men that murmurred against it, and were offended that so great cost was bestowed upon him, it was Pilate (a man) that condemned Christ, and delivered him to the jews to be crucified, it was his wife (a woman that would have saved Christ, willing her husband to have nothing to do with that just man: they were men that carried him to be crucified, compelling him to bear his own cross: they were women that followed to the place where he was crucified, bitterly weeping and lamenting his death: what would you more, they were women that still visited his sepulchre after his burial, it was to a woman to whom he first appeared after his resurrection: but I dare say no more, for as the horse knows not his own strengeth: so if women did consider of their own worthiness, they would be infected with that pride, which yet they have not, and men with that malice which yet they need not: now Brusanus, by this you may conceive, what leaden conceits hath overgrown your reasonable arguments: I could wish you to be sorry for your errors, blush not to ask forgiveness, women be full of mercy, their property is to pardon, if this will not suffice, I must leave you to the instruction of Musonius, who in his book of sciences writeth thus: It is an impudent part to present any thing to public judgement, that wanteth knowledge, and the part of an envious man, to dispraise without occasion: Dorestus having thus ended his lines, sent them to Brusanus with more haste then good speed (as after it fell out for himself) for Brusanus advisedly perusing the circumstances, and finding his own misdeaming of women so manifestly confuted, was stricken into a sudden remorse of conscience, and began to confess in his heart the impiety he had used, in slandering their sex: protesting from that time forward to love and honour them so much and more, as before he had despised them.   

The eleventh Chapter.  
Brusanus renownceth his former heresies, he feeleth the effects of love, and writeth to Moderna.  
Here calling to his mind his ungrateful demeanour towards Moderna, whose beauty presenting itself a fresh to his memory, love being ready at an inch with fuel to kindle the fire, wrought such a sudden alteration in his mind, and such contrary passions so perplexed his doubtful thoughts, that after a long controversy in himself, he was driven perforce to yield to fancy, and pulling in his former flag of defiance, entreated for truce, and began to enter parley with Cupid on this manner: Why how now Brusanus, what a doubtful combat dost thou find in thyself, is thy lawless liberty turned to a slavish captivity, is thy freedom fettered, are thy senses besotted, wert thou of late at defiance with Venus, and wilt thou now shake hands with vanity, diddest thou ere while renounce beauty as a foe, and wilt thou now embrace her as a friend: hast thou so carefully counseled others to beware the bait, and wilt thou now so crabbidly poison thyself with the bane▪ but fool that thou art, why dost thou thus rechlesly rage's against reason, why dost thou thus fond exclaim against thine own welfare, why dost thou condemn thyself of that crime, where of thou art not guilty, thou hast vowed to beware of fickle fancy, but this thy liking is firm affection, thou hast been bitten with the sore of lawless lust, but never tasted the sweet of loyal love, because thou hast endeavoured to desist from vanity, wilt thou therefore exempt thyself from virtue, wilt thou neglect a peerless Princess, whose birth may be a countenance to thy calling, in the attaining of whom thou shalt gain honour, nay more, thou shalt inherit a kingdom, I marry Brusanus, there goes the game away, follow that chase, it is no small matter to enjoy a sceptre. I but yet remember thyself, and thou shalt find that thy desire must needs be waited on with danger: Moderna is promised by the king her father to Dorestus, he again is thy vowed friend, and wilt thou requited the trust he reposeth in thee with such disloyalty: But dost thou stand upon doubts now Brusanus, O fie for shame, art thou false hearted: what fearest thou the displeasure of a king, if thou by the means mayest compass a kingdom, and did not Dorestus tell thee himself that love was without law, what respect is then to be had of friendship: fear not then Brusanus, the rest of thy time hath been but a dream unto thee, it is now only thou beginnest to live, now only now, thou hast entered into the way of blissefullnes, let not then the opinion of I know not what promise, bind thee from paying thy duty to nature: With this resolution Brusanus determined to watch opportunities to come to the speech of Moderna, and by chance finding her walking in a gardin, coming to her before she was aware of him, as he begun to open his lips to salute her, Moderna of a sudden started away from him, withdrawing herself into her chamber, the which she did rather fearing to be farther tempted with so sweet an aspect, then for any hatred she bore him whom she loved against her will: Brusanus, marking her demeanour, was somewhat amazed, yet not minding so to give ever, he went to his chamber, where he wrote these insueing lives unto her.  
Brusanus to Moderna.  
Madame, although the passion which is commonly incident to all women (I mean misbelief) hath over taken you of late, yet think not that either my affections are so light as to esteem your disdain for injury, or let that love finish with a brawl, which is in me begun and shall be continued for ever, unkindness may prevail for a season, but not corrupt, and your repulse may (perhaps) persuade me to forbear, yet not to forsake: as nature hath made women fair thereby to entangle men: no reason but some times they should be froward to command men: but it was a sweet policy, by a vitter repulse to renew affection, other doubts, misdéeming, or opinions have I none, but only this, that my mistress was froward to make trial, not to forsake, & that myself am by nature to brook an injury to be partaker of so happy a benefit: well Moderna, all misdéeming set a part, grant me your grace and favour: and I shall have greater cause to rejoice than you to susspecte, and will alway remain your faithful servant to command, who craveth nothing more than to do you service.  
Yours if he be Brusanus.  
This letter being sealed up, he quickly found the means to have it delivered to the hands of Moderna, who noting the contents of these plausible lines, by the same messenger returns him this answer.  
Moderna to Brusanus.  
I stood in doubt (Brusanus) whether I should answer with silence or sophistry, because where the demand is but a jest, the fittest answer were a scoff, for dwelling still in your old error, who will believe your new protestations: but to make you to acknowledge your faults, and to morteste that mad humour of yours, that made you so much to forget yourself, and to bring you again into your right senses: I will not let to pray for you, nay more than that, I would be glad to here a whole trental of masses (besides other charitable actions) to redeem you, because I did love you: but seeing your purgatory is not pardonable without sattisfaction from your own merrites, I can but wish you to have grace to acknowledge it: and by penitent wisdom to win again, what your wilfulness hath lost: for the many services you proffer me, if to morrow after dinner you will come to me that I may speak which you, if I find your own words correspondent to your writings, it may be I will employ you, till then farewell.  
Yours if she could▪ Moderna.   

The twelfth Chapter.  
Brusanus and Moderna practiseth secret slight.  
BRusanus, not able to stand of any ground for joy, missed not (I warrant you) his appointed time to visit his lady, who being as ready to await his coming, they convey themselves to an inward chamber, where for the time, either of them remains confused, with a sudden astonishment of exceeding joy: Brusanus (in the end) breaking of their unnecessary silence, used these words: Though timerity, (madame) hath caused me to refuse your proffered bounty and the deeming of mine own unworthiness to neclecte your favourable courtesy, yet seeing the fault proceeded rather from a mistrust of mine own happiness, then for any mislike or other contempt of your great worthiness, I humbly crave pardon for this my forepassed simplicity, promising hereafter protested faith and loyalty: Moderna taking Brusanus by the hand smilingly made this answer: It is an easy matter Brusanus, to purchase credit, where the party is al-ready persuaded, and to infer belief, where every word is accounted an oracle: but to cut off other frivolous protestations, let this suffice, thou hast the victory, use it with virtue: but fearing that my father should suspect our liking, and by that means prevent our purpose: having as thou knowest promised me to Dorestus: I am therefore content to follow thee wheresoev thou wilt be my conductor, and by making an easy escape from hence, we may line for a time as contentedly else where, and being lawfully wedded (for that is the hands of my love) it will be no hard matter, to win again my father's liking, and in short space to make over return to the kingdom of Dalmatia, where thou shalt receive the Sceptre, in the right of me thy married wife: this Brusanus is the only way by which your contentment may draw on my happiness: Brusanus, who had al-ready taken forth this lesson, perfectly to yield a willing obedience to all his desires, made this answer: Madam all places are to me both good or bad, as it shall please you to bless or curse, behold then (noble lady) what other service it shall please you to command, I am ready in your affairs to apply myself with all duty and obedience: After they had a while concluded of their safety, and set down the course between them how they might proceed in their enterprises, Brusanus departed to provide himself for this secret flight: Dorestus all this while, who had received but cold comfort from Moderna, that had still driven him of with delays, by fortune finding her in a convenient place, he said unto her: Madam, shall my merit be repaid with no méed, shall my good will be requited with no gain, and my long suit with no comfort, O Moderna let me yet call thee before the judgement of thine own virtue, and now at the last, pity my estate, and do not recompense my desire, with despite, nor my lingering love with loathing hate: Why Dorestus (quoth she) dost thou call it hate not to condescend to the request of every one that wooeth, or dost thou think it cruelty not to yield to the assault of every flattering lover, but if this may content thee, as I cannot be so courteous to requite thee as thou desirest, so I will not be so cruel to despite thee for thy good will, let this suffice for the season, hereafter thou shalt know more, I have now other business in hand: thus she departed away leaving Dorestus in a brown studdies what he might make off her words.   

The thirteenth Chapter.  
Brusanus and Moderna are secretly fled from the court of Illeria, the King rageth, Dorestus fretteth, they both intend war against Miletto, King of Hungaria, and father to Brusanus.  
THe very same night Brusanus and she being provided of all things, necessarily conveyed themselves away from the court immediately after supper, and taking the advantage of the night, directed his journey towards the confines of Grecia, leaving his own country, which way be thought there would be great speed made after him, the which (indeed) fell out according to his expectation: for in the morning that they were both missing from the court, and that the manner of their flight was gathered by conjecture, the king sent out all the posts he had presently in readiness, to belay those quarters towards Hungaria: by this means Brusanus and Moderna escaped the hands of the king of Illeria, but yet after that, they fell both subject to the cruel menaces of merciless fortune, as in the sequel shall be shown, but the king when he perceived no mean to recover them, he burst out into these speeches against his daughter: O how many encumbrances are incident to parents, that are vexed with the practices of amorous daughters, for when we have fostered, cheerished and brought them up to years of discretion, even then do they run themselves to their own destruction, when we hope of greatest comfort, they do cumber us most with care, and while we are providing dowries to bestow them in marriage of such as we like, they provide themselves of paramours, and will not be restrained to fancy but whom they list, but let us provide them of a husband, such as we know to be fit for them, and they will live virgins with a vengeance, and seem to blush at so honest a motion, but let a varlet but meet them in a corner alone, he shall be entertained without regard of shame or honesty but unhappy Moderna, sith the traitor that hath thus inveygled thee, hath not spared to dishonour thy father, I do here vow by all the powers of heaven, I will make Hungaria to smoke for this his fact, his parents shall curse the time of his nativity, and lament the ever they brought so wretched a imp into the world: The king freted not so fast in his melancholy, but Dorestus chafed no less in his choler, blaspheming bitterly both against Brusanus and Moderna, but especially against Brusanus and understanding the intent of the king was to make wars with Hungaria, he proffered to strengthen his army, with ten thousand Epirotes, and to march himself in person with the king, to be revenged of the injury proffered him by Brusanus, the king most lovingly accepting of this assistance, fell in all haste to making ready both men and munitions fit for the wars, Dorestus hath taken his leave and is departed likewise into his country to make preparation according to his promise, In this mean time the king had gotten certain understanding that Brusanus with Moderna had bend their course towards Calypha, and minding notwithstanding, himself and Dorestus to hold on their determination, against Milleto king of Hungaria, he appointed to send his son Antipholus, into all those parts about the borders of Crete, to follow Brusanus to take revenge, to the which journey Antipholus most willingly agreed, unto, and leaving them here for a time to make all things ready, we will shortly follow Brusanus, but not to hastily, till he be clear out of danger, from the borders of Illeria.  
Thus endeth the second part of the adventures of Brusanus.    

The third Book, of the adventures of Brusanus.  

The first Chapter.  
Brusanus by strange misfortune woundeth Moderna, his piteous exclamation for his unlucky fact.  
BRusnaus and Moderna, having thus passed the bounds of Illeria: and being freed from the fury of the king, were even now subjecteth to the wonderful munaces of bitter fortune, and thinking (in their own conceits) they had escaped all danger, were but then entered, the very path of succeeding peril, but Moderna who all this while had been transported with desire & troubled with fear, had never leisure to look with perfect consideration into her own enterprise, but according to the laws of love, like alover had bequeathed the care of herself upon him to whom she had given herself: but now that her hope was something quieted, and the most part of her fear already passed, she began to look back into her own thoughts, and better to consider with herself of her undertaken flight, and to remember how she had left her native country, and had settled so strange a determination, but yet being nothing dismayed, having in her 〈…〉 the party whom she so dearly loved, and therefore casting no doubts, on they rid, Brusanus cheering her with many comfortable and loving discourses, by this time they were entered into a mighty forest, or rather a huge wilderness, in the kingdom of Calypha, and not far from the famous City of Sara, where they had not travailed long, but they were encountered by a barbarous company, that were laid close amongst the bushes to watch for some booty that should come that way, who having espied Brusanus, suddenly beset him round about, and he as quickly leaping from his horse, and taking down his Lady, set her against the body of a great tree, then turning himself with a violent rage against that rascal rout (who by this time began altogether to assault him) he gave them such a welcome, and bestowed so many bloody tokens amongst them, that they began to give back, but Brusanus, thoroughly inflamed with fury so laid about him, that the best hope they had to save themselves was to trust to their heels, and thus at an instant they began all to fly, Brusanus following so fast, and dealing such dole amongst them, that they were fain to scatter themselves every man a contrary way: Moderna that was now alone by herself and being stricken with a great fear, forsook her place and followed after Brusanus, but having lost the sight of him, she thrust herself into a mighty thick bush that was by the side of the way: Brusanus giving over the chase retired himself to go comfort his Lady, and coming by the bush where Moderna lay hid, she rejoicing to see her friend safely returned, was creeping out of the thicket to have showed herself to her best beloved: Brusanus hearing the russiling in the bush, and having a spear in his hand which he had recovered from one of the villains, & thinking it to be some of the company that had there hiden themselves, very rashly aiming the spear where he saw the bushes to stir, unfortunately hit Moderna clean through the body a little below her ribs: with the blow she gave a piteous screech, but not able to speak any word she sank down dead to the ground: Brusanus, hearing the cry, yet not knowing what he had done, came to the place, and looking 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saw his handy work, and being taught not to stand long open deliberations he forth with drew out the spear, then taking her up dead in his arms he brought her into the plane, where after he had used all bootless means to recover her life, his perplexed memory had strait stlled him with the lively shape of all his forepast miseries, and the remembrance of his former fortunes, with the agony of his present mishap, coming altogether into his mind, and marching as it were in one whole frunte, so gauled him with grief, that with the extremity of his anguish, his senses forsook him and he fell to the ground where he remained for a time, without moving hand or foot, in the end yielding forth a groan as if his heart strings had burst, and stretching his joints upon the green grass, he came again to himself, breathing forth these words: O fortune, why hast thou not made an end of my life with the end of my joy: O bottumlesse pit of endless sorrow, how canst thou rid thyself being fettered with the everlasting consideration of thy miserable fortunes: thou hast been a parricide to thy father, in seeking to destroy him by thy disobedience: a poison to the country, infecting it with the example of thy ungracious life: a traitor to thy friend, robbing him of such a treasure, whereof he was a thousand times more worthy than thyself: and now thou hast been a murderer, a butcher to her that was the exampler of all virtue, and the very only ornament that garnished the whole world: O sorrow, now thou hast the full sack of my cursed corpses, and comfort thou art now extinguished because I cannot hope, and what can I hope for when death hath divorced me from the exampler of all virtue: wilt thou seek then to prolong thy wretched life, no: cut off thy cursed days, and who can be so fit an executioner as thine own hands being accessary to so bloody a fact, so that in killing thyself, they shall suffer their own punishment: Then turning himself towards the breathless body of Moderna bedewing it with his tears he said: O divine soul, whose virtues can possess no less, than the highest part of heaven, behold his tears, whose heart doth melt in grief, but if any mercy be resting in the skies, or any love be left to consider of a friend: if the heavenly powers, may behold our earthly sorrows: accept his life for sacrifice, that hath no other recompense, and would bestow a thousand lives to view thy heavenly face: Then taking the spéere wherewith he had wounded Moderna, and setting it directly against his heart, minding to throw himself upon it: he said: Death, now do thy worst, and spare not to assail the most unfortunate wretch that liveth, suffer him not to appear amongst men, nor to receive common sepulture: then making a little pause he said further: but alas death is the end of all miseries: what reason have I then to cut off a wretched life, by a speedy death: if I maintain my life it is to abide far greater torments than are in death: live then Brusanus, live, but live still to languish in thine own evils: then throwing the spear from him he said: And whether shall I recommend the protection of this my wretched corpses, to the earth, why it shuneth to be increased by the relics of my shamed car case: to the heavens, Oh unspeakable torment of conscience, which dare not look towards them, whether then wit thou lead this captivity of thine: thou art not worthy to live amongst men, that art a foe to nature: and it is to late to speak any comfort in the angry gods: help than you infernal furies, help him (I say) that dedicates himself to your devotions: whose hellish rage is fit for your service: whose guilty conscience may never admit of comfort: Thou sun, disdain hereafter to shine on so cursed a creature: Cities deny to harbour him: men, abhor him: women despise him worthily, that depraved you wrongfully. Diana, grant him no shroud in the forest: Ceres, let him starve for bread: you dropping heavens, vouchsafe him no moisture: thou earth dry up all thy wellsprings where he shall come, yea let mine eyes, be deprived of their light: let my tongue, show no use but bemoan mine own wretchedness, let my heart, be the seat of infernal sorrow: let my soul with endless anguish of his conscience, become his own tormenter.   

The second Chapter.  
Brusanus leaveth Moderna for dead, he bereaveth himself of humane society, Eriphila findeth Moderna, reviveth her and healeth her, Moderna changeth her name to Calinda, a general just proclaimed for the young princess Valeria, Antipholus brother to Moderna prepareth himself to that just.  
IN this and such like manner, did Brusanus tender his complaints, whose dolorous passions might have been pleaded in full acquaintance of all forepassed trespasses, had envy itself followed the action, and rigour occupied the place of justice: In this desperate mood, and (as it were) more than half bereaved of his senses, he left Moderna for dead, betaking himself for ever to live in this solitary desert, despising humane society: accompanied only with the beasts and birds of the forest: delighting himself in nought, but in sour discourses: his muse affording nothing, but lamentable lays: and leaving him here to speak of other matters: You must understand that more than three years before passed, Belizarius king of Calipha was deceased leaving to inherit his kingdom, his only daughter Valeria, being than not above thirteen years of age, in whom nature had strived to bestow her bravest perfections, and virtue no less vouchsafed to furnish forth with precedents: This young Princess, the king at the tune of his death, committed to the government of the queen his wife and mother to Valeria, called by the name of Eriphila, a lady a great deal more virtuous than fortunate: for not long after the death of the king, she married again with Brianto duke of Doletta, a man of great ambition, practised in all mischief and most shameless in his demeanours: It fortuned at this very instant that this young Princes, accompanied with the queen her mother, with Brianto the duke & many other nobles, had been a huntting in this forest: their sports being ended, as they were travellinge homewards towards the City Sara: they found Moderna lying by the side of the way, dead as they supposed, and some of them alighting from their horses finding her to be wounded, and perceiving it to be newly done, one laying his hand on her breast to feel if she had been cold, he might perceive her heart softly to beat, being then assured that there was life remaining in her, craved the help of the Ladies to revive her, who having in their companies men well experimented both in Physic and Chirurgery, they recovered life in her again, though not able to make them understand the manner of her misfortune, the queen Eriphila caused her to be brought into her own cotche, and coming to the court where she had a most precious balm, dressing her with her own hands, within few days she was perfectly hole of her hurt, though not altogether eased at the heart, not knowing what was become of her dearest friend Brusanus: neither durst she inquire after him, and the rather to keep herself unknown, she changed her name, from Moderna to Calinda, the which name for the time, myself will likewise use: Calinda thus remaining in the court, attendant of the queen Eriphila, rested herself in this hope, that in time, she might either hear of Brusanus, or Brusanus should hear of her: The young Princess Valeria being now between 16. and 17. years of age, was wooed by many great Kings and Princes, but all of them still cunningly delayed of by this duke Brianto, who being married to the queen, mother to Valeria, and therefore chosen protector and governor of the kingdom of Calipha, till the Princess should be married, pretended so much as in him lay, both to keep her from marriage, and to put her by the kingdom, which being foreseen by others of the nobility, they so wrought in the matter, that a day was appointed of a general just, wherein that Prince that could most valiantly demean himself, should have for his prize, the young Princess Valeria, & she for her dowry the kingdom of Calipha.  
By this time Antipholus the Prince of Illeria, who had undertaken the pursuit of Brusanus and his sister Moderna, was come into the borders of Calipha, who understanding what preparation was made by so many gallant Princes, he determined with himself to try his valour amongst them, the which he intended, rather for his own exercise, then for any desire he had to the prize, having as yet never seen the Princess: he therefore speedily repairing to the City of Sara, provided himself of all things best beseeming his honour.   

The third Chapter.  
How Antipholus demeaned himself in the just, he winneth the Princess, who most willingly surrendereth herself, he leaveth her for a season, following his pursuit of Brusanus to Constantinople.  
IT would ask his here a very long time, if I should discourse at large of every particular: as first to signify the several Princes, accompanied with such troops of armed Knights, that it seemed the mighty host of Alexander, when he took in hand the conquest of the world: then the riches and bravery of their fortunes, with their strange and acquaint devices: the numbers both of lords and ladies that came from diverse far and strange countries, but to look on, and behold the manner of these enterprises: the beauty and bravery of the ladies and gentlewomen, amongst whom Valeria showed no less majesty, than the moon in perfect clearness, amongst the dimmest stars, and it were overlong, and nothing to my purpose, to set down every man's particular actions, to describe how many spears were crushed, how many hardy knights were borne to the ground, both man and horse, and how many wonderful exploits of chivalry was that day performed: sufficeth this, that Antipholus entering the lists amongst the rest, and casting up his eyes to the scaffold where the Princess Valeria sat accompanied with many other ladies, he was greatly abashed to see her beauty, which he judged to be more heavenly or aungelicall, then humane or earthly: this sudden aspects, had as suddenly kindled such a flame in his breast, that I can deem no less, but it both fortified his strength and courage, for Antipholus so demeined himself against all comers, that as many as did behold him, both wondered at his valour, and praised his virtue, and thus he continued from the first to the very last, the heralds with the hole company of lookers on, adjudged him the most worthy of all the rest, yet was there no man that knew what he might be, but they all concluded that if his birth & calling, were answerable to his valiance & prowess, that there could not be wished a more honourable match for the Princess. Valeria herself beating into her head the remembrance of his noble acts, and hearing the opinion of the standers by▪ was desirous both to see and know him, that had now so great an interest in her: Antipholus again, making haste to challenge his dew, came before the Princess, where unlacing and putting of his helmet, he kneeled down humbly kissing her hands, proffering his further service in any thing wherein it pleased her to employ him: and having now made himself known to the hole presence, he further added thus much to Valeria: and although (excellent Princess) I must confess mine own merit to be nothing, in comparison of so great a benefit, which I hope to attain unto, rather by the virtue of a gracious consent, then otherwise by any thing of mine own desert: yet being encouraged by your own conditions openly proclaimed at the beginning of the Iustes: and being entitled by the general award of the judges and heralds appointed for the purpose: I am now accordingly to challenge that prize, of greater estimation (in mine own conceit) then if the signory of the whole world had happened unto me: This Princess Valeria understanding him now to be so great a Prince, and although love had already made entry in the most secret part of her heart, by the view of his knighthood, so now the same breach being made wider by the second assault of his beautiful looks: love entered with banner openly displayed, & finding no resistance, took possession wholly of her heart, swearing all her affections, to be his true prisoners, she being now wholly surprised with an encounter of love and bashfulness, mildly made him answer in these few words: Worthy Prince Antipholus, as I am not to resist the ordinance of my friends that he most careful for me, so I must not gain say those conditious whereunto I have voluntarily tied myself, by public proclamation, neither do I think it fit for mine honour, to make show of squemishnes to a Prince of such excellent virtue, when the whole multitude are (as it were) eye witnesses, of so great magnanimity and prowess, you may therefore (noble Prince) account of Valeria as your proper right, and Valeria here voweth to Antipholus, faith, love and loyalty: The Queen Eriphila accompanied with the nobility of Calypha, came with cheerful countenance to entertain Antipholus, thanking the heavenly powers altogether, that had vouchsafed so great good fortune to their young Princess, Thus were they all filled with exceeding joy, Bryanto only excepted, who seeing his devices would no longer serve, to shift Valeria from marriage, was now debating with himself what course he might take to bring her to her end, the which he thought to be the ready way for the accomplishment of the rest of his purpose: and lo, opportunity seemed ready to further his intent: for Antipholus (as you have hard before) had undertaken this travel to find out Brusanus and his sister Moderna, and having yet got no intelligence of them, he would needs prosecute his journey to Constantynople, where if he could hear no other news, he would then make his return, when with a more quiet conscience, and a better settled mind, he might perform their marriage rights, to both their contentations: in the mean time he committed his dearest Lady to the custody of her mother, protesting, that in what coast or country so ever he should happen into, that his heart should remain dedicated to her divine beauty and virtue, and so commending her health to the Gods, he thus took his leave.   

The fourth Chaprer.  
Bryanto falleth in love with Calynda, she bewrayeth it to Eriphila, how he is deluded by them both, and of other his ungracious and villianous intents.  
Bryanto had now leisure to cast about, and debating with himself of many wholesome attempts, in the end he honestly resolved with all speed to practise the death, both of the Queen his wife, and of the Princess her daughter, by the death of the Princess he hoped to compass the crown, and by the death of the Queen, he should set himself at liberty to take an new wife. For Calynda remaining in the court (as you have hard) attendant on the Queen: although she had so cunningly counterfieted her state, that she was not known what she was, yet she could not hide the perfection of her beauty, but she had so entangled Bryanto the Duke, that he had many times assayed to practise her to his beastly appetite, to the which because she refused to consent (led by the rage of his inordinate lust) he determined to rid away his wife, to that end to marry her. For the performance of these premises, he took this course: he appointed a day to ride into the forest a hunting, pretending great sport, and done only to show the young Princess some pleasure, finding her so dampish for the departure of Antipholus? for this purpose he had well fed a couple of ruffians of his own training up, the one he appointed to ride before the young Princess Valeria, the other should likewise be attendant till opportunity served: it was agreed that these two in the midst of their sports, and when they were most busied in following the chase, should suddenly slip into some by way with the Princess, and helping themselves by the benefit of the coverts, when they had her alone from the rest of the company, without any remorse, they should dispatch her of her life, then bestowing the body in some secret place that it might never more be found, they should both of them fly into some other country, where besides the reward which the duke for this purpose had already bestowed upon them, he promised still from time to time secretly to relieve them with greater sums. This determination thus set down, in this meantime Calynda had made the Queen Eriphila privy to the whole demeanour of the amorous Duke her husband: fearing▪ that he should have attempted her by some extraordinary mean of force: The Queen nothing doubting of the tale, would needs entreat Calynda the next night to appoint the Duke to her lodging, where she herself would both supply her place, and abite all other adventures what so ever should befall, and with much ado she won her to grant to it: Calynda the next day accordingly, finding opportunity, she told the Duke, that yet in the end, she was moved with compassion of his long suit, and that if it pleased him the same night to repair to her chamber at a convenient time, he should 〈…〉 it no great matter to open the door, desiring his grace yet to use great circumspection, although not for her cause, yet for his honour: Bryanto, hearing this heavenly harmony, thought himself already to be a sure possessor of his desires, and kissing her hands, vowing many protested services, he left her for the present, to whom the rest of the day seemed tedious, but night being once approached, according to his instructions, accompanied only with a Gentleman of his chamber, called by the name of Lucius, whom the Duke made still acquainted with all his ungracious actions, and many times used his help as a broker in the like enterprises, and groping thus together through many dark rooms, they happened in the end to the chamber of Calynda, where pushing easily at the door, and finding it open according to promise, the Duke entered, leaving Lucius to attend his coming out, assoon as he was gotten into the chamber he went to the bed, where leaping in on that side, which (indeed) was left of purpose for him, and having his spirits altogether blinded with this sweet imagination of embracing his desired Calynda, in whose place (as before it was covenanted) he found Eriphila, the queen his wife: who with a determinate patience had taken upon her for that night to abide all accidents intended to Calynda: But the Duke passing forth the night more happy in contemplating this action, remembering himself that the same morning was the appointed time of his going a hunting, and minding not to let slip a matter, which he imagined would fall out to so good an issue, intending therefore to take his leave, and thinking now that he had her so fully at commandment, that he might trust her with all his secrets, at the time of his departing he told her that in requital of her courtesy, he meant not only to make her his married wife, but very shortly to crown her Queen of Calypha, in the acomplishment whereof, he must use her as a witness against his wife, whom he meant very speedily to accuse of adultery, when her witness, with one other (of whom he was already provided) would be a sufficient testimony (according to their laws) to condemn her to be burnt, assuring her further if this should fail, rather than he would be longer cumberd, with her whom he did so inwardly detest, himself would give her poison, or otherwise with his own hands, he would make some riddance of her: The poor Lady hearing the doom of her own destruction, in this manner intended by her husband, you may immagin, was in a piteous plight, but fearing to bewray herself, with a faint voice, she gave consent to accomplish his desires: The Duke thus taking his leave, departed not with so great joy, but he left her perplexed with a great deal of more grief   

The fifth Chaptper.  
Valeria in the forest is distessed by two villianes, was rescued by Brusanus, he conveyeth her to a place of safety.  
IN the morning, who was so early up & ready as the princess Valeria, she was calling to horse before a great many were out of their beds, full little knew she what was practised towards her, the Queen her mother excused herself from riding that day, feigning to be ill at ease, for she underanstding what the duke pretended towards her, thought it not good to let slip any opportunity that might befall her to prevent his practice: but minding the same day, while they were gone a hunting, to fly into Boetia to the king (who was her brother) for the safety of her life: but let us follow the hunters that by this time were in the forest: you know what game the duke hunted after, unhappy man, after an innocent lady's life: but the hunts men roused a greater stag, the hounds were uncupled, the duke himself was one of the first in the chase, the rest followed, they all tended their sport, my two forespoken companions watched their time, and hitting on a way that lay through a mighty covert of trees, he that had the Princess behind him, turned into that way, the other was hard at his heels, the poor lady seeing one followed so fast, misdoubted nothing, on they rid, till at the last they were clean out of hearing of the hounds, and had likewise lost all the rest of their company, when one of the varlets speaking to her said: Madam, which of us twains would yourself now make choice on to take the first fruits of your good will, your friend Antipholus is gone to Constantinople to seek adventures, and I see no reason but you might likewise adventure of a friend, that you yourself may well like off, when he hath so little care so lightly to leave you: The Princess amazed to hear this saucy demand, answered: Presumteous villain, how darest thou account to make such an offer unto me, dost thou think I will digest so notable an injury, no assure thyself I will be revenged to the uttermost of thy villainy: Alas madame (quoth the other) and are you so ready to seek revenge for demanding of a question, when he hath but honestly sought to persuade that by courtesy, the which if it pleased him or me, we may both constrain by cruelty, but content yourself, and answer more directly, consent you must, and yield you shall, here are no flocks of friends to defend you, and if you knew your own case, you would be glad both to curry favour, and to speak fair. The poor lady looking better about her, and perceiving herself to be singled out from the rest of her company, and finding by their presumptuous speeches that she was betrayed, replied thus: Alas, the only limits of your request, is my destruction, and your detestable demand, more odious unto me then death: but if my case be so hard as you do persuade, I beseech you both to determine of my death to the saving of mine honour: Well madame (answered the other of the villains) some thing to satisfy your desire (having the law in our own hands) we will first serve our own appetites, then after we will not stick to rid you of your life, to the end you shall not longer live to languish in grief: This said, they turned out of the way into a mighty thicket of bushes, as covertly shrouded with high and mighty trees, and the Princess dreading bad measure, began in piteous manner to cry out for help, but alas in a place so unfrequented, that there was no mortal creature to resound an Echo to her exclamations, the which the villains knowing well, took her down from her horse: and forcibly casting her against the ground, began violently to assault her chastity, she still defending herself so much as her feeble force would permit her, and even at that instant, when she was deprived of all other resistance, Brusanus, who lying in that desert in such desperate passion (as before you have hard) fortuned to come by, and hearing the pitiful shrieks of a woman, made to the place from whence he heard the voice, and perceiving the distressed Princess, he opposed himself in her defence, & at the very first encounter, he slew the one of those wretches, the other not able to make longer resistance, fell down of his knees offering himself to the mercy of Brusanus, who first disfurnishing him of his weapon, willed him to recount unto him what gentlewoman that same might be, and what his fellow and he meant in such villainous manner to attempt her, he answered thus: Noble gentleman (for your valiant demeanour undoubtedly persuadeth me of your title) for the lady, I will leave it to her own confession to manifest what she is, for my fellow who by your valiance lieth hear slain, his name is Eurestus, myself called Vago, both of us trained up from our infancy, in the court of Brianto duke of Doletta, protector and governor hear in this kingdom of Calipha: and both of us feed by him to have murdered this lady: and for our better opportunity (it was likewise by himself devised) that in the time of hunting here in this forest we should take occasion to perform our enterprise, the which (after we had both satisfied our ungracious appetites) had you not come thus to the rescues, we had undoubtedly accomplished: Thus sir I have briefly showed, we should have been the ministers (though not the authors) of an innocent lady's death, but that it hath pleased God (by your good help) thus miraculously to preserve her, no doubt to a better purpose: Vago having thus ended his tale, Brusanus, not yet knowing whom he had rescued, curtiously demanded of her what she was: the Princess drying her dropping eyes, and prostrating herself humbly at his feet, she said: Touching your demand, know sir, I am by birth a Princess (though as you see unfortunate) and more unfortunate (by the speeches of this traitor) then before I was a ware off, in that he seeketh to practise my death, in whom I reposed the greatest safety of my life: But woe, yea endless woe befall that ungrateful trattor▪ Brusanus, by whose villainy I am brought to this misery, and whose only treachery is the cause of my mishap but alas sir, what thanks may I now render to recompense your courtesy, or how shall I be able to reward this your his desert: Brusanus hearing himself thus evil spoken off marveled at the matter, but in the end he said: Is it possible (madame) that this Brusanus you speak off, would so prejudice the quiet of a Princess, to give you cause thus to exclaim against him: Valeria here discoursing at large with Brusanus, made himself understand, that she was the daughter and heir to Belizarius, the late king of Calipha: how he had left her the inheritrix to the kingdom. How many Princes sought to win her love: how at a general just appointed to the same purpose, Antipholus Prince of Illeria, by his own valour and worthiness wan her from all the rest. Here she began to relate the whole circumstances of the amorous encounters that happened between Antipholus and herself: and from hence she drew the cause of her quarrel to Brusanus, for (quoth she) this mutual love being thus confirmed between us, when I desired it should longest have continued, and hoped to have settelled myself in a state of greater blessedness, even than Antipholus (to perform a certain vow before solemnized to his father) would needs undertake to travail in the pursuit of this wretched Brusanus, who not long before had traitorously conveyed his sister away from out his and her father's court: by this means am I spoiled of my greatest solace, bereaved of that rest, wherein consisteth my only delight: and by this means, yea by this only means, I am left (as you see) subject to the inconstancy of cruel fortune: Here she began again very bitterly to rage's against Brusanus, who even then overtaken with the guiltiness of his own conscience, which is evermore a severe accuser, and to the impenitent person: a most terrible judge: the very name of Antipholus was a scourg to his conscience, adding new grief to old sorrow, and wishing with himself not longer to live a despised run-agate, knowing that Antipholus sought him but for revenge, and the worst of his malice he knew could be but death, and that was the best thing that might betide him: after he had a while debated of these things to himself, he said: Madam, so far as I can gather by your words, the only thing wherein you account yourself to be unfortunate, is in the want of your beloved friend Antipholus, whose greatest cause of travel (as you say) is to seek out that wretched Brusanus, a creature (no doubt (accursed from his crable: and if this be the only fruit to your felicities, send after Antipholus, at whose return (to work your comfort and his quiet) I will deliver Brusanus into his hands, and in such a manner, as Antipholus shall have advantage enough to be revenged of any Injuries, whatsoever: in the mean time, what course it shall please you to direct me for your own self, you shall find me ready to employ my whole endeavours to do you service: After the Princess had given him infinite thanks, they fell to consulting how she might remain in some secret place for a season, in the end herself called to mind a gentleman, dwelling not far of by the side of the forest, that had been a faithful servant to her father, to his house she desired to be conveyed, but the day being far spent, they were driven for that night to lodge in the forest, with such entertainment as Brusanus had provided in a cave not very far off: the next day very early in the morning Vago was their guide to their desired place, who me Brusanus reserved of purpose to testify against the Duke: Being thus come to this gentleman's house, whose name was called Fuluius, they were both secretly and curiously entertained, where we will leave them for that night, having other matters in the mean time wherewith to acquaint you.   

The sixth Chapter.  
Eriphila pretending flight into Boetia, was intercepted, brought back to the Duke, he committeth her to prison, her death is practised by a counterfeit devise, she is brought to the place of execution  
YOu have hard before how the Queen Eriphila, to prevent all perils intended by her husband, resolved to fly into Boetia, and minding to let slip no opportunity, the Duke was no sooner gone towards the forest, but she (a great deal more privily then providently) fled from the court. It was long before the Duke returned from the forest, & the reason was, the young Princess Valeria being suddenly lost, they spent much time in seeking her, and yet returned without any news, but the Duke being come home, and having got intelligence of his wives sudden departure, wondered greatly what might be the cause of her flight, and although he could not conjecture the certainty, thought it not good to suffer her so to pass, but assuring himself which way to send after her, caused such hasty pursuit to be made, that she could by no means possibly escape, but being brought back again to the Duke, he commanded her presently to close prison: and having framed the platform of her confusion already in his head, in this manner he meant to perform it. There was a knight resident about the court called by the name of Arcadyus: a man famed through all Grece for his prowess and strength, and one that by his force and chivallry had performed so many notable exploits, that by the general opinion of all, he was thought to be so singullar, as there might not be found an other to second him: and truly had his virtue been answerable to his valour, he might well have been thought peerless, of all the knights that lived in those parts: but the want of honesty was a great stain to his honour: this Arcadyus had a daughter of most exquisite beauty and about sixteen or seventeen years of adge, called by the name of Lucina, whose looks had so allured our licentious duke (who was quickly scorched with the blaze of every beauty) and having now forgotten his promised vow to his supposed Calynda, he burned with such inward desire to this Gentlewoman Lucina, that being assuredly confirmed in the large conscience of her father, he immediately sent for him, and being men of like disposition, it was quickly concluded between them, that Arcadyus should accuse Eriphila the Queen, as accessary to the murdering of her own daughter the young Princess Valeria, and that the matter might carry the more credit, a cause was put down, what might so much enrage the Queen against her daughter, and thus it was devised: about ten years forepast in the wars holden between Astulpho king of Illeria, father to Antipholus, and Canace, king of Boeria, brother to Eriphila: Valdus (being then general of the Boetian army under his brother Canace) incountering in the plain field with Astulpho, was himself slain, his army put to flight, and the whole forces of the Boetians so enfeebled and discouraged: that Canace (to purchase a peace) was driven to surrender to the king of Illeria, the famous City of Auarra, besides other great sums of money, in satisfaction of certain demands challenged by Astulpho: Eriphila being yet gauled with these griefs: but especially desirous to revenge the death of her brother Valdus upon Antipholus, practised first with her daughter to poison him, who refusing her, for the entire love she bore to Antipholus, to whom she rather desired to be linked in marriage, then to wish him any misfortune, the least that might befall, whereat Eriphila being wonderfully discontented, and fearing her daughter should bewrae her intent, she posted over the matter to Arcadyus himself, and having first acquainted him with all former circumstances, she laboured him (so much as in her lay) both by courteous entreaties, and liberal promises, that he would undertake privily to murder the Prince Antipholus: but he loathing so detestable an enterprise, both utterly refused it, and with all duty and faithfulness, willed the queen to desist the farther attempt of such audible practices, so much unbeseeming a lady of her estate: but her choler so much the more kindled, and the rather for that she was prevented from farther attempts, by reason Antipholus so suddenly departed on his pretended journey: she therefore turned the fury of her revenge (contrary to nature) against her own daughter: and thinking to prevent Antipholus, of his greatest felicity, which he especially accounted to be in the love of Valeria, and minding to revenge her conceived displeasure against her daughter, for denying to poison Antipholus, and for the accomplishment of altogether, having found a couple of companions fit for her purpose, the stratagem (of her own devising) was accordingly performed while they were hunting in the forest, where the innocent princess (by the appointment of her unnatural mother) was crevelly murdered, and the actors fled into Boetia, where the queen herself intended to have met them, seeking her safety by hasty flight, fearing that her devilish devices should have broken out: This accusation thus cleanly coined between them, the duke intended the very next day to make riddance of his wife, and the rather for the desire he had to his new bride, which was a persell of the covenants agreed on between the duke and Arcadyus, that Lucina should be a duchess at the least, but they rested in hope to crown her a queen: The next day very early in the morning, the duke craving the assistance of diverse noble men (such as he knew to be nearest addicted to his own disposition) consulting with them of many causes touching the state, then making semblance of great sorrow, for the loss of the princess Valeria, and the rather when they knew not what account they might render to the world, what should become of her, yet seeming to carry a hope of her recovery, being fully persuaded in his mind, that she was but strayed out of the way, having lost themselves in the forest, and did therefore think it very convenient to send out great search into every quarter, to see it they could find her either alive or dead. While these causes were in discoursing, Arcadyus presenting himself before them, craving their patience in hearing a matter of such remorse, as to reveal was grievous unto him, because it touched such persons as he had ever highly reverenced, and to conceal it, he durst not, for that it would prove a scourg to his own conscience: he was willed briefly to deliver his doubt, & if he were by any means wronged, they were there ready to render him right: Arcadyus here (as before it was devised between the duke and him) accused Eriphila with the murdering of her own daughter, the manner whereof, because it is before specified, I may therefore here omit, but the circumstances were not between them so cunningly counterfeited, but the matter by Arcadyus was as artificially avowed, and although the discourse were smoothed to the purpose, yet there was nothing so much confirmed his tale to be true, as the queens own flight, in that she sought so privily to steal away, & no man could imagine any cause wherefore: But the duke having given attentive ear to the whole speeches of Arcadyus, seemed to the beholders to be wonderfully troubled in his mind, & breathing forth a piteous sigh, as if his very soul had been passionate with anguish and grief he said. Arcadyus, dost thou know what thou hast said, and whom thou hast accused, assure thyself, if thou art not able sufficiently to prove as much as thou hast here presented, that besides the asperity and rigour of the laws in these causes provided, there is neither torture, nor any torment that may be devised, but they shall fall all to thyshare: I crave no favour (answered Arcadyus) and I am here ready (according to the laws) to maintain my right by way of combat, against any man that dare avow the contrary: I take thy word (answered the duke) and for that it shall not be said I will smother up a matter so hateful to all ears, for any love or favour to the perverting of justice, I do here award (though with a sorrowful spirit) that to morrow by ten of the clock in the morning Eriphila (whom till this hour I have so tenderly loved) shall without all remorse be burned, as a most unnatural woman that would conspire the death of her own child, and if by that hour (in her defence) she be not provided of a champion, who by trial of battle shall acquit her of all accusations wherewith thou hast here charged her. The ordinance of the duke being thus set down, Arcadyus (who altogether presumed of his own strengeth) although he thought no man so hardy to encounter him, yet he provided himself against the time: the duke on the other side, thinking his pain now altogether past, was devising of his marriage day, imagining himself already to be a widower, and indeed, by general opinion, they all accounted the queen to be but as a dead woman, in these cogitations the time runs on, and the next morning, without the walls of the City on a very fair green, was the place appointed for the execution, the clock struck 9, & there was no man hard off that durst appose himself in the queen's defence, she was led forth to the place where she should suffer: who with piteous sighs & sobs, bewrayed the inward sorrow of her heart, which moved great compassion to all beholders: Arcadius was ready in the place (bravely mounted, and strongly armed) to maintain his accusation, the Lady assuring herself that her death was there determined, was not so much terrified with the torture, as the slander, but knowing no better mean then with patience to suffer, humbly falling on her knees and holding up her hands, she besought the heavens to receive her guiltless soul, and although her body should be consumed by the fury of the fire, that the flames might yet descry the Innocency of her cause: the lookers on letting fall abundance of tears, to see this pitiful spectacle, although they knew not what judgement to settle touching her accusation, yet they all lamented her misfortune concerning her condemnation: It was now a good half hour after nine of the clock, when Arcadius speaking to the executioners said: What is the matter (my friends) that you make so long delay, spending the time in vain, what do you think their is any man so fool hardy that dare enter the lists with me in this quarrel: if you know any such or if that be your stay, let him come forth, and you shall see I will soon make him repent his presumption, when it shall be to late for him to confess his foolish enterprise.   

The seventh Chapter.  
Brusanus rescueth Eriphila by combat, Arcadius confesseth their conspiricy, cleareth Eriphila and dieth.  
AFter Eriphila had made her hearty prayers unto God she was brought to the stake, when the last act to finish up the tragedy was to put fire to the fuel, but God who never forsaketh Innocents' in their necessity, vouchsafed speedy help, for this lady now standing (as it were) equally betwixt life and death (though neither fearing the one nor hoping the other) is yet comforted contrary to all expectation: for a servant belonging to Fuluius having been in the City, and learned all the news: returned directly to his master, relating unto him how it stood with the queen, who the next day was to be executed, for conspiring the death of the young Princess her daughter: when Fuluius had certified these news to Brusanus and Valeria, after they had a while paused on the matter, and had advisedly considered of the treachery of the Duke. Brusanus would needs undertake the combat in the behalf of the queen, and being furnished by Fuluius both of horse, armour, and all other necessaries fit for such an enterprise, at this very instant when the executioners were ready to put fire to the fuel, Brusanus presenting himself before the principal officers said: Is it possible (worthy gentlemen) that a poor innocent lady should thus be condemned to die before she hath been personally brought to arraignment, not being suffered to answer for herself, but upon the bare assertion of a knight, if never before detected, yet in this case, necessarily to be suspected: or do you not think that the Duke her husband, who upon small causes became her jailer, will not upon less occasion become her murderer: but he maketh justice the cloak of tyranny, and shall that blear your eyes not to see his subtlety: The whole company wondered at the bold speeches of this strange knight, but as there was not any man there that could imagine what he should be, so not one amongst them all would give him any one word to answer: Arcadius standing by, said as followeth: Why who art thou, or what art thou called, that wanting courage to perform as a knight, art thus come hither to persuade with words like a coward, dost thou think thy Philosophy enough to incunter the point of my sword: thou hast been to ill advised in meddling with this matter, that can warrant thee no better than thine own destruction: Brusanus advisedly noting these presumptuous speeches answered: Touching thy demand, who I am, or what I am called, I list not in that point to make thee any answer, yet thus much to satisfy thy desire, assure thyself I am a knight (no coward) and am come hither to abate thy pride and to chastise thy presumption, that contrary to the order of knighthood, thou hast dared to charge an Innocent Princess with so false & untrue an accusation: and that thou mightest the rather perceive, I am not come hither to persuade more by words, than I mind fully to perform in deeds, I am here ready in the behalf of the queen, by way of combat to make trial against thee that thou hast most falsely and shamefully slandered her. Why then (quoth Arcadius) to the end that I may with the more speed minister correction to thy folly, let us delay no longer time with words, but prepare thyself to the battle, for it seemeth unto me, every minit to be a month, until I have taken a full revenge of this thy witless enterprise: Without any more words had between them, they separate themselves to take their course, then spurring their steeds with a mighty Career, they encounter she one of them against the others spears so directly leveled, and therewithal, so strongly charged, that they were both shivered into small pieces, the beholders wondered at the force of the strange knight, but Arcadius himself was much more amazed, who never before that time hade felt the like encounter, and being now in a pelting chafe, with his drawn sword, he turned to Brusanus, who in like manner was as ready to receive him, the battle than began so fiercely between them, that in very short space they made evident proof of their courage and manhood, the valiant knights malissing each at others welfare, finding their armours so good that no sword would enter, were both of them made so angry, that they laid so much the faster about them: the fight continued a long time so indifferent, that the beholders were not able to judge which party had the better: in the end Arcadius began to rate with himself, thinking that his wont force had left him, because in his whole life time until that present day, he had never met with any man that was able to endure half so long against him: Brusanus again, knowing his quarrel to be Just, and therefore not offensive to God, thought himself dishonoured that a perjured knight should stand so long before him: both of them thus blowing the coals of their anger, which were already set on a fire, the fray began again between them more eager than ever it had been before: so that the whole multitude were filled with great admiration, to see such extraordinary prowess between the two knights, but Brusanus comforting himself with the equity of his cause, discharged so mighty a blow at the head of Arcadius, that notwithstanding his helmet was forged of so fine steel that no sword might pierce it, yet the weight of the stroke was such, that it brought Arcadius into such amazement that he tumbled from his horse, and fell down dend to the ground, where at the beholders altogether gave a great shout thinking him assuredly to be slain: you may imagine this was a comfortable sight to the queen, of whose safety there was so little hope, that they left her still standing bound fast to the stake: but Brusanus alighting from his horse, paced easily towards Arcadius, and seeing him lying in such an ecstasy, thought it would have been to great a disparagement to his honour, to have stricken a knight lying in his case: walking therefore some few turns, Arcadius in the mean time recovering again his senses, suddenly start up, and grasping his sword in both his hands, smote Brusanus behind him, such a blow upon the head, that his legs began to yield under his body, and much ado he had to recover himself from falling: here began again a more fierce and terrible encounter on foot, than all that had passed before on horseback: but Brusanus determining to make a short dispatch, heaped such blows upon Arcadius, that he unrevited his right poulderne, so that his whole shoulder lay all disarmed, and Brusanus marking the advantage struck him so mighty a blow, that he gave him there a mortal wound, wherewith Arcadius let fall his sword to the ground, not longer able to make resistance: Brusanus likewise staying his hand, said unto him: Sir knight, the noble courage that I have found to be in thee, maketh me to pity thy case, have now compassion of thyself, and hazard not the perdition both of thy body and soul, by dying in a wrong cause, restore the lady again to that reputation, wherein thou hast so injuriously slandered her, and live: What (qd. Arcadius') dost thou think, though fortune hath favoured thee in attaining the battle that my courage doth fail me, in persisting to the uttermost what I have undertaken, no, I both de●●e thee and that compassion, wherewith (as thou sayest) thou art moved towards me, follow thy advantage which opportunity hath offered thee, fortune may assist thee to glory in my death, but in the conquest of my mind, thou shalt never have cause to triumph: Brusanus finding him in this desperate resolution, said unto him: Unhappy man, although thou have no greater regard to thine own salvation, yet God defend that I should be the instrument of thy everlasting perdition, neither is it my custom to oppress him that is unresistible, and although thou deniest to confess thy shameful impositions wherewith thou hast slandered the Queen, yet assure thyself I have other sufficient means to make the matter so evident, as all the world shall witness of thy treachery, and that to thy greater shame: for the rest I leave it between God and thine own conscience, beseeching the heavens thou mayest yet live to repent, for any other harm, I wish thee none at all: Arcadius, noting the virtue of this stranger knight, after he had a little deliberated with himself, was stroke into a sudden remorse of his own conscience, and having lost the greatest part of his blood by the largnes of his wound, feeling himself now to begin to faint, he called for the principal magistrates and officers there present, before whom he confessed the whole conspiracy between the Duke and himself, fully aquiting the Queen of all former suppositions, and he had not scarce finished his speeches, but his breath vanished into the air and left his body senseless.   

The eight Chapter.  
Eriphila is restored: the young Princess Valeria presented to the magistrates, Brianto murdereth himself, Antipholus, is returned.  
Upon this confession they presently enlarged the queen, ioyfuly restoring her to her former honour, and waiting upon her withal dutiful attendance, the multitude gave hearty thanks unto god that had thus safely delivered their good queen, who had ever demeaned herself most graciously to all subjects: here they began with general exclamation so accuse the duke in sundry points of tyranny: Brusanus, finding so fit opportunity, gentle requested the whole company a little while to stay, for that he had a matter of great importance wherewith to acquaint them, by this time they might see a small company came riding towards them, as they drew near they might perceive a gentleman who road all before the rest, with a gentlewoman behind him, the man they knew to be Fuluius, of the woman they could have no witting, for that her face was covered with a scarf: then might they see an other who was bound as a prisoner, and surely guarded with armed men, whom they knew to be Vagoe, being altogether thus come to the whole press, Brusanus humbly kissing his hand, took down the gentlewoman, and leading her by the hand before the magistrates he said: Behold I delever here amongst you, your young princess, of whose safety I would wish you should have a greater regard than hitherto you have had, for the rest of her adventure, and what fortune hath betaine her, I leave to her own report: discovering then her face by taking away the vayll, the whole assembly knew her assuredly to be their princess Valeria: here began again a greater admiration than any what so ever had hitherto happened: but Valeria briefly related unto them, the manner how she was conveyed from the rest of her company as they were hunting in the forest, the villainy that was offered unto her by Vago and his fellow Frestus, and how she was miraculously delivered by this stranger knight Aristo (for Brusanus not otherwise willing to be known, so named himself) Vago confirmed these premises to be true, confessing further how the duke had hired both him and his fellow to murder the princess, and how that days pleasure of hunting was appointed to no other purpose, but for their opportunity to perform that enterprise, these matters being thus manifested, the magistrates presently appointed a guard as well in the defence of the princess, as also of the queen her mother, and certain noblemen were chosen to hold the government in the behalf of the princess, until the return of Antipholus from Constantinople: The duke by espials having got intelligence of all these premises, and finding himself to be frunted in all his enterprises, and that his whole conspiracies were thus broken out, being private in his chamber only accompanied with Lucius, the man that was most trusted with all his ungracious practices, burst out into these speeches and said. O caitiff most accursed, hath thy fortune concluded with this consequence, is this the fruits of thy long premeditated practice, hast thou laid a plot for thy advancement to honour, and is it broken out to thy eternal shame and infamy, o what else what better couldst thou look for, hath not thy practices been abominable, thy enterprises detestable, thy endeavours hateful, and the whole course of thy life filthy and audible, o that the bowels of the earth would now open and devour my treasons, my conspiracies, and other my shameless deameanures, together with this detestable body, that the world might be purged of this filthy infection, and the remembrance of both might die to all posterity, but what standest thou upon these points, thou art now to sit upon thyself as judge, and against thyself to pronounce judgement, despair then wretch in thine own wickedness, and let a desperate death finish that cursed life that was so prone to mischief, and so ready to persist in all devilesh wickedness: without any further speeches he sudainelye struck himself through the body with his own dagger, where with Lucius crying for help, many came rushing into the chamber, where the Duke lay weltering in his own blood, so that in very short space his life vanished, and left his body breathless, the rumour of the duke's death was subainly spread through the city, and officers were immediately sent to examine the circumstances, who to find out the better certainty appehended Lucius, whom after they had many ways opposed, he voluntaryly confessed, that the only cause why the duke had so practised the death of the queen his wife, was for the love he bore to Calynda, who being many times lovingly solicited by the duke, in the end an nights meeting was agreed on between them, when they both confirmed their amorous desires, and likewise concluded the death of the queen, Calynda hoping to succeed for a second bride to the duke: upon thy confession they attached Calynda, committing her to close prison, assuring her no better favour, than the aspirity of the laws would allot her: Brusanus being still resident in the city, refused sundry rich presents, liberal offers, and honourable courtesies, presented unto him aswell by the young princess as by the queen her mother, & languishing now in grief, with the memory of his former fortunes, he knew no better mean to make satisfaction to Moderna, then to suffer himself to be sacrificed by the hands of her brother Antipholus, whom he knew had pursued him but to that end to be revenged, resting therefore in this resolution, not otherwise known then by the name of Aristo: it was not long but Antipholus returned, who was received into the city with great honour and triumph, but what joy was made by the princess Valeria, I dare not undertake to decipher, and you may well think it was much.   

The ninth Chapter.  
Brusanus and Antipholus are brought to meet in a gardin, the manner of their encounter, Valeria: pacifieth Antipholus, he protesteth friendship to Brusanus.  
SOme few days overpassed thus in pleasure, in which mean space Antipholus was made acquainted with every stratagem practised both against the princess and her mother, although the narrow escape (especially of his most dearest beloved) gave him great cause to rejoice, yet failing of that revenge he intended to Brusanus, his mirth was something mitigated, with this gall of discontentment: which being espied by Valeria, whose eyes were still watchful over her beloved, by an east intercesion, he confessed unto her the cause of his grief: Valeria calling to mind the promise Aristo had before made unto her in the forest, comforted Antipholes, assuring him within very short space, so to deliver Brusanus into his hands, as at his own discretion he might minister such punishment as to himself might seem sufficient, & although Antipholus, witted not what means Valeria, had to effect such a matter, so much by himself desired, yet he rested something satisfied, hoping she would bring it to pass according as she had promised: Valeria minding to lose no time, sent immediately to Aristo to challenge his promise in the premises: Aristo then settled in opinion as before you have heard: returned this answer, that notwithstanding he must confess Brusanus to be a most infortunate creature, yet he likewise knew him to be a prince, and therefore consideration was to be had, and that for divers respects not to betray him openly: but if he might be brought privily to speak with Antipholus, in some secret place between themselves, he would not then refuse so to satisfy Antipholus in his desires, as it should well appear that Aristo had well discharged the office of a friend, although not to Brusanus, yet to Valeria: the greatest matter that was now to be cared for, was how to bring Antipholus and Aristo into some place secretly to confer, which was not long in performing, for the very next morning Valeria caused Aristo to be privily conveyed through her own palace into a most delicate orchard, very large and spacyous, and shadowed thick with trees: here his conductor left him all alone, and accordingly as Valeria had commanded him presently in like manner to fetch Antipholus: Aristo now being alone by himself and there with all utterly disfurnished of weapon, the which he purposedly had left behind him, and thinking now to find an end of all his misfortunes, he entered into these spéches. O Moderna, behold thy sorrowful Brusanus, who disdaining here his loathsome life, hastes on his fatal hour to view thy heavenly face: and if any auncieut love be left to consider of thy unfortunate friend, accept of his oblation who offereth for his miss no less than the price of his 〈…〉: behold I say his griefs, who see daily tears are witnesses of his woes: and although till this time I have prolonged my loathed life, yet in my thoughts, I every day have died▪ but sigh the destimes have now agreed to free me from fortunes further despite, and that my happy hour is thus concluded by the sates, grant me now that my deceased ghost may have access unto thy heavenly presence, and that my sorrowing soul may for ever attend thee in the Elysian fields: By this time Antipholus was come into the garden and walking by himself alone to find out he wist not whom, he espied Brusanus, and being as quickly enraged with 〈…〉 as he did as suddenly know him, he hastily drew out his sword, & running towards him, he said: Traitor & villain that thou art, could thy love towards my sister make thee disloyal towards her father, injurious to me her brother, and both false & faithless to thy dear friend Dorestus, or couldst thou imagine thy villainy would escape unpunished, or didst thou think the whole circuit of the earth could have harboured thee in safety: but tell me speedily what haste thou done with my sister, or where hast thou left her, Brusanus answered thus: Where thou termest me to be a traitor or a villain, thou knowest thou dost me wrong, touching my misdemeanure towards thy father, thyself, or my friend, I will not seek to excuse, for that I should not dissuade for the punishment wherewith thou threatenest me now in such displeasure: Alas, it is the thing that I then least feared, or now stand in doubt off, but where thou inquyrest what is become of thy sister, that question is it that stingeth my very conscience, but know thou, she is dead, and yet to excuse her death by love, were to excuse love of murder, but if the loss of my own life might have renewed Moderna, mine own hands should have hastened my death, your weapon should never hazard it: if therefore my blood may wash away the dishonour, spare it not, prosecute what thou hast so long time sought for, never take pity of him that takes none at all for himself, for there was never life for better cause yet bestowed: Truly (quoth Antipholus) thou dost well to hate thyself for thou canst not hate a more cursed creature, but wretch thy Lady shall not long be cumbered with so vile a soul: here withal he lift up his arm thinking to have sheathed his sword in the body of Brusanus, who offered his naked breast to be pierced by his threatening weapon, but Valeria that was come into the orchard, and came thither of purpose but to acquaint Antipholus with the party to whom both herself and her mother had been so much beholding, and being at this instant hard at the heels of Antipholus, hearing his last pronounced words, and seeing the weapon menaced, against him that had so valiantly defended her, she hastily caught hold on his arm, then falling down before him on her knees she said: O Antipholus, by the honour of the noble name thou bearest, by that inviolate magnanimity that is in thee, by that constant promiss thou hast kept towards me, stay thy hand (I beseech thee from practising so horrible impiety, but if thy choler be such as thou wilt not desist, execute then thy cruelty upon mine own person, who hath unwitingly betrayed this harmless Gentleman, let me (I say) by whom the first error sprung, make this action tragical by my proper fall, for God defend that Valetia should ever live that day, to see his blood spilled, who hath preserved me from so many periles: Antipholus taking her up by the hand said, do you know Valeria for whom you plead, this is Brusanus, the only man I hate, against whom I have protested to be a mortal foe: and this (said Valiria) is Aristo, that very man who saved me from ravishment, preserned me from being murdered, delivered my mother from shameful death, all this he performed by his valour and prows: but if this be Brusanus as you say, could you glory in the fall of so noble a Prince, O my Lord Antipholus consider from what occasion this deadly quarrel hath his limmites, he hath stolen away your sister from your father's court, was it think you in contempt of your father, in despite of yourself, or for the love of your sister, or could it be done without her own consent, if love than were the mean to enforce this enterprise, how Injurious would you prove to the deity of Cupid, hat would make love the original of such a deadly 〈…〉: but who is so fearful that love will not make to bold, who so doubtful, that beauty will not make desperate, or what enterprise is there so hard, that a man will not hazard to obtain his fair 〈…〉: I hope the effects of love hath some working in yourself, and would you neglect to attempt whatsoever were behoveful to the attainment of your beloved: I say no more, but if ever Valeria may move pity in your consideration, forget this conceived grief, and esteem of the matter no other than it is: the object is love, and what carpet knight ●● towardly, that would not adventure for his Lady, or what dame sodainty with dread, that would not hazard herself, with the only paragon of the world: Here she made a pause expecting what Antipholus would answer but he that was both charmed with her words, and enchanted with her looks, could render no other reply, but breathing forth a piteous sigh strained from the very bottom of his heart, he threw the sword out of his hand, as a manifest witness of his relenting mind, which being perceived by Brusanus, he said as followeth. O cruel▪ fortune, that will grant me no fortune, to be infortunate, but I beseech thee Antipholus, show me pity, by being pitiless, & for so much as the Gods seem deaf, and not to hear, the destinies dull and not to help me, lift up once again thy weapon to dispatch me of life, that other wise will never be cased of grief, yield therefore the unhappiest man that liveth, the rest he seeketh for, and live thou Valeria to 〈…〉 thy constant friend Antipholus. Antipholus well noting she inward perplexity of Brusanus, and being now moved with wonderful remorse, to see his passionate demeanour, even at this instant his choler was converted to compassion, his deadly hate, to entire love, and the rather to show his hearty affection, Embracing Brusanus in his arms he said. O Brusanus, it is better to live with a small gall of grief, then to die exempted clean from grace, better to prolong on a life led in misery, then to hasten on death without hope of mercy, for in life we have time left us to speak of the encumbrances of fancy, but after death no possible means to redress endless calamity, and although I know your own wisdom better able to direct you, than my skill will afford me to instructs you, yet in token of an everlasting amity to be had between us, I will yield you mine advise, the which although it fit not your body, I doubt not but it shall profit your mind: If then this distemperature that thus overruleth you, he engendered by evil humours, an apothicary drug may help to amend all, but if (as I am most persuaded) your own affections minister the matter of your malady, reason must be the corofive to eat out the corruption that hath infected you: but is it the loss of my sister (who as you tell me is dead) that hath drawn you into this desperate fit: O Brusanus, her death I must confess, is so displeasant unto me that it is grievous to my very soul, but what should we sorrow for that we are not able to remedy, for who can withstand what the destinies have decred, when we are all born subject both to nature, fortune, time and occasion, sith then in our creation we have brought with us this subjection to worldly casualties▪ should we make that grievous to ourselves which the heavenly powers have ordained common to all: no, we must not grudge against the providence of god, who ordereth casual things, necessarily: there is nothimg then otherwise happened to my sister, then hath been appointed by the powers of heaven, and may it not be thought that by the just determination of the gods she was summoned to yield nature her due, being thought unworthy to live and enjoy a prince of so excellent perfection and virtue: cast of then (Brusanus) these unacquainted sorrows, which as they are the slaves of imperfections, so they be the disparagement of & honourable mind: the greatest conquerors be they that can conquer themselves, and honour is soon ministered to him which can master his own affections: and behold Antipholus offereth here to Brusanus love, honour, friendship, and perpetual amity: Antipholus ending here his discourse, was thus answered by Brusanus: I know not my Lord Antipholus, how to render condign thanks for this unlooked for courtesy, and although your learned persuasions be such as I am not able to contradict, yet it is not possible by reason to redress that which no good counsel is able to cure, for some inveterat evils in our external parts▪ may well be removed with medicine, but a sorrow being 〈…〉 in the heart, will hardly abide the grappel of persuasion, and my sickness I must confess is a heart sore, the salve of which sith it is removed from my hope by froward fortune, I deem it more fit for me (passionate as I am) to die, than thus overburdened with continual sorrow, my life should prove a living death, neither can I deny but the loss of my Moderna is the original of my fit, (which you account desperate) but indeed engendered by he vehemency of love, yea shall love, alone not settled on the usual pleasure of the flesh, but on the grounded unity of the heart, whereby her soul was so firmly allied to mine, as no showers of misfortune or breach of time can alter the quality, the quantity whereof as it could not be conceived on earth, so it taketh his effect in heaven, the fates have heresy me of this rest, and suffered my flower to be parched by misfortune, and death hath separated her soul from her body, and sent her to that place of pleasure, sphere the shall receive a crown of immortal glory, but the separation of her from me, the gods have made to this purpose, to make me learn the mutability of this wretched life, and to consider of the eternity and wonderful essence of the heavens, where they have placed my friend to this end, that I with more desire behold the sky, that being ●●●●shed with the majesty thereof, I might likewise become heavenly: and forget to be earthly,: cease then I beseech you to strive against the stream, my sorrows are so settled, as no persuasions will remove them, and in requital of your exceeding courtesy Brusanus, voweth here to Antipholus love, reverence and honour, and so long as it shall please the gods to continue this wretched life, I will not forget to pray to the heavens to send you that contentment, which I know you have wished to me, Antipholus and Valeria both seeing his resolution, would not for the present appose him with further speeches, yet hoping in the end to alter his determination, they enticed him into the house, where a most sumptious lodging was purposely prepared for him and many pleasant conceits by sundry means practised to have moved him to mirth, but nothing could be devised that might beguill his pensive thoughts, and within very short space he grew to be sick and kept his bed, you may well think he wanted no attendance both from Valeria and the queen her mother, but Antipholus could not help him, we will therefore a little while leave him to the mercy of his fit.   

The tenth Chapter.  
Antipholus pronounceth sentence of death against Calynda, she is discovered to be his sister Moderna, she is brought to comfort Brusanus in his sickness  
ANtipholus in this mean season being at some leisure, would needs see justice duly executed against those that had been practisers with the duke, both against the princess and her mother, and to this end, did sit himself in person with the criminal judges, (accompanied with other noble men) at an open sessions, where Lucius and Vago were both condemned to the gallows: Calynda in like manner was there to be tried, and was charged with conspiracy against the queen Eriphila, who seeing her brother sitting upon the bench, to whom she was very loath to be known, and being in her own conceit void of all hope for ever to hear of Brusanus, did therefore think it better for her to die, then longer to live so much surcharged with sorrow: she therefore confessed the indictment, and pronounced herself guilty to as many articles as were opposed against her: upon her own confession Antipholus gave sentence that the next day she should be burned in the same place, and with that fuel which had been before prepared for the queen: The sessions being broken up, Antipholus finding his Lady and her mother together in company, he discoured unto them how he had disposed Lucius and Vago: relating further how frankly Calynda confessed her conspiracies, and what was likewise determined against her: but the queen whose mind had been hitherto carried away with her own misfortunes, that the remembrance of Calynda was utterly out of her thought, and calling now to mind that by her only mean, she had gathered so much light, as contained no less than the safety of her own life: she began here to consider with herself that Calynda could not possibly be culpable in any ill meaning towards her: she therefore requested Antipholus that she, might be sent for, and that herself might speak with her ●●●●ing him further that what so ever Calynda had confessed against herself: did rather proceed from some inward torment that afflicted her own mind, then of any ill pretence she could have towards her, she having had such former experience of her fidelity and love: Antipholus answered, that besides her own confession, Lucius had avowched the whole matter against her, himself giving a whole nights attendance on the duke, while he was with Calynda in her own chamber, where after he had taken the fruits of his lewd desires, even than he made her privy to the rest of his practices, when she gave her consent to assist him in his enterprises, hoping after ward he would have married her, accordingly as he then made promise unto her: the queen Eriphila, requested of Antipholus, that Lucius might yet be further examined, what time it might be that this meeting was appointed, and the very night of this confederacy: which being accordingly performed, he according to the truth confessed it to be, that very same night before when the duke on the morning had appointed his hunting in the forest: the queen finding his reckoning to fall out just with her own computation, to disburden Antipholus from further misedoubting, she discoursed unto him, her own practice with Calynda, and how with much ado and great persuasion, she had won her to appoint the duke that nights entertainment in her own chamber, who had many times before solicited her with loving protestation: neither could she deny, nor think it any shame to confess, but that at that instant she supplied the place of Calynda, and in a happy time (as she thought it) that was so much for her own good, for the duke imagining 〈…〉 that he had embraced his desired Calynda, unfolded unto her the sum of all his pretended treasons where the 〈…〉 to provide for her better safety, she seemed to consent to her own destruction, and therefore to conclude, she thought herself especially beholding to Calynda, by whose means she came to knowledge of the mischief that was intended against her by the duke her husband, which otherwise might have lighted upon her by poisoning, murdering, or some other like violent death, that might have been privily practised: here Antipholus (little weaning how near Calynda was to himself) examined further what she was, where she was borne, or of what perentage she was descended: Eriphila made answer, that she was a stranger, and not otherwise known unto her then by her own report, whom she first found in the desert grievously wounded, and lying as a dead carcase upon the ground, and how by her means she was both revived, and likewise cured, since which time she had remained attendant upon her, still governing herself both wisely and virtuously in all her demeanours, only she perceived her to be continually perplexed with some colorous passion that troubled her mind, but what the occasion might be she could not learn, neither could she imagine but this was the cause that she had so untruly accused herself, as being weary of her own life: Antipholus, who not above two days before, had received from Brusanus, the very manner of his sister's misfortune, conceives by all conjectures that this should be Moderna, and being tickled with this hope, he sent immediately to have her brought before him, intending at her coming to take a better survey of her, then before he had done when she was arraigned, the messenger found Calynda at her private meditation, setteling herself the next day to die, confirmed in opinion, that nothing could better betide her then death, that should yield a truce to all her conceived sorrows, was loath therefore to make any more journeys till the next day that she hoped to end all her travailles, but there was no other remedy, which being by her perceived, she went along with her conductors, who brought her where Antipholus was abiding her coming, accompanied with his lady and her mother, and although Calinda had done so much as in her lay to disguise herself, and had so shadowed her face that it might not well be discerned, yet Antipholus at her first coming took so narrow a view, that he immediately knew her, and being replenished with unspeakable joy (which for a little he dissembled) he said to the Queen: Madam, is this the same Calinda, that you have told me off, who hath been so much beholding unto you, as the saving of her own life, doth consist: My lord Antipholus (answered the Queen) this is that very same Calinda, whose life (by strange adventures) I saved in the forest where she was left for dead, and whose fortune hath sense requited me with the very like courtesy, so that she hath well discharged that debt: here the Queen directing her speeches to Calinda, gave her very gracious and comfortable words, demanding of her what might be the occasion that she had so slandered herself, to work her own confusion, but Calinda whose greatest care was to keep herself unkowen to her brother, stood still without making answer: Antipholus, who was not longer able to hide his own affections, letting fall abundance of tears, and embracing Calinda in his arms, he said unto her: O Moderna dost thou disdain to acknowledge me for thy brother, that have ever loved thee as tenderly as the balls of mine own eyes, and have accounted the no less dear unto me, than the very heart that is within my body: and couldst thou so dissemble thy name, disguise thy parson, and belie thyself, that I should give censure of her death, that would have proved a more terrible sting to mine own conscience, than all the torments, that hell itself is able to afford: Moderna finding herself to be descried, & hearing the loving words of her brother, whom she rather thought would have punished, then pitied her, answered thus: My most dear and loving brother, I cannot deny but that your love hath been no less tender unto me then here you have reported, neither could you better show it, nor yourself use a more kind or brotherly part, then to pronounce sentence of death against her, whose life is both loathsome, and hateful to herself: having lost the very ankerholde of all my happiness, the only castle of my comfort, my friend and lover Brusanus: whom I assure myself to have shortened his own life only for my cause, whose presence sense I could not enjoy here on earth, my very soul mourneth till it be dissevered from this earthly substance, that I might accompany my Brusanus in the heavens: neither shall be want my prayers, nor I omit to make daily sacrifice with my tears, till the destinies have dated out that blessed hours, whereof I now find myself prevented by injust fortune: Valeria and Eriphila standing by, and gathering by former circumstances, that Calinda was now become Moderna, and sister to Antipholus: noting likewise the wonderful vehemency of her affections, towards Brusanus, and knowing again in him the very like towards her, were both moved with exceeding compassion, and filled with incredible joy: and after they had both of them saluted her with as great signs of good will, as it was possible for them, by out-warde shows to express: Antipholus that was alike joyful, as well that he had gotten a medicine for the malady the vexed Brusanus, as a salve for his sister's sore, thought it not good therefore to neglect longer time till he had ministered relief to both their diseases: but taking his sister by the hand, and being accompanied with Valeria and Eriphila, he brought her up into the chamber, where Brusanus was lying in his bed, rather attending the hour which the fatal sisters should appoint, then aspecting so good hap as succeedingly followed, and sitting himself down upon his bed's side, he said.   

The eleventh Chapter.  
The comfortable meeting between Brusanus and Moderna, their marriage day is appointed, the nuptiales likewise of Antipholus and Valeria performed together on a day.  
IS it possible (Brusauns) that a Prince of such virtue, should so surrender himself to his own misconceived opinnions, as not to be able to brook any reason: you say you loved my sister, if it be so, let your liking now be shown in loving her still that languisheth for you, comfort her with gladness, in seeing you recover your wont health, that may kill her with sorrow, in beholding you to be thus distempered with grief: behold (Brusanus) who presenteth herself to your compassion, my sister Moderna supposed to be dead, but yet reserved by the heavens, either to be made happy in your safe recovery, or otherwise thus passionating yourself, to remain for 〈…〉 infortunate. Brusanus amazed with this heavenly sounds, hearing Moderna named to be 〈…〉, imagined himself to be in a dream, and listing up his eyes, he looked full in the face of Moderna, that was placed by her brother fast by his bed's side, and knowing it undoubtedly to be the true picture of his Lady, lay still gazing upon her as a man that had been in some trance: Moderna again hearing the name of Brusanus, and casting her eyes upon him where he lay in his bed, knowing him immediately to be her desired friend, the sight whereof did so ravish her with joy, that she was likewise stricken mute, not able to give a word: the one of them thus greedily fixing their eyes upon the other seemed both as a couple of dumb Images: but Antipholus desirous to shake them out of these drouste imaginations, began in this manner to cheer up Brusanus: Why how now Brusanus, what are you invocating to the Gods, or blessing yourself from devils, fearing I have presented you with some transformed spirit, doubt nothing man, but take her by the hand, and tell me then if she be not made of flesh and bone: Autipholus there taking his sister by the arm he delivered her to Brusanus, who no sooner laid hand of her but his spirits began to revive: and rolling himself upon his pillow, he burst out into these words. O happy day, yea ten times blessed be the hour, when I live to see this comfortable sight: Moderna embracing him fast in her arms, mutually mixing their joyful tears with loving kisses. Of which pleasant passions, were also glad copartners, both Antipholus himself, and in like manner the young Princess, with her mother: but after the vehemency of their affections, had a little given scope to the rest of their senses, and that their tongues were set at liberty: O how many sweet honey words were shuffled out between them (but especially by Moderna) so dangerous to be spoken off, as I dare not set them heat down, fearing I should infect women with too much kindness, that are of themselves, so naturally inclined to pity: I will therefore pass them over with silence, let this suffice: Brusanus within three days was perfectly recovered, so much to the contentation of Antipholus, that all things were in common between them, the like was between Valeria and Moderna: and after they had a while pleasantly discoursed of every accident how it fall out and happened amongst them: they concluded their nuptiales, which they appointed to be celebrated both in one day, for the solemnis●●●● whereof great preparation was ordained, as well for Antipholus and Valeria, as for Brusanus and Moderna, where I think it best for a season to leave them in this contented happiness, being otherwise called to prosecute a further occasion, and thou careful Clio, that hast hitherto guided my muse, to figure forth dolorous discourses, and to blazon out such sorrowful adventures, assist me yet to display matters of like mishap and of more accidental calamity: and helps me thou Bellona to ring the Alarm bell, that must now direct my pen to wright of wars, and to blaze the bloody broils of Mars, who was now perdominaunte in the midell heavens, whose influence prefigured these insuinge troubles.   

The twelfth Chapter.  
Astulpho accompanied with Dorestus, leading a great army between them, are arrived upon the confines of Hungaria, Myletto sendeth for assistance to Caristo, Prince of Piamount.  
IT hath been before mentioned, that upon the flight of Brusanus and Moderna, from the Illerian court, it was determined by Astulpho, immediately to commence wars against Myletto King of Hungaria, in revenge of his sons abuse, and that his own son Antipholus should follow the quest of Brusanus into Grecia, whose success you have now hard, Astul, ho accordingly levied a huge and puissant army, and being accompanied with Dorestus with 10000 Epirotes in his assistance, they marched in brave and warlike manner, towards the confines of Hungaria. The Hungarians, that had long enjoyed the benefit of sweet and quiet peace, were very much amazed to hear this sudden alarum of war, but as no man can perfectly know the blessedness of peace, that hath had no trial of the burden of war, see a long peace bringeth with it many discommodities, making men insolent commonly through to great prosperity, as also nice, lavish, & effeminate, through abundance of wealth and idleness, and without all doubt, they that are to much affected to peace and quietness, do weaken themselves by little and little before they be aware: & their example doth likewise mollify the courage of youth, whereby they lie open to the injuries of those that will seek to invade them: For this cause saith Philopamenus, in the time of peace, we must practise ourselves to be more skilful in war, & must likewise enter into where, but to the end to establish peace, but the Hungarians neglecting this principle, bound themselves prentices, so much to this peaceable desire, that they had both forgotten their martial disciplines & utterly shaken of their militarynes, but common necessity enforced them to arms, the enemy as they hard was marching, and they had no respite now to forethink them what should have been done, but speedily to determine what must be done, they presently therefore fell to mustering throughout their whole provinces, and in every corner of the kingdom of Hungaria, great multitudes of men were provided and armed, captains, and leaders were appointed, such as had never seen ensign displayed in the field, unless perhaps at the fetching home of a may pole: some that were lately come from the court and had carried pantofles, some as newly come from school, and had read Vigesius: some old soldiers that had been trained in a noble man's chamber, some that was able to martial whole millions with their pen, yet knew not how to charge their pike: some that would have over thrown an army with their tongues, yet knew not how to set an hundred in good order of ray: some rash, same hairebraind, some wilful, some foolish hardy, most unskilful, all appointed by favour, none by desert: by this time word was brought to Miletto, that a Herald of arms was come from the king of Illeria with some message, and the king desirous to hear his news, willed him forthwith to be brought in, the Herald without any salutation at all, told the king that he was a messenger of very ill news, for in respect of the villainy offered by his son Brusanus to the king his 〈…〉, by stealing away his daughter, he was therefore in the name of Astulpho to ●● him open defiance, willing him forthwith to answers whether he would abide the hazard of war, or other wise to surrender to such conditions of peace, as the king his master should afterward by an ambassador prescribe unto him, the king willed the Herald to be well entertained for that night, the next morning he would return him with answer to his master, the king of Hungaria, now understandeing the quarrel to proceed by the lewd demeanuce of his son, thinking him still to continue his lacsivious manner of life (began utterly to despair of his amendment) conferred with his nobility of his intent which was, to disinherit his vicious son Brusanus from the succession of the kingdoome, and to leave it the inheritance of his virtuous daughter Leonida, and for that Caristo the prince of Piemount had lately requested his daughter in marriage, he could not better bethink him, then with all expedition to send a messenger unto him, to pray his assistance with twenty thousand soldiers against his enemy the king of Illeria now in arms against him, and the wars being once ended, then to bestow his daughter upon him in marriage, and her dowry to assure him (after his own disease) the kingdom of Hungaria, which offer he knew would well content the prince: the whole assembly marvelously well allowed of the kings determination, knowing the prince to be a most magnificent gentleman, endued with wonderful courage and virtue, to the end therefore that no delay might be used, they gave their speedy consents, beseeching the king in all possible haste, to send away a messenger to that purpose, which was accordingly performed. Miletto minding so much as he might to dally with the king of Illeria, to the end to win time, hoping shortly to be assisted by Caristo, the next day calling the Herald sent from Astulpho he willed him to tell his master for answer, that although he feared not his forces being able every way to withstand it, yet the care he had of his subjects safety, & the love the he had to preserve the lives of his, commons had such remorse in him, than he rather desired to continue them still in peace (if it might be had with any reasonable conditions) then to put his hope in the 〈…〉 of fortune, when he desired nothing less than to maintain the quarrel of his 〈…〉, unless it had fallen out in an honestes cause: the Herald hearing this answer, cr●●ed a safe 〈…〉 for an Ambasadore, that should be sent from the king his master, which was immediately delivered unto him under the king's signet   

The thirteenth Chapter.  
Dorestus is sent to parley with Milletto, he falleth in love with Leonida, Caristo is arrived with twenty thousand Piemountes, Dorestus is sent back with a cold comfort.  
THis messenger returning to Astulpho with this answer, Dorestus was the man that was appointed for this embassage, the conditions that were delivered him from Astulpho to agree upon, were short and sweet: the first was that Miletto the king of Hungaria should acknowledge himself a vassaill to Astulpho, and to hold his kingdom during his own life from him, paying a yearly tribute of six hundred thousand duccates: the second was, that after his own disease, it should be established by the whole estate, that the kingdom of Hungaria should remain to the kings of Illeria, and to their successors for ever: the third and last was, that he should deliner into the hands of Astulpho, six of his principal noblemen, which should remain as pledges, for the performance of the premises: provided always, that if Miletto could within one year deliver his son Brusanus, either alive or dead to Astulpho, that then the yearly tribute of six hundred thousand duccates should cease, but the rest to be performed as in manner afore said: these were the demands of Astulpho, given in commission to Dorestus, and upon these conditions either to conclude peace, or present war: Dorestus being thus dispatched from Astulpho, and being accompanied with a train of brave gentlemen, departed on his journey towards the city of Larissa, where Miletto held his court, and being there 〈…〉, the king was certified of his coming, who being in his 〈…〉 of presence, caused the Ambassador presently to be sent for, and so much the rather knowing him to be Dorestus, the young prince of Epirus, so much famed for his many perfections, who courtiously doing obeisance to the king, briefly delivered his embassage: Miletto hearing these proud demands, devised so much as he could to delay the time (hoping very speedily to be assisted by Caristo) answered that he could not on a sudden dispatch so weighty a matter, but he must first take the advise both of his counsel, and the rest of his nobility, which done, within few days he would return him answer, in the mean time, he appointed that Dorestus with his train, should be sumptuously feasted: while they were thus enter tained in the court, accompanied with the gallants, and lusty courtiers, that peerless paragon Leonida, daughter to the king, attended on by a troop of brave ladies and gentlewomen, passed through the chamber of presence, and was espied by Dorestus, who suddenly fixing his eyes on this sweet aspect, was so rapt into a trance with the contemplation of her beauty, that his heart was so snared in the beams of her pleasant glances, that there was no remedy, he must yield to this first assault of fancy, but here it were strange to be told how many contrary encounters, tossed in his mind, sometimes thinking to prefer his suit, yet that he thought was folly, being the daughter of his professed foe, neither would time suffer him to prosecute his purpose, nor present 〈…〉 him to make trial of his love, and yet to linger still in that estate, he thought was to much misery, than he called to his 〈…〉 how Moderna had despised him, and here he began with disdainful imaginations to condemn 〈…〉 of instability, of inconstanty, of lightness, of intertainly, and to accuse them as creatures that were vowed to all manner of vanity: our gentleman thus tossed with the tempests of these contrary cogitations (as the vessel that is borne with the tide against the wind feeleth double force, and is compelled to yield to wind and wave) so Dorestus, the more he sought to quench his love by disdain, the greater increased the same of his desire, that faineting under the force of his inward torments, he withdrew himself into his chamber, where shutting fast the door, he began in this wise to discourse with himself: Ah Dorestus, thou camest hither a captain, and wilt thou now return a captive, thy intent was to conquer, not to be vanquished, to fight with a lance, not to be foiled with love, but how dost thou think to subdue Hungaria, that canst not vanquish thine own affections, art thou able to quail a kingdom, that canst not quail thy foolish appetites, no, it will be hard for thee to triumph over others, that art not able to master thyself, yield not then to this fresh alarum of love, be not dazzled with the beams of vading beauty, nor enamoured with desire of every delicate damsel, for in time such bliss will turn to bale, and such delightful joy, to more dispitfull annoy, love Dorestus will prove an enemy to thine honour, a foe to thy person, a canker to thy mind, a corrosive to thy conscience, a weakner to thy wit, a mollester of thy mind, a besotter of thy senses, and finally a deadly poison to all thy body: why hast thou not had some trial, hath not Moderna taught thee what fruits are to be found in love, I hope thou hast not yet forgot what thou foundest by experience, but peace Dorestus dost thou speak of love, or art thou in a dream, why whom dost thou love, is it Leonida: what the daughter of thy possessed foe, one that wisheth thy mishap, & partly prayeth to the gods for thy misfortune, no sure, I thinks thou art not so fond, she is not thy friend whom thou mayest hope to get: but thine enemy whom thou art not sure to gain, nor never think she will requited thy merit with ●eed, or repay thy love with liking, ono, she hateth thee Dorestus as a vowed enemy to her fathyr, & thy coming hither is to part of peace, take then a truce with thine own affections, and end those wars which fancy hath begun, in thyself: but alas beauty hath rung the alarm, and love is the chieftain and leader of the band, who hath already subdued my senses, and taken prisoners, all my affections: and although wit would gladly fight it out, yet will, who should take in hand the charge, hath surrendered himself, and is already yielded, and reason not able to abide the assault, is likewise driven to fly the field: Alas Dorestus, what victory canst thou hope for, more than to plead for pity, and to seek mercy at her hands, that may yet have compassion and save thy life: Dorestus without any further speeches determined resolutely to try his fortune, and watching his best opportunity to bewray his liking to Leonida, he found out her haunt where she privately walked every day in the after none in a pleasant gardin fast adjoining to her own lodgnig, whether he secretly conveyed himself, and being shrouded amongst the pleasant laurelles, Leonida according to her custom pacing up the ally softly by herself, was encountered by Dorestus, & humbly saluted her: Leonida something amazed with this sudden approach knowing him to be a stranger, demanded how he came thither, Dorestus answered, by chance he happened into the place having lost his way, so do many (quoth Leonida) that seek unknown ways, and likewise follow their own ways, but what hath brought you hither, or who hath been your guide, my desire (answered Dorestus) to see and withal to be satisfied, no worse guide under the sun (said Leonida) have you not seen desire pictured both blind and flying, aswell to show his error as his haste, besides unbridled to show his rashness, and how hardly he can be stayed: Dorestus finding himself thus pritiely niped, was in a quandary how he might prosecute his undertaken attempt, yet in the end he gave the onset in this manner: the choice is hard lady Leonida, where party is compelled, either by silence to die with grief, or by vnfoulding his mind to live with shame, yet so sweet is the desire of life, and so sour the passions of love, that I am enforced to prefer an unseemly suit, before an untimely death, loathe I am to speak, and in despair I am to speed, in the one showing myself a coward, in the other weighing mine own case, for considering what love is I faint: and thinking how I am counted a foe, I fear: and so it is, that intending to be a victor, I am become a vassal: coming to conquer, I am vanquished, seeking to have brought others into thrall: I have lost mine own liberty, I came to your father's court a captain, but am like to return a captive, my charge was to parley of peace, but my chance is to discourse of passion, your beauty madame (ah) your heavenly beauty, hath brought me into this bondage, your exquisite perfection hath snared my freedom: your courtesy only may free me from care, or your cruelty cross me with endless calamity.  
Leonida, that had all this while listened to his tale, was so inflamed with a melancholy kind of heat, as she was not of a long time able to utter a word, yet at the last, as it were in a fury she delivered this answer: Why Dorestus (quoth she) art thou become frantic, or deemest thou me to be out of my wits, if thy speeches bein jest, they are to broad weighing the case, if in earnest, they are to bad, considering the party, to dally with Venus, that art vowed to Mars, argueth thee to be either a coward or a counterfeit, to make show of love, that arrived here in hate, showeth thee to be infected with frenzy or folly, but it is a blind goose that loves to hear the fox preach, and she a loving fool that stoops to her enemies lure, and therefore if I should love, what must it be Dorestus, my father's foe, the bloody wretch that seeks his life, the cursed enemy to my country, no no, he cannot favour the stem, that would cut down the old stock, he little respecteth the twig, that tendereth not the root: he lightly loveth the child, that deadly hateth the father: I may not therefore so far forget mine honour, mine honesty, my parents, and my country, as to love, nay not deadly to hate him, which is a foe to the least of these: cease then to seek for love where thou shalt find nothing but hate, and assure thyself if thou didst love as faithfully as thou dost flatter falsely, yet would I never believe thee, requite thee, or any ways pity thee.  
Alas madame (answered Dorestus) way my case with equity, if you hate me as I am a foe to Miletto, yet favour me as I am a friend to Leonida: if you loathe me as an enemy to your country, yet pity me as I am a captive to your beauty: Tarpeia favoured Titus though a foe in Rome, Scylla respected Minos. yet he besieged Nisus: Tereus the prince of Thrace being sent by his father to defy Pandion, the king of Athens, was enamoured of his daughter Progne, whereby in steed of fatal enmity, there ensued friendly amity: O what greater sign of affection, then where in lieu of hate, there ensueth love, it is to be imagined, either a thing confirmed by the fates, or appointed by the gods, then where I have done amise, I will not fail to make amends, if I have committed a fault, I am ready to render recompense: and as I have been your father's foe, no we will I be his faithful friend, if I have sought his di, squiet, I will procure his rest, yea I will go against the hair in all things, so I may please Leonida in any thing: Leonida briefly replied: Dorestus, your sudden liking bewrays the lightness of your love: and this your fond affection imports the fickleness of your fancy, may he be counted a privy friend, that shows himself an open foe, for your examples, they be necessary caveates for ladies to be warned by: for if Progne loved her father's foe, how wretchedly did Tereus requited her loyalty, for the other two: their gains were perpetual shame and endless discredit, for the one was slain by the Sabines, the other likewise rejected by Minos: and therefore sir to conclude, you cannot more displease me, then in seeking to please me, and as for my father be his friend, or his foe, it is in your own choice: but for me, if I know no other cause to hate thee, this shall suffice, I will never love thee, & without any more speeches, away she fling in a great chafe, leaving Dorestus, alone by himself, who leaving likewise the place came into his chamber, where a little to ease his stomach, he broke into these speeches: Of all evil which either god or nature hath laid upon man, there is none so great but either reason may redress, pleasure assuage, mirth mitigate, herbs heal, or by some means or other may be cured, love only excepted, whose force is so full of rancour, that physic can in no respect prevail to help the patiented, diseruing not the name of a disease, but rather the title of an uncurable mischief: yet importing such a show of contentation, that it so inflameth our desires to purchase it, that we care not at what unreasonable rate we buy it: if it be then so strong, why is it not more steadfast, if it be so forceible, why is it not fixed, perhaps so it is in all saving in me, I am the odd person on whom Cupid will show his cunning, I am he that must chop and change and live by the loss: first forsaken by Moderna, now despised by Leonida: how art thou then perplexed Dorestus, thou lovest without hope, and therefore livest in ill hap, thou hournest in desire, but thou art couled with disdain, and her father is thy foe, but if he were thy friend, doth not Leonida despise thee, hath not she denied thy suit, disdained thy person, lightly respecting thy love & as smally regarding thy service: only promising this, while she lives to be thy protested foe: And what then fond fool, wilt thou shrink for an april shower, knowest thou not that a denial at the first is a grant: and a gentle answer, a flattering flout, the more they seem at the first to loathe: the more we find at the last they love, hope then the best Dorestus, for love and fortune careth not for cowards. By this time tidings were brought to the court, that Caristo Prince of Pyemounte was within three days journey, with a strong army of 20000. Pyemounts, and that the Prince himself would not fail the very next day to be at the court, as well to salute the King and the Queen, as to see his dearly beloved mistress Leonida, for whose sake he had undertaken that service: Great joy was made through the court, at these happy tidings, and no less preparation was made for the receiving of the Prince: This was a cold comfort for Dorestus, who no sooner understood of the news, but he could easily prognosticate of his own success, but when he had certainly learned that Leonida was disposed by her father to Caristo, and how upon that occasion the Prince had undertaken arms: O how were his cares then increased, his spirits were troubled with millions of imaginations, sorrow had sealed on all his parts, and settled himself in the very bottom of his heart, dolor, grief, care, anguish, despair, languor, with all their accomplices, had dispersed themselves through all his powers, and taken the full possession of him, as their own proper right: But Myletto, who had lingered this time, but of purpose to hear from Caristo, and his drift being now dated out to his own desire, the next day he sent for Dorestus, to whom he delivered these words: Prince Dorestus, I have thoroughly considered of the proud demands sent unto me from Astulpho, and wondering at his presumption, what should move him to send me any such greeting, as though I were not able to maintain mine own right, that am an absolute King as himself, and every way his equal, and as for my crown and kingdom of Hungaria, as I have hitherto kept them in despite of any enemy, so I doubt not but to continue them during mine own life, and after my decease, to leave the succession to such heirs as shallbe as likely to encounter him and his successors in Illeria, as for him or any of them by any means to oppress Hungaria, for answer therefore take this, that by the assistance of God, within ten days, I will meet him in the plain field, and will give him battle, where I doubt not but to chase him from out my borders, to his great shame and infamy: This is the answer (Derestus) that I have determined on, and now at your pleasure you may depart in safety, having (according to the laws of arms) a safe condite for your protection.  
The king without any further words left Dorestus, who finding himself to be thus continually crossed, was at his wits end what course he might take, but calling to his mind how that was no place for him to abide longer in, accompanied therefore with his train he departed, but so overgrown with grief, that he passed no hour, minit, nor moment, without woeful warlinges, sorrowful sobs, and sighs bitterly breathed out, in so much that the Gentlemen his companions surmised his perplexity to proceed of fear, hearing of the puisaunte army conducted by Caristo: they began therefore both to comfort and to encourage him, and although their persuasions served to little purpose for the curing of his care, yet seeing that his sorrow would not salve his sore, but rather increase his sickness, and that mourning would rather augment his misery, then mitigate his malady, he bore out the matter with as good countenance as his passion would permit, and coming to the camp, he declared his message to Astulpho, accordingly as Myletto had before delivered.   

The fourteenth Chapter.  
Myletto joining his army with Caristo, doth march towards Astulpho, they encounter in fight, how Dorestus behaveth himself, Caristo is slain by Dorestus, Myletto is put to a retreat, and driven to save himself by flight.  
AStulpho, waxing mad with ire, marched presently into the borders of Hungaria, burning, spoiling, kill, and ransacking all that ever came in his way: These lamentable occurrentes coming hourly to the ears of Myletto, of the spoiling of his subjects, it caused him to make the more haste, and concluded with Caristo, promising (by the sacred oath of a King) both to give him his daughter in marriage, and the kingdom of Hungaria, for his inheritance, and thus joining their forces together, they marched towards Astulpho, who was still wasting of the country, both by fire and sword; and being come within a small distance where Astulpho lay encamped, they likewise entrenched themselves for that night. word was immediately brought to Astulpho, of their arrival, and how the next day they determined to give him bettaill, these news were joyful to the Captains and lusty gallants, for every man hoping to win fame, were generally merry through the whole camp: Dorestus only excepted, who being tormented with unspeakable grief, began to droop, making no show but of sorrow, in so much that he was generally suspected to be a fearful coward, and that dread of danger was it that drove him into those dumps, but as they rashly conjectured cause of his sorrow, so they missed the nature of his sickness.  
The next day very early in the morning every man fell to his arms through both the armies, and Astulpho who knew very well how to demean himself in such causes ranged out his squadrons, and martialled them into one strong and main battle: Caristo in like manner, nothing inferior neither in skill nor courage, drew out his own forces of his Piamounts', into a squadron by themselves, whereof himself took the conduct, and minded to give the first charge, the Hungarians were likewise ordered in a second battle, in the very strength and body whereof Myletto had his place, & was appointed still to second, succour, and relieve Caristo in all occasions of extremity.  
Dorestus knew not all this while where on to resolve, for if he refused to fight (besides the dishonour that the world would allow him, of which he made the least account) yet he knew if Myletto prevailed, that he had then bequeathed his daughter Leonida to Caristo: again to enter the field, he should show himself a foe so open and apparent, as there were no means left whereby to frame excuse: While Dorestus continued in these meditations, the battles fell to marching, and Caristo (as he had determined) charged the Illerians with such courage and fury, that even in this first encounter they began to recoil, but many were slain on both parties, neither was there wanting skill and hardiness, & their fight continued thus a pretty season between them, but in the end Caristo prevailed, and the Illerians were put to a plain retreat, and began some of them to fly: Dorestus seeing it high time to bestir him now or never, was driven out of his dumps for his own safety, issued forth with his Epirots, and charging Caristo on the flock of his battle, overthrewe at the very first a great number of Piemountes, the fight here again began to hold on a fresh, but Dorestus having received a maim uncurable, not by any stroke lent him of an enemy, but by the only conceit of his mind, for he espied in the helmet of Caristo, a glove, which he imagined, was given him by Leonida, and so in truth it was, wherefore pressing through the throng, making way with his sword, he came to Caristo, drawing him for the love of his Lady, to withdraw himself, and to break a lance, Caristo (whose courage was inferior to none) without any further speeches put the spurs to his horse, and galloping out of the throng into the uttermost wing of the battle, as he turned himself, he might see Dorestus, who had likewise followed him, and had taken a part of the field ready to encounter him, without any more a do, they run one against the other with such fury that they made the earth to tremble, their spears flew all to shevers in the air, it was not long before they had drawn their sword, then buckling together with forcible blows, as either of them showed enough of courage, so neither of them were to seek of cunning, in brief, after many breathings, Caristo disaduantaging himself by his own fierce and desperate fight received such a wound, that he fell stark dead to the earth: Dorestus that saw him lying breathless begins to let fall abundance of tears delivering these words: O unhappy and unfortunate Prince, God knoweth how sorrowful and grievous thy death is unto me, and how feign I would have given remedy in some other manner, to that I most desired, neither would I have been so cruall an enemy unto thee, but the love that I bore to Leonida, hath rather enforced it then mine own nature, and would to God I might have been relieved by some other means, & not to have bought my life with thy loss: but as love is tyrannous, so marvel not though he want pity towards thee, which could not otherwise purchase it to himself.  
With this he alighted, and taking the glove from out the helmet of Caristo, he mounted again on horseback, and bending towards the battle, he might see a wonderful slaughter of the Piemounts, but the Captains and leaders of the Hungarians army, being men utterly ignorant of martial exercise, such as for want of skill neither knew how to take opportunity, nor when it was time to charge, letting slip all former occasions which might have advanced their conquest, stood still in amaze till the Piemounts being utterly broken by the Epirots, retired amongst them in whole troops for their own safe guard, and the Captains unskilful how to open their ranks to let them in, by means whereof they disordered quite the whole battle of the Hungarians, and the Epirots following the chase, began to bear down the Hungarians, in such sort that they were not able to stand before them, the which being espied by Dorestus, he presently caused the retreat to be sounded, and thus at an instant drew back his whole troops.  
This demeanour of Dorestus was noted by many, and as generally marveled at by all, but (indeed) they mistook him in something, for in truth they understood him in nothing: But Astulpho, who by this time had ranged his broken company again into a new order of array, and knew very well how to take advantages, set a fresh upon the Hungarians, who being before disordered and not able to maintain fight, fell to a retreat of flat running away, and the King himself had much a do to escape, but the night growing on and waxing very dark, the benefit whereof saved a great number of their lives.   

The fifteenth Chapter.  
Astulpho marcheth after Myletto, beseygeth him in the City of Larissa, and by perjury surpriseth the City, and taketh prisoners, Myletto the King, Paulina the Queen, with Leonida their daughter.  
AStulpho gathering his whole army together, rested himself for that night within the trenches of his camp not suffering his men after so great a victory to rest secure, but kept a stronger watch then before he had accustomed, fearing that his enemies imagining him to rest careless in confidence of his late fortune, might take courage to set upon him, but alas poor men they had no such imagination, their greatest hope of safety was in trusting to their heels: Myletto being left now with a small number of his dispersed people, he retired himself to his chief City Larissa, where he found his Queen, his daughter, with the principales of the City, lamenting the general misfortune▪ and being assured that it would not be long before Astulpho would besiege that City, it was therefore furnished with sufficient garrisons of men, presently setting ingyners and labourers, to fortiffie the most weak and decayed places: ceasing neither day nor night, to put all things in readiness, as the little respite of time would afford them.  
Astulpho, who minded nothing less than to lose that advantage, wherewith fortune had already favoured him: having gotten intelligence by espial, that there were no forces of the enemy near hand to annoy him, and having further learned that Myletto was retired to Larissa, he marched thither with as much speed as conveniently he might, wasting and spoiling the country as he passed, acknowledging the honour of his last victory to belong to Dorestus, who little rejoicing in his conquest, marched along with him, perplexed again with a new torment, not knowing how to salve the sore the which he had already chafed: for he thought with himself, that if he should make peace with Myletto, letting him understand the love he bore to his daughter, that he would not except of it, either for the great damage that he had already done him, or for the band where with he was bound to Caristo the Prince of Piemount, thinking it would be a thing neither reasonable, nor yet agreeing to his honour, in lieu of the Prince's pains which he had taken to come from his country, accompanied with so puissant an army in his defence, and in regard of the death which he there received in his service, to become a friend to his foe, and to give his daughter (before espoused to the Prince) unto the most deadly foe that the Prince had.  
These things (I say) did so trouble Dorestus, that though he every day coined a new devise, yet knew not at night where on to resolve.  
By this time they were come before the City, where the Citizens issuing forth with small companies exploited many services to their great commendations, but their forces were to feeble, they were still overflowed with numbers, and were therefore driven to retire into the City: Astulpho settled himself before the walls, and in short time so gyrdeled in the City with a trench, that they could neither sally forth of the town, nor receive any new supplies, that should come in their relief.  
It were here tedious to let you understand, the several stratagems practised by Astulpho, and still prevented, and the City defended in despite of all his enterprises: But Astulpho finding his devices to sort out to so little purpose, brought a strong battery against the walls, which delivered such continual and terrible volleys: that a main breach was made assaultable, and a great part of the wale beside so shaken, that it was ready to fall: Astulpho caused the breach immediately to be fiercely assaulted, & it was by the Cittiezens as bravely defended, the assailants after great loss were put to a retreat, and the defendants with no less sorrow lamented their misfortune, for a great number of their bravest men had lost their lives, in the defence of the breach.  
Astulpho seeing his forces daily to deminishe, and all his enterprises to be continually prevented, fretted within himself with grief, and waxed almost wood for anger: Myletto again, seeing the City so shaken, and their walls so weakened, that they were not able to defend a second assault, was as much surprised with fear, & taking the advise of his counsel, they cocluded to send to Astulpho, to see if he might be brought to any reasonable conditions of peace, which was accordingly performed: Astulpho, who cared not by what means he obtained so he might win, and minding to keep promise in nothing, if he could take advantage in any thing, thought that if under colour of Parle he could draw the King from out the City, he would surely entrap him and hold him prisoner, and the better therefore to accomplish this his devise, he returned answer to Myletto, that he was contented to take a truce for ten days, within which time if such conditions as he should prescribe might be agreed unto, the peace then to hold for ever between them, or otherwise at his peril to abide the hazard of war.  
Myletto very joyful to hear of this ten days truce, hoping in the mean time by some means to relieve himself, or at the least to re-edify his shaken walls, that were every hour ready to fall, he confirmed the peace during the foresaid time as well under his hand writing, as under his oath solemnly given, requiring the like of Astulpho, who accordingly protested, both under his hand & oath, to keep true peace for ten days: The truce thus agreed upon, Astulpho premeditating what course he might follow for the accomplishment of his intended purpose.  
Myletto on the other side minding to take opportunity, the very next dayt brought labourers to that part of the wall that had been before so shaken with shot, and threw it flat to the ground, minding with as great expedition, again to build it up, and with curtains and trenches drawn before it, to make the place more stronger than before times it had been.  
Astulpho, seeing so great advantage offered, the very same night assaulted the city, in the breach that by themselves was made, and they resting (as it were) in security, of their truce before taken, were easily surprised, a great slaughter made of the citizens, some part of the town they fired, the rest utterly spoiled, and the king himself with the queen his wife, and his daughter Leonida taken prisoners, and brought to the pavilion of Astulpho, where they were detained with a strong guard.   

The sixteenth Chapter.  
Dorestus visiteth Leonida, she chargeth him of perjury, he entreateth Astulpho to use lenity, but he protesteth greater cruelty.  
DOrestus who before was privy to the peace, yet utterly ignorant of the practice, hearing of these news, was utterly dismayed, to think that a king should use such perjured diceit for the accomplishment of his enterprises, desiring yet to contemplate himself in beholding his lady, the next morning very early he went to the kings pavilion, where he found the prisoners that he looked for both to his joy and grief, yet dissembling his own motions, he said to Leonida, madame, I know it is hard, where mistrust is harboured, to enforce belief, or to procure credit where troth is called in question, but lady if I had won such a conquest, and that you were my captive, yet would I honour you as my sovereign, and obey you as a loving subject.  
Leonida not willing to abide any further speeches, cut him of in this manner.  
Art thou not ashamed Dorestus to use any such talk▪ what speakest thou of a conquest, captives I confess we be, but not to a worthy conqueror, but to a wretched captive, not vanquished by prowess, but by perjury, not by fight, but by falsehood, hold thy peace therefore, if not at my request yet for thine own credit, thy triumph in this victory can be but endless shame, and perpetual infamy.  
Dorestus, although he knew himself to be clear of that crime, yet considering the lady's cause, thought it not good to trouble her with any reply, but leaving them for that season, as he passed forth he might behold such extraordinary cruelties used to the citizens and poor subjects of Hungaria, that it wrought in him a great remorse. This spectacle, with the remembrance of his Lady's captivity, heaped new grief to old sorrow, wherefore to persuade Astulpho to the more clemency, he came unto him, to whom he said in this manner, though it be glorious (most mighty king) to overcome by battle, yet it is more glorious to overcome by pity, & he deserveth greater praise which winneth the hearts of his enemies in his tents by good example, then in the field by shedding of blood, pardon hath ever been better than revenge, the one being proper to the spirit of man, the other to cruel beasts.  
Neither can any victory be called true and perfect, but that which carrieth with it some clemency, for to overcome is a humane thing, but to pardon is divine, here of it is said, that we esteem the greatness of the immortal gods, not so much for the punishment, as for the mercy that they use, and although men's laws avouch it to be more just to revenge an injury received, then to offer it to an other, yet nature teacheth us, that both the one and the other do proceed of like imbecilyte: under your gracious correction then, it seemeth unto me to great severity to afflict the adged father for the offence of the light headed son, or at the least so to limit your revenge, that it be not rather called a tyranny then a punishment.  
Why Dorestus (answered Astulpho) art thou yet to learn, that the offence of the children should be punished in the parents, hast thou not hard of the law established by our auncitors, called Falcidia, by which it was enacted, that the child should be admonished for the first offence, for the second chastised, for the third hanged, and the father likewise banished as partaker of his fault, for want of good education and instruction of his son.  
The Helvetians had an ancient law, that if a youngman had received sentence of death, the execution thereof should be done by his father (if he were living) who was the cause of his evil education, that the father might in some sort be punished, for the negligence he showed in the bringing up of his child.  
Father's therefore must qualify their children, by bringing them well up in their infancy, and letting them have due correction in their youth▪ which two things being neglected by parents, the faults of their children are most justly imputed unto them: and Hely the priest was not punished for any fault which himself had committed, but because he winked at the sins of his children: wouldst thou then prescribe limits, of revenge to him that hath fostered up an imp that hath practised so much my prejudice: no no Dorestus, I will so crucify himself, his wife, and his daughter, that they shall all curse the hour that such a brat was borne into the world to work my displeasure, neither shall their cursing any whit help them, till I see their flesh rotten from their bones, in prison where I purpose to keep them during life: Dorestus whose heart began to pant with pain, to hear this cruel conclusion pronounced by Astulpho, against his lady, immediately answered thus: If Machiavelli and his fellows favourers of tyranny, had well weighed what we read in infinite places of scripture, that god will overthrow dissemblers with all their lies and subtleties, hardly could we seek to overcome by dissimulations, deceits, trecheryes, and such like pranks, then if falsehood procure blame and dishonour to all men, it doth much more to kings and princes, for where the prince knoweth himself to be the minister of god's justice, with what confidence dare he suffer iniquity to enter into his seat, which he understandeth to be the throne of the living god, with what conscience will he pronounce falsehood, out of his mouth, which he knoweth is appointed to be the truth of god: with what boldness dare he subscribe to deceit with his hand, which he knoweth is ordained to wright the decrees of god, but where we are both judge & party, in steed of justice we seek after force, violence, rigore, deceit, subtlety, yea perjury rather than fail, and what not so we may serve our own turn. Astulpho not longer able to endure his speeches he interrupted him thus.  
Dorestus, if you be minded to preach, get you into a palpit: and if you mean that I have used so many deceit & and subtleties as you speak of, you do me wrong, for in the capitulation between Miletto and me, we concluded a truce for ten days, but I subverted him in the night, whereof there was no mention made, but what and if there had: have you not learned this principle in war, that in conquering of an empire, there is required as great policy as prowess, and where the lions skin will not serve, the fox's case must be put on, and for the obtaining of a kingdom as well mischief as mercy is to be practised, and better it were to commit an inconvenience in breaking of an oath, then to suffer injury by keeping of promise: content thyself therefore Dorestus, and let this suffice to persuade thee, as I have entrapped mine enemy by practice, so I assure thee I will hold him by force, but yet (answered Dorestus) if you mean to hold the innocent father Miletto, what shall become of the harmless daughter Leonida: Because (quoth Astulpho,) I will be sure to keep her harmless still, she shall remain my prisoner so long as she liveth, for than I know she shall do me no harm: Dorestus seeing the nature of the tirante, thought it not best to use any further speeches, but presently withdrew himself into his tent, to deliberate with more leisure what he were best to do, to free his best beloved from her threatened captivity: entreaty he saw would serve to little purpose, wherefore he determined by sudden assault to rescue the prisoners by force, and so to deliver them from the hands of Astulpho: but here he considered his own weakness to perform such an enterprise, and thought that if he should fail in his attempt, it would redound to the greater peril of those parties whose safety he especially desired, wherefore he resolutely determined, that if by joining himself in assistance with the country, he could not accomplish the performance of his desires, then presently to retire into Epirus, and there to levy such sufficient numbers, wherewith he would set free the princes altogether from thraldom, or to make himself a partaker of their misfortunes.   

The seventeenth Chapter.  
Dorestus resolveth to secure the prisoners, Astulpho marcheth back into his own kingdom, Dorestus understanding of the king his father's death, he hasteth to Epirus, he levieth a mighty army to follow Astulpho into his own kingdom.  
DOrestus fully resolved to follow this course, and casting many devices how to take opportunity, he found in his account that all desert ways were denayed him, and this only mean left for him to work by, which was, either by dint of sword perforce to effect his purpose, or other wise never to hope for that he most desired.  
Hear upon Dorestus both suddenly and secretly, with drew himself with his whole retinue of Epirotes, unto a place not far distant, which nature had made strong by mean of a great river that ran about it, where fortifying the rest by art, he purposed to remain, to see what assistance the country would afford him, for the rescuing of their king, and the freeing of themselves from servitude.  
Astulpho somewhat amazed with this matter, sent to Dorestus to know his intent, who returned him again this short answer, that his purpose was not to associate himself with a perjured and deceitful prince, who by a fraudulent mean and dishonourable conquest had sacked the city and taken the spoil of the whole to himself, it rested therefore if he would set free all his prisoners, or at the least, deliver unto his costody, the young lady Leonida, that then he would come to other articles of agreement: other wise to account him an open enemy, for so he had protested to show himself unto him.  
Astulpho finding out by this request of Dorestus, the very drift of all his devise, assuring himself it was the love of this lady, that had so altered Dorestus in his former demeanours: therefore to prevent all perils what so ever might fall out, and knowing that he had sufficient pledges for the accomplishment of the rest of his purposes, the very next night gathering his company together, he marched away with all expeditoin towards his own country of Illeria, caring the king, the queen, with their daughter, away with him as his prisoners, the which when Dorestus understood of, he thought it small boot for his purpose to make any longer stay there, but intended as convenience might give him leave to supply himself with sufficient forces, to march after him to Illeria, and to this purpose he craved aid from the Hungarians, who promised by a day to supply him with sundry regementes, the which with all possible speed they fell to making ready: Dorestus concluding with them, both of the place, and the time of both their armies to meet, marched himself with his whole troops towards Epirus, as well to relieve his over wearied companies, with convenient necessaries, as to strengthen himself with greater forces for his better help. By the way as he was marching, there encountered him a messenger with news of his father's death. Hear Dorestus began again to renew his wont lamentations, in such sort, that many days overpassed before he would receive comfort, yet in the end certifying himself, considering that to render retribution is a duty of nature, and a debt to be paid, either in youth, in age, or at such like season, as is not at the discretion of man, but at the will and good pleasure of god, with whom we have no power to contend: and again calling to his remembrance his undertaken attempt, and to what task he had tied himself, found it high time to bestir him, and to shake of those drowsy dumps, which rather seem the testimonies of a despairing mind, than the shows of an noble courage.  
It would ask here to long discourse, to set down with what signs of joy Dorestus was welcomed home to Epirus, and how glad his subjects were of his safe return: but Dorestus at his coming before he would receive the sword and sceptre, took first order for the intombing of his father, whose funerals was solemnized with such pomp, as was both fit for a famous king, and also requisite for a christian prince: this done, he was crowned king of Epirus, to the great comfort of all his subjects, of whom he was generally beloved.  
Now he advanced his captains▪ and conductors, that had been his partakers in this former journey, some to places of credit, others to titles of honour and dignity, and caused a full pay to be made to all his soldiers, gratifieng every man in whom was any desert with liberal rewards, and this great largeness of the king, was such a general encouragement, that now having occasion to levy new forces, to strengthen and supply his small company with greater numbers, such multitudes voluntarily offered themselves out of every quarter, that without pressing by commission, he was quickly prepared of a most huge and puissant army, and after he had taken order for the due administering of justice amongst his subjects while he was absent, he marched to the place which was before appointed for himself and the Hungarian forces to meet, who keeping promise accordingly, joining their armies together, they marched towards the confines of Illeria, where they had intelligence that the king was resident with his prisoners, in the city joula, which was the chief city of the kingdom of Illeria, no less beautiful than strong: thither ward Dorestus marched with all convenient speed, minding to besiege him before he should be thoroughly furnished to make resistance: and thus we will leave him marching forward on his way.   

The eighteenth Chapter.  
Brusanus understanding of his parent's captivity, is vehemently grieved, Antipholus is likewise perplexed to see his friends heaviness, they make a journey both themselves and their new married brides, into Illeria, to persuade with Astulpho for the liberty of the prisoners.  
ANtipholus and Brusanus, whom we have a long time forgotten, & wherein I have done the ladies to much wrong, I mean Valeria and Moderna, for women when they be once determined of marriage, they love not to have the wedding day deferred, and as you have hard before, their nuptials were concluded, and so soon as things could be prepared, married they were, Antipholus to Valeria, and Brusanus to Moderna, all performed in one day, but should I here describe, first the feasting, the banqueting, the new dishes that were devised, to please dainty apitites, the strange fashions that were invented, both for men and women to make them gay: the music, the dancing, the masking, the plays and other shows that were procured for pleasure, I am sure it would but grieve you: that you were not there, either to have tasted of their dainties, to have brought away some of their new fashions, or to have been partaker of their sports, I will therefore omit to speak any further of them: but see (I say) inconstant fortune, that can never be other wise then like unto herself, who dreaming giveth pleasure, by little dream, but waking giveth grief without all measure, so in the very prime of their pastimes, and as it were, in the midst of their delights, news was brought, that Astulpho had taken prisoners, Myletto king of Hungaria, Paulina, the queen his wife, with Leonida their daughter, Brusanus hearing of this misfortune happened to his father, his mother, and his sister, was stung with a vehement grief, that he began immediately to droop, being so much over laden with sorrow, as he was not able to endure it.  
Antipholus, again seeing Brusanus (whom he loved as his own life) to be so much perplexed with care, could not himself rest in quiet, till he had framed the plat of his friend's contentment, comforted therefore with this hope, he doubted not, but upon his humble entreaty, both to pacify his father's displeasure towards Brusanus, and to purchase the delivery of the captived Princes: and having made Brusanus privy to his pretence, there was no remedy but he would bear him company in this journey: minding indeed if there were no other mean to mitigate the malice of Astulpho, to surrender himself to his rage and fury, rather than his innocent parents should suffer endless misery through his misdemeanure: the new married brides Valeria & Moderna, hearing of this undertaken voyage, would in no wise be left behind in this journey, and it was thought by Antipholus, that the feminine persuasions of these two Ladies, would not a little prevail to move his father to mercy: there rested nothing now to be determined off, but withal possible speed to prepare themselves forward, and their greater haste, it was thought convenient, not to accompany themselves with any other troops, more than their necessary servants: Antipholus, knowing that all things were ready, and having appointed his deputy, assisting him with sundry commissioners, for the government of the kingdom of Calypha until his return, set forwards (as before I have said) with a small company for their better speed: and whom we will here again leave in their travail.   

The nineteenth Chapter.  
Dorestus beseegeth the City of Pula, Astulpho intendeth to execute Leonida, Antipholus, Brusanus, Moderna, Valeria, are taken prisoners, and brought to Dorestus, which causeth Astulpho to stay the death of Leonida.  
DOrestus, who after many days marching through Illeria, without any encounter of his enemies, was come to the City of Pula, which he girded in with a strong siege: howbeit, the impregnable situation of the walls without, and the abundance of men, victuals, and artillery within, might have discouraged the beseegers to assaill, as the same encouraged, they besieged to resist, and therefore the barbarous King Astulpho (as it were in dispightful ostentation) to show how little he forced, or feared his enemies, caused Myletto, with his wife and daughter laden with Irons, to appear before the walls, and hanging out a banner as though he purposed a Parle, that calling for Dorestus, who being come within his hearing, he said: Dorestus, because Leonida (I know) is the party, for whose inlargment your enemies most especially do now ocupie Illeria, if therefore her delivery may suffice, be not then hopeless, for Leonida thou shalt have, but I will first take off her head: Here withal the executioner whom he had appointed for that but barbary, begins to settle himself about his business, turning down the colour of her garment, making her neck bare, the better to do his office, a woeful spectacle to Dorestus, who was ready to sink with sorrow, and no less grievous to the wretched King her father, who hearing and seeing what was determined, in this manner breathed out the very sorrows of his soul: And are not my already sustained wrongs, a punishment sufficient to appease thy cruelty, but thou wilt also increase my misery, by the bloody butchery of my innocent child, alas do not so, thyself being father, shouldest have some feeling of a parent's affection: O consider Astulpho of thy own following destiny, and look into thyself by this my calamity: I was once thou knowest in thy present dignity, but thou seest what the heavens hath now decreed against me: and little dost thou know what may betide thee, but what my adversity maketh me to remember, that thy prosperity causeth thee to forget, but couldst thou consider of my present misery, and employ the possibility to thyself & thine, I might then find comfort, not doubting thy clemency, with assured hope of my daughter's safety. If therefore the example of my fall, the uncertainty of thine own fortune, the supplication of a King, the submission of a foe, the intercession of a father, the tears of an old man, the regard of justice, or the innocency of my poor Leonida, if all this may prevail, to move thee to compassion, behold Astulpho, with my tongue I protest it, with my heart I vow it, by the heavens I swear it and mine act shall perform it, that her ransom shall be the resignation of my whole interest of the kingdom of Hungaria, to thee and thine: If all this will not move thee, I conjure thee yet in the name of those Gods that will not fail to punish thy tyranny, by the shame of the world, that will not leave to speak of thine infamy, by the innocent blood, that will cry vengeance against thee, & by thine own guilty conscience, that at last shall accuse thee: When thus much was spoken and all in vain: Leonida more perplexed in beholding her father's grief, then terrified with the death wherewith herself was threatened, with a cheerful voice, said as followeth: Dear father, one of the greatest benefits that can betide us in this life, is to be thankful to God's providence and never to be discouraged by any misfortune, no not to stand so much in awe of death, that for fear thereof we should commit any thing unbeseeming a noble heart, having then patiently resolved myself, whereunto serveth your bootless lamentations, whereby my death is rather doubled then deferred: for adversities albeit they have custom to vere, yet have they no power to change the constancy and courage of a valiant and resolute mind: O seek not then (sweet father, by your discouraging sorrows, seek not I say, to hinder my sweet hope, which hope is death: and death is the salve to all my miseries, and yieldeth assured truce to the rest of my troubles, and knowing in the end, that all things take end, it is not the ill death that we have to account of, but it is the ill dying that is most to be respected. Envy not then your daughters good hap, by sorrowing her death, but comfort yourself with this assured hope, she dieth an innocent: if I were condemned for some notorious ill, perhaps my death should disquiet you the less, but being as I am innocent from crime me thinks it should quiet you the more: Wherefore good father seeing that one and the self same passage is prepared aswell for the coward as the courageous, for the young as for the old, being decreed that all must die, if not at one time yet at an other, being far more miserable to deserve it, then to suffer it, with the reverence of a daughter, therefore I require it, and with out the partial affection of a father, I beseech you to grant it: that you do not more discomfort me by your impatient demeanour, than your dishonourable enemy shall be able to enforce, no not with all his butcherly practices: this is the last that I may hope to crave, and this is the least that in reason you may give.  
More might she not be suffered to speak, but the executioner was willed to dispatch his business, and as he was lifting up the sword to have taken off the head of Leonida, Astulpho might perceive a company both of men and women that were led as prisoners and brought to Dorestus, and advisedly taking view of the parties, amongst the rest he assuredly knew Antipholus his son, and Moderna his daughter: this sight did so amaze him that every part of his body quaked for fear, whereupon he commanded the executioner to hold his hand: For you shall understand, that Antipholus with that company (as you have heard before) travailing towards his father, and was come within a very little of the city of Pula, without any news at all of Dorestus, who the very night before had beset the City, and that very morning sending forth certain companies of horsemen to scour the country, they lighted on Antipholus & his company, who being but few in number, and all unarmed and therefore not able to make defence, were thus taken prisoners, and in this manner were brought to Dorestus, who seeing Antipholus whom he so dearly loved, that he disired not so much as to draw one hair of his head in any displeasure, yet knowing him to be a sufficient pledge for his purpose, for policy's sake he drew his sword, and coming towards Antipholus, seemed as though he would have sheathed it through his body, which being espied by Astulpho, who was ready to stuck to earth for sorrow, he cried out saying: O Dorestus, I beseech thee stay thy hand, and commit not so great cruelty, and sith that fortune hath favoured thee, with this unloke for advantage, triumph thou, the Astulpho hath submitted, but embrew not thy hands in the blood of the innocent: Dorestus who rejoiced not a little to hear these speeches, answered him: Yea mary Astulpho, this is another manner of song, I am glad you have taken over a 〈…〉 lesson, do you begin to preach, against cruelty: well I hope I shall have you confirmeable to the rest: but for this present I will go to my tent, whether if you will send me Leonida, as a pledge, it may be I will return you such conditions, as may prove to your liking: without any further speeches Dorestus departed, leading as prisoners in his company, Antipholus, Brusanus and the rest.   

The twentieth Chapter.  
Astulpho sendeth Leonida to Dorestus with conditions of peace, Antipholus is sent to his father to entreat for Brusanus, Astulpho being overcome with a sudden joy, seeing the safety of his son, falleth down in a trance and so dieth, Antipholus setteth free Myletto and Paulina, Leonida surrendereth her love to Dorestus, their nuptials celebrated, they combyne in friendship and end with contentment.  
DOrestus being entered his pavilion, he first in most friendly manner embraced Antipholus, blessing the hour of his happy arival, hoping by his means, both to attain to his desired purpose, and likewise to conclude, assured peace and concord: then turning to Brusanus, the love of whose sister Leonida, had utterly dissolved, all former conceived displeasures, and embracing him in his arms, he said: O Brusanus, I can but rejoice to think that the enemy to all woman kind, is yet at the length become a sworn soldier in the band of Cupid, and contented to march under the banner of Venus, I hope by this time you have renounced all your former heresies: Brusanus answered, yea Dorestus, and blessed be that ghostly father, by whose instructions I was first moved to consider of mine own mistaking, and have ever sithence (as a true penitent) both acknowledged my ignorance, and done penance for my error, although not able to make full satisfaction for my miss: Dorestus then humbly kissing the hand of Moderna, said: and truly madame your merit was much in this matter, having saved a soul, that by his own confession was in the very high way to perdition: Then I hope sir (answered Moderna) sith he hath cried Peccavi, his faults be then remissive both to God and the world: Dorestus, who knew very well whereunto her speeches had relation, would return her no answer, but resting his eyes upon Valeria, whom although he knew not, yet he stood amazed, to see such perfection of beauty, demanded of the standers by what Lady it might be, Antipholus who could best satisfy him, told him that she was a Princess, the daughter and heir of Belizarius King of Calypha, lately deceased, and his wife, but newly married Dorestus, then kissing her hand, began to comfort her, assuring her that she was lighted into the hands of such a friendly enemy, as was ready to do unto her both honour & service: As Dorestus intended to have proceeded in further speeches, word was brought him that Astulpho had sent Leonida, who was coming fast by, & was already entered within their Corpse de gwarde. Dorestus, to testify how joyful these tidings were unto him, gave the news bringer a chain that he ware about his own neck, esteemed to be of great price: and desiring Antipholus with the rest to accompany him, he met Leonida whom he entertained with great shows of humility, and was nevertheless possessed, with as much joy and gladness, and having in his mind, prepared a long oration for her, his eyes were so filled with her sight, that (as if they would have rob their fellows of their services) both his heart fainted, and his tongue failed: Antipholus then kissing the hand of Leonida, entertained her for the present but with a usual salutation: but Leonida casting her eyes upon Brusanus was not a little comforted, in the presence of her brother, and he accordingly welcomed his sister, with as great shows of brotherly love, as outwardly could be expressed: Valeria and Moderna, had now their turns to entertain Leonida, which both saluted her with no less signs of hearty affection: Leonida being thus welcomed to the company, Dorestus caused 4000 crowns to be delivered to her conductors, which were four Gentlemen sent with her from Astulpho. After these Gentlemen altogether, had given humble thanks to Dorestus for his great bounty, the one of them delivered this message from Astulpho, signifying to Dorestus, that the King his master, to satisfy his request, had sent him his so much desired Leonida, in requital whereof, if he would return him her brother Brusanus, he should then find him confirmeable to his further demands, whatsoever might be thought convenient and necessary, for the establishment of peace, love and amity between them: And although Dorestus minded nothing less than to satisfy Astulpho in that request: yet Antipholus, who tendered the safety of Brusanus, as much as his own life, and knowing the displeasure of his father, to concern no less than the death of his friend: he besought Dorestus with great intercession, that he would not commit an act of such impiety, for to deliver a Prince wittingly to the slaughter, were no less than himself to commit wilful murder: Dorestus rejoicing in his mind, at this unfeigned friendship, demanded of Antipholus if he could devise the mean to pacify his father's fury towards Brusanus: To this Antipholus answered, that he had left the kingdom of Calipha, and had undertaken this sudden journey, but only to that very end, neither dowbted he, but if himself might come to the speech of his father, that he would both mitigate his father's displeasure towards Brusanus, and otherwise to win him to be the better confirmeable for the delivery of Myletto and Paulina: Dorestus who knew very well that Antipholus would (in very deed) do his best to perform as much as he had said, and knowing Valeria to be a sufficient pledge, was content that Antipholus should make present proof of his own practice, the which Antipholus most willingly undertook, and making no doubt at all of his good success, he departed towards his father, who was likewise attending an answer from Dorestus, and more than half in despair of his sons safety, fretting and fuming at himself, that had so rashly sent away Leonida, before he understood what was happened to his son: in the midst of these his melancholy fits, Antipholus presented himself before his father, and humbly casting himself upon his knees: Astulpho beholding the safe arrival of his son, was not so much before perplexed with extreme grief, but he was as suddenly converted to a fit of no less excessive gladness, & rising from his seat purposing to embrace his son, being overcome with a surfeit of to much joy, he presently sanck dead to the earth, neither could he ever after be recovered, by any artificial mean what so ever could be employed: I will not stand here to figure forth the dolorous complaints of Antipholus, whose sorrows were as exceeding as his father's death was sudden, but calling to his remembrance that against death there was neither prescription, nor authority, who yéeldes no compassion to the tears of men, takes no care for their sighs, scorns at their complaints, and playeth with their afflictions, Antipholus therefore pacifying himself for the season, began to bethink him of his other affairs, and having now the law in his own hand, he caused Myletto with Paulina to be brought both before him: who after he had most lovingly embraced he comforted them with cheerful and loving speeches, he likewise caused them to be royally robed, in rich and sumptious apparel be-fitting their estate, and because Dorestus should dread no bad measure, he sent a messenger unto him, with the certainty of his father's death, then making the gates of the city on every side to be set wide open in sign of peace and amity, accompanying himself with the king and queen of Hungaria, with some few noble men to attend their persons, he went to Dorestus, to whom he said: behold Dorestus in respect of former friendship, lately begun between us, and to that end it may be for ever unfeignedly continued, I do here freely deliver unto thee, Miletto king of Hungaria, with Paulina the queen his wife, the parties which thou hast so much desired to set at liberty, neither would I deliver them into thy hands but that I assure myself of thy princely meaning towards them, and sith it hath pleased the heavens thus to call away my father, I know not now what should hinder, but that this friendship between us should be so surely knit, that no future fortune shall ever be able to dissolve: It would ask here another volume, to set down at large, the comfort, the contentment, the quiet, and the joy that was now made amongst these princes, Dorestus triumphed in hope to have his desired Leonida, Miletto rejoiced as fast in the virtuous reconcylyation of his son, Brusanus was no less joyful for the safe delivery of his father, Antipholus was as much delighted to see Brusanus pleased, but after they had a while spent the time in this manner, Dorestus took order for the dissolving of his army, and causing a general pay to be made, he sent them away with their captains and leaders: Miletto likewise giving the Hungarians thanks that had opposed themselves in his rescues, sent them also away, assuring them upon his return, both to remember their kindness, and to recompense their dutiful endeavours: These matters thus over passed, Dorestus was at leisure to consider of his own estate, which he thought to be more infortunate than the rest, who having set all at liberty, and only himself to remain a captive: but it was determined amongst them that they would all remain for a season with Antipholus: who had likewise prepared to entertain them with as great honour as the time would afford him, yet tempering his mirth with such mean as was necessary for the instant, considering the late decease of his father that was yet unburied, being not thoroughly provided for his funerals: Dorestus in this mean space, taking advantage of time, so solicited Leonida a fresh, that she calling to her mind the high service he had performed in her behalf, in requital whereof, she surrendered herself to satisfy his demands, to the great contentment of her father and mother, but especially of her dearest brother Brusanus: The marriage day was quickly determined, and likewise honoured with the presence of all these princes, here began again feasting and banqueting afresh▪ still enterlarding their dishes with such pleasures as could most aptly be prepared for the present: having thus for a season, spent the time as much to their own contentment as might be, and after they had combined a perpetual league of friendship between themselves, they departed, Myletto and his queen to Hungaria, Dorestus and Leonida to Epirus, Brusanus and Moderna to Dalmatia, which was her inhiritaunce, Antipholus and Valeria, continue in Illeria, and they severally reigned, in perfect love and amity between themselves, governing their people with such equity and justice, as they neither wanted love to their subjects, nor their subjects duty and obedience to them: all parties thus pleased, and every one remaining in most happy contentment, I hold it best even so to leave them, for in a fit time, it is not possible to end.   
FINIS.  
Barnaby Rich.   


Malui me divitem esse quam vocari.