THE STRANGE FORTUNE'S OF TWO EXCELLENT PRINCES: IN THEIR lives and loves, to their equal Ladies in all the titles of true honour.  
Imprinted at London by P. Short, for Nicholas Ling. 1600.   

To the worshipful my very good friend the favourer of all good actions, and nourisher of good spirits john Linewray Esquire, Clerk of the deliveries and the deliverance of all her majesties ordinance, and other munition as well within and out of the Tower of London, as all other her Highness Stores within the Realm of England, health, happiness and heaven.  
SIR, unthankfulness is so near to unhonesty, as to avoid the touch of both, I have been often desirous of some good mean, to deserve some one of your many received favours, which loathe to bury in such obl●…ion, that I should be thought unworthy the regard of so good a mind, I have thought good to acquaint your kindness with such occurrents, as have lately come to my hands, though they be no matter of this state, yet were they such tracts in the fortunes of two Princes, as being read with that discretion, which, in your good leisure, can judge of the labour of wit, in the honour of virtue, I doubt not but that you will favourably patronage this first apparent proof of my love, till in some better occasion of employment, you may have a more sufficient trial of my affection. The substance of my history being love, the subjects Princes, the nature honourable, the adventures dangerous, the fortunes strange, and yet the end happy: will suffice I hope, to persuade the witty to read, the wise to favour, the learned to allow, the honest to commend, and your good mind to accept of: which being no more than I desire, nor less than I hope of, leaving my book to your kind patience, with myself to your commandment I rest.  
Yours, very much in assurance, N. BRETON.   

TO THE READER.  
COurteous Reader, for so I hope to find you, or else shall I be sorry, to have bestowed so good a term upon you: Writers in these days have so many humours to censure their labours, that it is easier to run mad with seeking to please every body, then to be wise with displeasing of any: but since this is nothing to that which followeth, let me tell you, that if you will kindly read, that is friendly offered you, and part with a little money, for a matter of more worth; it may be you shall have more contentment, than you look for: in brief you shall read of much variety of matter, the fortunes of Princes, the true honour of Ladies, the virtue of love, and the life of honour, the subtlety of a knave, and the rewarding of a villain: the constancy of affection, and the joy of comfort. But I fear if I go a little further I shall tell my story without Book: and therefore leaving you, through a little Door, to go into a great House, hoping of your kind patience, to take all well, that is meant no worse; and to speak as well of my labours, as my good will would be glad to deserve, I rest  
Your friend, N. B.   

The History of two Princes, Fantiro and Penillo.  
IN the Islands of Balino, near unto the City of Dolno, there lived a great Duke named Firento Sanelli, a great Lord I say, for that he was great both in honour and possessions: he was wise, and therefore much honoured; honourable, and therefore much beloved; with his wealth he was full of charity, and therefore envied of none, but the courtous: he was valiant, and therefore feared of the wicked: but covetous, and therefore followed with the kind: and virtuous, and therefore blessed by the highest. This Lord had to wife a sweet Lady, called Merilla, a creature of much worth, in the best construction of commendation; and if a woman might be like an Angel, she might be sainted for her virtues: her modesty with his gravity, her pity with his valour, her love with his charity, her bounty with his wealth, and her zeal with his virtue, made such a conjunction in perfections, as that under the heavens, there were hardly found such creatures on the earth.  
This blessed Lord and Lady had issue male, only one son named Penillo, and female one only daughter named Merilla: the parents of these two children, lived till they saw them both to follow their course in the best content of their affections: Penillo was of the age of four and twenty years, of stature tall, ruddy of colour, well complexioned, but not too fair; his hair not black, but somewhat-inclining thereto, his countenance mild, but not effeminate, his proportion in no part imperfect, & for his mind, it was of an excellent temper: he was silent, but upon good cause, and then not to learn what to speak; resolute, upon good advisement, but not rash upon any adventure: he was well read in histories, and well qualified in many points, but especially in the variety of languages, wherein he exceeded main of his father's court: he was stated for his wit, gentle in nature, kind with discretion, bountiful in rewards, not vain in affection, and constant in friendship; in some, he was amiable among Ladies, affable among Courtiers, sociable among soldiers, and honourable among all: such a one, as was a joy to his Parents, a spectable to his Court, a comfort to his friends, and an honour to his country.  
Now for his sister, as she was exceeding fair, so was she admirably wise, yet with such modest kindness, that she was so honoured for the one, that she could not but be loved for the other: For every part of her proportion, let it suffice, that nature showed her Art, in leaving nothing imperfect; for her stature not tall, nor very low, but in a sweet mean; her countenance sober with such a sweetness, as ravished the love of much discretion; her speech not much; but uttered with such government, as amazed the hearers, that could judge of the worthiness of commendation; her affection chiefly carried unto virtue, and her love known but unto one, of whom dependeth a great part of my history, as hereafter you shall hear. But I will leave further to talk either of her, or her lover in this place: and only entreat of another Duke, who dwelled in the Islands of Cotasie, confining upon the aforesaid Islands of Balino.  
This Duke had to name Ordillo, a man famous for much worth as well in wit as valour: who in all his wars against his enemies was never known to turn his back, but with advantage, upon retire, gave over no assault till he had entered the strengths, nor surceased his wars till he had the honour of the field: he was at home a Lamb, and abroad a Lion, where wisdom with clemency so governed the nature of his disposition, that his subjects no less loved him, than his enemies did honour him: In particular, to lay down his commendation were but tedious, and therefore in some let it suffice that he was a Prince of that worth, that made him held worthy of his government.  
This Duke had to wife a gracious Lady, whose goodness was such in the world, as made her soon fit for the heavens: for such was her delight in divine contemplations, and so little her foie in any earthly substance, that languishing in the world with longing after heaven, she lived not many years with her loving Lord on the earth, but the Lord of all love took her up into the heavens: yet before her departure from this life, she had by her Lord the Duke, two blessed children, a son and a daughter; her son, named Fantiro, and her daughter Sinilia. The young Lord, a man of excellent parts, both for body, and mind, whose particular perfections, would requre a volume to describe in their true kinds, but for that by a little light, mai●… the whole day be considered, let thus much suffice, that both for valour and virtue, he might well be called the soldiers Dictionary, 〈◊〉 the Courtie●…s Looking glass: And for his sister, if I could as briefly set down her excellency, I would not think it the least point of eloquence; but for all those rare perfections that may dignify the name of an earthly creature, I may say, she was in the honour of reason, the wonder of nature. But least in my introduction into my history, I 〈◊〉 more tedious than pleasing, I will leave this Duke Ordillo with his blessed children for a while, and I will return to the Duke Firento, of the islands of Balino, and his son Penillo, one of the most gallant gentlemen in the world.  
This Duke Firento finding his son of so noble a spirit, a●… could not contain his content, within the confi●…es of his father's country, but that as well by his delight in the reading of histories, his forwardness to the wars, his conuersa●…on among strangers, and especially such as professed arms, noting I say his disposition 〈◊〉 to the travailing life, that he feared he should not long keep him at home, upon good ●…ration, how best to advise him either for his stay, or travail to his liking, finding him one day by chance all alone walking in ●… close arbour in his garden, commanding apart all his attendants, took occasion in great kindness thus to deal with him.  
Penillo, what fondness it were in me, to flaster thee, with thy much worthiness of my love, I had rather thou shouldest conceive, than I explain, although I re●…oice therein more of my knowledge, than I would have thee proud of my content: but my dear son, let me tell thee, that as I think myself not a little happy in my hope of thy good, as well for my private comfort, as the profit of my whole country: so, if by the indiscretion of thy disposition, or by the cruelty of fortune, crossing always the course of virtue, thou shouldest not only deceive my hope, but destroy my happiness, to the sorrow of mine age, and cutting off my days, think with thyself my dear son, if it may lie in thy power to prevent the worst, and perform the best, shouldst not thou find thine own unkindness, in proving so unnatural, as to grieve the soul of him that dearly loveth thee, and to be an occasion of his death, who under heaven was the original of thy life? Be not appalled my son, speak freely I give thee leave; if thou canst imagine the cause of my speech, and as thou best likest, without the least doubt of my displeasure, I pray thee give me thy answer.  
The young Lord, little expecting this kind of greeting with his good father, and never unprovided to answer the darkest demand that might be made him, especially from his father, in whom he could not have any thought of the least dislike of him, with a stayed humble countenance began thus to frame his reply. My gracious Lord, as I rejoice not a ●…title in the greatness of your more natural, then deserved love, which looking only into your own goodness, have builded your hope of my happiness, so if I could find in myself the least thought of unthankfolnesse, whereby I might justly purchase your hard opinion, surely, I should think myself worthy of death, that should live, to give offence unto the fairest comfort of my life: But, as my conscience doth assure me of no such criminal conceit, so do I protest that I do not a little marvel what should lead you into this manner of question: for as I cannot be unnatural, so will I not fear you to be unkind, but humbly beseech you for the better accomplishing of your content, in some plainer method to acquaint me with your good meaning.  
The old man loath to move grief in his son, whose deserved love he was fully assured of, and yet willing to be satisfied of his true resolution, touching his humour of travail, with much ado broke into this speech with him. Penillo, I have of late noted in thee, as well by thy study in the languages, as by thy conversation among strangers, and thy love to soldiers, that the adventure of thy fortune abroad will be more pleasing to thee, than thy best contentment at home: but if I might by the advise of my experience, persuade thee to the care of my knowledge, I should easily make thee find the sweet of the old proverb, that home is home, be it never so homely: The rolling stone gathereth no moss, & that prospereth in one ground may perish in another. Adventures are dangerous, the seas boisterous, and the wars perilous, and great is the difference between strange companions, and home friends: what canst thou see abroad, that is not here? The same earth, and little different in nature either for heat or cold; the same sun shining there that shineth here; men and women in the same shape that thou seest here; in their universities, the same kind of sch●…lers, in their cities, merchants, and men of trade and traffic as we have in ours; in their villages, such farmers and labourers; in their tribunal seats, such judges; in their wars, such men of arms; in their court such Lords and Ladies, and in all places such kind of people as in some places of our dominion, thou mayest take notice of, if thou be circumspect: what shall I say to persuade thee rather to stay at home, then stray abroad? Thou hast a father that loves thee more dearly, than any friend can do; a sister, whose virtue with her beauty, deserveth an honourable fortune, and which I think not thy least charge in conscience to have a care, in as much as may lie in thee to accomplish, thy mother holds thee so dear as her life, thy friends make a jewel of thy kindness, thy followers in thine honour settle the hope of their fortune, and my subjects in thy wisdom repose the happiness of their whole state: All this and many more particular causes of content, thou hast here at home, likely every day to increase, where abroad, how bitter will be thy change, I fear to think, should sorrow to hear, and shall not live to dilgeste, though perhaps such may be the merciful nature of the glorous height of the heavens highest grace, as may favour thy disposition, prosper thy adventures, and bless thee in all thy actions. But as it is ill to distrust God, so is it not good to tempt him: answer me therefore truly to that I demand of thee, whether thy desire be to travail, or not, & what are the reasons that persuade thy resolution, howsoever it be, y● shalt find in me that kindness, that the condition of thy love deserveth.  
The young Prince carried no less in obedience to the love of his father, then willing to adventure his fortune, to achieve the honour of his hope, in as good terms as he could, upon the sudden made his father this answer. If it may become so unworthy a son as myself, to so honourable a father as your majesty, to stand upon arguments of controversy, for the direction of his course of life; craving pardon for what soever I shall speak, that may perhaps be unpleasing to your expectation: I will not only deliver you the truth of my intent, but the reasons that have induced me into the determination of my resolution. I have heard your majesty often say that nature begetteth no deformity, but rather the true image of itself; and as in outward proportion, so do I think in the quality of the spirit, the son may participate with the father; and although tha●… virtue be the gift only of God, yet in the inclination and disposition of the mind, the son may take somewhat of the father's spirit. For proof whereof, I have often heard you say that yo●… were your father's son, such was your desire to see the world, for till he was married he had no desire to siue at home, hard fare, cold lodging, bitter storms, sharp 〈◊〉 in a foreign soil, or in the Ocean sea, were more pleasing to him, than the most dainty banquet, the softest bed, the calmest weather; and the sweetest peace, that either his father's court, his own chamber, or the most pleasant Paradise that his whole country at home could yield him: and such were your delights, rather to hear a Trumpet in a field, than a Lute in ●… chamber, and to see the assault of a fort, than the dancing of a mask. Your majesty would ever prefer a trotting courser, before an ambling lootecloth, a peal of ordinance, before a ring of bells, and a bloody sword before a painted looking glass: in some, if in alsuch courses of your conceit, you followed the inclination of my Grandfather, will you think it strange in me to follow the steps of your affection? Have you not allowed my reading of histories, and how many of any account are written only of home actions? Have you not wished me to make much of strangers? and shall I not study languages where with to entertain them? I must confess there is no friend to a father, whose love cannot be separated from the fruit of his own body. Home dwelling is full of ease, but not of honour, which is rather purchased by adventures, then by nature inherited: friends are kind, so may strangers be full of courtesy, and he that looketh not into the world, wanteth much wherein to glorify the Lord God. My sister's fortune I had rather leave to the effect of your wisdom, than my weakness: and knowing her discretion will nothing fear the honour of her affection. My mother's tender care of me may be more kind than commodious, for though I will not live but to be in all humbleness her child, yet must I have a care for my country's good not to be a baby to my 〈◊〉: for to read of the noble adventures of diverse honourable 〈◊〉 rites, what perils they passed, what conquests they made 〈◊〉 they enriched their countries, enlarged their kingdoms. ●…nanced their followers, increased their 〈◊〉, and left 〈◊〉 to their houses; shall I as one dull of wit not to obe〈◊〉 what I reed, or fearful of spirit to follow the paths of 〈◊〉 passages, not like your son lie still at home, and blow 〈◊〉 banquet, dance in a chamber, or tumble in a bed, where 〈◊〉 sleep may dull my senses, music may brown my spirit, 〈◊〉 su●…feiting may kill my stomach: far ●…e it from your 〈◊〉 to show so little of his father's nature for dangers, they are the ●…als of the valiant; for adventures they are the honour of the resoluto, and for labours, they are the praises of the patient, 〈◊〉 where are these at home? No, by travail is gotten knowledge, and to answer to some points of your propositions: 〈◊〉 the same sun shineth in one place that shineth in another, but not at one and the same time; men and women are of the same proportion, but not of the same disposition, which is a note of great regard; the diet, apparel, deineanour, and inclination of every country is to be deserved, and the observations well taken may fall out to be commodious, so I have heard you say, myself have read, and verily believe: by travail I shall learn who are our friends or foes, and so either to esteem them or beware of them: My friends that you may spare will follow me in my course, or allow of my content, my servants will attend the issue of my fortune, and my country I hope shall be benefited by my travail. I intent no long voyage, nor any at all without your liking, but if with your leave I might have my desire, I must confess I would willingly a little set foot abroad into the world, and for that there are, as I am certainly informed, a great number of gallant young gentlemen, shortly intending to attend the Emperor in his wars against the Turk, wherein, who performeth the true parts of valour, shall return with the badge of deserved honour, I humbly beseech you, with as little charge as it shall please you, to furnish me to this piece of service, from whence I am assuredly persuaded, I shall never return with discontentment. Now having revealed unto your majesty both the nature of my inclination, the ground from whence it grew, and the reasons that have there to induced me, I leave to your fatherly love to consider of my duty, and your discreet consideration, to think of my stay or fravaile.  
The good old Duke, finding that the colt of a courser would hardly be brought to the harrow, a lapwing would run as soon as it was out of the shell, & a bird of his own feather would take after his own slight, though it could not but grieve him, to have him far out of his sight, yet knowing the quarrel good that he went to fight in, with the Emperor against the Turk, and that many princes had sent their sons to gain honour in that piece of service, after a few words of some unwillingness to want the comfort of his presence, was not only contented to like well of his desire, but promised, with his blessing to furnish him for his voyage: And so, leaving him with his father the Duke, going into his palace to persuade the Duchess patience to his departure; I will return to the Duke Ordillo of the Islands of. Cotasi, of whom when I have told you what happened of his son Fantiro, I will return again unto the Duke Firento, and the young Prince.  
But touching the Duke Ordillo, you shall understand, that one day in the heat of summer intending to take his pleasure in a forest near unto the sea side, and having a stately red dear so long in chase, as had almost spent all his whole cry of hounds, weary with following the cry, and knowing that the young Prince his son was of so strong a body, though but a child in years, that he would bring him the news of the death of the Dear, with a soft pace breathing his horse, with a pretty train of his attendants, retired himself to his palace in a park near unto the forest, where I will leave him for a while expecting the return of his son, and I will tell you what became of the fruit of his expectation.  
The young Prince sole heir male unto his father, and so little beloved by his uncle brother to the Duke, and one of his privy Counsel, that to advance his own children, he cared not what became of his brother's son, was by a villain that he had hired for the purpose, trained aside from the chase, somewhat near unto the sea, where having him alone, far enough from company, either to hear what he said, or to see what he did, drew out his sword, and with a terrible countenance framed for the purpose, after he had made him to lightdowne from his horse, used this speech unto him: How now young master? You dined well, but you had no good sauce to your meat, but I must make you such a dish of sauce to your supper, th●…ir all the cooks in your father's Court never saw the like: For to make short work with you, I must see what blood is about your heart, and I must send it to your uncle to his venison: now, if you can come and bear him company, you shall tell me if it be not worth the tasting.  
The young Prince Fantiro, having in his heart no little spark of his father's spirit, seeming nothing at all dismayed at his shreates, nor as it were, making aunt fearful account of death, throwing off his cloak, and unbuttoning his doublet, with a s●…erne countenance, made him this answer: Thou saucy rascal, what art thou? a man? a dog? or a devil? that darest to think so villainous a thought, or to utter so impious a speech, as to murder the innocent, or to luie a violent hand upon the least hair of my head? am not I son to thy master? and master to thyself? did I ever hurt thee? Nay, have I not been too bountiful in my good will, unto so ungrateful a villain? Look about thee, seest thou not a God in the heavens? and knowest thou not there is a devil in hell? that upon the instant of thy villainy, stands not ready to receive thee? Oh worst of all creatures, how canst thou look towards the heavens? and dost not hang down thy head, to think of the villainy of thy heart? Look thou wretched slave, my breast is open for thee, think I fear not death, for I know I shall not live one minute past the hour that is appointed me; and therefore do thy worst: and for mine viscle, God forgive him the unnatural villainy that he hath showed in this action.  
The intended murderer, not a little amazed at the spirit of so young a body, unwilling to return to the Court without performance of his promise, as well for the want of his promised reward, as for fear of his displeasure that had set him to work, and yet loath to imbrue his hands in the blood of so sweet a creature, replied unto him with these words: My Lord, the Lord of lords knoweth how loath I am, to fall into the lapse of the devil by this hellish action; and therefore as well to save your life from the murderous malice of your uncle, who will never leave by all devices to seek your-bloud, as to save mine own assured to be lost, if I return without his contentment: I beseech you give ear to what I say, and I hope it shall be for both our good. In the next haven near adjoining, lieth a ship ready to put to sea towards the city of Dolno, in the Islands of Balino, the Merchant that hath freight and victualled her is one Mario Duronte, a friend of mine, to whom I will put you as my son, entreating him to carry you shither, and there to leave you eitherwith some Courtier or Merchant that he is acquainted with for some term of years, for that I would have you to learn the languages; Now there, if your fortune be to do well, I shall be glad of it, if otherwise, woe be to me, though unwillingly to be the author of it.  
This speech though it were no little grief to him to leave his father's Court, and to abandon his country in so poor a sort, and upon so hard a fortune, yet willing of all ills to choose the least, was contented rather to accept this little kindness, to be put servant to an unfit master, then to trust any longer to the courtesy of so wicked a creature; & therefore with great thanks, assuring him that God would regard his pity, and that himself would never forget his honesty, giving him a purse of gold that he had about him, keeping very few crowns for himself, took his way toward the haven, and by the way meeting with none that knew him, passed undescried unto the ship, where being aboard, and entertained into service with Signior Mario, they put to sea, the tide serving fi●…lie for their purpose, leaving the villain to return to his wicked master with the news of his Nephew, whom I will leave at the Court, telling him in secret a devised lie of the drowning of the young Prince, and I will tell you what became of him, and his fortune.  
The wind serving well to their wished shore, it was not long till Mario Doronte arrived, at the city of Dolno, where he had not lain many days, but having occasion to go to the court, took with him his young servant Rantifo, for so was the young Prince now miscalled by the villain that had intended his death: Now being come to the Court, and there well entertained by some not of the meanest sort, with whom he had to 〈◊〉 with in his business, crossing the Court, there happened a Noble man of the Duke's chamber, to cast his eye upon this young Prince, the Merchants imagined prentice, whom calling to him, after a few words had with him, affecting very much both his person and spirit, made such means to the Merchant, that for a small sum of crowns, with promise of a greater friendship, he obtained him at his hands, and entertaining for his page, and finding in him such fine qualities, as did much deserve the increase of his good liking of him, he held him in such account, as was not commonly seen nor by him expected, upon so little knowledge: But the Merchant after the dispatch of his business returned to his country, and the young Prince now a page carried his service with such care, as was not a little regarded in the Court, nor unrewarded of his master; who in few years, having perfected his forwardness in many good qualities, by maintaining his desires in all good instructions, with true commendations of his worthiness, preferred him to the Duke his master, who in a little time, took so due a regard of his service, that to the view of his whole Court, he made show of his exceeding favour. But I will leave him for a while in the beginning of his fortune, in the Court of his father's enemy unknown to him, and himself unknown to the Duke what he was, and I will return to Pinello, the young Prince, son to Feronte.  
The Duke of Dolno in the Islands of Balino, who having obtained leave of his parents for his voyage into the Emperor's Court, and so to attend him in his wars against the Turk, had no sooner set foot aboard, but a sudden storm took him scarce out of sight of land, and drove him for safeguard of his life, and all that were with him, to put in at a haven within the Islands of Cotasi; where the Duke Ordillo his father's enemy was chief governor: who though he were in his debt for a sum of money lent unto his father, and therefore by lack of payment had purchased his displeasure, yet having heard of his sons arrival, sent to entertain him in such good sort, as befitted the honour of his person, who being met in great solemnity, by divers of his Lords, was after he had been feasted by the Governors of his chief city, with a great troop of Nobles attended unto the Court of the Duke, of whom he quicklte received such an unexpected welcome, as in the royalty of his spirit, would have remitted both all debt and displeasure: not to stand too long upon needless discourses, let it suffice that the Duke's kindness, the Nobles attendance, the Ladies sweet favours, and the welcome of the whole Court, was such, as made him many days longer than he determined, to make abode in that country: but above all, the gracious kind countenance of the Duke's only daughter, not a little affected by this gallant young Prince, was not the least cause of his state, of whom since a great part of my story dependeth, I will tell you, what I read fell out betwixt them.  
This young Princess the only daughter of Ordillo, not a little affecting the outward person, & inward virtue of this young Prince, who was nothing behind with her in great contentment with her much worthiness of his good liking, took occasion one morning, seeing him walking out of his lodging into a garden, right against her chamber window to take a private way through a gallery down into the same garden, where in a close walk near unto the green alley where the Prince was walking unseen of him a pretty while, fell into this talk with a gentlewoman an attendant of hers, whom she held in great account, and to whom she revealed the secret of all her heart: Oh Delina quoth she (for so was her name) little dost thou know the cause of my ●…ate melancholy, but I dare trust thee with my life, and for that I know thou hast passed through the Labyrinth, that I am now in, I will hope the better of thy advise for my comfort: Since the coming of the Prince Penillo, into my father's Court, thou hast not seen me heartily merry, for though I conceal much of my passion, yet will I somewhat ease my heart, with telling thee somewhat of my mind. Some four or five days before the news came to our court of the arrival of this worthy Prince, I had a dream that held me all the time of my sleep, the most part of a whole night: the remembrance whereof in the morning and ever since, hath troubled me very much: which as near as I can remember I will tell thee.  
Me thought I was going through a thick wood, where were a number of nets and snares, laid in every path where I should pass, yet me thought I passed through them so easily, as if they had been of no strength; till at last I came toward a great water, where near unto the shore lay a great Boat, and from the Boat lay a long line, made all of gold & pearl, within the compass whereof, treading yet I was aware, me thought some thing gave a snatch, wherewith the line whip●…e about my middle, and carried me into the Boat, with the sudden fright whereof I awaked. Now what sayest thou to this dream? Delina, no less witty concetted of her dream, then noting the carriage of her humour, made her this answer. Madam if a blind body may catch a Hare, I may happen to come somewhat near the expasition of this night fancy. The wood you went in, is the court, the nets, the eyes and tongues of your suitors, that had no power to take sure hold of your affection; now the great water may be the Sea, and the golden line, the young Prince, that may carry you away from your father: for if I be not much deceived, he hath you by the heart, whatsoever it was that held you by the middle. Unhappy wench, quoth the Princess, thou rovest too near, that hittest the mark so right: but yet mayest thou be deceived in one point, though not in some other; I have passed the nets, that is true; and I am caught, it is not untrue, but that he either will, or shall carry me away, that I fear will not fall out: But God knoweth all, tò whose only will I leave it, as far may come as near, foes may be friends, and love where he doth light doth more than all the world beside. His presence may please the purest eye, and for his wit, I heard my father wonder at it, for his bounty, our court speaketh of it, and for his virtue, who doth not see it? but for his love, happy is she that shall enidie it: for princess wisdom, with honourable bounty, shows a divine spirit in an excellent nature, and of such a temper I hold him, and for such a one I love him, and will ever honour him, though I never have him.  
The young Prince hearing this pretty parley betwixt the Lady of his love, and her handmaid, with a voice loud enough to be heard of them that were so near, fell thus to talk to the air: Oh heavens, who can withstand the force of the fates? was I going to the wars to gain honour in the field, and am I driven to seek a peace, by being vanquished in a chamber? Did I go to fight with the great Turk, and am I now afraid of a little Christian? Is this the fruit of a storm at Sea? to come into this kind of calm at land? Well what should I talk to the trees that hear me not? or to the birds that understand me 〈◊〉? or to the air that helps me not? Oh Bilanta, blessed wert thou borne, if thy beauty have been the beginning of my happiness; and happy, if thy virtue join issue with my affection: for though our parents be at jar, we may be at one, and what anger in them cannot yield unto, love may effect in us, an end of heartburning in our patents, and a beginning of quiet in our countries. But how shall I hope of thy love? my father's displeasure may brééde a doubt of my love; beside she may be affected otherwise then I know: where at the young Princess in her close walk replied no. What quoth the young Prince, is there here such an echo? The Lady again replied, oh. The young Prince amazed at this echo, went on with this speech: Oh that I knew Bilanta indeed would regard my love; she answered love: Love quoth the Prince, but whom doth she mean? I would I knew his name; she answered name: name quoth the Prince, but who may it be? If it be one only, she answered only: Only quoshe he, only happy in deed, would so were Pinello; she made answer Pinello: With that the Prince putting the words of the echo together, made up this speech: Oh love, name only Pinello. And musing a little upon his conceit of this sound, looking aside, espied the young princess, with her attendant walking out of the Arbour into the Garden, whom meeting with, at the end of a cross alley, he saluted with this greeting.  
Sweet Princess, when there be two Suns shining at one instant, it cannot be but fair weather: one in the sky, and an other on the earth, both which meet so sweetly in this blessed piece of ground, that let him die in his bed, that will not walk in such a morning. The Lady not fully persuaded of his affection, for all his playing with ecche, and yet hoping well of his words, till his deeds fell out otherwise, with a modest smile made him this answer. My Lord, if your speeches were not so high in the clouds, that poor souls on the earth know not how to guess of your meaning, I should be the better able to frame an answer to your salutation; but howsoever the sun shine in the heavens, the shadow of your imagination, if it were a substance of that worth, that might answer a far less figure, than your favour, would be loath that any fowl weather should hinder the happiness of your fair walk: but I perceive such morning Astronomers can play prettily with their own humours. Pretty Lady (quoth the prince) the best play that I know, is at, be you pleased, where he that lights upon a good card were unwise if he would change: the princess roving unhappily at his conceit replied again, and yet my Lord, to be afraid of good fortune, is sometime cause of much loss: yea Madam answered the Prince, but fortune is so fantastical, that there is no trust to be had in her▪ and therefore I hold my opinion; rather to keep a good choice, then to adventure a bad change. I am no gamester answered the Princess, and therefore can speak but idlte of the sport, but they that are pleased are happy, and they will not hold themselves so, are unwise. The Prince playing upon this word pleased, went forward with this speech: Good Madam, mate it then please you to be pleased, with the service of my affection? which no further than desert, will seek the honour of your favour. The Lady with a modest smile somewhat concealing her content, 〈◊〉 him this answer: My good Lord, I am glad it pleaseth your greatness to be so merry with your poor friends: but such service, as your favour, must be graced with greater honour than my unworthiness can accomplish.  
The Prince not a little contented with her speech, replied again in these words: Madam, to make a long harvest about a little corn, were but a weak piece of husbandry; and therefore not to hold you with a tedious discourse in plain terms, you are the card that I mean, my play is no jest, your love is the stake, that I would be glad if I could to win, you are the choice, that I have made, and that I would be loath to change: and therefore if a soldiers eloquence, may have favour in your audience, let my heart and hand in your honour speak for my desert in your affection. The Lady not able to cover the fire, that was now past kindling, broke suddenly into this answer. My Lord, to reap the corn ere it be ripe, may prove more haste then good speed, and yet to let it grow till it shed, were great loss to the farmer; and therefore the taking of time is profitable to the provident. I will not teach your honour what to do, but if my love be the prize of your pleasure, you cannot lose the hope of your patience, assuring myself, that the reach of your conceit, exceedeth not the royalty of your spirit; which in the regard of virtue deserveth nothing but honour: and for that the heart of a soldier, is free from the tongue of a dissembler. I will rather believe the truth of valour, then give ear to the falsehood of a weaker spirit: But for that many cross fortunes, may hinder the happiness of the most honourable resolutions, let me entreat your patience to make trial of 〈◊〉 constanci●…, ere you make my unworthiness, mistress of my contentment.  
The Prince nothing disliking this good motion in her good mind, kissing her hand, made this kind conclusion: Fair Princess, the discretion of your good motion, I exceedingly like of; for your credit to my truth, I cannot but thank you, for the honour wherewith you entitle me, I return it fully▪ upon you, for the nature of my love, let your virtue discern it, and for the faith of my affection, I vow you shall command it: but as you know I have resolutely intended to attend the Emperor in his wars against the Turk, where if I gain honour, the garlandd shall be graced in your wearing; if I die, let it suffice thyself to know the honour of my love, with, whom howsoever be my fortune, I vow to leave the faith of my affection: and so, thinking to proceed in their further conference, spying certain Ladies, and Gentlewomen with their friends and attendants coming into the garden, they singled themselves one from another, he retiring himself to his lodging, and she to her close arbour, where I leave them for a while to meditate upon their muses, and I will return unto 〈◊〉 late Page unto the Duke Feronte.  
Fantiro son to the Duke Ordillo, preferred by the Merchant before spoken of, unto one of the Duke Ferontes Court, and after by his Lord and master unto the Duke himself, having so well carried himself in his service, that he was not only beloved of the Duke his now Lord and master, but of all his whole Court, and especially of Senilla the only daughter of the Prince, of whom he had often received such secret tokens of honourable fausurs, as except he would hide both his eyes, he must needs perceive some part of her affection: But among all, this was not the least, that one day among other, in the afternoon, the Duke being disposed to have some 〈◊〉, and dancing in the presence, falling out in a dance, that every knight was to take his Lady, and every Lady her servant, on whom she would bestow her favour; in the presence of her father the Duke she took Fantiro by the hand and accompanied him in the measure, till the dancing was wholly ended. Which was noted of many, especially of one, who having more wealth than honour, thought to buy love with dross, which ill-favoured dog, vnworth●…e to be called a man, yet attended with far better than himself, seeking in what he might to disgrace this unknown Prince, came one day by chance into a galleris near adjoining to the presence, where he found the young Princess walking all alone, and upon the sudden standing as it were in a muse, looking upon a picture of an Ape playing with an Owl, where smiling to herself which was the best shaped creature, she saw coming towards her the only hobby horse of a man, that ever disgraced a coat of velvet: whom, rather for the favour that he held with her father, then for any affection, that the had reason to carry him, she for ill fashions sake thus saluted Signior Sperto, for so was he called (whether christened or no, I know not) God give you good morrow: The flouch of a sloven with a slavering smile, upon a slubbered conceit, after many good 〈◊〉 began to trouble her with this tattle. Truly 〈◊〉, I am glad it was my good hap, to mere so convenient 〈◊〉 lie with your 〈◊〉, as well for the honour that I wish you, a●… for the service I would be glad to do you: for though a Quince be a tree of no straightness, yet it beareth a fair 〈◊〉 wholesome fruit, the fallow 〈◊〉 is rough, yet it beareth the best 〈◊〉, and the Ore hath but an ill hue, yet is there pure gold to be had in it, so may it be that in me you may unnde some cause of discontentment, 〈◊〉 you have made trial of more than I will protest: but employ me in your service, consider of my desert, and do me justice in your favour: Let your father's love be an ingression into my Grace, and the endeavour of my duty, the increase of my good for tune: The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is commended for shining as well upon the valleys as the mountains, the sea is beloved as well for a Pinnace as a proud ship, and is not the pearl in a shell, more worth than the oil of a Whale? then think it not unpossible, to find that spirit in me that you may perhaps find in a fairer faced ereature: a Diamond is the brighter for his foil, a fair horse, is the more beautiful, by the deformity of a fowl jade, and how can you be better graced, then in favouring the disgracious? for my love, I will compare it with any living; and for my service I would it could express my loving. Good Madam pardon my boldness in acquainting you with my suit, which hath no life but in the only fruit of your good favour.  
The Lady so little liking the outward dog, that she had no patience to think of the inward Devil; little studying for an answer, broke of a sudden into this speech: Sir, for your kindness I thank you, but for your pains I would be loath to trouble you: for though your eloquence be great, yet all is but a sound, and when the strings are once slipped, the lute is but a piece of wood: the Diamond is to be loved for his fire, not his subtle, a comely horse with a jade, will make an ●…lfauoured conjunction, 〈◊〉 to grace the ungracious, is against the hair of a good wit. My father's love, and my liking may differ upon causes, and your service and my command not meet in any occasion of employment: for the sun shining on the valleys, it is a blessing of the heavens; and for the Pinnace sailing through the seas, it is by the bearing nature of the water, but for the pearl in the shell, indeed I must confess it is far better out, of it, then in it; and to conclude, for the inward sharpness of your wit, if it were not in so gross a person, I could perhaps take patience with my favour, to make some employment of your service: but for that I would not feed you with vain hopes, to hang upon the skirts of my fair speeches, let 〈◊〉 suffice you not to abuse you, that I could be content of ten to hear you, but never to see you. Whereat the wicked wretch, like a galled horse kicking at the noise of a currycomb, fret●…ing at his own deformity, where a squint eye, a half nose, and a wry mouth had no grace, in a great rage, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his cold entertainment went away with these words: Well, if you like not that you see, you may pull out your eyes, and softly muttering to himself, I will meet with you ere you be, aware, and cross you in your most comfort, meaning with Fantiro her love, now in that Court called Rantifo.  
But I will leave the wretch to his wicked inventions, going from the Lady to the Duke her father, and I will tell you a few words of the Lady and her lover, whose good hap it was presently after the departure of this sweet Gentleman, to come into the gallery where his Lady and mistress was, very solemnly walking, but fearing that he had offended her favour with pressing into her presence, begun to retire himself towards the door, as not willing further to mo●…ue her patience; which the Lady espying, and willing a little to embolden his duty in her favour, called him unto her with these words: My good servant, what means this too much good manner? or shall I call it strangeness? or found you them not here that you looked for? or are you displeased with them that you see? Truly I will not hurt you, and to put you in further comfort, if you have any suit to my father or affection to any friend of mine, assure yourself I will not hinder you, though how much I will further you I will not tell you.  
The young Gentleman, in this Court unknown what he was, and therefore carrying no greater title, not a little glad of this kind greeting, made her this humble answer: My gracious Lady and mistress, I feared nothing but your displeasure, nor joy in any thing under the heavens but your favour: my suit to your father, is but his employment of my service, and for my affection to your friends, it shall be wholly in the honour of your virtue: Now therefore I humbly beseech you pardon but my truth, and regard my trial, which shall make me nothing myself more than I shall be happy in your service. Oh servant (qd. the Princess) I see you study not for nothing, I believe you read Ovid, you would seem to make such a Metamorphosis of yourself, of late a soldier altogether in the field ●… now a lover fall to courting in a chamber. Rantifo not unprovided of an 〈◊〉 replied in this manner: Good Madam, my affection is no fiction, what soever it may please you to think of my study, but when the honour of a soldier is the favour of his mistress, give me leave to serve your father in the field, and honour you in the Court: and though the meanness of my estate make the unworthiness of my fortune, yet think a star in his right place, may hap to prove to be a planet.  
The Princess of the sudden began thus to reply, for stars 〈◊〉 planets, I leave the propriety of their places, to the study of Astronomers; but if your mind be heavenly, the highest prosper your humour: and, as she was going onwards with her speech, upon the sudden she espied certain Ladies coming in to entre at her company into the garden, wherewith leaving her prayer to her servants Amen, with a favourable glance she left him to his muses, & with the Ladies that came to her, went down into the garden; where I will leave her in the pleasant walks to take the benefit of the sweet air, and I will tell you, what did follow of Fantiro, and his fortune.  
Fantiro now called Rantifo, no sooner had left his mistress, but with a concealed ●…oy got him presently to the Duke's chamber, where taking his place of attendance, espi●…d coming from the Duke, Signior Sperto the sweet gentleman that I before spoke of, who coming by Rantifo, with a fleering laughter, as one that had played the jew with him behind his back, gave him a wry mouth good morrow; which he taking very kindl●…e, not yet knowing his cunning practice, returned him very humbly: but after his departure finding the Duke's countenance, as it seemed to him upon the sudden somewhat altered, from his former kind of kindness, began so suspect, that jack an apes was not without his tricks, and that his being with the Duke had done him no good; as he did shortly after perceive: for within few days after, it was his hap lying under a pale of the park near unto the palace, where the Duke with this wicked horselea●…h was walking, to hear the talk that passed betwixt him and the Duke, which was as followeth.  
My gracious Lord (quoth this ungracious lubber) the many favours where with your high●…es hath bound me unto you, in all the sernice that I can devise to 〈◊〉 you, will not suffer 〈◊〉 to conceal the least cause that I know 〈◊〉 be an occa●… of your discontent, and in what I can humbl●…e to advise your favour in the preventing of all that may endanger the just weight of your displeasure. The Duke better acquainted with his wit then his conscience, minding to make use of the one, 〈◊〉 soever he should find of the other, replied unto him with th●…se words. Good Sperto, thy careful regard of my content, I cannot but kindly think of; and thy providence in preventing all occasion of my dislike, I will not let pass unrewarded: and therefore I pray thee plainly deliver me thy mind in every point of thy meaning.  
Signior Sperto, having studied upon purpose, to pla●… she d●…laine in his kind; began thus to utter his 〈◊〉. My gracious Lord, for that you shall see how indifferently I will deal, in giving reason his due, as I would be no advancer of pride, so would I not be any back friend to the honour of vert●…▪ in the sky you see there is but one Moon, which hath her light from the Sun: now on this Moon attends a number of stars, but if any one should presume past his place to step within the circle of the Moon, think you not the higher powers would not thrust him quite out of the heavens? I am no Astronomer (quoth the Duke) but I think it were ●…it it should be so: but I pray thee trouble me not with figures, while I would have thee more plainly tell thy mind. Then answered Signior Sperto, may it please your grace, by the sky▪ I mean your court, the Moon your daughter, and the Sun yourself, from whom and the Almighty, she taketh all the virtue of her honour▪ Now if any attendant in your court should presume further than your pleasure, to press into the favour of her affection, were he not worthy to be banished your court? Yes, and shall (quoth the Duke) whatsoever he be without exception: Then my gracious Lord, said Sperto, you know, you have long favoured, and by your favour advanced Rantifo, a stranger in your country, and such a one as though I must confess by his much worth many ways, deserveth no little honour▪ yet if for your favour ●…ustlie extended unto him, he will presume to wrong your kindness, in 〈◊〉 at your Crown, or robbing you of your chief comfort, I lean to your wisdom to judge of his reward.  
The Duke marking well every part of his speech, and withal ●…ing to mind the open show of her favour in taking out of Rantifo from all the company, both of friends and strangers, to lead her in the meas●…re of her dance, thinking well both upon the man and the matter, made him this answer. Signior Sperto, I see well thy watchful care of my comfort, and do suspect no less than perhaps thou dost better perceive, but to prevent all mishap, and give no cause of offence; let us ad●… what is to be done. The man hath served faithfully, and in many good services hath deserved honourably, our friends in a manner all do love him, I hear almost no man speak ill of him, and if our daughter affect him, shall we therefore hate him? God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, virtue will have honour in despite of fortune, and love hath caused princes to favour very poor people, I speak not this either to pardon his presumption, or to favour his proceeding, for I will devise in what I can, to remove him far enough from my daughter, howsoever myself shall regard him. But let me have thy advise how so to work it, that he may rather be glad of our countenance, then mistrust our discontentment.  
Signior Sperto, fearing to be thought malicious, and yet not able to cover the ●…llanie of his humour, made this answer to the Duke. May it please your highness, to consider of what m●…le 〈◊〉 out in ●…he event of this fortune, if it wore not fore seen▪ If your daughter should ●…o disgrace your ●…hole Court, as to cast her affection upon a stranger, and leaning to look upon many noble per 〈◊〉, should fall in liking with I know not whom, nor of how 〈◊〉 a parentage; it cannot be but a discomfort to your heart, so to see your ●…ewell, that you hold of the highest price in your Crown, to be set in so base gold, as may perhaps prove but copper: and if it be as pure as the purest, that he should prove honourable in birth, wise in conceit, valiant in 〈◊〉, virtuous in disposition, and every way worthy of as much honour, as the greatest of your favour could af●…orde him; yet what a heartburning would it breed in your country, that a stranger should 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and carry away the garland of your Duke 〈◊〉▪ yea, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not only all the actions of your noblest 〈◊〉 would lie as dead, or not spoken of, while the Trump of ●…ame would▪ sound only the honour of his fortune; and so in process of time, not only your Court and country would be disgraced▪ 〈◊〉 aggrieved, but your highness should see a greatfall of your 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, when by the fresh memory of his fortune▪ all former honours would be forgotten; but to prevent all misfortune.  
Stay there a little (quoth the Duke) and let me tell 〈◊〉 a little of my mind: my daughter, is but a part of myself, that is now from myself; in affecting the vertuon●…, I must commend her disposition, and in favouring the honourable▪ I cannot mislike her discretion; and that he is honoured by me, he may the better be graced by her: Now, if a stranger deserve w●…ll it may give an example to our Court, 〈◊〉 to bar him his right, is a b●…ot in courtesy: she may like though not love, and he serve though for no such reward. Moreover, what he is we know not, and therefore let us think the best, and such may be his worth, as may be worthy our regard. Fame is not partial 〈◊〉 sounding the honour of deserts; and therefore who runneth 〈◊〉, let him win the Bell, and wear the Garland▪ he hath little grace in himself, that feareth the fortune of another, and the fresh memory of one action bringeth in the honour of another: and for myself, while I live, I will keep my sword, when I am gone let my son keep my sceptre. For Rantifo, I find so much good in him, that I cannot but love him; and yet not so well, but to prefer my daughter to a better fortune, and to content such of my Court as may be aggrieved at him, let me hear thy advise for the remove of him both from our Court, and country.  
Signior Sperto biting th●… lip at th●…se speeches, and yet glad to hear this conclusion, made the Duke this answer: May it please your Majesty to think of the embassage you mean to sen●… to the Duke of the islands of Cotasi, touching the sum of 〈◊〉, that he hath long detained from you, and the disgracious answer that he lately sent you: This Gentleman your 〈◊〉 knoweth to ●…e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉, of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it▪ that will not 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 your 〈◊〉, and one that will be glad to receive such honour at your harms: Now if it may please your highness; his return may be at your pleasure, which not ●…ffecting▪ your expectation, may have favour at your pleasure▪ The Duke Ordillo, you know 〈◊〉 a man of a stou●… courage, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such spirities meet, God knoweth ●…hat will fall out▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be otherwise then well with him▪ your Majesty may at your pleasure revenge: In the mean time, that your Court 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may take exceptions, at your either 〈◊〉 his▪ good deserving, nor disfavouring his worthy virtues▪ that your daughter may not suspect the least looking into her affection▪ nor Rantifo imagine his service in any such nature suspected, but in being so graced may hold himself well pleased, I think your Highness shall not do amiss in this devise.  
Signior Sperto (quoth the Duke) I will not flatter thy wit, though I will love thy counsel, and follow thy advise, which shall he known only to ourselves: To morrow we will grace him in all we can, both in word and countenance, so that he shall mistrust nothing of our meaning, and forth with we will 〈◊〉 furnish him forth in this embassage: and so Signior Sperto I will bid thee farewell, I will for a while be private here in mine A●…our, I pray thee give commandment to the Porter, that no man come to trouble me, till I return into my chamber. With which command, Signior Sperto taking his leave left the Duke ●…one in a close walk, using these few words to himself: Oh the misery of time, what doth this wicked world bring forth▪ nothing but sin and iniquity: virtue more pitied then beloved, honour more envied then accompanied, valour more commanded then rewarded, and charity more vanished then embraced▪ Strangers should be relieved, virtue honoured, honour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and charity beloved, but that good world 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 feared, or hated, virtue scorned▪ honour disgraced, valour unrewarded, and charity unseen. Prince's cannot be themselves, for the greatest powers have not 〈◊〉 greatest peace, a 〈◊〉 will trouble a Lion, a Louse an Eagle, a Mous●… an 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 ●…●…anker a man▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 she burst for her labove, Enoi●… is a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the spirit 〈◊〉 spi●… all her venom against virtue. Oh Sp●…o, though the 〈◊〉 of thy devise I will follow, for the quietof my Court, ●…et mu●… I needs ●…aie. I find thy 〈◊〉 against Rantifo▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 reason is I know not, but that an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Eagle; I know my daughter cannot affect the●… howsoever she favour him, but would to God my so●…ne 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ome: And with that word using no more speech ●…ose up from the seat; & r●…tired himself into his palace, where I will 〈◊〉 him to determine of his embassage, and Rantifo to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 of his close enemy; and I will return again to Penillo, son to the Duke Feronte, whom I left in the Court of Ordillo his father's enemy, fast by the heart in love wish his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 young Princess Bilanta.  
Penillo the young Prince 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 ●…he Duke of Balino, after a few days of royal entertainment in the Court of Ordillo, wish much contentment in the honourable secr●… kindness of his love the Princess Merilla, receiving a favour of her which he swore to wear in his 〈◊〉, ●…en he was in the field against the enemy, lea●…ing ●…th 〈◊〉 a heart of gold, set full of Diamonds, took his journey towards the emperors Court, and so with him towards his wars against the Turk, where in the face of the ●…hole Army, he won such honour by his valour, that the Emperor to show his ●…oue vn●…o him, embraced him in his arms▪ calling him 〈◊〉, and wishing that he were so happy as to have a daughter 〈◊〉 such a Prince. Well to be short, such ●… so honourable was his 〈◊〉 with the Emperor, as well in his wa●…re, as his Court, that with his valour he won she love of the Emperor, and wi●…h his kindness, the good will of all his followers, in the predicamen●… of which happiness, after his royal entertainment 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…he Court as all other places of the emperors 〈◊〉, ●…uing received from the Emperor two rich jewels, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a jewel of great value, which the Emperor himself 〈◊〉 out of his own hat; the other a 〈◊〉, the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 there of 〈…〉 lately taken from the 〈…〉 in that service, with all humble thankfulness 〈…〉 making homewards with all the speed he could, 〈…〉, but that he would take the Court of Ordillo 〈…〉▪ where unto his mistress he would first recount the 〈…〉 of his fortune▪ 〈◊〉 sweet soul as one languishing for the lack of her new love did in his absence spend the most part of her time in prayer for his prosperity. But I will leave further to te●… of their fortunes for a while, and I will re●… 〈◊〉, now called Rantifo, in the Court of Feroute the 〈…〉 of Balino.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 having set down his determination for the sending away of Rantifo in his embassage, according ●…nto the advise of Signior Sperto, walking one date into his garden, certain of his Counsel 〈◊〉 with him, among whom Signior Sperto cou●… not be spared, caused Rantifo to be called before 〈…〉 with a pleased seeming countenance, he uttered this speech; Rantifo, the love that I have long borne she, the faith that I ●…nd in thy service, and the much good, that I many ways note in thee, have made me desirous to advance thee to that honour, that I know thou wilt deserve. I am determined to send to my unkind neighbour Ordillo, the Duke of the Islands of Cotasi, he hath been long in my debt, and I think means to laugh me 〈◊〉 with my money: a million of crowns will maintain a pretty Army, for a sudden piece of service: and since he 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉, bu●… maketh delays the excuse of his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 ●…ende thee to him, with this resolution, either to 〈◊〉 my money, or to 〈◊〉 him know my mind which in brief shall ●…e this, that I will fet●… 〈◊〉 perforce, or set fire of his palace: now ●…hough show ar●… a stranger in our Court, yet being beloved of o●… selves, if thou 〈◊〉 take it upon thee, let us see who dare 〈◊〉 at ●…ur 〈◊〉.  
Rantifo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to ly●…g under a p●…le, the devise of this pl●…t in the park, 〈◊〉 the Duke and Signior Sperto, seeming not to know any thing thereof, and fearing the Duke's displeasure, if he should refuse it, made him this humble answer: My Gracious Lord●…, though 〈◊〉 of your own honour, proceed so much goodness, a●… 〈◊〉 so ●…xtende your favour upon so small desert, as I cannot but blush to confess 〈◊〉 let not the honour of your favour towards me, be a cause of your N●…bles ●…eartburning against me ●…for though my study hath been somewhat in the languages, yet hath my travail been so little in 〈◊〉 so courses, as I rather fear ●…o d●…eiue your expectation, th●… i●… discharge the desire of my duty: ●…et if it please you to i●…ose this charge upon me, though it were with the loss of my 〈◊〉 I would think it well laid down in your service.  
Well (quoth the Duke) let it suffice the●…, that my love unto thee shall put off all causes of discontentment, that ma●…e be in this service; if I favour thee, which of my Court, that will not befriend thee? and therefore prepare thyself for this journey, for I will make choice of no other: and thus ending his speech rose up from his seat, and walking into the garden m●…t with his daughter the Princess Me●…illa, accompanied with divers Ladies and Gentlemen of the Court, whom saluting very graciously he passed by them, and taking his daughter by the hand walking aside with her into an open green walk, fell into this talk with her.  
Merilla, my love to 〈◊〉 I know thou doubtest not, and my care of thy well doing is not the least charge of my love, and the effect thereof not the least happiness of my life: thy brother▪ thou knowest is travailed, God knoweth whither, 〈◊〉 ●…hen to return, if God bless him not the better: now if the perish either in the seas, or the wars, what comfort have I on the earth? but in thee, and in thy well doing. Thou ar●… now of years to make choice of thy happiness in placing thy affection, and is there none in our Court that can please the●… in that point●… make thy choice where thou wilt, I will leave thee to thyself, and will not cross thee in thy comfort▪ only be not base in thy affection, and thou shalt be gracious in thy kindness.  
The Lady (as it should seem) having had some private conference with her servant Rantifo, of whom she had some noti●… of her father's talk with Signior Sperto, about the dispatch of him from the Court, made him this humble answer: My Gracious father, your careful love of ●…e doth so far bind me to you, besides the duty of nature, that if I should not be obedient to your will▪ I should think ill of mine own; and to be a discomfort to your kindness, I wish I had rather never been borne; for my brother, so long as you hear no ill news, hope of the best of him: and for the placing of my affection, it shall be only▪ governed by your favour. But I am glad to hear you give me warning to beware of baseness; for Signior Sperto would have persuaded me not long since, that I could not be better graced then in gracing the ungracious, with a world of ●…dle words spent to very little purpose: for indeed father, his wit may be full of cunning, but I fear he is like a false apple, rotten at the heart: for assure yourself he is not ●…ound to you in love, that seeks to rob you of my service: but wheresoever it shall please your Majesty to command my content; in the heavens and your honour shall be the direction of my affection: thus having a little quitted Signior Spertocs' kindness, she ended her speech.  
When the Duke in some kind of discontentment, to think of jack an Apes his moris▪ dance, thus replied to his fair daughter: Well Merilla, regard every man in his kind, and for that I find him fit for some services, I will not suddenly put him out of favour, though I will think of him as I have cause, and find a time to use him accordingly: in the mean time laugh at his folly, & keep thy affection for a better friend, I will a ●…le leave thee here among thy kind friends, to solace thyself in this garden: and I will walk a little about my park, with some of my counfatle. So will I leave him a while gone into the park, till his return again, into the palace, and I will tell you what fell out with the Ladies in the garden.  
There were three young gallants of the court that had determined to try their wits to la●…e this lady aboard for her love; upon this agreement betwixt them that he that won her favour should command the other as his servants, and so ever after should call them. Whereupon finding now a convenient time to try the fortune of their adventures, singling themselves one from the other▪ one of them ●…hinking himself not the worst witted, began thus to salute her. Fa●…re Princess how well to entitle your worthiness I know not, but if my unworthiness may have favour in your patience, my service should be made happy in your employment.  
The Lady not making any show of disdain, with a modest smile made him this answer. Truth needeth no eloquence; for your kind offer of your service, I wish you a better preferment, but if I should be so vain as to trust you, wherein would you give me leave to command you? The gentleman with this sweet seeming speech half persuaded of nothing less than her favour, with all humbleness fell into protestations so far of his affection, that if he disobeyed her command, or not fulfilled her request, let him die with his ill fortune, or be disgraced in her favour: whereupon with great thanks she made him this answer. Sir, for that finding the greatness of your good will, I would not be thought unkind in my requite all, mark well what I say unto you. You shall neither draw your purse for a penny, your sword against an enemy, nor your foot from this place, so that you shall be neither at cost, in fear, nor danger for me, and yet perform my request, and you shall be assured of my favour.  
The gentleman fearing that she had mocked him with some matter of small importance, made her this answer. Madam though by the slightness of this service, I fear the weakness of my fortune, yet express your commandment, and consider of my desert: for be it hard or easy, I will either die or do it. Then (quoth the Princess) without further talk, you see yonder is a dial upon the wall of my father's window: you see the shadow upon the dial, stand here till you see the shadow move, and then call me to the sight of it, I desire no more for your service.  
The poor gentleman there bound by his oath to perform his protestation, fell to stare out his e●…es, and near the better for his looking: whom she had no sooner left in that poor taking, but she was set upon by the second, whom after a great deal of idle talk to little purpose, she took up in this manner. If I should think that you could not dissemble, I should think you lacked wit, and if I should trust you without trial, you might condemn me of folly, but if in regard of your protestations I should make proof of your affection, might I presume of your performance, in making proof of your sufficiency.  
The poor man as proud of his hope, as his unhappy friend, would refuse nothing, make no exceptions, but command and it was done, or let it cost him his life: whereupon to abridge the tediousness of their discourse, the put him to this piece of service. Sir (quoth she) you see this Appletree before you, I pray you watch the ripening of them, the heat of the Sun I hear will change their colour, and fill them full of red streaks, I pray you when you see them begin to change colour call me, that I may see it, and I will require no more service for the assurance of my favour.  
The poor gentleman sworn to his task, took him to his work; where loss of his labour could get him nothing but repentance: but in that gazing maze he had not stood long, but the third followed his fellows, whom after much needles talk, she put likewise to this service. Sir (quoth she) I am easily persuaded that upon easy points you would perform an easy piece of service, but had I need of your help in any matter of difficulty, I may perhaps fail of your performance: he poor man as well deceived as the rest, in the pride of his opinion, making the world but a walk, the seas but a brook, and wonders but trifles, in respect of that which he would do for her, received this commandment for his employment. Sir (quoth she) you see here this tuft of grass, watch the shooting of any one of them, and call me that I may see the growing of them: and it is all the service, that I mean to put you to for all the favour that I can afford you.  
The gentleman forced either to falsify his faith, or to pr●…u●… the third fool, took him to the ground where he sat down in vain, to see that was not possible. But while they were thus standing either in muses or mazes returned the Duke into the garden, where marveling to behold those gallants in those tunes, having heard the cause told his daughter, it would be some disgrace to her greatness to offer such discourtesies, as to charge her servants with impossibilities▪ yet smiling at their follies, desiring her to rolease them, which she soon granted: he called Rantifo unto him not far off walking with a gentleman of his chamber; to whom being come before him, being disposed to be merry with him, told him of his daughters handling of her suitors: but (quoth he) let me entreat thee not to make report of this quality in her, lest it be a hurt to her great happiness, when such as may be worthy her favour, may take dislike at her unkindness.  
Rantifo not a little pleased to see her so put off her gallant suitors, and yet much discomforted in conceit of his departure, told the Duke, that such trials of her wit, would increase the titles of her honour; and for himself, he would not wish to live, but to honour the royalty of his house: which the Duke seeming to take very well at his handdes, after a few ordinary Court words, leaving his daughter with her friends and attendants, in the garden, retired himself into his chamber and so into his closet: where I will leave him for a while, at his study, and his daughter in the garden fain into some talk with her servant, whereof I will speak hereafter, and I will return to tell you what followed of Penillo and his fortune.  
In this time of Penillo his being upon the sea, coming from the emperors Court, he met with a ship going for Balino the chief city of his country, and in the ship found one Mario Doronte, the Merchant that first brought over Rantifo, the Duke Ordilloes' son into that country, of whom, making the ship a while to attend him, after that he had inquired of him of the health of the Duke Ordillo, and his fair daughter the Princess his mistress, writing a few humble lines to his father, with a token of kindness to his sister, giving somewhat to the sa●…lers, & like wise to Mario Doronte making himself towards the Islands of Cotasi, left them to the heavens blessing. This Mario Doronte being by misfortunes at sea decayed, and having some sums of money due unto him, in the Ilances of Balino, with his wife and two children, determining to leave his own country, and so take his habitation in some of the cities of Balino, put to sea in the ship then going for the chief city in the Islands: not to stand long upon needless points, the wind and tide serning well, within a few days they arrived at the Island, in a haven near unto the city Dolno, near unto the Court of the Duke Feronte. Where they had not lodged many days, but the decayed Merchant having occasion to make petition to the Duke, for means to come by his money of his Cxeditours, taking his wife and children with him, as well for comfort of their companies, as to move pity in the Duke the more for their sakes, met at the Court gate with Rantifo going abroad into the park with his mistress the young Princess; who looking well upon the old man, and his little family, after a few questions of his fortune, and the cause of his coming thither, took his petition, with promise not only to deliver it to her father, but in what her power could do with him, to effect the speed of his suit; and in the mean time for his relief gave him a purse with two hundredth crowns. Rantifo not a little commending this gracious bounty in the young Princess, calling to mind the cruelty of his own fortune, and noting the misery of his; not willing to make himself known unto him, gave him yet these words to comfort him: father, if I were not suddenly to depart hence into the Island from whence you came, I would assure thee, much of my friendship, but I will entreat this Lady in mine absence to follow and effect your comfort: which she willingly promised, and after happily effected. But ere I go any further with the discourse of their fortunes, I will leave them for a while, and return to Penillo, the Duke Feronte his son.  
This gallant young Prince was no sooner landed at the coast of the Islands, but with great rosaltie he was attended, and with great loie welcomed to the Court, where, how his nustris reiosced let the hearts of true lovers conceius, for I can not express: but let it suffice that, though both their contents met in one conjunction, yet fortune the sworn enemy to all felicity, fell now to devise crosses to their comforts: for not long had he been there making merry with his fair mistress, but the Duke his father having by the decayed Merchant received a letter of his sons making toward those islands, whither he was forthwith to send Rantifo upon a discontentive message, wrote a letter in all post to his sanne for his speedy return into his country: upon the sight whereof, not a little aggrieved to leave the Court, where he was so kindly entertained, and especially his fair mistress the young Princess of whom he was so dearly beloved, and yet preferring his father's favour before his own pleasure, concealing any cause of discontent, with thanks to the Duke for all his Royal kindness, and secretly assuring the young Princess of his kind, and constant affection towards her, took his leave of the whole Court, and returned home to his country. But I will leave him upon his tourney homewards for a while, and return again to Rantifo, who was sent ambassador to his own father.  
Rantifo taking leave of the Duke his master, and the fair Princess his mistress, was now put to sea, for the Islands of Cotasi, leaving the decayed Merchants suit to the favour of his afore said mistress: but ere I tell you any further of the Merchant, and his suit, I will tell you what became of Rantifo, and his fortune.  
Rantifo being now come to the Islands, and so to the Court of Ordillo, at his first coming was honourably entertained, but after the delivery of his message, not so kindly welcome, yet whether for fear of a further mischief, or hope of unlooked for kindness, all discontentment was concealed, and he brought unto the Duke, who setting his eye well upon him, began in himself to find some what in his aspect that did so much content him, that his embassage did not so dislike him, but his presence did much more please him: whereupon he gave commandment to have him well lodged and to his place in all duties entertained. But Rantifo after that he had delivered his embassage, being answered that the Duke desired time to determine of his answer, writ home to his master of the Duke's answer to his demand, and upon answer that he should stay the limits of his delay, he took his lodging as near as he could to the Court, where he might see out of his window the Lady Bilanta his sister the young Princess, walking in the garden of a Lady that had a house near adsoyning to the Court, whose door opening into the garden of the house where he was lodged, he took occasion one fair evening to stand in the door where she passed by, and noting a kind of gracious glance toward him, he adventured to sa●…ute her with this kind of greeting: Sweet air, sweet flowers, and so sweet a creature, is not this a Paradise if there be any on this earth? Indeed my Lord, answered the Princess, a sweet spirit in a sweet nature, can find sweet humour, but I pray you what hath moved you to this sweet kind of salutation? Her unknown brother, not minding yet to be known, replied again, Madam, yourself is the grace of all the good that I speak of: and if you would let me flatter you with particulars I would tell you as much as you already know; but if the word of a stranger may go currant in your Court, will you vouthsafe my service the favour of your entertainment? The Lady smiling at his plain kind of love making, and yet loath to put him to silence with a sulle in kind of answer, told him, that men of his place had their wits otherwise employed, then in trying the weak humours of women▪ yet quesh she, my Lord, if I were worthy such a servant, I would not do dishonour to a stranger; but is it possible that your Lordship can spend thus much breath, but to pass away idle time? Truly Madam, answered the ambassador, though I desire not to be thought a wanton, yet I assure you for my unfeigned affection to your worthiness, since the first hour that I saw you I have not left to think of you, and am so glad here to see you, that wherein my service mate purchase your content, it shall not be slack in your commandment. My Lord answered the Princess, Cupid hath but a blind sight, and hot affections are soon quenched, but if your word and thought agree, you may in time be quited in your kindness. When as the Lord ambassador was about to reply unto her speech, a messenger came suddenly unto her from the Duke her father, presently to come to him, whereupon with humble thanks for her kind favour they broke off their talk for that time, she going to the Duke, and he back again into his lodging, where I will ●…raue them for a while, and return again to tell you what fell out in the Court of Feronte the Duke of the Ila●…ds of Balino.  
The young Princess glad that this decayed Merchant had such a suit to her father, told him that if upon ●…he dispatch of his petition, and receipt of his money, he would return into his country, and convey her over with him as a servant to his wife, she would effect such expedition as should be fully to his content: The poor man having received such bountiful relief at her hands, as bound him much to her service, putting all fear aside of what hurt might befall him, if it were descried, promised her to do his best in all the service he could devise her: whereupon to be brief, she became a suitor to her father for the Merchant, and by her humble importuning his comfort, got his grant dispatched, which no sooner was effected, but with all the speed that might be, carrying crowns enough to defray all charges, in the apparel of a prentice, that the Merchant had got for the purpose, finding a ship ready to put to sea for that country, stole away in a night tide, and with a merry Gale soon got to the shore that they made for. But now will I leave to talk further of them, for a while, and I will tell you a few words of the occurrents in the Court of Feronte the Duke of the islands of Balino.  
The young Prince being now returned home, and with great joy received of the whole Court, the Duke in no little marvel that his daughter was so long absent, sent unto her lodging to know the cause of her stay, but the messenger returning with no body there, and now fearing that his strange ambassador had stolen away his fair daughter, caused present search to be made for her in all his province; but hearing of no word of her, grew into such a rage, as not able to have patience to hear his son touching the Royalty of his entertainment, swore presently to levy an Army, and in regard of his indignity to be revenged of the whole country: and with this resolution went forward. But I will leave him in his choler now bend to nothing but revenge, and I will tell you a few words of the merchant and his company.  
The decayed Merchant now by the means of the young Princess having made a happy voyage, coming on shore with his family, and this new page or rather prentice, met by great hap with the Lord ambassador that was sent from the Duke Feronte, in a discontentive message, walking with the Lady Princess his sister, and an attendant or two of hers only going forth of a Castle of the Duke her fathers near that place, only to take a little pleasure in seeing the coming in of the ships: and doing reverence to the whole troop the young Prineesse called the Merchant unto her with these words.  
Alas good Mario, how dost thou, how hast thou sped with thy business: what? didst thou carry thy wife and children with thee, how daredst thou to adventure them? Truly I am glad thou art come home safe again with them, I know thou art poor, and for myself thou knowest I am yet not myself, but if I live I will do thee and thy kind wife some good, for I have known ye both of a child, and have had many a pretty jewel of ye, for which, I hope one day to requite thee: Thine honesty will be pitied, and shall not be forgotten, my remembrance may do thee good; and for that I know not how thou art furnished for money hold thee, take this purse at my hands a h●…dreth crowns will do thee no hurt, though not the good I wish thee. But what pretty boy is that thou hast with thee? The merchant with tears of thankful kindness receiving her bounty, told her that it was a pretty youth of the islands of 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 having a desire to see that country came with him in the 〈◊〉, desiring him to put him to some good master; at which wo●…s, ●…he ambassador looking steadfastly upon him, & remembering his ●…stris, asked of the Merchant if he would bestow him upon him. The Merchant knowing the Page's mind, was very well content with his demand, and ask the Page if he would make choice of him for his master, seemed very willing to agr●… thereto, when the Lady no less firing her eye upon the P●…ge then the ambassador, and no less affecting him then he did, with a modest countenance made this speech unto him.  
My Lord, you know your abode in this country is not certain, and this pretty wag coming hither, either to se●…●…he country, or to learn the languages, if he should return with you, he might be little benefited by his travail; but if it 〈◊〉 please you to bestow your good will on me for him, I will ta●…e that regard of him, that he shall not repent him of his service. Madam (quoth the ambassador) if I should deny you so small a request, having so great an interest in my service, you might well mistrust me in a matter of more importance, if I should fail you in this. The page unknown to any but the merchant and his family, who had sworn secrecy in her behalf, having no time to meditate what to do, and seeing her servant the ambassador, now as it were in love with an other Lady, was content to accept the Ladies kind offer, and so leaving the merchant well recompensed for all his kindness; attended them to the Duke's Castle: where I will leave the ambassador after leave taken of his mistress the young Princess his sister, yet unknown, going to his lodging, and I will tell you a little of the Lady and her new page, as great a person as herself.  
The Princess looking of ten-times upon her page, and finding in his feature a great resemblance of her love her brother, willed a tailor to be sent for, whom she commanded against the next morning, to bring her a piece of white satin, of which should be made a suit of apparel for the page, and so commanding the boy to attend her unto her chamber, she called for a lute, which, hearing of him upon demand of his qualities, that he had some little skill in, willed him to make her a little music, which both in his touch, and voice, she liked so well, that she began exceedingly to favour him: but after music done she willed the boy to walk into the garden, and there gather such flowers, or such fruits, as best might like him, and in the morning she would put him out of his apprentice su●…e, which he willingly did, and having gathered a handful of roses, & plucking off an apple called a Pome●…roie; he returned in to his mistress the Princess lodging, who at a window noting his solemn kind of walking, and the fruit that he gathered, after his coming up called him into her chamber. But first let me tell you a little of the pages speech that he had to himself in the garden, per he went up.  
Oh poor Merilla, what a misery art thou fallen into? left thy country, thy father, thy friends, and all thy home fortune, to follow a stranger, who hath betrayed thy affection, and abused thy favour: women are said to have their wills waver as the wind: but oh false Rantifo, no sooner come to the Sea, but thy love is gone into an other world; Rantifo, no thou art Fantiro, the Duke's son, whatsoever be shy conceit to conceal it from thy father, and Bilanta is thy sister, howsoever thou hast made her thy mistress. But alas, what will become of thee? when thy mistress shall know thee to be thyself, how will she use thee? if I reveal what I am, can she other then disdain th●…e? our parents being scarce friends, if thou revealest the cause of thy coming, will she not laugh at thy foslie, & make it known to the world? if she do not, it is more of the heavens blessing, than thy merit, and of her good nature, than thy wit. Say that now she doth somewhat like of thee, she may be then out of love with thee: and yet it may be that for her love to her brother she may be kind to me, and at my humble entreaty, conceal my folly from the world: well, I will hope the best, till I see the worst▪ And so determining to make herself known to her mistress, she went up into her lodging, where being come to the princess she fell again to her music, wherein she did so please the Princess, that she thought every hour a year till she had some private conferance with him, for which she stated not long; fo●… after that she had commanded all her attendants out of the chamber but the page, willing him to lay down his lute, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aboore with him in this manner. My pretty wag, if thy 〈◊〉 should have occasion to employ thee in a secret paece of service, wouldst thou so late it up in thy bosom, that no man should perceive it? Madam (quoth the page) for my secre●…e, I hold it not the least part of mine honesty, and therefore make you no doubt of it, but if my sufficiency answer not your expect●…on, I beseech you let me entreat your pardon, assuring your honour that I shall hate myself in slacking my duty in your service: but good Madam be not angry if my good will be not fortunate; for my heart I protest, you have bound it to you, in the faith of much affection.  
The Lady not a little pleased with this speech gave him this hind answer. Thy affection is the best part of the service that I will desire at thy hands, for to tell ●…hee truth, I never same the face, but one that I liked so well, or could think to love but thine, and for him, he was a noble parsonage, son and heir to the Duke Feronte of the Islands of Balino, who is lately gone home, and I fear will never come again; such heartburning is grown betwixt our parents, upon the payment of a little monte, ungodly kind of dross, the cause of much mischief in the world; therefore I must have patience with my passion, for ever hoping of comfort at his hands: but for his sake whose feature me thinks I behold in thy face, I did first affect thee, and do now for his, and thine own sake I must confess entirely love thee: be wise therefore I charge thee, for in revealing my love it may endanger thy life, & in concealing thy comfort, thou shalt find the honour of thy fortune.  
The Page with a great sigh at his brother's absence, but more aggrieved at the discord of the two Dukes, with her eyes ready to shed tears, made her this humble answer: Good Madam, shall I humbly beg this favour at your hands, that you will vouchsafe to keep secret, what I will commit unto the only care of your honourable kindness, wherein you may either save my life, or procure my death? Sweet boy, quoth the Princess, let me not live, but I will do more for thy love than I will speak of: and for my secrecy, suspect nothing that may hurt thee, and speak freely, wherein I may do thee good, think I cannot use thee unkindly. Then good Madam, answered the Princess, I will tell you a strange yet true tale: The ambassador that seemeth to be your lover, is your brother, son to the Duke your father, his name is Fantiro, sought to be slain by a murderer hired there to by your uncle lately dead, but to save his life sought by the malice of your ungodly uncle, was delivered unto the decated Merchant Mario, who brought him as a Page to our Court, I mean the Court of Feronte, the Duke of Balino my father; whose daughter I am brought over in this habit that you see, only to come to the sight of your brother my only beloved Lord on this earth. Your brother for my love, was by a wretch in our Court wrought hither to this embassage, but such was his carriage in our Court, as from his first settling foot into favour, he daily increased it, by his much well deserving; so that there was no man of good spirit, but loved him, and were sorry to part with him, and for my affection to him, let my travail witness my truth: Now for the love that in nature you bear your brother, for the kindness that you may find requited in my brother, for the honour that you bear unto love, and for the love that you bear unto honour; let me humbly beseech you to conceal my folly, and in what you may to be a friend to my affection.  
The Princess with a modest blush smiling at her discourse, made her this kind and gracious answer: Sister, for so will I love thee and esteem thee, as I cannot be happy in any thing under heaven, but in thy brother's love, which I hold as dear as my life, so if my brother do not in all honourable service either requite or deserve this thy kindness, I protest to renounce him for my brother, and detest him as mine enemy: be therefore of good cheer, an●… fear no evil: thy fortune shall be mine, my bed, my table, my purse, yea and my heart shall be all at thy disposing to do thee good. And thus will I leave them together in their kind talk, and I will tell you a little of the Duke Feronte, and his son.  
The Duke Feronte, in no little rage to think of the loss of his daughter, notwithstanding that he had heard his sons report of his Royal entertainment, followed on his determination, for his intended war against the Duke Ordillo, where his ambassador was too well to return, and his fair daughter was taken loves prisoner, and therefore calling his son before him used these words unto him: Penillo, I have made thee acquainted with my resolution for my revenge of the wrong, that I have received of Ordillo; out of whose country, I will fetch my fond daughter thy unhappy sister, either dead or alive, and therefore prepare thyself to put off all conceit of his kindness, and gain the increase of my love, by the honour that thou shalt get upon mine enemy.  
The young Prince, sorry to have such cause to carry arms against the father of his fair mistress, and yet unwilling to be disobedient to his father, though it were the adventure of his death, did humbly frame him this answer: My Gracious father, I would be loath to dissuade you from your settled resolution, but yet let me tell you, that although love hath in my sister wrought a folly, shall the malice of a wicked spirit so poison your ear, that such a fury possess your heart, that no spark of patience can have place in your conceit? It will be thought to the greatest part of your Court, yea and almost to your whole country, that Signior Sperto hath been the kindler of all this fire, and the breeder of all these wars: I wonder not a little that your Grace could endure to hear of his presumption, in making love to my sister; who I think be rather run into another country to try the fortune of her affection, then to live at home to abide the unfitting suit of so ill-favoured a creature: whom, but that he hath the name of a man, if I did not the better know him, I should surely take for a monster. But if I may beg so much favour of your Grace, as to grant me my humble suit, I beseech you begin justice at home, and I hope we shall prosper the better abroad: Let Sperto in regard of his malicious practice against a stranger, and presumption in troubling the patience of your daughter, be openly called before you, reprehended for his folly, and banished your Court for his offence, and I doubt not but your majesty shall see the venom of his vile nature drop out in his right kind, my sister honourably returned to your good favour, and your wars turn to such a peace, as all that love you shall be glad of. I speak not this like the Prince of Pigmeies that should be afraid of Cranes, but that I will attend you in your wars, where I hope an honourable triumph will be better than a bloody conquest: but fall what will, I will not live but to be obedient to your love: and therefore will be ready, when it shall please you to attend you.  
The Duke not a little noting the good counsel of his discreet son, willing his son to be in readiness, against a day shortly after appointed him, caused Sig. Sperto forthwith to be brought before him, to whom with a stern countenance he used this speech: Sperto, I have long given ear to thine unsuspected subtlety, but of late having sounded the reach of thy conceit, I will lay open thy cunning: in the time of Rantifoes being in our Court, thou couldst never cease to ring in mine ears some couse of dislike in him, which I took well at thy hands, in regard of thy imagined care of my good; but now I find the ground of thy ungracious working grew from the malicious fear in thee, of his favour from my fair daughter, whom thy unworthy self wouldst have bewitched with wicked eloquence, let me tell thee, for that I have in some occasions of importance, made good use of thy service, thou shall not be unregarded, for I will make thee receiver of my customs: but for thy sauciness with my sweet daughter, driven out of our country by thy dogged means, I will out of hand, have thee made an ●…unuch; and so commanding one of his Surgeons, to take him to his charge, to dismember him of his implements, fell in hand presently with his Counsel, to go forwards with his resolution for his wars: while Sperto with the conceit of his misery, craving leave of the Surgeon to spare him till the next morning, when his grief being put a little over, he should with the more strength endure his torment, rather desirous to go to hell quickly, then to hope for heaven with repentance, with a pair of his own garters hanged himself in his own chamber. But leaving thus the wicked wretch to his woeful end, and the furious Duke in his inerorable anger, proceeding onwards with his wars: I will tell you a few words of the two Ladies Merilla and Bilanta, the imagined page that I left tog●…ther in their chamber within a Castle of the Duke Ordillo.  
The Lady Bilanta, after she had secretly conferred with the Lady Merilla, touching both their loves, minding to make herself merry with a pretty conceit, after that they had past a night or two in private talk together how to bring all matters about to their best contentment, sent for the ambassador her brother, in all kindness speedily to come to her; who no sooner received the message, but laying all business apart, came to his sister, whom he then called mistress, little thinking indeed to have found his true beloved, and loving mistress so near. But being come into her lodging and well entered into her chamber, commanding apart all her attendants, she thus fell into talk with him.  
Servant, though perhaps it may seem immodesty in a Virgin of my sort to give such entertainment to a stranger of what sort soever he may be, as I am persuaded your honourable kindness will deserve; yet let me entreat you one favour to tell me without dissembling, if I am the first object of your dearest affection, or whether you never have had any mistress that you have held any especial account of, and hath worthily had the promise of your love? Truly Madam answered her brother, as he thought unknown to her, I must confess I had a mistress whom I so dearly loved, and so duly served, that had I any possible hope to enjoy the fruit of her favour, I should hate myself in the love of any other, but she being so far from the comfort of all such conceit, I think it no dishonour to my love, to do service to the virtue that I find in you: for if I could be so vile as to think you a base thought death be the reward of my desire, and to presume further in the best nature of honour, then may stand with your good favour, might condemn me of folly, and perhaps overthrow my fortune, but in such good terms to do you service as may please you to accept, I think it a duty in Chivalry: but for my mistress I protest had you ever seen and known her, you would have thought as much good of her as I do, and wish her as much happiness as I want.  
The Lady smiling at this answer, would needs know her name, and whence she was: who told her that she was the only daughter of his master the Duke Feronte, her name was Merilla, and she was the likest unto the Page that she lately had from the Merchant, that ever she saw: Well (quoth the Lady) no longer my Lord ambassador, but dear brother, I am glad to see thee here, for thou art my brother, and that shall my father know ere long: thy mistress is more worthy of honour, than our whole country and thy life can give her: and with that word, Page quoth she to the Lady Merilla, I pray thee take thy lute and play and sing thy wish: which she being in the chamber unseen by means of a curtain of Crimson damask drawn betwixt them, took her lute and played a note to a ditty, which she sung as followeth.  

The song.  

I Would thou wert not fair, or I were wise:  
I would thou hadst no face, or I no eyes:  
I would thou wert not wise, or I not fond,  
Or thou not free, or I not so in bond.   

But thou art fair, and I cannot be wise:  
Thy sunlike face, hath blinded both mine eyes;  
Thou canst not be but wise, nor I but fond,  
Nor thou but free, nor I but still in bond.   

Yet am I wise to think that thou art fair,  
Mine eyes, their pureness in thy face repair;  
Nor am I fond, that do thy wisdom see:  
Nor yet in bond, because that thou art free.   

Then in thy beauty only make me wise,  
And in thy face, the Graces guide mine eyes:  
And in thy wisdom only see me fond:  
And in thy freedom keep me still in bond.   

So shalt thou still be fair, and I be wise:  
Thy face shine still upon my cleared eyes:  
Thy wisdom only see how I am fond:  
Thy freedom only keep me still in bond.   

So would I thou wert fair, and I were wise:  
So would thou hadst thy face, and I mine eyes:  
So would I thou wert wise, and I were fond:  
And thou wert free, and I were still in bond.    
The song was no sooner ended but Fantiro (for so will I henceforth give him his right name) oftentimes changing colour, as one in many passions at the hearing both of her voice, which was so like his mistress the Lady Princess Merilla, as might be; and remembering the ditty to be of his own compiling, and that in secret he had given it unto her when he first perceived her favour, alter he had commended her voice, as he was about to speak somewhat of his passion, his sister upon the sudden caused the curtain to be drawn, when he might see in a rich suit of her apparel, the imagined page; but in deed his mistress standing by a window, with her face towards him: when his sister seeing him stand as one amazed, used this speech unto him. Why, how now brother? doth thy heart fail thee? how dost thou like this sight? thou hast I know often heard that a girl will turn to a man, and is it then unpossible, that a boy may as well turn to a woman? What ailest thou, dost thou fear thou seest a shadow and not the true body of thy mistress? or hast thou been false unto her in thy faith? and therefore art fearful of the heavens displeasure to plague thee, with some worse spirit, than thine own? for shame go to her, bid her welcome, it is thy mistress, I do not dissemble, be thankful for her kindness, and deserve her love.  
The young Prince ashamed any longer to stand in his maze, seeing his mistress in little better tune, to behold her servant, ●… assured lover so strange unto her, as if he either had not, or would not have known her, went unto her with these words. Madame, think it not strange to see me in this perplexity of mind, that I am in, so much is my unworthiness of this, and many your honourable favours, but especially this trial of your affection hath so bound me to your service, as if the adventure of my life may make proof of my love, let me die like a villain, if I do not honour your virtue.  
The sweet Lady with modest kindness as much as she could concealing the greatness of her io●…e, as well in beholding her love, as hearing his undoubted true protestations, made him this sweet reply. My dear love, for so dare I here term you, when I had no knowledge of that title of honour, that now I hear and am glad to understand duly belongeth to you, my love was in the same nature that now it is: your virtue won my affection, and your kindness continued my content, your noble carriage assured me of your constancy, & all together have brought me hither to receive my comfort, not caring to lose the love of father, brother, & friend, honour, wealth, ease, & all other worlds happiness, that Balino could have procured me, to adventure the Seas, in the poor habit of a Prentice, in the service of a poor decayed Merchant, to come into a strange country, to abide what fortune soever might befall me, only to acquaint your kindness with my love. Now if your greatness have not altered your goodness, nor my immodesty have withdrawn your affection, thank your honourable sister for her kindness towards me, and be yourself, yourself unto me.  
The young Prince with as much ado as could be to abstain from tears of kindness, to think of this seldom seen faithful affection in so fair a creature, made her this comfortable reply. Sweet Princess, in whom nature under the heavens hath showed the pride of her perfections: how should I live to countervail the least part of this your exceeding honourable f●…uour. Had I ten such Dukedoms, I would lay them all at ●…our feet, and were I the greatest Prince on the earth, I would 〈◊〉 glad to be your servant: but as in regard of your first affection, I am bound to honour you with my service: so for 〈◊〉 your last honour, my love I vow shall ever serve you: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lay by all thought of strangers: this land is yours, my father I know will rejoice in you, myself under heaven, will have no ●…oie but you: for I protest without dissembling my 〈◊〉 joy is wholly in you. And thus will I leave these lovers with the other Lady in this their secret hind conference, 〈◊〉 I will tell you, what followed of Mario the decayed Merchant.  
This Mario the Merchant, hearing news in the City, that the Duke Feronte was coming from Balino, with a great Army against the Duke Ordillo and his country, thought good no longer to conceal the ambassador his son from him, and therefore coming to the Court, and having obtained means to have some private conference with the Duke, in few words delivered the discourse of all that I before have recited, both of his escape from the intended murder of his malicious Uncle, of his carrying him over, of his preferment in Court by him, and of the cause of his coming thither in embassage: all which recounted truly as it was, with the coming over of the Lady Merilla in the attire of a Prentice, for the love of his son Fantiro, so pleased the Duke, that he not only kindly gave him thanks, but richly rewarded him for his good news, and rosaltie considered all his honest, and kind dealing: and presently caused his son the Ambassador to be sent for, whom he welcomed with such a soie, as such a father might such a son. Who having recounted all his fortune, his father the Duke caused his sister the young Princess to be sent for, to whom he not only gave thanks for her careful, and kind usage of the young Princess Merilla, but charged her upon his blessing to continue all kindness, that might give her knowledge of the ●…oifull love that she should find both in himself, his Court, and his whole country: and that for a few days she should seem to conceal it from her, that he knew of her being in his Court, till he had made preparation every way fit for the entertainment of her presence. And thus will I leave the Ladies passing their time together in private conference of their thiefest comforts, and I will return to the Duke Feronte now having gotten his forces together, marching with his whole Army towards the sea, minding to make for Cotasi, where nothing should content him but a conquest.  
The Duke resolved upon his determination, either to leave his blood, or take his revenge, dispatching away a post with letters to his ambassador for the defiance of his termed enemy the Duke, and proclamation of war with him and his whole country, calling his son unto him, upon a rock on the sea side in the midst of his Army made this speech unto his people. The long injury that I have borne at the hands of my unfriendly neighbour Ordillo, besides the debt that he oweth me, and never intendeth to pay me, together with my extreme grief for the loss of my only daughter, that only through a fond affection carried I know not how; to a stranger I know not whom, co●…ueied away by a banbrout, or decayed merchant, if I may better term him into that ungracious piece of ground where Ordillo hath his government: these I safe with many other just causes of discontentment conceived against the proud Prince and his stubborn people, have caused me to put on the resolution either of death or revenge, which shall no way end but in conquest or submission; as many therefore as either regard our love, or have any hope of our favour, let them with willing hearts follow the honour of my resolution, protesting that whatsoever he be, that shall in the least show of fear turn his back unto the enemy, if he were as dear to me as mine own son, he shall die in the place where I find him: but he that shall with the fortune of his forwardness, bring me the Duke or his son either dead or alive, I will so regard and reward him, that he shall leave honour to his posterity: the wind serveth well for our passage, and we shall find them perhaps unprovided for our coming, so the easier will be our victory and the shorter our wars, if not the sharper our fight, the greater will be our honour, and since fear is the badge of villainy, let us avoid the shame of such condition and as many as love either our crown or country, hold up their hands with me: who then in the whole camp, that had a hand, but he would hold it up? Well to grow towards an end, as the Prince said, so said the people: the Duke set foot aboard, and all the Army followed him: the wind served, the sa●…les were hoist, and the anchors weighed, and away they went where I will leave them for a while, and return again to Ordillo the Duke of Cotasi and his son, Feronte his ambassador.  
The post having been with the ambassador as he thought, but now rather an enemy than a friend, if this quarrel should go forward, perceiving the intent of the Duke his late master, rather choosing to be an unkind servant, than an unnatural son, wrote unto him, that the case was altered, he had now chosen an other master, whose love he knew was such unto him, that serving him faithfully, would not use him unkindly: his embassage was delivered, and now this must be his answer, as in kindness he might command much, so by the contrary as little; his coming was more expected then feared, and his welcome should be as he deserved: and for himself, if his fortune were to his hope, he should find a kinder servant, than he had done a master: with these and such like conclusions, dispatched away.  
The young Prince, presently went to his father the Duke Ordillo, with whom and his Counsel conferring upon the service speedily to be had care of, taking order by virtue of his Commission, to levy a great Army, as well to encounter the enemy, as in diverse places of strength to stand for defence, if any occasion should be offered, being secure for any fear, or doubt to be overtaken, hearing by a Pinnace, that being at sea deseried the fleet so far, as by means of cross winds, and ill weather, they could not in five days come near the shore of their country, after he had a little reposed himself, after his travail, considering the great discomfort that his mistress the young Princess might take upon the rumour of these wars, making all the means he could to have it kept from her hearing, took a convenient time to go to his sister, with whom his mistress as yet remained. But as such kind of persons most inquisitive of news are not without their intelligencers, so fell it out, that the post was scarce at the Court, but his message was known to the young Ladies, ●…hose private conference upon the same, before Fantiroes coming to them, was as followeth.  
Merilla considering the many sorrows that were now like to fall upon her, the assurance of her father's displeasure, the doubt of her brother's love, and the fear of the young Prince her servants death in the service, was even so appalled, that (following the humours of women) first to sigh for a little grief of disobedience in nature, then enfolding her arms, as lamenting the doubted loss of her brother's love, and last of all, weeping with fear to lose the comfort of all her worlds hope, in her dear beloved and kind loving Lord, in the misfortune of the wars, was by the young Princess her servants sister comforted with these words.  
Sister, so will I now term thee, for so do I hold thee, and so do I hope to have thee, and so will I ever love she; take not too much grief at anything, that either fear or doubt may put into thy head, let this comfort thee, that thou art not alone in thy misery: if thou hast left a father, thou hast found a friend, and if thou hast lost a brother, thou hast found a sister, choler and melancholy governs the spirits of the aged, but kindness and mirth should be the humours of our years: nature bids you love your father, so you may though you do not live with him; but love bids you live with your friend, which you can not if you be from him; and let me tell you, that a●… well as I séem●… to bear it out, I am stung at the heart as well as you. I love your brother as dearly as I can devise, but for his affection, I had little time to hope of, and too little time to en●…oie. Now my father I love, as you do yours, but your brother I cannot love as you do mine, for I cannot enjoy his presence, as you do my brothers: you fear the fortune of the wars, and I both fortune and the wars. I would my case were yours or as yours, that fortune would do her worst, so I had but my love to look on: be therefore content, put off this mourning, this war may breed a blessed peace, for when the Princes are both in the field, my wits shall fail me, but I will plot such a piece of service, as hath never been heard of before, and I believe once executed, will not be forgotten in haste. The other young Princess much comforted to have such a companion in her crosses, and that the heavens did favour her affection, or else fortune would not have been so kind to her in her adventures, taking a little heart of grace, loath to die with conceit, without greater cause than she yet had, for though her head was much troubled with imaginations, yet nothing came so near her heart, but a look of her love would put it quite out of place, yet with a little kind of heau●…nesse made her this answer. Good Madam, if the miseries were far greater that I endure, than I hope they ever will be, yet of such force are the persuasions that you have used unto me, that I should bear them with such patience, that I should forget much of the pain: but yet so many are the thoughts of grief in my head, that but for the comfort of your honourable kindness, would do me but a little good in my heart: I must confess love is the life of the heart, but what is the day that comes but like lightning? little better than dark night. You cannot mourn so much for the lack of your hope, as I for the loss of my happiness; your love may be forcible for the time, but it is not of so long continuance as mine, and for that the eye sees not, the heart grieves not; you fear the fortune of the wars, and I wish for nothing but peace. But sister, since you will have it so, and I would it were so, every way that you wish, till the wars be determined I can be at no quiet, for if my brother die, you lose your love, if your brother perish, what joy have I in the world? if fortune favour my father, my comfort will be little with my affection, and if your father have the field, down goes the honour of my house: so that I can no way see how it can go so well, but woeful will be the issue of what fortune soever befall: but good Madam, if there be any humour in your head, that may give comfort to my heart, I beseech you acquaint me with some little spark of your conceit.  
I will quoth Merilla her sworn sister: and as she was beginning to utter some part of her mind, her brother Fantiro the young Prince came in, who with a kind Congee, lacking no Grace to entertain time with such Gracious creatures, finding them in alike tunes for their humours, some what too near maiden's melancholy, hoping to remove it with a Corpus habeas, fell aboard with them in this manner: Ladies all, fair fortunes befall you, what fowl weather do you dream of, that makes you droop so in your countenance? I hope sister, you are not afraid of sparrow-blasting, and for my sweet mistress, I would I knew the cause of her discontent, I would soon procure her comfort.  
The Lady with a merry go sorry not yet having fully acquainted him with her love to Penillo, the Duke Feronte his son, now coming in Arms against her father, made him this answer: Brother, my sister and I am both sick of one disease, I would we might both alike have remedies: but these wicked wars have put us both in such a flight, that till they be at a point, we are not like to be at rest: her brother as dear to me, as she to you, I have no cause to hope ever to enfoie, so many are my persuasions thereto, you are not yet possessed though beloved, and may be lost though never enjoyed, so our cross carding gets nothing but sorrow, our heads are so full of doubts, and our hearts so full of fears, I speak for my sister as myself. Well answered Fantiro, for my mistress let her be comforted with this, that my life I mate lose, but she my love never; and for your fears and doubts, they are incident to your natures, and therefore you may the better away with them. But dear mistress, quoth he, turning to Merilla, be not dismayed at any thing, fear nothing, the prayers of a virgin are exceedingly effective, I am persuaded, if any live in the field, the lot would fall to me and your brother: for our loves and your prayers cannot but prosper together. And for my love thus much will I say to satisfy all conceit of your imagination, that so honourable is the nature of my affection, and so gracious the honour of your virtue, that I should hate myself, if I should offend you; but in doing you service, shall be my resolved happiness. Time gives me not leave to solemnize the rights of our desires, & therefore will I attend the issue of my fortune▪ to perform the care of my duty, ere with the hasting of my happiness, I may displease the honour of your patience: 〈◊〉 mean time, assuring myself, that my sister will be to you as a second self, I will leave you to her kind company 〈◊〉 you may hear further of my wished comfort.  
His mistress the young Princess not a little pleased with this speech of his. wherein taking her chief notes in the assurance of his never dying love, the prosperity of the virgin's prayers, & the patience of his affection to attend the issue of his fortune, with a heart as full of grief, as her eyes weeping 〈◊〉 could conceal, made him this short answer. My dear love, in the midst of extremities hope is the comfort of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ and though I see no persuasion of comfort in the issue of these wars; yet will I not despair of the blessing of a peace▪ let my life march with thy love, and my prayers with thy act●…s, and if the fates be not too froward, I will hope the best of thy fortune: and for your patience, it is a proof of your constanci●…; and for your care in committing me to your sister, it is the true witness of kindness in yourself. What shall I say? if we were not women, we should have hearts like men; but as we are, give us leave to show our weakness, till we be comforted with your happiness: and for that I know, your careful experience is not a little comfort to your father, in this action, I will entreat you if it may be, not to think of me, till I may come to you, which in the wars is unfit, and in peace is yet unlikely.  
His Sister withal came in with her five pennie-mo●…ice in this manner. Brother, though you cannot be out of love, yet now you are in hand with other matters, trouble not yourself with thinking of us, till need be: forget not yourself, and we will not forget you; follow your business, let us alone with your humours: the powers of heavens bring all to a good end.  
The young Prince with a thankful Amen to their prayer, took his leave of them both and returned to the Court, where I will leave him with his father, preparing for his Army, and the two Ladies in their chamber, parting stakes in conceits, and I will return to Feronte the Duke of Balino, and his son Penillo, who with a great Army were in sight of land, but for some politic occasions to take the benefit of time, did anchor all night in the Road before the Harbour; at which time the young Prince desi●…ous, by some resolute adventure, to gain some especial honour, humbly be sought the Duke his father, that he would vouchsafe him leave, to have the leading of the Uanguarde, the first day of service, and the first night to have the selting of the watch: both which in regard, as well of his earnest suit, as for the skill that he saw in him, and the honour that he had gotten in the emperors wars against the Turk, was granted him. But after a counsel held by the Duke himself, his Son, and all his honourable followers, for the pitching of his Camp, and determination of his service, taking some little repose, till the first breaking of the morning; as soon as they had light to serve their turns for landing, they made all the hast they could a shore: where I will leave them for a while pitching their Tents, and providing for their wars, and I will tell you a word or two of the two Ladies, that I left in their chamber.  
Bilanta having received news that the enemy▪ was landed, and that the Dukes both in their Tents, there was like to be a battle out of hand; began thus to talk to her sister Princess. Sister did not I tell thee that I would play a mad part▪ wilt thou do as I do? venture our lives for our loves? if we shall be sisters let us join hands, and hearts to take part alike in our fortunes: I will not stir a foot from thee: what sayest thou?  
The Lady amazed at her manner of speech, and yet knowing the nature of her love, made her this answer: Say and it is done; for I am no more than you will have me, if I fail in my love, let me fall with my life: I will make no exception knowing the honour of your discretion, but stand upon this resolution, our fa●…stes of one feather, let our loves ●…lie together▪ what you do I will do, if I die for it I care not. Then quoth Bilanta, ten to one, but Penillo will be the foremost man in the fiel●…, and perhaps to strive for honour, may step upon a stone of danger, where if his foot slip; he may happen be taken up ●…er he rise. My father and my brother are I am sure in their Tent▪ before whom every man must come that will seek preser●… in this piece of service. Now let us play the gallants 〈◊〉 Armour, and furnish ourselves with Armour, sword, and Pike, and let us with our burgonettes close covering our faces, as strangers unknown, make suit to the Duke my father and my brother, to have leave before the battle, to do some p●…e of service in his honour: and say that we are young Knights that will not be known till our actions be performed, but that we come from two Ladies (I mean ourselves) who were sent by them, with this chain of Pear●…e to gratify the Duke, and this jewel my brother, the better to obtain leave for the e●…cution of our attempt. Now if we get leave as I doubt not it may be, we shall be happier than we look for.  
Good sister (quoth Merilla) agreed, I am for you: if I 〈◊〉 adventure the danger of the Seas, to follow my friend, shall I fear any course in the company of my kind sister? No, beside me life, or death, I will take part with you in your fortune. Then sister (quoth Merilla) we two will arm ourselves like to gallant young soldiers, and being unknown when our Uanguards are put down, we will go to the Duke my father's tent, where ten to one, we shall find my brother with him, to them will we present ourselves, by a friend that I have made for the purpose, who shall not any way reveal us, but make report, that we are two strange knights, that for our honours have avowed to fear no dangers, nor slip any occasion of adventure: and hearing of late, of this Alarm of the arrival of the Duke Feronte, and his Army, will upon him or some of his chief Generals perform some such resolute piece of service, as may well approve more love, than we will protest both to his Majesty and his country, which performed, we will then reveal ourselves, our names and conditions, only we will entreat but this favour, that we may alone without further company have leave to march this night towards the enemy, upon whom we hope to gain such honour, as may be to the Duke's content, and the benefit to his whole country; and the better to procure this favour, I will carry this chain of pearl, that with a letter to the effect of this suit I will carry, as written from me to my brother, which with this chain of pearl shall be given him as from me: now if we obtain our suit we will to the field, and through the dark, try our fortune. It gives me in my mind, the young Prince your brother will be some what gallant upon the spleen, and step further than he is aware of: which if he do, and we light upon him, it may be it will make a short war: howsoever it be I am resolved, if we be taken prisoners, we shall receive no great hurt, and if we die, our sorrows are at an end.  
The Princess Merilla smiling at her invention, and having past her promise to follow her in her enterprise, was as good as her word, went with her into a private chamber with her sister Bilanta, where they fell to confer with a secret friend, for the better effecting of their intent, where I will leave them like amazons, fitting their armours, to play the par●…es of mad people, and I will tell you a word or two of the Duke Ordillo, and his son Fantiro.  
The Duke making preparation for the next day to answer the enemy both horse and foot, and after good order taken for every thing according to his desire, calling his son unto him, with certain of his Lords, and principal men of Arms, used this royal speech unto him: My good friends and followers, the matter that we have now in hand, is of no little moment, when the lives of ourselves, wives and children, our liberty, our lands and goods, and our honour, and reputation for ever in this world, standeth upon the issue of one days service, wherein the triumphant shall be blessed, and the vanquished in a manner utterly confounded: our enemy is angry, and f●…erce, now it becometh us to be patient and valiant: for nothing more daunteth fury, than the banishment of fear, which in a field is commonly the cause of the overthrow: Rashness may be hurtful, but cowardice is the shame of reason Let us therefore put on resolution, to be ready upon the first summon, to answer the enemy: ours is the better quarrel, he would have that he hath no need of, and we cannot spare that he will command; now our poverty hath made his pride to swell to such a height, as I hope will come down: for if every one be of my mind, he shall have a sharper breakfast, than he had a supper: which if he digest not the better, may hap stick in his stomach till his heart ache: our strengths are well fortified, but shall we look on him a far off? and be afraid to take him by the hand? no, I am old, and first to thee my son I speak, & so to all my friends, I will never return to my Court, without great contentment to my country: and he that loveth me or himself let him lay down his life with me in this service: I will lead you, follow me that will, and let him die quoth his son, that will not: to which prayer was such a general Amen, that with the cheerfulness of every one, it seemed they rather thought of a banquet then a battle. But not long they were in this resolute consultation, but the two Ladies, before spoken of now armed at all points like soldiers, were brought before the Duke and his son, who after the reading of the letter, and delivery of the chain of pearl, with much ado obtained 〈◊〉 ●…t suit, without the company of any more than themselves; to try their fortune in gaining honour upon the enemy, who leaving the Duke with his son in their tents, in the dim night marched towards the enemy, and upon the sudden fearing to be descried by some soo●…te, ambus●…aded themselves, in such sort, that they would be sure of their purpose, ere they would put their honours in adventure, where they had not long rested, till they met with the happiness of their whole hope: but I will leave them there close waiting for their fortune, and tell you a few words of Penillo the young Prince, son to the Duke Feronte.  
This royal spirited youth, ever spurring for the best fortune, and having that night obtained of the Duke his father, the charge of the watch for that night, and the leading of the vanguard the next morning; looking round about him, and seeing no cause of fear or doubt of enemy, the moon though dimly shining, yet giving so much light, as might descry a less shadow than a soldiers, with his trun●…enin his hand, and his rapier at his side, walking as it were careless of all fortune, thinking none within the hearing, tell thus to talk to himself: Oh poor Penillo, the most unfortunate man living, to come with honour from the service upon the Turk, and now to make a quarrel, with alas too weak a Christian, what shall I do? I must follow my father, to fall out with my friend: Ordillo used me like himself, and shall I be ungrateful, in the greatest unkindness? but Bilanta my love, what will she think of my faith, to she we such fruits of my affection? Oh I am not myself, that cannot be hers, and yet in my heart I am hers, how hard soever be my hap: but I must not be unnatural, and I would not be unkind: what is to be done? Oh heavens do that which I cannot devise, love is divine, and as the stature is of my affection, so let me prosper in my fortune. Which word was scarcely out, when the two unknown soldiers laid hold of him, and carried him prisoner to the Duke Ordillo: before whom 〈◊〉 they had brought him, the Duke had them for reward of their service, ask any thing whatsoever his court or country could afford them, with protestation upon the sword of honour, not to deny, nor to delay them: but before the dem●… of the soldiers for their promised reward, passed these few words betwixt the two Princes.  
Fantiro the young Prince seeing the son of his enemy prisoner, the more to abate as he thought, the pride of his spirit, entertained him with this welcome. Your fortune is like your quarrel, no better than I wish, and as it beginneth, so I hope will be the end: disgrace at the first, think what will be the last. Well (quoth Penillo) I am now not myself, had not fortune thus thrown me into thy hands, thou wouldst never have dared to have uttered one of these words; and had I my liberty, I would make thee shake for this presumption. Who, ●…e (quoth the Prince Fantiro?) Thou art deceived, thou shalt see how little account I make of thy too great mind, go take thy liberty; see what thy second fortune can do upon me. but hadst thou me at this advantage, what wouldst thou do to me? Use thee●… (quoth the Prince) now prisoner, as thou dost me, give thee thy liberty for charity. At which words the young Prince Fantiro smiling at the greatness of so royal a spirit, with better words persuaded him to patience.  
When the two Ladies taking off their Burgonets, descrying themselves to the great admiration of the Duke, the young Prince, and the prisoner, and all the beholders near them, demanded their rewards in this manner. Merilla by her tra●…e through the Seas▪ loss of her father's love, her brother, friends, and country, desired to have for her reward the young Prince Fantiro, whom the Duke with no little gladness was content to yee●… unto. Bilanta in the adventure of her life, in the achieving of this honour, pleaded a blessing of the heavens for the enjoying of her love, which was the prisoner. The other young Prince, whoseeing his fortune no worse than to fall into such fair hands, was nothing unwilling to have the Duke's word performed. But I will leave them awhile determining of the event of these fortunes, and I will speak a little of the duke Feronte and his passions.  
Now the morning following the duke expecting his sons coming to his Tent, to take the charge of the vanguard for that day in the service intended, but neither seeing, nor hearing of him so long that he grew into some fear, lest some mishap or other was come unto him, fell at last into this speech with himself. Oh Feronte, under what planet wert thou born? or what offence hast thou committed against the heavens, to have these heavy fortunes befall thee, in thy aged years, thy only daughter as full of virtue, as honour could wish, to be stolen from thy Court, by a stranger, and perhaps thine enemy: thy son more dear to thee then thyself, having won honour in the service of the Emperor, to lose it in the government of a mean Prince: nay more dost thou not rather doubt of his death, then hope of his life, having no notice what may become of him. Oh too much valour I fear hath made thee too forward: Is it possible that thou livest, if thou hast lighted into the hands of thine enemies? No, thy spirit is so great, that it will not let thee yield but to death; and if thou dost live how canst thou hope of any thing, but 〈◊〉▪ knowing the condition of my coming? Well, all things are at the heavens disposing, to whom I will refer the hope of my comfort: I●… thou livest Son, I will redeem thee; and if thou diest, I will follow thee. And thus in extreme passion, determining the adventure of his own life, to take revenge of his son's fortun●…, upon the sudden can●…e a Herald of Arms from Ordillo the Duke, with this embassage unto him, that if it would please him to remit all injuries, and to accept the submission of much love; the intended war should turn to a continual peace: he should have the demand of his desire, and more contentment than he could expect.  
This message in the midst of his many griefs, so pacified his wrath, that he ●…ad the Herald tell his master, that his words were currant weight with him, and that if he would in person meet him between both the camps, he should see what comfortable effect his kindness had wrought with him: with which words, and a bountiful reward for his good message, he returned to the Duke his master, who upon the receipt of the message, came presently out of his tent, & met with the Duke Feronte, according to appointment, to whom after akind of humble greeting, he recounted all that happened of both their children, and that in regard of the debt that he confessed due unto him, he would if with his favour he might endow his daughter with his whole Dukedom, which discourse, and proffer so pleased his much appawled mind, that causing all the children to be brought together on either side, in steed of sharp intended war, made so blessed a peace, that the houses united in marriage, lived ever after in much love, & the soldiers all commanded to lay by their Arms, after much feasting, and many triumphs returned home with no little joy.  
FINIS.