A pleasant and delightful History, of Galesus Cymon and Iphigenia: Describing the fickleness of Fortune in love.  
Translated out of Italian into English verse, by T. C. Gent.  

Di rozzo inerto, e vil, fa spesso amore.  
Generoso, et cortese, un noble core.   
Printed by Nicolas Wire, dwelling at the sign of S. john Evangelist in S. Martin's parish besides Charing-cross,   

¶ TO THE READER.  
FOR SO MUCH AS (gentle Reader) Man is not born to the only profit, and pleasuring of himself alone (as witnesseth TULLY.) But part of his birth, his Country doth challenge: part his parents, and part his friends? I thought good therefore, to offer unto thy attentive and benevolent ears, this present History: Wherein thou mayst see, the puissant force of raging love, and the mutabylytie, and fickle state of Fortune: And so much the rather, I have yielded this History into thy hands, for that it is affirmed, of grave and ancient Fathers, that a History is to be esteemed & accounted, as a most clear Glass, for imitation, of ordering, and institution of man's life. Both to young men, that by reading of diverse things, are made equal in wisdom, to their Elders: And also to ancients, whose continuance of time ministereth experience of many matters. Moreover, that it maketh private men, worthy of honour: forceth ●lowte, and valiant Captains, (for emulation of glory▪) to accomplish invincible exploits:  
Encourageth soldiers to be more prompt, and ready (for desire of praise which never dieth) to hazard life for the safeguard of their Country. And is a terror to wicked men to offend, for fear of Infamy and reproach. For a History is a Treasurer of Ualiaunce, and a witness against ill doers. I crave not of thee any hire for my pains (gentle Reader) but friendly acceptance, and that thou would stop with an Iron Bar, and bolt of Brass the ●elchyng Nostrils of RHINOCEROS subtle snout, and his raging▪ furious ●o wling, compesce, and mitigate with prepended judgement. And lastly, that thy friendly word, breathing & blowing▪ a cool, & gentle blast, of Golden Air, may happily yield, unto my first fruits, a calm and favourable wind.  
Far ye well.  
¶ Read with advice: and scan with discretion▪  
¶ Your Friend to use. T. C.   

¶ The Argument.  
Lo here, the fiery force of love,  
redéemes the worthy wit,  
From servile yoke: being drowned in sink  
and stinking muddy pity.  
Behold how Reason yields to love,  
and Virtue giveth place:  
The Ruler, blinded by desire,  
his noble fame deface.  
And see how wavering Fortune turns,  
with every blast of wind:  
First, gentle face, than frowning frets,  
she cast● on longing mind.  
From lowering looks, to smiling chéers  
she eftsoons flits again:  
The lingering lover thus she feeds,  
with hope his love to gain.  
And then from top of whirling wheel,  
she throws him in the suds:  
The captive thence to ransom then,  
with aid in haste she scuds.  
And grants at length his wished prey  
and only hearts delight:  
Which he enjoyed against the force,  
of foreign foes despite.   

A pleasant and most delightful History, of GALESUS, CYMON, and IPHIGENIA.  

AN Island stands in TRITON'S reign,  
that CYPRUS hath to name:  
A Seat sometime, of kingdoms nyn●  
renowned with lasting fame.  
And for the great amenity,  
and fertileness of soil:  
Not subject, or of value less,  
than any Ocean I.  
Wherein, recorded lieth in time,  
of aged Father's days:  
amongst the Ancient Chronicles,  
and Monuments of praise.  
This History, so rare to hear,  
as pleasant to be read:  
Of such as can with skill peruse  
the same, with judging head.   

THere whilom was a noble man,  
that ARISTIPPUS hight:  
Whom Fortune decked with worldly gifts  
above each other wight.  
So that, both termed well, he might  
and justly happy be:  
If his good hap not clouded were  
with Fortune's Tyranny.  
For ma●y Sons he had, yet one  
in beauty bore the Bell:  
In s●emlynes of stature, eke  
did others far excel.  
For all these gifts of nature, yet  
a mecock wretch, was he:  
Whose name, his Parents first assigned,  
GALESUS for to b●e.  
But scythe, he neither could conceive,  
by tutors learned mouth:  
The documents of PALLAS Art,  
nor Muse's skill in youth●.  
Ne yet his fathers, grave advise,  
nor industry of guide:  
Can make him lead a Courtier's life  
or from his ●olie slide.  
And (for his speech was gross, & thick  
and he inclined more  
To beastly, rude behaviour, then  
to civil Courtly lore.)  
He was of all men (SIMON) call●e,  
in jest, in sport and game:  
Which word inferth, in Cyprian tongue  
a vile, reproachful name.  
And when his idle sluggish life,  
was grief, to father's heart,  
And of redress, he saw all hope▪  
was plainly laid apart.  
And fearing, lest he should be vexed  
with daily present woe:  
Sent CYMON, to uplandish soil,  
far from his sight to go.  
And Husbandry to practise there.  
amongst the Clownish sort:  
Of such as delve, with Spade & Sholue,  
not like to City sport:  
Which thing, delighted Cymons heart  
(for one so rude▪ as he,  
Do joy in Swinish manners more  
than in civility.)   

WHylste he therefore, in Country toil  
and travail spends the day:  
In tearing up with tusked plough,  
the Land, (that doth repay  
Twice told, and yearly, triple gain)  
his mind he doth convert:  
In am of liberal Sciences,  
of tilth to learn the Arte.  
It chaunc'de therefore upon a day,  
at after noon, as he  
Was walking, through his Father's fields  
his Meads, & Groves to see.  
Alone with walking staff in hand  
he entered in a wood:  
But small: yet passing sweet of all,  
that in the Country stood.  
And (for it was the Month of May)  
and temperate pleasant Air:  
Being clothed with green delightful boughs  
it seemed to CYMON fair.  
Where vainly stalking up and down,  
with gazing here and there:  
To view the pleasure, of the place,  
(Fortune his guide) came near:  
And foot by foot, he passed through,  
a little Meadow Plot:  
Which hugy Trees, with lofty tops,  
had compassed, as a Moat.  
And through the place, a River ran,  
whose springing Silver Streams  
Did flow with cool, & glistering ebbs,  
against sir PHOEBUS' Beams.  
Not far from which, upon the grass  
he viewed, with fixed eye:  
A Uirgyn there, surprised with sleep,  
of Beauty great, to lie.  
The Garment, wherewith she was clad,  
was thin, and shun so bright,  
That almost no part, of her Corpse,  
was hid from CYMONS sight.  
And she was girtte, below the waste,  
with Linen, white as Skies:  
Nigh her two handmaids, took their rest  
an Eunuch, slept likewise.  
When Cymon first, this Uirgyn viewed  
amazed, be stood in mind:  
Like as if he, in all his days,  
had not seen Womankind.  
And leaning on his knaggy Staff,  
beholds her Courtly grace:  
And speechless rests, and marketh well  
the Beauty of her face.  
With diligence he prieth about,  
with never winking eye:  
Till all proportions of her face,  
●e did directly spy.  
Then forthwith, in his senseless head,  
and gross polluted mind:  
(Which no step of U●●●anitie,  
by vertisment of friend,  
And thousand gentle documents,  
could pierce, before this tyme.)  
This new devise, is risen now,  
this thought, his fancy climb:  
Which musing, he in blockish brain,  
to reason thus began:  
And being brutish as he was,  
in troubled head, did scan  
The fulgent brightness of her face,  
and (oh what thing,) said he,  
Is equipollent, in this world  
to her formosity?  
Then pondered he with i●dgyng eye,  
her amiable look:  
And viewed the Uirgyns seemliness,  
in am of Psalter Book.  
And noted all her lineaments,  
of perfect form and shape:  
And praised greatly in his heart,  
in Nature's Art, her hap  
And first her He●●e, like golden wire,  
he painted forth with praise,  
And fully was resolved in mind,  
they shun as PHOEBUS' rays.  
And then her forehead, nose, & mouth,  
her neck, her Arms and breast:  
To laud in heart, and muse thereon  
in mind, he never ceaste.  
Thus he, a rude, uplandish man,  
in twinkling of an eye:  
Is now become of Beauty judge,  
to scan of phisnomy.  
His greatest care, was now to see,  
her splendent glistering eye:  
Which drowned with sleep & drowsy dreams  
fast closed with lids, did lie.  
Which, (CYMON) that he might behold  
was minded to awake:  
From sleep, this Damsel bright that he  
the view thereof might take.  
But sith she fairest seemed of all  
that erst he saw with eye:  
He 'gan to fear, least that she were  
a Goddess in the Sky.  
And (for he was so blunt of wit,  
that well he did not know:  
If heavenly things, more worthy were  
then things on earth that grow.  
Therefore somewhat, he bridled lust,  
and staid a time to see,  
If that her eyes, of own free will  
would wake, or opened be.  
And though this pawsinge seemed long,  
and grief it was, to stay  
Unwonted pleasure, healed his heart  
from parting yet away:  
Thus CYMON gazing still, and yet  
enjoing liberty  
To gaze: out of her sleep, behold  
she walk●th by and by.  
Her name hight IPHIGENIA,  
(so Parents did devise:)  
Which, when she lifted up her head,  
and opened wide her eyes:  
And CYMON leaning on his staff,  
before her stand, she see:  
Amazed in mind, these words, or like  
to him than uttered she.  
(For Cyprians, knew their CYMON well,  
for his simplicity:  
And partly for his Father's wealth,  
and great Nobility.)  
What séekste thou CYMON in this wood,  
at this time of the day?  
Why wanderest thou so far from home  
what causeth thee to stay?  
But Answer CYMON rendered none  
to IHPHIGENIA:  
But fi●t his staring eyes, on hers,  
not looking once away.  
For sure (he thought) a passing smell,  
and great suavity  
Proceeded from the fulgent light,  
of pleasant piercing eye.  
Which warmed his heart with present ●ight  
and sudden, wontlesse joy:  
(A sovereign salve to Maladies,  
to Cares, the chief annoy.)  
But when the Uirgyn well had marked  
his never winking look:  
A chilling horror shakd her limbs  
and fear her Senses took.  
For doughte, lest his uncivil life,  
with Clounish manners fraught:  
Might cause suspect, of Uirgyns vaunt  
that he, the prey had caught.  
(Which seeing, might without desert,  
redounded to her reproach:  
And knowing well, how slanderous ●ongs  
on Uirgyns fame encroach:)  
In haste her handmaids she awaked,  
in purpose to depart:  
And farewell (CYMON) than she said,  
Adieu with all my heart.  
Then answered CYMON in this sort▪  
my heart shall way●e on thee:  
(My joy) myself where ere thou go,  
shall bear thee company.  
And though she flatly did refuse,  
his offered curtes●e:  
Yet could she not reject her Mate,  
until with open eye  
He viewed, the stately dwelling place,  
of her that made him thrall:  
Whose Answers were to him more sharp  
than taste of bitter gall.  
For when that sweltering heat of love  
did boil within his breast:  
And ●lamyng fire, did burn his limbs  
and rage his heart oppressed.  
And that he ●rau'de of her, (to quench  
his drowgh,) one drop of grace:  
She spewed forth spiteful taunting glikes  
at him, with frowning face.  
And yet that most procured his grief,  
was parting from her sight:  
That had attached his Senses all  
with view, of lively light.  
For (when she passed, with ste●lyng steps,  
her Father's hugy Gate:)  
She barred the same with might & main,  
against her friendly Mate.  
Then booted not, he knew right well,  
with shouting cries to call:  
And then perceived, she scorned his love,  
yet he remained her thrall.  
A thousand thoughts then h●md his wits  
in Cave and stuck of woe▪  
And sundry fancies framed, in him,  
the root of grief to grow:  
His Brain was eke, besieged with care,  
what ways he might devise:  
To conquer hate: and gain the love,  
of her, that bleared his eyes.  
Thus musing now in mind, he stands  
in study cold as Ice:  
And still devising how he may  
achieve his enterprise.  
At length determined, to reuer●e,  
unto his mansion place:  
And still he hoopde, in tract of time,  
to look for better grace.  
And tumbled now, on careful couch,  
in Country cabin lay:  
Inventing several ways, now this,  
now that, he did assay.  
But (sundry consultations passde,)  
in end, he did conclude:  
To live exiled from Country soil,  
(for Country Clowns are rude.)  
Therefore, to Court in haste, he hies  
him, to his Father's house:  
And stoutly to his Parents swears  
that he will hold the Ploughs  
No longer now, or dig, and delve,  
and be a Country Slave:  
But loathing Country life, begins,  
a civil life to crave.  
Then newly 'gan his Father's cares,  
and triple, wont woe:  
His Friends, and Kinsman's grief likewise  
began again to grow.  
Yet purposed they, a while to stay,  
the perfect cause, to know:  
Of sudden change, that forced this man  
his former g●ise forego.  
Therefore: w●en Cupid's shaft, had perc'de  
this CYMONS restless heart:  
Through which could never penetrate,  
one ●ote of learned Arte.  
When CYMONS, sense was ravished  
with IPHIGENIAES' face.  
Whose pulchritude of lively look,  
his glimpse of eye, did daze.)  
He, was not he, but changed his coat,  
his manners he began  
To change likewise, and was be come  
from thence, an altered man.  
This change, to Courtiers seemed strange  
a wonder, to his fears:  
An admiration, to his kin,  
a joy to father's years.  
Then of his Father, first he craved,  
to be apparaild brave:  
As others of his brethren were,  
and like Attire to have.  
His Father granted his request,  
and straight began he then  
To match himself, in fellowship,  
of Courtly Gentlemen:  
With diligence, he searchde, what things  
were, to a Lover fit:  
And now in stud●yng Tha'●te of Love,  
〈◊〉 exercise his wit.  
And (which is marvelous to tell,)  
in momentary space:  
To 〈◊〉, giving hot delight,  
he learning did embrace.  
amongst the wise Philosophers,  
he gained likewise, fame  
With musing moved, to all men's minds  
that knew of CYMONS name.  
The cause, of all this sudden change,  
was IHPHIGENIAS' love:  
Which made him banish lobbish life,  
and rudeness to remove.  
For (love his guide) he did reform,  
the stutting of his tongue:  
And of a ●●sked lisping voice,  
his speech most sweetly rung  
In uttering pleasant words, and he  
of Music learned the Art:  
Of skill in striding trampling steeds,  
he had likewise, his part.  
And skilful was in feats of Arms,  
and Acts of Chivalry:  
In warfare, well experienced too,  
by land, and eke by Sea.  
And briefly, least his qualities,  
and virtuous deeds, I show:  
First this, then that, particularly,  
as in his heart they grew.  
In fine, I say: in four years space:  
he waxde a wiser man:  
And of more tried towardness,  
than any Cyprian.  
So that, more eloquent in words,  
and grave in countenance:  
He was esteemed, than Courtiers all,  
whom Fame, with praise did hance▪  
What shall I therefore, speak of love?  
my Pen how shall I frame?  
To yield to him, deserved praise?  
or blaze his worthy fame?  
For when the fatal Stars, had dewde  
this CYMONS gentle heart:  
With Gentleman like qualities,  
and skill in Muses Arte.  
Disdainful nature, caused the same  
within his heart, to lie.  
Fast bound & chained with fettered links  
in LETHE waves, to die:  
And drown for aye, in whirlepools huge  
yet Love vn●wounde the knot:  
And vanquished nature with his force,  
as foe, to lucky lot.  
For Love, oftimes is wont to raise  
from duskish drowsy dreams:  
The drowned wits, in sink of ●louth▪  
and Grave of LETHE streams.  
And wrapped in cloudy darkness thick,  
CUPID brings to light,  
The Senses: ren●ing servile yoacke,  
(such is his veil, and might●  
And causeth them with glimmering beams,  
eftsoons, for to appear:  
And show ●o bright, to all m●ns sight,  
as PHEBVS ●l●ming Sphere.  
And raunsommes o●te, the noble hearts,  
from deep, and darksome den:  
And brings them, with his glittering rays  
unto ●LISIOS ●enne.   

Therefore, while swelting heat, of love  
did thril through CYMONS heart  
And he did (as the amorous sort,)  
from right and reason start:  
Yet ARISTIPPUS was con●ent,  
what ever CYMON did:  
And joyed to see his son, so changed▪  
which from his breast hath ●yd  
All noisome cares: for that by love  
his CYMON now became:  
From first, a sheep, and clownish lout  
a civil gentleman.  
The Father, daily addeth Spurs,  
unto his sons ●esire:  
And wills him never stay, till he  
unto his lusts aspire.  
When CYMONS mind conceived the truth  
his name GALESUS h●ght:  
Remembering IPHIGENIA, called  
him, CYMON, in despite.  
It grieved his heart, and then his care  
was, to extirp that ●ame:  
And out of memrie, root and weed,  
that lewd despiteful name.  
And studying diverse times, to quench,  
his parching Brands, of love:  
(Whose fiery flakes, his heart assaylde,  
and mirth to mew had drove.)  
Of IPHIGENIAS' father, he  
(who CYPSEUS hight) did crave.  
In gaining o● his daughters love,  
his friendly will to have.  
But he affirmthe, a former grant,  
is now already pas●e:  
And his consent, to PASYMONDE,  
before was fully placed.  
And said, he would not falsify  
to him, his plighted truth:  
(This PASMONDE was a Gentleman  
of RHODES▪ and flower of youth.  
And now the time, to celebrate  
Thespousels, draweth near:  
The Bridegroom sent, to fetch the Bride  
with gladsome merry cheer:  
All this, when CYMON had revolved  
and pondered in his breast:  
The time approacheth now, thought he,  
to purchase quiet rest.  
If ever, now: he minds to show  
to IPHIGENIA:  
The scorching heat, of broiling love,  
that in his breast did stay.  
And now with diligence, to prove  
his vowed Loyalty:  
With mighty hand, for to withstand,  
her parting from his eye.  
For thee, (he said) I fry and swelled,  
in Furnace, of desire:  
For of a Beast, to manly shape  
thou mad'st me to aspire.  
If that the Gods will grant, that I  
to wife, may thee enjoy:  
And thy Society, to embrace,  
that shall my cares destroy.  
And doubtless, would I think in joy▪  
to pass my golden years:  
And for to lead an Angels life,  
amongst the Princely Peers,  
And certes, Death shall end my days,  
with dint of bloody knife:  
But I, in spite of hateful foes,  
will win thee to my wife.  
He (reasoning thus, in troubled brain,)  
his friends by stealth did call:  
(Such as were borne, of noble blood,  
to know what should befall.)  
To private counsel, which he held,  
and opened there his mind:  
To them, & what he would have done,  
he leaveth not behind.  
A Ship, then closely, he prepares,  
and decks with furniture:  
Meet for the war by Sea: and long  
against his foes, to dure.  
Which vittailde well, and armed then  
he enters in the Ship.  
And cuts the Seas, and sail, & stern,  
to AEOLUS doth commit.  
The restless Tide, that bears his Bark  
with waltering waves ●n Sea:  
Rows wambling forth: with hope & mirth  
were fed his Mates and he,  
Away, the méerie Mariner hales,  
dividing foaming streams:  
The bragging Boy, hies up to top  
of Masts lofty Beams.  
The wavering Flag for joy is vaunst,  
the Seas begin to swell:  
And he in hope amidst the storms,  
of surging Seas, do dwell.  
And there, for IPHIGENIA ES Sail,  
he purposed then to stay:  
In which the Rhodians, to her Lord  
to Rhoodes, should her convey.  
And now the Father of the Bride,  
receyu●d with courtesy:  
And honour great: the men of Rhoodes▪  
which from her Husband be:  
To Cyprus sent, to that intent,  
to fetch her home in peace:  
Which shortly leave, the fertyll land,  
and launch unto the Seas.  
And towards Rhoodes, their Sails they bend●  
and Masts they do direct:  
But CYMON lo, which to that end,  
(thereof not once suspect▪)  
Had warily wate●de, with waking eye,  
the morrow next appear:  
When PHOEBUS banished, misty clouds  
and shun i● Skies full cl●●re.  
And with his garnished Bark for warr●  
ad●urnde with Armour bright:  
Encountered IPHIGENIAS' Hulk,  
not distant far from sight.  
And standing foremost in the front  
of swiftie Navies snout:  
To IPHIGENIAS' company,  
be crieth with clamour stout,  
And saith: abide ye men of Rhoodes,  
and quickly strike ye Sail:  
Else none shall scape the Gulf of Seas  
(except my heart me fail.  
Then drew his foes, their shining Blades  
and armed themselves for fight:  
With courage stout, and force, for to  
withstand sir CYMONS might.  
Whereto, when CYMON had respect,  
he threw with man●y might,  
A Grapple in the Rhodians Ship,  
to let the same from flight.  
Wherewith, he staid their Bark: & then  
most firmly fastened it  
Unto his Ship, with stems of Brass,  
armed for the purpose fit.  
And like the maned Lion then,  
not craving aid of Mates:  
Alone he leaps into their S●ip,  
and troubleth all estates.  
For (love, augmenting t●en his force,)  
he runs with valiant heart:  
Upon his foes, with biting glaive,  
and playeth the Tiger's part.  
And like the Calydonian Boar,  
or LERNA'S Lions fierce:  
Whom ere he ratcht▪ with Transfer bright  
their fainting ly●●s, did pierce.  
From some, he carved the shoulder bone,  
from others, made to slide  
The legs: from others, he likewise  
did head from Corpse divide.  
And when of them were divers slain,  
and many wounded sore:  
And here did one, another there,  
lie sprawling in the floor.  
The Rhodians, then perceiving well,  
theirforce, was far unlike:  
And half despeyring, in their strength,  
thought bootless was to strike,  
Or make resistance: and they saw  
by flight they could not scape.  
To him did yield their captive corpse,  
to whom, thus CYMON spoke.   

YE men of Rhodes, not want of wealth  
nor greediness of pray:  
Nor cankered hate, rests in my heart,  
or towards you do stay:  
That moved me come, from Cyprus soil:  
and you unarmed, invade,  
In midst of Seas: being armed myself,  
with keene and carving Blade.  
But this is cause, that force me thus,  
and seemeth great, to me:  
Which to achieve, I make account,  
a recompense to be.  
In guerdon of my former toil,  
and hire of travail pas●e,  
Which easily, and with quiet, you  
may grant: (and purchase rest.  
Mine IPHIGENIA, she it is,  
who dearer is to me:  
And grateful more, than land or life,  
is her society.  
Whom, when by gentle means I could▪  
not of her Father gain:  
Love forced me then with Shield, with spear  
and Sword, her love obtain.  
And armed with glittering Helm, & crest  
by violence her to take  
From you: For so my mind is bend,  
my Spouse and fear to make  
Her. And in am of PASYMONDE  
his function execute:  
Wherefore, deliver her to me,  
in haste, without pursuit.  
And NEPTUNE guiding well your sails  
to pass the swelling Seas:  
Reverte into your native land,  
and hence depart with peace.  
The Rhodians then, wh●m force constrained  
not frank, and free good will:  
With weeping eyes, the virgin yields  
Sir CYMON now until.  
Which, when she saw her Corpse was pledge  
and ransom for the rest:  
The trickling tears, like flowing streams  
distilled down her breast.  
Then (gentle virgin) CYMON said,  
blur not thy face with tears:  
But dry thine eyes, and cease thy grief,  
there is no cause of fears.  
I am thy CYMON, that long time,  
have loved thee in my heart:  
And more deserved thee, to my wife,  
than PASMONDE, for his part.  
For broiling brands, of lawless love,  
have pierced for thee, my breast:  
And PASMONDE only claimeth thee  
by reason of beehest  
And covenant, which thy father made,  
(this said) he doth return,  
Unto his Mates▪ which in the Ship,  
did all that time, sojourn.  
And brought his IPHIGENIA  
to Ship with him by hand:  
Unspoylde of stuff, the Rhodian Ship  
he sent to Rhodian land.  
Then CYMON, which on live, did think  
himself the happiest wight:  
Enrichde with such a Royal prey,  
and precious to his sight.  
Devised with his fellows now,  
their voyage to direct:  
On Seas, not to the Cyprian Soil:  
but backward to reflect.  
By comen counsel holden, they  
agreed, to Creta to sail:  
Where all, & chief CYMON thought,  
their foes could not prevail.  
Against them there, for that they had  
both friends and kinsmen too:  
So now, by all men's full consent,  
to Thyle of Crete, they go.  
Then launch they forth, & hoist up Sail  
(O TRITON be their guide:  
And bring them safe to wished port,  
their face from foes to hide.)  
But see how wayward Fortune now,  
begins to turn her wheel:  
And grudging at his good success,  
her crooked Spyndelles reel.  
For she that CYMON gratified,  
with IPHIGENIA:  
As noble, famous Goddess? now  
hath to●●de her face away.  
And changed his joys, & golden hap,  
in moment of an hour:  
To soaking sighs, to wailing groans,  
of frowning Fortunes lower.  
Be packing Muses, to your Mownte,  
your help is bootless, here:  
I must amongst the Hellish shades,  
go seek, to find MEGERE.  
ALLECTO, fly from LIMBO lake,  
and scud from PLUTO'S den:  
And with your aid, assist my Verse,  
direct my rugged Penne.   

TWice two hours▪ scarcely ended were  
scythe Rhodi●ns home return:  
But night with dimming darkness came,  
and misty clouds by turn  
Appeared in Skies: to CYMONS heart,  
a joyful wished night.  
Which should be pleasant more, he thought  
to him: then ever chanc'de to wight.  
But lo, a stormy tempest rise,  
the Skies with clouds are black:  
And wavie Seas, with whirling winds,  
do toss the Ships to wrack.  
This, blinds their eyes,  
and dulls their Senses so:  
That of them all, not one man knew,  
what thing was best to do.  
For all men, than began to fear▪  
forgetting shipmen's skill:  
But who can paint with proper terms  
or plainly Pen, with quill.  
What gr●e●e the time, gripped CYMONS heart  
for Gods would not regard:  
He thought, the force of flaming love,  
and scythe before he spared  
Not: life to lose, his love to win,  
in thought, then sure, said he:)  
With sharper sting of death, the Gods,  
will take revenge on me.  
Now Cymons Mates, do weep & wail  
But IPHIGENIA  
Above the rest shed bitter tears,  
and oft cried wellawaye.  
And gul●fde with gripping ●ittes, did quail  
at every blast of wind:  
And every storm of wallowing waves,  
oppressed with wo●her mind,  
And drowned her eyes, with saltish tears,  
she utterly detest:  
Sir CYMONS love, and boldness, that  
had purchased her unrest.  
As though, that stormy whirlwinds, not  
of other cause did swell:  
But by the wrathful ire of Gods,  
to wreak with fury fell  
His bold attempt: And willing not  
that CYMON should enjoy  
The ravishte Uirgyn, quietly,  
or fr●e, without annoy.  
But sure she thought, by sentence just,  
of Gods, they both should die:  
And end their wretched direful days,  
in woeful misery.  
Amongst these Girlysh wailings, the●●,  
and anguish of the mind:  
The watermen, and Mariners,  
were wavering as the wind,  
And doubtful much, which way to turn  
their Ship, and them to save:  
And (still the winds beginning more,  
with boisterous blasts, to rave.  
Their bark, was drive to the isle of Rhodes  
which for the tempest, they  
Can not discern, and know to be,  
upon the Rhodian Sea.  
And studying now, for only health,  
they put their helping hand:  
Both all, and some to leave the Seas,  
and bring their Ship to lanoe.  
Where (as the Constellations wrought)  
they landed at that place  
To which the Rhodians came before,  
which CYMON let to pass.  
And yet they knew not that they were  
argued at Rhodes, before  
That SOL displayed his splendent beams  
next morrow on the shore.  
For than they saw, the Ship at Haven,  
which they did let depart:  
The day before▪ not distant more,  
from them, then throw of Dar●e.  
Wherefore, Sir Cymon pensive now,  
least that should chance did fear  
To him, which happened presently,  
as you shall after hear.  
Then he commands with diligence  
the Ship from thence remove,  
In ●aste: not caring to what port,  
their tacklings else they shove:  
For well he knew●, all other Ports,  
from dangers more were free:  
And SCYLLA'S womb, less wrackful,  
where now they landed be.  
The shipmen's painful travail, and then  
his Mates endeavour now  
Were bootless: For the shrilly winds,  
still backwards did them blow.  
And by their force and sturdy strength,  
are driven upon the shore:  
Against their will, for wrestling still,  
to turn from thence their Ore.  
The winds did land them, at the Haven  
of Rhoodes: where by and by:  
The Rhodian Shipmen, knew right well  
and did them straight descry.  
Then of them one, did hastily run,  
to Town, not distant far:  
Where all the rout, of Gallants stout,  
that time assembled ware.  
And orderly, revealth to them,  
that IPHIGENIA:  
And CYMON, blown the stormy blasts  
tossed on the roaring Sea.  
Are now arrived at Rhodian land,  
and all the circumstance,  
He shows to them: And all things else,  
that hapte to them, by chance.  
(Which heard) the lusty youth of Rhodes  
did leap for present joy:  
Even like, as did the valiant Greeks,  
at overthrow of Troy.  
And rushing forth, like raging rout,  
they mustered many men:  
And then with speed, unto the Seas,  
they flockmeale, all did run.  
Where CYMON, hasting now his flight  
with IPHIGENIA:  
The Rhodians, him in midst of course  
prevent, and make to stay:  
Yet failed not his noble heart,  
to stand in his defence:  
Against the Rhodian warlike Troop,  
for first, he did dispense.  
With life: And willing was to spend,  
his blood upon his 〈◊〉▪  
And many, by his Knightly force,  
their S●nces did forego.  
And through his prowess, some did yield  
to ATROPOS their breath:  
And some were maimed, and other slain  
with direful dart of Death.  
Yet ●●●led not, his valiant Acts:  
and chivalrous Renown:  
For taken, him they Prisoner led,  
to next adjoining Town.  
Then thither came LISYMACHUS,  
which in that year by chance:  
Was Magistrate: And in that isle  
had chiefest governance.  
Being guarded with a warlike rout,  
commands, that CYMON, then  
And all his Aidantes, should be thrown  
to deep, and darksome den.  
For PASMONDE, and the Senate 〈◊〉  
of Rhoodes appointed to.  
When they, how all the matter stood,  
effectually did know.  
Now hath th'unhappy Lover, loss  
his IPHIGENIA.  
Whom he had gained not much before,  
by fight upon the Sea.  
Of whom he never tasted sweet,  
besides a little hope:  
For hire of pains already pas●e,  
to reap the golden crop.  
Save that, he collde her lily neck,  
and kissed her rosy lips:  
And claspte her oft in folded Arms,  
again: her Corpse he clyppes.  
But all this sudden joy, is turned  
agyne to wont woe:  
His IPHIGENIA, now he must  
against his will forego.  
Thus wandering wide, to seek for rest,  
in stormy tides is trapte:  
And labouring long, through Gulfs of waves,  
in care unwares, is wrappeth.  
Then fawning Fortune framed (he said)  
with painted face for sh●e:  
O brittle cursed Fate, that forced  
my state to alter so.  
The chief, and ancient Matrons, than  
received her courteously:  
And cherisde her with nourishmentes:  
And of captivity:  
Being partly sad, her gulping grief  
with solace, they appease:  
And partly wearied, with the toil,  
and travail on the Seas.  
And there abode she still with them,  
untyil th'appointed day.  
To celebrate Thespousell rites,  
had chased the night away.  
To lead a captive Prisoners life,  
the Senate granted now  
To CYMON and his Mates, for that  
some favour they did show  
Unto the Rhodians: (for they gave  
them, licence to depart:  
With bag, and baggage, free from death)  
But PASMONDE, for his part,  
With instant suit, did urge that they,  
in prison might be slain:  
To which, they were condemned for aye  
to lead their lives in pain.  
Where they should end their wretched days  
(as Reason did require:)  
While breath doth last, depryu'de of hope  
to pleasures to aspire.  
The mean while now, when PASYMOND  
for Nuptials doth prepare:  
And all provision needful, he  
provides with carking care.  
Behold, how Fortune moved with ruth  
of former act repent:  
And now for CYMON, healthful aydt  
she friendly doth invent.  
Thus, lo: in gripe of death is life,  
in Hell mouth, help is found:  
And LACHESIS, the knot half loosed,  
hath fast, and firmly twounde.  
For entering in, at PLUTO'S door,  
and yielding up the Ghost:  
With gasping oft for breath, see how  
his virtue, Death hath just.  
And life begins in him again,  
to run his wont race:  
So, Death is banished, and life restored  
by Fortune's gentle grace.   

THis PASMONDE, had a Brother, named  
HORMIDAS, young of years:  
But yet not less, in valiantness  
than PASMONDE, or his peers.  
Which (long deliberation had)  
decreed to take to wi●e:  
A Uirgyn called CASANDRA: and  
with her to lead his life.  
And for she was, of seemly shape,  
adournde with Courtly grace:  
LISYMACHUS the Senator  
did covet to embrace.  
With stretched Arms, her comely Corpse,  
whom with affection: he  
Lykde in such sort, that he desired  
her Lover for to be.  
For restless rag●▪ of scorching love,  
tormented so●e his heart▪  
Being clapped unwares in V●NVS clawed  
and stung with CUPIDS' dart.  
Now PASIMONDE, S●temp●●i●yng,  
the Nuptial jollity:  
With sumptuous preparations, as  
was mée●eor his degree.  
Thought good, his Brother HORMIDAS,  
for to persuade, that they  
Might (entering both in JUNO'S Rites,)  
be Brydegr●omes on aday.  
So should they save, the double charge,  
and coasts, of Marriage feast:  
Yet meant he, that of b●th their charge,  
his Brothers should be least.  
He therefore, with CASSANDRA'S friends  
the matter doth 〈◊〉  
And of her father ●rau'd, to grant  
her, to be fear, and mate  
Unto his Brother HORMIDAS:  
and given to him, to wy●●▪  
They should be joined i● sacr●d bonds,  
of wedlock▪ all their life.  
And that same day, as 〈…〉  
his IPHIGENIA:  
His Brother should be married 〈◊〉  
his Lady CASSANDRA.  
These consul●acions, corseys were,  
unto LISYMACHUS heart:  
For (wan of hope: and comfortless)  
from joys, he did depart:  
Yet with persuasions, fancy feeds  
him, that CASSANDRA will,  
Be linckd with him, in JUNO'S laws,  
and his desire fulfil.  
If that HORMIDAS wed her not,  
and take her to his wife:  
These, and such like occursions, then  
in mazed mind were rife.  
But as a prudent man should d●●,  
(that claims of wisdom part:)  
He closely k●epes, his dolour deep:  
enc●einde, within his heart.  
And compassing in swarming brain,  
what ways he might with sp●ede:  
Disturb this Marriage, could not find  
a lawful means, in deed.  
Therefore, agrees he with himself,  
and fully doth conclude:  
To win by force, the Uirgyns grace,  
and cares so to exclude.  
which, well (he thought,) he might achieve  
and plainly bring to pass:  
For that he bore the chiefest sway,  
and honour in that place.  
On th●ther part, his dignity  
and type of high renown  
Renockte him, from that enterprise,  
which to his shame, should sown.  
For that his ●shining Fame, doth add  
dishonour to the fact:  
The more, if one of his estate,  
commit so lewd an act.  
But after much advisement had,  
Sir Love, did gain the place,  
Of honesty: and Reason too,  
to lust, did yield his trace.  
And now LISYMACHUS, doth haste  
with danger of his health:  
Yea: and with loss of life: to take  
his pray away by stealth.  
And rolling oft in searching head,  
what order he might take:  
Or what assistentes he might use,  
an end ther●●to make.  
An● bring the matter to good pass,  
bethought himself an 〈◊〉:  
(As hap would have, and Fortune gave)  
of CYMON that did mon●  
His thraldom, being closely clapped,  
in Jail, and Dungeon deep:  
Where straightly, him, and all his mate●,  
the warden still did keep▪  
He, therefore pondering well, the cause  
with, heart, and hand agree:  
Unto this sentence: which, he minds  
should ra●yfied ●ée.  
That no man could be found more true,  
or of fidelity:  
This weighty charge, to take in hand  
than CYMON was, whom he  
The next night after, brought by stealth,  
from deep, and Hell-like lake:  
Unto his Chamber, bossde with Gold,  
and thus to him he spoke.   

¶ ORATIO LISYMACHI AD CYMONEM.  

Even as (sir CYMON) Gods are bend  
and always ready be.  
To give their gracious gifts to men  
with store abundantly.  
So do they too require of them,  
both painful industry:  
And valiantness with diligence.  
and whom again they see  
Strong hearted, in calamity,  
to suffer crabbed chance:  
Those they, as worthy, manlike men  
to honours great advance.  
The Gods would, of thy courage stout,  
a greater trial take:  
And more experience, of thy might.  
(more glorious it to make.  
Then thou thyself, in Father's house,  
of riches 〈◊〉 with store:)  
Couldst make to shine, & show itself  
like bright, & glistering ore▪  
And (as the Fame flieth through the town)  
the Gods, have framed thee:  
Of dull, and senseless block: a wise,  
and witty man to be  
Besides: with Fortune wrestling now,  
and thrall to filthy jail.  
The Gods will try thee, if thy strength,  
within thy heart do quail.  
Or if thou be that man, as erst,  
when thou with manlike might:  
Obteinde the happy conquest: and  
didst win thy prey by fight:  
For if thou show thyself the same,  
(as late thou were,) to be:  
The Gods, did never give to man,  
more mirthful jollity.  
Or wished pleasure, and more joy  
th●n now they do intend:  
To grant and yield unto thy heart,  
thy heaped cares to end.  
And what that is, I will in brief,  
and few words, tell to th●e,  
That thou mayst gather wont heart,  
and animosity.   

THe glad▪ and joyful PASYMONDE  
at thine unhappy chance:  
And chief procurer of thy death,  
makes haste himself t'advanceadvance.  
In marriage, to thy rightful Bride,  
thine IPHIGENIA:  
Thespouselles eke to celebrate,  
appoinctes a solemn day.  
That thereby, he might taste the sweet,  
of that thy conquered pray:  
Which smiling fortune, gave to thee,  
and frowning took away.  
And well I know, what corsie this  
should be unto thy heart:  
If in thy breast, of scalding heat  
of love, thou feal the smart.  
HORMIDAS lo●: that self same day,  
intends like injury:  
And wrong to me, and like despite,  
with hateful Tyranny.  
For he will wed CASSANDRA, whom  
I mind to take to wife:  
Whose sight, so dear is to my heart,  
as is to m●e my life.  
To take revenge, of this reproach,  
and contumelious wrong:  
Fortune, hath only manhood left  
to us: as Fortress strong.  
Go too therefore, and (she our guide)  
let us with naked Blade:  
Make viotent way, and valiantly  
resisting Foes invade.  
To second ravisnment, for thee  
pluck up thy noble heart.  
And first for me, let force be found,  
To play his w●nted part.  
If thou wilt stoutly follow me,  
the Captain, of this recte:  
And guide of famous enterprise,  
and glorious shining fact.  
Behold, I yield into thy hands,  
both ancient liberty:  
And IPHIGENIA, I will give,  
thy lawful wife to be.  
Then which two things, thou oughtest it ●raue  
none earthly Treasure more:  
(For hearts delight, all men prefer.  
and health, their wealth before.)  
These sayings of LISYMACHUS,  
did CYMONS heart revive:  
And ●rylled, through his erased Corpse,  
where Death, with life did strive:  
And hope, hath vanquished now despair,  
and wilshed quiet rest▪  
Enjoys within his heart, the place,  
that dolours once possessed.  
Then presently without delay,  
unto LISYMACHUS:  
Sir CYMON, framed his filled tale,  
and then, he answered thus.  
(LISYMACHUS) thou shalt not find●  
〈◊〉 hardy man than me:  
Or of more tried faithfulness,  
or greater Constancy.  
To compass this thy stout attempt,  
if so (as thou dost say:  
That Fortune shall pursue the fact,  
in yielding granted pray.  
Therefore, what charge unto my lot,  
thou wilt assign, foresee:  
And look what office thou appoint,  
shall grateful be to me.  
And I will tread what path thou wilt  
and venture life, to tread  
Amidste the steps, of enemy's Tents,  
or yielding Serpent's head.  
Say on therefore, not heartless, I  
or dreading fuming foes:  
Will follow thee my Captain, though  
my life thereby I lose:  
To this LISYMACUS replied,  
within two days, said he:  
Our foes concluded to proceed,  
unto solemnity.  
In marriage of thy wife and mine,  
and then they shall be brought:  
Unto their bridegrooms mansion place,  
lo: thus I have bethought.  
We armed, with other trusty Mates,  
at first watch of the night:  
Shall rushing in the house, convey  
them from the feast, by might:  
And ravished: bring them to a Ship▪  
which for that purpose, I  
Have made: & hoovering caused on seas,  
not distant far, to lie  
And no man will we spare, of those,  
that will our purpose stay:  
Or our intent, with violence let,  
forestall us, the way.  
The order, to accomplish thus  
the matter, pleased him well:  
Which in the Prison, till that day,  
dissembling wise did dwell.  
And now hath PYROEIS▪ EOUS eke,  
with AETHON, and PHLEGON,  
Drawn forth in Skies, the golden wain  
of bright, and glistering Son.  
And lo: AURORE, her purple doors,  
hath opened in the east:  
And LUCIFER, hath chased the stars,  
and LUNA takes her rest.  
The day assigned, for marriage rites,  
of lovers ed, is come:  
Which gorgeously, solemnized were,  
with pomp: of all, and some  
While all the house, of brothers both,  
with regal riot, shine:  
And they in midst of costly cates,  
and quaffing BACCHUS wine:  
The mean while, ●ow LISYMACHUS  
not sleeping his intent:  
Appointed well, with needful things▪  
to due accomplishment.  
Of late decr●ed enterprise,  
his carved Blade doth hide:  
Within his Garment: so the rest,  
for fear, least they be spied.  
Sir CYMON then, & CYMONS men,  
and his men, he divide:  
To three wings: lotting to each rank,  
a Captain, and a guide.  
For some by stealth, unto the Haven,  
LISYMACHUS hath sent:  
Lest Rhodians, stay their purpose, and  
of shipping them prevent.  
Some in the Porch of PASMONDS' house  
he closely caused to stay:  
For fear therfoes, their passage stop,  
or enterclude their way.  
He, with the rest, and CYMON too,  
about pr●fi●ed time:  
And as agreement was before,  
the Bridal house do climb.  
They scale the walls, and win the Fort  
then enter they with force:  
The supping Chamber, where the Brides,  
refreshd with food their Corpse.  
amongst them, other Ladies sat,  
by order, in degree:  
At royal Table, richly dight,  
and garnishde sumptuously.  
With massy Bowls, of golden Cups,  
bedecte with Pearl, and Stone:  
With other Gems, APOLLO'S beams  
not much unlike that shun.  
And furnished well with special cates,  
and dainty Princelike fare:  
Yet CYMON and LISYMACHUS,  
for nought their purpose spare.  
But Tables headlong down they hurl,  
and rush with revel coil:  
And take their Ladies, each his own,  
dividing so the spoil.  
And to their Pages them commit,  
which to that end did stay:  
To bring with speed unto their ships  
their long desired pray.  
The Brides, and other Matrons then  
complete with howling cries,  
With wailings huge, & clamours great,  
do fill the haughty Skies.  
Now CYMON and LISYMACHUS,  
with bloody Blades in hand:  
Do make them way, for no man dare,  
with force against them stand.  
Descending swiftly down, they pass  
the stairs with hasty foot:  
For (gained their booty) there to stay,  
they thought it was no boot.  
Where PASMOND met with them, and amazed  
with all this rustling broil:  
And troublous ruffling: purposed then,  
to rescue conquered spoil.  
And armed him with a hugy Staff,  
and rashly wanting might:  
To CYMON ran with headlong pace,  
to vanquish him by fight:  
But all in vain, with peised stroke,  
well aimed at his head:  
He field him, where he staggering lay▪  
before his feet for dead.  
HORMIDAS too, endeavouring now,  
to quit his Brother's death:  
Through CYMONS wound, lieth on the ground  
and gaspeth for his breath.  
And divers other réelde to th'earth,  
that by his might were slain  
Which hand to hand, durst ieebard life,  
the combat to darrayne.  
Thus have these Lovers, won with Sword,  
and ventured life to gain  
Their Ladies. And withstanders all  
before their feet are slain.  
And then, they leaving PASMONDES' house  
reflowing all with blood:  
(Whereof the great effusion stained  
the ground, where as they stood.  
And bellowing oft, with weeping groans  
and boisterous steering press)  
Without disturbers, all arrive,  
in safety, at the Seas.  
And settling in the Brigantine,  
the Uirgyns won by force:  
And climbing with their Mates, the Ship,  
they take the Sea, perforce.  
Committing to the wind, their Sails,  
and using Shipmens' Art:  
And active diligence: with speed,  
from shore, they all depart.  
Which presently was stoorde with such,  
as batsome aid did bring,  
Unto the captive Damsels: that  
for woe, their joints did wring.  
But they came safe to Th'isle of CRETE,  
where, of their friends, they were  
And kinsmen: Gestwise entertained,  
with gentle, curteise cheer.  
Where at their entre in the Town,  
the Bells for joy were rung.  
And thousands came by heaps to meet,  
Sir CYMON, and his throng.  
And after duty done, they cried  
all, with consenting voice:  
And said: The Gods (Sir CYMON) grant thee ever to rejoice.  
And spend the rest of vital days,  
in heaped store of mirth:  
Till ATROPOS shall cause thy Corpse  
entumbde to lie in earth.  
For thou hast tasted sop of gall,  
before thou did obtain:  
In hire of restless, tossing toil,  
the long desired gain.  
Where, after few days spent in sports  
and shouting pleasant plays:  
And solemn feasts, to mighty MARS  
for yielding happy prays.  
They celebrate the Nuptial joys,  
and wed their wis●●ed wives:  
Enjoing of that ravin mirth,  
continuing both their lives.  
amongst the RHODIANS, CYPRIANS eke,  
great discord did ary●e:  
And troublesome encumbrance sprung  
betwixt them in hateful wise.  
But finally, on either part,  
entreaty of their friends:  
And kynsmens' mediation, turned  
their foes obdured minds.  
And stablishde then: that (for a time,  
sustained brief exile:  
And banishment from native land,  
to last a ly●le w●yle.)  
With IPHIGENIA, CYMON should,  
at CYPRUS Soil sojourn:  
And with CASSANDRA home to Rhodes  
LISYMACHE might return.  
Each to his Country back again,  
in short time to revert:  
Where, with their wives, they lived in joy  
with glad and merry heart:  
For when the storms of cankered hate,  
were overblown and passed:  
And scornful spite, had spewed his gall  
on Seas by whirling blast.  
And envies belching jaws were stopde  
by VENUS' loving Boy:  
And tract of time, ware out of mind,  
all gnawing cares annoy.  
And LETHE gulffde in drenching brink  
the death of PASIMONDE:  
And IPHIGENIA, now discharged  
of former vowed ●o●de.  
Did yield at length with willing mind,  
to CYMONS gentle heart:  
And by the grant of wished grace,  
deuorc'de his former smart.  
And thus they passde their happy days,  
in never dying bliss:  
Of which, I crave of God, for aye  
good Ladies never miss.   
FINIS.    

Amore manco la libertá  
B●nfu saggio colui, chi primo  
amòre garzon dipinse.  
Chiusa fiamma é piu ardente.  
Il fuocoristre●to, molto piu  
fierament c●oce.  
Che quello ●l quale per ampio luog●,  
manda le fiamme sue.