❧ THE Notable History of two faithful Lovers named Alfagus anb Archelaus. wherein is declared the true figure of Amity and friendship. Much pleasant and delectable to the Reader.  
Translated into English meeter by Edward jenynges. With a Preface or Definytion of Freyndshyppe to the same.  

¶ Such as are troubled in Public afayres,  
About common wealths by offices and cares:  
In faithful petition can never abide,  
For so saith Tully the thing hath been tried.   
¶ Imprinted at London in Fleetstreet beneath the Conduyt at the sign of S. John Evangelist, by Thomas Colwell.  
Anno Domini. 1574.   

¶ Edward jenynges to the Reader.  

THe wyes Philosopher Arystoetell doth say,  
Friendship is a virtue most incomparable,  
And Tully doth his words not denay,  
saying it is a thing most commendable:  
Both firm and sure, nothing deceivable  
For freinship with out virtue in no man can remain  
Thus the wise Philosopher Tully telleth plain.   

¶ Tully defineth friendship on this wise also  
saying it is none other thing at all  
But a perfect consent of things for to know  
Which as well to God as to men doth befall,  
Benevolence and charity embraced of great and small  
Nothing is more commodious while men on earth do live  
Then this except sapience which God to man doth give.   

¶ Then which definition is excellent and true  
For in God and all things which of God doth come  
Nothing of more estimation doth ensue  
Then Love called in latin Amoi all and some,  
Amicitia descending and coming of Eum  
In english called Friendship which taken a way  
The life of man will soon fall in decay.   

¶ Not house can stand in quiet peace and rest  
No field can bring his fruit in due season  
If hatred and envy doth devil both East and West,  
All men may judge then perfectly by reason  
Finally of man is judged by discretion  
He seemeth from the world to take a way the sum,  
That from man's life would friendship have undone.   

¶ Sith friendship then to man's life is so pure  
Than all other virtues it doth far excel.  
And only in good men remains, this is sure,  
From whose heart and mind no pain may excel:  
But firmly and sure within them doth devil,  
So that thereof none evil may proceed  
Ne cause of thing which evil is in deed.   

¶ Between all men that be good can not be Amity  
Always abiding without some decente,  
Except they seem both of on quality,  
Formed all a like by nature's pretence:  
In manners and study both equally bent,  
And specially in manners, for that is the thing  
Which knitteth the hearts both of one liking.   

¶ For Gravytye and Affabylytie be laudable both  
And qualities highly to be had in este macyon,  
So is Severytie and Placabylytie forsooth  
magnificence and liberality is of the same fashion  
And yet Frugality by all wise men's oration  
Which showeth a life both moderate and sober,  
Is higher extolled than any of the other.   

¶ Yet where these virtues and qualities be  
separately a sunder amongst persons many,  
Assembled together by tranquillity  
May well be perfect concord truly,  
●…t friendship is there seldom verily,  
●…or that which the one for a virtue embraceth,  
The other contemning his mind, it neglecteth.   

And there where descension of minds doth appear  
By reason can stand no perfect Amity,  
Sith friendship is a consent entire,  
Of will and desires in one like quantity:  
Therefore is seldom seen for a certainty,  
That friendship between such parsons should be,  
Which in their desires can nothing agreed.   

¶ Those which be liberal of heart and deed  
Withholoing nothing from them whom they love  
whereby increase of love doth proceed,  
And in them that be constant and will not remoue●  
Is never mistrust nor suspection to prove,  
Ne any surmising of evil report  
Can draw their affection from them in any sort.   

¶ And by this thing is friendship made sure  
perpetually for ever both firm and stable,  
But if like study or learning procure  
Their minds in one thing to be delectable:  
Joyeing to those virtues agreeable,  
Friendship much rather doth happen to stand  
By mutual agreement with faithful band.   

¶ Nothing evil or vicious to man  
In faithful friendship doth happen to be,  
The first election made of friends than  
Receiveth all the importance truly,  
Wherefore it would be done nothing rashly,  
But with a long proof and great deliberation  
Deserving perfectly his former trade and fashion.   

¶ For often times by fortune it cometh to pass  
A man now in wealth and great prosperity,  
Is brought in a momit much worse than he was  
Standing in peril and great extremity:  
friendship often times then faileth verily  
As Ouy●es sweet sentence to us doth declare  
Hereafter following with words good and fair.   

¶ Whylste fortune thee favoureth, friends thou hast plenty  
The time being troublous thou art alone,  
And Culuere haunt houses made white and dainty  
To the ruonous Lours almost cometh none:  
Of Emotes innumerable, uneath thou findest one  
In empty barns where faileth substance,  
Happeneth no friend in whom is assurance.   

¶ But if among many one choose to be found  
In all cares of fortune his friendship to hold,  
The praise of his nane shall highly rebound  
And is more of value than silver or gold,  
Or any comodytie that else can be told,  
Of kindred and blood none is so commendable  
As one perfect friend in nothing deceivable.   

¶ For Tully saith from kindred and line  
Benevolence may soon be taken away,  
But friendship which never at nought doth repined  
Can never be severed by night nor by day:  
So though benevolence in kindred doth stay,  
Yet the name of kindred doth always stand still  
But take it from petition and clean it doth spill.   

¶ I am not able of petition to show  
A true definition in every thing,  
Though all a whole year my wit I bestow  
In such like sentences still writing,  
With many ancient histories searching  
Whearin I should find such store to endite  
That in a large book I scarce could them writ.   

¶ But gentle Reader I pray you have patience  
In this malabour not worthy of praise,  
accepting well my mind and diligence,  
occupying my pen thus on many idle days:  
Whereby some profit doth come many ways,  
For unto all men it showeth the virtue  
Of amity and friendship perfect and true.   

¶ Many young wits desire for to read  
Hestoryes oide, in Mecter delectable,  
Of divers good Knights and such as be dead,  
Leaving behind them a fame much commendable,  
Yet is the reading thereof nothing profitable,  
But in this small treatise a man may behold,  
How friendship is better than silver or gold.   

¶ The virtue of petition in this shallbe seen  
Between two parsons most worthy of fame,  
Moore truer in freinship hath never none been  
Then these Alfagus and Archelaus by name:  
Many years living without any blame,  
The one of Rome, of Carthage the other  
living more truly than brother and brother.   

¶ And unto God with all my heart I pray  
That by this treatise some may ensample take  
To learn to keep their freinship night and day,  
When to their friends like yromyse they do make:  
In wealth and woe them never to forsake,  
But now a days I fear but few men do live  
That will unto their friends such freinshyp give.   

¶ And thus concluding my simple Preface  
Most heartily I pray the Readers all,  
If in this book perhaps by my trespass  
Some thing amiss to them doth befall:  
Show me my fault and mend it I shall  
desiring no man my work to disdain  
Though simple it be and done with small pain.   
FINIS.   
¶ The famous History of Alfagus and Archelaus. Wherein is declared the true figure of amity and petition.  

Cap. i  

IN Rome sumfyme a knight did devil,  
Both noble, wise and good.  
His stock of ancient Romans were,  
And not of Rascal blood:  
Lypodus hight this noble man  
for so man did him call,  
Beloved he was of all folks in  
the City, great and small.   

¶ A Lady had this noble Knight  
of worthy stock and fame,  
Between whom God a son did send  
Alfagus was his name:  
Acomely Child and fair he was  
as any man might see,  
In learning apt to every thing  
which taught to him might be.   

¶ This knight therefore when as his son  
to lawful years dead grow,  
He thought how he by virtuous trade  
might make him wisdom know:  
But at the last by musing long  
he understood right well,  
Of Carthagye that noble place  
much praise he hard men tell.   

¶ How that was chief and fountain of  
all wisdom and all grace,  
Next unto God all prudence came  
and doctrine from that place:  
And noble men from far about  
their Children thither sent,  
And Lypodus this knight therefore  
even of the same intent.   

¶ His son Alfagus brought forth with  
to Carthagye, that he,  
Might learn good letters and also  
a Scholar there to be:  
And hosted him with one who was  
an ancient man and wise,  
A Senator of the City who  
good council did devise.   

¶ Of Carthagie that noble place  
and City of great fame,  
The chiefest ruler than was he  
and Olympus was his name:  
This Olympus had a son also  
whom Archelaus men did call,  
In every part both hand and face  
like Alfagus was he all.   

¶ Their age was equal both as one  
agreeing just and right,  
Their faces so proporshined both  
a like in all men's sight:  
That no man could deserve the one  
and say this is the other,  
They were not known but by their names  
of father nor of mother.   

¶ And as these two young gentlemen  
agreid like in limb,  
Alfagus Archelaus unto  
and Archelaus to him:  
So in short space acquayntaunte grew  
the one so to the other,  
That inward love oppressed their hearts  
and each one called brother.   

¶ Their wills and Appetites both in one  
so God had congulated,  
That never since the world began  
like them was none created:  
At one time they together went  
to study and to learning,  
At one time they at meals also  
took both a like refreshing.   

¶ They both delighted in one kind  
of doctrine, and thereby  
They profited and were therewith  
both learned equally,  
And to conclude, together they  
with learning so increased,  
That in short time to them might be  
in Carthage none compared.   

¶ At length deseast Olympus (which was)  
Archelaus father dear,  
For whom Alfagus as well as he  
did mourn with heavy cheer  
But than Archelaus after that  
his father was diseased,  
To all men known he was with goods  
and riches much increased.   

¶ Wherefore to him was proffered  
rich maryges many a won,  
With maidens fair and bright, but he  
set not his mind thereon:  
And he then being ●ype of years  
of parsonage with all,  
Right well ve set in every limb  
a comely man and tall.   

¶ Wherefore his friends and kinsmen all  
exhorted him that he,  
After this counsel set his mind  
to wed some fair Lady:  
To the intent his lineage he  
might so increase there by,  
But this young man his heart had set  
so on Philosophy.   

¶ And on his friend Alfagus to  
his love he set so su●e,  
That if he should marry he thought  
it cold not still endure,  
But that he should leave of from one  
and cleave another to,  
Wherefore long time he did delay  
the thing with much a do.   

¶ And would not consent to their mind  
for aught that they cold say,  
How be it, still they would not rest  
to move him day by day,  
To marry one that might him please  
and gyt some Child her by,  
Which might inherit and have his land  
when he should chance to die.   

¶ So at the last he granted, because  
his friends on him so sore,  
Even by importunate calling on  
still daily more and more,  
And partly by the advice and mind  
of Alfagus his friend dear,  
And by dysyre of many more  
he drew their purpose near.   

¶ Consenting for to marry one  
in whom he might delight,  
And in all things unto his mind  
right pleasant in his sight  
With which words all his friends & kin  
was wondrous glad in heart,  
And busyly for him a none  
each one did show his part.   

¶ And sought where they might find a maid  
for 〈◊〉 right fair and good,  
Of like years unto him, and of  
sow worthy ●euse and blood,  
So long they sought that at the last,  
a maybe they did espy,  
Of parsonage, manners. and in age  
in excellent beauty.   

¶ A comely damsel and a tall  
in equal stature pight,  
With eyes as grey as glass, and skin  
most like to snow was white:  
Of equal years she was to him  
in virtuous manners taught,  
Of noble blood full rich also  
no better might be sought.   

¶ This Lady thought they good, for such  
a gentleman of kind,  
They thought her apt for him, and he  
in her might please his mind:  
When Archelaus friends and eke  
the maidens friends also,  
Had talked all their mind, and when  
each one their wills did know.   

¶ And on the covenants were agreed  
how the marriage should be,  
They gave Archelaus chounsaile that  
the maiden he should see:  
And oft repair to her, so that  
he might right well at ease,  
Know with his heart if that she with  
her beauty might him please.    

¶ Archelaus goeth to see his Lady, Who pleaseth him right well. He carrieth Alfagus with him to see her, who is so taken in her love that he, lieth sick with intolerable pain.  
Cap. two.  

AFter the counsel of his friends  
Archelaus did agreed,  
And went without delay anon,  
his Lady for to see:  
Who in all parts he found to be  
so pleasant to his mind,  
That if he should seek all the world  
none better could her find.   

¶ Nor to his hearts desire he thought,  
might be found one so meet,  
Wherefore anon with loving words  
to her he spoke full sweet:  
And said fair Lady is your mind  
to have me for your make,  
And can you find within your heart  
all other to forsake.   

¶ Save only I, and cleave to me  
how say you Lady bright?  
she answered him, (& said) for soothe  
all that is in my might,  
I am content to do your mind  
my hearts desire is so,  
And thus when they had talked long  
and each their love did known.   

¶ Archelaus did return again  
to Alfagus his friend,  
No love of Lady in the world  
might take him from his mind:  
Yet often times when to study they  
together both did go,  
Many times Archelaus when  
Alfagus did not know.   

¶ Stolen secretly away, and to  
his Lady did resort,  
That he with her in pastime good  
might make some pleasant sport:  
And not withstanding the great love  
which to his freynd he bore,  
Yet oft times to his Lady he  
on this wise did repair.   

¶ But at the last when shamefastness  
surmounted in his breast,  
Within his heart he could not have  
at no time quiet rest,  
until his secret journeys were  
unto Alfagus told,  
Wherefore anon these words he spoke  
and said with courage bold.   

¶ Dear friend Alfagus so it is  
my friends on me did lie,  
As you do know right well enough  
to wed some fair Lady:  
That so I might increase the stock  
of me and of my father,  
How be it (god doth know) with ye●  
to ●yde yet had I rather.   

¶ What then? it is so now that I,  
have chosen a Lady bright,  
Who to my heart in all things is  
right pleasant in my sight:  
And oft times have I stolen away,  
from you unknown till now,  
When as we were at study both  
and ye wist nothing how.   

¶ To go and see her whom I love  
she doth me so delight,  
For with her beauty my whole heart  
is fixed day and night:  
To morrow therefore will I go  
about this time and tide,  
And you with me shall go that there  
together we may abide.   

¶ An hour or twain and pass the time  
with some solace and play,  
Where as you may behold and s●e  
my Lady fresh and gay:  
Alfagus answered him and said  
I am right well content,  
To go with you my friend I think  
the time no better spent.   

¶ And fain I would behold the maid  
you please so much to me,  
For since you spoke first of her I  
have longed her to see:  
Thus when they talked had awhile  
the night on them did draw,  
Wherefore to rest they went anon  
when best their time they saw.   

¶ Thus when the darkness had his course,  
and Phoebus' beams so bright,  
The restless Son I mean did shaw  
upon the earth same light:  
The morning son, with shining beams  
all lands hath over spread.  
And from the skies the dropping shade,  
of night away was fled.   

¶ Alfagus rose, and longed to see  
the maiden bright of hew,  
Arise up Archelaus he said  
that I may go with you:  
To see her whom you praised so  
my heart is very fain,  
Even now anon Archylaus said  
we will go thither both twain.   

¶ Where with he rose and so they both  
anon together did go,  
But how they sped, if you will hear  
I will unto you sho:  
Forth goeth these two young gentlemen  
and when one hour was spent,  
They came whereas the maid did devil  
and into the house they went.   

¶ Who of the Damsel was anon  
received joyfully,  
But as soon as Alfagus had  
upon her set his eye:  
Beholding her most comely face  
with parsonage demure,  
Adorned all in beauty, and  
In espectable pure.   

¶ Her lips as read as any Rose  
nothing there was a●ys,  
With sober countenance mixed all  
with maydenlye shamefastness:  
Her talk so sweet and pleasant was  
for Alfagus to behold.  
That with the sight of her anon  
his spirits were very cold.   

¶ His heart was pierced thorough out  
blind Copyds' dart with all,  
And with which wound for deadly smart,  
almost on sound did fall:  
So v●ment and so fierce his pain  
increased more and more,  
With still beholding of that maid,  
which stood his eyes before.   

¶ That nerther the great study of  
Philosophy, nor yet  
The remembrance of his most dear friend,  
Archelaus any whit:  
Can once withdraw that unkind love  
out of his heart and bres●e,  
But more and more his pain did grow  
not knowing what way to rest.   

¶ But that of force he must needs love  
and that inordynatelye,  
That Lady which Archelaus his friend  
had chosen to marry:  
All be it with incredible pains  
he kept his thoughts unknown,  
until they both returned were  
and to their lodgings gone.   

¶ The miserable Alfagus then  
with wand'ring himself a side,  
As though in secret study he  
intended to abides  
All tormented in sorrow and care  
with love oppressed sore,  
Upon his bed he laid him down  
tormented more and more.   

¶ Rebuking there himself of most  
unkind and spiteful hate,  
For with the sight of that fair maid  
which he had seen of late:  
He had conspired such great evil  
against his friend so dear,  
Who had him loved so wondrous well  
in faithfulness many a year.   

¶ Alas what evil time (quoth he)  
was it when I was borne,  
Alas for coming to this place  
why had I not forsworn:  
Alas my father, wherefore brought  
you me here to this place?  
Why did you not keep me at home  
out of this wretched case.   

¶ Alas that ever I did acquaint  
myself with one so true,  
As you my friend Archelaus are  
but I again to you,  
Most like a brutish beast unkind  
from Nature gone awry.  
And have deserved of your part,  
great battered to employ.   

¶ And with those words deep sighs & sore,  
out from his heart he sent,  
That ever he came to Athennes  
often times he did repent:  
Thus still in dolour and in care  
he tumbled and he toast,  
That little lacked it of his heart  
to be in pieces braced.   

¶ But unto no man durst he once  
disclose his secret sore,  
So that at length most grievous pains  
increased more and more:  
And forced him would he or not  
still on his bed to lie,  
Receiving naught wherewith he might  
have him sustuyned buy,   

¶ Not sleep at all nor rest he took  
no sustenance nor food,  
He would receive wherewith he might  
have done his body good:  
That he so feeble was and faint  
so weak of ly●●●e with all,  
That in his legs, his body to bear  
no strength there was at all.    

¶ Archelaus goeth to see Alfagus, who lieth suck for love & to whom Alfagus confesseth all the cause of his sickness, greatly reyroning himself of unkindness.  
Cap. iii  

TO Archelaus was fold a non  
part of Alfagus care,  
How he full sick to bed was gone  
and almost in despair:  
With which words he was sore abusht  
and went forthwith to see,  
How his dear friend Alfagus did,  
and what his pain might be.   

¶ But when he did approach the place  
where as Alfagus lay,  
Beholding there his most dear friend  
in such painful array:  
The read Rose colours in his face  
which was wont to appear,  
All turned into sallow pay  
with wan and heavy cheer.   

¶ His read lips pale and almost black  
his eye lids sunk full low,  
That scarce beholding in his face  
he could his visage know.  
He might from weeping scarce refrain  
the teaes ●y force out burst,  
But then remembering him again  
refrained at the last.   

¶ Fear least he thought such sorrowful sight  
might most his friend annoy,  
Wherefore he turned back again  
his countenance unto joy:  
Comforting his dear friend in all  
that ever he might do,  
desiring him and said how came,  
this great disease in you.   

¶ And why have you been so unkind  
not showing me at all,  
Of this disease which unto you,  
of late time did befall:  
But thus unkindly and unwise  
to seek your own decay,  
When as I might by knowing thereof  
have sought some help and way.   

¶ If any thing for silver or gold  
to help you might be bought,  
I would not stay myself till all  
this region I had sought:  
And though that it should cost me all  
the substance I could make,  
Yet would I think it well bestowed  
to spend it for your sake.   

¶ With which words then the mortal sighs  
tenued more and more,  
Within Alfagus heart, and he  
began to weep full sore:  
So that abundauntlie the tears  
down from his eyes did fall,  
And many a sorrowful sigh he sent  
out from, his heart with all.   

¶ The which when Archelaus saw  
he could no more forbear,  
But was resolved to tears a non  
his heart all fixed in care:  
And said Alfagus most dear friend  
do not your mind delay,  
But show me all and every deal  
most heartily I you pray.   

¶ Alas why are you so unkind  
that you will not disclose,  
Your secret sickness unto me  
when as I did suppose:  
You would not have kept back from me  
no secret thing at all,  
For I would have hid naught from you  
what soever might befall.   

¶ Therefore I pray you let me know  
what grievous pain you have,  
That I may seek some help with haste  
you from the death to save:  
For nothing is to me so dear  
nor precious in my sight  
But for you● sake he will anon  
departed with it forth right.   

¶ Although mine own life I should loose  
It would I not delay,  
But run and go all that I might  
for your help night and day:  
The with words when Alfagus hard  
and saw the moan and grief,  
Which his dear friend ●…laus made  
to seek for his relief.   

¶ All ●…yng and in shamefast wise  
by force as then constrained,  
Unto his friend his tale he told  
and in this wise complained  
My most dear friend and faithful mate  
lea●e of your faithful mind,  
Call back again the words you spoke  
some help for me to find.   

¶ And rather slay me where I lie  
draw out your knife therefore,  
Dispatch my days that I may see  
the ●e●ght of heaven no more:  
Most miserable wretch and Traytorfalce  
to you my feiende am I,  
And of all men upon the Earth,  
most worthy for to die.   

¶ For like as god by his great power  
hath formed us as one,  
All like in every form and part,  
for men to look upon:  
So hath he made ou● minds agreed  
in every thing alike,  
For look what one of us would have  
the other thereto doth seek.   

¶ Our minds and apetytes are as one  
they differ naught at all,  
I think that never with no men  
like friend ship did befall:  
And now so soon (alas I say)  
so soon this love is gone,  
Good friend ship is excluded and  
of reason there is none.   

¶ Not doctrine doth avail, nor man  
in wisdom may not trust,  
Nor no fydelytye in a friend  
in this case may be just:  
Yea Archelaus the great trust  
Which you on me did say,  
Hath caused me for to conspire  
against you now this day.   

¶ (Alas against you my dear friend)  
to do this thing vn●yght,  
How have I ●en entangled with  
some foul ●…ous spright:  
What thing was in your mind alas  
when wisdom was away.  
Why told you me of that fair maid  
which is so fresh and gay.   

¶ And you have chosen her to wife  
(alas) why did you see?  
Why had you not left me at home  
but let me with you go?  
(Alas I say) where was your wit  
remembering not at all,  
The great fragility of our love  
and Nature's bond with all.   

¶ What need you have regard of me  
what pleasure you did find,  
In the beholding of her whom  
you loved in your mind:  
Why would you have me see her whom  
yourself could not behold,  
But with the beauty of her face  
your love to her had told.   

¶ Your mind was fixed and your heart  
was ravished her to see,  
And yet for that in all this thing  
you had no mind of me:  
(Alas why did you so forget  
and could not think upon  
That both our wills and apetytes  
hath been always as one.   

¶ For always that which in your eyes  
was pleasant for to see,  
Hath always been in every part  
in like sarte unto me:  
What need more words Archelaus for  
your trust in me I say,  
Hath caused me with unkind love  
to be entrapped this day.   

¶ The reins and pleasant beams most fair  
ensuing from her eyen,  
Whom you have chosen for to love  
hath pierced this heart of mine:  
Yea the remembrance of her and  
her virtues manifold,  
Hath strouken me with a deadly wound  
and made my heart full cold.   

¶ So that I do desire naught else  
but like an unkind wretch,  
I might depart out of this life  
this misery to dispatch:  
As one not worthy to have life  
and fellowship with you,  
My most dear friend which always hath  
been unto me so true.   

¶ But I have been to you unkind  
(alas) why should I live?  
And with those words out from his heart  
full heavy sighs did give:  
Desolved all with tears great store  
which from his eyes did run,  
Con ●…dyng these his words in care  
as he had them begun.    

¶ Archelaus accuseth himself of Folly. He renounceth his t●… that he hath in the Lady to Alfagus and showeth him the way how he shall have her to his wife, unwares to all his friends.  
Cap. iiii.  

WHen Alfagus made an end  
and had confessed all,  
How with the sight of the fair maid  
what pain did him befall:  
His dear friend Archelaus then  
as nothing discontent,  
Nor yet astonied at the thing  
in which his friend was be ●te.   

¶ But with a merry countenance,  
Alfagus did embrace,  
He kissed him and on this wise  
his words forthwith did place:  
Why friend Alfagus at your heart  
is this same all the grief?  
And had you thought within your heart  
there could be no relief.   

¶ Alas why? were you so unkind  
that ye would not declare,  
The cause of this your pain to me  
but in your hat it bore:  
Alas why keep you of so long  
and would not let me know,  
Why wer● you so unkind to keep  
your secret mind me fro.   

¶ I do confess my folly here  
wherewith I am attaint,  
You have disclosed my fond wit  
to me in your complaint:  
For showing unto you the maid  
women I chose to my wife,  
I did remember nothing in  
the nature of our life.   

¶ Nor how our minds and apetytes  
in all things doth agreed,  
Nor yet the unity of our hearts,  
remembered was of me:  
Wherefore it is no man but I  
which hath done all this ill,  
surely I can not well excuse  
myself by reasons skill,   

¶ For who of right can prove that you  
have trespassed at all,  
When with the mutable dart of love  
your heart was struck with all:  
Why think you I am such a fool  
which can not understand,  
The mighty stroke of Venus' power  
whom love doth take in hand.   

¶ For where she listeth for to show  
the violent course of care,  
To press the heart oportunatlye  
with pangs she doth not spare:  
Have not you well cesysted when  
to death you are near brought:  
And thus in torments for to slake,  
that apetyte you have sought.   

¶ What more importunate love of you  
may I require then,  
Moore faithful love in all the world  
hath never been of men:  
And should I seek for to expel  
that thing which god hath wrought  
Seth she, predestinate was to you  
before I of her thought.   

¶ If I should so think of this thing  
my wit were spent in vain,  
What were my study all my life  
but foolish and no gain:  
Should I seek for the prudent Art  
philosophy to know,  
Nay, nay, Alfagus in my heart  
let never god do so.   

¶ But surely I confess in deed  
to love the maid as well,  
As any man possible may  
which wysdomes' art can tell:  
And took more pleasure in my heart  
berbeutye to behold,  
Then in my lands my father left  
my silver or my gold.   

¶ The which you know doth much abound  
in value for to be,  
Yet at my heart they are not half  
so pleasant unto me:  
But now I know within your heart  
her love surmowteth more,  
Then five times it hath done in me  
of all the time before.   

¶ Yea without measure in your heart  
I know the dart doth sting  
Of raging love but should I think  
that were wanton lusting:  
Or sudden appetite of your mind  
delyghting in solace,  
Have I not known the manner of  
your life in every place.   

¶ How you were honest good and wise  
in every kind of way,  
vain dalliance & fond toys unmeet  
your use was not to play:  
Shall I immagyn then in you,  
mallis, deceit or guile,  
Sith you and I have fostered been  
together of long while.   

¶ Even from our childhood until now  
yet could I never see,  
But that you have been gentle sweet  
and freindelye unto me:  
Between us twain was never strife  
since one the other knew,  
But still agreed in every part  
to live like breetherens true.   

¶ Nay godforbid that noble band  
of friend ship which hath been,  
Alfagus and Archelaus heart  
enclosed all within:  
To he suspected any deal  
of hatred and despite,  
Or any fantasy of the mind  
should press my head unright.   

¶ Whereby the honourable love which is  
between us all and some,  
Might hindered be in any part  
the mountenance of a crome:  
Nay, nay, Alfagus it is so  
as I before have said,  
For by selestiall power divine  
you pointed were that maid.   

¶ God had appointed her to you  
when first he gave her life,  
That only she should be your love  
your Lady and your wife:  
For such a fervent love as this  
oppresseth not the heart,  
Of any man virtuous and wise  
with such an earnest smart.   

¶ But by a providence divine  
where at if I should seek,  
To make resistance any deal  
to have the thing I leek:  
I should not only be unjust  
against my friend most true,  
Witholdinge that thing which of right  
belongeth unto you.   

¶ But also be repugnant from,  
gods high determination,  
Aduaunsing up my heart therein  
to make a confutation:  
Which thing shall not befounde in me  
by help of god with all,  
Therefore Alfagus my dear friend  
dysmay you not at all.   

¶ Of this the chance of love now fyxte  
within your heart to stand,  
But ioyouslye do now receive  
the yoke of lovers band:  
For I am nothing discontent  
with this my sudden chance,  
But marvelously with fervent joy  
my heart it doth advance.   

¶ Sith that it is my chance for you  
a Lady for to fond,  
Which is so agreeable to your heart,  
and pleasant in your mind:  
With whom you may hereafterlyve  
in great felicity,  
Receiving fruit by God's high power  
your children for to be.   

¶ Which may amplify, and increase  
great honour to your name,  
And all your lineage will rejoice  
when they shall see the same:  
Wherefore I will renounce to you  
my title and my right,  
And clearly all that I shall have,  
with that fair maid so bright.   

¶ I give it clearlye unto you  
as it is given to me,  
For ever more while life doth last  
your Lady for to be:  
Call to your prestynate courage again  
wash clean your vyssage white  
amend your eyes forlorn with tears  
by weeping all this night.   

¶ Abandon all your heavy cheer  
the day appeareth nigh,  
Which you do know I did appoint  
the maid for to marry:  
Let us consult betimes therefore  
how we may bring about,  
That you right wisely may attain,  
your purpose thorough out.   

¶ And all your hole desires so  
for to achieve with joy,  
Take heed therefore unto my words  
and mark well what I say:  
you know right well that we are both  
so like in every plate,  
Preporshioned all in every limb  
both body, head, and face.   

¶ Our speech & countenance doth agreed  
so like in every way,  
That if we were appareled both  
alike in one array:  
And both apart for to be seen  
yet few men could then know,  
Which of us were the other and  
unto his fellow show.   

¶ Also you do remember well  
the custom of this land,  
That not withstanding all these words  
by ioyoing hand in hand:  
The marriage not confirmed is  
all hoollye just and right,  
until in Chamber they be come  
together both at night:   

¶ And that the husband hath put on  
his wives finger a Ring,  
And also doth unlose therewith  
the knot of her gyrdling:  
Then is the marriage fully knit  
and they be man and wife,  
To live so long in one accord  
as God shall give them life.   

¶ Therefore will I myself be there  
before my friends in place,  
Performing all the brydemans' part  
in every point and case:  
And you I will in secret hide  
where none shall you espy,  
until at night when that to bed  
each man himself doth high.   

¶ And then you shall convey yourself  
in the most secreatest wise,  
In to the Chamber of the maid  
as I shall best devise:  
And nothing shall the maid espy  
or think of you a mis,  
Because your raiment unto mine  
so like in all things is.   

¶ Your parsonage also, in all points  
will seem unto her sight,  
So like to mine that by no means  
she can espy the sleight:  
And shortly gea● you to the bed  
delay not long the thing,  
And on her finger straight ways then  
put on your own gold ring.   

Her Girdle of virgynitie  
undo without delay,  
Fulfil your pleasure all the night  
as lovers list to play:  
Comfort yourself Alfagus therefore  
my loving friend most dear,  
With good refection and solace  
relyue your heavy cheer.   

¶ That this colour wan and pale  
your cheeks so lean and thin,  
Be not the cause to let the thing  
which easily you may win:  
I know right well within my mind  
that when this thing is done,  
And that you do enjoy the maid  
by me as now begun.   

¶ I shall derided be of all  
the folk that shall it know,  
And all my kynted with despite  
their Ireful hate will show:  
In seeking all the means they can  
me to expulce and drive,  
Out of this city in short time  
a banished life to live.   

¶ And think me to be such a one  
as hath done great out rage,  
By giving of a great reproach  
unto my parentage:  
But god shall work his will therein,  
my mind is fully bent,  
To do the thing that I have said  
is all my whole intent.   

¶ I force not for the furious rage  
of any spiteful foe,  
Ne yet what pain I do abide  
by Fortune's frowning blow:  
So that you my friend Archelaus  
may live in fortune's grace,  
And have felyrytie to increase  
your honour with solace.    

¶ Archelaus marriethe the Lady for Alfagus. Alfagus confirmeth matrimony and lieth with her all the night, Archelaus desireth all his friends to give ear to the Oration which Alfa gus would make.  
Cappit. u  

With this Alfagus turned himself  
as one awaked from sleep,  
And thought he had but seen a dream  
more cares on him to heap:  
And doubting whether he had hard  
Archelaus speak or not,  
Or seen a vision in his mind  
devised to be so.   

¶ As he before had hard his friend  
with friendly words declare,  
But looking up with steadfast eyes  
right well perceived thar●:  
His friend Archelaus standing by,  
with tears lamenting still,  
Left Fortune by her fatal wheel  
his hole device should spill.   

¶ The woeful Alfagus set him up  
not knowing what to say,  
But comforting his most dear friend  
in all that ever he may:  
Thanking him then for his kind words  
which were incompetable,  
Refusing it sith that he said  
I am so garyable.   

¶ Moore better were it that there should  
a hundred such as I,  
Like unkind wretches to be slain  
or some evil death to die:  
Then that so noble a man as you  
should sustain any ill.  
Or that reproach or damage should  
come any ways you till.   

¶ But then Archelaus in his arms  
his friend Alfagus took,  
Comforting him all that he might  
with many a merry look:  
And therewith all did swear and eke  
protest as not dismayed,  
That with glad heart all things should be  
as he before had said.   

¶ He sweetly kissed him also  
and said my friend most dear,  
All things shallbe accomplished well  
therefore be of good cheer:  
Alfagus then perceiving that  
all things were firm and sure  
And that no feigned friendship did  
his faithful friend allure.   

¶ He set him up with joyful heart  
right in his bed as he,  
Had felt before no pain at all,  
but waked from sleep to be:  
The quick blood in his vyssage then  
began for to restore,  
Such colour as by nature he  
received had before.   

¶ And after he had well sustained  
with some good drink and meat,  
His feeble body which before  
had no desire to eat,  
In few days was brought again  
unto his wonted state,  
Like to Archelaus in all things  
his faithful friend and mate.   

¶ The day of marriage did approach  
each one with busy care,  
Did seek for such things as should need  
the wedding to prepare,  
Archelaus was devising still  
the best and surest way,  
How he his friend Alfagus might  
is to his ro●me convey.   

¶ Now thought be this, now thought he that  
as fancy did him guide,  
At length he found the secretest feat,  
that else be might provide:  
And showed Alfagus all the thing  
in what place he should stand,  
Take heed therefore (quoth he) that you  
be ready at my hand.   

At night when we to bed shall go  
within the chamber door,  
Behind the cloth there is a hole  
where you may be full sure:  
And before we to bed most come  
I will convey you thate,  
So that when I shall come and bring  
with me the maybe so fair.   

¶ You shall come forth behind my back  
and I will slip away.  
So no man shall aspie the sleight  
because that your array:  
Is like to mine in every thing  
your vyssage eke also,  
Resembles mine so that the maid  
of this can nothing ●●o.   

¶ Be of good cheer Archelaus said  
my friend Alfagus now,  
Leave studying in all other things  
and think on naught but how:  
you may accomplish your desire  
be of good cheer therefore,  
The day is come that now from death  
to life I must restore.   

¶ The day was come and then anon  
the Lady fresh and gay,  
Archelaus took and to the chu●the  
her lead without delay:  
Acompanyed with his friends and hers  
right honourable to behold,  
The covenants were aggrieved upon  
and each their mind had told.   

¶ Unto the other and anon  
when all things else was done,  
They hasted home where as the feast  
with great joy was begun:  
That day they passed with much mirth  
and sports in sundry wise,  
Each man a sundry game and play  
for pastime did devise:   

¶ Between Archelaus and the maid  
such entertainment grew,  
That all men there had great delight  
their lovely looks to ●ewe:  
Praising greatly Gods good gift  
sith Nature did agreed,  
To give them beauty virtue and  
the art of courtesy,   

¶ Which were right excellent in these twain  
excelling other's far,  
That in the City of each sort  
before times wededd ware:  
What shall I say the day was spent,  
and Phoebus' beams so bright,  
Descended down into the west  
where hidden was his light.   

¶ The twinkling stars by wonted course  
appeared in the l●ye.  
And every man and woman fast,  
unto their rest did by●:  
Archelaus and the maiden then  
acompaned with her kin,  
were brought unto their chamber door  
and as they entered in.   

¶ Alfagus hidden in the wall  
right well did them behold,  
And fearing lest he might not speed,  
his heart was very cold.  
But then Archelaus thinking on  
his friend Alfagus case,  
devising how or by what means  
he might come in his place.   

¶ Dismissed all the folk away  
and thanked them for their pain,  
And said I with my lady now  
must talk a word or twain:  
give place to us now at this time  
most heartily I you pray,  
To morrow will we pass the time  
with more disport and play.   

¶ Each one departed them anon  
no wight was left behind,  
But even Archelaus and the maid,  
each one to say their mind:  
Alfagus living still in hope,  
thought every minute a year,  
Archelaus careful was also  
that Alfagus might appear.   

¶ Howbeit he with ardent love  
desired her to have,  
Above all worldly treasures but  
his friends life then to save:  
He had most ardent care of all  
fair maid therefore said he,  
A little while I must depart  
I pray you tarry me.   

¶ And made as though to ease himself  
unto the stool he went,  
He to Alfagus took his way  
naught else was his intent:  
Alfagus joyful for to see  
his friend Archelaus cheer,  
Without delay came forth anon  
all frustrate was his care.   

¶ Archelaus stood in Alfagus place  
and Alfagus forth did go,  
Unto the maid the which as then  
thereof did nothing know:  
Now is Alfagus laid in the bed  
he made no long delay,  
The maiden knew not whom he was  
and did him not denay.   

¶ For why? we thought naught else but the  
Archelaus had been there,  
But alfagus joyful was to see,  
that he so well did far:  
These two young wedded foalkes therefore▪  
not longerlye they may,  
For ●●h man hied fast to rise  
so far spent was the day.   

¶ Archelans thought it was most meet  
for to disclose his mind,  
While all his kindred theu were there  
no better time to find:  
Alfagus his dear friend therefore  
be unto him did carll,  
And placed him within the midst  
among his kinds folk all.   

¶ And all the nobles that did devil  
in Carthagye was there  
To whom Archelaus reverence showed  
desiring them full fair:  
To give attentive ear a while  
that Alfagus might discus,  
A secre at thing Archelaus said  
which he will say to us.   

Who being placed in his ●owme  
amongst the midst of all,  
Declared forth such words to them  
as after follow shall.    

¶ The Oration which Alfagus made before the friends of Archelaus, opening unto them the hole matter.  
Cap. vi.  

MY friends & nobles of Carthage  
this day amongst you all,  
An ensample is showed uncredible  
which lately did befall:  
Which doth dyscrybe the divine power  
of honourable love,  
Whose forcing dart with deadly stroke  
excelleth all above.   

¶ This love hath brought perpetual fame  
and eke great commendation,  
Unto this City and also  
unto the Grecians nation:  
Wherefore you aught right excelentlye  
great comfort for to take,  
And give due thanks to God the which  
this ardent love did make.   

¶ If that among you there remain  
such ancient wise report,  
As had your noble progenitors  
which wear of the like sort:  
For what more praise may be to men  
that on the earth do devil,  
Then faithfulness, Benevolence, and constancy  
whose virtues doth excel.   

¶ For lack whereof all countries and  
all Cities do decay,  
Unto desolation and ●uen eke  
they run without delaye●  
Like as by them also they ●ome  
to great and high prosperity,  
With high estate and much renown  
of Prudence and felicity.   

¶ What shall I long delay the time  
or tar●y in the thing,  
conjecting mine intent and not  
to tell my hole meaning:  
You know ●yght well each one of you  
from whence I came and how,  
Unto this City I was sent  
whearas I am even now.   

¶ And by adventure I did find  
the house of Olympus here,  
Who of long time a very friend,  
he was to me most dear:  
His s●nne Archelaus there I found  
of mine own age and state,  
Who in all things was like to me  
him chose I for my mate.   

¶ We were so like in every thing  
the one unto the other,  
That we could not discerned be  
of father nor of mother:  
But only that we would ourselves  
tell one another's name,  
Unto our parents and also  
to others show the same.   

¶ So that at length about our necks,  
silk laces they did taye,  
Of sundry colours that they might  
deserve us by that way:  
What mutual love and agreement  
hath by● between us twain.  
This eight years always since I came  
with Olympus to remain.   

¶ You all be witnesses that have been  
be holder's of the thing,  
Tose our sweet conversation you  
have always been wand'ring:  
And also our consent of mind  
in lust and apetye,  
You never saw discord, no● once  
wherein we did varrye:   

¶ And as for my part after that  
my father was diseased,  
Not withstanding that to me  
abundantly there happened:  
Great possessions and houses fair  
with riches eke innumerable,  
And proffers of high dignity  
with ladies fair and amiable.   

¶ My friends and alyans eke also  
their letters to me sent,  
desiring me importunately  
to ●od as they have ment:  
In coming home for to receive  
mine heritage due to me,  
Yea them which in the Senate now  
of all most ancient be.   

¶ Offered me advancement high  
in dignity to reign,  
Amongst those which the public wealth  
doth seek for to maintain,  
I will not now remember of  
the lamentations great,  
Which my most natural mother made  
me homwardes to entreat,   

¶ Expressing with most tended words  
in letters to me sent,  
All blotted with tears the which on them  
abundantly were sprent:  
Where in she did accuse me sore  
because I did delay,  
The time so long and unto her  
not seek to come away.   

¶ Saying that I am much unkind  
sith nature would agreed,  
Specially now in her most need  
her comfort for to be:  
But yet all this within my heart  
could not at all prevail,  
Ne to remove Archelaus from  
but to the breadth of my nail.   

¶ And but that force doth me constrain  
by nature so provided,  
I could nor may not be with drawn  
for any thing contrived:  
Once from his company most sweet  
and pleasant unto me,  
Acsepte with his most gentle heart  
he doth thereto agreed.   

¶ I choosing rather for to live  
with him by fatal doom,  
His fellow and companion to be  
then counselor of Room:  
For which my kindness hath been well  
aquitted now this day,  
Or else redoubled by his help  
if I the troth do say.   

¶ Delivering me from cruel death  
whereto I was so nigh,  
That of all deaths I should have died  
a death most cruelly:  
And so Lachesus should have spun  
my fatal thread in yayne,  
My pleasant years and youthful days  
the fryttell earth should gain.   

¶ I do perceive you wonder much  
ye noble Athenes now  
To hear of these and of atrouth  
no marvel is for how  
Or what is he so bold of heart  
that burst attempt with Ire,  
To satisfy his cruel mind  
my death for to conspire▪   

¶ Being a Roman and decente  
of rial Romans blood,  
Or who else think you would be so  
malicious, or so wood:  
To slay me? whom you all do know  
hath done no villainy,  
To any man or woman which  
doth devil within this Cy●ye.   

¶ You all shall be my judge therein  
if that it be not so,  
For if I should misuse myself  
you might well thereof know:  
For in your sights I have been still  
since to this City I,  
Came first, and in olympus house  
appointed was to lie.   

¶ Nay nay my friends there is no man  
that I herein accuse,  
Before you all my friends here  
no such talk will I use:  
I do perceive you listen still  
and would desire to know,  
What man he was that did presume  
or seek to use me so.   

¶ With cruel deed and great despite  
my life from me to take,  
Or in like sort to do this fact  
such enterprise did make  
It was love, oh Carthagines,  
even that same love I say,  
Which as your Poettes doth declare  
hath wounded many a way.   

¶ The chiefest part of all the Gods  
to whom ye honour give,  
The whilst they were on earth, & here  
like earthly men did live:  
This love constrained Jupiter  
to swim as doth a Swan,  
And be transformed like a Bull  
to hide his shape of man.   

¶ Hercules eke the vanquysher  
of monsters great and strong,  
lions fierce and Giants huge  
with bodies large and long:  
The same love caused him by force  
upon a Rock to spin,  
Sitting amongst the maidens clad  
a woman's clothing in.   

¶ The same lone also which did 'cause  
the princes fierce and stout,  
Of grease and eke all Asya to  
assemble in a rout:  
Encamping in the fy●●des of Croy  
with many 〈◊〉 fight,  
And many storm and tempast they  
did sastayne day and night.   

¶ The same lone I do say against  
whose fierce al●●uites to strive,  
May no resistance he at all,  
that reason can contrive,  
Hath wounded me so suddenly  
and stroke my heart so sore,  
That remediless I should have died  
no man could me restore.   

¶ Had not Archelaus holpen me  
through his friendship incomparable,  
I should have ended miserabeliye  
my woeful life uncurable:  
I see you do desire to know,  
and fain would have me tell,  
Whom where, and what she is, that I  
have chosen to love so well.   

¶ O noble Carthagines in this  
no longer will I stay,  
But openly declare it now  
to you without delay:  
It is Andromycus the Lady fair,  
the which Archelaus chose,  
To be his wife till destiny did  
their fatal threddes' uniose.   

¶ Whom he did love most intyrlie  
but when his gentle heart,  
perceived love had strouken me  
even with her forcing dart  
And that my love was set as then  
more higher in degree,  
Then his and that I forced was  
to love then his Lady.   

¶ And that it never did proseede  
of wanton lust nor will,  
Neither it of conversation long  
whereby to talk out fill:  
Corrupt desire or fantasy  
he saw no sway did bear,  
But with the only sight of her  
so taken in the snare.  
That I immediately was strouke  
with most uncurable care.   

¶ desiring all that ever I might,  
death to dispatch my days,  
Provoking thereto all I could  
by sundry kind of ways:  
But he then by his wisdom soon  
perceived well the thing,  
As I doubt not but that ye do  
by this my tale telling.   

¶ That by predestination she  
of God was given to me,  
And not to him but that she should  
my only Lady be:  
Whereto be giving place as one  
both faithful wise and just,  
Esteeming more our friendship then  
a woman's love and lust.   

¶ Whereto he was end●sed more  
by his friends will and mind,  
Then by the violence of Cupid's dart  
constrained after kind:  
Wherefore right willingly to me  
his interest he did give.  
The which he to the damsel had  
that so his freynd might live,   

¶ And it is I (Alfagus) truly  
which did the wayden wed,  
I put a Ring her finger upon,  
and went with her to bed:  
Of shame fastness her Girdle then  
forthwith I did untaye,  
By her I have line all this night  
what would you have me say.   

¶ I have confirmed matrimony  
and made her now a wife,  
She is mine own and I am hers  
while God shall lend us life:  
It these words they which present were  
began to murmur fast,  
And on Archelaus daynusly  
full grievous looks did cast.   

¶ Then Alfagus spoke again and said  
why look you on him so,  
Leave of your grudging countenances  
and menassynges which you sho:  
Towards my friend Archelaus for  
he hath done to you all,  
Great honour and no deed whereby  
reproach to him should fall.   

¶ I tell you he accomplished hath  
the hole parts of afryend,  
And that love which was most certain  
he hath done to the end:  
He knew in Afrycke he might find  
another Lady bright,  
As fair and eke as rich as she  
in whom he might delight.   

¶ And one in whom perchance he might  
have better consolation,  
Then to this whom he did not first  
agreed with contentation:  
But such a friend as I was he  
having respect and mind,  
Unto our syinylyinde and ●ke  
our long approved kyade.   

¶ Also of my condition and  
estate he was sure,  
Never for to find the like  
while his life did endure:   

Also the damsel suffereth no  
dispa●gement in her blood,  
Nor hindrance in her marriage but  
hath one as rich in good.   

¶ And rather is advanced more  
to dignity by me,  
But to my friend Archelaus would  
I, no dispraise should be:  
Consider noble Lords also  
that I did not her take,  
My father living when therein  
ye might suppression make,   

¶ That as well her great riches as  
her beauty did allure,  
Me for to take her for my wife  
and so my heart procure:  
But now my father is deceased  
in her I take delight,  
And join myself with faithful love  
to be hers day and night.   

¶ When I do far exceed her in  
possessions and also,  
My substance far surmounteth hers  
as you right well do know:  
When the most noble men of Room  
and eke of italy,  
Desired in my fellowship  
to keep me company.   

¶ You have great cause therefore to thank  
Archelaus of this thing,  
And as you aught of right you should  
in him have rejoicing:  
And not to cast such angry looks  
extolling so thereby.  
This kindness showed unto me.  
by him wrought wondrously.   

¶ Whereby of we and all my blood  
such friendship hath he won  
That never better friends might be  
since first the world begun  
And to your City thorough me  
such hap now may you have,  
That from your foes through all the world,  
right well we shall you save.   

¶ The which thing well considered you  
might for Archelaus sake,  
In likeness of him with fine gold  
a comely picture make:  
And in the chiefest place of all  
your City let it stand,  
Upon a Pillar that all men  
which dwelleth in the land.   

¶ May have in mind our friendship great  
that is incomparable.  
And how unto this City there  
may benefits come innumerable:   

But if that this persuasion may  
nor can not satisfy,  
Your 〈◊〉 but that ye will  
imagen now thereby.   

¶ Any thing to the damage of  
Archelans my friend so dear,  
When that I am departed hence  
●●auy●g him with you here:  
To God the creator of all things,  
my vow here I do make,  
That as I shall have knowledge thereof  
in all haste for his sake.   

¶ Hither I shall resort and bring  
thinvincible power of Room,  
Revenging him against his foes  
with such a cruel doom:  
That all Afrycke thereof shall report  
and speak perpetual shame,  
Unto their own reproach and eke  
dishonour of their name.   

¶ And therewithal Alfagus and  
Archelans stood upright,  
But all the other that was there  
of Alfagus stood in flight,  
Dyssembling all their malice and  
made seemabelly their cheer,  
As they contented in all things  
to Alfagus might appear,    

¶ Alfagus is sent for to Room. Archelaus is banished his country by his kindred. After Alfagus, departing he is fain to beg his bread, and so poorly cometh to Rome, to seek Alfagus, he thinketh thinketh himself despised & entereth in to a Barn, lamenting his fortune.  
Cap. seven.  

Soon after this by atorytie of  
the Senate and people of Rome,  
Alfagus sent for was that he  
without delay might come:  
Home to their City and 〈◊〉  
his father's dignity,  
Which seeing needs he must obey  
did grant them willingly.   

¶ Appointing them a day when he  
without fail would be the are  
How be it for Archelaus his  
dear friend he took much care:  
And said my loving friend most vere  
right joyful should I be,  
If that you would forsake this place  
and go to Room with me.   

¶ The one half of my lands and of  
my goods I will you give,  
Both unto you and to your heirs  
so long as they shall live,  
In fellowship still we will remain  
till destiny doth denay,  
Lachesus for to spin her thread  
out fatal life to stay.   

¶ But then Archelans vad in mind  
cousydering therewithal,  
How necessary his counsel might be  
what thing so might fefall:  
Unto the City of Carthagye  
by many sundry ways,  
Remembering that his family  
there lived many days.   

¶ And how his bounden duty was  
the City to maintain,  
And for the common wealth to seek  
some prophet or some gain:  
Wherefore his friend Alfagus he  
desired to be still,  
For I (quoth he) may not departed  
how be it with ardent william.   

¶ I do desyrs your company more  
than any earthly wight,  
Great grief it will be unto me  
when I forego your sight:  
Alfagus then perceiving that  
no reason it should be,  
His friend Archelaus should departed  
out of his own country.   

¶ Considering how his counsel might  
the City well uphold,  
As other sage and wisemen did  
in ancient time of old:  
And that by nature bound he was  
his countries wealth to seek,  
Not more he would persuade him then  
but said with words meek.   

¶ Far well my most dear friend for now  
from you I most departed,  
Farewell my loving mate in whom  
I always set my heart:  
Although in person I be gone  
yet have me still in mind,  
If ever of me you stand in need  
a sure friend shall you fyade.   

¶ Archelaus kissed Alfagus then  
whom he loved as his life,  
He kissed eke the Lady fair  
which should have been his wife:  
So each one now departed i●  
and Alfagus took his way,  
Towards Room and with him road  
his Lady fresh and gay.   

¶ Where at their coming with great joy  
Alfagus mother then,  
Received was and unto her  
most welcome of all men:  
Where as he dwelled a●● jam mirth  
and great felicity,  
Recraving many children by  
Andromicus his Lady.   

¶ And for his wisdom and learning he  
so highly was esteemed,  
That no high office was but that  
with honour he achieved:  
And in the noble City of Room  
much dignity did veare,  
Receiving love and praise of all  
the people that were there.   

¶ But now let us return again  
wheat as we were before,  
And of the spiteful kindred of  
Archelaus speak we mors:  
And of the ladies friends also  
whose malice did remain,  
With secret hatred in their heart  
Archelaus to disdain.   

¶ So that soon after Alfagus had  
to Room wards took his way,  
Malysyously with shameful words  
they vexed him day by day:  
And utterly abhorred him  
for that he did despise,  
To take so fit a make (they said  
so rich and eke so wise.   

¶ In whom he might have took delight  
but that he did dys●ayne,  
The friendship which so him they showed  
excepting not their pain:  
But leaving her to A●●aus whole  
for him they did provide,  
Reproving him innamerably  
with unkind words beside.   

¶ And all that ever they could devise  
by him to do or say,  
Malysyously they sought it out  
and that without delay:  
first they did exclude him from  
their counsel and also,  
Not thinking that to be enough  
so light to let him go.   

¶ But did prohybyt from him then  
all honest company,  
And yet not having therewithal  
their mind to satesfye:  
Finally adjudged him  
not worthy for to have,  
Any of the possessions which  
his father to him gave.   

¶ Neither yet any of the goods,  
which his parents did leave,  
Behind them at their death to him  
as their gift did begueath:  
Whom he as they supposed did  
unnaturally to fayne,  
A friendship undiscreet and so  
his parentage disdain.   

¶ Wherefore they did despoil him clean  
of all that ever he had,  
And took the raiment from his back  
wherewith he then was clad:  
And almost naked like a man  
whom fortune did despise,  
Out of the City expuiced him  
in the most cruelest wise.   

¶ Thus is Archelaus lately one  
most welthyest in the City,  
Despoiled of all that ever he had  
no man on him taketh pity:  
One of the noble●● in Carthage  
in dignity he did reign,  
And now of every woman and man  
is had in great disdain.   

¶ For his kind heart thus with despite  
he banished is for ay.  
And his own country where he might  
have lived also with joy:  
And as man dis●●yed and tossed,  
byfortune to and fro,  
He wa●preth up and down and hath  
●o friend his grief to sho.   

¶ And no man could he find that would  
him ayed in his distress,  
But wandered up and down alone  
in extreme wretchedness:  
Alas (qouth he) what shall I do  
in misery thus remain,  
O fortune why thus truellye  
hast thou me in disdain.   

¶ Alfagus my friend is now in joy  
he hath the maiden fair,  
And for his sake I do remain,  
oppressed with sorrow and care:  
If unto him this thing were told  
right suit I am that he,  
Would have great sorrow & care for this  
my pain and misery.   

¶ He would revenge me of my foes  
if once he might heaz● te●●,  
How for his sake disday● f●ll●e▪  
they did me thus expel:  
I will no more therefore deley●,  
my hapiys hap to sho,  
But speedily all that ever I go.  
to Room wathes will I go.   

¶ And unto Alfagus my dear friend  
declare my hol●e state,  
And how my foes with me had de●…  
most cruelly now of late:  
Archelans therefore took his way  
so fas● as he might buy,  
Towards Room and all alone,  
withouten company.   

¶ He travaileth day by day and is  
disdained of every might,  
Sustaining hunger in the day  
and lieth cold all the night:  
To beg for meat and brink than he  
was forced to proceed,  
For why● he might no more delay  
his hungry Guts to feed.   

¶ And often when he came in place  
where other Pa●iners were,  
He was not known and therefore they  
on him did take no care:  
He could not do as others did  
with many words to crave,  
And therefore often went without  
when other alms should have.   

¶ Whereby he did often times sustain  
great hunger pain and grief,  
And no help could he have at all  
but tears for his relief:  
Thus many a mi●y day he went  
or that he could attain,  
To come to Room, but at the length  
throog● traveling long with pain.   

¶ Unto the City is he come  
in hope to have relief,  
And said if Alfagus I may find  
now gone is all my grief:  
For Alfagus house of every man  
full fast inquireth he,  
And at the length is come whereas  
right well he may it see.   

¶ But then beholding it so fair  
so large and eke so amiable,  
So Princely builded and also  
in all things so delectable:  
He was a shamed to approach  
or nigh the gates to stand,  
He thought it would avail him naught  
if that he took in hand.   

¶ To seek Alfagus sith that he  
was clad in such array,  
In which full poorly he had gone  
and travailed night and day:  
Wherefore to tarry there besides  
he held it for the best,  
And so he set him down a while  
his weerye limbs to rest.   

¶ And said if fortune so provide  
that Alfagus come this way,  
I will present myself to him  
to hear what he will say:  
I know right well be knoweth me  
my face when he doth ser.,  
Therefore if fortune would do so  
right joyful should I be.   

¶ Archelaus being in this thought  
and as he did devise,  
Alfagus and his Lady he  
within his gate espyse:  
Who issuing out immediately  
for their disport and play,  
Amounted in most pleasant wise  
upon their palfreys gay.   

¶ And riding thus for their solace  
Archelaus did behold,  
But seeing him clad with such arare  
all ragged in every fold:  
So vile and filthy to their sight  
his raiment did appear,  
That no regard they had to him,  
ne did behold his cheer.   

¶ And so did pass forth on their way  
not knowing whom it was,  
The which within Archelaus heart▪  
such cares did bring to pass:  
That sure Al●agns he did think  
his fortune had contemned:  
That being oppressed with mortal cares  
and heaviness long defended.   

¶ Down in a sound be fell, for why  
no longer might be stand,  
But one amongst them which stood by  
did take him by the hand:  
And with the help of others there  
revived him again,  
Thinking that he had been sick  
not knowing his careful pain.   

¶ And when he to himself was come  
he made no long delay,  
But forthwith did departed and from  
the City took his way:  
Intending to abide no more,  
with Alfagus for to talk,  
But as awild beast wander about  
thorough all the world to walk.   

¶ But for to rest his weary limbs  
than force did him constrain,  
Within an old barn for to go  
that there he might complaint:  
His cruel fortune all alone  
the which place when he found,  
Without respect of death or life  
he cast him on the ground,  
¶ And weeping with most dolorous cries  
his fortune did bewail.   

¶ O thou Alfagus then quoth he  
why dost thou me disdain?  
O feigned friendship why so long  
hast thou dwelled with us twain:  
Mine own kind heart hath caused this  
alas why did I so,  
Why let I not that unkind wretch  
have died full long a go.   

¶ Alfagus I had thought thou wouldst  
not have been so unkind,  
To me, which of so many years  
hath been thy loving friend:  
Alas my kinsfolks now I find  
your words to be full true,  
I would to god that I had been▪  
aruled then by you.   

¶ Where is Alfagus thy kind heart  
which thou wast wont to show,  
Where is thy sweet acquaintance which  
between us I did know:  
O cruel fortune why hast thou  
me thus far in disdain,  
You spsters three by fatal doom  
why do you now refrain?   

¶ To stop my breath and sand my soul  
where Lymbowes kingdoms lie  
On Limbo lake in Charon's boat  
to take my destiny:  
I will no longer live quoth he  
in this great wretchedness,  
But rid this ●elly Ghost of mine  
from pain and eke distress.   

¶ And therewithal his knife he drew  
in point himself to kill,  
But god so wrought against his mind  
and former wicked will:  
And by the knowledge which he had  
long in philosophy,  
considering wisely every thing  
withstood that destiny.   

¶ Yet often times would he take the knife  
his fatal wound to make,  
But wisdom did persuade him still  
his folly to forsake:  
And on this wise within himself  
alone contending still,  
With cruel cares and torments thus  
between wisdom and will.   

¶ Fatigated with long watch  
and journeys great with all,  
As god would have it in this wise  
on deadly sleep did fall:  
His knife wherewith he did intend  
himself as then to slay,  
Fallen down him by as he on sleep  
his weary bones did say.    

¶ common robber having slain a man, entereth into the Barn where Archelaus sleepeth. He taketh up the knife and putteth it in the dead man's wound, and layeth it again by Archelaus who being so found is accused to die. At last he is known of Alfagus who taketh the fact upon him to save his friends life, & offereth to die.  
Cap. viii.  

THe whilst be on this wyes did lie  
as fortune did provide,  
A common thief or robber was  
a waiting there beside:  
To do sum villainous act or deed  
on travelers by the way,  
nought else his practyce was but so  
did live both night and day.   

¶ And by adventure at that time  
a merchant traveling by,  
The foresaid thief behind a bush  
did well his time espy:  
And suddenly the man he took  
who thought no harm ne ill,  
And not contented with his goods  
forthwith he did him kill.   

¶ Wherefore that he might well escape  
and not to be espied,  
In the barn where A●chelaus lay  
full fast himself he hied:  
Who when he entered was and on  
Archelaus did behold,  
And that full fast on sleep he lay  
as I before have told.   

¶ He looked on his face and saw  
with cares he was oppressed,  
And that the sorrowful tears he shed  
all sprynkeled had his breast:  
Right well he knew a desperate man  
he was, and there did lie,  
With sorrowful sighs so brought on sleep,  
to ease his misery.   

¶ This man quoth he will serve right well  
to hide my fact with all,  
And then took up the knife which from  
Archelaus hand did fa●l●  
Putting it in the wound of him  
which he before did slay,  
And in Archelaus hand it self  
as there on sleep he lay.   

¶ So than the thief with heart full glad  
departed with all speed,  
And tidings to the City came  
of this his cruel deed:  
Wherefore they searched dyllyg●ntly  
in every hollow tree.  
And every place which they suspect  
the thief might hidden be.   

¶ At last into the barn they came  
where as Archelaus was,  
Still fast on sleep be say and thought  
no barm at all alas:  
Poor innocent man unto his lot  
this man's death now must fall,  
The searchers therefore busylie  
to wake him they do call.   

¶ Who from his sleep when he awoke  
to sigh he did not spare,  
And entering in most sorrowfully  
to his accustomed care:  
Complaining of his fortune then  
as he had done before,  
With doleful tears distilling from  
his eyes still more and more.   

¶ O cursed be the time quoth he  
that ever I did know▪  
That unkind wretch for wives sake now  
I suffer all this woe:  
But when the officers earnestly  
unto his charge did say,  
The man's death which they found thereby  
and that he did him slay.   

¶ The knife a token is they said  
that lies down by thee here  
For all be blooddyed with the wound  
to us it doth appear:  
Thou must needs suffer death therefore  
dispatch and come at once,  
With ropes they bound him hand and foot  
which were brought for the nonce.   

¶ He nothing did denay at all  
but what to him they laid,  
Confessed that it was even so  
and held him well apayede:  
That by so good luck should escape  
his violent mind and will  
When with his own hands he did think  
his innocent blood to spill.   

¶ By law now shall I die quoth he  
right glad I am therefore,  
Good friends make haste, dispatch my days  
that I may see no more:  
The light of Son ne yet of sky  
which on the earth doth show  
Their glistering light & gladsome heat  
on trees on earth below.   

¶ The mourning feyldes by limbo lake  
I would approach to see,  
With those whom love their death did force  
that place is best for me:  
The officers marveled greatly then  
to see him so content,  
To take his death with speedy haste  
entreating as he went.   

¶ That they would not delay the time  
wherefore was told anon,  
Unto the Senate with report  
the deed of such a one:  
Who as you hard before was slain  
and that in such a place,  
Was found a man in Carthage borne  
suspected in that case.   

¶ And how they found the blood die knife  
in his hand being still,  
And that it seemed to be he  
the which the man did kill:  
Wherefore forth with they did command  
to bring him to the bar,  
Because that time in Judgement seat  
the counsel setten were.   

¶ Alfagus was chief counsellor then  
or in like dignity,  
sitting in his royal seat  
with great felycitiy:  
Archelaus than most miserable man  
unto the bar was brought,  
With byls and staves most like a thief  
and innocent was of thought.   

¶ Of whom it was demanded then  
if he the man did slay,  
That was found dead as ye have hard  
which he did not denay:  
But in most sorrowful manner did  
his fortune curse and ●an,  
Saying he was in all the world  
the most unfortunatest man.   

¶ O miserable wretch (quoth he)  
what cursed star did reign,  
When I my fatal thread of life  
by nature did obtain:  
I would to god Lachesys had  
my fatal thread untayed,  
Before I knew that unkind wretch  
which hath me now vpbrayed.   

¶ Thus sighing in his heart be said  
but no man could espy,  
For whom he sorrowed in such sort  
in care and and misery:  
At length one did demand of him  
in what place he was borne,  
And how he travailed had so far  
with coats so rend and torn.   

¶ In Carthagye good sir he said  
my mother did me bore,  
And in my youthful time and days  
full well I lived there:  
But fortune with her fatal wheel  
my good luck did envy,  
And therewith on Alfagus he  
did cast a sorrowful eye.   

¶ With indignation much and burst  
into great sighs with all,  
Whereby abundantly the fears  
down from his eyes did fall:  
Which when Alfagus did behold  
esspyeng eke also,  
A mark upon his visage which  
of certain he did know.   

¶ It was Archelaus his dear friend  
considering therewithal,  
That by some evil adventure he  
into that case did fall:  
Suddenly from his seat he rose  
and kneeled on his knee,  
Before the judges all and said  
my Lords give ear to me.   

¶ This man myself I slew quoth he  
of old rancour and hate,  
The which renewed was by us  
of malice now of late:  
This man is guiltless of the thing  
he is a stranger here,  
For in the eyes of all men now  
right well it may appeete.   

¶ That he is desperate in his mind  
and careth not for to die,  
And to abreve his sorrows he  
doth not the fact deny:  
He doth confess the fact whereof  
he is most innocent,  
And so to finish his sorrowful days  
that is his hole intent.   

¶ Wherefore the sentence gyne on me  
according to my deed:  
And have according to the law  
some shameful death with speed  
Archelaus then perceiving that  
contrary to his expectatyon,  
His friend Alfagus did begin  
to make there such relation.   

¶ And how he offered for to die  
some shameful death, and so  
deliver him from the death to which  
full like he was to go:  
He more importunatlye did cry  
for judgement to be done,  
And that they would proceed on him  
like as they had begun.   

¶ For I am be withouten fail  
that did this man destroy,  
And as he walked by the way  
withouten company:  
I did suppose to have of him  
some Juels' rich and fair,  
And started sadeynly from a bush  
before that he was ware.   

¶ giving him his deadly wound  
whereby I might at ease,  
S●rche him well in every place  
to do even as I please:  
But when I had destroyed him so,  
it did me not avail,  
For there no riches could I find  
my purpose I did fail.   

¶ And being then right sore in fear  
lest any should espy,  
This cruel deed that I had done  
full fast I did me high:  
Into the barn where I was found  
to rest me for a while,  
But I had watched long before  
and sleep did me beguile.   

¶ So that before I was a ware  
full fast on sleep I lay,  
And had the knife still in my hand  
the which that man did slay:  
The officers will confess it so  
I must needs die therefore,  
And thus he called for his death  
on them still more and more.   

¶ Alfagus did deny those words  
and said he did but fain,  
He doth invent these words quoth he  
the man he hath not slain:  
For if that he had done the deed  
he would have fled away,  
And not have tarried in the place  
where as he did him slay.   

¶ Sum other thing was in his mind  
when he did draw his knife,  
By desperate mind perhaps he thought  
to have  his own life:  
Is that a weapon like to fight  
or kill a man with all,  
Not no my Lords it is not so  
the knife is very small.   

¶ And he is like a Palmer poor  
which beggeth by the way,  
Not like a Ruffian you may see  
his coats are nothing gay:  
It was even I that slew the man  
the cause I told before,  
Of old hate which between us was  
and kept so long in store.   

¶ For as in that place all alone  
a hunting I did ride,  
By evil adventure in the way  
the man there I espied:  
And thinking that no bertter time  
I might avenged be,  
But then when as we were alone  
and no man else to see.   

¶ I drew my sword without delay  
and unto him I said,  
Thou villain now to find the here  
I am right well apaid:  
And therewithal on him I laid  
without respect or care,  
That so denly his deadly wound  
he had or I was ware.   

¶ Which when I saw out of the way  
I drew him by and by,  
I took my horse in all the haste  
and homwardes fast did fly:  
This thing is true which I have said  
the law now let me have,  
Why do ye defer of so long  
no man my life may save.   

¶ Archelaus said it was not so  
but he the man did slay,  
Alfagus did withstand it tho  
and did him still denay:  
Thus argued they long time for death  
who might the other save,  
Aboundaytly their tears they shed  
with wishing for their grave.   

¶ Whereat the Senate and people all  
was wondrously abashed,  
Not knowing what the thing might mean  
but stood full sore aghast.    

¶ The murderer being moved with pity declareth the truth. Alfagus taketh Archelaus home to his house, much sorrowful for his adventure. The people rejoice that the truth is known, and the murderer is set at liberty.  
Cap. ix.  

NOw he which was the thief in deed  
and murdered had the man  
Did here this thing & in the press  
among the folk did stand:  
Who than perceiving in his heart  
the marvelous great contention,  
Of these two persons which was naught  
but of their own invention.   

¶ He knew they were full innocent  
in that which they did say,  
yet one to save the other's life  
would not the deed denay:  
And that it was proceeded of  
a friendship most incomparable,  
By ardent love on both sides set,  
so firm and eke unuaryable.   

¶ Most veymently provoked he was  
the truth for to disclose,  
So through the press he breaketh fast  
and to the bar he goose:  
Before the Senate and people all  
whereas without delay,  
His voice he lifted up on high  
and unto them did say.   

¶ Right noble father's wise and sage  
to you it is well known,  
That I am now and hath been e●e  
full many years a gone:  
A common Barator and a thief  
and eke is known to you,  
Alfagus is of noble blood  
and of excellent virtue.   

¶ Approved always for a man  
both noble wise and sage,  
¶ Descended as you know right well  
of great and high lineage:  
And never towards man nor wife  
malicious was his mind,  
By any outward sign at all  
that ever wit could find.   

¶ This other stranger eke also  
doth seem a man to be,  
Of sober life having his heart  
full of simplicity:  
And that is more desperate of mind  
for some great grievous pain,  
Which he hath taken in himself  
by fortunes frowning brain.   

¶ And evidently unto your eyes  
right well it may appear,  
As also it doth unto all  
the people that he here:  
Most reverent fathers in this thing  
my heart doth now relent,  
For unto you I do confess  
these are both innocent.   

¶ I am the parson which did slay,  
and murder eke the man,  
Which was found dead, now of late  
with colour pale and wan:  
I rob him of all his gold  
and silver every deal,  
As I was wont with other's mo●  
when as I went to steal.   

¶ And in the barn I entered then  
which stood but there hard buy  
This stranger flat upon the ground  
full fast on sleep did lie:  
Having by him a naked knife  
wherewith the better to speed,  
I put it in the dead man's wound  
to hide my wicked deed.   

¶ Which being all be rayed with blood  
I made no stay ne let,  
But to this stranger came again  
and in his hand it set:  
Which thing when I had done I made  
no stay ne let at all,  
I hied me fast away and thought,  
no harm could me befall.   

¶ To this man's charge I knew right well  
all men the deed would say,  
And now I do perceive right well  
he doth it not denay:  
But pity so hath moved my heart  
that needs I must confess,  
This fact to save this innocent man  
and seek mine own distress.   

¶ This was my whole device in deed  
your judgement to with stand,  
But now I do commit my life  
even here into your hand:  
Rather than this noble man  
Alfagus should be slain,  
Or that this innocent strangers life  
would end with grief and pain.   

¶ Whereat the Senate and people all  
such great comfort did take,  
That with the noise of joyful hearts  
the whole court they did shake  
Alfagus ran to Archelaus then  
and in his arms him caught,  
O my most faithful friend he said  
why haste thou e●e thus sought▪   

¶ O why hath fortune dealt with thee  
so cruelly in despite?  
Why wouldst thou send no word to me  
to help thee in thy right:  
¶ How could you to this City come  
and would not seek for me,  
Why did you think I would despise  
you in your misery.   

¶ Not, not, Archelaus in this world  
god let me never live,  
If for your safeguard all my goods  
and life I would not give:  
Declare to me your great mishap  
and how it came to pass,  
That you are brought to this distress  
with careful pain alas.   

¶ And therewithal down from his eyes  
the salt tears fell so fast,  
That uneath could he speak a word  
but if his heart should burst:  
Archelaus shed much tears also  
for joy his friend to see,  
Embracing, kissing and thanking him  
with great fidelity.   

¶ And said my loving friend when I  
unto your house shall come,  
I will declare my whole estate  
to you both all and some:  
Through all the City published was  
this petition most incomparable,  
Of Alfagus and Archelaus which  
to them was most commendable.   

¶ And so extolled and magnified them  
even all the realm throughout,  
That by the mouths of every man  
their fame was spread about:  
Finally at the instance of  
Alfagus and also,  
The suit of all the people made  
unto the Senate tho.   

¶ The thief was pardoned of his fact  
and freely sent away,  
With charge no more to do the like  
to no man night nor day:  
Alfagus Archelaus lead  
unto his house anon,  
And rich apparel on his back  
he caused to do on.   

¶ Unto Andrmyca of all men  
most welcome than was he,  
she kissed and embraced him  
with much fair courtesy:  
And said my loving friend most dear  
what spiteful foes did reign,  
To bring you in such misery  
by force and great disdain.   

¶ But be you of good comfort sith  
God hath you hither sent,  
And all the goods shallbe as yours  
which God to us hath lent:  
Yea quoth Alfagus with my heart  
I wish it should be so,  
If that ye will abide with me  
and no more homewards go.   

¶ But Archelaus my dear friend  
fain would I here you tell,  
The cause why from your country so  
your foes did you expel.    

¶ Archelaus showethe Alfagus all his troubles and misery, who sorrowfully lamented his case. And having provided a great Army, went with Archelaus to Carthage, where he flew and punished all his foes, & setting his friend in quiet rest, returneth again to Room.  
Cap. x.  

O My dear friend Archelaus said  
I will to you declare,  
How that dyspytefully my ●oes  
oppressed me with care:  
When that your Lady Andromyca  
and you departed was  
From Carthegy where many years  
in pastime we did pass.   

¶ Your ladies kin and mine also  
conspired such disdain,  
That all the means & ways they sought  
how that I might be slain:  
But when they could find naught that way  
to do me such outrage,  
They sought another kind of trade  
their malice to assuage.   

¶ And first expulsed me from the seat  
where counsel I did give,  
But thinking that was not y●onghe  
so well to let me live:  
Prohybetid from me then  
all honest company,  
And yet not b●yng so content  
their wrath to pacify.   

Adjudged me not worthy to  
enjoy my father's land,  
Ne nothing else which as you know  
did fall into my hand:  
For why said they he doth disdain  
his father's parentage,  
And will not be aruled by  
our counsel wise and sage.   

¶ But leaveth of the Lady whom  
for him with care we sought,  
With shame he hath beguiled us  
Alfagus hath her caught:  
My goods and lands all that I had  
they took from me therefore,  
Not not a garment for my back  
they would to me restore.   

¶ But almost naked like a man  
whom fortune did despise,  
They drove me from the City in  
the most despiteful wise:  
And no man could I find that once  
would seek my help or aid,  
For those in whom I trusted moste  
hath chiefly me upbraid.   

¶ Then wandered I up and down with care  
and misery sore oppressed,  
To beg my bread constrained I was  
no place I found of rest:  
At length through traveling long with pain  
I came this City to,  
And joyful was my heart as then  
in hope to speak with you.   

¶ But when I came your palace nigh  
beholding it so gay,  
I was ashamed to approach  
and to myself did say:  
I will abide without the gates  
and tarry for a space,  
Perhaps I shall or it be long  
behold by fortune's grace.   

¶ My friend Alfagus come this way  
so then he shall me see,  
And as I was devising thus  
the best way that might be:  
I did espy you come and eke  
your Lady in your hand,  
Which made my heart full glad, and I  
upon my feet did stand.   

¶ That so you might behold me as  
ye passed by the way,  
But as you passed by and saw  
me clad in such array:  
No mind on me ye had at all  
which made me to surmise,  
That for my poor estate I had  
you did me now despise.   

¶ And in a sound for care I fell  
oppressed with mortal woe,  
But being then reuy●ed again  
I thought forthwith to goo●  
Most like a beast about the world  
to wander up and down,  
And drew my knife to slay myself  
where as now I was found.   

¶ But god withstood that cruel deed  
so I on sleep did fall,  
And held the knife still which I thought  
to slay myself with all.  
O freynd Archelaus, Alfagus said  
my heart may not endure,  
To hear the woeful state you had  
my death it will procure.   

¶ I am the chiefest cause of this  
alas why did I so,  
O spiteful eyes, where was your sight  
when as you could not know  
My dear friend standing in the way  
in hope to have relief,  
Alas, alas, unto my heart  
how terrible is the grief.   

¶ But when Archelaus saw his friend  
Alfagus to relent,  
And inwardly with doleful tears  
his negligence repent:  
Most lovingly embraced him,  
and said my friend be still,  
Leave of your sorrowful sighs ye make  
your visage for to spill.   

¶ The things which now are past & gone  
no man may call again,  
Why hurt you now yourself therefore  
and weep with grievous pain:  
I know right well no fault in you  
in this thing was at all,  
But my own negligence causeth most  
of this unlucky fall.   

¶ For if my wit had been so good  
when as you passed me buy,  
To have declared what I was  
and eke my misery:  
I had not felt the half of this  
which now I did sustain,  
But sith the thing is paste of it  
to talk it is but vain.   

¶ My friend Archelaus Alfagus said  
to god give praise alway,  
Who hath you helped in your cares  
unto this present day:  
And look what thing there lieth in me  
demand and you shall have,  
My life and goods I will not spare  
you my friend for to save.   

¶ If that you will abide in Room  
and devil here still with me,  
My house, my goods, my lands and all  
even as your own shall be:  
In felowwyp we will remain  
as long we wonted were,  
To ride and go both day and night  
for you I will not spare.   

¶ My leaving friend Archelaus said  
I thank you heartily,  
For this your kindness to me showed  
of my part unworthy:  
But I intend to go again  
my country to behold,  
If of your help and aid therein  
to crave I might be bold.   

¶ All that is mine Alfagus said  
as I have told before,  
You may command now at this time  
and shall do ever more:  
And sith it is your mind to go  
into your own country,  
You shall have all the aid and help  
that can be made by me.   

¶ In haste I will provide therefore  
an Army fierce and stout,  
Whom I to Carthage will conduct  
to hunt those rebels out:  
Not one of them there shall escape  
unpunished for the thing,  
So that all Carthage round about  
of their desert shall ring.   

¶ The Senate by authority then  
their Roman Host did call,  
And twenty thousand men in ray  
they set both strong and tall,  
Which were on horseback pointed well  
for to resist their foo,  
And eke as many foot men stood  
in readiness to go.   

¶ Alfagus took his leave then of  
Andromyca his Lady,  
And Archelaus he did conduct  
straight unto Carthagye:  
Where as by force of power he slew  
and punished those that he,  
Might here or learn by any mean  
Archelaus foes to be.   

¶ And those also which did disdain▪  
to help him in his need,  
Alfagus punished sundry wise  
according to their meed:  
And set his friend Archelaus chief  
in dignity to reign,  
Above those which in Carthagye  
the City did maintain.   

¶ Restoring to him all the land  
and goods he had before,  
Agmented by the death of them  
which hated him before:  
Now when Alfagus had done this  
and set in quiet peace,  
His dear friend Archelaus whom  
with goods he did increase.   

¶ He made the Senators all to swear  
obedience for to give,  
To his friend Archelaus whylste  
he there on earth did live:  
And no man for to be so bold  
his counsel to despise,  
But take him as he is, a man  
both noble sage and wise.   

¶ This done and all thing set at rest  
the best way that might be,  
He said freynd Archelaus now  
come take your leave of me:  
For I must needs to Room again  
mine army to convey,  
And you I shall not see no more  
again this many a day.   

¶ O friend Alfagus Archelaus said  
great kindness you have showed,  
On me, and I may think my love  
on you right well bestowed:  
I give you hearty thanks therefore  
no better mends I make,  
But look what lieth in me to do  
I am ready for your sake.   

¶ Sease of those words Alfagus said  
my loving friend most dear,  
And better than yourself let me  
not to your eyes appear:  
For thanking me in this my pain  
now taken for your sake,  
Is nothing but as unto you  
a similitude I shall make.   

¶ Which is even as though my left hand  
my right hand thanks should give,  
For seeking help when it was hurt  
the wound for to relyve.  
We are as one you know right well  
and ever more will be,  
And look what any man doth for you  
he doth it eke for me.   

¶ For if one member the body to aid  
doth seek with all endeavour,  
To find some ready for to heal  
and cure his pain for ever:  
Doth he aught but his duty then  
even so my friend have I,  
And still do while my life doth last  
though for you I should die.   

¶ In deed quoth Archelaus then  
of right it should be so,  
And sith it is your mind so soon  
to Room wards ye will go:  
The gods conduct you on your way  
accordyngeto your mind,  
And send you quiet passage that  
no danger you may find.   

¶ Commend me to your Lady fair  
and thus I take my leave,  
With that he cast his arms abroad  
his friend for to receive:  
He kissed him sweetly then and said  
farewell my hearts delight,  
Farewell my loving friend on whom  
I think both day and night.   

¶ Alfagus kissed him also  
with the like salutation,  
And said the host is ready, I have  
no longer deliberation:  
But must needs now depart from you  
the Gods ye help and guide  
And there with all amongst the rout  
upon his horse did ride.   

¶ Who in short space to Rome was brought  
with great magnyfycye,  
And was received joyously of  
And dromyca his Lady.   
¶ Finis. qd. E. Jenynges.