CLIDAMAS or The Sicilian Tale, by I. S.  
LONDON. Printed by Th. Paine. And are to be sold by john Cowper 1639.  W. Hollar, fecit.   

CLIDAMAS, OR THE SICILIAN TALE.  
Written by J.S.  
LONDON, Printed by Thomas pain, and are to be sold by john Cowper, at the Holy Lamb, at the East end of Saint Paul's Church. 1639.   

To the Readers,  
HEre I present you with this little Novel (courteous Readers) which though in itself it be nothing, yet helped by a favourable construction, and applied to the right use of such toys, may prove something, though of small moment, whether it be worth the reading or no, I must leave to your censures after the perusal: yet thus much let me hearten you forward to view it over, as a traveller, having but a little way to go, though it be none of the best, comforts himself with the soon coming to the end, so, if when you begin to read, you find not those flowers of art, and excellencies of discourse, that you may find in others of the same nature, yet consider it is but short, and with these thoughts you shall find an end, before you think of weariness. Take it therefore as the first Fruits of his brains, that if this please, will be more industrious to content you.  
Yours, as you like him, I. S.   

To the Reader.  
REad o'er this little book, & in it see,  
What pains the Author hath bestowed for thee  
And thy delight, for 'tis alone compiled  
For virtue's lustre, and not meanly styled  
For if all Poets which this land doth yield,  
Could bring Mars armed in a bloody field,  
Or paint the violence of the waters king,  
Or with blind Cupid in his Courts thus sing,  
This land (as erst the Italian bounds) mighe be  
Famed for the nursing of true Poetry.  
H. I.   

Upon the AUTHOR and his Worke.  
Worthy I call you, for I find you so,  
Reveiwing this your work, many may know,  
And soon conjecture of thy industry,  
Both wit, and learning, and thy Poetry.  
But there are many, who are subject still,  
Invectively to talk even what they will.  
And now of late, I've known a silly drudge,  
Offer to censure, wanting wit to judge.  
But go you forward in what you intent,  
there's many will detract, but few can mend.  
This is the first, I'll wonder at the sequel,  
If you proceed, there's few will be your equal.  
'Tis so complete compact in every thing,  
That it must needs praise to the author bring.  
Yours, and a true favourer of learning and virtue. I. P.   

CLJDAMAS, OR THE SICILJAN TALE.  
THere dwelled in the Isle of Sicily, an old Gentleman, reverend for his years, wise in Counsel, virtuous in life, and rich in possessions, named Clidamas, yet was not fortune so much his friend in giving him wealth, as nature in enriching him with two Daughters, the elder whereof was named Calanthia, and the younger Florella.  
Not far from the dwelling of old Clidamas, there lived two young Gentlemen, not brothers by birth, yet as much or more than brothers by affection, the elder named Cleanthes, and the younger Polidore; equal they were in all things save in age, of equal height, of equal wit, of equal beauty, of equal strength; their valour such, that Cleanthes never found a match for himself before he tried Polidore, neither could Polidore be ever paralleled by any other then Cleanthes: oft had they tried their forces against strangers, and as oft had they come off to their adversaries disgrace, and their own glory; oft had they tried their own strengths together, and as oft given over without any disadvantage on either side: so that perceiving neither to be the better, they gave over further proofs, and concluded, that since neither could brag of others overthrow, they would from thence forth perticipate of each others honours.  
In this sort long they lived, haunting all places where honour was to be purchased, and where ever they came, doing such admirable deeds of arms, that their fame speed itself, not only over Sicily, but also over the greatest part of Greece and Italy, so that Cleanthes and Polidore were generally reputed the only Chevaliers in those parts.  
Long it was ere these famous Martialists (not yet weaned from the sweats of warlike honours) tasted the bitter-sweets of Cupid's Artillery, till it fortuned that Callanthia and Florella (who were as famous for beauty as they for valour) passed by their Castle, when both at one instant saw them, both at one instant liked them, both at one instant loved them, both at one instant protested they were Goddesses, both at one instant vowed to enjoy them; both at one instant were about to run out of the Castle and seize on them, and yet both at one instant accounting it a dishonour to offer violence to weak women, and wisely pondering the danger that might arise thereof, desisted from such an enterprise; yet still continued they gazing, extolling above measure the excellency of their faces, and the sparkling lustre of their radiant eyes, calling them (by overstrained hyperboles) Stars, Suns, Angels, or indeed any thing that lovesick imagination fancieth, till by their continued motion their eyes were denied the sight of their faces; but then fell they to admiring of their backparts, praising (beyond measure) the decency of their garments, setting down for an absolute conclusion, that never could garments be so extraordinarily well fashioned, unless an extraordinary excellent mould were under them, thus by things seen, they gathered the perfection of things not seen, making their eyes bear them company till they were quite out of sight.  
But then their eyes being robbed of their felicity, imagination fell harder to work; yet in all this time did neither take heed to the others passions, each were so busied in his own particular contemplation, so being both weary of either's company (it being the nature of love to affect loneliness) they agreed without any motion made to either, to depart asunder, yet remembering their ancient friendship, they were once about to return to take leave of one another, but the remembrance of their new love drowned this part of good manners, yet did each marvel at the others strangeness, and still imputed the cause to himself, determining when occasion should serve to find an excuse, which took away all cause of debate between them, neither dreaming that the other was taken as well as himself, but either steadfastly persuaded that himself was the only aim of Cupid's archery, in these imaginations either departed from the other to their private Chambers.  
Twice had the Sun run his diurnal race, and still these lovers continued in their solitariness, not talking at meat as they were wont to do aforetime, but both would fit silent and still, thinking more of the beauty of their mistresses, then either of meat or tabletalk, yet remembering themselves they would sometimes cast forth a stealing look, to spy whether the one perceived the others manner of carriage, when if these their stolen glances happened to be at one instant (as sometimes they were,) Cleanthes would blush, as a shamed to be seen by Polidore, and Polidore would change colour, as loath to have his passion noted by his dear Cleanthes.  
At length solitariness (to which they had not formerly been used) grew wearisome to them, and either desired to make his friend partaker of his secret thoughts; in this Sympathy of affection, one day, when the Sun was descending to his western habitation, they grew more familiar, and after some unncessary chat, they resolved to walk into the fresh air of the fragrent fields, to which they had now these two days been strangers; a long time for them that had been brought up abroad in the fields, and taught to rouse the savage lion from his den, and to follow deeds of arms, and not to spend their time within doors, in a private chamber crossing their arms, and crying heyho to see the strangeness of love's labyrinths.  
Not far from this castle, there was a spacious and thick wood, so frequently beset with aged oaks, and strait upreared pines, as if Lady Nature had intended to make that place as a common arbour for the neighbouring region; & so indeed it was used, for thither resorted the chiefest persons of the land, women and lovers to hear the ravished Philomela lament the cruelty of her false brother in law, others (that were not lovers) came thither to hunt the fearful stag or brisling boar; the ground of the wood was strewed with the richest of nature's tapistery, there grew the sweetbrier, and the white rose, the dazy, the yellow cowslip, the honisuckle, and the lovely violet, of which fair Ladies use to make themselves sweet garlands, thither it was that Callanthia and Florella were walking, when these two friends first happened to see them, and thither they themselves were now going, as if love had guided them to that place of purpose, to make it more famous by being private to the loves of so true a pair.  
With one consent they walked on till they came to a thicket of pine trees, whose overgrown tops were so thickly spread, and so interchangeably entangled each in other, that they made a most solitary shade, utterly denying the tell-tale Phoebus any prospect to the place, that else would be too familiar in love●s secrets; this place they thought the fittest for their purpose, and therefore sitting both down upon the grass, they remained a good while silent, as desiring one should know the others secrets, and yet either loath to disclose his secrets, because they were love; Thus long they sat, till at the last Cleanthes trusting to the gentleness of Polydore, thus began.  
If what I speak, sound harsh in thine ears, or if when I have told thee my griefs, thou intendest to reproove my folly, as I know thou wilt, I pray thee Polidore do it gently, and remember (I beseech thee) that howsoever faulty, yet I am thy friend, trust me (my Polidore) had not fate, unevitable fate, laid this mischance upon me, I think I had been still as free as thou.  
Soon was Polydore wrought to be kind to Cleanthes, because he made no question but that he should have need of the same from him, and (therefore with a forced smile) he told him, he should find a kind tutor of him, and so bade him proceed; which he, (after a volley of sighs) thus did.  
I know not Polidore, whether ever thou hast heard tell of a Deity (unknown I must confess to soldiers, and therefore I think not known to thee) called Love, for mine own part, I have often heard tell of him, but never gave credit to the report, but always imagined it to be the idle imagination of a frantic brain, till of late I think, himself, knowing himself despised, is come to revenge himself on me for so neglecting him, for my Polydore (and then he blushed) not long since it was my chance leaning out of the castle window, to behold two gentlewomen exceeding beautiful both, especially one, whose eyes (me thought) shot fiery arrows at my heart and wounded it, so that from that time thy poor Cleanthes, hath been in such an agony of distress, that I hope thy heart (dear Polidore) will never feel the like, whether she were a humane creature, or a celestial goddess come of purpose to delude me I know not, for since I never saw her; imagine my dear Polidore, but alas to what purpose? for thou canst never imagine what continual fires, what perpetual frosts, what everlasting tortures, harbour in a lover's breast, thou canst not Polydore, no, thou canst not amongst all the legends of afflicting torments find out one to parallel a lover's anguish, thou wilt tell me of Ixion's wheel, alas, that is a rest to the perpetual circumvolutions in a lover's heart, thou wilt tell me of Prometheus' vulture, alas, what vulture can gnaw so fiercely as the griffin care doth on my poor heart (for I am now a lover) thou wilt tell me of the fifty daughters of false Danaus and their bottomless tubs, alas what are they to the bottomless pit of my affections, which a whole sea of fancies cannot fill; I expect now that thou shouldest chide me, but thy word is past, and thou hast rather cause to pity me; howsoever if thou be'st angry with me (as thou hast cause enough) I prithee keep thy word, and chide me gently, else thou wilt add more to a soul that is already pressed with two heavy a burden.  
Glad was Polydore when he heard him name love, yet that joy was not lasting, for he imagined, his friend had perceived some thing by him, and therefore might use this as a way to sound him, but perceiving by the continuance of his speech, that what he spoke, he spoke heartily; a new fear possessed him, who this gentlewoman should be, extremely fearing it should be his mistress, thinking (as every lover doth) that she was the only woman in the world, worthy to be loved; yet some what glad that his friend Cleanthes was caught as well as himself, he made this reply.  
Is it possible that Cleanthes should be entangled in love's net? can it be that he should be hit with Cupid's bird bolt? nay, than I see it is no shame for such fools as I to love, when so wise a man as Cleanthes is overtaken, think not I speak this in derision friend, for heaven knows, and my conscience knows, that Polydore feels as much torture for love, as Cleanthes possibly can; only in this I am happy, that having so good a precedent, I need not be ashamed to love, nor afraid of rebuke from you, that are caught in the same gin: Trust me Cleanthes, Cupid was politic in this for had he smote one only, surely your strong persuasions and enforcing arguments, would have so much prevailed, that I should have shaken off all thoughts of love, and rather have smothered my affection, though it might have cost me the hazard of my life, then have entertained any thing that might have been distasteful to Cleanthes, and by mine own thoughts I measure thine, but now since we are both so strooken, that the one cannot rebuke the other, unless he will of necessity blame himself, let us in stead of chiding, cherish one another, and with our best endeavours aid each other, in the attaining, of our desires; it could not choose but exceedingly glad Cleanthes to hear with what a congruity, love had endued both their affections; but then the same fear came upon him that had before invaded Polydore, lest perchance, his friend should be in love with his mistress, but that fear soon after vanished too, for by sundry inquiries, and diverse marks, which either had imprinted in their memory, they truly perceived that Callanthia was Cleanthes his mistress, and Florella Polydores; so that not knowing now, why either should be offended at other, or have any cause to grieve, if so be their mistresses would prove grations, they resolved that, to put that in trial, was their next task, in which they were mutually to aid one another, and in this resolution, they left the wood, and went home to their castle.  
Long it was not, ere they learned who, and what their sweethearts were, whereupon they grew into acquaintance with old Clydamas, which was not hard for them to do, they being men of so great note, and he a man of so affable a nature, that he willingly entertained the acquaintance of any, that were virtuously given, howsoever strangers, so that he thought himself to be highly graced, to be familiar with two such men as Cleanthes and Polydore: and they thought themselves no less happy, in being entertained into the friendship of Clydamas.  
Thus passed they some time only in mutual hospitality, without any speech of love on either side, till on a time Clydamas inviting them home to his house to a banquet, after the feast was ended, he had them into a goodly garden inbroidered with the chiefest of Flora's jewels, in the midst whereof, was a most curious arbour of sweet-brier, into which leading the two friends, and seating them on either side himself, he thus spoke unto them.  
Gentlemen, before I was acquainted with you, and knew you only by report, I loved you, esteeming you to be men worthy to be beloved, but since growing into more familiarity with you, that love is so much more nicreased, by how much the more my knowledge of you is bettered: I love not to flatter, neither would I have you to grow proud at my speeches, (and therewith he smiled,) but this I will boldly say, that if the gods would promise to give me two sons, endued with such qualities as I would wish them, you should be the patterns, that I would set the gods to work by; did I want valiant men to defend my just cause, I would send the whole world over to find out you; did I want boon companions to pass away the time with, I would pick out you; did I want a friend to intrust my secrets with, it should be one of you: you may wonder perhaps, to what end tends this preamble, why trust me worthy friends, to such an end that if it hit with your humours, (as I would wish it) it may be to the good of us all.  
I cannot tell whether you have heard reported, how in former times, the gods had blessed me with a pair of sons, whom I cannot praise, because it was my hard fortune to lose them, before either themselves could tell what honour meant, or I, or indeed any man tell, to what end the fates had reserved them, yet was their expectation great with all men: for being but nine years old, they gave forth such evident signs of a hopeful valour, that it amazed strangers, & joyed me exceedingly, to hear how they were generally praised, even in their childish exercises; but now begins the tragedy (& with that the tears trickled down his fair white beard) for as they were playing together on the Seashore, certain Sea-rovers espying them, took them and forcibly carried them aboard their galley, presently hoisting up their sails and getting away, maugre all our endeavours, who presently made after them with what speed we might, but to no purpose, for they labouring with sail and oar, so far outstripped us that it was impossible for us to overtake them, and therefore seeing that we laboured in vain, with sorrowful hearts we turned back again, leaving my dear children behind, of whom since then I never heard any tidings; This sorrow coming to the mother's ear, who was then great with child and near her time, it so wrought on her, that she presently fell in travile, and in travile died, yet did she leave (to comfort my old age) these two daughters whom you know, and indeed they have been hitherto a comfort to me, I will not say too much of them, because they are mine own: yet thus much I may say, that they are virtuous, and since the gods have bereft me of my sons, I suppose they have in some sort made me a recompense, in bestowing on me such daughters, as may by their fortunate marriages enrich me with two noble sons in law, and those I have determined to be you, if you can like of them, or if your affections be not settled otherwhere; think them not the worse because they are proffered, but think rather, that it is a sure presage of a following good, to have a full assent on all parts, for how ever I give you my consent, yet do I limit it to your and their liking; for I will not be the maker of enforced matches; therefore if you have heretofore, or do now newly, entertain any liking to my daughters, here you have my consent, as esteeming you worthy sons in law, whom I have found to be such worthy friends; on therefore freely, and if you like them, woo them, for mine own part, now I have given you thus much way, I will be neither a hindrance, nor a furtherer to your attempts, but either betake himself to his best cunning.  
You may imagine, it was some comfort to the poor lovers to have such a way laid open to them, for well they knew that it was requisite to get the father's good will, if they would have the match pleasing and fortunate, therefore without any further circumstances, Cleanthes in the name of himself, and his friend Polidore thus spoke.  
For the love worthy sir which you have had to us, we are rather to thank your goodness, than any deserts in ourselves, your age being more apt to fancy where you find the least occasion of liking, than our youth able to merit any thing to make you fancy us, howsoever we are the more bound to you, for enriching us with your love, that have no title to lay claim to it by. Of the unhappy loss of your hopeful sons, some glimmering of knowledge we have had heretofore, but never the truth till now from yourself, in which you have related such a continued race of sorrow, knit up with so admirable a period of joy, that if your report urged tears from us, your conclusion was of sufficiency to dry them; the loss of your sons was much, the loss of your wife much, and indeed I know not which we should esteem the greater loss, but for these two losses, the Gods have returned you a large recompense, four for three, two daughters (whom I know not whether the earth can parallel) for one wife, which (besides their own inherent excellencyes) bring with them two husbands, which though they cannot equal your own children, yet may they in some sort bring a comfort to your aged years. Now since it hath pleased you, to nominate us two for your sons in law, we should be much ingrate in refusing so goodly a proffer, and much more than vain, to deny that, because it is offered, for which we would give whole worlds (were they ours) for the purchase, for believe me sir, no sooner did our eyes behold your beauteous daughters, but our hearts loved them, determining for certain either to have them, or to die for them; how happy then may you imagine we esteem ourselves, when you that are the wakeful dragon to guard these golden apples, shut your eyes while we two Herculesses come to rob your orchard, or rather not shut your eyes, but look on us with delight; encouraging us on with such persuasions, as would make a coward valiant in the wars of Love, having no enemy to war against him, save a gracious Virgin, and knowing besides that she cannot be hard hearted, coming of so kind a father. To answer you therefore with what a sympathy our affection meet, you cannot be so willing to have us your sons, as we (if your fair daughters be but gracious as I hope they will) are desirous to call you father.  
What Cleanthes had uttered in words, Polydore failed not to testify for himself, by the pleasing gesture of his countenance, which the good old man perceiving, it did so wrap him in joy, that the tears ran trickling down his white beard, his overgladded heart not being able to contain in itself so sudden an ecstasy of joy, at so great a felicity (as he esteemed it) to have Cleanthes and Polydore for his sons in law, which they taking for a sure presage of a fortunate event, it made them sympathise with him in delight, though their eyes did not testify it with such tears of joy as his did, their youthful fire being better able to dry up those floods of overflowing passion than the frost of age; wherefore without more a do, they desired him only to aid them thus far, as to help them to the speech of the maids, and they did not doubt of a happy success, which he willingly agreeing unto, promised to perform accordingly. But because it was then to late, the sun being almost gone to hide himself in the bosom of Tethis, he invited them to a course supper and a hard bed (as he termed it) and there for that night the lovers took up their Inn.  
All supper time did they sit gazing on their mistresses, feeding on their eyes more than on the Cates that was before them, that it was a merriment to old Clidamas to see them so attentive, and to hear them answer so impertinently to every question he asked of them, yet would he find out pleasant discourse to beguile the time, and thus supper was passed over; after with music and dancing, and other delightful pleasures, they wore away the hours till bed time, & then lights being brought they were conducted to their chambers. fain would the youths have been practising their skill in Venus' warfare, but the company of guests than present denied them opportunity, therefore awaiting for a fitter hour, they betook them to their lodging; for rest I cannot call it, their minds being so distracted between joy and fear; joy for the father's willingness, fear for the daughters mislike if it should happen; that they debarred their eyes from the least slumber, yet was the fancy of joy the stronger, as having the surer ground, which so filled their heads with pleasing imaginations, that themselves I think (had they been asked the question) could not have recounted them.  
The burning hooves of Apollowes firce-breathing steeds, had not as yet attained the lower pavement of the vaulted hemisphere, and rosy fingered Aurora had but newly strewed the way for the King of lights, when the two lovers (weary of their restless beds) perceiving the morning's blush through the chamber window, arose, and appareling themselves went down to receive the fresh morning's air in the garden; but all their earliness could not outstrip the wakeful Clydamas, who was the continual morning cock to the whole house, who seeing the two lovers coming towards him, with a merry countenance gave them the bonjour thus.  
So early up, nay then I see, you will be sure speeders that are so early risers; See, how the sun comes stealing over yond hill, dying his cheeks with blushes as ashamed to be outstripped by mortals; Rather he teacheth us (said Polydore) to blush for suffering ourselves to be surpassed by you, that should rather be at rest, than thus abroad so soon before the day, young bloods may better endure watching then weak age: Indeed (said Clydamas young men that have the same watchbel that you have, can worse endure their beds than others that want it, and commonly where there's a lover in the house there needs no other cock to call up the rest, but otherwise youth loves their ease, and to nourish themselves with a morning nap, when old men rather desire to feed (as it were) on the fresh air without doors; yet the case goes ill of our sides (saith Cleanthes) for though we have the watchbell which you talk of, yet either it went false, or we minded it not, for me thinks for all our alarm, you are got up before us.  
With such like pleasing conference they passed on the time till Clydamas perceived his daughters were come into the garden, whereupon taking the two friends by the hands he thus encouraged them: Yonder is the game, and you are skilful huntsmen, upon them then, and if you miss them, blame not me for negligence, but yourselves for slothfulness, that had the game in view, and yet lost it: and therewith he parted from them.  
Who then had looked on the lovers, might have perceived a maidenly blush overspread their cheeks, as afraid of themselves having never been trained in Cupid's military discipline, yet gathering their spirits together, and arming themselves with their greatest resolution, they approached nigh and taking them by the hands kindly gave them the good morrow, which they with a modest blush returned. Whereupon Cleanthes taking his fair Calanthia by the hand, whilst Polydore did the like to his dear Florella thus accosted her.  
If what I speak (beauteous Calanthia) be not so powdered with art, as may befit the tender tympane of a Lady's ear, impute it to the fault of war, that teacheth her scholars no better language: yet thus much may my simpleness in that kind gain me, that wanting colour to daub my meaning over with, my truth will appear the more naked and clear. I love thee dear Callanthia; nay start not sweet, love is not such a bugbear to affright a Lady with, time was when I myself would have laughed at the name of Cupid, as if he had been as lame as he is blind: but since, his piercing shaft hath made so large a wound, that I fear it never will be healed, unless you prove the gracious physician and cure me; It was the wisdom of the gods (divine Calanthia) to make man and woman, so framing them, that it is almost impossible for them to live asunder; for if either had been made alone, how should the spacious fabric of the world have been supplied with inhabitants? or if when both had been made, they might have lived asunder, to what end had served man's affibility? or those excellencies that are in women? they ordained therefore that man and woman should be joined together, that man's natural harshness might be mollified with woman's tenderness, and woman's weakness might be upheld by man's strength. Now since this is the pleasure of the gods, (my dear) be not you displeasing to them, by obstinate refusing to submit yourself to their decree: but agree to be my woman, and I (more than willingly) will consent to be thy man, give me thy love as freely, as I ask it honestly, for far from me, be the thought of villainy; I know it is the fashion of maidens to be coy, and hard to be won at first, and some fools I know there are, that esteem a woman light if she be won at the first onset, but trust me Calanthia, I am of another opinion, for never could a thousand years of growth, nourish a truer love in any lover's breast, than a minute's sight hath bred in mine: for no sooner did your eyes sparkle on mine, but from those eyes of yours, Cupid let fly his golden headed arrow at my heart, and why then may not a minute's talk, breed as true a love as a minute's sight: delay not then my dear Calanthia, but yield thyself without any further circumstance, for by thy love, (which is an oath that I would sooner die then break) I shall account thee more wise and constant, as wanting those arts which cunning women have, by feigned refusals to draw poor besotted youths into a fool's paradise, my request is fair and honest, thy gracious love, to be consummated by a happy marriage. And therewith he ceased, gripping her fair hand within his so hard, as if he would have her feel his meaning as well as hear it.  
But the excellent Calanthia (who was as fair as any that the sun ere looked on, and yet more gracious than fair, and as wise as gracious) after a little musing made him an answer thus.  
Worthy Sir, if war teach her Scholars no worse language than she hath taught you, she need not be ashamed of them; for believe me sir, (and let these blushes testify for me) I know not how, but your words have so wrought with me, that I never felt the like passions in myself, as I do at this time, if you deceive me be it on your own head, I am the silly fish easily caught with a fair bait, I must confess I could have held off longer, and would have done, (though I imagine what torments I should have undergone) but your protestations have so far prevailed with me, that you see how easily I am won to yield you up the fort of my chaste love, almost without the least battery; which if it be a fault; (as I know not how you may esteem it,) blame your own tongue for having so much power to overcome me.  
Blessed be my tongue said Cleanthes, for having so much power, and blessed be love for making thy heart so pliable; but more than blessed be thy dear self, (excellent Calanthia) for enriching me with so excellent and enstimable a treasure as thy love; when I am false or once think a thought of deceiving thee, may all the plagues of love and jealousy light on this heart, and never be removed. O happy presage of a most fortunate end, in so blessed a beginning; what man can have more cause of joy than Cleanthes, when he shall fold in his arms so delicate a bride as is Callanthia; for ever will I consecrate this day to pleasure, & the sprightly Cupid, dull bloody war, when did I ever feel such an ecstasy of joy in all thy service, when I came home laden with the spoils of foes, crowned with triumphant bays, and all the soldiers crying out Cleanthes, the mortal Mars that leads victory bound in an iron chain, that she dares not but attend on him, victory, victory to the great Cleanthes; yet have I rid one drowsy and dull, no more stirred with these glorious acclamations, then if they had not belonged to me; yet here for the glory of one cumbate in the field of Love, my heart dances to the music of Callanthias' voice, chant on my dear Callanthia and never give over, that my poor heart may never give over dancing.  
Callanthia seeing into what an extremity of joy imagination had led him, thought to give him a kind of cooling card, and therefore spoke to this effect.  
Let not my words Cleanthes make you to lose yourself, for my position was general, in regard of mine own will, yet is it not without a lemitation; you know that besides the liberty of my free will, I have the obedience of a child imposed on me, and believe me, that howsoever I fare (as indeed I think I shall not live without you) his will shall be the limits of my affection, beyond which I will on no terms wander; get therefore his goodwill and you have mine.  
This was so far from abating any thing of Celanthes his joy, that it augmented it rather, which he was about to utter, and tell her that he had her father's good will already, but that Clidamas (who all this while hard all their talk) perceiving already that Polydore had wrought his Lady Florella to the same point, stepped out, and put them together with these or the like benidictions.  
If my good will be the only stop, here I remove that let gentleman, here I give you my daughters, and may the Gods bless this fair conjunction, may you live long and happy together, may the children which the Gods will bestow on you, grow up to a greater perfection of virtue than their parents, and when the fates shall cut your threads of life, may ye have the fortune of Philemon and Baucis, to end all your lives in one period of time. To which the lovely couples said Amen.  
The next care was in providing necessary things for the wedding, and appointing the day, which for the convenient decency of the celebration, was deferred till a month after: till when let us leave them, and in the mean go a while to sea, to hear (if we can) some tidings of Martuvio and Roderigo, the lost sons of old Clydamas who as you heard himself report it, were stolen away in their childhood by sea rovers; but before we enter into the discourse of their fortunes, it is requisite that we look into the passage of an age, or two before.  
Upon the sea coast of Barbary, there stands an ancient and renowned city, generally known to Merchants, called Tunis, in which sometime their reigned a King (or a tyrant rather) named Mariabdela: This monster (for so we may call him more justly than a man) not content to wallow, and glut himself in such sins as might have some excuse, or agreed something with the course of nature, went on yet further, letting loose the reins to his voluptuous appetite, jesting at the majesty of the Gods, and thinking them to be idle fictions of witless heads, to make fools afraid of doing that, which might content their sensuality.  
So far proceeded his enormous wickedness, as to the deflowering of his own daughter, a maiden so exceedingly beautiful, and so excellently virtuous, that she seemed as a fair rose sprung from a crooked brier; yet neither her excellent beauty, (which would have mollified a tiger) nor her admirable virtues (which would have moved any but a devil) could purchase any remorse in this hellish tyrant; thrice did she conjure him by the name of father, to desist from so unhumaine a villainy, and yet thrice did the fiend reject the name of father and would not hear; thrice did she provoke him by the pains of her careful mother, that he would not let those many labours employed to bring her up virtuously, to perish and come to nothing by his beastliness, and yet thrice did the barbarous wretch withstand those excellent provocations; because they would persuade him from his beastliness: thrice did she stir him by the sense of manhood, telling him how unmanly it was to offer violence to a tender virgin, much more for a father to offer villainy to his own child, and yet thrice did he refuse these motions, setting more by the fruition of his incestuous lust, then by the credit of manhood, so that (perforce) taking her in his arms he carried her into his chamber, whilst she poor soul with bitter cries, and many a brine-salt tear, implored aid from the Gods; but all in vain, for the insatiate devil having her there in his power, villainously ravished her; but then his lustful liking turned to a mortal hate, loathing the person but not the fact, so that throwing off all pity of a man, as before he had done of a father, he drew his sword, and while the sweet angelic creature sat bewailing her lost honour, the cruel devil most unhumainely murdered her, and commanding presently to raise a rumour of her sudden death, in most pompious manner he solemnised her funeral, where the dissembling crocodile shed such a multitude of false tears, that he made the most hearts present to condole with him, his infinite loss in so precious a daughter.  
Yet could not all his cunning clock his wickedness from the allseeing eyes of the divine powers, for though he scaped corporal plagues, yet was his mind so distracted with hideous thoughts, and the everlasting gripes of a guilty conscience, as if a thousand devils had taken up their habitation in his bosom, nor could the comfort of sleep any thing benefit him, for no sooner were his eyes closed, but his imagination presented him with ghastly visions and horrid dreams; amongst the rest, one night he dreamt that he saw his daughter coming towards him with her hair dishevelled about her ears, and her eyes flaming like fire, in her hand a burning whip, with which she lashed him in most cruel manner, with horror whereof crying out amain, spare me Carapresa he waked; and yet still was his imagination so throughly possessed with terror of those burning lashes, that he ran about the chamber like a mad man, crying continually on Carapresa to hold her hands, which the guard (that ordinarily watched about the chamber) hearing, they presently rushed in upon him, and by violence held him, till being something come to himself, they left him, and he went to bed again.  
In such like tortures did he spend his time, so that growing weary of his life, and indeed desperate, not caring what should happen to him, he gave himself over to delights, and such pastime as were of most likelihood to drive away such troublesome thoughts; at last (by what means I know not) it came into his head to have a great desire to know to what end the fates had reserved him, this fancy growing stronger and stronger, he sent two of his trustiest servants to the oracle of jupiter Ammon to know his destiny, who coming before the Altar, and offering their gifts according to the custom, they received from the oracle this answer.  
The man that Tunis doth command,  
Shall fall by a Sicilian hand.  
With this short answer they returned home again, where delivering the King their scroll, he read it, & plainly perceiving how evidently his destiny was figured out, he presently gave command, that all Sicilians should within a month's space, void the country on pain of death, if any were found after the month's end; he himself in the mean time walking strongly guarded, admitting none into his company or service, until he had throughly examined him, what, and of whence he was, not caring of what country they were, so they were not Sicilians.  
Besides this he sent out his galleys and other ships of war to surprise all Sicilians, without respect of age, sex, or degree, so that by these means the Mediterranean sea was so haunted, as no one durst venture, unless he went extraordinarily strongly provided for the assault, for under colour of surprising Sicilians, these rovers set on all that they saw, ransacking ship and goods, slaying some of the men, and sending the others to the shore naked and comfortless.  
One of these galleys it was, that stole away the two children as they were playing by the sea shore, for espying them, and supposing that the King would give them an extraordinary reward, for adventuring to fetch them out of their country, when so largely he recompensed those that took any on the sea, they put it to the venture, and swiftly rushing out of their galley, they carried them away, maugre all that the inhabitants could do.  
Thus with their rich booty (as they accounted it) they sailed on, being carried with a merry gale of wind, till they came within the sight of Tunis, but then, on a sudden the wind changed quite contrary, so that it was impossible for them to approach to the shore, and presenly upon it, arose so vehement a tempest, as if heaven and earth would have met together, to the confusion of the weather beaten galley, the winds stormed, the seas roared, the ship cracked, and the men howled for anguish, making a most confused & hideous noise, the day grew dark, and the Sun wrapped up his face in his clouded mantle, as loath to see the confusion of mankind, the moon and the stars, looked gazing out of their spheres, wondering to see the cruelty of enraged Aeolus, to the general amazement of all the distracted beholders, to see the Moon usurp the Sun's office, and the signs of midnight, when it should be noon.  
To add to the horrid noise of the raging waters, sometimes were heard the sudden cracks of furious thunderbolts, which compared with the harsh grumbling of the turbulent sea, seemed like the discharging of some great piece of ordinance amongst a volley of small shot. The ship in the mean time violently tumbled up and down, by the continual agitation of the troubled ocean, now mounted upward, as if it would never leave ascending, till it had touched the clouds, and by and by down again, as if it would never leave falling till it came to the lowest hell, the amazed sailors, not knowing which way to turn them in so urgent an extremity, were enforced to commit ship, lives, goods, and all, to the mercy of the winds and sea, therefore taking down all their sails they lay hulling up and down, as the tempest drove, carefully expecting a more prosperous gale; but in vain expected they any comfort, for on the second night after the tempest began, they were set a ground on the coast of Spain.  
Who had then seen the distracted mariners, would have thought them mortal foes, rather than combined friends, so did every one bestir himself in this danger, snatching out of his fellow's hand that which he thought would save himself, not caring who perished so himself escaped: amongst the rest the young lads shifted for themselves, as well as their tender age would give them leave, for seeing how every one provided for himself, no man regarding them, they thought that they should do the like too, and therefore getting up into the upper deck, (because that place was only free from water,) they remained there till that also began to be possessed by the encroaching ocean, but then, as it were inspired with a riper wit, which it may be the sight of the present danger had lent them, they supposed that to stay longer in the ship, nothing was to be expected but most certain ruin, & therefore espying a chest which by good fortune was in the place (as they had seen others do) they threw themselves and it into the sea, entreating Neptune to be gentle to them, because they were but children and had never done him wrong.  
It seemed that Neptune heard their prayers, for ere break of day they were cast on shore half dead hard by Tarragona, where an old fisherman (who about some business was come so early to the sea side) found them, and being moved with tender commiseration of their misfortunes, he ran to them, and used such diligence that he recovered life in them, yet long it was ere they could call to mind how they came there, but at last remembering the ship and the storm at sea, they asked the old man what was become of the ship; but he perceiving them to be faint, carried them home with him, and told them that the ship would come again one day, and till than they should dwell with him, which they according to their childish simplicity presently conscented to.  
Thus were these two children saved from the swords tyranny by the cruel mercy of the angry sea, the other that were in the ship were either drowned, or if they escaped to the land they fell into the hands of the inhabitants, who hated them deadly, as being subjects to the tyrant Mariabdela.  
The good old Sancho (for so was the fisherman called) perciving by diverse questions, who and what his orphans were, regarded them the more charily, intending when occasion should serve to carry them home again to Sicily, which he hoped might be a means of bettering his estate, by a good recompense which he made account to obtain, by presenting their father with so worthy a gift.  
It fortuned, that about some two or three years after, the Duke of Medina Sidonia Lord Admiral of Spain, having been upon a service to scour the Sea of pirates, for want of water and fresh victuals, happened to put into that haven, where coming himself ashore, he chanced to espy Martuvio and Roderigo as they were coming from school, when presently he took such a liking to them that he demanded of them whose children they were, they (as they were taught by old Sancho) made answer they were his, whereupon the Duke commanding him to be sent for, requested him to let him have his two children, which the good old man hearing, and glad to prefer them to so honourable a man, (because he knew not when his own estate would be sufficient to carry them to Sicily) willingly condescended unto, and therefore taking them aside thus spoke unto them.  
My sons (said he) for so I may justly call you, as having given you a second life from the seas cruelty, and my care of you since that time, hath been little less than that of a father, you are old enough to entertain my counsel, and of understanding sufficient to put it in practice, you see how the means that the Gods have lent me is so small, that it is only sufficient to keep us, so that I know not whether ever I shall be able, to convey you home to your own father or no; see therefore my dear children how the Gods have provided for you, in moving the heart of the great Duke of Medina Sidonia to fancy you, a man mighty in power, & great in authority, under whom you may sooner get means of transportation to your country, then by staying here with me, go with him my boys, and I beseech the Gods to give you as many blessings, as there are sorrows in my poor heart to part with you, were it not that I know it is for your greater good: yet whersoever you shall go, or howsoever the fates shall dispose of you, remember old Sancho your poor foster father; lastly, it will not be amiss for you to entertain my counsel in this to, whensoever folks shall ask you what or whose sons you are, you may answer, a poor fishermen on the coast of Spain, for if you be known to be Sicilians it will go hard, but the tyrant Mariabdela of whom you have heard tell, will work some means to get you into his clutches for the whole sea is full of his warlike ships, and he accounts not the loss of his ships, equal to the purchase of one Sicilian, so monstrously doth he hate your nation: but by terming yourselves my children, you may go for Spaniards, & so escape the fear of any such danger, besides going under my name, you may much benefit me, for whosoever shall take a liking to you, cannot choose but favour the father of such children, go one therefore on God's name, and whatsoever become of you, remember to show yourselves to be nobly borne, rather by your virtuous and noble acts, then by your own report.  
When he made an end of his counsel he kissed their tender cheeks, the tears standing in his eyes, as loath to part with his pretty children, and they also crying ripe, not willing to leave their loving father; in this sort he delivered them to the Duke, who gave him a great reward for them, which nothing displeased the old man: Sometime they lived with the Duke at sea, till the sea being sufficiently scoured as he thought, he returned home to Biscay, where the two children grew up so beyond expectation in beauty, stature, and strength, that it much delighted the good Duke to see them, their greatest delight wa● to bestride great horses, and when their age began to be able to endure it, they gave themselves wholly to deeds of arms, haunting justs & tournaments, which were something frequent, where continually they carried themselves so well, that they still came off with honour, to the exceeding comfort of the Duke, and admiration of all that beheld them, to see such admirable worth in so young years.  
Thus sometime they lived in this fashion of life, till it was rumoured in Biscay, that a certain Pirate name Martoll, went roving up and down the Levant, seizing on all the ships that came in his way, but especially on the Spanish ships, that came from Candy, laden with wines: These tidings were beyond measure welcome to bold Martuvio and Roderigo, as hoping now to put in practice, what they had all this while been learning, so that no sooner had the Duke given commandment for the providing of the galleys to be set out against the pirates, but they came to him, and with humble earnestness besought him to let them wait on him in this expedition, which he seeing their forwardness consented to.  
The winds blew fair, and all things were prepared for the purpose, whereupon they presently went aboard, leaving the shore full of people praying for their good success; with pleasant gaile they sailed on, till they came over against Zante where one from the top discerned sails, and thereupon gave warning to the men below, to make ready for the fight, for he had now evidently descried that they were Martolls galleys, whereupon every man fell closely to his business, some to fitting the sails, others to raise up defence, against their enemies, others to rear their engines of battery, wherewith they would send whole showers of stones & arrows amongst the foes, others making ready their grappling to lay hold of the adverse ships, if peradventure they came to boarding, who had then seen, the two young Sicilians, would have thought they had been going to a feast, rather than to a dismal and unusual fight; their greatest care was to see, whether their sword were sharp enough, as for their armour they did not so much regarded it, yet knowing by their little experience, that it was not the least duty of a valiant man, to look well to his own defence, they provided for that too, making every thing as sure as they might, that the enemy might not have too much advantage against them; thus being armed in complete harness they came before the Admiral, who seeing and praising their courage assigned them their places.  
No less were the Pirates busied, for Martoll being a man of great experience, and having been in many sea fights, knew that now he was to use an other manner of proceeding, and a greater care than in the ordinary surprisal of a weak Merchant, and therefore with as great care and expedition as was possible, providing all things either for offence or defence, he encouraged his men with these or the like speeches.  
I should do you too much wrong worthy friends and fellows in arms, if I should now doubt of your worth, that I have had so many most absolute and apparent proofs off, only thus much I am to tell you, that that worth of yours is now to be so much the more augmented, by how much the quality of your now approaching foes, is far surpassing that of those, with whom you have hitherto dealt, for they were only merchants, men of small or no force, easily won to yield themselves to your victorious swords: but now you are to encounter with soldiers, men enured to sea fight, and brought up all their life time to traverse the fields of Neptune, remember that you are to fight against Alonzo the great Admiral of Spain, who not many years since so bestirred himself, that not a rover durst peep out of the harbour; remember that they are your born enemies, men sworn to your destruction, and account yourselves as men sent by the Gods to whip them for their over-daring, remember that how famous soever the enemy is, so much the more glory is it to overcome: remember the great fight you had with Andrea Admiral of Sicily, and how many Sicilian slaves you carried to Tunie to the great Mariabdela, are not you the men? who when the great Navy of Malta scoured the Levant, durst range at pleasure and board the proud foe, mangre all his might: are not you the men that made the Candy fleet stoop to yours, whilst you ransacked them of those excellent wines, in despite of those men of war, sent of purpose to waft them over; are not you the men that brought the ships of Tripoli under your lee, whilst the braggart Thebaldo governor of Rhodes for all his vaunting stood looking on, but durst not help them? you are, you are; and I know that you are still the men, that will add the overthrow of these haughty Spaniards to your former victories, you have the same Martoll to be your captain that you had then, you have the same ships that you had then, you have the same Gods to protect you, that you had then, and you shall have the same fortune to attend on you, that you had then; take courage then, and if the potency of your enemies dismay you, think what a glory you shall get by overcoming of them.  
The soldiers were so tickled with this speech, that casting off all thought of fear, they began to take into their thoughts the full imagination of an assured victory, and therefore with an unanimous consent they cried out Victoria Victoria, which the Duke of Medina hearing, he took occasion thereupon to encourage his soldiers, in these or the like speeches.  
Hark how yond dog's bark at the Moon, like cocks crowing on their own dunghill, hark what account they make of our destruction, it is therefore your parts my worthy friends and valiant soldiers, to bestir yourselves like men, that they may have the greater overthrow, in being overcome by those men whom they esteem already vanquished. It is not possible that these villains can entertain the least delight, unless it be like the Swans carolling, a sure presage of an instant ruin: consider my friends with what advantage you war against them, you have the Gods on your sides, the winds to help you, the shore for your safety, and Fortune for your friend, when as all these are against them; for how can the Gods help them that are professed enemies to those celestial Deities, how can the winds favour them that imprison them to so bad purpose, how can the shore yield them succour that are enemies to all men, and how can fortune be their friend, that make so ill use of their prosperity, these are such like men as not many years ago you vanquished on the coast of Barbary, and it may be, they are the relics of those dispersed fleets, newly gathered to a head and venturing again to sea, that they may the second time be overcome by you; the power of a just cause is on your side, and what can be a greater motive to whet on valour, you have honest minds and settled resolutions, and what can be a greater rampire against the fear of approaching danger. you have the glory of former victories in the like kind, and what greater spur to animate resolution: you have all things necessary and convenient for the fight, far off, or near at hand, and what more could you wish? courage then, and what advantage honest and true men have against thiefs and robbers, the same assure yourselves to be on your sides; acquit yourselves like valiant men, and hearts rather than tongues, witness to your the selves full assurance of a happy victory.  
No sooner had he made an end of speaking, but he commanded to give the signal to the fight, which was done accordingly, and was answered with the like from the enemies; whereupon both fleets moved forward by the help of their oars each bearing the sea before them, till the mounting bellowes meeting one another seemed to fight together as if they would presage whether side should have the victory by their distraction, the Pirates had the greater multitude, but the Spaniards had the stronger vessels, so that there was small odds on either side, the ones multitude serving to resist the others strength, & their strength serving as a main bulwark to defend them from the others multitude, now was the battle begun with whole showers of darts, arrows, & stones, sent from either side, now began all things to be in a hurly burly, the sails grew to be full of holes, as if they would let the wind loose from their hollow prisons; the masts began to totter, the upper works of the galleys began to crack, and the men began to drop down, washing the hatches with their dearest blood, the sea began to change colour, blushing to be the supporter of such massacres, horror was figured in her proper colours, and the fierce God of war armed himself in blood and griefly wounds: cruelty ranged up and down the fleets, leaving no squadron unvisited, fierce balls of wildfire were thrown about, to set fire on the moving houses: at last, as if they had agreed upon it, they resolved to board each other, and therefore casting forth the grappling hooks, they fastened their ships together; but then began as it were a new battle, for the manner of the fight, though nothing differing from the former in cruelty, unless in that, it was more bloody and deadly: now began they to use their swords & pikes▪ sometimes assailing the others, and striveing to get into their enemy's ships, sometimes defending themselves and repulsing the others from entering into theirs, shivered pikes flew into the air, and sword that once glisteren like to polished glass now lost their colour and died themselves in a bloody scarlet; here might you see a head tumbling on the floor with the tongue still moving (as it were) cursing the sword that parted it from the beloved body; here an arm lopped off gripping a sword, as it were threatening his enemies to the death; here a helmet cleft in two, there a target broken in pieces; so that it was a wonder to behold the several effects of bloody war.  
Amongst all this confusion the two Sicilians behaved themselves beyond wonder, as if Mars, and his sister Bellona had assumed the shapes of youths & come to aid the Spaniards, and not as if they had been but pupils in the feats of chivalry, all the while before it came to boarding they stood still, encouraging on those that wrought in the engines, but no sooner were the grappling irons cast out, & the ships entangled together, but they leapt both together into the Admiral of the Pirates, and in spite of all opposition, with their swords they laid about them lustily, quickly scouring the hatches and making a way for others to follow them: which Martoll seeing, perceiving that now or never he was to use his uttermost valour, like a chafed boar, he leapt to him that was next him, which happened to be Martuvio, who feeling such weighty blows fall so thick on his helmet, he bethought himself, that such wares were not to be hoarded up without repayment, he leapt a little back, and bravely meet him. So have I seen two angry bulls divide the way between them in an equal distance, & then that their meeting might be the less friendly, run at each with their utmost might, that with the fury of their boisterous shock, the earth hath resound, dand the fearful heard stand amazedly gazing at either's savagene. With the like fury did these two valiant combatants behave themselves, making as much fire start out of their steely helms, as Vulcan when he●… beats new thunderbolts on his hardened anvil, the grace of the combat was lost for want of beholders, only the Sun stood still, wondering that the one's strength could resist the others fury, or his fury support the others strength, despair and rage whetted on the furious Martoll, honour and fame animated the bold Martuvio, so that long it was ere either could get the better of other, but both held up with an equal courage.  
The like combat was between Roderigo and the fierce Folco the Pirates bold viseadmirall, so that the bravary of these two fights, far surpassed the fury of the other fight, strong assaults, and as strong wards were not wanting on either side, huge blows and nimble avoidances were so frequent, that after some time of fight they grew well experienced in each others manner of fight, stiff Martoll and strong Folco used down right blows, which o huge, and guided with so strong arms, as would have cloven oaks had they stood in their way: nimble Martuvio and sprightly Rodorigo, rather used light avoidances, continually traversing the ground, that they might both the better avoid the huge blows of their adversaries, and have also the more advantage against them. So have I seen a nimble mastiff about to seize on a savage bull, how he comes creeping on the ground, to get if he can under power of his enemy's horns, well knowing the danger of his headstrong adversary, till finding opportunity he fiercely leaps at his ears or nose, and having gotten hold, gives not over till he have brought the bellower on his knees: in this manner this combat continued between them a long time, till at last Martoll (not being able longer to abide the force of his puissant enemy) fell down dead at his feet, as Folco did also at the victorious Roderigo's.  
Till this time had the fight continued in an equal balance, Fortune herself scarce knowing on which side the dice would run; but no sooner did the Pirates see their chief Captains fall (like huge towers) on the bloody hatches, but their hearts died within them, and they stood still and unmoued, like those men that Medusa's head transformed into stones, upon this advantage the Spaniards took fresh courage, and afresh boarding them, they entered almost without resistance, and being whetted on with rage, they made such havoc as would have moved hard rocks to pity. What pen is able to relate the extreme confusion of that hour, the Pirates cried out mercy, the Spaniards cried out Victoria; yet could not the one's cries obtain mercy, nor was the others victory without excess of blood: the sea chafes to see that his waters were not sufficient to wash away their blood, and the heavens dropped down tears to see the cruelty of the others, who no entreaties could persuade to pity, at length the retreat was sounded; and they that escaped the fury of the slaughter were presently put to the oars, that it was had to judge whither had the harder fortune, they that were slain in battle, or they that after the battle, were reserved to slavery.  
Due thanks being rendered unto the Gods for so great a victory, the Duke who by chance had seen the latter end of the fight, between the four brave combatants, called Martuvio and Roderigo before him, and after a multitude of excessive praises for their admirable valour, he rewarded their worths with the honour of knighthood, whether he joyed more that victory was won, or won by them, I know not; once his joy was so super-exceeding, that he clasped them about the necks, and welcomed them with so natural a love, as if he had been their own father; so did their noble acts work on his pliant nature.  
Afterwards every thing being set in order, they returned home again; where the good Duke, not contented with the honour that himself had done them, presented them to the King, as two inestimable jewels which the whole world could not out valour; relating to him what they were, and how he came by them, with the course of their life since he had them; but above all the rest, he reported the manner of their combat, above measure extolling their courage and skill, recounting what blows, what wards, had passed as if he had not only been an eye witness, but had also taken true notice, of all the blows that passed between them; which the King hearing, he highly commended them, and that he might nourish valour in them, he bestowed on them places of command, where we will leave them and return back to Sicily to see how the wedding goes forward.  
The day drew nigh, and every thing was in a forwardness, when it fortuned (such is the frailty of humane estates) that it was crossed by an unlucky accident. Not far off their lived two brothers, famous for nothing but infamy, the one named Hormisda, and the other Pollipus, who were so commonly noted for lewd livers, and licentious libertines, that every man of any good condition hated their company, yet were they strong and hardy, as sometime we see, nature gives her good gifts to bad men, and keeps them from those that would employ them to better purposes; so was it with them, for their force they employed in oppressing the weak, and if they were valiant, it was only in the executing of some villainy, rapes and murders were common with them, oppression and wrong were their daily lessons that they never left practising: abundance of wealth they had, partly by inheritance from their ancestors, and partly gotten by extorting usury.  
These pair of excellent creatures happened to espy Callanthia and Florella as they walked in the fields, and were presently stricken with their love, with violence whereof (their lustful desire not being able to comprise itself in any reasonable limits) they grew almost mad, for the obtaining of their longings, love or lust rather had so possessed their brains that whatsoever Hormisda fancied it was still concerning Calanthia, and all Pollipus imaginations were set on work to admire the excellencies of Florella: To speak to them they thought it vain, because they knew themselves hated, and it had been dangerous for them, in regard of many injuries that they had done old Clidamas, therefore smothering their affections, till they might find a time to vent them, and therefore they awaited an opportunity which thus offered itself unto them.  
One day ere the morn expected the return of Apollo from the bed of the seas Queen, old Clidamas roused up the lovers from their early beds, to hunt the stag in the neighbouring forest, the huntsmen quaintly attired all in green, with their horns about their necks, and their javelins in their hands, stood at the entering of the wood to welcome them with the sound of their merry bugles, their eager bloodhounds longing for the pray, stood whining as angry to be kept so short: the two gentlewomen mounted on a couple of swift palfreys rode like a pair of Diana's nymphs, guarded with a troop of lusty Sylvanes: the game was a foot, and the following dogs with a gallant cry, made the shrill Echo babble to the woods, a language that she understood not, poor silly what frighted with the noise, stretched out his small legs to their utmost length, and with a pace outstripping Boreas, he taught the lazy curs to pass themselves in swift careeres, the merry huntsmen with their loud hallows encouraged on the eager pursuers.  
Whilst thus the sport grew hot and every one attended the game, the false Hormisda and treacherous Polipus, watching their time when all the rest were out of sight, and the two maidens only in their views, of whom on purpose they set a watchful eye to mark what way they took, before themselves could tell what danger was near them, they violently seized on them, and stopping their mouths lest their cries should bewray them, they carried them strait to their castle; for they durst not stay longer in the wood for fear of being spied: when they had them there in their own power, they fell to comforting them, telling them great stories of their loves, what continual torments they had endured for their sakes, and how much they feared death, if they did not prove gracious, with many other such dissembling insinuations, which sounded to the poor gentlewomen's ears, like the harsh clattering of weapons provided to murder them; yet knowing in whose power they were, and hoping for sudden help from their two lovers, whom they knew would never leave seeking till they had found them, and knowing moreover, the nature of their jailors, that they would either by fair means or foul, by consent or force, obtain their desires, wherefore they still framed such answers, as still put the suitors in good hope, without any certainty of speeding, which they perceiving, and understanding the difference between a willing and a forced love, as having tried both, were the more willing to give way too; at length wearied with their often delays, they urged them to give consent, or else they should be forced to it. Which when the gentle creatures heard, with weeping eyes and sorrowful hearts, considering the desperateness of their estate, Calanthia in the name of herself and her sister made this answer.  
Blame us not (great Horsmisda and you renowned Polipus) if what we account so dear, we are so loath to part with, consider there is nothing so precious to a woman, as her virginity: neither is there any thing that she can call her own after she hath lost that, then condemn us not if self love make us so chary of that which is our only treasure: yet for your sakes (if blushes would give me leave) I would part with it, upon one condition, and it is but a small one, that you will grant us time to bewail the loss of our honour, and afterwards we will yield ourselves up to your pleasure: if you refuse to grant us this poor request, know, this knife shall sooner end my days, rather than you shall enjoy the least favour from us, and of this resolve yourselves.  
This answer was so pleasing to them who believed she had spoken as she thought, and therefore kissing them over and over, they granted four days space, (which was the time of their own request, and in which they looked for help) but the brothers bewitched with joy and delight, thought verily that not any man had seen them, or if they were descried, trusting to the strength of their castle, with hearts overcharged with delightful fancies, they left the sisters together; who being now alone, and looking more narrowly into the certainty of their approaching danger, it made the salt tears trickle down their fair cheeks, sad silence locked up their ruby lips, and imprisoned their griefs in the delicate prison of their hollow breasts, till at last the sweet Florella (whose sweetness surpassed the fairness of the morning) uttered her grief in this doleful manner.  
Can it be that I should endure all this and live? O than I see the fates have destined me to too much misery, O Polydore, why have the Gods laid such a plague on thee, (for I know thou so esteemest it) to be robbed of thy Florella? but more than miserable Florella, to be thus stolen from thy Polydore; if for any fault of mine, ye Gods, ye have laid this misery on me, o take a virgin's heart, and let them be an expi●ation for my sin, but howsoever let not your anger light on him, but grant that if it be my fortune to dye here in this accursed Castle, he may remember Florella, as one that loved him dearly, but no otherwise. Let him not pine himself away for me, and whensoever he shall happen to set his affection on any other, o let her be as true as I was, but more fortunate; Callanthia hearing her laments, sought to comfort her in this manner. Such is the nature of our misery, that to utter our laments is dangerous, having so many spies to watch our doings, and so many scouts to overthrow our talk; let us therefore wisely smother up our passions in our breasts, till time shall serve that we may in more happy days have occasion to forget them; for if my heart presage not amiss, it will not be long ere we shall find comfort, it cannot be but our loves hearing of our loss, will without delay make search for us, and my father I know will soon suspect this place, as harbouring such men, as are aptest for such a mischief: therefore have I chosen so long a time, that we might be the more sure of comfort. But what if they come not in that time (said Florella?) why than we must resolve to dye nobly (said Callanthia) for never will I consent to dishonour myself, for fear of death. Truly (said Florella) I am yet of that mind to, but I know mine own weakness to be such, that I am not certain how the terror of death will shake me, and therefore if it be your pleasure to put me to so fierce a trial, I do beseech you o ye gods, to give me strength and patience to endure it. Keep thee in that mind still (said Callanthia) and thou wilt do well enough, with these like discourses they passed away the time, till the four days of their limitation were out; and the morning was the fatal day, either of their death or delivery: this put the poor virgins to their utmost plunges, yet resolving themselves not to fly from that their virtuous determination, they expected the sentence of their deaths.  
The night vanished, and the early cock (the true herald of the day) showed the approaching of the rosy morrow, when lustful Hornisda and his compeer Polipus arose, and doing (more than usual) devotions to the rising sun, they went to the chamber of the sorrowful sisters, whom they found up and ready, as loath to be taken a bed, by such as they, though they wished it had been otherwise, yet not caring much for it, the lustful brothers fell to dallying with them, which they, because they would not give them the least pleasure, being determined to dye, rudely repulsed, yet still new batteries were laid to their forts of chastity, which were still beat back as violently as they were presented shamelessly; at last growing past patience by so many (as they called them) injuries, Hornisda in a great chase thus thundered. 'Tis true I say, that too much familiarity begets contempt, else had not our gentle loves been refused, if we had used such means as was becoming us, but since fair means can work nothing with such wasps as you, we will try our own way, and see if we can get that by force, which we could not by entreaty. Fowl devil (replied Callanthia) do thy worst, 'tis not thy terrifying threats that can dismay us or alter our determinations, for know that we are resolved to dye rather than to yield to thy villainy. Yet you shall dye (said he) but first will I have my fill of you, than perchance, my sword shall be so merciful as to rid you out of the world, in the mean time let you and I strive for mastery, and therewith he violently took her by the hair, as Polipus did the like to the tender Florella, forcibly dragging them to the bed's side, whilst thus (poor souls) made what shift they could to defend themselves: and praying to the just God to lend them strength sufficient to resist those tyrants.  
Now was their forces lost, and the cruel wretches had almost laid them on the loathed beds, when on a sudden they were scared with the noise of a hideous outcry, the castle was up in an uproar, and every man cried arm, arm; whereupon, the brothers fearing what might happen, and making account that another time might serve for their mischievous purpose, they went to see what this sudden outcry pretended, when presently mounting on the castle walls, they might descry a troop of armed men, coming in all haste toward them, whereupon, presently suspecting who they were, they provided for their defence: but we must of necessity a while, look back to them that we left hunting in the wood.  
Every man was so earnest at the sport, that no one taken heed to the two sisters, so they were seized on, and carried away not being seen of any, save a poor shepherd, who knew the man best, not the woman.  
The fearful stag wearied with the continual motion of so swift a pace, began to despair of any longer safety by his legs, and therefore turning his tail to a tree, he laid about him with his fair branch of weapons, so that he made the cruel bloodhounds pause upon the fight, and as it were to take counsel whether it were better to rebegin, or quite give o'er the battle: which the huntsman perceiving, and finding by the change of the cry, that he was at a bay, they came in, & with their horns encouraged them, who thereby taking fresh heart, never gave over till they had brought the vaunting champion on his knees, than would it have moved remorse to see the gentle beast lament his death in many a brine salt tear, as it were blaming man's cruelty, for whetting on his enemies to kill him.  
The sport was done and every one returned homeward, when (and not before) Callanthia and Florella were missed, these news struck a cold fear to the heart of Clianthis and Polydore, presaging the danger that was like to fall unto them, present search was made, every one taking a several way, and traversing the whole wood, yet all returning without any news of any thing, but that they were not to be found. Clianthis like a frantic man ran about calling on Callanthia, and Polydore rid as he had lost his wits, crying nothing but Florella, yet neither could Clianthis receive any answer from Callanthia, nor Polydore from Florella. Echo condoling these true lover's miseries, holp them to call, for no sooner could Clianthis call Callanthia, but the echo would take the word and call Callanthia, no sooner could Polydore cry out Florella, but echo would second him, and cry out Florella, as if she would have summoned all the powers in heaven and earth, to the search of Callanthia and Florella.  
Thus long in vain they sought, yet would not be persuaded that they sought in vain, every sound they heard seemed the answers of their dearest loves, flattering their ears with these imaginations, so long, till at the last they knew that they were only flattered, and therefore plainly perceiving that they were not there to be found, with careful hearts, and sorrowful thoughts, they returned home again: where contrary to their expectation, they heard news of them; for Clidamas as the rest, wand'ring up and down the wood, happened to meet with the Shepherd, of whom enquiring if he saw any such, he made him answer plainly, that they were perforce carried away, by Hormisda and Polipus; glad he was that he had heard news of his daughters, yet was he grieved extremely to hear they were in such a place; but making necessity a virtue, he went home, and telling these news to the lovers, and others that were present, they forthwith consulted to regain them by force, for by entreaty they knew it was in vain to try, to this end they made provision of men, and convenient armour, with what speed possibly they might. All things being provided, they marched forward, and coming near the Castle, they were descried by the watch, they were no sooner under the walls, but they summoned a parley, whereupon they within asked them what they came for, answer was made, that they came to redeem the two fair sisters, Callanthia and Florella, whom Hormisda and Polipus, had most villainously stolen away, which Hornisda hearing, with a countenance threatening death and destruction, he made answer thus.  
The girls are mine, fairly won by the force of arms, and I will keep them maugre the proudest he amongst ye that dares say nay: I would I had thee in the openest field in Sicily, (said Clianthis) I would make that boasting tongue of thine give thyself the lie, I would make thee confess thyself to be a villain. What in words (said Polipus) we have them, and will keep them if we can, if not we'll lose them, let them that sight best take them: agreed (said Polydore,) and so the signal being given, the assault began, the ladders were set up to the walls, and the soldiers mounted up to the top of them, from whence they were thrust down headlong by the defendants, to receive their deaths kiss at the ground; but the two lovers burning in rage, and thinking the delay of victory a kind of overthrow, guarding themselves with their broad shields, and taking their trusty swords in their hands, they valiantly got footing on the walls, maugre all the resistance that could possibly be made, where with their swords they made havoc of all that were nigh them, making way for their soldiers to follow them, who without delay did so, and so became masters of the wall: which Hormisda and Polypus perceiving, and not daring to encounter them for all their vaunting, they fled by a postern to Palermo, the men of the Castle seeing their Captains were fled, presently threw away their weapons, and craved mercy: which was as soon granted them.  
Things being thus oudered, Clianthis and Polydore, leaving the other business to be managed by Clidamas, ran into the Castle from chamber to chamber, seeking their loves, whom when they found, you may imagine what joy, what kisses, what embraces passed between them, for so blessed a meeting; hand in hand they went out of the chamber, till they came to the sight of old Clidamas, who (overcome with excess of joy) ran and took them about the necks, kissing them, and welcoming as if he had not seen them in a long time before, but when they had recounting in what danger they had been, and how nearly they had escaped ravishing, wonder and joy stopped up their speech, and they stood like men confounded with excess of passion, out of which they were no sooner awaked, but yielding due praise to the celestial powers, that continually guard the virtuous, and setting all things in order, they left that loathed place, and returned home again to their own habitations, attending the day of marriage, till when, we will once again leave and return our Sicilians in the court of Scaine.  
Long time they lived there, daily increasing their fame with new deeds of arms, yet known to be no other than the poor fisherman's sons of Tarracona. Till at the last Fortune offered them a glorious occasion, to build an ever dying statue to eternize them to all succeeding generations, and thus it was.  
It fortuned (besides the general griefs which were before taken) there sprang up a new particular occasion of debate; between the King of Spain and Tunis: for as before time, there had been a league for intercourse of merchants between the two kingdoms. It fell out that upon some occasion of mislike, false Mariabdela on a sudden, when they dreamt of no such treachery, caused all the Spanish ships that were in his dominions, to be seized on, and the goods to be confiscated: as for the men, some he caused cruelly to be slain, others he made slaves, to tug at the oars in his galleys; this indignity seemed so grievous, that the King of Spain hearing of it, sent his Ambassadors to Tunis, to demand restitution of those things that were so spoiled, or else to denounce war against him; restitution was denied, and their defiance was laughed at, as if the denouncers had been children, or boys not worthy to be answered, or regarded: for the fell tyrant strong persuaded of the truth of the Oracle, feared not any danger, but what came from Sicily, & therefore (with a scornful smile) he made answer to the Ambassadors, in these or the like words.  
You have spoke well, and to a good purpose, and I cannot but commend the elegancy of your style, but let me tell you, that you want the chiefest part of rhetoric persuasion: your oration in some other man (I must confess) might have begat a kind of alteration, but in me, it works no more than if I had been deaf when yond were speaking; for think not my nature can be changed by words, or that what I have once but determined to do, much less what I have already done, can be altered either by fair persuasions or your bitterest menaces; what I have done, I mean not to repent of, your merchants have offended me, and therefore have I punished them according to mine own will, as being an absolute King in mine own dominions: What I have got. I'll keep, and sooner shall he have this head from these shoulders, than I will consent to the restitution of our poor device: Go therefore, and tell your King, that I neither mind his flatteries, nor fear his threats, when he comes he shall be welcome, but I doubt he will be so long coming, that his mind will be altered before he set forward on his voyage.  
With this answer, the Ambassadors being dismissed with as much honour as was to be expected in so barbarous a place, returned home again, where they reported the effect of their ambassage; which the King hearing, his heart was filled with so just an anger, that he forthwith proclaimed open wars, presently giving commandment for the preparation of galleys, and other naval furniture, fit for so weighty an expedition, as for the leving of men, both mariners and soldiers: the managing of the whole business he committed to the Duke of Midnia Sidonia, who was no way slack in performing his duty, every thing being in readiness, they set forward, but they had not gone half the way, ere they met with the huge fleet of bold Mariabdela, who as soon as the Ambassadors were departed, provided every thing fitting, as loath to be taken tardy in such a business, and therefore choosing rather to meet the enemy, than to be enclosed in his city walls, he went out to encounter them in the midway, no sooner had the fleets descried each other, but they made defiance, and the battle began, wherein Fortune (according to her blind wisdom guided) gave the victory to the barbarians, for the good Duke being overcloied with odds, perceiving he had lost the greater number of his ships, with a heavy heart he sounded the retreat, and fled.  
Two such other fleets were set out from Spain, that returned home again, these misfortunes greatly stirred the resolution of the King of Spain, so that ignorant in himself what to do, he called his counsel together to hear their advice, what course he should take in this extremity; the counsel being assembled, and every man commanded to speak his mind. The marquis of Santa Crux (who was a man that never from his youth affected the wars) stood up, and spoke to this effect.  
Had this order been taken before this unhappy difference was begun, it might have saved the effusion of much innocent blood, and the expense of many millions of crowns: which now are vainly wasted in these bloody broils; than it should not have been needful to inquire whether it were better to proceed any further in this unfortunate war, or quite to give it over with dishonour and disadvantage: but since it pleased your Majesty then to proceed according to your own mind, without the advice of your counsel, (which I wish to the Gods you had not) I will not urge that point any further, but come to the main matter that is in question. I am not such an enemy to war, that I should utterly banish it, nor do I think so degenerately of soldiers, as to esteem them of no use, or service in a Kingdom; for I know that war is the arm of a country, and soldiers are the sinews of a commonwealth; but if this arm be broke with unnecessary toil, if the sinews be stretched past their natural length, marvel not if the whole body be not out of joint: the chief end of war is to defend ourselves, not to offend others, and therefore peace is said to be the child of war, which could not be, if for every light occasion we should move unnecessary debates, but to the purpose. Mariabdela hath offered injury to our merchants, revenge hath been sought, and still we have come home by the worst, and yet we inquire, what is to be done? alas, what do we ail to move such a needless question? Ask the merchant that hath lost his venture, whether he had rather keep that he hath together, or hazard more to a certain ruin? can we expect any hope of victory, now our strengths are weakened? the best of our ships are sunk and spoiled, the greatest part of our treasures wasted, and the most of our soldiers slain, that could not obtain it when all these were whole; but you may say, the fortune of the fight may change, and what we could not get by force, we may obtain by some cunning stratagem: a weak confidence God knows, to trust to fortunes favour now, that have hitherto had her frowns, and a vain toy to think to entrap Mariabdela by a policy, that hath been all his life time a master in wars discipline. I knew Midnia, to be a wise and prudent cheifetaine, and his soldiers to be men of excellent valour, yet this same Midnia hath been overreach by Mariabdela, and his soldiers have been vanquished by the other barbarians: 'tis true, that chance carries a great stroke in military affairs, yet 'tis a cold comfort, to hope for a happy chance, where there is no likelihood to bear off the shock: and little cause have we to trust to fortune's fickleness, that lost her in so good a cause, but fortune is blind; and therefore I will speak no more of her, as not esteeming her worthy to be accounted of in man's affairs, rather I judge that the divine providence, for some grievous offences of ours, have laid this plague upon us: and therefore, to strive further against the gods, I think you will say 'twere madness. What should we say, the Commons cry out, for the grievous taxations raised upon them, to maintain the war, which sorting to so unwelcome an end, cannot choose but be a great grief to all, the treasuries are drawn dry, the navy is unfurnished, widows in every place lament the loss of their husbands, fathers, and mothers sit weeping and wailing for the untimely loss of their dear children. Mariabdela laughs at our tears, and make the misery of our losses, the trophies to renown his victory; and for all these expenses, not only the first indignity is not revenged, but also it is made greater by many new and latter misfortunes: they being enriched with our losses, and making provision for themselves of our stores. My advice therefore to your Majesty is, that you would find out some honourable conditions of peace to be offered the barbarians, rather than to continue the war, that hath hitherto sorted so unluckily on our sides, and therewith he ceased. Whereupon the Duke of Midnia, whose valour, fortune could never diminish, though she might frown upon his actions, hearing he rose, and making due reverence, he spoke to this purpose.  
What honourable peace can the King of Spain make with Mariabdela, when he was the first that provoked the Tunisian to fight? I grant this had been good counsel at first, before the majesty of a Kingdom had been engaged upon the enterprise, but now, since it hath proceeded so far, as to the stern deciding of the sword; I hold it no way honourable, for a little loss, to hazard the perpetual honour of a mighty Kingdom, which cannot be avoided, if we give over now so faintly, what we begun with such alacrity; what though we have lost the fortune of a day or two, is that of force to impoverish a whole Kingdom? (as you my Lord of Santa Crux would make us believe) can the expense of a million, were it two, empty the coffers of this Spain? you much undervalue the revenues of this rich Kingdom, to think so poorly of it; but if it were true, that these wars have so exhausted the treasuries, that the remainder will not suffice to furnish another fleet, is Spain (I pray you) grown so desolate, that it hath no friend to help her in an extremity so urgent? what is become of Italy, the ancient friend of Spain? where is spacious France? is Sicily vanished? is Rhodes perished? is Malta drowned in the sea? or is the famous Greece sunk into the earth? can it be that none of these should yield us succour? Is it possible, that Mariabdela should have done no wrong to any of them? did not the fierce Martoll (waged by the King of Tunis) rescue the ships of Candy? force the fleet of Malta, spoil the navy of Rhodes, and ransom certain Syrians bound for Greece, never sparing to do any villainy, till myself with the help of the brave brothers, overcame him; and since his death, have not whole fleets of rovers been set forth from Tunis, to rob and spoil, so that no merchants dare pass to and fro in any part of the straits, and do you think that all these injuries can be put in silence, as would be, if these petty kings and princes had but the countenance of the great King of Spain to animate them, perhaps you would have them come and offer their service unto you, unsent for, small reason for that, when you have not sent them any notice of your purposes, which if you neglected (as scorning to use the power of your inferiors) it was ill done, if as trusting to your own force, to go through with the enterprise, you see you are too fond in that: but never can it be too late to learn wisdom, and to put in practise any honourable action, it cannot be, that if your Majesty send your Ambassadors to these Princes, to crave their aid, they should be denied, nay rather it seems to me, that they will (more than willingly) embrace the motion, whereby, they shall not only redeem their own particular losses, but also bind the great king of Spain to be their friend; with the aid of them, you may furnish out another army, which shall not only beat the proud Barbarian, but also fully redeem the dishonour, and the loss of the former battle: you urge the tears of orphans, the cries of widows, the laments of parents, and the wailing of friends, as if they were not incident to the wars, can it be (I pray you) that a battle should be fought, and not one slain? and if some be slain? can it be there should be none to bemoan them? or do ye think there be no wet eyes in Barbary, as well as here in Spain.? Mariabdela I am sure bought not his victory so cheap, nor am I a man so noted for cowardice, to give over the fight for nothing; I never fled before I met with Mariabdela, and then, I think I was vanquished, merely and solely, by the overpresse of multitudes: almost two for one were slain on their party, yet still they were supplied with fresh ones, that it amazed me, to see them spring up so fast (like Hydraes-heads) when one was lopped off, two arose in their places, so that (if I may speak it without being taxed of boasting) I think we were overcome only by being weary of conquering; and I suppose, that the conqueror lost more, than we that were vanquished: and well might they say with their countryman Hannibal, many such victories would undo them. Consider I pray, we went (as you know) not past fifty galleys strong, when as Mariabdela, met us with about two hundred, and yet against such, we held out fight for the space of five years, without any sign of disadvantage: imagine what we could have done, had we been of any equality. These things considered, (my gracious Lord) it is my opinion, that it were best for your majesty, to send your messengers to the mighty young Princes for aid, wherewith you may raise such an army, as may quell the vaunting foe, and bring him down in spite of his sunburnt Moors: for myself I shall be ready as I have been heretofore, to spend my best endeavours in your grace's service, so he ceased; when presently Martuvio arose, and making all humble reverence, he spoke on this manner.  
If it shall not seem too much arrogance (my noble Lords) for such younglings verdites amongst so many Nestor's, or if we be not overhasty in speaking already, that should rather be seven years in hearing, I shall with confidence reveal a secret, which hath long time been hammering in my head. What you my Lords of Midnia, and Santa Crux have worthily spoken, hath its time, but not now; (pardon me if I reject such worthy counsel) for if what I have thought, may be put in action, neither needeth his Majesty to seek to the Barbarian for peace, nor to continue the war, which hath already been so unfortunate, and are both so unluckily to succeed any thing well: for what peace, how little soever honour it may carry with it is to be exqected from Mariabdela? whose nature seems to be bloodily desirous of war, that I suppose he did this injury to the merchants, as only weary of an idle peace, and thirsting greedily after death and spoil, and therefore it makes me think, that he will be so far from accepting a league of amity, now he hath once been fleshed in victory, that he will rather come to seek us at our own homes, if we once give him over; he will with whole worlds of Moors, come up and spoil the country, and when your Ambassadors shall be heard to treat for peace, he will be thereby the more animated, as thinking it to be done for fear. He is no child, to think that we would let him rest if we could choose, beside, no honourable conditions of peace can be concluded on, without requiring restitutitution of the wrongs done to the Merchants, and do you think that he will hear it once spoken of, now he is puffed up with fame and victory, that was so far off from consenting to it before the war? never think that he that dares do a villainy, when he knows not his own strength, will make any amends for it, when he knows he can defend himself: so for any further proceeding in the wars, I hold that to be as unprofitable too, not because I think we have no soldiers left, that dare not fight, or no commanders that dare valiantly lead them on, or that I despair of the help of the neighbouring Princes, but that I am verily persuaded, that all these together cannot make an army potent enough to meet him with two hundred sail; as he met our fleet of fifty: and do you think he can make no more, now he hath taken so many of ours, and hath had so much time to provide more of his own? He hath all Africa at his command, a country large and wide, sufficiently provided of timber, to make many fleets of galleys, bigger than all our kingdom is able to make, and wonderfully replenished with a world of nations: 'tis true as my Lord Admiral hath said, that the only advantage he hath had against us, hath been by overpresse of multitude, and shall we think that he will at any time want that advantage, having such an innumerable company of people that yet never saw the sea? who though they be not so experient in fights, yet will they stand a blow, and so (as my Lord said) we shall be again vanquished, with weariness of overcoming. I am no coward, that I dare not fight (for be it spoken without boasting) were it put upon the point, myself would encounter with the whole host of Mariabdela, came he in his greatest power, but what good success I should have, your Lordships may imagine: but I speak this, to save the great effusion of humane blood, that must of necessity be spilt in these bloody actions, howsoever they speed. I speak it to dry up the tears of women and children, for the loss of their husbands and fathers; I speak it to stop the clamorous grumbling of the grieved commons, that have been, and still must be, if the war continue, taxed and oppressed with subsidies and tolls, that of necessity they must be drawn dry, or else fall to flat rebellion against his majesty, which might beget another danger greater than the former. Yet would I not have your majesty wholly to give over the enterprise, for I would not be thought to think so basely and poorly of the majesty of the kingdom of Spain, but a way is to be found out, which may make amends for all injuries, yet neither by seeking to the Tyrant for peace, nor by vexing our selves with any further broils; but the matter needs not much conference, for myself with the assistance of my brother (and therewith Roderigo stood up too) have found out a way (which if it shall please your Majesty, and you my noble Lords to countenance,) I doubt not, but will bring the Tyrant Mariabdela to make you such recompense as you shall ask of him, or else he shall forfeit his head to your Majesty's clemency. The attempt in itself is dangerous, but what danger can appall a mind greedy of honour? nor shall you think, that we have invented a thing, wherein we shall have the glory of the counsel, and some other the danger of the action; for as we have been the first founders, so do we also offer ourselves (if it stand with your Majesty's good liking) to put in execution our own devices. I have heard it reported that the only men in the world that Mariabdela fears, are Sicilians, moved thereto by a certain oracle (how true, I know not) that a Sicilian and none else, shall be his overthrow: and to this end, doth he use all the means he can to get all Sicilians into his clutches, and having them, he cruelly butchers them, as for other nations, he entertains men of all sorts into his service, without respect of any whatsoever. I will not dispute of the truth of this oracle, lest I might seem to question the knowledge of the divine powers; rather I think, this oracle delivered in such plain words, does as all oracles use to do, carry a double meaning, so wrapped and clouded in ambiguous obscurity, that only the event of all must make it apparent: for seldom do the gods give forth their oracles, but the same implies a quite contrary thing, than is propounded by the bare words, which is always manifested by the event; howsoever, it is not my purpose, to enter into any men's discourse, only my intent is by deeds, to make proof whether the words of the oracle, and the meaning of it do concur together. But to come to the point, my brother and myself, according to a settled determination (which we still submit to be fashioned on the anvil of your grave wisdom) will as it were in secret depart from hence to Tunis, where by some means or other, we will get admittance into the King's service, when if the meaning of the oracle deceive me not, we shall use such means, as to bring the Tyrant away with us to Spain, else let us dye forgot and unregarded; this if it happen according to our intentions, as the willing forwardness of my heart makes me presage it will, you may then use your own pleasure, whilst you have him in your power: but if it please the Gods that we miscarry in the action, it cannot greatly hurt the state, but you may at your pleasure either conclude all, with what honourable peace you can, or else if that be refused, you may proceed in the war, in either of which two businesses, our two lives can smally shade you; this is our advice, which if it please your Majesty to assent to, shall before to morrow morning be put in practice: and I beseech the Gods, that the event may be as fortunate, to the good of Spain and you, as we with wishing hearts, and more wills to go forward, than to give it over, do undergo the enterprise.  
No sooner had he made an end of speaking, but a general silence was over the whole house, every man above measure, wondering at the great courages of the noble youths, thinking a thing almost incredible, that such young years should harbour so much valour, at last the marquis of Biscay, who was a man singularly reputed for wisdom and courage, and had all this while attentively listened to the words of the young man, marking with what confidence he spoke, as if the thing had been done already, and not still to do, rose up and spoke thus.  
For evetmore blessed be the gracious Gods of Spain, for sending hither two such excellent men in so great a danger, and happy may that man be, that first brought them into this assemhly. With faucur of your Majesty and the honourable convent, it may please your Majesty and you my Lords to consider, that there can be no more said in this business, than what hath been already delivered, for either you must as my Lord marquis counselleth, seek out for some honourable conditions of peace, which are as hard to find, as they are unlikely to speed, or you must as my Lord of Midnia adviseth, continue the war, and send for aid to the neighbouring Princes, which way as it cannot choose but be chargeable, so it is uncertain to what end it will sort: or if neither of these please you, you must of necessity take hold of the device of young Martuvio, which as it is in itself, a matter dangerous, and hopeless ever to come to good, so being managed by men of such excellent wisdom and approved, it binds in my breast a settled hope of a success, worthy the men that undertake it. Mariabdela we know is secure of his fate, fearing none but Sicilians, and who knows but (as Martuvio urged) the oracle may aim at some thing that is specified by the words, besides how easy a thing will it be for men brought up and exercised in wisdom, to work upon the nature of a rude Barbarian? whose only wisdom is to feast and revel, giving himself over to drunkenness and sensuality, not fearing any thing that may befall him, because he only fears Sicilians, of whom he hath none in all his kingdom, they have all things on their side that may animate them, excellent shapes to procure admittance, excellent eloquence to persuade, excellent wisdom to insinuate into the secrets of the Barbarian, excellent valour to undertake any danger, that hath the least show of likelihood, and excellent fortune I hope, to second their just undertake. Stay not then for second thoughts, but if my counsel, which heretofore hath prevailed with you, may now also be of force to persuade you; you shall without delay put this attempt in execution, and with your continual prayers, obtain a happy end to so courageous an adventure, which howsoever, it may advantage the state, by bringing into your hands the man that hath so annoyed it, yet cannot it much hinder your proceedings, if it fall contrary to your expectation: I am not so urgent in this business, as annoying the glory of the men, and therefore willing to put them upon an adventure, that if it succeed amiss, may be their inevitable destruction, for the Gods be my witnesses that my soul loveth them, and I rather bite this tongue out, than it should be such a traitor to the state, to give such counsel as might rob the kingdom of two such precious jewels: but my heart is (I know not how) so fully persuaded of the good success of this so honourable action, that I imagine, I should do much wrong to such excellent valour, if I should be a means to starve it, by giving counsel to deprive it of such honourable food to nourish. On therefore most noble youths, and may your hand be as ready to put in execution, speed in your success, and you may return home crowned with glory, honour, and victory.  
This speech so wrought with the whole assembly, that presently without any more debating on the matter, every man gave his assent, and the king highly commending their worth, gave his consent also. Now to avoid all fear of revealing of the matter, by means of spies, or else by treacherous & malcontented people, (as is too commonly seen in such businesses) every thing was carried in most admirable secrecy: The two brothers getting on a sudden on horseback, and riding in all post-haste to the seaside, where finding a fisher-boate, they presently went into it, such was their confidence in their just cause, and with it they crossed the seas to Tunis. In the mean, time the king of Spain, provided every thing for a new army, as if he would presently have gone on another voyage in his own person, and in this preparation we will leave them.  
Our two Sicilians rowed so long, till at last they came to their journeys end, and were no sooner landed, but they were presently set upon by the guard of the place, and strict inquiry was made; who, what, and of whence they were, they made answer, that they were Spaniards, and were come to offer up their service to the King of Tunis, hereupon, presently they were carried before the king, who being set in his Majestic state, with a stern countenance, asked who they were? whereupon, Martuvio (nothing daunted with his great looks) boldly made this reply.  
The time has been great king of Tunis, when he that should have said, we two should have come to offer thee our service, might have perchance received the lie for his labour, for we were once thy professed enemies, nay that if we could, and would have cut thy head off, had it been in the midst of this royal palace; we are the men, that slew Martoll and Folco, the two swords of Barbary, and have beside done thee no small mischief: but now it so falls, that we that have been thy professed foes, are now become votaries, we that have done thee so much outrage, are come hither to seek shelter under thy wings, for the ingrateful king of Spain, not content to leave our virtue unrewarded, (which he ought to have cherished with the best of his endeavours,) hath gone further, even to the seeking of our lives, and yet (good Gods) how many ways is that man beholding to us! what had become of the poor Duke of Midnia, and his weatherbeaten fleet, when they encountered with courageous Martoll, before Zanto, if our swords had not ended the controversy, by the death of those brave men; for whom, I could weep, to think that such excellent soldiers, should end their lives to benefit thereby, so ingrateful a person, and that by our hands, to make us so much more miserable: by how much it is more wretched, to be enforced to ask relief of an enemy, than to remain at home, in ease and tranquillity, beside, in those latter fights in which it pleased the Gods to favour me, what had become of his whole people, if our breasts had not been the bulwarks to their safe entreaty? in which though it was our fortune to lose the day, yet I may speak it withaut boasting, they that escaped alive, may thank our valours for their safeties, and yet for these things (for I take the Gods to be my witnesses that we never injured him,) this ingrateful king, this king (said I) this any thing, this indeed nothing, laid wait to entrap our lives, but that by speedy flight we prevented it. We come therefore to thy imperial Majesty, as the Roman Coriolanus, did to his enemies the Volscians, & if it shall please thy Majesty, to commit any charge of trust to us, we make no doubt, but as Coriolanus was the sorest enemy to Rome, so Martuvio and Roderigo shall prove the greatest opposites to ingrateful Spain.  
These words so bewitched the tyrant's affection, that he was on fire to entertain them, he saw no cause to fear, they were not Sicilians, their speech, their garments, their looks, and all their gestures, openly proclaimed them Spaniards: their sparkling eyes full of revengeful fire, their menacing speeches, replete with deadly threatening, their constant and unmoved gesture answering to their looks and speeches, did evidently manifest a deadly hatred to their native country: their bold adventuring in so small a vessel, argued the necessity of their flight. Valiant he knew they were, for he himself had had experience of their force, and he esteemed them to be wondrous wise, as choosing rather to put in hazard the clemency of their enemy, than to tarry at home with a certain assurance of destruction, nor did he want precedents of the like kind to warrant his acceptance of them, till he had heard of Coriolanus the Roman, and his flight to the Volscians, and what followed thereupon; he remembered Themiostcles the Athenian, and his escape to the king of Persia, as also Alcibiades the Athenian, and his departure to the Lacedæmonians: and why should not the revolt of these two brave Spaniards, be as fortunate to him, as that of Coriolanus to the Volscians, of Themistocles to the Persians, and of Alcibiades to the Lacedæmonians? Upon these considerations, and withal building upon his oracle, he bade them heartily welcome, telling them they should enjoy as much safety in his court, as they had found treachery in the court of Spain, & that they should find, when occasion served to employ them, in the mean time, they should be dear to him, and always near about his person.  
The good fortune at the entrance of their enterprise, put our two gallants in an assured hope of an absolute conclusion; and therefore, with attractive greediness they expected opportunity to put something of their business in practice, much honour was done them by the rude Barbarian, and highly respected were they of all men, because every body knew it was the king's pleasure they should be so respected: the king himself exceedingly favouring them, as being bewitched with their insinuating speeches, not knowing that he hatched serpents to sting himself to death, yet did they not want enemies, who laboured what they could to bring them into displeasure with the king, some envying that strangers should be so highly advanced above the native people, others emulating their glory in deeds of arms, hating all worthiness in others, because they had none to brag off in themselves, but others of a more subtle and acute ingenuity, deeply suspected that this might be some subtle practice from the cunning Spaniard, and therefore they used all diligence, to pry into their actions, if perchance, they could learn any thing, to make their suspicion seem a certainty. But our supposed Spaniards used themselves so warily, that they failed of their purpose, yet nevertheless, they ceased not to observe them more narrowly, not sticking at last to unfold their suspicion to the king, using many reasons to persuade him to look more nearly to himself, than to trust his safety to the faith of them, that were borne his enemies, but he lulled in security by their pleasing his humours, would not listen to any such complaints.  
This could not be so closely carried, but the two strangers understood it, and therefore wisely considering, that though now they were fully possessed of the king's favour, yet the tide might turn, and he might be wrought to injure them, they resolved between themselves, that it was time to put in practise their adventure, to which effect, the surest way (as they thought) was, that an army should be brought from Spain thither, but than they wanted means to certify the king of Spain of their purpose, but fortune that would not suffer such designs to perish in the blossom, provided them of a means for that too. It fortuned that a merchant of Genoa, at that time residing in Tunis, was at that time providing to return home to his own country, with him they agreed to carry a letter for them, and to convey it to Spain, which he readily consented to, and accordingly performed.  
These news being on this manner brought to the king of Spain, without any the least suspicion in the Barbarian of any such practice, an army was forthwith levied, and set forth under the conduct of the Duke of Midnia, in the mean time, the two brothers, so wrought with the king of Tunis, that he had promised them the conduct of an army, to be lead against Spain, but this news of this new army, quite put out such determinations for now it was fitter to look to his own defence, than to the assailing of others: and therefore with all speed possibly he prepared his navy to meet them, some there were, that counselled him to leave the Spaniards at home, (as it seemed) presaging what afterward proved to be true, but he would not by any means hear of any such thing, yet did he (for the more security as he thought) take them into his own galley, because he would be sure always to have an eye on.  
In this manner, they met with the enemy, who presently gave them battle, and the sigstht was fierce on both sides; in the heat whereof, and when the ships of either party had boarded each other, and were fast grappled together, the two brothers (who were placed as I said before, in the kings own ship) thinking now or never, to be the time they had so long looked for: on a sudden, they took the Barbarian in their arms, and violently threw him into the ship that was next them, where before he could rise again, he was taken and carried under hatches, the brothers in the mean time, showing what they were, violently set upon the Barbarians in that ship, making a way for the Spaniards, who presently boarded her.  
This chance so terrified the poor Africans, that they knew neither what to say or do; and the cry went in an instant, that the king was taken: whereupon, being infinitely amazed, and in this amazement▪ the Spaniards furiously assaulting them, they lost all courage, and therefore, with what speed they could, ungrapling themselves, in a most confused order they fled, and were as fast pursued by the enemy, who took and killed as many as they overtook, in this sort, they rested not, the one party flying, and the other following, till they came to the haven of Tunis, where the Barbarians, presently getting a shore, made a fresh resistance, to stop all the Spaniards from landing, but smally had it advantaged them, being already beaten, and their enemies the conquerors, had not presently a flag been put out: for the Lords of the country, who were left as governor's of the place, while the king was at the wars, hearing of the overthrow, and of the captivity of the king, and now fearing the surprisal of the town, they chose rather, to stand to such conditions of peace, as the enemy should propose to them, than by their further obstinacies to procure an inevitable destruction, to themselves, and to their whole country. Upon these considerations, the flag of truce was put forth, which was answered with the like from the enemy, whereupon, it came to a treaty, and conditions were made, that the Barbarians should make such satisfaction, both for the wrong done to the merchants, and for the charges the Spaniard had been at in these present wars, and for the redemption of their king, as the king of Spain should impose: and to that end, their Ambassadors should forthwith go with them to Spain, and for security of this, they should entertain into the city, till the conditions were performed, such a company of soldiers, as the Lord admiral should think sufficient, for the guard of the place; this if they would not agree to, they should stand to the hazard of the fight, necessity so urged them, that of force these conditions were excepted: only they desired that they might be no more troubled with their king, who was so fell a tyrant, that they were not able longer to endure him, and therefore, they requested the Duke, that since it was his fortune to have him in his hands, he would be pleased to use such means with the king, as that the tyrant might no more trouble them, and if he would take such an order, they would wholly submit themselves to his government, rather choosing to be commanded by a stranger, than such a monster.  
Every thing being ordered, in a most convenient manner, and a garrison of soldiers put into the town; the Duke of Midnia, with the two noble youths, and the prisoner king of Tunis, and the Ambassadors of the town returned homeward, where they were received with the loud clamours and shouts of joy, of the overgladded people, every where they came, shows and triumphs were presented them, and all of them, some in one sort, and some in another, setting forth the honourable actions of the noble Sicilians: in this pompous manner, they came at last to the court at Seville, where they were entertained by the king in most loving manner, especially the two brothers, whom with the arms of love he embraced, calling them his protectors and defenders, imputing those things to their honour and fame, that they of duty ought to have performed. Thus lived these two in honour and credit, every man highly esteeming them, as the only mirrors of admirable valour, and singular wisdom in that age.  
This honour done to the overthrowers made the Barbarian beyond measure mad, and his fortune so contrary to his expectation, made him to doubt of his oracle, yet did he not absolutely despair of it, till the Ambassadors being dismissed, and every thing being agreed upon, and he seeing no hope of escape, he began then utterly to tax the Gods of falsehood, impiously blaspheming those powers for so deluding him. After some time (at the request of the brothers) he was brought to the king's presence (where to vindicate the Gods of such injury as he had offered them) they told him plainly that they were Sicilians, relating to the king, and the rest of those that were present, their country, kindred, and family, and how they were stolen from Sicily by the Pirates, and afterwards with them cast away upon the coast of Spain, where they were found by fisherman of Tarragona, this news as on the one side, it amazed the king, with such an accident, so on the other side, it much more madded the Barbarian, cursing himself for neglect, for being overreached in such manner, and therefore, what with shame of his overthrow, and with new torment of conscience, for his old wickedness, he desperately abstained from food, and so died by famine, nor was his death lamented of any, but rather it much joyed the heart of the Tunisians, to hear that he was sure enough for ever troubling them any more.  
In the mean time, the two famous youths, burning in desire to see their native country, their parents, and kindred, humbly requested the king to grant them his Majesty's licence to depart for a time to Sicily, to see whether their father and mother were alive or no, and afterward they would return, and spend their lives in his grace's service. This so reasonable request, the king soon consented to, and therefore willingly, he gave them licence to depart at their pleasure, and withal gave them his commendatory letters to the governors of Sicily, to receive them as men whom he highly favoured. Humbly therefore, taking their leaves, (after due provision of every thing for their journey) they departed to Tarragona, where they inquired for old Sancho their foster-father, whom having found, they rewarded with rich gifts, which did not so much glad the good old man, as it did joy him to see them, whose lives he had saved, in such honour and dignity; there they took shipping, and departed to Sicily, in which journey, we will for a while leave them, and return once again to our wedding, which we left in so good forwardness.  
But fortune, as it seemed willing to show what authority she had in lovers proceedings, once more laid a stumbling block to cross their happiness; Hormisda and Polypus, (those two brothers in mischief) who (as you heard before) left the Castle to the conquering lovers, never left their flight, till they came to Palermo, a city not far off, where there dwelled an aunt of theirs, named Andriana, a woman so well skilled in ill, that she was the tutoress to her forward nephews: aged she was about fifty, but of crabbed conditions, and testy of nature, that the pettish favour of her angry wrinkled face, showed her to be far older than indeed she was. Her continual practice was to entice youth to any evil, and when she failed of her intents, she would sit feeding herself with despite and anguish, other men's adversity was as a cordial to her, but their prosperity poisoned her: she practised physic, but to what purpose I know not, for there were few that knew her, that would venture under her hands for a cure; so that generally she was despised and contemned, as a woman of the most wretched conditions of the whole city.  
To this gracious mistress, did these two (striplings in her art) come for shelter, who though she were crabbed to others, ye● did she love them entirely, moved thereto perhaps by the congruity of their conditions: and therefore welcoming them, she inquired of their estate, and what chance had driven them to Palermo? but when she knew the cause, her heart was so full of revengeful anger, that she could not speak in a good while, her teeth chattered in her head, and her eyes stared, as if they would have leapt out, to seek those over-happy couples: at last anger gave place to words, and therefore taking her kinsmen by the hands, and seating them by her, she thus spoke unto them.  
Since the death of your good uncle (my dear nephews) I have not entertained news that was so displeasing to me, to see that fortune should so much fool you, as to bring you to the goal of happiness, and then to leave you, and turn to your enemies. Trust me nephews, I could be angry with you, for loving, for what is love? that he should have power over you, that are men of a more austere condition, than those that are Cupid's Votarists; but more angry I am, in that being so deeply in love, as you were, you would suffer yourselves to be so gulled by a couple of wenches: had you them not in your own power, to do with them what you pleased? and yet must you needs stand to their courtesy, that would not yield to your prswasion, now by the crisped locks of stern Hecate, you were too blame, too childish; you should rather have showed yourselves like men, and as you surprised them well and cunningly, so you should have proceeded accordingly, and not used such entreaties to such peevish sluts: who now that they are free, will laugh at your folly, and boast themselves in your indiscretion, vaunting of their wits in beguiling two men so well skilled in Venus' art, as Hormisda and Polipus. It was not well nephews, it was not well, and I could chide you for it, but that I see you penitent and ashamed of your own weakness, but shall these roisters boast themselves thus? shall they say Hormisda and Polypus are overcome? and Andriana cannot help them? no, rather will I move hell, and call all those powers to my aid, rather will I send the furies with their whips of steel to scourge them, till they fall to despair, and hang themselves, were not that a sweet revenge, nephews? trust me, were I to choose; no other way would I revenge myself, but by their deaths: but I see unwonted pity appear in your eyes, and you that were wont to delight in nothing so much as blood, now me thinks started at the name of death. O than I see, love hath such mastery over you, that nothing but the fruition of those sweets of love can satisfy you, and is it so indeed? well then, though I hate this foolish compassionate love in you, whom in my mind, it fitted rather to laugh at their downfall, than to desire their company, yet since I hope, that after you have had your wills on them, yourselves will be their fatal executioners, I am contented for this once, to mollify my hardened nature, and to beat my brains for a way to work your desires.  
These kind words so fired their hearts, that they thanked their aunt, promising if she would perform this, that afterward they would be wholly at her commandment, whereupon, she thus began again.  
It is a hard matter nephews, to compass your desires, it being a thing altogether impossible, for man or devil to change the will of any, and therefore you must not expect that they can be wrought to love you, but you must determine, that when you have them in your power again, (which is all I can perform for you) you must banish all lenity from you, and be nothing moved with their tears or entreaties; now to work this, a new way must be invented, because I think they will not be so foolish hereafter, to trust themselves so without company, and to attempt to take them perforce, were a matter of much difficulty, if not impossibility. I have therefore invented a means, whereby in spite of all the world you shall enjoy Callanthia and Florella; get me presently without delay, two pair of gloves, rich and costly, such as you think may fit their hands, these will I so charm with magic spells, and forcible incantations, that whosoever draws them on, shall suddenly fall into so deep a sleep, that all sign of life shall be extinguished in them, till they are pulled off again. These enchanted gloves, shall one of you in some disguise, present to the two wenches, as from their sweetheart's (but see you choose your time wisely, that you be not entrapped in your own subtlety) which they shall no sooner have pulled on, but drowsy sleep will take possession on their eyes, and then I hope I shall not need to instruct you how you should use them: this (if you play your parts as well as I will mine) cannot choose but be a plot thriving and fortunate.  
This plot was so pleasing to the nephews, that thanking their aunt exceedingly for her good counsel, they presently fetch't the gloves, with which the devil and she wrought so throughly, that somnivolent power, was transfused into them; which was no sooner done, but Hormisda having by diligent inquiry, found a time when the two lovers were at their own castle, in the disguise of a servingman, went to present their gifts to the beauteous sisters. Fortune so favoured him, that he found them walking together, all alone, in a little grove, which as it was out of sight of their father's house, yet was it within hearing, and therefore they feared no treachery there, the false Hormisda, finding them so conveniently, applauding highly his good fortune, went boldly to them, and with an humble reverence, presented them with the gloves, with these speeches.  
My noble masters Cleanthes and Polydore, humbly kiss the hands of their beauteous mistresses, and by me their servant, present your Ladyships with these gloves, though far too mean to be worn upon such delicate hands, earnestly requesting you, to pardon their whole day's absence, from your wished presence: protesting it hath been, as a tedious winter of perpetual frost, to be kept so long from the comfortable sun of your fair beauties, such is the urgency of their present business, that they must of necessity endure this torment, till to morrow morning, and then they will delay no longer, to tender you their service, in the mean time, not to be thought altogether unmindful of you, they have sent me their unskilful messenger, to make their excuse: but lest my unlikely presence, might work no belief in your easy nature, they have entrusted me with the delivery of these gloves, as an instance that I came from them, kissing them before they parted with them, and desiring you to put them on, that those gloves that kissed their lips, might be so happy as to kiss your hands.  
The gentlewomen, could not choose but smile to see, with what a shamefaced bashfulness, the fellow delivered his message, as seeming to be an unskilful rhetorician in the art of love; and therefore taking the gloves of him, they bade him return their thanks to their masters, and tell them, that had they not sent a good orator to make their way, they should surely have been well chidden for their negligence, but now they would pardon them, if they would keep their words, and not fail to see them on the morrow, and therewith they drew on the gloves, which were so fit for them, that they much commended their skill in choosing them, the transformed servingman, having done his message, humbly taking his leave, told them he would carry their answers to his masters.  
He had not gone far, but looking behind him, he might perceive them to be laid down on the grass, the virtue of the charm having so wrought on them, that they were not able to go any further, and therefore yielding to necessity, they laid them down: which he well seeing, called forth his aunt & brother, (who stood not far off in a thicket) requiring their aid to bear them away, but the wretched Audriana, excellently well skilled in mischief, feeling their breath and pulse, and perceiving all to be quiet as she wished, stayed them with this gracious counsel.  
Rash beginnings (nephews) make as untoward an ending, and a hasty bitch you know brings but blind puppies: wise men should consider of their actions, before they undertake them, and see what success or fear of danger they carry with them, and not run headlong on without discretion, as if fortune must needs favour you, howsoever you order your proceedings. I speak this (nephews) as taxing your overhasty forwardness, in a matter of so great moment; for what could you get by thus conveying them away, but an assured destruction? for you would be the first that would be suspected for stealing them, as having done it before: therefore my counsel is, that you stay till they are buried, and then you may at pleasure take them out of the tomb, and use them without suspicion; beside, how would my heart leap within me, if we could by some acquaint means, accuse their sweethearts of their death, and bring them to death for it. O it would make me young again, which me thinks were easy to be brought o pass, would you follow my counsel, and behave yourselves resolutely & like men! Not far off the two lovers are coming hitherwards, I descried them now against they come hither, go you and raise the officers and the people to apprehend them, as guilty of poisoning them, which you must constantly avouch; as for myself I will not be seen in it, that it may carry the more show of truth, and when they come to see their sweete-heartes, they shall not only find them (as they will suppose) dead, but also they shall be apprehended, arraigned, condemned, and executed for their deaths, whilst you two, void of all manner of fear, may freely enjoy the sweet embraces of your loves, and I may fat myself with joy for the happy overthrow of two such couples.  
This counsel was so well liked, that it was presently put in practice, for the two brothers perceiving the gentlemen to be near at hand, ran in all haste to the town, with a loud outcry, strongly accusing Cleanthes and Polydore, for the poisoning of Callanthia and Florella, which they constantly avouched themselves to have seen, as they went that way by chance; this strange accident amazed all men, especially such as knew the persons that were so taxed, yet their constant accusation of them, upon their own knowledge, moved a belief in them, yet mixed with admiration for so rare a chance: officers therefore and a guard being appointed, than they went directly to the place where they found the two gentlemen, and old Clidamas (whom their outcry had called forth) woefully lamenting the loss of two such excellent creatures, blaming the cruelty of death and fortune, for crossing so happy a marriage, as would have been in the conjunction of so excellent pairs: seldom is it seen, that grief goes alone, but commonly one falls upon the neck of another, and so it was here, for the guard upon the sight of the Gentlemen, presently apprehended them on suspicion of murder, for poisoning the two gentlewomen: which Hormisda and Polipus (being disguised) constantly maintained to be true, as having themselves seen the deed done.  
This was strange news to the distracted lovers, and as strange it was to old Clidamas, for though he was strongly persuaded of the integrity, and virtue of his sons, and knew by experience, that they loved his daughters exceedingly, yet the unmoved gesture of the accusers, his ignorance of them, as not knowing them, made him wonder, yet could he not be persuaded; but that they were false, and therefore he told the officers, that they were mistaken, and took wrong persons, that the accusers eyes had deceived them, taking one for another, that the gentlemen and his daughters were contracted together, and within three or four days should have been married, had not this untimely chance happened, and therefore it was not to be credited, that they should so suddenly be changed from dying for their loves, if it should have been denied them, to flat poisoning them, which could not be done but for a mortal hate: but all would not do, for the accusers were instant and urge their assertion; and the officers believed, and therefore without any more reply, they carried them away to Palermo to prison, yet before they went, they desired Clidamas not to believe any such report, protesting that they were, as clear of the fact, as they were grieved for the loss of their espoused wives: requesting moreover, that he would for their sakes, whom ever he had affected, keep the body's unburial, till the truth of the whole matter, should be made manifest, this he promised to perform, so with tears on either-side, they departed, they to prison, and he home, with his supposed dead daughters to his own house.  
The day of trial was within two days after, which being come, and the judges seated according to the custom, the prisoners were placed at the bar, where pleading not guilty, and putting themselves to the trial of the law, the accusers were commanded to stand forth and speak, whereupon, Hormisda stood forth, and spoke thus.  
It may seem a strange matter (reverend judges) for us, that are mere strangers in this place, to accuse them of such eminent note as these two are reported to be, and of a crime so monstrous and heinous, but our consciences told us, that if we kept such a deed of darkness privy to ourselves, we should make ourselves also guilty of the fact, and therefore we thought it better to accuse them, then to carry about with ourselves the tedious gripings of a guilty conscience; for alas, what else would it have benefited us, to have them perish? they being men so far from doing us any injury, that I know not whether we have seen them heretofore or no, and therefore far be it from you, to imagine that we should accuse them out of spleen or anger, whom now first of all we know: and I would to God it had not been our hap so to have known them, than should we perchance have been safer, and avoided the envy of the over-affectionate multitude, for accusing them great in their favour: for you are not ignorant my Lords, what a burden we have brought upon ourselves, we incur the malice of the people, what more violent? we adventure rude and simple, against men of excellent eloquence and attracting rhetoric, and what more hopeless? we undergo the sharp censure of the law, if we should be overthrown, and what more dangerous? yet such is our settled confidence, in the justice of our own cause, & the trust we have in your uprightness, that we dare adventure all these, and as many more, in the discharging our souls of so heavy a weight, as the concealing of so impious a murder  
May it please your Lordships, therefore to understand, that upon the day of this bloody deed, my friend here and myself, travailing towards Palermo, and passing through a little grove, suddenly heard a cry, and the nearer we appoached to it, the more perfectly we perceived it to be a woman's voice, and therefore making haste, we might sometimes by fits, hear these or some like speeches, as gentle loves have pity on us, be not so unmerciful, to stain your fair hands, in our innocent bloods, these words made us mend our pace, to see if we could (as manhood willed us) save the lives of the women, from such bloody butchers; we were no sooner come into sight, but we might behold, the two gentlewomen (that are now dead) kneeling at the feet of these two, (men I cannot call them) who with their daggers in one hand, and a cup of poison in the other, stood over them with menacing looks and threatening gesture, offering them deadly poison, or they should feel the sharpness of their merciless daggers, which we seeing, presently cried out to them to hold their hands, and desist from so unmerciful a deed, withal with our swords drawn offering to enforce them, if they would not give over, but they (as we then proved, and since have heard) being men approved in war and fights, presently grew too hard for us, & would have charmed our tongues for ever babbling, if our legs had been no better than our hands: but the Gods be thanked we outran them, and so saved ourselves, they had no sooner chased us, but they returned again to their former business; we being now safe from their swords, willing to save the Gentlewomen, and yet not daring to come into their sight any more, resolved that my friend should run to the town to fetch help, whilst I getting as ne'er as I could, observed their actions: so we parted, and I closely creeping along a bank, came within hearing of them, when I might hear one of the Gentlewomen, thus speak.  
Alas dear love! what chance hath so suddenly converted thy earnest love, to so deadly hate? what hath poor Callanthia done, to incite Cleanthes to this tyranny? alas my love, tell me my fault, that before I die (if I must needs dye) I may repent me of it if I can, if not, I may the more willingly receive my death, as having done a fault which Cleanthes cannot forgive, To which, he made this answer, Plague of my heart (said he) thy life is the only fault that I find in thee, and of that I would fain purge thee, either by this precious potion, or letting thee blood with this dagger's point, and why is my life become a fault (said she?) because whilst I live (said he) I shall never be happy, for mine eyes have beheld so tempting a beauty, that I am dead till thy death release me of that fond contract, that formerly I made with thee. Nay then 'tis time that I were dead, (said she) that am a hinderer of Cleanthes happiness, and is this your doom too (said the other gentlewoman to her false friend) it is (said he) and therefore dispatch, and either drink this poison, or feel the sharpness of my dagger's point, and therewith they thrust the cups to their mouths, holding their daggers at their breasts, but the poor gentlewomen not knowing which to choose, and enforced to choose one; drank the poison, and so died: oft did my heart bid me to go and rescue, yet I durst not adventure mine own life to save an others. No sooner were the two gentlewomen cold and dead, but my friend returned with officers from the town, but too late, for they were past all help, the two murderers no sooner perceived them coming, but thinking no body had seen the deed done; they fell upon the dead bodies, lamenting their deaths with many a feigned sigh, and many a tear forcibly wrung from their relentless eyes. Thus my Lords you have heard the truth of all, which how strange soever it seems, yet if you consider the force of prevailing lust, what power it hath over man's affection, it will not seem a thing impossible, for two such young men to be overcome with lust, and being overcome, to be drawn by it to work such outrage. Consider my Lords, that they which could do such a villainy, could dissemble it, & they that could so well dissemble, can as stiffly deny the fact, it being now their only safety; for I do not think they are so fond to hope for mercy, after the doing of an act so foul, and consider that when we would have saved them, and could not, we do now our best endeavours to bring the actors to due punishment, that such a vile and inhuman deed, may not want a deserved recompense.  
This he spoke with so settled and unmoved a countenance, that he possessed the hearts of the whole bench, with a full belief of what he spoke: yet that the custom of the law might proceed according to the custom, the prisoners were commanded to speak for themselves, what they could, whereupon Cleanthes thus spoke.  
Were thy sword as valiant as thy tongue, I would desire these Lords that the justice of the cause might only be decided by our swords, than would I make thy false tongue unsay, what it hath now spoken, or send thy black soul to the lowest hell to teach those lying spirits a new way to falsehood: but since thou hast cunningly confessed thyself too weak, I scorn to offer thee a combat, rather will I fight with thee at thine own weapon; and though my tongue be not so voluble as thine, yet shall thee pure sincerity of my hearty innocence, out balance the fair colours of thy slanderous rhetoric. What ere thou art, thou art as far from my knowledge, as thy spotted soul is from goodness, only I know thee to be false and wretched, hired it may be for some bribe, to accuse innocent men, or if thou dost it of thyself, thou art so far below me, that I cannot imagine an occasion why thou shouldest do it, nor know I how to answer thee as thou deservest. To answer to his accusation with an absolute negation, (though it were sufficient in respect of the clearness of our consciences) yet in respect of your satisfaction (worthy Lords) it might seem lame, as wanting due proofs to make it go upright. To answer therefore, to this false accusation, I absolutely deny it to be false, for consider reverend judges, the persons accusing, men of no note, insomuch that I think there is no man in this whole assembly, that hath any knowledge of them, so that for aught I or any man else know, they may be men of so wicked conversation, that they are not to be believed, but of that I am not now to dispute, next consider my Lords the persons accused, men (that if it may be lawful for us to speak in our own praise) have also been reputed virtuous and honest, never before tainted with the least crime, but esteemed among the best and most virtuous people of this country, and among them not as the underlings of all, but as men of chief note and reckoning, but that is not now to avail us, for we are accused, and these are our accusers, but of what do they accuse us? of the deaths of Callanthia and Florella, good Gods! how miserable are we two of a sudden become, not only to be deprived of the lives of our lives, our dearest spouses, but to be also accused as men so void of grace and pity, nay of valour and manly constancy, as not only on a sudden to hate, but also so cruelly to murder those our so dear spouses, good Gods what should I say if this be believed! who shall be free from slanderous accusations? whom will not desperate villains for gain or malice dare to accuse? if it be believed that Cleanthes and Polydore were the deaths of Callanthia and Florella, who will not fear to love, lest his love should miscarry, and he be condemned for the fault, for were they not our dearest treasures? could we live one day from their sight? were they not ourselves? and how say you then? that Callanthia kneeled at Cleanthes his feet, begging for mercy and could not obtain it: as if Cleanthes should have sought for pity from himself, and been denied it, how say you that Cleanthes preferred the beauty of another before Callanthia's, as if Cleanthes should love any ones face more than his own, how will you persuade that Cleanthes should poison Callanthia, as if Cleanthes should be drawn to poison himself, and how will you make any one believe, that Polydore was of that mind too, as if Polydore should be as mad as Cleanthes to poison himself, if you can believe this? what will you not believe? or if you will not believe this to be false? I can only foresee what will follow, but know not how to avoid: for we can say no more in our defence then this, that none loved any better than we did them, and therefore none so unlikely as we to murder them.  
This speech though it were in itself true; and bred a like working in the hearts of many, yet weighed with the others vehement asseverations, and reproofs, it seemed of small force to them that were of indifferent affection to either, which the judge's pondering and overwaighing of the plaintiffs truth, he proceeded to sentence in this manner.  
It is a hard matter in so difficult a cause, to give a right sentence, it is therefore the duty of the accusers, to bring in a true evidence, else it will redound to their own shame and ignominy: consider therefore, you that are the plaintiffs, that if you falsely accuse these gentlemen, their bloods will be required at your hands, and you shall dear pay for it, you also that are here accused, if you be guilty of the crime? I would advise you openly to confess it, and disburden your souls of so cumbersome a trouble, as I know the smothering of such a sin will be, but if you know yourselves innocent? you shall be sure of an unspeakable joy at your deaths, and that is all the comfort I can give: for we have not eyes that can pierce into the bottoms of men's hearts, we are to judge by the outward appearance, and according to the evidence that is brought against you, now therefore considering, your accusers, do here accuse you of this murder, not by mere probability, by plain demonstration, as having themselves seen the deed done, which you do not clear yourself off, but only by certain likelihoods, as how unlikely it is for men of your rank and quality, to do such mischiefs to persons whom you so dearly affected, indeed it is something unlikely, but not a matter of impossibility, and therefore hearing what either side hath or can say, I think it the safest way to judge according to the great appearance of truth.  
Since therefore, you two Cleanthes and Polydore, have been here accused, arraigned, and convicted, of the murder of Callanthia and Florella, I then pronounce your sentence, that you be had from hence, to the great market place, and there a scaffold being erected, you shall upon it lose your heads, and the Gods show mercy on your souls.  
The sentence was forthwith put in execution, for a scaffold being errected in the market place, the two condemned gentlemen (with a sufficient guard) were brought unto it, where being mounted up, they desired the officer that was appointed to see the execution done, that he would grant them so much respite, till they might send to the house of old Clidamas, to bring thither the bodies of his dead daughters, that they might take their last farewell of them: to this the officer willingly consented, and one was sent to fetch them.  
Old Clidamas, who all this time had kept his house, as in suspense what should become of his two friends, now that he heard of their condemnation, and the message they had sent unto him, rising up and saying nothing but, O justice, how are thy blind eyes abused! he took the dead bodies, and laid them both upon one beer, apparelled still as they were at first, and with them went to the city, and coming to the scaffold, and taking his friends about the necks, it was a good while ere tears would let him speak, at last speech made an eruption to this purpose.  
How is it, O ye Gods! that ye have no way to defend the innocent? must it needs be that a guiltless life must be lost for a deed that some other blondy villain hath committed? if it be so then? at least grant me this boon, that the truth of this mystery, may at one time or other be more evidently known to all the world, that though they lose their lives, yet their fames may live in everlasting memory: for thinks my dear Cleanthes and Polydore that I believe this accusation? no, no, my heart is as free from any such suspicion, as your hands and hearts I know were far from doing a deed so misbecoming you, and may your souls take as much comfort after death, as mine is far from thinking any harm in you. These words were spoken by him so affectionately, that it moved all his hearers to pity and compassion, but the gentlemen with undaunted hearts, testifying that his thoughts did not deceive him, thanked him for his good opinion of them, nothing doubting but time would make it more clear to be a truth infallible. And therewith they went to take their last leaves of their dead mistresses, and therefore approaching near the beer, & discovering their faces (which death could not rob of those innate perfections, that liberal nature had bestowed on them in their births, Cleanthes (while Polydore did the like to Florella) took his farewell of his senseless Callanthia in these laments.  
Could that dead tongue of thine, (O lovely corpses of my once dear Callanthia) relate the story of thine own destruction I know it would pronounce me as guiltless of thy death, as thou in death art beautiful, but since it hath so pleased the Gods, that those pleasing oracles are silenced, by whose mischievous hands I know not, let thy soul freely pardon thy Cleanthes, for leaving thee alone when this wretched deed was done, which else my presence might have prevented, and therefore have the Gods laid this just plague up-mee, and I acknowledge myself, worthily to endure this shame for such a negligence. Yet I beseech thee by those chaste kisses that oft have passed between us, by those firm troth-plightss, which have unfeignedly been registered in the books of our true hearts, pardon me this fault, that when our two souls shall meet in the happy shade of fair Elysium, mine may not be chidden away from thine, but we may with eternity of joy, renew those loves never to have ending there, which here are abnoxious to so many casualties, that we may sit together hand in hand, and with a fullness of joy, recount the labyrinth of our hapless love. In the mean time, O give me leave to due thy cold hands, with these warm drops of love, the only tribute of my dying constancy, and therewith he pulled of her gloves, and putting her hands to his eyes moistened them with his true tears, and thus proceeded: now may you close yourselves in peace my happy eyes, having embalmed those precious hands of hers, that enriched every thing that touched her: and you pale lips of my Callanthia, O give me leave to kiss you, and though I expect not the like comfort from you, that I was wont to have, when (like a bold thief) I have stolen that odoriferous breath, silently creeping through your ruby doors, whilst mine eyes were gazing in hers, to see if they perceived me, yet let me take of you the last kiss that I am likely ever to take from you; and therewith laying his lips to hers, he might sensibly perceive the warm breath come stealing forth, whereat not a little amazed, he felt again, and still he felt it more fresh and warm, therefore calling suddenly to old Clidamas, he bade try if he could feel nothing.  
By this time the charm being removed, the vital spirits became to get the mastery over drowsy sleep, and she began to open the fair windows of her eyes: when looking round about her, not knowing where she was, or how she came thither, seeing her father by her almost distracted with amazement, and her lover standing bound before her, and herself lying dead, so the wonder had almost made her to dye in earnest, that was before but dead in show.  
You may better imagine (gentle reader) than I can any way express the overflow of joy, that was then on all sides, but still the wonder remained, when the gentlewomen being asked, how she came into that case? could answer nothing, but that on such a day, a servant of Cleanthes and Polydore brought to either of them a pair of gloves, which they had no sooner put on, but they fell asleep, but what happened since, they knew not, this was as strange as the rest to the two gentlemen, neither could they imagine who it should be, that should deliver such a present in their names, yet by her words gathering that the sleeping power lay in the gloves, they went and pulled off the gloves from the hands of Florella, which was no sooner done, but she also awaked, to the no little comfort of the father and the lovers, and the wonderful amazement of all the beholders.  
This sudden accident happening so contrary to their expectation, wrought as strange an effect in Hormisda and Polipus, for seeing the exceeding affection, and extremity of joy these lovers welcomed one another with, as if they had been raised indeed from death to life, they presently turned from their malitions purposes, not only resolutely determining never to use any more ways to hinder their happiness, but also angry with themselves for having done such a deed, as denied them any part in this generality of joy, and therefore that they might testify their penitence, by an open cnofession of so open a crime, they came before them upon the scaffold, and discovered themselves, and earnestly entreated their pardons, truly discovering the whole course of their proceedings, desiring them, that as they themselves had tasted the effects of love, they would so consider the like in them, and judge of them with what lenity and charity they could, this news coming to the governor's ear, who presently coming to the place, and hearing the story related again, set the two gentlemen at liberty, and committed Hormisda and Polipus, and the mischievous Audriana to close prison, till it should be known what should further be done with them.  
These things being finished, Clidamas with his lovely company returned home, and as soon as the appointed day came, the two couples consummated their joys in a happy marriage, all the day was spent in variety of delight and pleasure, and the most part also of the night, which being ended, every one prepared to bedward, when presently they were stayed by a gallant sound of cornets, but we must return a while to our Sicilians on the sea.  
So long they sailed, till they arrived at Sicily, not long before this marriage, they went presently to the governor, and showing their letters, they were according as their dignity required, entertained with him, they stayed till they had learned as much as they desired, wherefore hearing their father lived, and their sisters were shortly to be married to such worthy men, they determined to reveal themselves at the wedding in some grateful manner, for which purpose they thought a mask to be the fittest means, and therefore discovering to the governor what they were, and their whole determination, they requested him to furnish them with gentlemen fit for such a business, which he both for their own sakes, whom by this little acquaintance he began to affect, as also for the express commandment of the king to use them nobly, as also for his own liking of the plot performed accordingly.  
In the mean time, diverse firm reports had been brought to the governor, by the keepers of the prison, that Hormisda and Polipus were wonderful penitent for their former offences, never ceasing night and day to punish themselves, with abstinence and tears, so that it was wonderful to see those men, that were but a little before, so obdurate in wickedness, to be now so penitent for their obdurateness. These news made the Governor much compassionate them, and considering that their fact, howsoever heinous, could not in law find with death, and willing to nourish virtue in so good beginnings, and if it might be, to beget a friendship between them and the other, he thought it would not be amiss, to prefer them to be actors in the mask, as knowing them to be men not unskilful in such qualities, and therefore first revealing his intents to the brothers, who readily consented to it, he sent for them, and told them of his determination, which they with a multitude of thanke embraced, as a most gracious favour.  
Every thing being prepared for the purpose, they came into the bridehouse, with a noise of cornets in this manner. First entered, bearing torch's four water-nimphs in long garments of blue silk, fringed with silver, & wrought about the borders with green weeds growing in the water, after the followed Triton, in a garment of silver-plate, wrought like unto fishes scales, his bases were of blue taffeta powdered with scolap-shells, on his head he wore a cap made after the fashion of a scolap-shell, the rest whereof was a dolphin, bearing the great musician Arion on his back, to show that fish hath delight in music, in his hand he carried a trumpet, made of a rams-horn, after him came a set of cornets, apparelled in scales, & blue silk bases, after them more torchbearers like the former, after them two pages, attired in watchet satin, curiously embroidered with gold and pearls, upon their legs, buskins of white spanish leather, spotted with gold, and tied together with white ribbon, between them they bore a little table, wherein was curiously painted the whole story of the two gentlemen, from their shipwreck, to their return to Spain from Tunis, that which went before as their stealing by Pirates they left out, lest the thing might be too soon known, and the fullness of joy might be anticipated, after them followed Neptune in a garment of sea-green, curiously set with rubies and diamonds, so that they seemed like the shining of the start, when one beholds them in the water, the skirts of his garment was embroidered with white, prettily resembling the foam which the sea makes, when it meets with the resisting shore, upon his head ho wore a silver crescent, to show his obedience to that planet, on his shoulder, he bore his trident of silver, set with saphires and jaspires, and others gems of the the like value, on either side of him came two gentlemen, alike attired in crimson velvet cunningly embroidered with blue silk, in the fashion of a net, and here and there intermixed with little fishes, in which the workman had showed such skill, that as the garment moved, the fishes seemed to dance and lee pin the net, showing the wearers to be gallant fishermen, and posing the beholders, to judge whether the richness of the robe, or the excellency of the work were to be preferred, after them followed two sea-gods, in garments of sky-coloured satin, embroidered with silver and pearl, last of all followed four torchbearers like the former, in this manner they came into the room, where the Pages delivering up their tablet to the brides The maskers prepared themselves for the first measure, which was performed in most exquisite manner to the sound of cornets, that being done certain loose dances passed between the maskers and the gentlewomen, and they being finished, they addressed themselves to the second measures, at the end whereof, sorting themselves as they were at their entrance, Triton spoke in this manner.  
Lo from the watery bed of Amphitrite,  
Neptune himself comes to adorn this night,  
Attended by his sea- Gods, and relates,  
By me his herald Triton, the strange fates  
Of these two gallants, hither come to know,  
Whether they may be entertained or no.  
Two children erst stolen from the Italian shore  
Were shipwrecked on the waters, but before  
The angry waves could bring relentless death.  
Neptune commands the Winds with gentle breath,  
To waft them to the land, where they were found  
By a poor fisher, walking on the ground,  
Who kept them with him, till in tract of time  
The King sent for them, where their youthful prime  
Was spent in virtuous actions, doing things  
Worthy such men, as are observed by Kings.  
But after many noble deeds of fame,  
They now return to Italy again,  
But first they came to honour this fair night,  
And beauteous brides, preferring their delight  
Before their private purposes, but yet  
Their father here beholds them, which may get  
A milder censure for them, but before  
We proceed further. You whose aged boar  
Crowns your fair head with silver, must be wrought  
To answer to a question. These have brought  
Neptune and we to wait on them tonight,  
Before they glad their father with their sight.  
The question is, whether in doing so,  
They have deserved a reproof or no?  
All this while Clidamas at musing on the manner of this story, entertaining thoughts of his lost sons, he knew it was not impossible for the Gods to preserve them, & the words of the speech lively pointed out their history, only their country daunted him, but that he thought might be a trick of poetry to say one thing and mean another, yet would he not give too much to his fancy, least proving contrary, it might prove to his greater grief, and perceiving Triton to have finished with that request, he thus returned his answer,  
To answer you in your own Poetical strain, (trust me gentle Triton) is more than my tired brain can perform, such fancies rather fits young heads, than such frostbitten trees as I am, but yet not to send you away without your answer, thus in plain dunstable prose I give my verdict, that if the gentleman's father be here in presence (as you say he is) they do not only deserve no reproof, but also commendations, in choosing a time to reveal themselves in, which will make the fullness of joy the more, by how much the company of participators will be greater.  
This judgement given, they all forthwith unmasked themselves, and Hormisda (who had with his vizard put off Neptune) taking the two gentlemen in his hands, came with them before old Clidamas, and kneeling before him, spoke in his own person thus.  
I cannot blame you to wonder to see us, that were but a little before your deadly enemies, so rudely to press into your presence, but we trust that as our penitent tears have made our peace in heaven with those powers above, so this gift which we here present to you, will beget a friendly league of amity between us, that were once such mortal foes. Know then that Italy is turned to Sicily, and these two Italian gentlemen, are become to be Martuvio and Roderigo, the two lost sons of Sicilian Clidamas, stolen in their nonage by Pirates, and since passing such fortunes, as they themselves can better than I relate unto you, and therefore if you mean to stand to your own judgement, it is your part to welcome, as their wisdom in so fit a time electing deserveth.  
The good old man hearing this, and perceiving plainly, that his former thoughts proved true prophets of what ensued, he arose presently & running to them, he caught them about the necks, crying out are ye come, more he would have spoke, but his overflowing joy, breaking into whole floods of tears, stopped his utterance, long it was ere he revived out of this ecstasy, at last remembering himself, and giving them his blessing, he turned to Hormisda and Polipus, greatly rejoicing at their good conversion, & thanking them for so gracious a present, & entertaining them most willingly into his friendship, whilst in the mean time the new come strangers, were welcomed of their sisters and their new brothers in law, and by course of the whole assembly, a firm league also of never dying amity was concluded betwixt the bridegrooms and the two converted brothers,  
All this joy was poison to the envious Audriana, who seeing the good success of her enemies, and that her nephews also had forsaken her, and loathed her for her wickedness, malice and envious spleen so wrought on her, that of mere spite she died, her death was not only not lamented of any, but also came as a happy news to the whole company, especially to her nephews, as not knowing the strength of their new resolution, if it should be battered by the force of her inveterate malice.  
In this fashion they lived together sometime, till their urgent affairs called Martuvio and Roderigo to keep promise with the king, taking leave of father, brothers, and sisters, and returning into Spain, where they lived in much renown and glory. Whilst old Clidamas lived among his sons and daughters, till he saw himself made a grandfather by them, and then paying his due debt to extorting nature, he left many weeping eyes for his death, and was in much honour buried by his sons in law, who long after with their fair wives, lived in joy and felicity, making of an involved labyrinth of growing love, a most happy and fortunate conclusion.  
FINIS.   

Imprimatur  
The Weeks.