ARISBAS, Euphues amidst his slumbers: Or Cupid's journey to Hell.  
DECIPHERING A MIRROR of Constancy, a Touchstone of tried affection, begun in chaste desires, ended in choice delights: And emblasoning Beauty's glory, adorned by Nature's bounty.  
WITH THE TRIUMPH OF TRUE Love, in the foil of false Fortune.  
By I. D.  Est aliquid levibus depingere seria ●●gis. 
Imprinted at London by Thomas Creed, for Thomas Woodcock, and are to be sold at his shop in Paul's Churchyard. 1594.   

TO THE RIGHT Worshipful Master Edward Dyer Esquire, the Maecenas of worth, and mirror of all admired perfections.  
WEll might Telamonian Ajax (Right worshipful) a Peer of the peerless Iliad, and owner of the sevenfold target, stoutly oppose himself to invading Hector, that vaunted his dreaded prowess, backed by succour of the gods, and strongly repulse the thick-darted Trojan fires from their endangered navy, the sole stay of their then-doubted return, having for his vigorous arm so massy a bulwark, & for his valiant heart so manlike a body. And (si magnis componere parva licebit) in like sort I, shrouded under the shadow of your worship's wings, have therefore the more boldly adventured to thrust into the open light, this mine abortive issue, the fruit of some few idle hours, sith after many thoughts, I could not excogitate any more pleasing recreation whereon I might bestow times of leisure, hoping that for the common good liking which all men conceive of you, and for the general good speeches which all men use of you, they will the better censure of my doing, when they see your worships name to whose worth this worthless Pamphlet is entitled, standing in the front as a strong fort of defence, to shield me from the descanting verdites of such unfriendly readers, which conceiting the Author's intent amiss, may wrest his meaning by wrong conjectures, & from the sour censures of the over-curious Moralists of our age, which glory to be termed the new-uprearers of the long ago confuted Stoical Apathy, although these harsh ensuing lines merit no such high protection, sith they are not over-curiously laboured: for I deem it mere folly to make a trifle a labour, or my pleasure my pain: and they may be termed the work of a slumbering, rather than of a wakeful Muse: yet I have observed that Poetical method in my discourse, which the best & most approved Authors of the ancientest and most famous languages have always used & allowed, beginning in Medio, & afterward at occasions, unfolding former accidents. Howsoever, if these the sapless fruits of green youth, & pithless blossoms of a simple Authors unripe wit, purchase such favour & acceptance as I desire, though they deserve not, I shall be emboldened to raise my Muse's note that now yields harsh Music, to an higher key, a fairer fruit of my better ordered vacant hours, & manifest my duty to your worship in some matter of greater import, than a superficial toy: for I judge it the extremity of folly to trouble the world with heaps of trifles. But fearing to grow offensive through tedious interrupting of your worships serious affairs, and humbly craving pardon of mine audacious enterprise, I end, wishing to your worship many days of happiness in this life, and heaven in the other life.  
Your Worship's most firmly devoted in all duty and service, john Dickenson.   

To the Gentlemen-Readers.  
LEarned and courteous Gentlemen, Although the whitest Swan & sweetest of Apollo's musical birds, hath put an endless period to his everliving lines, being prevented by untimely death the Herald of overhasty destiny, though he the honour of Art & hope of Arms, Minerva's nourse-childe, and beloved Secretary to the sacred Muses, was in the spring-time of his glory, raised from below to reign above: yet as his heroic spirit disrobed of the perishing habit of mortality, swiftly passing through the inferior orbs, hath ascended to the Empire heaven, participating eternal joys in the habitation of the blessed, and doth with happier eyes view the glorious light of the Deity, and resting in that blissful seat of his repose, wonders at heavens huge frame, whereto his high thoughts did always honourably aspire: So his Fame winged with desert, suited in robes of immortality, vanquishing death, triumphing over time, and nothing stayed by trivial stops, towers to the clouds, and not comprehended in small limits, fills the ears of all men with oft-rebounded echoes of his praise, & overspreading Europe, nay the worlds wide continent, as did the flourishing vine which seemed to dismayed Astyages in his ill-presaging dream, to cover Asia with a spacious shade.  
If you demand whom I mean, even he it is to whom I will ascribe no other titles, than the world hath allotted, though I cannot duly afford them as he deserves them, yet take them as I have placed them in this English distich, a testimony of the reverent affection which I bear to the memory of such a famous Worthy.  
Sweet Astrophil the solace of my pen,  
Wonder of worth, and Peer of peerless men.  
But who can add to that which is infinite? or what pen can sufficiently express his praise which exceeds the praises of all pens, especially of mine, whose slender wit treating such an ample subject, feels want in plenty, ranging in a large field of copious matter, and being engulfed in an Ocean of conceit, lies there overwhelmed? But some may demand whereto this tends, to whom I answer thus briefly, framing mine own Apology▪ I hope that it shall not minister just occasion of offence to any, that my blushing Muse reverencing the steps wherein he traced, and hovering aloof with awful dread, doth yet at last warily approach, and carefully observe the directions of so worthy a guide, & in part, glance at the unmatchable height of his heroic humour.  
Did not Statius charge his Thebaide to attend with like reverence, on the lofty footsteps of the royal Aeneide? But to conclude, I shall be full heir of mine hope, and shall esteem it no small good hap, if you grace mine endeavours with favourable doom, and accept my goodwill in am of currant performance. Thus Gentlemen, committing my Pamphlet to your friendly view, and submitting myself to your courteous censures, I end, wishing to you all, several good fortunes, and concluding my resolution in this harsh Epigram, hatched in cod humour: 
Quaeris delicias, faeetiasque,  
Festivosque iocos? habes quod optas,  
Faecunda Astrophili petens fluenta,  
Late mellifluis referta ●iuis.  
Quaeris dulce melos, sales; & omnes  
Verborum veneres? habes quod optas,  
Foecunda Astrophili petens fluenta,  
Passim nectareis adaucta lymphis.  
Quaeris suaviculi novos lepores,  
Gazas ingeni▪ tenes quod optas  
Faecunda Astrophili petens fluenta,  
Lauro & littorea superba myrto.  
Illi Pierides fuere curae:  
Illum Pieridesque Gratiaeque  
Curant. Quin petis illius fluenta,  
Queis tot lacteoli canunt olores?  
At me saevior, insidere terrae  
Cogit Calliope, negatque vela:  
Exemit tamen infimo illa vulgo,  
Et sperare dedit placere posse.   
I. D.   

Arisbas, Euphues amidst his slumbers, or Cupid's journey to Hell.  
THe Sun sojourning in his winter mansion, had disrobed Arcadia of all her pleasures, & disgarnished Vesta's mantle of delights variable choice, wherewith Flora had in plenty powdered the freshness of her earst-gréen hue. Night suited in a dusky rob of pitchy darkness, besieged the globe with long shadows, while Phoebus wanting wont vigour, did by darting his scarce reflected beams afford small comfort to the earth's increase. So that Arcadia erst the sovereign seat of all content, and sole place of world's perfections, seemed now a pattern of the ancient Chaos, wherein all things (if things) were confounded. Fields flourelesse, trees leavelesse, ground heatelesse, brooks streamelesse, springs unhanted, groves unhallowed, augmented this hue of horror, blemish of Europe's Paradise. The maiden huntress Arcadia's patroness, did seldom trace the plains guarded with her troop of virgin-knights, to fix shafts on the flying beasts, whose wont was in time of heavens more mild aspect, to grace the fields with her daily presence, and when her brother's scorching heat tired her limbs with faintness, to bathe her chaste body in some pleasant brook. Nor did the wanton satires lightly skipping on the painted meads, painted I mean by Nature's workmanship, vaunt their body's agility to the Fairy wood-Nymphs. Pan Arcadia's Precedent, penned up himself in his winter-lodging, and the other rural powers, seeing their glories date ended for that year, shrouded himself in the place of his wont repose. In this season, a season well fitting his melancholy thoughts distracted with moody passions, Arisbas the map of Fortune's mutability having lost his dearest Lady, left his Country, abandoning the state of a Prince, the hope of a Crown, the succession of a kingdom, wandered in midst of winter's rage, surcharged with sorrow, lamenting his loss, seeking his love, loathing his life, since lives solace, loves sweetness, had but one and that an hopeless object, whose want made him an hapless abject: while rough Boreas' winter's Henchman mustering legions of storms, scourged the plains with a troop of tempests, and aimed his violent blasts at the tallest trees to lop their heights pride, and combating with his companions, filled the air with dreadful noise of their tumultuous encounter, the infortunate Prince in whose mind Love martialled millions of striving passions, wandering alone, (if he be alone) whom Fancy tosseth in a boundless Ocean of perplexing thoughts, ceased not his travail till the weathers intemperate fury calmed by heavens milder influence, took truce with Time, & sealed the atonement with a sudden change. But when Phoebus renewing his yearly task, and denying longer residence to stormy winter, had pierced earths entrails with comfortable warmth, opening a fruitful passage for the issue of her womb, to clothe pomona's branches with Nature's bounty, and diapre her own mantle with Flora's sense-alluring pomp. Arisbas entered the frontiers of Arcadia's main continent, where seeing the late hue of horror turned to an heaven of eyes happiness, he redoubled many sighs drawn from the depth of his woeful heart's centre: for remembering that Tellus was erst dismantled, the trees bereaved of their blossoms beauty, earths natural defects anatomised by Time, in the place where frosty Hiems had displayed her icy trophies, he lamented to think that these the tokens of world's mutability, had recovered their former flourish by the years timely alteration, but his desperate fortune had no hope of an happy spring to calm the winter of his woe. Drowned in this deep meditation, he proceeded pensive, but he had not walked far, when he espied a fair broad Oak, whose spacious branches environed the ground lying underneath with a shady circle. There he determined to rest awhile his body wearied by long journeys, and somewhat disburden his soul by displaying his sorrows. Thither he came, down he sat, and fixing his eyes on the starry concave, began thus to utter passionate complaints, not limiting his laments with distinct clauses, for his moan admitted no method.  
Injurious heavens (quoth he) hath your influence effected this misfortune? Injust Gods, have you envying earth so rare an ornament, beautified the seat of your abode with world's wonder? Ungentle Cupid, hast thou deeming my Timoclea fairer than thy Psyche, renewed thy doting humour? if so, then wert thou cruel in thy change, but more in thy choice, enforcing me to love whom thyself didst like. I have wandered through the earth, augmenting the springs with streams of my tears, filling the woods with rebounding Echoes of my woes, tracing the plains with restless steps, yet have I missed Timoclea, and not finding her, have lost myself. I have blamed heaven, searched earth, accused the Gods, and shall Hell exceed the scope of my passions impatience? May I not surmise that Pluto affecting a second wonder, hath performed a second rape? If so, then most cruel Monarch of the Ghosts, be thy Proserpina as jealous as I am joyless. Dost thou triumph in the possession of so peerless a prey, and may not I lament the loss of so matchless a mirror? Should I excuse thy fury, or accuse thy folly? (if it be folly to be blinded by so fair an object, the worth of whose perfections words can not utter, and thoughts scarce comprehend.) O that I might equal Orpheus in art as I exceed him in anguish: the powerful virtue of his heavenly tunes, amazed furious beasts, stayed fluent streams, raised stones, assembled trees, moving sense in senseless things. Descending to the silent faults of Acheron, he caused ghosts to groan, shadows to sigh, effecting relenting thoughts in hell's remorseless judges: but were I his peer in that profession, I would do more, enforcing the tyrant not touched then with such a sympathy, to leave his lust, and grant me my love. Tush Arisbas, these are fancies, and therefore follies. Timoclea is yet lost, and if not found in Arcadia, then for ever lost. But ay me, what comfort can Arcadia afford, from whose coasts the winds fury did violently drive her? Hath then the Sea greedy of such rare gain swallowed her, not satisfied with Helle, nor glutted with Hero? No, but Neptune desirous of change, hath received her into his watery Palace, and crowned her Empress of his liquid Monarchy, commanding the Sea-Nymphs to attend on her, the Sirens to delight her with the sweetness of their enchanting harmony, Dolphins to waft her Chariot, Phocae to guard her, and the Tritons to sound her Majesty. Whether do I wander? Is this to rest? Leave Arisbas, nay, proceed Arisbas, cease to suppose, begin to sorrow, ay me, wretched me, hapless, hopeless, what means may I now conceit, what devise may now be plotted? hereat he stopped, and opening the flood-gates of his eyes, distilled a shower of tears, supplying his speeches with deep sighs. But resolving to proceed, he beheld as he looked aside, one somewhat near him, which was by birth an Arcadian, and by his habit seemed a Shepherd, who overhearing the last words of the Prince's complaints, and aiming (though amiss) at the occasion of his sorrows, thought that being a stranger he lamented the loss of his way, to which imagination applying his words, he began thus:  
Friend, (for so I may term you without offence) the day is almost spent, and the night dangerous for such as you are, or at least seem to be, I mean a stranger, Accept then a simple lodging in my Cottage, with such homely fare, as shepherds houses yield, and when to morrows Sun shall display his fair (though late forceless) beams, you may prosecute your intended journey, wherein, if my directions may further you, you shall find me ready to afford them.  
Arisbas wondering at such rare humanity harboured in those contemptible weeds, made a long pause as if he had enjoinde his mouth to perpetual silence, at last shaped this reply.  
Friend, (for so your proffered courtesy binds me to term you) muse not that sobs interrupt my words, or sorrows season my discourse, which only comfort my fates have assigned me. What I was, I list not now repeat: what I am, you see, I grieve. A lodging in your Cottage I gladly accept: your country far i'll thankfully receive. Your directions will be as needful as my distress is notable. My body wearied much through travail, requires longer rest than one nights repose. My mind wrapped in a Chaos of confusions, expects ease by earnest conference. I have a secret to disclose, a sorrow to decipher, which while I smother in private passions, I shall in stead of comfort reap discontent, but by discovering my fortune, I may discharge my fancy. And if this double favour do proceed from you, then in requital of your courtesy, first, I beseech jupiter Xenius, the patron of hospitality, and protector of strangers, to bless your labours, prosper your attempts, & enrich your store with heaped plenty. Next, I vow by that bright lamp heavens ornament, that if fortune (as she is never stable) raise me from so low an ebb to the wont height of my good hap, I will remunerate your kindness with most ample recompense. For know, that I can by birth challenge what may beseem a Prince to claim. Every Shepherd is not a Swain, nor all private that seem poor.  
Damon (such was the shepherds name) seeing majesty in his looks, gravity seated in disguise, royalty suited in base attire, gathered by these probable conjectures, that he could be of no mean degree: moved therefore with a deeper remorse, he courteously entreated him to repair to his simple lodging, and remain there till fortune should convert her frowns into favours, protesting, that though he could not entertain him as the quality of his condition required, yet he would supply in good will the disabling defects of his low estate. Which words wrought such cheerfulness in the heart of Arisbas, that he yielded him millions of thanks, and accompanied him to his house: which, when he entered, he found not gorgeously embossed, yet gaily trimmed, not courtly, yet comely, though homely, yet handsome, and he was kindly welcomed by Damon's wife, who gréeted him with a merry countenance, being by her husband certified of his fortune. Sojourning there some small time, he sought by sundry means to abolish the impression of his sorrow, but being unable to find ease in ease, he resolved to departed, and finish his search by finding his love, or ending his life. Thus ready to effect his resolution, he determined to inform Damon at full of his estate, knowing that he being both borne and brought up in Arcadia, could not be ignorant of such accidents as fortune there had acted. As they walked together on a day through Damon's ground conferring of sundry matters, the heat growing excessive, they hasted to a cool shade, & there sat down. Arisbas loath to omit so meet occasion, seeing opportunity friend to his desire, began thus.  
Friend Damon, sith many respects shorten my intended residence, I have resolved with speed to leave you, though for ever bound to love you, my fortune enforceth the one, your courtesy causeth the other. But before my departure, I will disclose to you a secret, which may move you to marvel, and me to melancholy. A secret so rare, so ruthful, that every period may effect a passion, each clause a corrosive, wherein you shall see a world of wonders plotted by love, and performed by fortune. For know, that you have lodged a Prince, whose majesty masking in disguise of misery, drooped in a lower ebb than might seem a decorum in my former dignity. If you muse at this, then mark the rest, and lend attentive ear to my tale.  
Cyprus of all neighbour Iles the noblest, is my father's Kingdom, the succession of whose estate, right of birth, and title of inheritance, will by due claim after his decease, transfer to me. But what avails it to be invested with a diadem & want delight? When the date of my nonage was expired, he desirous to link me in some honourable alliance, determined to provide a wife with an ample dowry, and large hopes of future good haps. Many Princes of jonia, and Peers of Europe, desirous to insert themselves into so royal a kindred, and to have interest in so noble a Family, offered their daughters with large portions. But only the Prince of Lemnos sped in his suit, whose alliance my Father accepted, shadowing his pretence which was aimed at hoped profit, for the match was concluded with this condition, that if the Prince died without heir Male (as he then had none, nor may by any likelihood hope of any) than the enjoying of his estate, and possession of his Crown, should in right of his daughter descend to me. This compact thus subtly contrived, was by agreement of both our Parents confirmed, so that nothing wanted to finish the bargain and strengthen the contract, but my consent, whereof my Father seeming to conceive no doubt, made me privy to his proceed, commanding me to deliver my resolution in brief and plain terms. I, who misliking his choice, would not conform my thoughts to an others direction, perceiving the old man's drift, yet dissembling my intent, answered in effect thus, that my years were few, my experience small, my affections free, a sole life best fitting my fancy. Yet did I in humility submit me to his disposing, only craving a little respite to summon my senses, and conceit a change, desiring him to impute the not liking of so honourable an estate, to the imperfections of my youth. He suspecting no fraud in these fair speeches, thought it sufficient that I was so flexible, and referred the times appointment to mine own choice. But I deeming nothing more dishonourable then to measure affection by money, or level the eye, fancies herald, at a gainful, though inglorious object, pronounced lucre an heresy in love, and esteeming such mercenary thoughts meeter for a peasant than a Prince, would rather never marry then so mar. For should I wed mine own woe? Should I accept her a spouse, whose beauty I beheld not, whose behaviour I knew not, of whose worth I was uncertain, because it was unseen? How could that love be constant, that affection permanent, which had no deeper root than the parents naked consent, no surer seal than a bare saluting at the first fight? Yet, (such was the inclination of my youth) I earnestly desired to fix my fancy on some fortunate object worthy of a Prince's favour. Many both gorgeous and gallant Dames attended in my Father's Court, yet none fit, though all fair. While fancy commenced such tumults in my thoughts, there arrived in Cyprus a noble Epirot, surnamed Aristophon, a man noble in deed, graced with all ornaments which nature might afford, or virtue challenge. He was banished from his native soil by tyrannous doom of his unnatural Sovereign, being falsely accused to attempt an innovation in the State, and plot some treacherous practice with the King of Macedon. For it was unjustly surmised by some, and believed by all, that he had conspired to betray to him the country of Ambracia, whereof he was Precedent, and had annexed it by force of Arms to the Crown of Epirus. Although his integrity should have cleared him from such a crime, yet, (as it commonly happens) innocency oppressed by injury could not prevail: leaving therefore his unkind country, despairing of return, yet bearing with manlike patience the burden of his exile, he repaired to my Father's Court, who relieved him with princely liberality, allowing him an honourable pension for maintenance of his estate: for having oft employed him in weighty affairs, and finding him fortunate in achievements, he perceived by these experiments that he was garnished with all glories of nobility, grave in counsel, valiant arms: of dauntless courage, spotless truth. But leaving this digression, I will return to the proposed intent of my discourse. He brought with him his daughter and only child named Timoclea, a creature endued with such ornaments of the body, graced with such qualities of the mind, that it seemed nature and virtue concurring in one, had conspired to make her a peerless proofe-péece of their united perfections: and though fortune fretting at their favours so largely bestowed sought to cross their courtesies with her cruelties, yet could she not blemish the bright-shining worth of so famous a wonder. But as a small cloud in a clear day may somewhat stain, not wholly stop the suns light, so fortune's malice did rather darken then drown her merits, in whose ivory brows Chastity sat enthronizde as guardian of her looks, Modesty teinting her cheeks with a vermilion dye of Virgin-red maiden-blushes, emblasond her a map of mirrors. Majesty which beauty claimed, birth challenged, love commanded, guided her gestures with such decent proportion, as juno wanted in the pride of her glory, or Minerva in the prime of her pomp. These gifts these glories did so enchant, enthrall, enforce me, that having scarce viewed her, I vowed her mine, or myself not mine own, such deep impressions were wrought in mine affections. Love having won and wounded me with mine own weapons, finding an easy entrance into mine heart through mine eyes, the authors of my disease, and discoverers of my desire, disgarisond my thoughts of wont fancies, converting my solace into sobs, my delights into despair. I unable to sustain so grievous a burden, perceiving that the more I strove to allay the heat, the more those smothered cinders revived in quenchless flames, Flames which Aetna-like boiled in my breast, resembling the horrors of Mount Ghibelloes' fiery rage, which vomits millions of vapours, and darts heaps of sulphur from the glowing centre, being I say tortured with troubles, I resolved to find ease for my love, or end for my life, suing to her bounty which had undone me by her beauty. I am so brief in relating my fortunes, as I was then loath to defer the execution of mine enterprise that so highly concerned the hope of my good hap. Finding her on a time in company with other, I singled her from the rest, my intent not suspected by any. When we were alone, I having awhile dallied with common devices to entertain her with variety of talk, in the end though I could not Orator-like paint my passions in figurative terms, nor contrive them with rhetorical conceits, yet did I plainly discover my affection, protesting my present love, vowing my future loyalty, producing causes, desiring comfort, alleging her worth, my wants, seasoning my words with many sighs. She in a choleric humour (but it was a pretty choler) framed a courteous yet cruel answer, courteous in her words, interlaced with reverent speeches, cruel in that unkind repulse, yet kind rebukes, not omitting to insert the respect of her own honour, and the regard of her father's safety: but concluding her friendly anger in a calmer vein, she proffered in submission all service love excepted and her honour reserved. Although the last clause afforded sufficient matter for a fresh reply, yet did her constancy so confound me, that being unable to utter one word, I broke off our parley abruptly, and summoning my fancies to a retreat, I resolved to attempt a second onset, wherein being likewise vanquished by her virtues, yet rather animated then amated (these kind conflicts kindling not quenching my flaming passions) I attached a third onset: but having therein received a sharper foil, I proceeded to a fourth, of all most fatal, for she taunted me with contemptuous terms, and yielding a full denial, sealed with a storm of frowns, she departed, leaving me amid my discontent plunged in a sea of dangerous conceits, musing on my mishaps, meditating on her rigour, desperate of all hope, destitute of all delights: but my passions were such that I could not conceal them undiscovered: such my sorrows, that I could not smother them in silence: thus therefore I uttered part of my grief in an extemporal Sonnet.  

Arisbas his Sonnet.  

SHould I accuse mine eyes that boldly gazed  
On that fair object not to be obtained,  
Or blame the worth in Europe's wonder blazed,  
That them to look and me to love constrained?   

Eyes for excuse alleadgde prevailing reason,  
Heart in extremes on fancies wrong exclaimed:  
Hopes sunshine clouded like obscurest season,  
Yields to despair at my misfortunes aimed.   

Nature too lavish outward graces planted,  
Virtue too friendly inward bounties sowed:  
Yet those fair eyes of courteous looks are scanted,  
And angels hue on tigers thoughts bestowed.   

Tush, love which not alike did wound us both,  
Is cause, that I my deathlike life do loath.    
But not satisfied thus to have expressed my sorrow, I did in an odder vein pen an Elegy without method or good matter, but as it was I will rehearse it.  

Arisbas his Elegy.  
FAint well I may for I feel enfeebling faintness about me,  
faintness upon my limbs heart to beset to besot.  
Love is a God but a cruel God but a boy but a wanton  
blind but boldly triumphs, proud to be termed a tyrant.  
What shall I do? shall I sue to the gods that lodge in Olympus?  
there love seated aloft vaunts to be Lord over all.  
Heaven yields small comfort: him, they do tremble obeying,  
and themselves enthralled cannot alas me release.  
What shall I do? shall I sue to the power whom Cyprus adoreth,  
loves loveworthy mother though not a friend to Cupid?  
Her doth he wound and smiles when her hap Cytherea bewaileth,  
how then will he for her yield to relieve another?  
What shall I then? shall I sue to the boyish God that hath hurt me,  
hurt and harmed me so, that little is my relief?  
Then will he vex me more till heart more heavily languish,  
torn as Prometheus fruitful unhappy liver.  
What shall I then? i'll sue to the saint whose looks me bereaved  
of lives bliss through love, love the decayer of hope,  
O that beauty so rare (but I blush to blame such a bounty)  
should stain fairest hue with such a blot such a blur.  
Yet will I try, to the saint will I pray and sue to be succoured,  
in whose choice it rest me to relieve to release.   
If you mislike either of them, or both of them (as well you may) accept this for a currant excuse, that troubled thoughts thwarted with sorrow, can hatch no pleasant conceits seasoned with sweetness, and where sadness hovers, no Muses harbour, but to our purpose. This melancholy (whereof I spoke before) procured a grievous malady, which she at the first supposed feigned, knowing that I would plot all sleights, and leave no subtleties unassaide to cirumvent her, but when the physicians report, my Father's sorrow, the general rumour bruited through the Court had assured her of mine estate, she thinking it enough to cause but too much to continue my danger, came with her Father to visit me. How then I was affected, I refer to their censures whose fortunes have resembled mine. All the powers of my body being transferred into mine eyes the contrivers of my then-séeing discontent, were employed in viewing her outward glories, and valuing her inward graces. When I remembered her last terms, I trembled at each thought, but weighing that being endued with all virtues, she could not want that of clemency having the other of courtesy nor be void of gentleness being garnished with far-derived gentility, I supposed this the fittest time to speed if now I spoke. When her father took leave, I craved his daughters longer presence under pretence of passing away the time, she not unwillingly assented though smelling the drift of my demand, and he both accepted and ratified my request, commanding her to tarry. When we were alone, I pleaded in effect thus, though not so boldly as before, First, I alleged that my present sickness so dangerous, my former vows so serious, might warrant the truth of mine unfeigned passions. Next, that I meant not to dishonour her by affecting her, sith I craved only to make her my lawful spouse, which favour if she would vouchsafe to afford, I vowed to incur all hazards for the preserving of her honour, protesting to leave Cyprus, to frustrate the pretended marriage with the Prince of Lemnus his daughter, and live with her the only blissful heaven of my life, and stay of mine happiness, as banished in some other country till my Father's anger were appeased and his consent obtained, whose royal estate to me as eldest by right belonging, when I should by succession in that far-renown Kingdom fully enjoy, I promised to invest her with a Diadem, and Crown her Queen of my country, as she was already sovereign of my content. I ended my plaints with an humble petition, desiring her to pity mine estate, accept my service, and compassionate my sorrows, sith in love-diseases they only can heal which caused the hurt. She showering a stream of siluer-teares from those crystal fountains bright lamps of loves light, such as might beseem Venus to shed on her dear Adonis, Aurora on her Son Memnon, shaped this answer.  
Pardon (dearest Lord) the follies of a silly maid, or rather weigh with indifference the causes of her coyness, for so you term my denial, which if folly had effected, or disdain caused, I had merited more blame than a world of punishments might expiate. But sith the respect of my Father's safety, and the regard of mine own honour moved me to be so rigorous in my replies, I hope to find the more favour in the offer of my satisfaction, which with all submission I humbly present. As it grieves me to be the author of your present danger, so it glads me not a little that in me it rests (as you affirm) to cure your discontent, and be the happy author of your health, wherein if mine endeavours may further you, I will not fail in diligence, nor be slack in my devoir, but with this condition, that you observe your promise of preserving mine honour from all prejudice: then leaving all, and only loving you, I will for ever live with you, but if you violate that vowed covenant, then is the bargain canceled by so heinous a forfeit.  
These words containing such comfort, affording such content to my halfe-withered hope, did so relieve my fainting spirits, that they recovered their wont vigour, and I my former strength, being within short time restored to mine health by this good hap. I forthwith conceived means for our escape, having before decreed to pass into your Arcadia, and to remain there until my Father's anger were appeased, knowing that in such affairs delays import more than ordinary dangers, fearing my Fathers too hasty pracéeding in that ill-pleasing match with the Lemnian Prince's daughter. Being loath to defer time, or dally with fortune, I observed this order in performance of my plotted enterprise. Disguising myself, I went on an evening t●●he Haven (for the Court was then kept at Famagosta) there I met with a Rhodian, which having shipped his fraught, was ready to hoist sail, and determined to touch in the main of Greece before his arrival at Rhodes. Conferring with him a while of trivial matters, in the end I disclosed my purpose, feigning myself an Arcadian, and that my Father enforced to fly his country, had long lived in Cyprus, spending the remnant of his life in banishment with me and my poor sister (for so I termed Timoclea) his unhappy children, the hopeless companions of his exile, that being now dead, he left us seely Orphans, and to us such small substance as he had, that we bereaved by death of our dearest comfort, not knowing how to maintain ourselves in a strange place with so small a portion, were desirous to review our native soil, and return to our deceased father's friends. Proceeding, I told him that I knew none fit to transport us then himself, protesting to pay whatsoever he would reasonably demand, if he would undertake it as well he might, having occasions to touch in the main of Greece, sith in what part soever of the continent we were set on land, we might have easy passage thence into Arcadia. He believing my feigned tale, seeming to pity each clause of my discourse, or perhaps tickled with desire of gain, offered himself most willingly to undertake it, but requested a round sum, which I granting, gave him part in hand, with sufficient assurance for the rest. Thus the bargain being solemnly knit between us, he wild me that I should come with my supposed Sister the next night very late, being the time prefixed for his departure, and told me secretly in friendly sort, as one stranger to an other, that he had aboard certain unlawful and uncustomed wares, the sale whereof would be very gainful to him, but if it were revealed, would work his utter undoing, which caused him attempt means to launch thence by stealth. Nothing could chance more ●espondent to my wish, who desired to departed privily. Leaving him therefore and returning to the Court, I repaired to Timoclea, certified her of my proceedings in all points, willed her to remember her vowed promise and plighted faith, informed her of all things needful to be done. She not failing mine expectation, promised her readiness at the appointed time. I leaving her, packed such treasure as I could gather in haste, and attended the assigned hour, which being come, taking her with me, I came to the Haven, and being speedily conveyed aboard, found all things ready, anchors weighed, sails spread at our coming: within short space we got out of the Haven, and before morning were far enough from the coast of Cyprus. Four days we sailed merrily, having a lusty gale in the poop, which drove us gallantly forward. On the fift day towards evening we descried land, the shores delightful hue affording us a pleasant prospect. Our master judging it some part of Greece, supposing that I which had feinde myself native in the continent, could not be ignorant of the coast, desired me to go on shore, search the land, and bring him word whether I knew the country. I of all most desirous to leave the sea, fearing pursuit of my father's power, condescended to his request. Being set on land, pacing up and down a while, I was drowned in view of those delights which that fertile soil yielded, deeming that it was Arcadia, or some place bordering on it, participating like pleasures with it. Then began I to conceit varieties of imagined bliss, judging this a fit place for me and my Timoclea to rest in a while, till she had recovered her health, being much impaired by her sea-iourney. Hitherto Fortune seemed friendly to mine attempts, but now, lest she should be unlike herself, she obscured the sunshine of my happiness with clouds of her inconstancy, for the wavering Goddess doomed my solace to be thwarted with eternal sorrows. In a moment the winds raising the Sea in billows, secluded me from return. He which attended my coming in the Boat, fearing to be intercepted by the storm, rowed back in haste, leaving me, yet did he hardly escape drowning. I though too late weighing the weather's change, hasted back, but miss the Boat, and him that guided it. Then I beheld the Ship tossed amid those tempestuous waves, sometimes hoist to heaven, presently plunged in the Ocean's depth. Accursed eyes the unhappy beholders of my dearest Timocleas' troubles whereof she was unworthy, I too worthy which brought her to this peril, for whose danger drooping more than dreading mine own, I made signs to them aboard, which answered me with the like, intimating as I did guess their desire and readiness to take me in when the storm should cease. I somewhat comforted with this cold hope, sat down near the shore looking for a calm. days light declining, night's darkness shadowed the earth, but in this obscurity of all things I continued my abode, expecting days return. But when Phoebus posting from the Antipodes had remounted the Eastern hill, and burnished heaven with his glittering beams, I hoping to see my wished object, viewed only the void Sea. What should I then do? exclaim? I did it: accuse? whom? the Gods? I would not: Fortune? I durst not, for I hoped her favour might be regained. But ay me, my hope was forceless, because fruitless. The winds fury was assuaged, but no Ship seen, no hope of return. I spent the second night in this bootless expectation, which being passed, and day restored, I summoned my thoughts to consult, and determined sith vain sorrow without search could not avail, to seek her my lost love, and find her if the earth afforded her. Rising in this resolution, and hasting by the coast, having mine eyes always towards the Sea, I came to a desolate and almost dispeopled Haven, where finding a Cretan Pinnace ready rigged, and furnished for departure, I speedily embarked myself therein, but neither in my passage at Sea, nor in my search on land after my arrival, could I find any certainty of my desire. Passing thence by Ship to Rhodes, I had like success, for expecting there most comfort, I found least content. Though there discouraged, yet I drouped not, but proceeded: no I'll in the Ionian or Aegaean Seas was by me unseen or unsearched. Failing in these, I came by Sea to Hellespont, thence to Epirus, thence to Macedon, then forward into Thessaly, from Thessaly to Thrace, inquiring diligently in all the Port towns of these Provinces, and not finding any comfort, not hearing any news of what I most desired, I entered into Arcadia, and met happily with you amid my laments. Thus have you heard the sum of my sorrows briefly related, whereto if you can afford such ease as I expect, you shall not only save the life and salve the honour of a distressed Prince, but make him of all most fortunate. Here words melted into tears, tears that made a period to his plaints. Damon half in a passion after some pause replied thus.  
The strangeness of your discourse hath so amazed me, that I scarce know how to answer. I should derive my beginning from craving pardon for so homely entertaining so great a parsonage: but the ignorance of your estate affords sufficient matter of excuse to shield me from reproach. Yet if the sequel of my report do in any sort satisfy you, I request that the solace which you get thereby, may in part recompense those former defects.  
When our last Autumn the years most desired season, had rendered Earth's tribute with heaped plenty of increase, Aegon and Damaetas, both Arcadians, by profession Shepherds as I am, walking on the downs not far from the Sea, while Titan posting to plunge his fiery Chariot in Thetis lap had gladded Oceanus with his return, walking I say and overlooking their Swains that gathered the flocks to pen them in the folds, they saw a far off one running towards them, seeming by signs to request their tarriance. At his approach they beheld him a goodly youth of comely feature, and endued with such rare beauty, as is seldom seen in any of our sex. The silly lad breathless with running, speechless, and almost heartless through fear, fell down at their feet. They having granted him some respite to settle and recover himself, gently took him up and courteously demanded his estate, and the cause of his ill hap. He which panting for breath stopped oft in his tale, and could not make a long discourse, briefly told them, that having by hard fortune left his Country, he was taken by Pirates, amongst whom he had long led a miserable life, being most barbarously handled, they sometimes alluring him with fair promises, sometimes terrifying him with sharp menaces, but no way able to win him to their wills, or move him to satisfy their beastly lust. Oft he cursed his worthless beauty, so he termed it, that had caused that wretched bondage, wherein he had endured so many troubles, continuing resolutely in his chaste constancy. Thus much he discovered, and desired them to question no farther of his estate, but earnestly besought one of them, whom it should so please, to entertain him as his servant, and promised to do his duty with all devoir of diligence. Aegon the wealthier of the two, a man of approved honesty entertained him, took him home, and since that time hath used him not as a servant but a son, for having no child he purposeth to make him his heir. When the fame of this wonder, and the fortune of his arrival was bruited through the country, aegon's house was frequented with troops of Arcadians lusty Gallants, and dainty Girls. Ranished with the view of so rare a creature, they all said that either Hyalus being retransformed, had returned to grace Arcadia, or Cupid shrouded in disguise of mortal shape, was come to fire their hearts with new flames. Thus was this wonder admired of all, loved of Shepherds, and liked of Lasses. Happy seemed the Swain that could enjoy his company, proud was the Girl that could for a lovers glance receive a friendly look. Among the rest, Dorylus an Herdsman, doting more deeply than became a Neateheard, assaying all means possible, yet finding no means possible to compass his desire, at last resolved to woe him with offers, try him with presents, and tempt him with gifts: for deeming love a covetous humour, he thought this the only point for his purpose. Being in so odd a vain, presuming to foresee his own success, he plotted his supposed fortune in a Poem, which being common in every shepherds mouth, I will now recite, that you may judge how cunningly he could contrive his fancy in a fiction.  

Cupid's journey to Hell.  

Love leaving heaven 'gan post to Stygian lake,  
And being landed on the farther shore,  
For Pluto's palace did his journey make,  
To view his uncles Court and royal store.   

Thus having crept from mother's sight by stealth,  
He welcomed is with pomp by bloodless ghosts:  
And hels grim tyrant greeting him with health,  
His royalties to powerful nephew boasts.   

Having viewed each strange hue of monstrous shape,  
They feasted with great jollity in hell:  
And sauced their meat with store of pressed grape,  
Till wine did wit and sense from them expel.   

Sleep caused by fumes to their o'ercharged brains,  
Did seize on both: first Pluto took a nap:  
Next, Cupid (thus his quaffing mood constrains)  
Lay down to rest him, dreading no mishap.   

In hast the fondling from his shoulders threw,  
His dear bought quiver and his fatal bow:  
Fair Proserpina came in and at the view,  
Forthwith exclaimed, these, these have wrought my woe.   

These, these caused me deprived of wont joy,  
T'inhabit Hell these fired the lechers lust:  
But sith they are misguided by a boy,  
I will commit them to an others trust.   

This said, came Plutus headlong tumbling in,  
Plutus the god of Coin blind as the other:  
Whom with fair words the guileful queen did win,  
T'usurp those gifts and seem loves second brother:   

At first he feared, at last he was delighted,  
With using them and smiled oft to think:  
How men's affections by those shafts excited,  
Obeyed his doom which love with gold did link.   

Cupid awaking missed the dreaded signs  
Of godheads might: strange passions did him toss:  
He wreaths his arms in folds and them untwines,  
Thus childishly he moans his hapless loss.   

He wept, he fled, in hell he durst not hide him,  
Grieved with the murmur of so many souls,  
Near heaven he dares not come lest Venus chide him.  
What should he do whom Fortune thus controls?   

Fowl fall the wag that lost so rare a jewel  
Long may he lurk that could no better guard  
His father's toil, his mother's pride, the fuel,  
Which for heart's wrack, eyes glances have prepared.   

Sith then the god of gain usurps loves room,  
I will with gifts make suit for gracious doom.    
You may perhaps doubt the coherence of this devise, thinking it strange that Plutus stumbled in headlong at that instant, no former cause of his hasty coming being pretended: but mark my brief report, which being heard, his invention may seem plausible.  
In this the last and worst time wherein men carry golden thoughts though it be an iron age, Plutus perceiving the general desire of wealth settled in all hearts, thought himself so great a god as the best, since his gifts were so esteemed of the most. Meaning therefore more benignly to express his bounties royalty, he lent the use of his chief servants to sundry his well-willers, pretending those the only acceptable sacrifice to obtain his favour, their names were Covetousness, Deceit, Perjury, and the Seed of all mischief, that Arch-sinne Usury. Having thus prepared a pathway, he fancying greater glories due to his devilish deity, discovered himself in the West, supposing that these Coyne-cormorants, these Money-mongers his godheads chief pillars, would run in heaps to adore him, and fill the earth with Temples erected in honour of his name: But his hope wanted success, for these odd companions hearing that his jollity had ascended from his infernal lodging to frolic with them, contrived means to catch him, and having laid hold on him, they hampered him so, every one catching a piece, that he erst in hell a god, was now on earth a prisoner, mangled and martyred by those his favourites, locked in great chests strengthened with iron bars, kept so close that the poor god was almost stifled, gasping oft for breath, but being blind, he felt no want of light, though closed in darkness where the glory of his former beauty was blemished by rust. But when Saturn's black son had sent his poursivant Death to seize on these hucksters for whom a stately bath was prepared in ever-burning Phlegeton, the children not liking their father's close fingering, restored Plutus to his liberty but with his loss, for they brought him from prison to torture, setting him on the rack, stretching his joints so, that he possessed more room than Tityus, whose body covered so many acres, for they made him reach or rather retch to the benefits of all those whom they glutted with inordinate gifts, and they had almost dismembered him, for they drew him so ●rie and sucked the marrow so near (the quintessence of 〈◊〉 substance being bestowed on the basest though best-s●●●ing commodities) that the lean god had nothing 〈◊〉 but skin & bone. At last, winding himself from their, he met in this perplexity with his old friend Frugality, which being an expert Chirurgeon set him together again: having recovered his legs, away he trotted amain winged with fear, dreading ever that some of those mad companions were at his heels, and never thought himself secure until he came to hell, but he left his servant Treasure behind him on the earth, with a thousand curses to them which kept it: Of which one was, that they should never be quiet in mind: Another, that the brats of Usurers should be always sick of the lose disease, never able to hold any thing long.  
Thus have you heard the cause of his headlong stumbling in, but here I will presume to comment on the conceit of Dorilus. Plutus did gladly ●●cept this offer of Proserpina, hoping thereby to recover his servant Treasure, for which purpose he used to wound lovers after Cupid's fashion, with the gold-tipped shafts, but he pierced the hearts of their beloved objects with leaden headed arrows, though garnished with a thin coverture of gold, which intimated that they carried Mercenary affections, not vouchsafing them any favour which brought them no fee. But belike the god himself meant to share stakes, and by that kind of tribute which they paid, to recover in part his servant Treasure, through them to whom he had been the author of so profitable a profession. Hereat Arisbas smiled, and Damon ending this his first merry digression, proceeded thus on a second.  
This was not his first experience of repulsed affection and unregarded passions, for before this wonders arrival, he extremely doted on Palma a fair shepherdess, which was more delighted with observing Diana's orders, then accepting his offers. He half in despair, penned a conceit as he thought persuasive, thinking that could move her, which did rath●r mad her, and thus it was.  

Dorylus his Ode, in English Sapphiques.  

TEll me thou fairest of all earthly creatures  
Fair by thy virtue, by thy beauty blessed,  
Tell me what moves thee to refuse my service  
slightly regarded?   

Love of a sole life to be like Diana  
May perhaps move you, but I wish ye would not:  
Would not or could not, but I hope ye will not,  
still be resolved so.   

If to the Forests, to the shady thickets,  
Fancy doth move thee to repair alone thus,  
If to the wide woods, to the craggy mountains,  
or to the valleys,   

Then will I speed me to the groves unhanted,  
Where satires sport them to the Fairy wood-Nymphs▪  
Nimbly now skipping, then again reposing,  
near to the fountains.   

Like not a sole life: Venus is revenging,  
Fear ye not frownings of an angry goddess?  
Scorn not her hests then: be no foe to Nature,  
Love is a pleasure.   

Beauty decayeth, yet is no chiefest  
Grace of a Virgin, yet it is required:  
Life is uncertain. Who can hold a shadow  
Lost in a moment?    
Such was his conceit wherein he sped not as he expected the issue of his fortune, yet loath to disgrace himself, to salve that suspicion which might intimate want of perfections in him, he thus feigned the cause of that repulse.  

Dorylus his Madrigal.  
love vowed himself my friend and choose his time  
To wound fair Palma: Cynthia him espied,  
As wanton the god did climb  
To fit his aim, and swore to work his smart,  
If he presumed to pierce so chaste an heart:  
And therewithal from Maiden side  
She drew a shaft: away the god 'gan fly  
With wings fast waved, nor durst the wanton scant  
Or slack his course amid the sky,  
Thus he his will and I my wish must want.   
But let us return to his last wooing: having thus descanted ●ndeceiuing hope, he attempted to effect his device, but failing in the execution, being rejected with severe looks, finding frowns in stead of favours, he felt such deep impression of sorrow, that since that time of his repulse, he hath led a discontented life, spending his days in pensive meditations. His fortune or rather misfortune not so rare as by his laments made ruthful, is memorised by us in a proverbial byword: for we term ill success in love the destiny of Dorylus. Thus you have heard, what I can discourse concerning this wonder, a name well fitting his perfections, modesty of behaviour, majesty of looks, comeliness not common, fairness of face, eyes like Stars, brows sometimes furrowed with pretty frowns, yet always beauty's bower: frowns resembling those silver steps in the milk-white way leading to Ioues palace, cheeks cherry red, yet was this lovely tincture circled with a maiden white, such neat proportion of all parts, that I want a world of terms to emblason their particular praises, and will therefore end with this assertion, which I dare avouch against all men, that Nature in framing him hath wronged her own sex, bereaving it of so great a glory.  
Arisbas galled to the quick with Damon's words, hovering between hope and fear, knew not how to surmise, what to suppose, for he felt a world of melancholy motions mustering tumults in his fancy. Weighing the report of that wonders beauty, he thought it could be no other than his Timoclea, but when he remembered the diversity of the sex, he was again discouraged, till hope rescuing his drooping passions with timely succours of happy comfort, bade him imagine that as love doth oft effect rare stratagems, so he might prove his power miraculous in this one thing, shadowing the sex for his avail. Being in these dumps he held a session in his thoughts, whereto he assembled all his powers, and therein resolved to rid himself of this doubt by a speedy view of that far-renowmed wonder. For this purpose he inquired of Damon the name and distance of the place where he remained, who answered, that he dwelled far of in the Southern parts of Arcadia, and that it were ●●lly to weary himself with a peerless journey, sith if he would continue his abode but nine days, he might with less travail, and in a full assembly view him at ease. The Prince demanded how, The shepherd after a long pause began thus, gracing his relation with an unexpected discourse. When our Country was haunted with the almost-daily presence of heavens high inhabitants, though now bereaved of so great a good through our own ingratitude. (For jupiter courted Calisto in Diana's shape, robbing her of her dearest jewel, and Apollo mastered or rather martyred by Cupid, for his high contempt pursued swift Daphne winged with chaste desires.)  
There lived in Arcadia a most fair Lad famous as the rest, I may well term him fair, a term too slender to emblazon his beauty's worth. Much I muse (yet I need not muse, for jupiter possessed Ganymede already) that he made not him a pray for his pleasure. But sith I cannot fully express his perfections, I will rehearse to you the description of him couched by an Arcadian penman, in a brief Ode, a conceit well known to all shepherds, and by them oft recited.  

The description of Hyalus in an Ode.  

Ganymede th'Idaean boy,  
Second glory of the day:  
phrigia's wonder fathers joy,  
loves content, ●oues wishful pray,   

Blithe Adonis' beauties treasure,  
Venus' darling, Fancies fire,  
In whose looks were heavens of pleasure,  
Fruit too fair of foul desire:   

Both these would, though both were rare,  
Both the mirrors of their time:  
Blush if they should make compare,  
With this wonder of our clime.   

In whose eyes love lodged his darts,  
But he did with glances aim them,  
That he might subdue all hearts,  
And his own by conquest claim them.   

Such his face such was his stature,  
Locks resembling burnished gold,  
That his like, astonished nature,  
Framed not since of earthly mould.   

Nature at herself amazed,  
O what influence then did guide her,  
Sith in want such worth was blazed,  
Worth which heavens have since denied her?   

May not then this lovely boy,  
For he was a lovely creature,  
Well be termed Arcadia's joy,  
Blest in bearing such a feature?   

Well he may and if not he,  
Who should then our wonder be▪    
Such and so many were his perfections, that he could not fully describe them, much less I discover them. He was affected by many, admired by all. Shepherds doted on him, Lasses drooped for him, all liked him, for who could not love him? It is the custom of Arcadians to rest in some shade when summers scorching heat annoys them. Being shrouded from the Sun, they spend the time in discoursing on their own or their fellows fortunes, Shepherds I mean, men of their own profession, whether native in Arcadia or no: as in memorizing the worth of Astrophil, praising the perfections of Phillis, lamenting the loss, commending the loyalty of Amyntas, mourning for the death, yet misliking the disdain and pride of Amaryllis, pitying the distress of the forlorn Shepherd, the unhappy admirer, though happy herald o● her worth. But if Hyalus by hap came by (as oft he did) they would abruptly break off these discourses, and follow him greedily, gazing on so glorious an object. Nor was this uniformity of affections only in human hearts, for the rural powers were touched with like sympathy: Pan sighed to see him, remembering by him his Syrinx, though of an other sex. The Hamadryades flocked to view him, wishing him one of their troop. Fauns, Siluans, satires, seldom seen before, were oft beheld by men, while they left the hallowed groves to gaze in the open fields on that eye- Siren, alluring not with the sound, but at the sight. Amongst other, Pomona, Goddess and patroness of fruit did so deeply affect him, that Venus could not more dote on her Adonis. She desirous to win him with over-cloying kindness, fed him with Apples, gave him Plums, presented him Pears. Having made this entrance into her future solace, she would use oft his company, kiss him, college him, check him, chuck him, walk with him, weep for him, in the fields, near the fountains, sit with him, sue to him, omitting no kinds of dalliance to woe him, win him, feigning to droop, to die for him. But he which would not listen to loves lore, nor obey his hests, nor abide his laws, took no pleasure in her passions, loathed her embraces, liked not these amorous combats, and oft shunning her sight, would repair to the unhappy Shepherd, disdained by Amaryllis, and sit with him and sing, tying his angels voice to the observations of music, recording the skilful Swains sweet ditties in heavenly notes: for he loved him for his pleasing grace in passionate Sonnets. While these things chanced, Zephyrus that glads Arcadia with friendly gales, saw him, and sighed for him: nor did he only see him, but by oft breathing cool gales into him, felt the many sweets lodged in that lovely subject. While he thought of no fellow in his affection, his passions were moderate, but when he knew that Pomona was his rival, he loathe to brook a partner in his pleasure, or a companion in his content, resolved to sequester his delight from hazard of surpazing, and thus effected his resolution. As on a day Hyalus parched with summers heat, and tired with faintness, reposed his weary limbs on a green bank, Zephyrus not omitting this opportunity, gently heaved him from the ground, and softly conveyed him musing much, into the world's Western coasts, wafting this wonder to the fortunate islands, the blessed soil not annoyed with rough blasts, nor overwhelmd with immoderate rains, but sometimes (though seldom) touched with a superficial moisture of showers. There he laid him down in a meadow on a bed of flowers, gathered against his coming by his airy servants, to whom before he had intimated his intent. When the boy was laid, being in a pretty chafe, he scolded and exclaimed, though not knowing whom he might accuse. Zephyrus which felt fresh coals kindled in his heart by this lovers combat, spoke thus. Scold not my wanton with thy friend, whose name if thou desire, know that it is he which for thy sake hath oft mantled Arcadia with Flora's pride to delight thine eyes, & comforted thee with a pleasing cool in extreme heat, to relieve thy faintness, even Zephyrus, Lord of the Western blasts, whom if thou canst affect, thou shalt want nothing which the world can afford: try me, trust me, employ me, impute to me thy desires, thy delights. This said, resolving himself into air, he dived into his darling, on his eyes, on his lips he seized, he surfeited: then raising him thence, he carried him to his Palace, a most pleasant cool edifice. There Hyalus rested long, not wanting his will in any wish. He was served by unseen attendants that waited with diligence on their Lord's darling. Variety of daintiest fare, choice of wines, change of meats, store of delicates, were plentifully brought or rather blown in at appointed hours, tables covered, all things furnished with more than princely magnificence, yet no servitor appearing, divine melody on windy instruments filled his ears with continual charms of harmonious sounds. Oft he walked abroad to view the perfections planted in that soil, and being weary or wanton, road back in an airy Chariot. But all this could not content him, who wanting his wont companions, seemed to lead a life void of comfort. He did therefore so importune Zephyrus with childish complaints, that he unable to deny him any thing, granted the boys most earnest desire, and ratified his grant with speedy performance. Truce was taken, and the composition sealed with many kisses: the sum of their agreement was, that Hyalus after his arrival in Arcadia, should shun the sight of Pomona, and leave all other that pretended love. On these conditions he was conveyed back, and laid in the place whence he was lifted. The rumour of his return being bruited abroad, the Arcadians thronged in thicker troops than before to see him, for measuring the worth of his presence by the grief of his absence, they could not glut themselves with gazing on him. So soon as Pomona heard these happy tidings, she erecting trophies in her fancy, vowed to prevent like future misfortune. Having gotten a sight of him, she ran, he ran, he fled, she followed, and followed so fast, that she overtook him in his course, and stayed him from starting: then she began thus. Eat not thy friend fond wag which hath sought thee, sobbed for thee, grieved to lose thee, glad to find thee. At first I thought that jupiter misliking Ganymede that now grows stolen, had taken thee to supply his room, or Venus chosen thee her second Adonis: But when I heard that Zephyrus had done this, I was the less discouraged, knowing myself able to encounter such an adversary, and beard so bas●● rival in the pride of his hope. Now I have got thee, and beshrew me wanton if I watch not your wiles, and keep you not in a surer guard. This said, she took him by the hand, and led the blushing boy to her mansion, where she locked him up close prisoner, restrained his former large liberty, allowed him only to walk in her Orchards, and feed on her fruits. O beauty nurse of bondage, fair ill, sour sweet. O most preposterous estate of all things, that he should be captive to them whom his looks had conquered. Ungentle Fortune, what malice did silly Hyalus merit, that having perfections worth, he should feel pleasures want? was he therefore fair that he should be infortunate? this by the way, but i'll proceed. Zephyrus renewing his old wont, romde through Arcadia, and missing his choice, marveled at the change. Did he violate his vow? tush, he was a child that could not value the virtue of an oath. Was he urged by others? why not? for he was fair. Did he love an other? he might, for he was young. Thus dreading many doubts, he swallowed his discontent, but when he knew that Hyalus was pomona's prisoner, he was so enraged with furious passions, that he ruminated on nothing save revenge, and being unable to hurt so powerful a rival, vowed to inflict vengeance on the whole country of Arcadia. In this impatient humour, he hasted to the Northern regions, and meeting there with Boreas, saluted him thus. Father of storms, salve now the sorrows of unhappy Zephyrus, thy brother in nature, thy equal in substance: help me, and for ever have me a friend, a favourer. I have in one injury received more wrongs than I can reckon. Unmindful, unthankful Arcadia not weighing the many favours by me afforded, withholds from me my love, my life, my hope, my heaven: but if thou power thy plagues on that unkind soil, and oppress the inhabitants with outrageous fury of thy blasts, my rival may repent her rashness, and I recover my loss: Do it then dear fellow, and for this courtesy I will for ever rest at thy command, let thy trial of affection move thee to weigh my affliction. Boreas replied with a rough voice. Brother Zephyrus, though our blasts do oft effect contrarieties in the air, yet are not we contrary in our thoughts. I have heard thy cause, and will avenge thy quarrel, scourging the continent with such a storm of whirlwinds embattaild against themselves, raising in their tragedies the trophies of my merciless fury, that the world hearing report of this ruthful accident, shall repute thy cause highly revenged. I vow to thee by the Sceptre of our King, not to defer the execution of thy desire. Zephyrus' comforted with these words, yielded him many thanks, and returned to the West. Boreas forthwith issued from his icy province with a troop of tempests and invaded Arcadia, where he wrought so many mischiefs in a moment, that no eye could view them tearless. Groves were disgarnished of their shrubs, fields disfurnished of their flowers: trees, some torn, some rent up by the roots, cat-tail violently carried from the places where they fed, and tumbled headlong down the cliffs, men staggering, could not stay their steps, leaving therefore their wont walks they housed themselves. The Arcadians grieved with so many incommodities, imputed these afflictions to the anger of the Gods, whose wrath they sought to appease by Sacrifice. Repairing for counsel to the Delphian Oracle, they received this answer, that they should sue to Aeolus, for he only could ease them, whose altars they loaded with many oblations, omitting no usual solemnities. The God pitying their distress, checked Boreas for his unruly rage, and limited his boisterous fury with appointed bounds, commanding him not to touch the pomp of Flora, or the hope of Sylvanus, not to wrong the harmless Husbandmen, or hurt the silly Shepherds, but afflict only the places of pomona's charge, which thing he did. The amorous Goddess seeing a general tranquillity, and all other places quiet, save where she was precedent, was forced to bridle her affection, and release her prisoner, least for a fickle humour she should lose her honour. Hyalus set free, ranged in a childish rage, but being weary with wandering, he rested near a pleasant Spring, and having wept freely, slept sound. In this sleep, strange sleep, the late sex was changed, and of a fair boy a fairer maid fashioned. Awaking and musing much at this metamorphosis, she was in the midst of her dumps raised with a strong gale, & carried to a place near the straits of Thermopyles, where was a Temple dedicated to Aeolus, wherein the lovely maid was consecrated a Priest to that God, and continued there the whole term of her life a spotless virgin. Our ancestors desirous to celebrate the remembrance of this rare accident with eternal honour, appointed the day of her change to be for ever, memorized in a yearly feast called Parthenia, wherein the Priest of Aeolus accompanied with the fairest of the youth of both sexes, offers a noble Sacrifice, disposing all things with due Ceremonies. Which done, they compassing the altar in a ring, sing a solemn Hymn in praise of that God. This did our ancestors institute, and their progeny hath by long success of time observed their devout orders. This feast must be solemnized nine days hence, whereat doubtless you shall see this wonder one of that lovely Chorus. Arisbas delighted with this talk, and cheered with hopeful courage, thanked Damon for his discourse, and resolved to tarry the néere-approching time, and desirous in the mean while to rid himself of wont pensiveness, in a vein half rude half ready, he fashioned these three fancies, for taking truce with sorrow, yet not wholly sorrowless, he felt more comfort, though no full content. But take them as he wrote them, wherein if all be not currant, impute it to his thoughts which were not clearde. If this pass with favour, the other follow with like hope.  

The strife of Love and Beauty.  
Love was armed with fatal bow,  
Shafts which mother did bestow,  
Mother gave, but Father framed,  
Father, Mother, both were blamed.  
Wanton Goddess did beguile  
Husband with a feigned smile:  
For a kiss she did obtain  
(Labour never spent in vain,)  
That her Son by Vulcan's trade  
Might the chiefest God be made.  
Thus she won him to her will,  
(Wily work of woman's skill)  
But the boy more proud than wise,  
Waves his wings and forth he flies.  
Soon as he on earth had lighted,  
Thus the fondling was despited.  
As he vaunted uncontrolled  
Thinking all that glistered gold,  
Terming in a foolish thought  
Which his selfe-conceipt had wrought,  
Heaven his footstool, Gods his mark,  
Men his objects, earth his park,  
Gods and men his hunting game,  
Beauty nature's darling came:  
Beauty clad in native hue,  
Whom the Graces did endue  
With rich plenty of their gifts,  
Beauty cause of witty shifts:  
Beauty with whose worth delighted,  
Poets have sweet hymns indited:  
Fair as is the ruddy morn,  
Leaving restful bower forlorn.  
Morn died with Vermilion red,  
Rising from old Tithones bed.  
Thus this fairest of all fair  
Deind to grace the liquid air:  
Passing by where love did stand,  
Holding powerful bow in hand▪  
Not saluting as she went,  
Him that raged in discontent.  
Boiling wrath must issue find,  
Wrath that boiled in troubled mind▪  
For the ease of whose unrest,  
Thus his fury was expressed.  
Love said he was Beauties better:  
She said Love was Nature's debtor.  
Love exclaimed on Beauty's pride,  
Which all duties force denied.  
She said Love received no wrong,  
Where no duty did belong.  
None might crave peculiar right,  
Sith they were of equal might.  
He said beauty near prevailed,  
But where Love the heart assailed.  
Beauty for itself admired,  
His shafts caused to be desired.  
For where Love bred no remorse,  
There had beauty little force.  
Psyche was more fair than any:  
Loud of few, though liked of many.  
Yet so liked that not affected:  
Sisters sped, but she rejected.  
Yet, quoth Beauty Psyche gained  
Cupid's heart to her enchainde.  
Where was then his wont might?  
Vanquished by a woman's sight?  
Thus fell Love into a trip:  
Thus she galled him with a quip.  
He said 'twas his own procurement,  
She said it was her allurement.  
love said beauty pleased the eye,  
But he wrought hearts sympathy.  
She said heart when eye had viewed,  
Was by beauties force subdued.  
He said beauty soon decayed:  
She said love no longer staid,  
Then while beauty was in prime:  
Thus did both give place to time.  
Cupid grieved with these replies,  
Framed by her in taunting wise:  
Swore by dreadful Stygian lake,  
(Greatest vow that gods can make)  
That he would no more descend,  
Till he did this quarrel end:  
Vowing by his godheads might,  
Beauty's darlings to despite.  
Thus he says, and up he flies  
Swiftly through the Empire skies.  
If men might this strife decide,  
As by men it should be tried,  
Then would all agree in one,  
Beauty can prevail alone:  
Beauty able to enthrall,  
Eyes and heart, and thoughts and all:  
Yet three powers in one assenting  
Struck mine heart, heart soon relenting.  
Eyes saw beauty and admired it,  
Love saw heart, through eyes he fired it,  
But fair looks did first constrain  
Cupid's shafts to shape my pain.  
Fairer Virtue beauties jewel,  
Bade me not pronounce Love cruel.  
Love that forced me to affect,  
Beauties worth by Virtue decked:  
Then o three of all the chief,  
Ease at last my loathed grief.   
His second invention follows thus.  

CUPIDS' PALACE.  
Paphos' now a worthless name,  
Wants the grace of wont Fame.  
Fishie Cnidus not frequented,  
Samos highly discontented,  
Discontented with the miss,  
Of so great a former bliss,  
Where from altars did arise,  
Odours sweet, with lovers cries:  
Breathing sighs from hearts amain,  
Sad reporters of their pain.  
Barren be Idalian hill,  
Vnadornd by Nature's skill.  
Dry be Acidalian spring,  
Circled with no evening ring:  
Of the Fairy wood-Nymphs tripping,  
And on green grass lightly skipping,  
Where sweet Amorets were chanted,  
While it was by goddess haunted:  
Be they of all bounties reft,  
Sith they are by Venus left.  
loves coy queen forgetting quite,  
Isles could yield her quaint delight,  
Deeming earthly mansions dross,  
Former solace, future loss,  
Haunts the palace of her son,  
Work of wonder lately done:  
Daily guest she there remaineth,  
And of love to Love complaineth.  
Now no more to rule she deigns,  
Yoked Swans with silver reins,  
As she did from earth ascend,  
(Earth which erst she did commend)  
And returned through liquid air,  
Gliding to Ioues royal chair.  
Vulcan staid from framing thunder,  
That he might erect this wonder.  
Wanton boy would never cease,  
Wily mother grant no peace,  
Till by this the strife were ended,  
Feigned strife by them pretended.  
Top is close, the form is round,  
Seated on an azure ground:  
No door seen, yet doors each-where,  
Entries close, yet many there.  
For one colour teinteth all,  
Turrets, doors and gyring wall:  
Clammy stuff the colour beareth,  
(Half white, half red hue it weareth)  
Such as in Asphaltis lake,  
Did Chaldaean workmen take:  
For that high-entitled frame,  
Honoured with first Empire's name:  
On the top with triumphs filled,  
Stockdoves mothers birds did build.  
Right side was with windows dight,  
To receive th'infused light:  
Light so clear, so bright, so fair,  
As in clearest open air.  
There the roofs are rich embossed,  
Walls adorned with equal cost:  
Works engraude of quaint devise,  
And enchasde with gems of price.  
There his bow of beaten gold,  
Worth a world of wealth untold:  
And shafts pointed with like mettle,  
Wily wag thought meet to settle.  
Pleasure guardian of this room,  
Author of each happy doom:  
loves Vicegerent on that side,  
Vaunts the worth of heavens chief pride.  
Fancies on her steps attend,  
Such as do her favours send,  
Or afford the fruits of pleasure,  
When delight by love they measure.  
These serve when the god doth strike,  
Both hearts with one shaft alike.  
Not that one should sue in vain,  
And the other dart disdain.  
But a mutual passion wrought,  
In one sympathy of thought:  
Or when hope of hap unproved,  
Plots the praise of things beloved.  
Pyrocles such fancy knew,  
Fancy giving Love his due,  
Which did on Philoclea look,  
Bathing in a Crystal brook.  
He disguised a virgin seemed,  
And his name was Zelmane deemed.  
O how sweetly did he praise,  
In those lines those lovely lays,  
All perfections in her planted?  
For his pen no praises wanted.  
Tresses of her Amber hair,  
Waving in the wanton air.  
Ruby lips and coral chin,  
Soft, smooth, Alabaster skin.  
Angel's ●ookes, hands lily white,  
Eyes subduing at the sight.  
Left side hath no windows made,  
Darker than Tartarian shade.  
There was bow of fatal yve,  
Acting horrors that ensue,  
And his arrows with lead tipped,  
Which in Stygian pool were dipped.  
Sorrow keeps this seat of terror,  
Mirthless hag the whelp of error.  
Fancies do on her attend,  
Fancies which despair do send:  
When one shaft poor heart doth shiver,  
Drawn from love-enforcing quiver:  
But a second tipped with lead,  
striketh affections vigour dead:  
In an other heart not moved,  
With remorse of pain unproved.  
These do on repulses muse,  
And loves rigour oft accuse.  
And soft sounds like minute's breath,  
Sighs by turns from underneath.  
But o God the most divine,  
Sith Timocleas' heart and mine  
Were with equal wound oppressed,  
And with fairest Fancies blest:  
End these sours with sweet conclusion,  
Lest thy godhead seem illusion.   
His third invention not treating of love, but shadowing the worth of Poesy in a fiction, was thus: 

The worth of Poesy.  

IMpute it not profane impiety,  
Dread god of Delos, and chaste virgin-troupe:  
To him that, in unpitied misery  
That doth enforce his wearied muse to stoop,  
And him all cheerless abiect-like to droop,  
Reveals those holy secrets of your hill,  
That do concern defence of deepest skill.   

Under the covert of a Laurel tree,  
Upon the mount where learned Muses dwell:  
Rare monuments of worth enshrined be,  
The works of Laureate pens, works which excel,  
Cherished by comfort of Castalian well:  
There rest they safe: though safe, yet once assailed  
By three misshaped elves, which fled and failed.   

There lay enrolled in everlasting lines,  
Epique records wrapped in heroic style:  
There lay enclosed in those eternal shrines,  
Sweet Hymns and Odes that lyriques' did compile,  
And Elegies, and Epigrams sharp file,  
With th'other graces of a laureate quill,  
Whence honey sweets do copiously distill.   

Pale envy Beldame-like with staff upholding  
Her cursed limbs, came first and took a sitting,  
In loathsome signs her deadly teen unfolding,  
Near to that hallowed place how il befitting,  
How much annoyed through her contagious spitting,  
T'infect the tree that did those branches nourish,  
And kill the root whose moisture fed their flourish?   

From depth of poisonous maw the monster fierce  
Did belch foul gobbets with an hell of snakes,  
Wallowing in loathsome filth, that did empierce  
The teinted ground: Forthwith the Laurel shakes,  
For whose decay the hag that vomit makes,  
Which sinking down corrupted root and all,  
With Crystal drops that from the spring did fall.   

Soon as the erst-greene began to perish,  
And withered branches could no longer cover  
Those antic rolls, or them with safety cherish,  
A second hag still darkness silent lover:  
Oblivion hight, slow hag did slily hover,  
Suited in dusky rob of pitchy stain,  
Like to an hanging cloud that threatens rain.   

Well did this name of Lethe her beseem,  
Which oft forgot herself and her intent:  
Eftsoon she stayed, as doubting what to deem:  
Then forth she stepped: nor long she forward went,  
But stayed again, as musing what was meant.  
But being come, she towards her 'gan rake  
Those monuments, that prise her pray to make.   

Then Ignorance that doth Arts glory blot,  
Ran to the tree to get a Laurel wreath,  
Before the branches by that fatal spot  
Were wasted clean, that rose from underneath:  
Nor would she stop, nor did she stand to breath,  
Till tree was touched: thus did the sot desire,  
The highest praise of laureate Poets hire.   

She thought it meet her pupils to invest  
With lasting bay: and in that fairest place  
To lodge their lines, where worthier works did rest,  
But when they were repulsed with deep disgrace,  
She hired those hags both glories to deface.  
Those elves of horror which did yield their help,  
The one despairs, the other darkness whelp.   

O bane of bliss, 'gainst worthiest wits pretended,  
O luckless lot o injury of time:  
Foule-fall the hags that such ill hap intended,  
And haggish brood envying honours prime:  
When high-plumed Muse through Empire skies doth climb:  
And curses all which holy Poems hold,  
Light on the hags that stop those mines of gold.   

O who could harbour such inhuman thought,  
Though he Hyrcanian Tiger's milk did suck?  
Heart more flint-hard than beating waves have wrought  
On sea-washt rocks, reward from art would pluck,  
And guerdonize desert with direst luck.  
Stand they good Gods dull stones ay-unremoved,  
That such despite by censure fell approved.   

Fame gliding from on high did there alight,  
Viewed their attempts, and rested on the tree:  
The earth was circled with a glorious light,  
(Such light as mortal eye could never see)  
Forcing the elf which had those hags in fee,  
To troth with apish pace unto some cave,  
The halfe-lost use of dazzled eyes to save.   

The winged Goddess moved with high disdain,  
So shrill a note from silver trumpet sounded,  
That slow oblivion posted thence amain,  
Whose ears that strange unwonted noise confounded,  
Ears where small help for memory was grounded.  
Pale envy fled surprised with doubtful fear,  
Whose withered cheeks with wrinkles furrowed were.   

The filth boiled up: the leaves wexd green again:  
The Laurel flourished in her former hue:  
Fame bade Desert for ever there remain  
With light and sound, to shield a Poets due,  
By safe defence from wrongs that might ensue.  
Thus I record that future age may tell,  
Lo this is he that wished to Poets well.    Although he aimed his conceit at the merits of Grecian and Roman labours only there preserved in a golden closure of perpetuity, under that ay-greene ay-glorious tree, ever fair, because ever fresh, whose lasting flourish dated with eternity, and cherished by the Christal-flowing Castalian spring, such labours as either record the worth of those ancient Heroes, marshalling their stately blasons in majestic method with such success of acceptance and admiration, as when an high-paced Muse treading a lofty march, leads honour enchained in an Epique pen, graced with the furtherance of historic Clio, or treat the tragical trophies of the cothurnate Muse, uttering clamorous complaints, and enwrapping complotted practices of blood and revenge in the swelling pomp of haughty jambiques, which yield matter for the Chorus to complain, warbling sorrows with variable sounds: or the fair blossoms of affection displayed in elegies, with the facetious grace of sharpe-cutting conceiptfull Epigrams, limiting delight in compendious sweetness: with Satirical reprehensions, heavenly Hymns, and the pleasing solace of harmonious Odes, not the least study of a Lyrique penman, with Eclogues, and the fruits of thalia's favours suited in meanest robes. Though he I say aimed his conceit at these only, yet may I aver with like truth, that the like modern tasks publishd since by men of sundry nations especially in the Latin tongue, absolving all parts of poesy in several perfections, were likewise registered in that holy refuge of such happy relics. But the Muses blushed, and Phoebus frowned at the strict bounds of their bounties, whose favours were limited with these two languages. For which restraint of their worth they provided this remedy, that the divine Entheos' inspiring such sap, such sweetness, should be afforded to other nations, which decree being once ratified, conceiptfull Italians obtained first place of this privilege, and did divinely absolve each abovenamed part with several perfections: their names I need not to relate, being famously known through Europe to the most. Poesy waving thence her golden wings beyond the Alps, though returning, established an habit of high humours in France, the happy nurse of many rare spirits, which likewise with no less praise have in lively colours expressed all perfections of Poetry, and these being in like sort famous, need not to be by me memorised. To these add the labours of Castilian pens. But in Albion the wonder of islands lovely Thamesis, fairest of the fair Nereids loves seaborn Queen adoring, vaunts the glory of her maiden streams, happy harbour of so many Swans, Apollo's musical birds, which warble wonders of worth, and chant pleasures choice in several sounds of sweetness, pleasant, passionate, lofty, lovely, whose matchless notes, the fair Nymph keeping time with the billowing of her Crystal waves, carrying to the Ocean with her ebb, doth there echo them to her astonished sisters which assemble in those vast floods by timely confluence. Baetis graced with many bounties, Po, and Arno, garnishd with many pleasures, Rhone, and Araxis, enriched with many royalties, yet none of these may vaunt more heavens of happiness than Thamesis, in harbouring such Swans, such sweetness. Yet many most worthy monuments of heavenly wits wanted the honour and safety of this seat, for they were drowned in the abyss of Lethe's silence, especially of the most ancient Grecian Authors, as Orpheus, Linus, the first Musaeus, Aratus, Nicander, Theognis, Phocilides, and most of all the nine Lyriques', and Elegiac and Comic Poets, and some tasks of tragic pens, with the precious predictions of the ten Sibyls, and many of the Roman Worthies. Little remains of grave Ennius, who vaunted though vaingloriously the transmigration of great Homer's soul, seeking advantage by that one point of Pythagorean doctrine to bositer his own ambition, but though he were rude in style (which was the fault of his time) yet was he grave in matter, and in this meriting praise, that being one of those that broke the first ye, he roused the following rare spirits. But worse hap befell the rare Smyrna of learned Cinna, and sugared passions of sweet Gallus, and of those other both Greek and Roman works, many are blemishde with some blurs: so that it was high time that Phoebus and the Muses should undertake their protection, and become their patrons. But leaving this digression, let us return to the matter.  
Thus spent he some hours in these meditations, but when the long-expected day of his desire approached, Damon taking his princely guest with him, journeyed to Sicyone, near whose suburbs that solemnity was ever celebrated in a fair field hallowed for that yearly use. At their arrival in the City, they found there innumerable Grecians, both native of the continent, and Islanders, whom awful zeal of pure devotion had induced to be present at those holy rites: (such they termed them.) The next morning (for their expectation lasted but one night) Arisbas and his host, leaving their lodging betimes, went to the place, and there provided themselves an easy room without the rails: for within them none might stand, the Priest and his necessary attendants excepted: with them infinite troops of the assembled strangers hasted to prevent Titan, who shaking his dewy locks on the mountains, posted from the watery cabin of Nereus, to be an ea●ely viewer of these solemnities. But ere he had measured a tenth proportion of his daily pace, the Priest sute● in a long sky-colourde rob, a wreath of Poplar branches, though consecrated to Alcides, encompassing his Temples, came forward, and with him the ordinary Ministers, the inferior assistants to his office, clad in their Ceremonial robes, each attending on his several charge. Some carried silver basins to receive the blood, some fumigations, one the knife, an other the hallowed fire, brought from the ever-glowing altar of Delphos, every one somewhat, and two the chief of them led the sacrifice, a young milk-white Heifar crowned with a garland of flowers, whose free neck had not felt the heavy yokes bondage: Next these, came the most lovely train, consisting of the fairest of both kinds, flourishing in the prime of their youth, and in the pride of their beauty, clad all in long white robes trailing after them, wearing on their heads garlands of odoriferous flowers. They observed a rare method in their comely march, pacing two and two, a fair boy and a girl.  
In one thing the weaker sex, those wonders of beauties worth excelled, whose amber tresses waved so on their shoulders, marshaled with sweet equality of distance, that Phoebus feeling contrary passions, did both sigh and smile to see them. But in this, the worthier kind far overmatched the oth●●, in the front of whose rank that wonder whereof Damon made late report was placed the first, as of all the ●●ir●st, who turned the eyes of the beholders from noting th●●e proceeding, to gaze on his perfections. Arisbas having before lost himself in a desert of despair, & now finding an issue for hi● hope, was so ravished with the sight, that he could scarce contain himself from leaving his station, and running to embrace (as well he might.) For Arcadia's triumph was his Timoclea. Thus it seemed, thus he supposed, not guessing at random, but gathering by likelihood of his love: yet still he doubted because he dreaded. The full trial of this seeming truth, was deferred till the solemnities were ended, which thus they prosecuted. All the train being come within the rails, a general silence mixed with reverence possessed all men. The sacrifice being prepared after the usual manner, the accustomed sprinklings & other ceremonies dispatched, that noble offering was laid on the altar & the wood kindled by the consecrated fire. And forthwith the fair Chorus cast into a ring began their hymn. In the same moment of time a shrill harmony of winde-instruments, sounding miraculously in the air, not drowning with over-loude noise, but consorting with the music of those well-agréeing voices in a fit key, made divine melody. And for a second testimony of the gods kind acceptance of their devotions, a stronggale snatched up the sacrifice, and swift as thought bereaved their eyes of that object, before the Hymn was ended, which I have here added.  

The Hymn sung to Aeolus.  
MOst just avenger of Arcadia's wrong,  
Dread God, high Regent of the world's wide frame,  
Enriched with titles of adored name,  
To thee these rites, these honours do belong:  
At whose dire frowns th'amazed earth hath trembled.  
Patron of harmless men in hapless age,  
Restrainer of thy furious servants rage,  
Accept th'intents of us in zeal assembled.  
Worker of wonders in the continent,  
Prince of the air, distinguisher of time:  
The calm reliever of our troubled clime,  
To thee these duties pure devotion sent.  
We celebrate as ancestors before us,  
With yearly thanks best fruits of swains degree,  
The miracle and mercies showed by thee,  
Which Countries native plenty didst restore us.  
And our succeeding progeny shall know  
From father's mouth, the debt which children owe.   
Scarce were the accustomed ceremonies finished, when Arisbas leaving his station entered within the rails, & running with hasted steps to the lovely leader of that beauteous troop of angel-faced boys, after many embraces seasoned with a mixture of sweet kisses, began thus aloud: Dear of all the dearest, if not mistaken, luckily met, happily found: thee have I sought, successesse on sea, on land, in the groves, on the plains, in the Isles, on the main, wearying the world with iteration of my woes. Now have I found thee, if thee, then am I fortunate: but if eyes deceive me, hope fail me, then may I justly impute this mishap to the extremity of fortune's malice, which seemed to ease me with a shadow of not-being solace, that she might plunge me in a deeper sea of sorrows. Wen Timoclea (for she it was) saw her Arisbas, and heard him speak, chiming in her ears charms of unthought pleasure, how she was affected I refer to their censures, which after sour crosses enjoy sweet comfort: blushing at her discovery, yet rejoicing at this happy accident, she replied thus, gracing her poem with a maiden-blush. Doubt not dearest Lord the assurance of your hope, I am that Timoclea sought by you so much, that have sighed for you so oft, whose truth hath had many trials in troubles, yet vanquishing all distress, she beholds you, secure from danger. Think not this disguise of mine attire, and dissembling of my sex, any reproach to the modesty of a maidens behaviour, for I have plotted this chaste policy to prevent all perils of lustful violence, and preserve mine honour inviolate, that I might restore myself to you with the same dowry of virgin's dignity, for which you at the first affected me. This said, they shedding tears, interchangeable tokens of their mutual joy, recompensed the long want of loves delight, with sweet kisses, and Damon supplying the time of their solace, stood up, and in a large discourse dilated the fortunes of Arisbas, and the success of his love agreeing in effect of sense, with the former relations, whose tale being ended, Timoclea prosecuting the discovery of loves strange adventures, proceeded thus. Sith those things are revealed which I thought that the gods and ourselves only had known, I will likewise in this assembly publicly relate the many changes of adverse chances, from ill to worse by me endured. Thus then dear Lord, and you strangers and friends, receive a brief rehearsal of my troubles, & in hearing my discourse, dread sovereign of my soul's bliss, weigh the many dangers of thy dear too dearly-bought Timoclea. When that il-boding tempest first cause of our ensuing cares had secluded thee from the sea, me from the shore, our ship was dangerously tossed on the troublous waves, and though within no small space a timely calm had quieted the water's rage, yet the ungentle winds, luckless instruments of fortune's spite, keeping their wont quarters, drove us far from the continent with continued adverse blasts. After long tumbling on the flood, we descried a little desolate Island, and packing on all the sails, made towards it amain, when suddenly the Pilot causing them to strike the late-spred sails, kept aloof from the coast, and willed the boatswain to sound the depth, for he vehemently feared to be driven on some shelves in that unknown current, but finding all sure in the safety of a wide channel, we approached nearer. There was a small creek on the South side, making show of an harbour, seeming then a fit haven for our weatherbeaten vessel. Thereinto we entered, bearing in close with the point, and having anchor, the chief governor of the ship went on land with the stoutest of his Mariners to search the country, and to find fresh acates, but he returned failing in his purpose, only supplying our want of fresh water & fuel, and bringing aboard with him a few strange ill-tasting birds which they had taken among the cliffs: leaving this comfortless coast, we made again to sea, & on the seventh night from our departure thence, we were engulfed among the Cycladeses by the winds thwarting alteration, fitly resembling the cross course of fortunes wheel in perverting human actions. In one of those Islands, the Governor finding a fit haven, caused his ship to be had into a dock, and there he set his men on work to stop leaks, and new trim her sore-bruised sides. I unwilling and unable through my want to attend the issue of his delays, left him, resolving to embark in some other vessel sailing near Arcadia. But remembering how many dangers were incident to our sex, and to how many perils my beauty though small was subject, I sought to procure my safety and prevent all dreaded ills by this disguise. Hasting to the next port, I found there a Merchant of Hellespont ready to hoist sail for Byzantium: with him I bargained for my passage: he accepted mine offer & taking me with him, after a days tarriance in the haven, launched aided by a prosperous wind. But though heavens favoured me, yet hard hap still followed me. Mark an other instance of fatal spite. On a fair calm day though a foul storm in mine estate, the ●ilot mistaking his course, stemmed the ship on a rock, and ●he cruel winds continual furtherers of fortune's spite, drove her on with such violence, that she was there split. In this general extremity of life, each took what was next his hand to sustain him in that hazard: I nimble through fear, got a great piece of the main Mast, and thereon committed my safety to the seas courtesy, and though every surge threatened overwhelming, each wave menaced death, yet I not daunted in these dangers kept mine hold. Oft I beheld the Dolphins mounting on the waters uneven superficies, but at my approach they would cease their sport, in kind regard of my ruth, not raising the billows with their tumbling, but gently on either side following me thus floating, seeming to waft me with wary eyes as careful of my safety. The day being far spent, I descried a sail Westward, and (such was my hap I know not how to term it good or ill) it made toward the coast on which I was thus tossed, when I saw it some what near, I made signs to them aboard, expressing my danger and imploring their aid. They desirous to save me (for sometimes miscreants feel passions of pity) sent two of their fellows in the long boat to fetch me, who rowing to me, took me up (thus one affection wrought an other) & carried me aboard with them, where, hoping for solace, I found sorrow. Being in the sea, though ever dreading to be swallowed by the surges, yet was I free: In the ship though sa●e from such perils, yet was I prisoner to wretched Pirates from whose remorseless hearts all compassion was exiled.  
Yet, me they sought to win by allurements, hoping that I deceived by their pretended kindness, would sooner yield to their filthy desires. The same night they frolliked with great jollity for joy (as they said) of obtaining me: when the wine had fired their inflamed lust, they solicited though successesse, their former motions, and strove so long for kisses but got none, that they left their kindness towards me and fell to contention among themselves. Their Captain envying them, the public possession of his private pleasure though but supposed, deeming me a pray fit for himself and judging a common good not currant, appeased the fray through his authority, & did countermand their passions, but privately he would assail me with all the engines of love-plotted policies, adding cruel threats to kind words, sometimes entreating, sometimes menacing, now suing, then swearing, to obtain his will, or augment my woe: now praying, then protesting to enjoy me, or enjoin me perpetual slavery. I hearing him in these terms, fed his humour with vain hopes, coining new occasions of delays, prefixing a time, promising, that expired, to yield to all kinds of dalliance which he would use, limiting my feigned proffer with ●his condition, that till then he should cease from prosecuting his intended desires. He accepting this answer for an high favour, protested to obey my doom, and observe the propounded condition. But ere time winged with thoughts swiftness had touched the prefixed point of my then-imminent peril, I was happily freed from fear of his force, and delivered from dread of that danger by Anaxander, a valiant Gentleman of Sparta, who having charge of a Galley scoured those seas, being sent by the Ephori, and bound by strict commandment to execute severe justice on such malefactors which infested the seas with piracies, and landing oft on the coast of Laconia, for raged the Country, took rich pillage, & committed many spoils. But Anaxander meeting this nest of thieves, part of that accursed society, encountered them, and having after small fight boarded them, put all that crew of caitiffs' to the sword, accounting mercy to such offenders an high blemish of justice. Me only he saved, & with gentlemanlike compassion pitied my distress. You may perhaps suppose that now my sorrows were ended, and I in protection of this worthy patron, without the compass of fortunes reach: but if you so think, your judgements fail: these my sea-fortunes & those unstaid waves, do in most lively sort express the uncertainty of worlds wavering, as by attending the sequel, you may easily conceit.  
When the report of this exploit was bruited to the ears of those other monsters, (for the mind of man degenerating from the decorum of humanity becomes monstrous, complotting mischiefs exceeding the vildness of beasts, and the body the minds instrument, slave to that tyrannical government, wherein affections rule and reason obeys, effects them) they I say hearing this, lamented the ill hap of their fellows, especially the captains death, whom they affected for his valour, and admired for his villainies, to them seeming virtues. But converting their moans into mad fury, they confederated themselves in a bloody league, vowing extreme revenge on that worthy Gentleman whom they opprobriously termed the proud justiciar of Lacedaemon. They had got together six vessels, & Resicles a Cretan was Admiral of this accursed fleet: fortune seldom foe to worst attempts, suited their expectation with hoped success. For meeting the Spartan Galley, they encompassed her, and commencing a bloody broil, after long fight laid us aboard, slew them all, and not satisfied with this butchery, exercised more barbarous cruelty, mangling the dead bodies into many pieces. Here again I escaped death reserved by fortune, for a second brunt of dishonour which likewise I prevented, not touched with the least spot of reproach. The soldiers of Resicles taking me, brought me to their Captain, who fancying in his fond thoughts a world of future imagined pleasures, entertained me kindly, and wooed me with many courtesies, I filled him with vain hopes, limiting my consent with delay of time as I used the other before, and mean while plotted means for my escape, which thus I effected. At the very time wherein the feast of Thesmophoria was celebrated at Eleusis with mystical observations by the Priests of Ceres, Resicles having left his fellow-Pyrats which dispersed themselves to purchase booties, took a vessel of Samos returning from Syria, a rich prize. The day ensuing, he & his accursed companions applied themselves wholly to mirth and belly-cheer for joy of their good fortune, seeming to celebrate the Bacchanals in their disordered diet, diet I term it, because they oft used such excess. When the wine had prevailed, and fumes ascending from their stomachs had besieged their overwhelmed brains, summoning their distempered senses to rest, they lay as drowned in a sleepy charm, without fear or regard, in every corner some. The wind and sea the one quiet, the other calm, did favour them: fortune their common friend did not annoy them with approach of enemies: for if a tempest had been raised, or the foe assailed them, doubtless they had received a full reward of their dissolute demeanours. I judging this a fit time for my escape, slily conveyed myself into the long boat, and cutting the rope rowed so well as I could, to the shore which was not far off: leaping on land, I left my boat to the seas direction, and running with hasted steps descried two Arcadians, both which are now present, the one a friendly reliever of my distress. I entreated their tarriance by signs, and being come to them, was kindly comforted by them. Since which time I have remained in this Country, where what fortunes I have felt, most Arcadians can relate.  
Thus have I contrived the rehearsal of my troubles into a brief discourse. Timoclea would feign have proceeded, but a general murmur of admiration raised by the whole assembly hindered her intended purpose. Aegon stood up, & suing for silence by signs, having obtained audience spoke thus. Countrymen and friends, doubtless the discovery of this rare secret and due guerdon of loves long-suffering patience, was deferred to this time by just prescience of the immortal powers. For next the rare hap of Hyalus whose memory we now celebrate, what other accident could so directly fit the feast of Parthenia? As his sex was miraculously changed from a fair lad to the fairest girl that ever lived in Arcadia, so this lamp of royalty, the Paragon of woman's perfections, found in this place at this time, the only occasion of disclosing of her disguise, and being supposed by all the mirror of our sex, may now be termed the wonder of womankind. The whole assembly applauded his words, arguing hereby, that they confirmed his opinion by their consenting censures. Many flowers were thrown on those two lovers, the flowers of true affection, and each departing, filled his native province with report of this rare accident: so that the miraculous metamorphosis of Hyalus was almost drowned in oblivion.  
Arisbas having repossessed his Love the stay of his life, thinking it high time to glad his aged father with his return, whose discontent (as he not vainly supposed) his departure had bred, taking with him his dearest Timoclea, with Damon and Aegon, tarrying little in Arcadia, hasted to the next haven, and there embarked for Cyprus, where arriving in the haven of Famagosta, he found a wonderful change. For the aged King despairing of his eldest sons safety, had matched Anaxilas the second brother of Arisbas, with the Lemnian Prince's daughter, whose father deceasing immediately after the marriage, he in right of his wife reigned Prince of Lemnos. Arisbas nothing discontent with these news, sent one to certify his father of his arrival. The old King replenished with incredible joy, was transported into a trance: recovering himself, he hasted his aged steps towards the haven and meeting his son by the way, fell on his neck shedding many tears, sweet arguments of his high content. Arisbas preparing to crave pardon of his departure, was prevented by his oft redoubled fatherly welcomes and embraces: with like kindness he entertained trembling and blushing Timoclea, & spoke courteously to Damon and Aegon. Returning to the palace he took great delight in hearing his son relate the troubles and dangers with oft changes of Fortune endured by him and his dearest Timoclea, and judging it inexpiable impiety to hinder the success of so rare affection resolved to give love his right and marry them honourably. For this purpose he sent Heralds to all the Islands adjacent, and Provinces situate in the main of Greece, which published in his name leave and liberty of access to all whom soever, especially strangers of account which would repair to his Court, and be present at the nuptial of his son, & honour him in such princelike exercises as might best beseem the worth of that intended solemnity, not omitting to express the time. These messages had such success, that besides a troop of meaner persons, the most worthy Heroes of Greece appeared at the appointed time, & being present at the ceremonies of Hymen's rites, gave honourable testimony of their performance. The Cyprian Kings second son then sovereign of Lemnos, and his fair Princess, were part of that royal assembly, whereat the Nobles of Cyprus did glister in almost-kingly pomp. Forthwith many honourable sports and deeds of chivalry were exercised, in which Arisbas and Anaxilas were chief challengers, suited both in purest white, mounted both on milk-white Coursers, richly caparrasoned. The old King intending farther favour to his son, and desirous to disburden himself of the heavy charge of government, and invest his age with ease, surrendered his estate, & resigned the regiment to Arisbas, whom he caused to be adorned with the royal Diadem, and he intending like favour to his dearest Timoclea, caused her to be likewise crowned Queen of Cyprus.  
These second solemnities thus finished, the princelike strangers and others departed, bruiting an honourable report of the Cyprian Courts royalty. Damon and Aegon having received rare entertainment and rich rewards for their former courtesies, shipped themselves for Arcadia. Fortune ending frowns with favours, did thus absolve the catastrophe of this royal Comedy, which was yet imperfect. The old King of Epirus deceasing, his son Sostratus a man of milder disposition, succeeded him in the Crown, who remembering the former good service of banished Aristophon, and knowing his innocency, sent immediately after his coronation, an honourable embassage to conclude a league with the young King of Cyprus, and reduce thence guiltless Aristophon from exile. The Ambassador was royally received and entertained in the Court of Cyprus, and having declared the cause of his coming, sped in both his demands. For the league of amity between those two mighty Princes was solemnly concluded by oath, and Aristophon desirous to lay his bones in the mother-soyle that brought him forth, was soon persuaded to return. Taking his leave therefore of the old prince, the young King & his daughter raised to such royal estate, he returned into his Country, having with him the other Peer of Epyrus, and a noble man of Cyprus sent by Arisbas, to cause King Sostratus to swear likewise, that the league might be confirmed by their mutual oaths. Such was the success of this rare oft-thwarted love which my overbold pen hath presumed thus rudely to discyper, If any decorum be omitted, or indecorum committed, I can not otherwise excuse it (courteous Gentlemen) then by your favours which will (I hope) bear with such imperfections, & not impute it to mine own desert, which was loath to polish a toy, whereon I never bestowed more labour, than sometimes an idle hour of recreation.  
FINIS.