THE MOST DELECtable and pleasant History of Clitiphon and Leucippe:  
Written first in Greek, by Achilles Statius, an Alexandrian: and now newly translated into English, By W. B. Whereunto is also annexed the argument of every Book, in the beginning of the same, for the better understanding of the History.  
LONDON Printed by Thomas Creed, for William Mats, and are to be sold at his shop in Fleetstreet, at the sign of the hand and Plough. 1597.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY WRIOTHESLEY, EARL OF SOVTHAMPton, and Baron of Titchfield, W. B. wisheth continuance of health, with prosperous estate and felicity.  
AT what time (Right Honourable) the renowned Prince Philip of Macedon, was about to lay siege unto the famous City of Corinth, the Corinthians appalled with the fear of this sudden news, every man fell to prepare himself ready to the defence of the City: here one scoured up old armour, another carried mortar and stones, to fill up the breaches of the wall: others went to make a trench, others to the casting up of a bulwark: to conclude, every man applied himself about some things, as need & time did require. Which diligence of the people, Diogenes marking well, having nothing whereon he might bestow his labour, girding his clothes to him, began to roll his Tub, wherein he dwelled, up and down the Market place: and being asked of one of his acquaintance why he did so: And I also (said he) do roll my Tub, that amongst so many workmen I alone might not be idle. In like manner (right noble Lord) since the same hath happened to me now, as it was in Diogenes age, that amongst so many multitudes of writers, which everyday do publish and set forth new works, I alone might not be idle, I have thought good with Diogenes to roll my small Tub also: and because that, non omnibus contingit adire Corinthum, Of every course wood Mercury is not made, neither is every man's Muse alike, to fly aloft: I have bestowed my labour on the translation of this pleasant History, first written in Greek by Achilles Statius, which now I have presumed to dedicate to your honour, being a delightful poem, although in prose: which doth consist in the fiction, not in the meeter; although seeming full of prolixity, yet with delight avoiding satiety, being a mean to beguile the time, and other exercises being past, to serve for recreation: wherefore I commit this to your honourable protection: beseeching your honour favourably to accept of this my small travel in translating of this Author, whom if I have worthily translated as he requires, I am assured your honour will well like of: knowing that if the gracious beams of your favour shine therein, no carping Momus can shadow it. Resting thus in hope of your Honour's courtesy, I cease: wishing you a happy life, with increase of all honour and felicity.  
Your Honours in all duty: W. B.   

To the Courteous Reader.  
THe Proverb is, where good wine is to be sold, there needs no ivy-bush: where the Author by himself is most exquisite, there needs no inscriptions of commendations, or apology to be set before his door: but because he is a stranger unknown, and lately arrived into this Country, I will show him the like entertainment, as other country men have done, to show who & what he is: A Grecian he was born, as by his eloquence may plainly appear; and from near about Constantinople, as some have supposed, he went to be preferred in Alexandria, where he wrote this History, as work most rare and delectable: of the reading of which, I may verily say (as Fulgentius saith in his Mythiologickes') the moral doth yield unfeigned profit: whose copious eloquence, pleasant & delightful style, I leave to the gentle Readers to commend: to whom I may say (as Crucius saith upon Heliodorus) there is none who is learned, and desirous of good instructions, which once having begun to read him, can lay him aside, until he have perused him over. Thus committing him to your favourable censure, I end.  
Your friend, W. B.   

The first Book of Achilles Statius, of the love of Clitiphon and Leucippe.  
The Contents.  
In it is declared the History of Europa, the Country and parents of Clitiphon, the coming of Panthia and Leucippe from Byzantium to Tyrus: the manner how Clitiphon fell in love with Leucippe: the discourse of Clinias concerning women: the unfortunate death of Charicles.  
IN the shore of the Assyrian sea, is situated Sydon, chief City of Phoenicia, and the original of the famous race of the Thebans, this City hath two heavens, containing within them a great compass, but the passage to them is very narrow, drawing in the water of the sea by little and little, on the right side of the Port where the creek by force of the water is made hollow: there lieth open another passage, by the which the water doth flow back again, whereby a haven is joined to a haven: so that in this ships may harbour in winter, and in the other in summer they may safely lie at road. Thither when out of the main sea by force of a mighty tempest I was brought, for the safe arrival (as the custom was) I sacrificed to the Goddess of the Phaenicians, which the Sydonyans do call Astarte; but the most of the Latins do call her Venus. Then walked I round about many parts of the city, viewing the lofty situation, the famous edifices, and sumptuous buildings, admiring also the magnificences of their temples, wherein when I had sufficiently gazed on their offerings to their gods hung at their tabernacles, I by chance espied a fair large picture, wherein was drawn the sea & land, & the whole history of Europe: the sea was called the Phaenician sea, but the land was called the Sydonian: on the land was a grove full of young damsels: in the sea was a bull swimming, carrying on his back a most beautiful virgin, directing his course towards Crect: the grove was garnished with variety of many flowers, & planted with many fair trees, & pleasant shrubs, whose boughs & leaves did so naturally (as it were) embrace & tie one another, as that they did serve for use of a house. Moreover, the painter had with such cunning workmanship drawn a thin shadow under the leaves, that in some places the beams of the sun piercing through, did somewhat shine: this grove was compassed round with reeds, and set throughout with sweet and odoriferous plants, as myrrh, roses, spike, daffodil, whereunder were made pleasant seats to rest upon: but in the bottom of this grove there was a most bright fountain, which winding itself through the midst of it did water these flowers & plants: neither were they wanting who had the oversight of it: for one was wéeding & picking the beds, another pruning the trees, an other standing over the river with a spade in his hand, did open the course of the water: but on that part of the grove which bordered on the sea, the painter had so artificially drawn the maids, as that they did show both mirth and sorrow by their countenances, having garlands on their heads, their hair about their shoulders, their feet without shoes, their legs bare, their clothes tucked up to the knee, their faces pale, their cheeks wrinkled & wan, their eyes beholding the sea, their lips, as it were for fear about to speak somewhat, a little gaping, their hands were stretched forth toward the bull, & they went so far into the sea, that the water came up to the upper part of their legs: their carriage and gesture of their body did appear to be such, as that they seemed they would go to the bull, yet feared to commit themselves to the violence of the water. The sea had two colours, that part which was next to the land was somewhat red, but the deeper and further off, of his natural colour: there out of the midst of the water did appear certain rocks, as it were cast up out of the earth, which seemed to be all white with the foam of the swelling & raging waves beating on the side. In the middle of the sea was painted a bull, which was carried by the waves, casting up the water before him like unto a mountain. The virgin sitting upon his back, not after the manner of horsemen, but both her legs being fitly laid down on his right side, with her left hand held his horn, as wagoners accustom to hold their reins, whose direction the bull did follow: her breast to her privy parts was attired with a vail of lawn, the rest of her body was covered with a purple mantle, all the other parts were to be seen, save there where her garments covered, for she had a deep navel, a plain smooth belly, narrow flank, round buttocks: her tender breasts seemed to swell, through the middle of which went down a fair narrow way most pleasant & delightful to the beholders: with one hand did she hold his horn, with the other his tail, but yet so that the attire of her head covered with a scarf cast over her shoulders, was held on fast against the force of the wind, which did so beat on her bosom, that every where it seemed to swell. She thus sitting on the bull, was carried like a ship, her scarf serving in stead of a sail. Round about the bull Dolphins floated about, and sported at their loves in such sort, as that you would think, you saw their very motions drawn. There was a little boy, which led the bull, displaying his wings abroad, holding in his hand a Torch, and turning to jupiter did smile, as though he mocked him, that he for his cause was thus transformed into a Bull. I thus beholding this picture, praised every part thereof: but looking more earnestly upon Cupid, which led the Bull, I spoke thus to myself: Behold how heaven, sea and land, do obey the commandments of this little boy when as a young man which was then by chance present, and understood my words, said: This thing truly I can testify, to whom for loves sake, so many adversities have happened. Then said I, I pray good fellow tell me what manner, & what they be that thou hast suffered? for thy countenance doth show that thou hast had something to do with the mysteries of this God. Then answered he: you do call me sir back, to recount a most mingled and confused beadrole of unfortunate mishaps: all which will seem to you to be but mere fables, and idle figments. Then said I, no I swear by jove and god Cupid himself, that the recounting of these thy misfortunes will not be troublesome to me, but rather the more acceptable, because they may seem to be somewhat fabulous: when as I had said so, I took the man by the hand, and led him into a wood hard by, where many broad beeches, and dark shadowing plain trees did grow, near unto the banks of crystal stream: which gently running did yield a pleasant murmuring. There when I had chosen a fit seat I bad him sit him down, and I myself sat down by him. Then (said I) now is it time that you begin to declare your hard mishaps, for here is a place altogether full of delight, and fit for such amorous discourses: then he from the beginning began to speak thus. My Country is Phoenicia, borne in Tyrus; my name is Clitophon, my father called Hippias, my father's brother in law is called Sostratus, for my father had two wives: This Socratus, because of an inheritance which descended to him there by his mother, dwelled always at Byzantium: My father dwelled at Tyrus, my own mother I never saw, for she died when I was a child; my father therefore married another wife, by whom he had a daughter called Caligone; which he decreed to make my wife: but the destinies which are more mighty than mortal man, had appointed the contrary, and reserved another for that end. For oftentimes the gods do accustom to foretell things to come to mortal men by dreams, not that by foreknowing of dangers they should avoid them (for no man can avoid that which the Destinies have decreed) but that when they fall out, they should bear them with more patience: for sudden and unexpected misfortunes, do quell and rend the mind strooken with their unlooked for coming: but those which are known before and foretold, whilst the mind by little and little is brought to the cogitation of them, do far less trouble them. Therefore when I came to nineteen years of age, and my father not long after had appointed the marriage to be solemnized, than fortune began to act her Comedy: for when I had laid me down to rest, Morpheus began to fill my head full of his fantasies, and idle dreams: me thought that I was so joined together with a maid, that from the navel to the head we were but one body, and then after we grew all into one; me thought there stood a woman behind me, whose visage was grim, stature tall, ghastly looks, bloody eyes, sharp cheeks, her hairs vipers and adders, holding in her left hand a firebrand, wherewith in a rage she struck me a blow, in that part where both our bodies did come into one, and by force did rend her from me again: wherefore being strooken with fear, I awaked out of my dream, neither did I disclose this to any: but still by myself alone I thought upon them often. In the mean season there came Letters from Byzantium, from my uncle Sostratus, to my Father, whose tenor was thus.  
Sostratus to his brother Hippias, sendeth commendations.  
MY daughter Leucippe, and my wife Panthia, are coming to you: for open war is proclaimed between us and the Thracians, keep you my dearest pledges firm, till the end of the war: Farewell.  
My father having read the Letter, rose up presently, and went unto the sea shore: and not long after he returned again with a great train of servants and maids, which Sostratus had sent with his wife and his daughter. Amongst them was a most beautiful woman, of stature tall, in rich and sumptuous apparel; upon whom as soon as ever I had cast mine eyes, I remembered Europa, sailing upon the back of the Bull: her eyes did seem to be quick, rolling with a pleasant kind of delight, her hair yellow and curled, her eye brows were of a pure black, her eyes white, save that the middle was tempered with a bright delightful red, like to that die wherewith the Lydian women do colour their ivory: her mouth beginning to open her coral lips, like sweet rose leaves, wherefore as soon as I saw her, I presently felt a grievous wound piercing to my heart. For beauty is sharper than any dart to wound withal, & by the eyes making passage for his amorous wound, pierceth to the heart. In the very self same moment of time, I did both praise her stature, was amazed at her beauty, tremble in mind, and more eagerly admire her beauty, and oftentimes did I strive to withdraw mine eyes from beholding her, but they still resisted: for being alured with the sweetness & excellency of her beauty, turned themselves thither again, and at length they enjoyed the victory. But the women being brought in, one part of the house was appointed for the many father commanded supper to be made ready: and when supper time was come, my father had appointed that on every side of the table two should sit, he & I in the middle, the mothers on the left hand, and the daughters on the right: but when I marked how directly opposite she was placed against me, a sudden joy rose in my mind of a sudden, to think of her who now was the opposite mark whom my thoughts should aim at. For what I did eat in that supper I cannot very well tell: for I was like to the saints to whom meat is offered, yet eat nothing: or else like to those who dream of supper: but sitting up directly, my back leaning against the wall, I did altogether behold the Maid, earnestly beholding and stealing, as it were her beauty. And this was all my supper. After the Table was taken away, one of the boys of the house came to the Table, and began to play on a Cittern: and first striking the strings with his finger alone, gave a small shrill sound: then taking a quill when he had timed it, he sung a song to his instrument, how Apollo did blame Daphne for flying away, and how he himself pursued her: and even now was about to take hold of her, that the maid might be transformed into a tree, with whose leaves he did plat himself a crown. The which song did minister more heat unto my fire: for amorous talk is a certain vehement incitation of desire. And although that a man by nature were temperate, yet by an example he would be drawn to follow, & so much the sooner, by how much the example were more excellent: for that same bashfulness, which did call one back from offending, being expelled by the dignity of some worthier thing, is changed into licentiousness. Wherefore I spoke to myself thus what was not Apollo taken in love? and cast away all shame? and openly pursued a virgin, why dost thou therefore languish in slothfulness, and being overcome with shamefastness, dost prefer continency, before thy desire? what art thou better than a God? But when it began to wax somewhat late, the women went first to bed, & not long after we also: others having bestowed the pleasure of their supper on their bellies, but I on my eyes: for being full with the pleasant countenance & most sweet looks, & even in a manner drunk with love itself, I went into my chamber, where I accustomed to lie, but no sleep would harbour in my weary eyes. For surely it is so ordained by nature, that when all diseases, yet especially those of the body are more troublesome by night, and when we are at rest they are most busy to torment us, and do afflict us wish greater grief: for when our members are at ease, then hath the wound time to rage. And such is the condition of a wounded mind: for when the body doth cease from motions, the mind being grieved doth afflict one beyond all measure: for the eyes and ears in the day time are occupied about many matters, and do not feel the sharp cogitations, but withdraw the mind so, that it can have no time to grieve: but if every part be detained with pleasing rest, the mind then gathering himself together is tossed up & down with the daily storms of hard mishaps: all which till then did lie asleep, but new are awaked and ready at hand: for in mourning there are sorrows: in cares cogitations: in danger's fear: in love a continual burning fire: thus every sorrow hath his passions. At length morning appeared, and sleep taking pity of me, brought me a little ease: yet would not this wench out of my mind, but all my dreams were of Leucippe, me thought I talked with her, I played with her, I supped with her, & did attain more pleasures then in the day time: I kissed her, and did attain more pleasures: not long after came in one of the servants of the house, and awaked me, whose importunateness I cursed, because he had interrupted me of so sweet a dream. And rising out of my bed, I went of purpose, and walked in the Gallery which lay before this Maids door, and I brought with me a book, which looking down I did read so, that as often as I came over against her door, I cast mine eyes upon her. And having walked thus a while drawing in more love by beholding, I went my way, my mind miserably afflicted: and after this manner I spent three days: I had a kinsman in the house, whose father & mother both were dead, his name was Clinias, he was two years elder than I, and was in love with a young boy, to whom he used such liberality, that having bought a goodly fair gelding, the boy commending him, he presently bestowed it upon him. Evermore did I mock and jest with him, that he had so much leisure from his business, to spend his time in love, and still to be held fast in his delights: but he smiling upon me, and shaking his head, said: I hope yet that at length the time will come, that you be caught in loves snares also; to him then I came, and having saluted him, I sat down by him: now (said I) O Clinias, do I suffer punishment for the reproaches which I bestowed on thee: for now I myself am taken in love also: then he clapping both his hands together, fell into a great laughter: and rising up kissed my face, that which showed what amorous watching I had endured, and said: true it is that thou art in love, for thine eyes do show as much: he had scant said these words, when Charicles (for so was the boy called) came running in, & said: I am come to thee, O Clinias, wonderfully grieved in mind, to declare unto thee: and here together with Clinias he fetched a great sigh: then Clinias as it were depending of his soul, with a foultering tongue, said. Thou dost kill me with thy silence, what it is that tormenteth thee thus? or with whom dost thou strive? Then said Charicles, my father goeth about to marry me to a wife, and she is hard favoured, and deformed too, that I might be tormented with a double hell: for since a fair wife is a great trouble, how can it otherwise be, but that an ill favoured one must needs be twice worse; but my father gaping after wealth, doth affect much that family: woe is me, poor wretch, which am sold for money, to be my wives bondslave; which when Clinias heard, he waxed pale, and inveighing bitterly against women kind, he vehemently dissuaded him from marriage, saying: what, doth thy father go about to marry thee? What hast thou deserved, that thou shouldst be cast into bonds? dost not thou hear great jove himself speaking for thee thus?  
To these I'll give the price of the heavenly fire stolen away,  
To be a plague which none shall shun, ne ever shall decay.  
Such is the pleasure which is gotten in such matters, that it may be very well likened to the nature of the Mermaids, for they by the sweetness of their songs, do utterly destroy those which listen to them: and thou mayst behold the greatness of the mishaps ensuing, by the very preparation of the marriage: as by the sweet sounding of the Music, clapping together of doors, and burning of Tapers. Now who seeing such great tumults and stir, would not count him unfortunate that goeth about to take a wife? to me he seemeth to go unto a battle: and if that thou didst abhor the study of humanity, than thou mightest perhaps be ignorant in the misadventures which have happened by women: but when thou hast profited so well in that art, that thou canst remember what arguments they have ministered for the stage, why shouldst thou forget the jewel of Eryphile, the banquet of Phylomela, the slander of Sthenoboea, the incest of Aerope, the cruelty of Progne in killing her own child? What and if the beauty of Chriseis, did allure Agamemnon, the favour of Bryseis entice Achilles, yet they were cause that both their armies were consumed by the plague. Candaules king of Lydia, married a fair wife, but he was slain by her: the nuptial torches of Helen burnt Troy: the chastity of Penelope, caused a great number of gallant wooers to be slain: Phaedra caused Hippolytus, whom she loved, and Clytaemnestra, caused Agamemnon, whom she hated, presently to be made away. O women ready to all wickedness, which are a like pernicious unto them whom they love, as to those whom they hate. And what was the reason why Agamemnon should be slain, whose beauty was divine.  
His head and eyes were like to almighty jove,  
And did like majesty with his person move.  
And yet (oh jupiter!) such a man's head was cut off by a woman: and for fair women let this suffice, in whose company a mean unhappiness is always present. For beauty sometimes doth ease calamities: and it alone is one good thing amongst so many bad. But if she be (as you say) deformed, you are punished indeed with a double hell: and who by any means can endure it, especially being of so tender age, and rare beauty? Do not (by the immortal Gods) O Charicles, cast thyself into servitude: nor do not crop the flower of thy age before the time: for amongst many other mischiefs which be in marriage, yet this is one, that the strength of thy age must be spent there: do not, I pray thee (good Charicles) do not, I say, undo thyself: and let so deformed a Gardener crop so fair and sweet a Rose. Then said Charicles, the Gods and I have always had a care of this, and the marriage shall not be yet this good while, and many things may be done by night: and we will consider of it at our leisure. Wherefore, now it remains that I go and exercise myself with the horse which you gave me, for as yet I never did ride him. So he went away about to end his first and last race: but I went forward to declare unto Clinias how all my matters stood, how I fell into love, and how I enjoyed the sight of her: I told him also her lodging, her supper, her beauty. At length perceiving myself to talk somewhat absurdly: O Clinias (said I) I can never be even with grief, for love hath cast all his fury upon me, and hath left me no place to take my rest: Leucippe is always in my mind, in my eyes, in my heart, and all my cogitations: neither ever was there any man to whom like mishap ever happened, for my grief lieth at home. Thou talkest like a mad man, said Clinias, since it is not possible to enjoy a more happier love than thou dost: for thou hast no need to go to another man's house, no need of passengers between, fortune hath not separated her from thee, but even placed her together with thee in the same house: to another which is in love, it is sufficient if he can but enjoy his mistress looks, and he accounteth it the greatest pleasure that is, but to satisfy his eyes with beholding her: but they are thought most happy, who have liberty to talk together: but thou dost both see her, hear her, and eat & drink together with her. And although that thou art thus happy, yet thou complainest, & dost bear an ungrateful mind towards Cupid, who hath done thus much for thee: dost not thou know yet, that there is greater pleasure in beholding thy mistress, then in touching her? For while the eyes do look one upon another, like unto a looking glass, they do take in them the true proportion of the body: for the very images of beauty sent from the body, & by the help of the eyes falling to the heart, do there, although the bodies be separated asunder, enjoy a happy meeting: and it is far more delightful than the carnal copulation of the bodies, which doth seem to me to be but altogether vain: and to tell you briefly my opinion, what I think, continual use hath greatest force to persuade, and the eyes are the getters of love: and to get favour, daily custom doth most of all avail, whose force truly is such, that it will tame the very savage wild beasts, much more women. Moreover, the equality in years will avail much to obtain her favour for ever. Between the like is the best coherence: and so it is ordained by nature, that every like chooseth his like: so that where she doth perceive she is loved, she will requite it with a mutual love again, for every maid would have herself accounted fair and beautiful, and doth rejoice to be beloved, and doth commend her lover as a witness of her beauty. And if there be any which thinketh she is beloved of none, she than gins to misdeem of her own countenance. Therefore this one thing especially I exhort you to do, that you endeavour by all means to bring it so to pass, that she may think she is beloved of you: & soon after will she imitate you: but how may these de done which you tell me? I pray thee instruct me better what I may do: for you before this time have sacrificed at loves altars, and have been a scholar in his schools, and know well how to behave yourself in these matters: for I am altogether ignorant, & a more novice in loves affairs, and one who never saw his colours displayed before. Then answered Clinias, you need not take such pains to learn this of others, for Cupid himself herein will be your master: for even as little infants whom no man teacheth to suck, yet they by themselves do learn, & naturally do know nourishment to be in their mother's dugs: so young men being first with child of love, have need of no master to instruct them to bring forth: but if grief torment you, & the length of time do cause any necessity, although that this be your first delivery: yet you shall not err in any thing: for this God himself will take upon him to play the Midwife, as time and occasion shall afford, so must you apply your talk: but above all things take heed of unchaste and immodest dealings: but use the matter so with silence, as that by your action they might conceive your meaning. For young men and maids are affected with like modesty: and although they be desirous of copulation, yet they would not seem to have any talk concerning such matters, for why they think dishonesty in the words, but they who have been well experienced in men's matters, hold it no disgrace to talk more amply of such a subject: but virgins, knowing the first assays of their lovers to proceed for cause of trial, by some pleasant actions, do seem to show their willingness to them: wherefore, if in words at first you would have her to try dame Venus' sports, that speech will offend her ears, for she will blush, and utterly deny your requests: and take them as a great indignity and disgrace offered to her: neither at first will she grant, because she may not seem to yield of her own accord: but in the end when she hath perceived how long with your petitions you have knocked at the postern of her heart, then will she seem more mollified, and yield herself more tractable to your desires: but not so much, that you might think she is wholly won already: but than you must begin to use some merry familiar toys between you, and when opportunity liketh you best, requite her kindness with a kiss: for the kiss of a lover to a willing wench is a silent wooing, but to an unwilling, is in steed of an humble petition. But yet although she were loath to refuse this your kindness, she will seem with a little violence to resist that by an opinion of necessity, this might seem to excuse her maidenly modesty. And although she do resist, yet enforce her not, but in resisting mark how she doth behave herself; for in this matter you had need to be circumspect: and if you perceive that she remain still in her accustomed guise, use no violence, but think that as yet she is not persuaded: and if that you would have her more tractable to your hand, dissemble the matter cunningly: nor rashly do not you go about to mar your whole match. Then said I, thou hast helped me wonderfully O Clinias, in my proceedings: and I do not doubt but that the matter will go forward as you would wish: but I am greatly afraid, lest this new happiness be a beginning of further mishaps, and cast me into a more burning fire: wherefore if this my grief should daily increase, what should I do? or whither should I turn me? I cannot have her to my wife, because my father hath appointed already another to supply that place: neither is she a foreigner or deformed; neither as it is with Charicles, doth my father sell me to her: but he doth give me his own daughter, the most beautiful creature alive, except Leucippe: but I now am blind, and cannot judge of her excellent favour, which truly doth deserve to be commended, for I do see nothing but Leucippe: and surely at this time, I am between two contraries, for the vehemency of love, and the commandments of my father, do draw my mind almost a sunder: who shall decide this controversy? necessity doth strive with nature, my mind dear father is willing to obey; the might of the adversary withstandeth me, he doth show my torments to the judge; he is here ready with his arrows; holding firebrands in his hands argueth my case; I will yield unto you father, but alas I am compassed round with a scorching fire. Thus did we dispute together of the god of Love and his behests: when on a sudden, one of Charicles playfellows came hastily running in, presaging some ill news by his countenance; so that Clinias in a maze cried out, Sure some harm is happened to Charicles: he had scant said so, but the messenger told that Charicles, was dead: with which message Clinias was so astonished, that like unto one strooken with lightning, his voice and senses failed him, and presently fell into a swoon; but the boy telling forward his tale, said; he got upon your horse Clinias, and at first, spurred him gently: but when he had ridden two or three courses about, he stayed, and rained him up, wiping his face all dropping down with sweat: and as he was standing thus, behold a sudden noise arose behind him; wherewith the horse being afraid, gave a mighty jump; began to run headlong about, biting of his bit, writhing of his neck, shaking of his main; incensed with fear; was carried violentle every where: his foreféete prancing forward, his hinderféet striving to overtake the former, hastened his course, and drove him the faster forward; the poor boy, in this contention, was tossed up and down, like unto a floating ship in the main sea, tossed on the waves with a mighty tempest: thus was he unhappy boy shaked up from the head to the tail; from this side to that; now every minute ready to fall: at length when he could hold the raynes no longer, he then gave himself to the custody of fortune: but the horse being violentye carried, went ranging abroad, leaving the beaten way, and ran into a wood; where he dashed the poor child against a tree, & as a bullet is cast out of the mouth of a roaring cannon, with such force fell he out of the saddle; his face was deformed with so many wounds, as there were sharp knags on the stock, which fearing not to kill, pierced to the bones: his body was tangled in the bridle, and was laid in the very high way to death, but the horse was so astonished at the fall, that he could run no further, and being thus hindered from his flight, he began to strike him with his heels, and did so tear his face with his iron shoes that none could know his favour: when Clinias had heard this, being in a sound amaze, held his peace a great while, at length having obtained a little leave of sorrow to speak, he fell into great howling and lamentations, and with all speed he did run to the dead body, whom I also followed comforting him as well as I could, but in the mean season, Caricles was brought in, a most grievous and lamentable spectacle to behold, for he was all over so torn, cut, and mangled, that none which were present there & did behold him, could abstain from weeping: but his father took his death most heavily, weeping bitterly: what a one, O my child, didst thou go from me, and what a one art thou returned again! O most unfortunate art of riding: thou art not taken from me by the accustomed kind of death: neither haste thou the very image which a dead man should have: in dead bodies though that the liveliness of the visage and other parts of the body depart, yet the favour remaineth, which yet might something lighten my grief, for although death take away the life from a man, yet he doth leave the favour of his countenance behind him, but yet these are all taken from thee: wherefore thou dost die a double death, both of body and soul also: so now thy ghost will wander abroad, and thy soul is flown away, which I shall never find more. When O my son, wilt thou marry a wife? where now, O thou unfortunate horseman, to thee will I sacrifice thy nuptial rights, & in stead of a bed thou shalt have a grave: for marriage, death: for the songs to Hymineus, hymns to Dis: for bridal music, funeral lamentations. I did hope dear son, to have burnt these tapers after another manner than these do now, but envying fortune, hath extinguished them together with thyself, & for nuptial, hath caused funeral lights to burn. O cruel lights, which from a wedding to a burying form are changed. And after this manner did his father lament: but Clinias contrariwise (for the father and lover & both mourn together) solitary to himself, said: I was the cause & author of all this which hath happened: Ah why did I bestow such a gift upon him. Had not I a guilt cup, wherewith I used to sacrifice, and could not I have given him that? but I must bestow a fowl beast on so fair a boy, and must go adorn him too in silver trapping, golden bridle, and richly set forth all his other ornaments. O what a fool was I (Caricles) to adorn him in Gold, that thus was the cruel author of thy death? O most cruel beast, more savage than the wild beasts; most far, unkind, and not knowing true beauty indeed; he wiped the sweat from thy back, promised thee provender enough, commended thy pace, and thou hast slain him which thus gently hath dealt with thee: for thou didst not only scorn the burden of so fine a horseman as he was, but also casteds him down, and being down, didst strike him with thy feet. O unhappy man that I am, to buy him which should be the author of thy death. When all solemnities for the funeral were ended, I went to Leucippe, which then was walking in the Gardaine, within the Guard there was a little arbour compassed round with a little wall, at every corner was a pillar which did bear up the work in the top, all this arbour within was set with pleasant flowers, sweet plants, and woven round with green boughs; and bound together with such art, as that naturally they did seem to embrace one another; for the greatest of the trees which did grow there, were ivy, Privet, and this clipped about a thick plane tree; the other about the sweet berry tree; so that the tree was the supporter of the ivy, and the ivy a Garland for the tree: about both these trees a great vine did wind about; which being loaden with ripe grapes, did yield pleasant fruit for the gatherers: all the ground underneath was set with pleasant flowers, and when the leaves of the trees shaken by the wind did remove a little, and gave passage for the beams of the Sun, so that all the flowers did seem then to strive, to show the beauty of themselves: the Rose and the Daffodil did seem to colour the place purple; which being blown with a gentle Western wind, did breath sweet odours, refreshing the senses with a pleasing smell, sending down a sweet refreshing to the inward parts within: the Daffodil was almost like the Rose, which seemed as yet to retain the very hue itself of fair Narcissus, when Echo with other of her sister Nymphs, sought to allure the sweet boy: there were also Violets, whose colour was like to the colour of a calm sea, on the top of which stood, a drop of pure water, as it were a fair spring rising from the root, and cast the reflex like unto a glass, there seemed to be two Gardaines, one in deed, the other but a shadow: In this arbour were divers sorts of birds, whereof some were tame, and fed with the hand, others were at liberty and wild, skipping upon the tops of the boughs; as the Grasshopper and the Swallow, noted chief for their chattering: some glittering with the brightness of their feathers, as the Peacock, Parrot, and Swan: the Grasshopper did recount that lodgings of Aurora, the Swallow did sing of the banquet of Tereus: the Swan did feed at the head of a spring: the Parrot did hang in a Cage among the boughs: but the Peacock amid the flowers displaying of his train, did strive to excel the brightness of the flowers, and the bright shining of the other birds: wherefore that I might make the maid know that my speeches did tend to love, I began to talk with Satyrus, the argument of my talk being taken from the Peacock, and she by chance walking with Clio, stood just before him as he displayed his train. Truly said I, the Peacock doth not do this, without great art, for being now ready to love, and desirous to allure his female, adorneth himself after the manner as you see: do not you see (and pointed with my hand) how the Peahen stands behind the tree? to her doth he show himself thus in his bravery: showing the beauty of his plumes, wherein the eyes being set in order in gold, bordered with purple, do cast a radiant shining to the eye: then Satyrus knowing my meaning, and to what end this talk belonged, replied: And doth the force of love extend so far, as that birds be inflamed with a certain heat of his fire? Then answered I: yea not only birds, but also Serpents, four-footed beasts, plants and stones are naturally inclined to love: for the loadstone doth love iron, that if so be that it touch it, or be but near it, it draweth it to it, as it were fed with an amorous heat: what I pray you, is not that a kind of mutual kissing, between the loving stone and the loved iron. Moreover concerning plants, it is the opinion of all Philosophers (which truly I thought had been but a mere fable, until I saw the proof thereof) that plants naturally did love one another: of which number is the Date Tree, for it is reported, that there is both male and female, and that the male doth fervently love his female, as that if she be abandoned farther from him he presently dieth and withereth away: wherefore the husbandmen knowing his natural inclination, standing upon a high place, do accustom to look which way he doth incline (for he always doth bend towards his female) they do plant the female on that side. Moreover if a branch of the she be cut off, and a hook being made be thrust into his body, it doth revive him again: and this is the marriage of the plants. Moreover, there is another natural affection between the River Alpheus, and Arethusa, for this River doth make a passage no otherwise through the Sea, then through the land, neither is his sweet water mingled with the saltness of the sea, but easily sliding through the grossness of the salt water, maketh a channel for his gentle stream; and still continueth his course, until he come to his beloved Arethusa: And every five years when the games are celebrated at olympus, the victors do accustom to cast their Garlands which they have won into this River, which he doth bring to his Love: And such were the gifts which the Rivers could bestow. In Serpents also, although there be not the same kind of love, yet to several sorts, there are several inclinations: for the viper is a serpent which lives on the land, and naturally doth desire copulation with the lamperd, which by form is a serpent, but by use a fish: they when they would accompany together, the viper climbs unto the top of a rock, and there hisseth a while, whom when the Lampred heareth, she swimmeth to the shore, neither doth she go forth to this her Lover upon the sudden, knowing his venomous teeth to be full of poison; but climbing up to the top of a cliff, doth expect him there, until he hath cast all the poison from him: In the mean while, these two do behold one another, but assoon as she seethe the poison cast on the ground, and all her fear is past, she hasteneth to her Lover, to enjoy their amorous embracings, not fearing now to kiss her spouse. When as I had made an end of my speech, I earnestly viewed how Leucippe hearing this amorous discourse was affected, which truly did so show herself, as that I guessed she heard them with a willing mind: but still Leucippes countenance seemed to me still to surpass the glittering show of the Peacock's train, for her beauty might contend very well with the flowers of the Gardaine: the form of the daffodil did shine in her forehead, the colour of the Rose did glister in her cheeks, the brightness of the Uiclet did appear in her eyes, her hair did imitate the curling of the vine, and such was the admirable beauty of her face: Not long after she departed thence, for the time was come that she accustomed to play on her Lute, neither did she departed away from me, for still her image remained in my eyes. But Satyrus and I commended one another, I, because I told these discourses, and he, because he gave the first occasion. As we were thus commending one another, we were called in to supper, and we sat down after the same manner as we did before.   

The second Book.  
The Contents.  
The description of the feast of Protrygaeus Dionysius, and why he was honoured for a God amongst the Tyrians. The pleasant discourse between Clitiphon and Leucippe. The first invention of purple, found out by a shepherd. After is declared the rape of Calligone by calisthenes, a young man of Byzantium, whom he thought to have been Leucippe: The witty conference between Satyrus and Conops: The manner of Clitiphons' coming to leucippe's chamber in the night, and how they were disturbed by Panthias' dream. The manner of the flight of Clitiphon & Leucippe from tire: how they sailed towards Alexandria, and sell acquainted with one Menelaus an Egyptian, who telleth the cause of his traveles, and the pleasant talk between them.  
WHen supper was done, Satyrus and I discoursed together of many things concerning our love, but in the end we concluded to go to the maids chamber, where we found her alone playing on her Lute; and singing also most pleasant Ditties to her instrument: from beholding whom I could not abstain: she first did sing of the combat between the Lion and the wild Boar, described in Homer: then choosing of a more milder subject, she sung the praises of the Rose: the tenor of whose song, although not in verse expressed, was in this form. If jupiter would appoint a sovereign over all flowers, he could choose none fit to supply the place then the Rose: this alone is the ornament of the earth, the prime of all plants, the grace of all herbs, the adorning of a Guard, and the most fairest of all flowers: this doth breath forth love, win desire, and rejoicing: with his pleasant leaves, gently blown with the pleasant Zephyrus, do yield a fragrant odour, and such a one was her song: but it seemed to me to see a true Rose indeed in her lips, retaining within them indeed the true similitude of the Rose. Scant had she ended her song, when we were all called in to a banquet: for on that day was the feast of Dionysius Protrygaeus celebrated, whom the Tyrians do worship for their God: for on this day they do sing the history of Cadmus; sounding forth melodious hymns to him, because they say he was first original of their stock: for in times past none did know the use of wine, for the black wine, the wine of Anthosmia, the wine of Byblis, of Moronae, of Chios, of Icaria, was not yet found out; but all first were invented by the Tyrians, and that the first founder was born there. For it is reported that a certain shepherd, whom the Athenians do call Icarius, traveling abroad the country of Phoenicia, by chance happened to Tyrus, where lodging with this Dionysius, he did instruct him in the chiefest grounds of husbandry: but yet the drink which he used, was no other than that which was common to the cattle, which was fair water, for the wine as yet was unknown. Dionysius commended the shepherd, thanking him for his instructions, and did drink unto him in a cup of wine; when he had drunk it up, he rejoiced for joy, and turning to the God, said: I pray you mine host from whence have you this sweet red water? or else in what place have you found such delicious blood? I am sure that this is none of that which runneth through the ground: for that goeth down into ones belly with no delight, but this is sooner in my nose, then in my mouth; and in the mouth it is cold, but in the belly it doth move a pleasant heat. To whom Dionysius answered: This water cometh out of the vine branch, and this blood cometh forth of the cluster of Grapes: and forthwith he led the shepherd to his vineyard, and showed him his vines, and plucking off two or three bunches of Grapes and crushing them together, this saith he is the water, here be the fountains from whence it doth flow: And by this means as the Tyrians report was Wine first found out for the use of men: wherefore this day is appointed holy to be solemnized to this God: wherefore my father, that he might seem to solemnize this feast with more magnificence, caused this sumptuous banquet to be made, wherein he used two great bowls, the one was belonging to Glaucus of Chios, the other proper to this God, which was made of engraved Glass: upon whose brinks clusters of Grapes did seem to grow, which when the Glass was empty did seem green, but being full of liquor, were red, and seemed to be ripe. Among which, the picture of Dionysius was drawn, through which shining Glass, I did more earnestly behold Leucippe, for Love and Bacchus are two violent gods, which boisterously assailing the heart, doth so heat it with an unaccustomed fire, that they do constrain one to forget all modesty, whilst the one doth yield his accustomed fire, the other doth minister matter for this fire, for wine is the food of love: wherefore I did behold her more attentively, and she in like manner did behold me. And after this manner we spent ten days, wherein we neither did assay any thing, but only did behold one another. At length I declared all my love to Satyrus, and beseeched him that he would help me in this necessity. I did know all this, quoth he, before you told me, but I would not seem to know it, or took the less notice of it: For a secret lover, if any do detect his love will hate the revealer unto death, and never cease his hatred, until he have found a just revenge. But Fortune I see even of her own accord hath taken care of us: for Clio, which was appointed the Chambermaid, hath received me into her favour, and useth me in stead of a lover, I therefore will shortly so compound the matter between you, as that to the furthering of this matter, she also shall lend her helping hand. But yet it is not enough to make trial of a maids good will, by her countenance: but you must speak somewhat effectually to her, and there also to use another devise, to take her by the hand, and clasp her fingers, and in clasping sigh: if then that you see she take this willingly, you may truly call her Mistress, and kiss her the more often. Truly (quoth I) you have instructed me very well, and spoken very well to the matter: but I fear greatly, lest that my weakness be such, that I am not able to be a fit Soldier to march under loves Banner. Then said Satyrus, Cupid can not away with slothfulness: wherefore, you must rouse yourself up, and fettle you forward to his affairs. Do not you see how like a Soldier he vaunts, with his bow, arrows, darts, and all things courageous and full of valour: and can you faint, having such a Captain? take heed you do not falsely usurp the name of a lover, I will give the first onset: for I will send away Clio, from her another way, when time and occasion shall serve, and when every body is gone away. And when he had said so, he departed from me, but I was left alone, wherefore I felt myself no little moved with Satyrus his words, and imagining with myself how I might so behave myself, that when I came into her presence I might not fail in any thing, saying thus to myself: how long wilt thou effeminate fool be mute? Why dost thou faint having such a martial God to thy guide? Dost thou think that they will come to thee? but presently I began to sing a retreat, saying: but why dost not thou repent thee unhappy man? and love that other Virgin which is more meet? Thou hast another at home, no deformed piece, why dost not thou sue to her, and woo her with some amorous discourses, love her, and take her to thy wife? since thy father hath persuaded thee to it, and will have it so? but from the bottom of my heart love replied again. Dost thou presume so much of thyself, that thou darest take arms against me? and seem to resist my forces? I have wings to fly, Darts to wound, and Torches to burn, how dost thou think now that thou canst escape me, and fly the points of my Darts? howsoever thou dost thou shalt never avoid these flames: but if thou do hold before thee against my fire the shield of temperance, yet I will overtake thee by my flight. When I had spoken thus solitarily to myself, I espied upon a sudden Lucippe, coming to meet me: and as soon as I saw her I waxed pale, but afterwards I blushed: she than was alone, for Clio was gone away from her. And although my mind was so stricken with fear, that I had nothing to say; yet at length I said, God save you sweet mistress: then shen pleasantly smiling, seeming by her smile to know, to what end this salutation belonged, said: what, am I your mistress? you speak amiss I am sure: no, said I, for some god, I know not which it is, hath sold me to you, as Hercules was to Omphale: what was it Mercury? for jupiter demanded once a sum of him: and therewithal she smiled. What Mercury, quoth I, what toy is that? when you do know very well what I did mean. In the mean season while we were thus retorting our speeches one to another, it so fell forth the fortune befriended me. For by chance the day before about noontide Leucippe was playing on her lute, I then being present, and Clio sitting by, as I was walking up and down a wasp flying about did sting Clio in the hand, who with the grief thereof cried out. Leucippe arose, laying her instrument aside, & looked upon the wound, saying: be of good cheer, and fear nothing, for with two or three words I can cure this wound: for I learned not long ago of an Egyptian woman to heal the stingings of Bees, and Wasps, & presently she charmed it, & Clio confessed afterwards it was whole. And then as we were thus talking, by good fortune it happened, that a wasp did fly humming round about my face, and occasion being taken, I struck her to my face, who instantly did sting me on the lip, so that I feigned myself to be in great pain: wherefore the maid running to me presently, took me by the hand, & asked me where I was hurt, I answered in my lip: & why dost not y● O dear Lucippe charm it? then she about to charm it, put her mouth to my lip, & touching the very outward part of my lip, mumbled some certain thing, I know not what: in the mean while I did closely steal a kiss: but she whilst she was in her charm, did so use herself therein, the now she would open, now she would shut her lips: and it was so handled that her charms were turned into kisses: where I took her in my arms, and embracing her kissed her sweetly: but she going back, what do you do now? do you charm also; but I do now said I, kiss the charm, for therewith you have driven away all my pain: which when she had understood, she smiled: but now I took heart at grace again, and suddenly I cried out: Alas, sweet Leucippe, I am stung again more cruelly, for the sting hath pierced me to the very heart, and now I crave more help at your hands for you carry a be in your lips, which are full of honey, and your kisses have made a new wound, where I beseech you to charm me again, but do not end your charm so soon least the wound wax fresh again. And while I thus talked, I embraced her, and kissed more often: she seemed to stir a little for fashion, yet she stood still. In the mean season, we espied a maid coming a far off: wherefore we parted one from another. I departed thence sorrowful and against my will, but how she took the sudden parting I know not: But from that time afterwards my hope began to increase, and I sensibly felt her kiss sticking on my lips, as if it were some corporal or substantial thing: the sweetness whereof I did diligently keep as a great treasure, for that is the first pleasant thing which happeneth to a lover, and it hath his original from the fairest and best part of the body. For the mouth is the instrument of the voice, and the voice is the shadow of the mind, the touching therefore of the lips, whilst it doth engender a kind of pleasure in the neither parts, doth also draw the minds as it were mutually to kiss one another: neither do I remember that ever such a like motion happened to my senses, neither any thing which may contend in pleasure with this amorous kiss. When supper time was come, we sat down again: and Satyrus did fill the wine, playing there some loves delights, for he would change the cup which Leucippe did drink on with mine. But I still did mark on which side of the cup she did drink, did put it likewise to my mouth, and feigning a kiss sent unto me, I kissed the cup again: which when she had marked, she imagined I kissed the very place where her lips did touch: and when as the skinker had filled her wine, I marked her imitating me, and drinking in like manner, wherein I myself took great delight: thus three or four times we spent the time at supper in drinking of kisses, one to another: when supper was ended and the table taken away, Satyrus came to me, saying: Now is it time that you show yourself a man or never. You know leucippe's mother was not well at ease this night: wherefore she is gone to bed alone: Leucippe with Clio is gone to the house of office alone, and at her return you may have sufficient conference with her: and that you may have no interruption of this your communication, I will lead Clio aside: wherefore we went forth and watched them and it fell out even so as he had told me before: where as he promised he withdrew Clio from her, and so she remained alone. Then taking opportunity, being now somewhat boldened, I went unto her as a conquering soldier, not fearing the dangers of the war, for there were many things which encouraged me, first wine, love, hope and the solitariness of the night, whose sable veil covereth oft times the bonds of immodesty: wherefore I went to her, and embracing her in my arms, I ceased not to kiss her? And when I did assay to have done a more worthy thing, I heard a more sudden noise behind us. Wherefore afraid we parted asunder there into her Chamber, but I got me into a secret place, where being sad and pensive with myself, that I had lost so fit an opportunity, I cursed the noise with the author thereof: at length Satyrus came running to me, which said he saw all that passed between us, and how he watched under a Tree, that none might take us of a sudden, and how he perceiving a far off some body coming, he made that noise. Not long after, my father had appointed my marriage to be solemnized sooner than first he had appointed, but yet he was often troubled in his dreams, for he dreamt that when the nuptial tapers were set on fire they presently were extinguished, and we when the time was come we should be offered to Hymenaeus, were fled away: Wherefore he had made ready all provision for the day: all apparel ready for the bride: for her had he bought a rich and costly jewel, beset with divers precious stones, the stones whereof did seem to contend in beauty one with an other. The Hyacinth seemed to be like the rose: the Amethyst doth glister like unto the colour of gold: in the middle of the jewel were set three precious stones, which were placed with such art, that all of them seemed to participate one another's colour, and did show as if they were all one substance, the bottom whereof was black, the top rising up in manner of a spire was red, the middle white, participating also both the black and red. The stone which was thus set in gold was made after the fashion of an eye: Her gown was of purple damask? and not of the common colour, but of that which the Tyrians report the shepherds dog found out, wherewith the veil is coloured, which is hung in the Temple of Venus: for this colour of purple was unknown long time, because it was included in a little shell: a certain fisherman upon a time, had taken a number of shell fish, and thinking they had been fishes at first, but looking upon the roughness of the shell, he cast them away as not worthy to be eaten. Which when as a dog by chance had gnawn with his teeth and the purple liquor running from his mouth, had coloverd his chaps, made all his snout of a purple colour: When the shepherd saw his dog all bloody, thinking he had been hurt, took him to the Sea side, and there washed him: But then the colour waxed more fresh, and his hands also were died with a purple colour. Then looking about to find the cause, he espied the shell all gnawn with the dog: Wherefore that he might try the secrets of this colour, and all the hidden virtue of the shell fish, he took a lock of wool cut of his satchel, and dipped it into the shell, and the wool was died with the very self-same colour, as he saw the dog's chaps before, & so he learned the die of purple: which coming home he showed unto the fullers and dyers in their country, which colours this day hath continued famous in Tyrus? Wherefore as the manner is before the marriage begin, my father appointed a solemn service to be said? Which when I understood, I now thought myself quite undone: & I did devise with myself by all means, how this might be deferred until another time. While I was in this brown study, I heard a sudden uproar of men in the chamber where they do accustom to kill the sacrifice, and it was after this manner? When my father had killed a lamb for the sacrifice, and taken the entrails, and laid them on the altar, a mighty Eagle came roaring from about, and snatched them away, neither could they that stood by it help it by any way, wherefore she did fly away with her pray? And this was thought to be a sign of ill luck: and from that day the marriages were deferred: wherefore my father caused all the diviners, and soothsayers, to be sent for: and he declared to them all the matter: wherefore they said they should go to the sea, and at midnight sacrifice to jupiter Hospitalis, for thither they said, the Eagle did fly, and the entral did there fall from her into the sea. But I greatly rejoiced at this mishap, which had thus delivered me from a perpetual servitude: I commended the Eagle saying, that she worthily deserved to be called the Queen of all birds. But that which was foretold by this ill luck, fell out not long after, calisthenes a young man of Byzantium, whose father and mother both were dead, rich, sumptuous, and given to riot, he hearing that Sostratus had a fair daughter, although he never saw her, yet because of her exceeding commendations, he desired to have her to his wife. For such is the lust of intemperate men, that even with very fame they will be driven to love, and will equally be affected by hearing, as if they had seen her. Wherefore before the war was proclaimed to the Byzantians, he was very importunate with Sostratus, that he would bestow her on him for his wife: But he misliking the lewdness of his vicious life, answered him he would not: therefore calisthenes thinking that Sostratus contemned him, was wonderful wrath, and although he loved his daughter indeed, whose beauty he conceived in his mind to be without match, although he did never see her: yet he seemed to him as if he scorned her: And he devised with himself by all means possible, how he might be revenged on Sostratus. Moreover it is a law with the Byzantians, that if any man do ravish a maid, he shall suffer no other penance then marry her: calisthenes liked this law very well, and sought out a fit time for his purpose: and although that the wars did increase, and that he knew well that she was at Tyrus, yet he never left of to work his ambush made, wherein he was furthered by a strange accident: For there was this oracle given to the Byzantians.  
There is an Island in the sea, which of a plant is named,  
Which by a little narrow creak is joined to the land,  
Which compassed round with force of sea is oft with tempest tamed,  
Where Pallas doth with Vulcan joy to join,  
There unto Hercules give sacrifice divine.  
When many of them doubted what Island it should be which was meant by the oracle, Sostratus (for he as I said was general in the war) now is fit time (saith he) that we sacrifice to Hercules of Tyrus, for that is the place certainly which is spoken of by the oracle, for it doth answer it in all respects. For there God hath named it by the surname of a plant, because it is an Island of the the Phaenicians, for Phoenix (which word signifieth a date tree) is a plant, and it lieth in the sea and is by a vast promontory joined to the land, and this doth seem to hold it to the land, the other seems by violence to break it off: this promontory joined to the land, seemeth to be the neck of the Island and in the bottom of the sea it doth not touch the earth, for the water doth run under it, so that it giveth a new spectacle to behold a City standing in the sea, and joined to the land? And that which is spoken of the conjunction of Pallas, and Vulcan is to be interpreted the oil and fire, which both are there in great abundance, for there is a holy place compassed round with a well, where as a certain fire doth cleave unto the Olive Tree, and casteth his flames about her branches, by whose heat the Olive doth flourish the better? So by this means the fire and the Plant do grow in friendship, and Pallas doth not shy from Vulcan. Then Chaerephon fellow with Sostratus in the war, but higher in authority because he was born at Tyrus, extolled him greatly, saying: you have rightly interpreted the Oracle of the god: but that you may not think the nature of fire to be only admirable, there are as strange properties of the water, for I myself have beholden some of them. There is in Sicilia a fountain, whose water doth ever run mingled together with fire: wherein you may see the flame of the fire rising from the bottom to the top, if you touch the water it is like snow, and extreme cold, neither yet doth the water extinguish the fire, neither the fire heat the Water. Moreover in Spain there is a River, which at the first sight you would judge it to be like others, but if you lie down and listen to it, you shall hear it make a great sound, for when there is a small wind, you shall hear it yield a sound like unto a viol, the wind is in stead of the stick, and the water doth supply the use of the instrument: there is also in Lybia a marish ground, where the sand is like that in India, and the maids of Lybia knowing there to be gold, do accustom to get it after this manner, (for the gold lieth under the mud, and there ariseth by a little spring, wherein they put a pole anointed with tar, and thrust it into the hand, and as a hook is to the fish, so is this pole to the gold: for it catcheth hold of the pole, the tar being in stead of a bait, for what gold doth touch it, doth cleave to it, and is laid up upon the shore, and so is Gold gotten in Lybia: Which when Chaerephon had said, so they decreed to send one to Tyrus to sacrifice: Wherefore Calisthenes feigning himself one of the sacrificers, did sail also to Tyrus, and there knowing my father's house, at what time the women should come forth to behold she pomp and magnificence of the sacrifice, he laid his ambushes. In which show, there was great store of perfumes, great variety of flowers: Of the perfumes, was Cassia, Frankineense, Storax; Of the flowers, Roses, Daffodil, Myrtell, and the sweetness of the flowers did seem to contend with the pleasant Odour of the perfumes: and water hereof being drawn up into the air, did fill the air itself with the sweetness thereof: But after followed many strange and great offerings for the Sacrifice: amongst which, the most chiefest were the Oxen of Nilus: for they do not only excel in bigness and largeness of the body, but also in colour and fairness to the eye, for they are of tall stature, thick neck, broad shoulders, large belly, with their horns not flat to their heads as the Sycilians, neither deformed as the Cyprians, but rising from the temples of their heads, are bowed so equally, that in the very top there is no more distance between them then the very bottom, and they do almost resemble the likeness of the Moon: and of the same colour as Homer doth commend the Thracian Horses to be of. And in their going they do carry their head so high, as if they were kings over the herds of the cattle: and if it be true that jupiter when he did carry Io away, was transformed into a Bull, surely than I think it was into an Egyptian. At that time it chanced my mother in law was sick, and Leucippe desirous to stay at home, (for she had spoken to us before that she might stay with my mother) went not forth a doors: Wherefore it was so appointed that my sister should go with leucippe's mother. Calisthenes, which never saw Leucippe, assoon as he met my sister Calligone, he thought it had been Leucippe: for he did know Sostratus very well: and being at the very first sight taken in love with her, he showed her to one of his companions, whom he trusted well, and he requested him to go call the men together to whom he had given in charge to steal her away: he had also appointed the order and manner of her stealth, saying, that by and by all the maids would go unto the sea side. Which when as he had said, neglecting the sacrifice he went his way: he had a private ship of his own, which before he came forth a doors he had appointed to be it wherein he vowed to bring her. Now all they who were the chief overseers of the sacrifice, were gone up, but calisthenes went not from the shore, because he saw the multitude coming after him: and that since his ship lay near unto Tyrus, he might not be pursued aster he had carried her away: and when he came to Sarepra a little village without the suburbs of Tyrus, situated upon the sea shore, thither he brought the ship, and gave it to Zeno, for that was his name, to whom calisthenes had given in charge chief to steal her away: he was of a stout body, & had learned piracy even from his infancy, and he landing at Tyrus first sought out his fellow pirates to be his aiders in this enterprise. There is a little Island near unto Tyrus (where the ships do lie at road) which they do call Orollope: here did Zeno hide his ship in ambush. But before that day of solemnity came, which calisthenes looked for, which the eagle had foretold, & the soothsayers, had declared before, all things were made ready: and as we did adorn ourselves at the sacrifice the day before, so did we now, neither was this unknown to Zeno: about midnight we came to the place, and when we had stayed there a while, we washed our hands in the sea, but calisthenes had given them a watchword, that upon the sudden they should be ready to take her away: wherefore they brought the ship close to the shore, wherein were ten men: upon the land also were ten more which lay in wait in women's attire with their beards shaven: every one had his sword hidden under his garment, and that they might be the less suspected, they followed that sacrifice so that we might think them also to be women. Assoon as the fire was made, then, a sudden clamour being made rushed in upon us, & put out our lights. And when we being strooken with this sudden, sought to fly away, they took away violently my sister, being gotten a shipboard, did fly away, like birds: many of us hearing the tumult fled away, others stood still and saw it, and said the pirates have stolen away Calligone. Now had they passed the middle of the sea, and came near unto Sarepta, where calisthenes had appointed to meet them: where receiving him unto them, they launched forth into the main. Therefore seeing my marriage to be broken off against my expectation, I began to be of good courage, although I could not choose but grieve, that my sister had fallen into such a danger. A while after these were done, I spoke to Leucippe with these words: How long (O my dear Leucippe) shall we stay at kisses? These are fair beginnings, but let us also do the rest which lovers most of all desire: therefore first let us contract ourselves together, for if we will sacrifice to Venus, we shall not find any god more favourable unto us then this. I iterated these speeches to her often, and at length I prevailed with her, that she should let me into her chamber at night, Clio also which was the Chambermaid promising her help herein. That part of the house wherein she did lie, was built after this order: there was a great space, having two Chambers of the right hand, and two of the left hand, through which went a little narrow entry, by which they went into them. This entry had a door which opened with two leaves: this part of the house was the lodging for the women. The inward chambers were opposite one to another, whereof the mother had one, the daughter the other: of the other Clio had that which was next to Leucippes, the uttermost was appointed for the pantry. Every night Leucippes mother accompanied her to bed, and departed not from thence, until she did see her laid down: and she did not only shut the entry doors, but also caused another entry door to be shut by another, and the keys thereof to be given her in at a hole, which she kept in her own chamber: but every morning she called the fellow, whom she had given in charge to lock the doors, to open them again: wherefore Satyrus seeing that it was almost impossible to get in, caused like keys to be made: which when as he had tried, and saw they were fit for the purpose, he persuaded Clio to be silent, that by no ways she should hinder our determination. There was one of the Servants, a curious prating fellow, given much to his belly, who seemed worthy enough of his name (for he was called Cynops) this fellow seemed a loof of to watch, and mark whatsoever we went about, ever suspecting that in the night we would assay something: wherefore at midnight he used to watch the doors standing open, so that it was a hard matter to do it that he should not know: which Satyrus perceiving, want about to grow in acquaintance with this fellow, and would often jest with him merrily, and call him Conops (which signifieth a Gnat) and thus would descant upon his name. He knowing Satyrus meaning, did seem to jest with him again, still carrying a suspicious mind: wherefore turning to Satyrus said: Go to friend Satyrus, because you scoff at my name, I will tell you a tale of a Gnat. The Lion upon a time accused Prometheus, that since he had made him so large, great, and strong, and had armed his jaws with teeth, his feet with hooked nails, and had made him stowter then any other wild Beasts, yet endued with all these qualities, he feared the crowing of a dunghill Cock. UUhome Prometheus answered: Why do you thus rashly blame me? I gave thee all the excellentest gifts I could, but herein thou doest carry a base cowardly mind; wherefore the Lion wept, and condemned himself of fear and cowardice, wishing rather to die then live. And as he went walking in this melancholy cogitation, he by chance met with the Elephant: whom when he had saluted, he fell into a great discourse. And as he was talking with him, he marked him often shaking his ears: I pray thee, (quoth he) what meanest thou by this, that every Minute thou shakest thine ears, and never lettest them rest? then said the Elephant (and by chance at that instant a Gnat did fly about his head) because I see this little fly humming about me, which if he get into mine ears I am undone. The Lion hearing this: wherefore then (said he) should I wish to die, since I am in this case, and so much the more happy, by how much a Cock excelleth a Gnat? But Satyrus perceiving his speech to be full of subtlety, smiled to himself, saying: But now friend Cynops, also I pray you mark my tale of a Gnat and a Lion, as it was told of a grave Philosopher. But I thank you first for my tale of the Elephant. The Gnat on a day very bold, meeting with a Lion gréeted him thus. Surely you do greatly deceive yourself, if you think yourself king over me, as you do over all other beasts whatsoever: For since you are neither fairer, valianter in mind, nor better, although you excel in a little strength, why then should you be king over me? you scrat with your nails and bite with your teeth, and what woman when she sighteth doth not do this? What is the largeness of the body which doth adorn you? Where is your beauty? You have a broad breast I must needs say, a broad pair of shoulders, a thick neck, all staring with grisly hairs; and do not you see how filthy and loathsome your hinder parts are: my greatness is the whole air, as much as I can compass about with my wings: my beauty is the greenness of the fields; which to me is in steed of a garment: which when I leave flying I put on; neither do I ever go into war without a Trumpette: for my mouth is both my Trumpette and my Daxte, so that I am both a Trumpeter and a fight Soldier also. I do make my bow and arrows myself, my wings carry me through the air, and being thus carried, where I please I can wound and sting; which, whosoever he be that receiveth, suddenly exclaim, and look about for the Author, but cannot find him.  
I am both present and absent also: and at the same instant I stand stoutly to it, and fly away: I do ride sometimes upon a man, and sometimes wound him, and laugh to see him scratch.  
But why do I talk thus? Come on let us go lustily to this battle. And as he thus spoke, he flew in the face of the Lion, and humming about his head, did sting him in the eyes, and every part which wanted hair: the Lion very angry, turned himself, now this way, now that way, seeking for his enemy, biting and fight with the air. The Gnat taking more delight in his anger and fury, set upon his lips: but he bowing himself down to that place where he felt it smart, laid him down: but the Gnat like a Wrestler, rushing through his teeth, and passing through his mouth shut, escaped away: but his teeth deceived of their prey, did resound with the gnashing together: at length the Lion being weary with so vain a combat, being in a great fury, did lie still: the Gnat flying about his head, did hum in token of the victory: but being now fraught with pride of his new got victory, soared up aloft, and by chance fell into a Spider's Web, and there was quickly taken: but when he saw that there was no way left to get out, than he began to blame his own folly, saying: What a wretch was I that durst provoke a Lion, yet can not escape out of a poor Spiders web: which when Satyrus had said, I pray thee Conops where are the Spiders Webs, which thou shouldest fear, and therewithal he fell a laughing: not long after, Satyrus marked how much he was given to his belly, provided before a potion to make him sleep: and invited him to Supper: he suspecting some harm, at first denied, but after his belly the best persuader of all had allured him, he granted him: But when he came to Satyrus, and had supped, he would very willingly have departed: but Satyrus gave him this potion last in a pot: which when he had drunk, he stayed no longer than he could go to his chamber, for the potion began to work with him, but came running to me, and told me that Conops was sound a sleep, wishing me now like to Ulysses, to be valiant and courageous; wherefore I went presently to leucippe's chamber, he stayed at the door: but I, (Clio closely conveying me in,) entered into the chamber, being partly strooken with joy, partly with fear: for the fear of the danger did trouble the hope of my mind, the hope also of obtaining, did mingle my fear with pleasure: that part of my mind which was in hope, was troubled with fear; but that which did grieve, did result with joy: but a little before I entered into the wenches chamber, I know not what horrible thing happened to her mother in a dream, for she seemed to see a thief armed with a naked sword, to enter in & take away her daughter, and laying her upon her back, and with his sword ripped her from the lower part of the belly to the breast, wherefore being thus astonished with fear, she leapt out of her bed, and with all speed she could, going softly upon her tiptoes, she came readily to leucippe's chamber; I then being scant laid down in the bed: but hearing the noise of the door opening, I skipped quickly out of the bed, and knowing in what danger I was, with all the speed I could I got me out of the chamber: Satyrus standing at the outermost door received me thus troubled and frighted; and so both of us escaping in the dark, we went every man to his own chamber, her mother at first being taken with a giddiness in her head fell down, but being recovered again, she went unto Clio, and buffeted her about the face, pulling her by the hair, and at length groaned out these words: O Leucippe thou hast taken away all my hope; woe is me poor wretch: O Sostratus, thou dost fight at Byzantium for others marriages, but here at Tyrus I know not who hath defiled and polluted thy daughter's bed. Alas what shall become to my Leucippe? I never hope to live to see such marriages prepared for thee: I would to God thou hadst stayed at Byzantium: I would by the laws of war thou hadst suffered this reproach; I would that some Thracian horseman had committed this villainy: for then that violence would have caused this mishap to be without shame. Now (O unhappy wench as thou art) the infamy of that thing which hath made thee thus unfortunate, will redound to thine own shame: how have these nightly visions deceived me? I dreamt this hard misfortune, neither is there any thing more true, now I see thy belly is cut up in most cruel manner: and so much moreover, that no sword can divide it alike. O hard chance! hast thou this injury offered thee, and I know not the author thereof? O cruel times! what was he any servant? then Leucippe being of a good courage that I had escaped so well, said unto her mother, I pray you good mother do not rail thus against my virginity, neither have I committed any thing which deserveth these words at your hands, neither do I know him whatsoever he was, whether a good man or a thief, I lay here affrighted, that I could not speak a word for fear, for fear is the bond of the tongue, but thus much I know, that my virginity is violated by none: wherefore Panthia falling down again upon a sudden, mourned bitterly: in the mean season we consulted with ourselves what was best to be done, and in the end we concluded, and thought it the best counsel, to go away before it was day, lest that Clio perhaps by punishment, should be constrained to reveal us. This opinion liked us well, wherefore we so dealt with the Porter, that he might think we went forth to our Lovers, and we went directly to Clinias: it was then about midnight, and we could hardly entreat the Porter to open the gates, and Clinias his chamber was in the upper part of the house, who hearing us talk, was amazed in his mind: and with as much speed as might be, he went to meet us: not long after followed Clio, for she also had decreed to go away with us. At the same time Clinias perceived well what had happened unto us: but Clio did know what we purposed to do. Wherefore assoon as we came into Clinias his chamber, we declared unto him all the matter, and what had happened, and how that we determined to forsake our Country. Then said Clio, And I also will go together with you, for I know, assoon as it is day, I shall be put to exceeding torment, until I have confessed: and I do think it better to die, then to fall into their torturing hands. Then Clinias took me by the hand, and led me away from Clio, and told me that this counsel liked him well, and that first we should send away Clio, lest that the whole matter should be revealed by her, and we should stay some few days, until we had disposed of all things to our minds: and if it happened well, he also would go together with us: but said Clinias, if her mother do not know yet who that should be, for if Clio be sent away, there is no body to detect you, and perhaps Leucippe will go with us: we concluded upon this, and we gave Clio to one of the servants, to be carried speedily to a ship, we stayed behind to provide all things necessary for our journey. At length we thought good that Leucippe were moved herein, that if she were willing to departed, we also should take her with us; but if not, we also would stay there, submitting ourselves wholly to fortune's pleasure: that which remained of the night, we spent in sleep, and betime in the morning we came home. But Panthia rising up very early in the morning, sent for Clio, that she might talk with her about this matter: but when she saw she could find her in no place, she went back again to her daughter, saying: What is the cause you will not tell me the whole discourse of this which hath happened? Behold Clio she is run away. Then Leucippe being now somewhat more bold, said: What should I tell you more? or what truth should I bring? if you can make any trial of my maidenhead, I pray you do. But it remaineth now, said Panthia, that we get more witnesses of this our mishap: and with that she went forth a door, Leucippe being now left alone, and being full with her mother's words, was driven into sundry cogitations: she grieved that she was taken; she blushed that her mother had so reviled her; she was angry that her mother would not believe her: for bashfulness, grief and anger, are three cogitations of the mind: shamefastness falling into the eyes, doth take away their liberty: grief being spread abroad into every corner of the heart, doth quite extinguish the heat of the mind; anger as it were barking about the heart, doth overwhelm reason with that some of madness, the cause of all these is the speech, which as it were directing a dart and aiming at the mind, doth grieve and afflict it with many wounds: for since there are three darts, reproach, declaring of a mishap, and the hitting in the teeth with ones faults, there must needs be then three wounds: that is, anger, grief and shamefastness, it is proper to all these three darts, to make deep, yet not bloody wounds, whose medicine is only to retort the dart upon the caster, for the speech which is the arrow of the tongue, is driven back by speech, which is another weapon of the tongue: so by that means the disquieted part of the mind is appeased, and is made merry from the grief; but if one have to deal with his superior that he cannot gainsay or retort, then are the wounds made deeper by that silence: for except the griefs raised by the heat of the speech do cast out their foam, they do make themselves more grievous with their own heap. Leucippe being troubled with the vexations, was in great perplexity: in the mean season I sent Satyrus to know of her whether she would fly away with us also; but she preventing his speech said: I pray you by all the gods, carry me whither you will, so that I may be out of my mother's sight, for if you depart and leave me behind, I will end my life with an halter: which when I heard, this news wiped all the grief from my mind: wherefore we stayed two days my father being from home, we provided all things which were necessary for our flight: part of that potion wherewithal Cynops was cast into a sleep Satyrus reserved, and whilst he served us at supper, he gave it to Panthia in a glass: wherefore the table being taken away, every one went to his own chamber, but Panthia feeling the potion to work, caused us to make more haste: wherefore Satyrus gave unto leucippe's bedfellow of the same potion, whom he did feign to be in love withal. Moreover, he gave some of it to the Porter, which made him instantly to sleep: in the mean season, Clinias stood without the doors with a Coach ready furnished, expecting our coming: after all were fast a sleep, about the first watch of the night, with all silence we departed out of the house, locking the doors fast again, and laying the keys under the door. Satyrus led Leucippe forth by the hand, and by very good chance, Cynops, which did accustom to watch us, was sent forth a Town of an arrant: wherefore having departed thus out of the house, we came thither where Clinias stayed for us: we were in number six, I, and Leucippe, Satyrus, Clinias, and his two men: after we were gotten up, we directed our course toward Sydon: the other part of the night being spent, we came unto a city which was Berytium, where hoping to find a ship ready to sail from thence; neither did our expectation deceive us; for assoon as we came into the haven, we found a ship ready to launch forth, and we went into it before we asked of them whither they went: all our necessary things being brought into the ship, we were even now about to sail forth, when Lucifer began to appear: Then did we know that we sailed towards Alexandria, a most famous City of Egypt. Then did I begin to rejoice, that we were thus safely come to sea, the ship scant out of the haven, and new entering into the main Ocean, after that a fit wind served us, there began to arise a great noise of the Sailors in the ship; first drawing of the Cables; the noise of the master exhorting them; then was the cross piece brought forth; the Saileyard hung up; the Sails ready to be hoist up; the Anchors plucked up; the haven being left, we began to sail forth a prosperous journey; the land did seem to go back from the ship, as if that it did sail itself; then was there a great rejoicing and clapping of hands throughout all the ship, and many prayers bestowed on the Gods; praying them to send a prosperous navigation: In the mean while the wind increased, the sail was full, and the ship sailing very safe: there was by chance in the same ship a young man sitting by us, which because it was now dinner time, very courteously invited us, that we also would eat with him: wherefore when Satyrus had made ready that which he provided for us, we did eat together in common, making ourselves both partakers of our dinner and talk also; when I began thus: I pray you sir what countryman are you, and what is your name? Then answered he, I am an Egyptian borne, my name is Menelaus: but by your leave, may I demand the same of you? Then quoth I, my name is Clitiphon, his Clinias: both Phaenicians by birth. And if it please you sir, first to declare unto us the cause of this your travail, we also will recompense you with the like. Then said Menelaus, the sum of this my navigation, is ungrateful love, and an unfortunate hunting; from which, although I did divers times earnestly exhort him, yet I could not prevail: wherefore when he would not obey my gentle admonitions. I also did then accompany him in hunting, and upon a day when both of us went forth on horseback, we discoursed of many several kinds of hunting, but of all I commended to him the hunting of the Hare and such little beasts, and so long as he pursued such game, I was well satisfied in mind: but when by chance a wild boar rushed forth of the woods, which he seeing, being nothing afraid, went to meet him, and wilfully did run upon him: I still crying, stay, stay, hold your horse, or else you are slain: the boor did seem to be of such a huge bigness, when seeing him coming upon him, ran also forward to meet him, and both of them did violently rush one upon another: which when I saw, I was suddenly astonished with fear: & fearing lest the boor should get underneath him, & fling down his horse, I cast a dart which I had at him, & it so chanced (I would that chance had never been) the boy ran by & received the wound: but in what case do you think I was in then? and if at that instant there was any life in me, it was even like unto those, who at every moment are about to give up the ghost, and that which was most to be grieved, my hand which cast the dart, being held forth, was presently benumbed, as having a due reward for so an unlucky chance, & as it were hating of itself for being author of so vile a death: wherefore the parents of the boy accused me in the court as principal of his death: which I did not deny, and I willingly liked of their accusation, which if they had not brought, I would have sacrificed to his soul: wherefore I judged myself worthy to die, but the judges moved with pity, banished me for the space of three years: which time being passed, I now am returned into my country again, while that Menelaus did recount these strange misfortunes: not much unlike to the hard chance of Patroclus, Clinias, being put into remembrance of his beloved Charicles, could not choose but weep, wherefore said Menelaus, what do you weep for my misfortune, or whether are you banished also for the like mishap: then Clinias not without many sighs, repeated the hard hap of Charicles and the horse: after whom also I recounted my History. But when I saw Menelaus very sad, by the remembrance of his griefs, and Clinias also weeping for the death of his Charicles, being desirous to wipe away both their sorrows, I began a discourse mingled with an amorous delight, for Leucippe was then absent, who immediately before, went into a more close place of the ship to take a nap, & turning myself to them, I smiled, Clinias (said I) for the most part in argument overcometh me, and even now (for he desireth to inveigh against women, as his manner is) he may do it the better, because he hath found a like companion of his love: what is the cause why so many are in love with boys? surely I myself cannot tell, neither see any cause why? Then answered Menelaus, what, is it not I pray you better than the love of women▪ boys are more perfect than women, and their beauty is of more force to delight the senses with pleasure. But I pray you (quoth I) how is it more vehement? what, for because as soon as it appeareth it is gone again, neither giveth any possibility for the lover to enjoy it? but is like to Tantalus in the river Styx, that when he would drink of the water it flieth away from him: neither is there any sustenance left for him to receive: and that also which is drunk, is first taken away: before that he which drinketh can be satisfied: evermore he must, depart so from his lover, as if there had been never no such love, or else but new began, and the pleasure is mingled with a kind of sorrow: and he is ever dry, but his thirst can never be quenched. Then said Menelaus: but you Clitiphon, do not seem to know which is the chiefest felicity in love: that always is most to be wished for, which bringeth no lothasomenesse, and wherewith one is never satisfied: for those things which remain the longer to us for to enjoy them, do take away the delight thereof with too much satiety, but those things which sometimes are taken away, are always new and do daily flourish: and as much as is taken away from them by the shortness of time, so much is added to the greatness of the desire, and their pleasure doth not fade: and wherefore is the Rose accounted the fairest of all plants, but because it soonest doth fade away: surely I do think that there is two kinds of beauty which is amongst mortal men, the one heavenly, the other common; which indeed are the very givers of all beauty: and the heavenly beauty scorneth to be joined with our mortal; and therefore striveth to fly up to heaven: the common beauty creepeth on the ground, and cleave to every base body: and if you will that I shall bring you a witness for this which I have said, mark you the Poet Homer, whose verses are these: 
The Gods incensed with beauty of this Boy,  
To heaven him brought to serve great jove above:  
In filling of sweet Nectar and Ambrosian wine,  
Who can deny, but that the cause was love.   
Never was there woman for beauty brought up to heaven, although jupiter loved women well. Alcmene fell into lamentations, and was constrained to hide herself: the Tower and the Sea kept Dianae prisoner: Semele was consumed by fire: But when he fell in love with this Phrygian boy, Ganymedes, he took him up to heaven with him, that he might dwell together with him, and serve him at his table: and cast Helle down from heaven, which did supply the place before, for she was a woman. But I taking his words out of his mouth, thus replied. Nay quoth I: womankind seem to be most heavenly, and that for a strong reason; because their beauty doth not so quickly fade; that cometh next unto heavenlinesse, which is farthest from corruption: and contrary, that ought not to be called heavenly, but earthly; which is most subject to alteration: because it is most like to men's nature. jupiter loved this Phrygian boy, and took him up to heaven: what then? This doth not detract any thing from women's beauty: for a woman's love, he transformed himself into a Bull; so he did not for the love of him: for the love of Leda, he changed himself into a Swan: and oftentimes did he take the shape of a Satire, Gold, and many such like things. But let Ganymedes fill the cup for jupiter, while juno lie with the Gods: since the Goddess hath a boy to be her cupbearer. It pitieth me truly, to hear or think how he was carried up to heaven, a ravenous bird snatched him away, and he was no otherwise dealt withal, them those who fall into the hands of a tyrant. Was it not I pray you, a grief to see a boy catched up in the talents of such a bird, his head hanging down, as if he were now ready to fall: such a carrion devouring bird did not carry Semele to heaven, but the fire which is the chiefest of the element: and let not this seem strange unto you, that some have been taken up to heaven in flames of fire. For Hercules went no otherwise to heaven. Do you laugh at Danae's imprisonment in the Tower, and her seruituds at the rock? I pray you remember Perseus: this one thing satisfied Alcmene, that jupiter for her sake, took three whole days from the world. But if omitting these fables, you will make mention of that true pleasure which is conceived in women, although herein I have not been much conversant (but one who hath experience in these matters, may speak more if he please,) neither hath there been any use or delight, wherewith I have enured myself, yet I will speak as much as I can: their bodies are tender to embrace, their lips soft for to kiss, whose whole proportion of the body, is only made to move delight: and he which doth enjoy a beautiful woman, hath the true felicity of all pleasure; for he doth imprint in her lips, as they who seal in wax: she also doth kiss as it were by art, seasoning her kisses with a sweeter delight; neither is it sufficient to kiss her lips, but also to feed as it were upon her mouth: In touching of her tender breasts, what great delight there is, I leave to them whom experience hath made perfect herein; and even in their natural actions, she doth so delight, as that he might think himself in another world. The kisses of boys are rude, their embracings unapt, and unnatural: whose delight doth languish, and is veyd of all true pleasure indeed. Then said Menelaus, you seem not to be a nevice in this art; but one, who have served in Cupid his wars a long time: you have reckoned up so many curiosities of women. But now mark you me again, and I will show you what pleasure is reaped in the love of boys. In a woman, not only her words, but also all her actions, are full of subtlety: if some be fair, they may thank the Painter's shop: all whose beauty, is compacted of nothing else, then of painting, colouring, and curling their hair, and in kissing: from whom, take away this painting and counterfeiting of colours, and truly you will think them barer than a jay (as the Proverb is) when all his stolen feathers are plucked from his back: but the beauty of boys is not besmeared with the counterfeit of painting, neither sponged up with borrowed perfumes: the very sweat of the brows of a boy, doth excel all the sweet savours of Musk and Civet about a woman: and a man may openly talk and play with them and never be ashamed: neither is there any tenderness of flesh which is like to them: their kisses do not savour of women's curiosity: neither beguile with a foolish error the kisses of them are sweet and delightful, not proceeding of art, but of nature: and the very image and picture of their kisses are so sweet and pleasant, that you might very well think, that heavenly Nectar to be between your lips.   

The third Book.  
The Contents.  
The description of their shipwreck, how Menelaus was cast on shore at Paralia, and how both the Lovers were driven on the coast of Pelusium: of their going towards Alexandria, and how they were taken by thieves: the manner of their delivery from them: with their entertainment of Charmides: a cunning shift devised by Menelaus and Clinias, to save Leucippe which was appointed to be sacrificed: the merry meeting again of all these friends, with the discourse of their dangers.  
THe third day the ship held on her course with a prosperous weather, when on a sudden, a black darkness arose, and obscured all; and a contrary wind began to arise: wherefore the master of the ship caused the cross piece to be taken down: the shippe-man in haste plucked down the sails, because the wind blowing so vehemently, and the storm beginning to beat more sorely upon her side, she was not able to carry such sail: the tempest thus thickening, did put us into great fear: one part of the ship seemed to sink down, another was hoist up so high again: and we thought we should have fallen down again headlong: no man being able to sit steadfast in his place: wherefore the tempest increasing, we went upon the hatches of the ship, that we might something lighten her burden: and being balassed with an equal weight, her course might be the surer: but all this was to no end, for the force of the waves being now waxed so great, did toss her up and down, as if it were a Ball or an empty Tun. And while we thus sought to ballast her even, the wind changing into the South, did strike the ship with such violence, that between the force of the troubled waves, and the violence of this rain, bringing wind, we thought the ship would have presently split herself, and all of us together in a moment should have perished. Wherefore a sudden outcry arose in the ship, and all of us were constrained to go down again into the ship: and thus three or four times this chance happened to us; and with the ship we were carried we know not whither: being thus tormented with fear and grief, we every one made our prayers to our own Country Gods; but being joined together in one, we earnestly prayed to Neptune, that he would remember us, and pity our case; who like to Leander are now floating upon the main: the God being displeased, would not listen to our prayers: wherefore we expected nothing but death, which truly as it seemed, was not far from us: for after noontide, the Sun was so taken away from us, that we could see one another no more then if it had been by Moonshine; the fire began to sparkle forth of the clouds, and lightning flashed in our faces: all the heavens did rebellow with thunder, and all the air was filled with a huge noise: the waves rising up from below and meeting together, did make a great roaring: between the heaven and the sea, there did resound the whizzing of divers winds: the sails torn from the ropes fell down: and we did greatly fear, lest the nails would fly out, the boards fall asunder, and the whole ship be dismembered: wherefore seeing all they fly so back, the sea so rough, the air so tempestuous, we went down into the ship as it were into a dark Cave: having no hope of safety lest, we committed ourselves to the choice and direction of Fortune: from the fore part and the hinder part of the ship, many waves and great billows did strive to meet together: the billow rising, the ship was hoist up aloft: but falling down, she also did sink down to the bottom: of which waves, some are like to mountains, some to great gulfs: but those seemed most dangerous, which circling round, did as it were wind and suck in whatsoever approached near them, there was a great confusion of voices amongst us, whereof some were praying, some crying out, some exhorting one an other, some plucking cables, anchors, sayle-yardes, others oft steering the ship, the water roared, the wind whistled, the women cried out, the men prayed, the sailors exhorted one another, the mariners comforting themselves, all places were full of heaviness and sorrow: at length the master commanded all the burdens to be cast out, neither then did he make any difference between gold, silver, and the basest things which were: but all were cast into the sea: the merchant flinging out their wares, wherein all their hope was. Now was the ship almost empty, but yet the storm ceased not at all: At length the master being weary, knowing not now what was best to be done, caused the stearing-yarde to be cast away: submitting himself and the whole ship, to fortune's direction. Moreover he cast forth a little cock boat, wherein he had the mariners to go, and he himself went down first; they also followed him: but a greater mischance happened, for they began to go to buffets, for the mariners had cut the rope wherewith the boat was tied unto the ship: The other which were in the ship seeing they had cut the rope, did make the more hast to go down to them: but they would not suffer them to come in, threatening them with their swords and weapons which they had in their hands, that they would wound him whosoever offered to come down: they as chance served them, took one thing or another, some the broken end of an old oar, other a broken board of the ship, and every one something, as came next to his hands: the sea used violence for a law, neither was there ever such a manner of fight by sea: for those which were in the boat, fearing oft that the boat would sink, being oppressed with the multitude of them which were about to come down, did strike and lay about them, with staves and sword: they of the contrary side, did fight with broken oars, and half planks; some scant upon the head of the boat, did fall into the water; others did strive to thrust those forth which were newly come in: the whole law of friendship and modesty, was quite fled from amongst them: and every man bend to his own safety: neglected another, for the very greatness of dangers doth most commonly break the laws of friendship. In the mean season one of the passengers being a strong and stout man, got hold of the rope, and almost brought the boat to the ship side, & every one were made ready, that as soon as it came to the side, to leap down into it, but two or three assayed to leap down at length, but hardly they got into it, but first grievously wounded, others assaying the like, fell down into the Sea, but the shipmen afraid, cut the rope, and loosed the boat, and suffered it to go whither the wind would carry it: the passengers which were in the ship going about to sink it, but the ship being tossed upon the waves, being carried round about like a circle, at length it was blown upon a rock, where immediately it was split into divers pieces, the mast whereof, part was hole, part broken, most of the company which were in the ship, feeling the salt water, died presently, & they were happy which had so speedy an end, for they stayed not long in the horror of death: for a lingering death in the sea, doth sooner dispatch him then he is aware: for the eyes being filled with the unmeasurable vastness of the sea, do bring a great fear unto the beholders, & by so much the death is more grievous, by how much the sea is broader. Others striving to swim, were by the force of the billows, dashed against a rock and so died: many taking hold of the broken planks of the ship did swim like fishes, many half dead floated up and down, the ship being thus broken, a good Angel preserved the fore part for us: wherein Leucippe & I sitting, were carried through the rage of the sea. Menelaus & Satyrus and others more, got the mast, & so did swim on that, we saw Clinias not far off sitting upon the cross yard, who hellowed to us, wishing us to sit fast: and as he was thus speaking, a sudden wave came behind him ready to overwhelm him, which thing caused us to weep: but by the destinies means, who were favourable to him and us also, broke the source thereof, and seemed to slide away under him, and then we saw him again But I with many tears being shed, prayed unto Neptune saying. O most sovereign Neptune, take pity upon us, and spare the relics of this shipwreck, for this only fear hath brought a thousand deaths unto us, but if it be thy will that we also shall perish, do not divide our death but grant us this, that one wave may overwhelm us all: or if the destinies will, we shall be meat for fishes, grant that one fish may swallow us all, one vault hold us all, that being swallowed of one fish, we may seem to be buried all in one grave. After I had made my prayers unto him, the force of the wind ceased, the rage of the Water was appeased, the Sea round about being full of dead courses, the waves carried Menelaus unto the marshes of Egypt, which was all inhabited with thieves: we also about night, by good fortune, landed at Pelusium, and entering upon land, we gave God thanks for our safe arrival, we lamented the death of Clinias and Satyrus, because we verily thought they were dead. There was at Pelusium an image of jupiter Cassius, which was drawn so youthful, that he seemed to be almost like Apollo, holding out his right hand, wherein was a pomegranate, the meaning of which picture is not made known to all: wherefore about to make our prayers to this God, about to demand of him what was become of Clinias and Satyrus, (for it is reported in that country, that this God doth foretell things to come, and showeth what hath been past) then went we round about the temple, where in the inward part of the chaunsell, we found two pictures made by Enanthe, that famous Painter of Athens, whose picture also we saw there: in one of these pictures was drawn Andromeda, in the other Prometheus, bound to a rock with chains: and therefoe I think the Painter did draw them both together, because their punishents were almost alike in every respect: for both were bound unto a Rock, and had two tormentors of their bodies, whereof he had an Eagle which evermore did devour his Entrails, for her was appointed a huge misshapen Monster, which driving a mountain of waves before him, came now ready to devour her: the people were Argives, which were their beholders: some came to help and pity them, others to grieve and torment them near with their presence; but amongst them, there were two who came to help them, and deliver them from these dangers, Hercules and Perseus: Hercules, he with his bow and arrows did strive to kill that ravening Eagle. But Perseus soaring aloft with his wings, and encountering this huge monster of Neptune, drew forth his Gorgon's head, wherein he transformed him into a rock. The rock wherein Andromeda was tied, did seem to be made hollow fit for her bigness: as if it were not made by art, but did grow so of his own accord. All the other part of the rock, the Painter had made with such art, as if you verily saw it with your eyes: therein did the damosel sit, with so goodly a countenance, as that if you would but only consider the beauty itself, the very picture might be worthy of admiration: but if you would behold the chains and the monster, you would think you saw before you a sepulchre ready prepared: in her countenance, was paleness mingled with her beauty: neither were her cheeks so pale, as that they wanted their accustomed ruddiness: with such a pleasing fear had the painter so graced her, as that she seemed not to fear the horror of death, the ugliness of the monster, neither the reproaches of her enemies: her hands were stretched forth and bound unto the rock, which did seem to hang no otherwise from the arm, than a ripe bunch of grapes from the vine: the whiteness of her arm, did seem to be mingled with a kind of blueness: her fingers seemed to languish with grief; this was the usage of the maid, every hour expecting death. Moreover, after the manner of brides, as if she should be married to Pluto, they adorned her in a black garment, covering it with a kind of twisted net, which was white, coming down to her foot, in form like unto a Spider's Web: not spun after the order of wool, but as the Indian women accustom to work their silk, which they do pluck from the trees. Against the maid did rise a mighty Whale out of the sea, which did drive the water up before him, as if some mountain had risen up from the bottom of the sea: the most part of his body was in the water, but no so much, but that you might behold the largeness of his shoulders, the orders of his scales, the bowing of his back, the sharpness of his chine, the windings of his tail, his mouth was wide open, of such an innumerable bigness, that it reached unto his shoulders. Between the Whale & the maid, came Perseus flying from above; his body all naked, save that he had a little Cassock upon his shoulders; at his feet he had shoes whereunto wings were tied, which lightly carried him through the air: his hat was like unto the helmet of Dis: in his left hand he held the Gorgon's head, which looked with a grisly countenance, this same he used in steed of a shield: for he did seem in the picture to look grimly, shaking his head, and tossing of the Serpents which grew on the monster's head, seeming to threaten the Whale: in his right hand he held a sword, made after the manner of a Falchion, wherewith encountering the monstrous fish, he laid at him with such force, that if Neptune himself had supplied the place, he perforce should have yielded: but at length he enjoyed the victory, delivering her from the bonds: whom, in presence there of all the Country and her parents, he married: and this was the picture of Andromeda. It remaineth now, that I declare the History of Prometheus, as it was lively drawn in the other Table. There was first drawn Prometheus, bound in chains upon the top of a steep Rock. Then Hercules holding a Bow and Arrows in his hands: the Eagle did feed on the bowels of Prometheus: which with her beak striking upon his belly, and plucking out his entrails, making the wound still the greater, until she had found his liver, which being devoured, yet did grow again: upon his hips did she stand, which gripping with her talents, caused the blood to issue forth, like streams out of a Fountain: wherefore he being in most grievous torment, turning the other side, did renew his own pain: for the farther off the liver sunk down, the deeper she struck into his belly: He seemed to grieve with this exceeding torment, for he did pluck up his brows, pull in his lips, grind his teeth, and if you had seen the picture you would have pitied: showing to you as it were the pattern itself of all grief. Prometheus' being thus loaden with misery, Hercules came to aid him, who putting an arrow into his bow, and leveling at this bloodsucking tortorer, seemed to draw the string to his very breast. Prometheus' being now full of fear and hope, sometimes looked upon his wound, sometimes upon Hercules, hoping to end this cruel torment ere long.  
But when we had stayed there two days, and had been well refreshed after our great dangers, we hired an Egyptian ship (for we had a little money left) and we directed our course towards Alexandria from the River Nilus: determining there to lead our life, hoping that it might so come to pass, that we might find out some of our old friends again. When we had sailed on forward a good way, we heard a great noise of an uproar in a town near by, behold our stearman as afraid, was about to go back again: But upon a sudden all the shore was full of wild and Savage men, they were all of a great stature; of colour somewhat black, not like the Egyptians, but almost of the same hew as the Indians are of for the most part, their heads were uncovered, their feet were little, their bodies big and gross, their speech barbarous: Wherefore the Master of the ship, stayed his course, saying, we are all undone: the river was but narrow, and four of the thieves coming towards us in a little boat, quickly landed us, and took away all our money, and whatsoever else was in the ship, which they thought worth the carriage, than they bond every one of us, and laid us in hold, saying: that the next day we should be carried to their King (for so these thieves called their Prince) who did lie two or three days journey from that place where we were taken, as we understood by them which were taken with us. In the mean season the night came on, & we as we were, lay bound, our keepers also were fast a sleep. I then as much as it was lawful for me to do, began to lament the hard misfortune of Leucippe: and meditating with myself, grieved greatly in mind, because I was the sole cause she happened into such calamities: neither durst I mourn or weep openly, but softly to myself: O gods or devils wheresoever you be, and hear: have we offended so much, that we have deserved to be oppressed with so many calamities, in so short time? You have cast us hear amongst the Egyptian thieves, who are inexorrable, and will be moved with no petitions. But the Grecian robbers have been moved by prayers, and have taken pity on their captives. For fine speech oftentimes doth move men to pity, and the tongue which is the entreater for the grief of the mind, doth often move the angry minds of the hearers: But how shall we pray to them? what oath may we give? how can a man yield a more pleasant speech to persuade, than the songs of the mermaid's: but that is not meant by murdering villains: I may now pray by beckonings and gesture of my hands, for they cannot understand my speech: O grievous calamities! O hard misfortunes! but yet although my mishaps are greater than all men's opinions, I will less lament them: But O Leucippe, with what mouth shall I complain of thee? with what eyes shall I weep? O most constant in keeping thy faith! O most kind towards an unhappy lover! behold the magnificent preparations for your marriage: a prison for your chamber, the ground for your bed, ropes and fetters for your bracelets and jewels, and in steed of Himeneus' merry hymns, weeping wailings, and lamentations. O sea we have thanked thee in vain, and I cannot choose now but reprehend thy benignity: because thou hast dealt more gently with those whom thou didst cast away, then with us: for whilst thou hast saved us, thou hast tormented us more cruelly: envying that we should die any other kind of death: then perish by the hands of the thieves: thus did I lament with myself, but that which is proper to greatest dangers I could not do: to shed tears: For in the meanest mishaps, tears do, flow most abundantly: and with the authors of mishap, do execute the place of prayer and petition: and they do lighten the grief; as the swelling of boils when they are broken, for they do fly in abundance, leaving the eyes: for grief meeting them ready to come forth, sayeth their last, and take them with him to the lower part of the heart: Wherefore leaving their course in the eyes, they do run down to the heart, and there do augment his grief. Then turning to Leucippe which sat altogether silent: wherefore, said I, my most sweet Leucippe, art thou thus silent, and sayest nothing to me? Because, said she: O Clittiphon, my voice first failed me, than my breath: whilst we sat thus talking, the day began to appear: and there came into us a strange fellow, I know not what he was, having long shaged hair, grim of visage, and sternly began to behold us, being brought thither upon a wild horse with a thick mane, bare, having no coverings, neither trappings upon him: (for such were the thieves horses) this fellow was sent from the king, to see if there were any captive maid taken, whom he should carry back with him, for a sacrifice to be offered for the good success of army. Then did the keeper cast his eyes upon Leucippe: But she catching me in her arms, and cleaving tome, began to cry out and lament: but one of the theéeves carried her away by violence, another did beat me the while. Then setting her upon a horse, they carried her away, keeping us until more fit occasion did fall out to send us: but after we had gone a furlong or two on of our journey, there was heard a sudden noise of trumpets, drums, and flutes, after we saw a great troop of horsemen, and another army of footmen: But assoon as the thieves saw them, they made themselves ready to fight; and not long after, there were fifty men ready in arms to resist them; whereof some had long targets reaching down to their feet, others short bucklers, and every one as he could proceed upon so short warning, came forward to meet them. The greater part of the thieves, did begin to fling hard turfs at their enemies: for the Egyptian turf is swifter than any arrow: and it doth excel them in weight, swiftness, and hardness: for being cast, it doth hurt two ways: either it raiseth a swelling like the blow with a stone, or woundeth like a dart: but the soldiers esteemed these thieves nothing at all, because with their bucklers they defended themselves against their forces: being now weary with casting, they opened their army: but the light harnessed men, whereof everyone had a sword and a target, ran first to join battle: they skirmished together hot on both sides, many wounds and blows being given on either party: But we which were captives, seeing that the thieves had the worse side, their army being broken up, we went to the enemy: who not knowing what we were, at first would have slain us: but when they saw us naked and bound, they perceived how the matter went with us, and willingly received us into their army: appointing us to come last, that we might rest ourselves. In the mean season, there came a fresh supply of horsemen: the army being spread abroad, they went to compass in the thieves: and being brought into a narrow strait, they slew them: whereof some strooken, fell down dead, some half dead, yet fought: other revolting, submitted themselves into the soldiers powers. But the day being passed and night coming on, the chief General of the soldiers, whose name was Charmides, called every one of us captives before him, and demanded of us what we were, and how we fell into these thieves hands? to whom every one recounted his mishaps, and I also declared at length, the whole history of my travails: he when he had understood all things of us, commanded us to follow him, promising that he would bestow armour upon us: for he had decreed, that assoon as his armies came which he looked for, to set upon the strongest force of the thieves, which was said to be ten thousand. But I called for a horse, for in that exercise I did greatly delight: which assoon as he was brought, coursing him about, I showed an example to all the company of horsemen, so that Charmides gave me great commendations: wherefore that same day he invited me to be one of his guests: and at supper, he requested me to tell him all my misadventures: which when he had heard, he was moved with no small pity: For oftentimes it so falleth: out, that he which heareth another man's mishaps, doth after a manner together suffer with him, and pity also most commonly doth get goodwill: for their mind which doth conceive them, is mollified with grief: and by the hearing of mischances, is drawn forth in the same sort, that he doth change sorrow into pity, & pity into friendship. But I had so moved Charmides with my tale, that he could not refrain from weeping. Moreover, he appointed an Egyptian servant to attend upon me: The next day he provided furniture, carriage & weapons, for the field, endeavouring also to fill up a trench, which was a hindrance for the carriage; beyond the which, we did perceive a great number of thieves in arms, who had raised up an altar of clay: and not far of had placed a tomb, from the first squadron, we perceived two men which led a maid bound, who because they were in armour could not easily be known: but that maid was my Leucippe whom they perforce had taken from me before. Preparing her thus for sacrifice, they tied fetters about her head, & leading her round about the altar, a certain Egyptian priest (as it was most likely) did begin a hymn, for the shape of his mouth & the opening thereof did show that he did sing: at length a sign being given, all departed from the altar. Then one of the men which lead her, certain boards being fastened into the ground, taking her in his arms, laid her upon the top of them, and bound her fast to the table whereon she lay, after the same manner as Marcyas was bound to a tree, when Apollo did slay the skin from his body: and thrusting in his sword at the lower end of her belly, ripped her up to the heart, wherewith instantly her bowels fell forth of her belly: which they taking in their hands laid upon the altar, & after boiled them, then cutting them asunder, devoured them most savadgely. The general & the soldiers seeing this intolerable villainy, could not choose but exclaim at this so cruel & inhuman a Tyranny: and many turned away their faces; but without any life, soul, sense, or understanding, altogether astonished did behold this: for the greatness of the cruelty had almost drawn me out of my wits, and peradventure those things which are fabulously reported of Niobe, may be very well true; for she being thus esteemed for the death of her children, was the author of the fable: others thinking perhaps, because beholding so heavy a spectacle, they did not move, she was transformed into a stone. After that this sacrifice had an end as it seemed to me, the thieves took the dead body & laid it in the tomb: whence plucked down the altar, and not looking back they departed, for so the priest had charged them. At night all the trench was full, and the soldiers went forth & pitched their Tents; then we went to supper. Charmides seeing me thus sad & pensive, used all persuasions, exhorting me to be of good courage. But I about one a clock in the night, seeing all in a dead sleep, taking my sword in my hand, went to the tomb, that there I also might sacrifice myself; and drawing out my sword, I came near unto the tomb, saying; O wretch Leucippe: O most unfortunate of all creatures alive: I do not lament thy death, because that either far from home, or thus violently thou didst die; but that which maketh me most wretched of all men, because thou wast a sacrifice for so unclean thieves; whom being alive, they did not only rend out thy very bowels, but ripping thee up most butcherly from the lower end of thy belly to thy very heart; but also divided the secret parts of thy womb, building up a most execrable altar, and most hateful tomb for thy sweet body. Here do thy wretched corpse lie, but where are thy entrails? If they had been burnt with fire, I should have thought the misfortune a great deal the less; but since their sepulchre is the ravening guts of the thieves, what misfortune can be compared to this mishap (O cruel altar; O kind of meat never heard of before: could the gods behold such sacrifices from heaven, and not consume them with fire? But now O Leucippe, take these sacrifices worthy of thy ghost: when I had said so, I took my sword, and being in despair, setting it to my throat, I was now about to give me my deadly wound: but behold I saw two men running in haste towards me (for the Moon did shine bright) wherefore I stayed my hand, thinking they had been thieves, I wished rather to be slain by them: but coming somewhat nearer unto me, they shouted with a loud voice, for they were Satyrus and Menelaus. Having noted them well, I guessed them to be my friends by their gesture in coming: but so far was it from me to show them any kind of entertainment, that I wished rather to die then behold them, the cruelty of these mischances had so rend my heart. They took me by the right hand, and did strive to take away my sword from me: But I cried out, no by the immortal gods, do not envy this my happy death, or rather the remedy of my sorrow. For Leucippe being thus taken away from me, what Antidatory is now left to preserve my safety? will you then go about to pluck my sword from my hands, knowing that the sting of grief hath pierced to the quick, and grated me at the very heart? what will not you have me die an immortal death? Then answered Menelaus, if you would kill yourself for no other cause then this, then by Hercules, you may very well cast away your sword, for Leucippe is alive, and will be here to reprove this your womanish condition. But I casting mine eyes sternly upon him, said; Can you see me tormented with so great mishaps, and laugh at me? Ah remember jupiter Hospitalis: Then he tumbling down the grave with his foot, said; Go too Leucippe, witness yourself whether you be alive or no: since Clitiphon will not believe me. Scant had he ended his words, when the Sepulchre began to move three or four times: and I heard a slender voice coming from the bottom thereof, wherefore being astonished with fear, I looked gasily upon Menelaus, thinking that he had been skilful in the Magic art: he took away the grave stone, and presently Leucippe arose, looking with a dreadful and fearful countenance: her belly was cut up from the bottom to the top, her bowels being all taken away: and looking upon me, fell upon my face and embraced me: I also took her in my arms, and sat down upon the ground. Being now thoroughly come to myself again, I asked Menelaus, what the cause was why he would not tell me how this had happened: what is not this Leucippe which I see? which I hold? which I hear speak? it is she: what visions then were those which I did behold yesternight? surely either that was a devilish illusion, or this is a dream. Then said he, you shall see that in an instant she will recover her entrails again: and the wound of her breast will be whole again, and no scar will be seen: Cover you your face, and to this, O Proserpina I do call upon thee: wherefore believing him, I did see he began to speak, and to do strange things and while he was speaking, he took away from leucippe's belly, those things wherewith he deceived the thieves, restoring her into her former shape: he commanded me boldly to look upon her. But I being very fearful, thinking Proserpina herself had been there, I uncovered my face, where I did behold my Leucippe, free from any wound: then greatly wondering at this strange miracle, said I: O dear Menelaus, if thou be minister to any god, I pray thee tell me where we are? for what do these mean which I do behold? Then said Leucippe, I pray thee Menelaus do not hold him in admiration any longer, but declare to him the means wherewith these traitorous Rovers were deceived. Then said Menelaus, thou knowest Clitiphon that I am an Egyptian, as I told you before when we were in the ship: the most of my living lieth here in this Town, where with the Governors I am very well acquainted: For when we suffered shipwreck together, the water brought me to the shores of Egypt: the thieves which were governors of that Town, took me together with Satyrus: wherefore they brought us to their Captain, but because many of them knew me, they delivered me from bonds, and bade me be of good courage: and promised also that they would help, in whatsoever was in their powers to do. Then I requested them also to let Satyrus to go frèe, which they did willingly grant. In the mean season, it was revealed to them by an Oracle, that he should sacrifice a virgin, and offer it up as an oblation upon their Altars: and taste together of the liver and bowels of her which was dedicated, but they should bury the body, and go back again: hoping that this sacrifice would hinder the coming of the enemies: what remaineth, I pray thee Satyrus declare.  
Then said Satyrus, when as I was brought a captive to the army, and was certified of the misfortune of Leucippe, grieving for her hard mischance, I wept, requesting Menelaus that he would preserve her safe, wherein I know not what God it was which was so favourable to us. The day before these sacrifice should be, we sat down upon the shore, heavy and full of sorrow, thinking what we should best do in this matter: the thieves having espied a ship wandering and floating about the coast made violence upon her, the mariners within knowing them to be thieves, strived to go back, yet all in vain: for when they saw that they could not retire, they began stoutly to resist. In that ship there were certain stage-players, who accustomed to play Homer's fables in theatres, who with the rest of his companions adorning themselves as they do when they play upon a stage, began to offer force upon the thieves, and for a short space they did well endure: but with a fresh supply came in aid many fishboates of thieves, who immediately sunk the ship, all the men were put to the sword: there was a certain chest amongst other farthels, which floated about, whereof they did not know, but only Menelaus and I: wherefore we privily conveyed it away, hoping some treasure to be laid therein, we privily opened it, wherein we found a cloak and a knife, whose handle was four handful broad, the blade was three fingers broad, when Menelaus had wrenched by chance unawares, the knife slipped forth as long as the handle was, which there lay covered like to a case, and turning it the other way, the blade again ran up and was hidden in the handle, when we thought that those players did use to make feigned wounds upon the stage. Then said I to Menelaus, if now you will do your good will to save her, you shall see the Gods will lend us their aid, and we may preserve the maid alive, and satisfy the thieves expectations: the manner, I will declare how it shall be done, we will provide a young sheep's skin, and fashion it like a man's belly, which we will fill with the entrails and blood of some beast, and make it fast to her body.  
The Maid adorned after this manner, having a garment put over it, shall be all bound with fillets: and you see it falleth out very fitly, agreeing with the Oracle: which gave this answer, that a woman adorned with such a garment, should be cut through the middle. Now you do perceive that the knife is made with such art, that if you would thrust it into my body, it runneth up into the heft as it were into a sheath; and those which behold it, would think it went into her body, when all the blade is hidden in the heft; the sharp end of the knife only coming forth, which doth cut the feigned skin; and if you pull the knife again out of the wound, it runneth forth again as much as is hidden before in the heft: and so by this devise we may deceive the beholders, which think that all that which came forth of the heft was thrust into her body.  
This may we do, and they never espy our craft. Moreover, we will cover the outward parts with a thin cloth, as it were for modesty's sake: and the skin being cut, the entrails shall leap out; which we taking forth, will lay upon the altar: neither at that time shall the thieves come to the dead body, which being thus contemned, we will lay in a Tomb.  
You heard a little before the king of the thieves say, that we should show him something done courageously by us, wherefore you may make it known and satisfy him, that you are ready to do this deed: which when I had said, I made my prayers to jupiter Hospitalis, making mention both of our living and shipwreck together: then thought I with myself, Clitiphon is yet alive: for when I demanded of Leucippe where he was, she answered, he was carried amongst the prisoners; and that whilst the thieves fought the last battle, he with other captives fled to the enemy: Wherefore the gods sent down their help, to deliver this poor soul from this present death; and fortune favoured our attempts, wherefore I provided all things which were necessary for this action. But Menelaus went unto the thieves to consult with them, what should be otherwise ordained in the sacrifice, but the king committed the whole charge into their hands. Then said Menelaus, we already have provided all things belonging to this sacrifice: and as it is declared by the Oracle, we have already prepared the maid, which at the time and hour appointed, shall not be wanting to satisfy your expectations. Therefore we appareled Leucippe after that order as we had appointed before: and bidding her to be of good comfort, showing that she should go into the tomb: and remain all the day time until night, and from whence we would fly unto the enemy, and come again and deliver her from this fear: which when I had said, we brought her to the altar: what was done afterwards you yourself did behold: with this speech of his, my mind was wonderfully distracted: neither did I know what to do, wherewith I might sufficiently requite Menelaus for all his courtesies: wherefore falling down at his feet, I embraced him, and worshipped him, as if he had been some god: when a new pleasure began to revive my languishing spirits. After I perceived that Leucippe was safely escaped out of these dangers, I demanded what was become of Clinias: Menelaus answered, that when the ship was broken, he saw him riding the cross piece: but what fortuned afterwards to him, was unknown: wherefore I could not choose but be sorry in the middle of my joy. But not long after, we departed thence, and went unto the army: and in my Tent, we spent the rest of the night: but strange report of this night, was bruited round about: when it was day, I brought Menelaus to Charmides, and declared to him all the whole matter: who being delighted with the news, received him into friendship, and demanded of him, what number and force the adversary had. Menelaus' answered, that the next village was full of the wicked robbers, who lately had sent for aid, being now about ten thousand strong. Then said Charmides, but five thousand of our men, are able to resist the force of ten thousand of thieves: although we also shall have more aid from them which do defend Delta and Heliopolis against the invasion of the barbarous and wild vagabonds.  
In the mean season there came in a messenger running in haste from Delta, which brought word that an army was coming from thence, which contained two thousand men: saying that they had set forward five days before, had not a sudden tumult of the thieves called them back: and as they were coming now, theholy bird which carrieth his father's sepulchre, did astonish them with his flight: Wherefore they were also constrained to stay again. Then said I: I pray you what bird is that, which they do so much honour? Or what sepulchre is that which he doth carry about with him? The bird is called Phoenix, and hath her original amongst the Aethiopians? She is of the colour and bigness of a peacock, her feathers are painted with purple, and gold, she is called the bird of the sun: for her head doth signify as much, whereon she hath a crown, which showeth the whole course of the sun, it is of an azure colour, partly shining like a flame, casting forth pleasant rays like to the beams of bright Phoebus, being in the meridian: she is of this quality; that the Aethiopians enjoy her alive, but the Egyptians have her dead: for when she dieth (which cometh not to pass of a long time, for she liveth six hundred years) her son bringeth her to the river Nilus, and maketh a tomb after this manner: he taketh as much myrrh, as will suffice to lay the carcase in, and making it hollow with his beak layeth it in the middle, as it were in a tomb. The body being thus laid in the ground and covered with earth, flieth towards Nilus: a troop of birds following as it were companions at the Funeral, and coming to the City of the sun, which is the place, where the dead body doth lie, flieth up to the sun: So it cometh to pass that living she abideth in Aethiopia, but being dead, she resteth in Egypt.   

The fourth Book.  
The Contents.  
Charmides General of the army, falleth in love with Leucippe: he declareth it to Menelaeus, craving his help therein: Leucippe falleth mad: Charmides by a notable stratagem of the thieves, with all his army was slain: Leucippe is cured again by Chaerea.  
AFter that Charmides had understood the cause of the staying of the arm, and knowing the forces of the thieves to wax stronger, he determined to return back, and to stay so long, until his aid were come: but when we came unto the village, we had a lodging appointed for Leucippe and me, near unto Charmides house; wherein assoon as I came, I took her in my arms & kissed her, determining to abstain no longer from my desire. But when I saw my enterprise went not forward, how long said I, shall we want the fruits of Venus? Do not you see how many dangers in so short space have fallen out unlooked for? for we have suffered shipwreck, fell into the thieves hands, and lastly, you were offered in steed of a sacrifice: wherefore while we are in safety, let us not refuse a fit occasion offered, before some greater mishap do fall out. Then said Leucippe, but yet it may not be lawful; for when I was offered upon the altar as a sacrifice, I greatly lamented my misfortune; and in my dream Diana seemed to appear unto me, saying; do not weep, for thou shalt not die, I myself will help thee, keep thou as yet thy virginity, until I shall otherwise appoint thee, for thou shalt marry none but Clitiphon. I although I did grievously take this delay, yet I rejoiced with the hope of the thing to come: and when she had made mention of her vision, I did remember also that I had dreamt to the like effect: for the night before, me thought I was in Venus' temple, and there standing alone, I did behold an image erected before me, and when I had approached near to say my prayers, I shut the door; and being troubled in mind, there appeared a thing to me in shape of a woman: which said, that as yet it was not lawful for me to enter into the temple; but if that I would stay a little space, it should come to pass, that the doors would open of their own accord, and also that I should be created a Priest unto the goddess: this therefore I told Leucippe, neither did I strive to offer her violence any more: but thinking upon her dream, I was somewhat heavy in mind. In the mean season, Charmides who was ever desirous to see Leucippe, having a fit occasion serving him for the purpose, sent for us both; bechance certain fishermen of the Town had taken a beast in the River, a spectacle not unworthy to be seen: the Egyptians did call it the Horse of Nilus: and truly his back, head, belly, and feet, are like to another Horse, saving that his hoof is cloven; in bigness of body he is like to an Ox, he hath a short tail and full of hair: all the other parts of his body being without, his head is round and great, his jaws almost like to a Horse, his nostrils somewhat broad, and breathing forth a fiery kind of smoke, as it were the breath of a furnace: the wideness of his mouth reached to both his temples, his teeth were crooked, made altogether both in form and standing like to a horse. Charmides invited us to see this beast, Leucippe: was there also together with us: earnestly we did behold the beast, but he whose mind was occupied about an other matter, never cast his eyes from Leucippe. Therefore we judged him to be in love with her: and because he would have us stay the longer there, that he might the more satisfy himself with the sight of her, he began to find some discourses: and first he did declare unto us the nature of the beast, and the manner of taking him, saying, that it was a most ravenous creature, how that he would devour a whole field of corn: neither is he caught without a pretty wile, for the hunters marking in what place he accustometh to lie, to dig a pit and cover it with turfs and reeds, laying under it a little coal made of boards, whose doors are open to the height of the pit, then hiding themselves until he fell in, they rush upon a sudden and shut the doors of the little house, and so is taken, which else by no means could be caught, because he is of so great a strength: he is most strong in every part of his body, but his skin is so hard that it cannot be pierced with Iron, and worthily may he be called the Egyptian Elephant: whereupon Menelaus demanded of Charmides to express the nature of them: who answered: I have heard report of them which are the curious searchers of their nature, to affirm their qualities above all creatures to be most admired. And that I will not suffer you to be ignorant herein any longer, know that she is of a long life, and doth keep the seed of her belly ten years before she be delivered of it, and when this time is past, she bringeth forth her young of large proportion, and for this cause I think that he is of so huge mighty body and invincible strength, and a most long life, for it is reported that he liveth longer than the crows which hesiod writeth of. The jaw of an Elephant is like the head of a Bull, and if you saw his mouth you would think he had two horns growing therein, which are his fore teeth, from between which cometh down a long snout, which is in form and fashion like unto a shaulme: by this he taketh his meat and sustenance, and whatsoever is thrown to him he will eat it, with conveying it into his snout, if it be good he bringeth it down into his mouth, but if it be bad he giveth it to his master: there sitteth upon his back a Moor, which is his horseman, he doth fawn and fear, and doth understand any which speak unto him and doth suffer himself to be beaten with an Iron rod, which is in steed of a whip: and I do remember that once I did behold a strange fight, a Grecian once lying down, joined his head to the Elephants, who without any resistance striked his head with his snout, wherein I marveled at the boldness of the man, and the gentleness of the beast, but the Graecian answered, that he first did give him food to eat,, before he would open his mouth and breath forth the pleasant breath of the Indian spices, which he did use to do, to take away the headache. But the Elephant which knoweth the cure which he doth effect, doth first deny his aid, until he have received his sustenance: like unto a proud Physician, which first will have his foe before he minister any thing to his patient: but taking first his reward, he will thank you, holding open his mouth until you be cured, knowing well that he had sold this sweet odour. Then said I, how cometh it to pass that so deformed a creature hath so sweet a savour? Of his meat (said Charmides) whereof he feedeth: the country of the Indians is very near the sun, and they be the first people which inhabit the East, and do feel the force of his beams more hot. In Greece there groweth a flower, which in India is not a flower but a blossom, such as those which grow upon trees: as it groweth it hath no savour, neither is in any estimation, whether because it will give no pleasure where it is known, or whether it do envy his countrymen: but if it be carried a little out of his country, it yieldeth a sweet and odoriferous savour, this is the Indian flower which is commonly called the black rose: upon this Elephants do feed in those countries, as Oxen do of grass amongst us, wherefore being fed with so sweet meat, they cannot choose but send forth a sweet breath. After Charmides had ended his discourse, not suffering us to go far (for he which is wounded with love, is burned with his heat, and cannot find a remedy for his grief) took Menelaus by the hand, and said: I do verily perceive that thou art Clitiphon his good friend, by those things which thou hast done for him, wherefore thou shalt not find me worse: I would therefore have you give him thanks as from me, which you may easily do, for in so doing you shall restore health again to my soul: for Leucippe hath wounded me, preserve thou my life, and for these thy good turns, here I give thee these fifty pieces of gold: Leucippe shall have as much as she will demand. Then said Menelaus, I pray you take your money again, and give it to them who sell their good turns, and will do nothing except they be hired. I since that you have accounted of me as your friend, I will do my endeavour that you shall know, you did not amiss when you received me into your friendship, which when he had said, he came to me, and told me all that Charmides had said: wherefore we began now to think with ourselves what were best to be done herein: in the end we concluded to deceive him, for we could not deny him, for fear lest he should have used violence upon us, neither could we escape away, because all places thereabouts were beset round with thieves, and he also had so many Soldiers about him. Therefore a little while after, Menelaus' went unto Charmides, saying that he had concluded the matter, showing how that at the first she was very obstinate, but when I had moved her with petitions, telling her of your kindness showed unto her, she granted me my requests: but yet she entreated this one thing which you must needs grant, that she may have leave to go to Alexandria, for that is the place where she was borne, and her friends do dwell there. Then said Charmides, thou dost demand of me this which can hardly be granted, for in war who would defer to fulfil his desire? is there any man which now is about to join battle, which is sure of the victory when there are so many passages ready which lead to death? request you this of fortune that I may return safe from the war: and now at this time am I about to fight with these thieves, but there is another battle sought in my heart: the armed Soldier doth assail me with his Bow and arrows, I am overcome, and hereby wounded with his darts: wherefore send for a Physician for me speedily, for the wound doth wax green, and when I am ready to send fire amongst mine enemies, love hath set my heart on fire with his torches. First therefore Menelaus quench this fire, and it is the sign of best luck, first to encounter amorously with his love, then to join battle with the enemies: let Venus send me unto Mars. Then said Menelaus, you yourself may see what a hard matter it is to do it, that her lover which is now present should not know. Then said Charmides, this may quickly be done, for we may send Clitiphon some other way. But Menelaus seeing Charmides wonderful learnest of his love, fearing lest he would do me some injury, devised a very good course, saying: will you know the cause indeed why you should stay? the Maid began yesternight to be in her flowers, wherefore then she must abstain from a man: wherefore, said Charmides? I will stay three or four days until she be well again, I hope by that time her months will cease, in the mean time she shall do that which she may: she shall sit in my sight, and kiss me, and talk with me, for I do delight to hear her speak, to take her by the hand, and to touch her soft body, for these are some easements to a wounded mind. What may not a man kiss her now? I know that cannot hurt her flowers: which when Menelaus returning from him had told me, at his last words I could not choose but exclaim, wishing rather to die then any one should enjoy her kisses, than which nothing is more sweet, pleasant, and delightful. For with venerean sports a man may be satisfied: neither is it any thing worth if you take away kissing: kisses have no end, neither do bring satiety, or make a man loathe them, but are always fresh. And there are moreover three most excellent things which come from the mouth, her breath, voice, and kisses, and the lips which in kissing do touch one another, do yield that pleasure which riseth form the fountain of the mind.  
Believe me Menelaus (for in necessity I am not ashamed to reveal any secrets) I myself have never had any thing of Leucippe but kisses, she as yet is a Virgin, neither can be made a Wife, but by kissing: which if any man strive to take away from me, he first shall take away my Soul. While I am alive none shall rob me of this felicity: wherefore said Menelaus, we have need of good and speedy counsel: for a lover so long as he is in hope to obtain, he beareth all things patiently, for he doth conceive in his mind the very possession of that which he would. But if all his hope be taken away, than his desire changed, he strived to take away the hindrance: in the means season, while we were thus consulting together, there came one running in to us hastily, who seemed by his countenance to be somewhat frighted, & told us the Leucippe fell down in a swoon turning up her eyes as if she were dead: but when we came to her and demanded of her what had happened to her, she rising up came towards me, & looking upon me with sour countenance, struck me upon the cheek with her fist, & spurned Menelaus with her feet, who went about to hold her, wherefore we perceiving she had fallen sick, & the impatience of the grief forced her to a fit of madness: we went about to hold her, but she withstood us, and wrestled with us a great while, having no regard to cover her hidden parts: wherefore a great tumult arose in our lodging, so that Charmides hearing of it, came running to us to know what the matter was: at first he looked upon Menelaus very sternly, thinking that we had gone about some knavery to beguile him, but afterwards when he saw the truth, his mind was changed, greatly lamenting this mishap. But Leucippe, the cords being brought, was bound upon her bed: which when I saw her tender hands were tied with such hard ropes, most of them being gone forth, I turned me to Menelaus, saying: Lose, I pray thee lose, for her tender hands cannot abide to be tied thus roughly: let me alone with her, I will hold her down in steed of a cord, let her rage upon me if she will: What should I live now any longer? Leucippe knoweth me not, and here lieth bound, and I behold her in this case, yet moved with pity, I do not unbind her: did fortune therefore deliver us out of the hands of thieves, that thou by madness shouldest be made a laughingstocke for us? O wretched & unfortunate that we are! shall we never have better hap? that which we feared at home, have avoided, that we might try the force of the raging Sea: we escaped shipwreck, fled out of the hands of the thieves, because the Destinies had appointed our end to be madness, which if thou escape, I fear lest fortune have some greater affliction to present us withal: who is more wretched than we? to whom is prosperity to be granted? But fortune mocketh us, and seems to laugh at us when we repent: but Menelaus comforted me being thus sad and pensive, saying, that these troubles were too violent to last long, and that this frenzy of hers was engendered by a hot blood, and dispersed abroad through the veins, striking up into the head, sought to distract the mind by confounding all the senses: wherefore the Physicians were sent for, to try if they by their art could help her. Menelaus went unto Charmides, to request him that he would send for his Physician, which was in the army, which he commanded instantly to be done. For lovers do rejoice to apply themselves in any thing which may tend to their good. The Physician being come, devised with himself what this sudden sickness might be: wherefore first he gave her a potion to sleep, that the sickness might leave some of his force: for sleep is the remedy for all sickness. But to proceed, he gave her as much as a grain of pomegranate, which being beaten together with oil, he bond it to the temples of her head, saying, that afterward he would give her a purgation for the ease of her belly. Leucippe being thus anointed, fell presently into a sound sleep, and so continued until the morning, but I sat by her watching all the night, and looking upon her bonds, I said: alas poor Leucippe canst thou sleep so sound being bound? what dreams do now trouble thy head? hath this sleep yet recovered thy wits again, or whether dost thou dream of idle fantasies? Being now awaked, she began to talk somewhat idly, and immediately the Physician came to her again, and gave her another medicine. In the mean season letters were brought from the Deputy of Egypt unto Charmides, wherein he was commanded to bring forth the armies, & presently join battle with the thieves: wherefore all were ready in arms, about to march forward to meet their enemies, every captain with as much speed as could be brought all their companies together under their colours, and alarm being given they went every one to his several tents. In the next morrow, betime in the morning he brought forth all his armies, the situation of the village was in this form. From the places which are above the Egyptian Thaebae the River Nilus runneth down, and cometh along by the City Memphis, where it sendeth forth a little stream, which coming from the main channel, compasseth a little piece of ground. There is a little village called Syrus, which also is divided from the land by another little fleet, so that of one stream there seemed to come three rivers, whereof two do dissperse themselves abroad into the country the third directing his course strait toward the sea, and compasseth that land which is called Belta. But none of these Rivers do carry their whole stream into the Sea, but being divided do run through many Cities bordering near about: and every part of these do excel the greatest river in Greece in bigness: neither yet, although the stream be thus divided, is the force of the water weaker, but is navigable both with greater & smaller vessels, to them which inhabit thereabouts: for the river Nilus serveth for all uses of the country: and it is a most admirable thing, how that in the self same place you may behold a ship, and a plough, an oar, and a mattock, a mast, and a spade, the houses of mariners & husbandmen, the lodgings of fishes and oxen, and where as you did steer your ship, there also may you guide your plough: the greatness of the river doth continue in longitude, rising at a certain time with a higher stream: and the Egyptians do daily expect his coming, and count how many days he accustometh to stay: but he rising at his accustomed time, everfloweth his banks, and watereth all the country round about him. There may one see as it were a contention between the Water and the earth: for while that he doth strive to overflow, the earth doth sup it up, so that the Water doth contain equal compass with the earth. In this country do the thieves inhabit, for the water falling again doth make marish grounds, which do not stand with Water, but are full of lime, wherein they do row the little boats which will contain but one person: for being but little, a little water will suffice to carry them, and if in some place the river be shallow, they take up their boats and carry them upon their shoulders, until they come to the water again: in these marshes there are certain islands, whereof the most are not inhabited: they are full of paper rushes, which grow so thick, that between their stalks it is impossible to pass, but one by one: their tops grow all thick together. Nither do these thieves hide them, here they do lay their plots of their villainy, here do they shroud their wickedness, the rushes serving them in steed of a wall. In many of these islands which are compassed with the marshes, there are built cottages, so thick as they seem to be a scattered town, whereof the greatest, which contained the most number of houses, was called Nichocis: thither did they get themselves as it were into a strong hold, where in the situation and strength of the place they did trust much: the passage to it was very narrow, of length it contained an hundred twenty three paces, in breadth but twelve. After they percevied that Charmides approached near unto them, they devised this stratagem among themselves: they appointed all the old men to go foremost in te band, carrying in their hands Olive branches, attired after the manner of petitioners in sign of peace: they commanded the strongest of their youth to follow next after, being wonderfully well armed, and placed in battle array. So determining that the old men should carry their branches in sign of peace, and that they should shadow the Army of men coming behind, with their boughs, the young men dragged their weapons after them that they might not be seen. Being placed in this order, they went forward to meet Charmides, desiring him that he would take pity on their old age, and spare their whole City, promising that they would give him a hundredth talents of gold privately, and as many men, if he would cease to besiege their city, which he might send unto the governor of Egypt as spoils taken in war. All which they would have done if he would have accepted of the condition: but Charmides having heard what they could say, would not grant them their requests, wherefore (said the old men) if you will not have pity upon us, we must endure this misery patiently, and if that we shall die, slay us here before our City walls, that in our father's habitations where we had our beginning, there also we may make our end, having this city to be our tombs, and we ourselves will be the authors of our own death When Charmides heard this, he dismissed his army, sending them back again to their tents. Now the thieves had laid certain spies which did see all that was done, to whom it was given in charge, that as soon as they saw the enemies coming, breaking down the bank of the river, they should let the water in upon them, for there are divers ditches made, with high banks, which do keep in the Water of Nilus that it shall not overflow until time require, which when they will let the Water round about, they pluck down the banks: wherefore the spies seeing them come near, plucked down the banks, so that the Water began to overflow amain, and in an instant the old men got themselves away, the young men which dragged their weapons behind them, began to rush upon them: the Waters increased and waxed so high, that all the marshes were overflown, so that it seemed a little Sea. This assault being given thus on the sudden, they slew all which they met, but first they dispatched Charmides: the other soldiers were in such an amaze, they know not what to do: the darts came so thick upon them, that they were now in despair of succour, fly they could not, the straits were so narrow, and offer violence to them they were not able: the Water now came up to their middle, wherefore many astonished with fear, stood still expecting their death, others striving to go forward, were borne down with the force of the Water, some endeavouring to fly away, stuck fast in the mud: the waters being overflown, took away the use of their bucklers, neither could one tell which was the field, or which the marish, for he which thought he was upon the field running apace, stuck fast in the slime, and pursued was taken of his enemies, and he which was in the marish supposing he had been upon the firm land, and making quick speed, was drowned in some hole: without doubt this was a new kind of misfortune and shipwreck by sea, when as round about there was not a ship to be seen; neither was it so strange, but even overcoming human cogitation, in the water was fought a battle by land, and on the land was suffered shipwreck. The thieves being now aloft with this success, began to vaunt and brag, thinking how that they had gotten the victory by valour, not by deceit, or ambushes; for the nature of the Egyptian is, that in adversity he is of no courage, but in prosperity he plucketh up his heart again: so that he is ever in the extremes; for either he cowardly yieldeth, or else doth proudly domineer. Ten days were now expired, since Leucippe fell into her madness, which did not seem to cease any thing at all; wherefore one day as she was in a sleep, she spoke very earnestly these words; For they cause, Gorgias did I fall mad: which I hearing, assoon as it was day, I told to Menelaus; thinking with myself whether there were any in the Town which was called Gorgias. Whilst I went down out of my lodging, there met me a certain young man, which after he had saluted me, spoke to me in this manner; I am the preserver of thee and thy wife: wherefore being amazed; what said I, art thou Gorgias? He answered no: but I am Chaerea. Gorgias was he which was the cause of her mishap: then I being more astonished then before, what mishap said I? or what is this Gorgias? Tell me I pray you, what these sayings do mean? Then said he, this Gorgias was an Egyptian soldier, which now is dead, for he was one of the first which was slain of the thieves: he was in love with your wife; and when by nature he was given to sorceries, he made an amorous Potion, and persuaded your Egyptian servant, that he should mingle it with Leucippes drink: but so it came to pass, that he made the Potion stronger than he should; and in stead to make her love, he made her mad: all this Gorgias servant told me yesternight, which escaped out of the same war, where his master was slain: and it seemeth to be most likely, that by the sacred Destinies decree, he was saved alive for your sakes. Thus having ended, he demanded of me four pieces of gold: promising it I would give him so much, he would presently restore her to her health, saying, that he had a medicine now ready mingled, which would cure the former disease. But beside this reward said I, I will give thee immortal thanks for this thy good turn: but first send for this man which you talked off. So he departed from me: but I coming home, did give my Egyptian servant his desert, striking him three or four times upon the face, & with threatening words, I asked of him, what that was, which he mingled and gave to Leucippe, and for what cause she fell mad: wherewithal he being afraid, declared all to me as Chaerea had spoken before. We procured him therefore to be shut up in prison: In the mean time Chaerea returned with Gorgias man, to whom I presently paid the money, saying. I pray you mark this of me, and hear my opinion herein: you know that the potion was the cause of all this mishap, wherefore I do not think it good, that her belly being once infected with drugs, you go about to distemper it with the like: But proceed on forward, and show me what is in your medicine, and make it ready while I do stand by: which if you shall bring to pass, I will give you both, well double my reward.  
Then said the Servant you do seem to fear, not without a cause: But those things which are to be provided are edible and common, and I myself will eat as much of them before, as I will give unto her. And immediately they went and bought every thing, and before me they pund them, and being divided into two parts, this first said he, will I drink: this other part, I will give to the maid, which after she hath drunk, she will sleep all the night: when morning cometh she will both be freed of her sleep, & disease. So he did drink up one part, the other he commanded to be kept until night, and then to be ministered unto her: and he promising that the medicine would work after this order: having taken the money departed away, the rest I promised I would give him when Leucippe was recovered again. When the time came that I should give her the medicine, mingling it together in my hand, I spoke after this manner: O Physic begotten of the earth and Aesculapius, and by him first given to mankind, I pray God that his promises of thee do prove true: be thou favourable unto me, and driving away this savage and corrupt poison, restore this most beautiful virgin to her health again: having kissed the pot, I gave it to Leucippe, who having received it not long after, as he had declared, fell into a great sleep: but I sitting by her as she was asleep, said unto her as though she heard me, what dost thou now repent thyself? dost thou know me? let me hear thee speak to me: go too tell me something, on thy dream; for yesternight thou didst talk of Gorgias: worthily is thy felicity, being awake, great, but greater when thou art asleep, for being awake thou didst fall into madness, but the dreams of sléepers do pretend things to come. As I was thus talking with her as though she heard me, the morning began to appear: Leucippe awaking called me by my name, but I coming nearer unto her, inquired of her health: but she seemed to me not to know any thing that she did: but seeing herself bound she fell into a great admiration, and demanded of me of whom she was bound: then seeing her restored to her wits again, leaping for very joy, I unloosed her, and I declared all things which were done: which when she heard, she blushed, and understood how that she had been mad. Wherefore I comforting her, bad her be of a good courage: which I declared to Satyrus, demanding of him the rewards to give to Chaerea, for he kept all our provision safe since the shipwreck, neither afterwards did either Menelaus or he or any of us remain in the danger of the thieves.  
In the mean season a new army was sent from the chief City against the thieves, which did determine to overthrow the City also, we being now freed from the injury of the robbers which inhabited the river, determined to go to Alexandria, taking Chaerea with us, whom, because he made the potion, we received into our company. He was a fisherman of the Island Pharos: but at that time he did serve in pay under the pirates, and the war being ended, he was dismissed: Wherefore when sailing had been long intermitted because of the pirates, their forces being now vanquished, all the river was full fraught again with vessels: and the rejoicing of the mariners, the applause of the passengers, the number of ships and boats, the fairness of the river, did breed a great delight to the beholders: for the passage upon the river, did seem as though the river did celebrate a festival. But I being delighted with the river, desired also to taste the sweetness thereof: the very first day I did drink it without any wine, because being mingled with a liquor of greater force, the virtue of it is extinct by a more forcible:  
Therefore I took up the water in a glass, which did seem to strive with the Crystal in whiteness: the taste in drinking, was sweet & cool. I do know certain rivers in Greece so cold, that one is not able to drink thereof: Wherefore it cometh to pass that the Aegiptiaus, when Nilus overfloweth, do never fear the scarcity of wine. I did marvel at their manner of drinking thereof, for they neither use cups, glasses, pots, or any other such vessel, but do drink from their hands: if any of the sailors be thirsty, he boweth down out of the ship, and in the hollowness of his hand taketh up the water, but I did there behold another beast, which in force did far surpass the Horse of Nilus, the name whereof was a Crocodile, he is in form both of a fish, and also a beast, which liveth upon the land: there is a great space between his head and his tale, but the breadth in proportion doth not answer to his length, his skin is rough with scales, his back is black and like to a stone, his belly is white, he hath four feet bowing somewhat inward, like unto a land tortoise, his tail long, thick, and solid like unto his body, his teeth stand like to the manner of a saw, wherewith if he fight with any beast he feareth them, his head groweth to his body no separation seen, for nature hath hidden his neck: the other part of his body is very horrible to behold, especially when his jaws hang down, and his mouth is open: so long as he doth not gape, his head seemeth to be solible, but when he openeth his chops it is otherwise: in eating he moveth his upper jaw, but never his neither: moreover his gaping is so wide, that it reacheth to his shoulders, and near by adjoining to his belly: His teeth are many, set in three ranks, whose number is (as they say) so many as there be days in the year: you would wonder to see the hugeness of his body, when he goeth upon the earth, to think what incredible strength he hath.   

The fift Book.  
The Contents.  
In this fift Book is set forth the rape of Leucippe by Cherea: the love of Melite towards Clitiphon: their sailing to Ephesus: After it showeth how Sosthenes the steward of Melite, bought Leucippe of a Merchant which had redeemed her from Pirates: how she under the name of Lacena, unknown of Clitiphon, perceiveth his love to Melite: The returning home of Thersander Melites husband, whom she long since had thought to have perished in shipwreck.  
WHen three days were passed, we came to Alexandria, and entering into the gates of the Sun (for so they are called) my eyes were filled with the beauty of the city, for from the gates of the Sun, to the Moon, (for they are under the safeguard of those gods) a long row of pillars supporteth the building on both sides: in whose middle is a street, from whence many ways do come, so that the people walking in the city, do seem as it were to have undertaken a voyage. Having walked two or three furlongs into the city, I came to that place, which hath his name of Alexander: and I did behold another city, which was distinguished after this order: There was a long row of pillars equal in height, which seemed to be vaunted over, making a fair passage through, so that it doth serve to walk safe from a tempest or foul weather. But this city seemed to me populous, and there were so many, that except the building were very large, they could not be contained. By chance, at the same time the festival day of the great God, which the Grecians call Δία, the Egyptians Serapis, the Latins jupiter, was celebrated: wherein the the lights did shine through the city, a sight worthy the beholding: for when evening came, and now the Sun was set, neither was it night altogether, but about twilight, me thought the city did then contend with heaven in beauty; I saw Melichius jupiter, and his temple, whose godhead when we had worshipped, we made our prayers, that here might be an end of all our calamities: and then we departed thence & came to Menelaus, who had hired a house in the city; but the god would not grant us our prayers, for there was another danger behind, which fortune seemed to threaten upon us: for Chaerea had loved Leucippe privily long before: who gave her the medicine hoping to have occasion thereby to come into acquaintance with her, and that he might preserve her for himself: whom, when he saw how hard a matter it was to get, he went about to lay wiles and ambushes to take her away: wherefore having gotten certain thieves like himself together, he told them all what he purposed to do, therefore counterfeiting to celebrate his birth day, he invited us to see the Island Pharus: And as we went out of the house, there appeared to us a sign of ill luck, for a hawk following a swallow, struck with his wing Leucippe upon the head: wherefore being troubled in mind, and looking up into the air, what strange sign (said I) is this O jupiter, which thou showest unto us? But rather if this bird be truly thine, why dost not thou show us a more manifest sign? wherefore turning me about, (for we stood near unto a Painter's shop) I did behold a table, wherein was drawn the mishap of Progne, the violence of Tereus, the cutting out of the tongue of Philomela, & containing all the whole history thereof. There was to be seen the sampler which Philomela wrought, Tereus also sitting at his table, and a servant holding abroad the sampler, and Philomela pointing in it with her finger, Progne did seem to grant to her desire, and looking eagerly, knitting the brows, did seem as though she would be revenged upon Tereus, which had dealt thus traitorously with her sister, which did stand by, having her hair plucked off, her face beaten, her garments rend and torn: her white breast did lie open, her right hand wiping her eyes, she did greatly and grievously accuse Tereus: with her left hand, she endeavours to cover her naked breasts with a piece of her torn garment: Tereus plucked her to him with all his strength, straightly embracing her in his arms: in the other part of the picture, the women brought to Tereus in a dish, the relics of his son to supper, which was his head and hands, laughing together and trembling: but he rising up with his drawn sword in his hand, seemed to thrust down the table with his arm, which now did neither stand nor fall; yet seemed as though it did fall. Then said Menelaus, if you will take my counsel, I think it good if you did not go to Pharos, for two signs of ill fortune have happened to you: the flying of the hawk, and the threatening of the picture: for the soothsayers and divinators do warn us not to despise such tokens as these: but if that we have any affairs at all, we should talk with them for whose cause we undertook the travail, if there be any likelihood in the matter: do not you see the picture full of filthy love, impudent adultery, women's mishaps, to conclude, full of all iniquity? I truly would defer this going to another end. This speech of Menelaus seemed to be very true, wherefore I bad Chaerea farewell, which went away very sad, saying that to morrow he would come for us again. Then Leucippe turning to me (for women are desirous to know every toy) I pray you said she, tell me, what this picture, these birds, and these women, about that impudent man do mean? Then said I, those which you see now to be birds, were once men, the women there, Progne & Philomela, (for these were their names) were sisters born at Athens, this was turned into a Swallow, the other into a Nightingale, the man's name was Tereus a Thracian borne, and the husband of Progne was transformed into a Lapwing. To satisfy the lust of a barbarous man, one woman is not sufficient, especially when occasion serveth him to fulfil it by violence: the love of Progne towards her sister, did give the occasion to this intemperate man, which following his own sensuality, did fall into all intemperance and immodesty: for she sent him being her husband, to see her sister, which departed her husband, but returned her sister's Lover: and as he returned he made another Progne, which when he would have made known, he gave her a reward for her virginity lost, he cut out her tongue: notwithstanding he had thus dismembered her, yet she found out a dumb reporter of her misfortune, for in a cloth with Stella, she wrought all the villainy committed by him: her hand served in steed of her tongue, when she could not deliver to the ears what she had suffered, she laid it before the eyes. Progne having read the work, and knowing how her husband had ravished her, she determined to torment him with a new kind of punishment, surpassing the common opinion. And when both these women did burn in anger, a conspiracy being made, they provided a supper far more delectable than the marriage of Philomela: They did set his son before him at dinner to be eaten. During her anger Progne was not his mother, Itys was not her son, for she had forgotten that she brought him forth into the world: for the rage of slander is far more mighty than the grief of the womb: although that this was troublesome to them, yet when they saw they should revenge him, who had violated the laws of wedlock, they did recompense this trouble with pleasure of revenge.  
After Tereus sitting down at this supper, and having eaten sufficiently, these women smiling and fearing, brought forth in a Charger the relics of his son: which when he saw, perceiving that he had eaten the seed of his own loins, he shed tears abundantly: then incensed with choler, drawing out his sword ran upon them, but the air took them up suddenly, changing them into birds, with whom also Tereus was taken up, who as yet all do carry about them a remembrance of their deed: the Nightingale evermore flieth away: the Lapwing pursueth her: which signifieth that hatred doth remain still after their mutation. And by these means at that time, we avoided his wiles, rejoicing greatly we did not fall into our enemy's hands.  
The next morning Chaerea came again, and we for modesty's sake could not deny him the second time: wherefore taking ship we came to Pharos; Menelaus staying behind, because he was not in his perfect health, Chaerea first brought us unto the top of the tower, showing to us the most admirable and wonderful building thereof from the top to the bottom.  
There was a high hill standing in the Sea, whose top did almost part the clouds, at whose foot the water did beat: so that it seemed to hang over into the water: in the high tower, which is built upon this hill, there hangeth a light, which as it were a guide doth direct the sailors by night: when we had seen this, we were brought to the furthermost part of the Island toward the Sea: the Sun being now ready to go down, Chaerea departed from us, feigning as if he would go about some necessary business: not long after a great clamour upon a sudden was heard before the gates: upon the very instant, violently came rushing in a number of men with sword drawn, which altogether ran fiercely upon Leucippe perforce, and took her away. I seeing my Leucippe thus carried from me, was wonderfully disquieted, and running amongst the middle of their sword I received a great wound in my thigh, so that I fell down, all full of blood, but they getting her into a ship swiftly fled away. The governor of this Island, hearing the concourse and clamour, which is accustomed to be made at the coming of pirates, came running down, who knowing me well, for I served in pay under him in the war, I showed him my wounds, and requested him that he would follow these pirates: he getting into one of the ships which lay in the port, whereof there were many, pursued them with as much speed as he could. Moreover I, my wound being bound up, desired to go with him also in the ship. The pirates seeing that we were now come something near them, and prepared ready to fight, tied a maid with her hands behind her, unto the hinder part of the ship, and one of them cried with a loud voice: Behold the reward which you seek: and with a sword stroke of her head, which they took and hid in the ship; but the body they cast over board into the Sea. Which when I saw, I fell into great shrieking, and outcries, about to cast myself headlong into the sea: but they which were with me restrained me against my will: Wherefore I requested them to stay the ship, and to go down and take up the dead body, that it might be buried. The governor commanded the rowers to stay, and one of them to go down in a little boat,, and take it up: Then two of the mariners sliding down by a rope, went in a cockboat and brought up the carcase into the ship but the pirates in the mean time did hasten their flight: yet we came near unto them again, who when they saw us approaching to them, by chance they espied another rover coming near, which they knew by the colours, (for the pirates do use purple tops) and to them they prayed for aid: wherefore the governor seeing they were strong, without hope to prevail; retired back; but they stayed their flight then, and would have fought with us. When we were returned to the shore, & had gone forth out of the ship, I took the dead body in my arms, and embraced it, and I began lamentably to complain. Now my dear Leucippe, thou hast died two deaths, both by land and sea: and although I have the relieves of thy body, yet I have lost thee; neither is that part of the body which is restored to the land, like to that which the Sea hath kept, for the least part of thy shape is left to me, the Sea possesseth it alone: but although fortune hath dealt so with me that I cannot kiss thy lips, yet I will kiss thy throat: thus complaining with myself, I buried the carcase, from whence I returned back to Alexandria: where I had salve laid to my wound, against my will. Menelaus ever comforting me, I led my life with him there in great sorrow. After I had passed six months the greatness of my grief began to diminish: For time is the medicine for sorrow, which doth soften the wounds of the mind, (for the sun is full of mirth) and grief, which doth overcome all measure, yet is not so heat, except the mind do rage in heat: and if it be pacified with the pleasure of time, it waxeth cold:  
But as I walked one day toward the market place, there came one behind me and struck me upon the shoulder with his hand, and after salutations embraced me, and kissed me: I at the first was ignorant who he was, being amazed at these kind of salutations, which received them no otherwise, then if I had been a mark to whom they had been leveled at: but afterwards looking better upon his face, for very joy I cried forth, (for he was Clinias) I embraced him, and gave him the like kindness back again: and having brought him home with me, he declared to me how he escaped shipwreck. I also recounted to him all that had happened to Leucippe: and thus he repeated his manner of shipwreck. The ship being broken, I got me to the hinder part thereof, I was constrained to hold the very uttermost parts thereof, for it was full fraught with company, where I did endure the force of the water and weather: being thus tossed up and down, this relic of the ship by chance was dashed against a Rock, and with the force thereof, recoiled back having no harm: wherefore swimming the rest of the day, having no hope of recovery from these dangers, we wandered about: at length being weary, I committed myself wholly to fortune's disposition, but behold a far off I espied a ship coming towards me, when I rejoicing, held up my hand as high as I could, beckoning to them to secure me: but they which were in the ship, whether they did pity my case, or were driven so by the winds, directed their forepart of the ship towards me: and one of them did let down a Cable to me: which when I had taken hold of, they plucked me up into the ship. This vessel sailed towards Sydon, and divers there were therein which did know me, which did take great care about me: when we had sailed two days, we came into the City, but I requested the Sydonians which were in the ship, Xenedamas the Merchant, and his father in law Theophilus, that they should not detect me to any of the Tyrians, if by chance they did meet any, nor how I had escaped shipwreck: which when Clinias had spoken, adding likewise, how that he had heard the Sostatus at his return from the war, had promised his daughter in marriage, I began to bewail the inconstancy of fortune, saying: O unhappy man that I am, doth Sostratus at this time go about to marry Leucippe? and should I have another wife? he truly hath not exactly the number of the days, which would not have us married before we were gone: how wretched and unlucky was I that day? now may they betrothe Leucippe being dead: now when it is time for me to mourn, they would have me sing a song to Hyminaeus. Alas what shall I do now? what a bride would fortune give me now, whose dead carcase is not wholly given unto me? Then said Clinias, it is not time for thee to complain now, but rather consider with thyself whether it be better to return into thy country or stay here: neither, said I, liketh me at this time, for with what face can I look upon him, from whose house I fled away in such manner? wherefore it remaineth now that I depart hence before any of my friends come to make inquiry for me. As we were conferring thus together, Menelaus' and Satyrus came in, and after he had embraced Clinias, Satyrus turned him to me saying: A fit occasion serveth you now, therefore be advised before you let it pass, and here dispose of all your affairs, taking the counsel of your friends before rashly you enterprise any thing, let Clinias be your judge therein. Venus' surely doth favour you, and perhaps you will little account of that which she hath bountifully bestowed upon you. There is therefore an Ephesian woman lodging in this City of rare beauty, and singular behaviour, which is taken in love with you so extremely, that if she be frustrated of her desire, it is thought that she will fall mad. For comeliness and grace you would think her a goddess, her name is Melite, very wealthy, and not yet come to her ripe years, which very lately lost her husband in shipwreck, and and she doth wish that you would be her Lord, not her husband, and to you she will give both herself and her wealth: for your sake she hath stayed here two months, and requesteth that you would go back with her to Ephesus: but you despise her, neither do I know the cause thereof, except Leucippe be raised from death again: then said Climas', Satyrus seemeth to give thee good counsel. For why shouldest thou say, since beauty, riches, and love do offer themselves unto thee, whereby all things do abound, to enjoy pleasure, to the necessary use of the life, and to get a good name in the Country, that is, not to be accounted the least: favours are granted thee by a goddess, therefore I wish thee to follow Satyrus his counsel, and satisfy the will of the goddess. Then I sighing said: Go to, lead me whether soever you will, since Clinias will have it so: but is this woman so importunate that she will have all things dispatched before she come to Ephesus: I swore when I lost Leucippe, that here never any should have my virginity. Which when Satyrus had heard, he immediately went to Melite to carry her this happy news, which when she heard, she fell down astonished for very joy: not long after he returned again, earnestly entreating me this night to go thither to supper, that we might make a beginning of our marriage: wherefore attiring my myself, I came to Melites house, who as soon as she saw me, ran presently to meet me, receiving me with many kind embracings and sweet kisses. She truly was both comely and fair, her very body did carry such a majesty, as if that she had been Venus herself, her colour and her cheeks was so pure and perfect, that you would not say it were smeared with painting, but as it were mingled with blood and milk: her hair was thick, and did hang down in curled locks like jewels of gold, wherefore it delighted me much to behold her: in the mean season a sumptuous supper was prepared, and being set upon the table we sat down. But Melite did take a little of every thing which was set down, feeding of nought but love, earnestly with fixed eyes did behold me. For there is nothing so pleasant or delightful unto lovers, as to behold the thing which they love: for love possessing the whole heart, doth stop the passage for the food. But the pleasure which is received by the fight, sending down by the eyes into the mind, remaineth there, and doth steadfastly imprint the image of the thing seen, as it were in the glass of the mind, for the flowing itself of beauty by hidden beams, piercing to the heart, doth engrave the form of the thing beloved. Which when I marked, I pray you said I, why do not you also eat of those delicates which you have prepared? Truly you seem to me as if you were a painted guest. Then answered she: what meat can be more dainty, what wine more precious than your sight? With these words embracing me in her arms, she kissed me, than often repeated this, Thou art my joy, my food, and whole delight. And after the matter fell out after this manner, when night came, she was very earnest with me to lodge there that night: but when as I had repeated to her that which before I had spoken to Satyrus, although very hardly, yet at length she let me go upon this condition, that the next day I should meet her in this Temple, and there we should determine the matter before the Goddess. Wherefore the next day at the time appointed, I went with Menelaus and Clinias, and there we did swear: I also took my oath that I loved her as sincerely as ever I did Leucippe before: she likewise did swear that I should be her husband, and she would make me Lord of all her substance: all which was confirmed there between us, but the nuptials should not be selemnized before we came to Ephesus, and that there as I had sworn before, Melite should succeed in leucippe's place.  
afterward we went home to her House, where, as before, a magnificent supper was provided, for that was called the nuptial feast, but the rest we did defer until we came to Ephesus. As we were at Supper some merry conceit came unto Melites mind, which made her leave her melancholy looks.  
When every one had wished us a prosperous marriage, she whispered in my ear, saying: As tombs are built in vain for them, whose dead bodies are not to be found to be buried, so do I see my marriage to be provided for me, and in this madness did she slily rest with me: wherefore a prosperous wind serving us fit, we hastened to our ship, and hoisting up sail we left Alexandria: Menelaus followed us to the shore, and having taken his leave, and wished a prosperous navigation, he departed from us. He was a most courteous young man and most true friend, who for our departure shed many tears, and we also being not able to refrain from doing the like, Clinias thinking it a grief to departed from me, went with me to Ephesus, where he staid so long, until all his affairs went well with him in his own country: but our ship sailed forward with a prosperous course, and night coming on, every man went to his chamber appointed: but Melite embracing me between her arms, began to kiss me, and to repeat her marriage, saying: now have we passed Leucippes bonds, and come to our appointed end: this is the day decreed, wherefore should we defer it until we come to Ephesus? do not you know the calamities of the sea to be dangerous, and that the change of the winds are mutable. O Clitiphon I burn, believe me I burn, and I would I could show unto thee the greatness of my fire: I would that by my embracing and kissing I could put the same force into thee, which loves flames have already kindled in me. But this my fire is greater than any common flame, which wanting matter to feed it, is quickly burnt out: since all lovers do greatly desire to embrace one another, this my heart working a more fervent operation in me, will not be contented nor satisfied with it. O hidden fire! O fire shining in the dark! O fire unwilling to transgress thine own laws! But why do not we O my most dear Clitiphon, sacrifice together at Venus' Altars. Then said I, good Melite do not seek nor with me to violate my word before I have done my sacrifice to the dead, for as yet we are not passed the bonds of this unhappy maid, until we are arrived on another coast. Did you hear me tell you how that she lost her life in the water: the vastness of the Sea, through the which we now are carried, is the tomb of Leucippe; for what do you know? may not her ghost wander here about this ship? For their souls who perish in the waters, do not descend to hell; but as it is said, do float about the waters: And perhaps she may be about us, as we do embrace now. But doth this seem a fit place to you, to end the marriages? do you think that they can be solennised amongst the boisterous waves, and raging billows of the sea? would you have us to begin our marriages from so unsure a bed? Then said Melite, by Castor you talk very prettily? Truly I do think that any place may be a fit chamber for lovers; No place is prescribed to God Cupid, we have heard that the sea is the most fittest place for his mysteries: what I pray you was not his mother gotten of the sea? Wherefore I think we should do an acceptable thing, unto this god, if we honour his mother so much, as to finish our nuptials in this place: For are not they, your ropes, and cords, which tie the mast, the crospéece, and the sail yard, present tokens, and signs of our marriage? why then do we differre it? is it not the best sign of all to begin one's marriage under the yoke? the cables are tied together and the masts erected by them: that is an argument too, that fortune would have us celebrate them here: behold Neptune married his wife Amphitrite in the sea, the troops of the Nereids did accompany them, and the sweet murmuring of the winds about the cables, did seem to sing the bridal song to Hymenaeus: do not you see the sail, which doth swell as it were, like a belly great with child? which I truly do hold tokens of good luck, conjecturing that it will come to pass that shortly you shall be a father: Wherefore when I saw her so ready for it; let us dispute thus Melite until we do come to the land: Moreover I do swear unto thee again, by the sea, and by the good fortune of this our journey, that my desire is of no other than of thee, if Leucippe be not alive: and now we must keep the laws of the seas, for I have often heard it reported of mariners, that a ship ought to be kept clean and void from all libidinous acts, either that they be holy, or else because we ought not to deal any thing lasciviously among those dangers which are always ready at the sea. let not us therefore, defile the sea with our marriages, or mingle terror to our nuptial rites: we will not be the séekers of our own mishaps, if the joy do not fall out which we do expect. Which when I had said, soothing her up with kisses, I brought her to be of my opinion: the rest of the night we spent in sleep. The first day from our departure we arrived at Ephesus, where I did behold the magnificent house of Melite, the rich furniture, the stately hangings, the great number of Servants: when we were come home, she appointed a sumptuous feast to be made, and in the mean while she carried me forth of the City, about half a mile into the country, whither we both did ride in a coach to take the air: when we came thither, we went to walk under a most pleasant thicket of trees, so artificially planted, that on what side soever you did look, they stood all of even rows: as we were walking together, there came unto us a maid heavy laden with chains, carrying a spade, her hair cut, her body all ill favoured, in long and ragged garments, and falling down at our feet, she cried: O mistress take pity upon me, and deliver me which once was free, but now am bound, since it hath pleased fortune to have it so: with that she held her tongue. Then said Melite, rise up good woman, and tell me who thou art, what countrywoman, and who he was which bond thee thus, for thy countenance although thou be plucked down with adversity doth show that thou art nobly borne. Then answered she: the steward of your house did bind me thus, because I would not submit myself to his filthy desire, I am a Thessalian borne, my name is Lacaena, to you humbly entreating, do I give my whole estate, deliver me then from these miseries wherewith you see I am oppressed, and let me be your creditor until I pay you two hundred pieces of money, (for so much did Softhenes give for me when he bought me of the pirates) which believe me I will pay you again so soon as I can: in the mean time let me entreat you to accept of my service, humbly beseeching you to behold how hardly he hath used me: then turning her back, and putting off her upper garment, she showed her back full of great wales & blow strokes, which when I had heard, I was greatly astonished, for she seemed to represent Leucippe in countenance. But Melite bade her be of good cheer, saying: I will deliver thee from these miseries, and afterwards thou shalt dwell with me at home. Presently they caused Softhenes to be sent for, and to deliver her from these bonds: but Softhenes being afraid with so sudden a message, came in presence, to whom Melite said. Thou vile varlet, when didst thou see me use the meanest servant I had in so hard a manner? but tell me quickly, laying all untruths and dissemble aside, what she is, I know not truly mistress what she is, a merchant whose name was calisthenes sold her to me, saying that he bought her of pirates, assuring also that she was a free woman, her name was Lacaena. Melite dispossessed her steward of his office, & made her one of her chiefest maids & caused her to be washed and appareled in a new gown, and brought into the city. Then having given certain instructions about her husbandry, for which cause chiefly she came thither, she returned in her coach home to the City: when supper was brought in we sat down, but Satyrus seemed by his countenance to have some weighty matter to speak unto me privily, made a sign to me to rise, wherefore I feigned as though I went to exonerate my belly. I came forth, but Satyrus saying not a word, gave me a letter, which being sealed, before I could break it open, a i'll cold did shiver through my bones, for the letter was written with leucippe's hand, after this manner.  
Leucippe to her master Clitiphon sendeth salutations.  
DO not marvel though I call you master, for with what other name I should call you I know not, since you are my mistress' Husband, although you do not very well know the great troubles which I have suffered for your sake, yet I thought it necessary to certify you of a few things: for your sake I left my mother, and undertook with you a voyage: for your cause I was a sacrifice, and after fell into the hands of pirates, I suffered shipwreck, and also I suffered another kind of death: for your sake also I was bound in iron chains, I carried a spade, I digged the ground, and was scourged, that you might become another woman's husband, and I another man's wife: but I pray the gods forbidden it. I have endured these calamities with a valiant mind: but you not hurt, free from wounds, go about to solace yourself with new marriages. But if you think I deserve any thanks at all for these mishaps which I have suffered, request your wife that I may be set free as she hath promised, and pay her the money which Sosthenes laid out for me: and because I am not far from Byzantium, take care that I may be carried thither: and if you do not believe me, think that my troubles are satisfied with this one thing. Far well.  
The gods send you joy of your new marriage.  
These do I write unto you being yet a Virgin.  
WHen I had read the letter, my mind was distracted into a thousand parts, I did burn in love, wax pale, and sometime marveled, otherwhiles I did believe the letters, being perplexed between fear and joy. Then said I to Satyrus: what, hast thou brought this letter to me from hell? or what do these mean? What is Leucippe alive? Yea said Satyrus, and that is she which you saw bound in the country, but the cutting of her hair hath so disguised her, that she can scant be known of any: why dost thou (said I) fill mine ears with such good news, and will not show me my chiefest felicity? Be silent (said Satyrus) and dissemble the matter cunningly, lest you cast us all away, before some more surer counsel be had in the matter: you see that this is the chiefest woman in the city, and almost mad for your love, and we are now between the two nets, destitute of all hope. I cannot said I, for a delight and pleasure is spread throughout all the veins of my body, & the letter doth expostulate with me: Wherefore I red over the letter again, and answered in particular, every thing as if she had been present, being now absent: Thou speakest to me (O most sweet Leucippe) and where thou didst write this, thou hast suffered all these misfortunes for my sake; I must needs confess, I was the author of all these thy miseries: but when I came to these words, which contained the reproaches and hard measure offered to her of Softhenes, I wept as bitterly, as if I had stood by & seen them: For the cogitations turning the very edge of the mind, to those things which are signified in the paper, doth represent to the mind those things which are written, no otherwise than if they were opposite before the eyes: But when she objected my marriage, a blushing red did cover all my face, as if I had been taken in manifest adultery, the very letters had moved me so far: Then turning to Satyrus I cried. Alas what shall I do? what excuse shall I use now Satyrus? We are now taken manifestly; Leucippe knoweth all: and I pray god her love do not begin to be turned into hatred: But I would willingly know how she escaped safe the pirates hands, & whose carcase that was which we buried. Then said Satyrus: she will tell you all at more leisure, but necessity biddeth you to write back & pacify her, for I did swear that willingly you would not marry Melite? what hast thou told that I am married? now thou hast undone me; for as yet all the whole city is ignorant of my marriage. Moreover I do swear by Hercules and my good fortune, that I am not married to her. Then said Satyrus, I hope sir you do but jest: as though it is not manifestly known that you have been in bed together. But I know, said I, that I speak of greater knowledge, for Melite hath not enjoyed me according to her will. But first tell me what I should write, for this change hath wonderfully moved me, so much, as that I know not what I may do. Then said Satyrus I am not wiser than you: therefore begin to write, love will indite the rest: but dispatch as soon as you can, and have very great care what you set down: wherefore I wrote a letter after this form.  
Clitiphon to Leucippe sendeth salutations.  
ALL health to my dear mistress Leucippe. For I present do behold you present: but by your letters, as though you were absent: The self-same thing doth make me happy and wretched. But if omitting all other things, thou wilt look into the truth of the matter, making no prejudice of me, you shall find that my virginity (if there be any virginity of men) hath followed your example: but if for a wrong cause you begin to hate me, I earnestly beseech you, that you would change your opinion. For I do promise (as the gods be my helpers) that it will come to pass, that you shall verily know, that I am in no fault. Farewell.  
And let me understand from you, that you be favourable to me.  
THe letters being written and sealed up, I gave them to Satirus to convey, requesting him to speak no more of me than becomed him: being thus full of pleasure & sorrow, I returned to supper, but it came into my mind how that Melite would not let me departed that night, because the marriage was not full finished between us: neither could it be that Leucippe being found, I should once look upon another: Wherefore I determined to set my countenance so, as that she might knew my mind to be changed, and lest she should enforce my promise: for I feigned that I had caught a shaking with a cold. Melite although she perceived, that I went about to seek an occasion, because I would not keep my promise, yet she could not openly convince me: Wherefore not having supped, I rose up to go to bed: and she also leaving the middle of her supper, rose up and followed me: I being new come into my chamber, feigned myself to be very sick. But she coming to me said: wherefore dost thou do this? or why dost thou go about to despise me? we now are come from the sea, and arrived at Ephesus, where the place was appointed for the marriage. What day still shall we expect? how long shall we imitate them which do lie in some holy place? you offer me great store of water, but will not let me drink thereof: Shall I sit so long by the river side, and yet not quench my thirst? Thus my marriage is like the banquet of Tantalus. Which when she had said, weeping most pitifully, she cast her head into my bosom; insomuch that I was wonderfully grieved to see it, neither did I know what to do, because she seemed to complain not without a cause: yet I answered her thus: I do call my country gods to witness, my most dear Melite, that I do endeavour most earnestly to fulfil thy desire: but I know not what evil this is which hath happened to me, for I have fallen suddenly into a sickness, and you know, that they who have not their health, and do give themselves to Venus' sports, do labour in vain: and as I spoke, I wiped away the tears which ran down her cheeks, swearing a great oath; that when I was recovered, I would do whatsoever she would impose upon me: by this means I pacified the woman's mind which was already incensed. The next day Melite sent for those maids, to whom she had committed Leucippe to be accompanied withal: and demanded of them, how Leucippe did behave herself about her work: they answered, that she omitted nothing which was appointed for her to be done: wherefore she caused her to be brought unto her; who assoon as she was come: thou knowest said Melite, what courtesy I have showed thee, and to repeat over my manifold kindness ever bestowed on thee, I think it superfluous: wherefore I request of thee nothing but this, that thou wouldst requite me again in those things, which I know are in thy power to do. I do hear it reported, that your Thessalian women, do so allure their Lovers with enchantments and sorceries, that they do wholly cast their minds from all other women, and to burn with such a desire of them, that they do think them alone to be their only felicity: since therefore that thou art a Thessalian borne, I would willingly entreat thy help herein.  
The young Gentleman which I saw walking with you yesternight, said Leucippe, you say is your husband? for so she had learned of one of her fellows: what husband said Melite? truly I have never had more to do with him then with this stone: but evermore he telleth me of one dead Leucippe, (for so I think he doth call her) whom neither eating, drinking, nor sleeping, he can forget: for his sake did I stay four months at Alexandria, requesting, entreating, promising, and overpassing nothing which might serve to allure him: but as if he were iron, a stock, or any such thing which wanteth sense, he neglecteth my prayers, neither doth he obey time, almost granting me this one thing, that I should only enjoy the sight of him. I do call Lady Venus herself to witness, that I have been in bed with him five nights, and have risen up again no otherwise, then if I had lain with an Eunuch: so that I seem to be beloved of an Image, who doth not enjoy his lover but by sight: wherefore I as a woman, do request of thee a woman, that thou wouldst bring me some remedy against this proud mind of his. Leucippe having heard this, was wonderful glad, when she knew that I had frustrated all Melites hope: saying that she would go into the Country to gather herbs to make this medicine. Melite being now encouraged again with a new hope, cast all her care aside, for the expecting of happy things, although we do not enjoy their presence, doth delight us much. But I which was ignorant of all this which had passed between them, behaved myself toward her after the accustomed manner, cogitating with myself, how I might deceive Melite the night to come, and talk with Leucippe: neither do I think that she went into the country for any other cause, but only to confer with herself, and return in the evening. In the mean season while the Coach was harnessed for Leucippe, and we scarce had sat down to supper, there was heard a great tumult, and sudden concourse at the gate: presently one of the servants being out of breath with haste, came running in, and told us, that Thersander was alive, and at the door: this man was Melites husband, whom she thought to be drowned, his ship suffering shipwreck: and this fame did come of some of his own servants which then were with him in his voyage, who seeing the ship dashed asunder against a Rock, thought that he also had perished there. Scarce had she servant brought up this news, but Thersander following him, came immediately into the parlour, and hastened towards me to take me, for he had heard at his very coming, all things which could be reported of me. Melite although strooken with this sudden chance, yet she went to embrace her husband, but he thrust her back with great violence, and casting his eyes upon me, said; What is this the adulterer? and violently rushing upon me, being wonderful wrath, struck me a blow upon the face, than he plucked me by the hair, and casting me to the ground, he did beat me with a cudgel: I being amazed at this sudden: violence, did neither ask him what he was, neither why he did strike me, nor durst offer to speak a word unto him: but I thinking with myself upon the matter, as it was indeed, although I could resist, yet fearing to do it, I besought him with prayers to cease of beating me: at length he weary with striking left of, and I weary also with entreating arose up: but what art thou said I? or wherefore hast thou thus shamefully misused me? but he being more incensed because I replied again, laid hands upon me, and called for bonds and setters, wherewith having bound me, he cast me into a close chamber: and as I was going, it so fell out, that the letter which Leucippe sent to me, fell out of my bosom, and Melite took it up privily: not long after, when she was alone, she read it, and having found leucippe's name, was certified of the whole matter, and therewithal she was astonished: yet she did not believe that she was the same which we found in the Country, because she never heard that Leucippe was restored to life again. But having read over the letter, and cogitated upon it, she perceived the truth more apparently: then being oppressed with bashfulness and anger, with love, and slandering, she began to be drawn into divers opinions, for both she feared her husband, and also could not choose but be angry with the letter: but love was opposed against her anger, that having aid of slander, at length got the victory: wherefore when night was come, Thersander went to a friends house of his in the City, but Melite went to the man who had the custody of me, & having talked with him, she came in to me, the other Servants not knowing but only two, whom she had appointed to stay at the door until her return again, and having found me lying upon the ground, and coming near to me, although she could not speak all her mind at that instant, yet her countenance did seem to deliver it, saying: O unhappy woman that I am, and borne first to my own perdition, which also do so much desire that which I cannot attain; O more than mad, which love him that despiseth me, which being tormented with grief, do take pity upon him which is light affected, & yet I cannot cease to love the author of these so many my mishaps: against me there is both a man and a woman conspiring, whereof the one doth scorn me, the other is gone to gather herbs, & yet could not I know before, that I craved aid of my veriest enemy. Having spoken thus, incensed with fury, she fling it into my face, which when I understood I was astonished, and cast down my head as if I had been guilty of some heinous crime. But she began still to lament and weep, crying out, Alas, alas, what shall be come of me, affliected with so many calamities, for thy sake I lost my husband, neither yet could I enjoy thee: but shortly also I shall lose thy sight, which alone is granted to me. And moreover, for thy cause my husband hateth and detesteth me, accusing me of adultery, and that with him, with whom I never received any delight or pleasure, so much shame & reproach hath happened to me. Other women by their dishonesty can reap their pleasure, but I alone without pleasure have gotten reproach and shame, & ignominy. O trencher! O barbarian! O thou Clitiphon more cruel than pirates more hard hearted then tyrants, canst thou find in thy heart to see a weak woman burning in thy love, and so cruelly tormented, and cannot thou take pity on her, since thou also art in love? Dost thou not fear the wrath of Cupid? Dost thou not care for his firebrands and secret mysteries? art not thou moved so pity with these tears, which these eyes have shed so abundantly, wherewithal even very robbers will be moved to compassion? what, were not my prayers of force to persweade thee to embrace me, or to do that which I have long desired? did neither the opportunity of the time serve, had neither my embracings or dalliance any force to move? Moreover, that which was the most reproachful of all, abandoning my kissing, embracing and toying, as if you were nothing affected towards me: I pray you what is this but a shadow of marriage? you did not lie with one which was past child bearing, who did refuse your kindness, but with a young one, a loving, and another perhaps will say, fair and beautiful. O thou Eunuch: O thou gelding: O despiser of beauty: Now do I beseech the immortal gods, that all thing may fall out contrary to thy desires: that the three sisters may conspire to cross thee, which thou now dost prepars against me. Thus did Melite speak not without tears: then did she held her peace a little: assoon as she saw that I replied nothing, & cast mine eyes upon the ground, her mind being changed she begun to utter these words; What I have hitherto spoken sweet youth, choler & grief forced me thereunto: but now love constraineth me to speak. How could I be angry, or cast such reproaches upon thee, when as I was all in a heat, & the very fire did possess the inward parts of any body? Now at the length obey: I do not desire many days, or perpetual marriage, which thou hast hitherto prolonged, the more unfortunate I: one only accompanying is sufficient, & so little aid will drive away so great a wound: Come therefore extinguish this fire a little, & whatsoever I have spoken more sharply against thee, pardon me, since it is incident to passions: it cannot otherwise be but she that loveth unhappily, must rave sometimes: neither do I forget how filthy a cause I plead. But yet I am not ashamed to declare the secrets of love. To some Cupids darts are not felt, and the wounds of lovers are made known to none, but those which are in love: this day remaineth yet: wherein I pray thee perform thy promise. Remember Isis, and do not seem little to regard that oath which thou sworest in her Temple: but if thou wouldst performs thy promise as it was confirmed by oaths between us, I would not care for a thousand Thersander's: But because Leucippe cannot be found by any means, I would wish you to marry some other, although that all things seem to offer war against me, and the very dead are risen from their graves. O sea! thou hast preserved a Sailor, but by preserving him, thou hast cast him into greater dangers: two dead persons are revived again to my perdition, as though one Leucippe were not sufficient: but let her live, so that Clitiphon do not live in sorrow. Who can endure this, that wicked Thersander should return now? and I standing by, to strike thee, and could not help thee? As yet, good gods, all thy face is full of blue wales, I think Thersander was blind. But now O master Clitiphon, (for thou alone dost possess my heart) I beg this one thing, that thou wouldst give me now the first and last thing, which I will crave of thee: this little delay seems longer to me then many days: so neither you have lost your Leucippe, neither she died a false death; do not neglect my love, for whose cause, when amongst other commodities, yet thou shalt have Leucippe restored again unto thee: had not I loved thee, and brought thee hither, thou wouldst yet have thought thy Leucippe to have been dead. Moreover you are to thank fortune for this kindness, as a man did upon a time, who having found a great treasure in the earth, honoured the place where he found it, consecrating an altar, offering of sacrifices, he crowned the earth. Thou dost not only give me no thanks for finding thy treasure with me, but also dost despise the author of this thy good turn. Think that for my sake love did speak to thee in this manner; O Clitiphon, grant me this one thing, which am standard bearer to thee in thy war, that Melite do not departed from thee untouched: it is my fire which burneth her, wherefore Clitiphon obey the commandments of thy God; since thou wilt that I shall look to all thy other affairs, I will deliver thee from bands; although Thersander would not have it so: and I will adorn a chamber for thee, wherein thou shalt live as long as thou wilt together with her, whose company is only thy desire. To morrow in the morning look for Leucippe, for she shall be with thee: she said that this night she would lodge in the Country, that she might gather the herbs by Moonshine: for so did I make sport of her, as of a Thessalian woman: I did crave aid against thee, for my hope being spent, what could I do otherwise then seek for remedies, by herbs and charms, which are the comforts to miserable Lovers? And that thou mayst cast away all fear, Thersander in a fury is gone to his friends house, that some god might seem of purpose to have sent him forth, that I might obtain these things of thee freely: at length yet grant me my desire. When Melite had pleaded thus (for love taught her to speak,) she loosed my bands and kissed my hands, first put them to her eyes, then to her heart, saying; Dost not thou see, how it leapeth, and lifting itself up and down ever panting; full of fear and hope together: (I would it were full of pleasure;) it seemeth with trembling to entreat for me. After I was loosed from my bonds, she embraced me weeping, and I also was in a great passion: and that I might confess truly, I was afraid lest the god of love would be offended with me; especially because Leucippe being recovered, I should shortly dismiss Melite, and the marriages which were appointed between us were not solemnized: wherefore I embraced and kissed her again, and not long after, I fulfilled all the expectation of her long desire: we neither had bed, nor any other such preparation which is required for such matter, for Love himself is his own craft's master, and he provideth all things necessary out of hand, making any place fit for his secrets. And this also is most certain, that unlooked for sports are evermore sweeter than those which are provided, and expected long before: for she always bringeth with her, her cousin Pleasure.   

The sixth Book.  
The Contents.  
This Book shows, how Clitiphon by Melites means escapeth from Thersander, who before had laid him in hold, and how he was taken and brought back again, and cast into prison. Thersander falleth in love with Leucippe, and with Sosthenes help seeketh to win her favour: but still he is rejected by her.  
AFter that I had somewhat eased Melites grief, Now, said I, will you give me a safe passage to be gone, and restore Leucippe to me as you promised before? Then said she, fear not, for Leucippe shall not be long absent, but adorn yourself, apparel and cover your face with this scarf, Melantho which tarrieth at the door, together with a young youth, shall go with you, and he shall direct you in the way: which, as I have already prescribed unto him, shall bring Clinias & Satyrus to you: Leucippe shall not tarry long after you: which when she had said, he put off her apparel, and attired me in the same, and kissing me, she said: How much more beautiful art thou in these garments, then in thine own? I have seen Achilles painted in such apparel. But my sweet heart Clitiphon, look well to thyself, and have a regard of thy health, and keep these garments for a remembrance of me, I also will do the like: and daily embrace it in memorial of thee. Then she gave me an hundredth pieces of gold, and sending for Melantho (for she was the most trusty of all her maids: to whom she had committed the keeping of the door,) and told her what she should do for me, and then she had her to return to her again. I assoon as I was made ready, went forth of the chamber, the keeper thought that I had been his mistress: Melantho by beckoning signified the same unto him: and passing through the secret part of the house, I came to the privy door, whereas a youth a freeman born, being appointed by Melite to accompany me, tarried there for me. After that, Melantho returned to her mistress into the chamber, which yet was scarce shut, and caused it to be opened, certified her of my departure: but she calling the keeper unto her, who seeing the matter to go contrary to his expectation, (and for a virgin, a heart as it is in the Proverb, being astonished, had not a word to say,) said; I did ever doubt that thou wouldst not let Clitiphon departed: wherefore I devised this wile, that by this means thou might excuse thyself to Thersander, as saying thou didst not know him. Clitiphon will give thee ten pieces of gold for a reward, if thou stay here, but if thou wilt fly away, it will be better for thee. Then Opafion (for that was the keepers name) said, Mistress, I like nothing better than that which you have appointed, wherefore it liked Melite well that he would fly away, and would not return again, until these tumults and her husband's anger was appeased, so he departed from them: But fortune seemed to be no more favourable to me than she was before, for she was about to bring a new danger about, persuading Thersander to meet me departing away; who was counseled by his friend where he did lodge, that he should not lie far from his wife, returned home from supper: For by chance the festival day of Diana was solemnized, and all places were full of drunken men: great multitudes of persons did run up & down the market place all the night, which I did think to be ominous to me, knowing some greater danger to hang over my head: for Sosthenes which bought Leucippe, was thrust out of his office, who understanding that his master was come, did not only abstain from her, but also desirous to be revenged upon Melite, first he accused me to Thersander, than he feigned many things of his masters Bawd: that he might alienate his mind from Melite. Wherefore said he, I have bought O master, a maid of so excellent beauty, that you cannot conceive it in your cogitation: of whom I would have you believe, as well hearing as seeing: her did I keep for you when I heard that you were revived again, which although I did certainly know of, yet I would not make it known, because you should apparently perceive my mistress disloyalty, that a stranger and an impudent adulterer might not deceive you: for yesternight Melite took her from me, and thinking to let her go, but fortune doth preserve such excellent beauty for you, who alone are worthy to enjoy her: she now doth live in the country, and wherefore she was sent thither I cannot certainly tell: wherefore if you think it good, you may keep her shut up, before she return to her mistress. Which when Thersander had heard, he liked it well, wherefore he commanded it to be done. Sosthenes with all speed went into the country, and having found the house where she did lodge, bringing two labourers with him, he determined to lock her up. So soon as he saw her alone, rushing violently upon her, stopping her mouth with his hand, carried her away, and being brought from the other maids, he shut her up in a close chamber of the house, saying: behold I bring thee a heap of good news, wishing thee well, that when you have obtained that which you would, I hope you will not forget me, neither fears this violence, nor think it done for your harm, for here you shall enjoy my master to be your lover. Leucippe being strooken with this unlooked-for mishap, was astonished. Sosthenes came to Thersander, which then was returned home, and told him what he had done, and he commended leucippe's beauty to the heavens, so that Thersander conceiving in his mind a most admirable beauty. When the festival was ended, he commanded Sosthenes to go before, and he himself would come after unto the maid: this place was about half a mile distant from the city. In the mean time I being attired in Melites apparel did meet them going upon a sudden, and first Sosthenes espied me, saying: behold the adulterer escaped, and coming appareled in your wives ornaments, the youth which went before me knowing them very well, having no time to give me warning, for fear ran away, but I was presently taken: Thersander began to cry cut for aid, which the watch hearing, came runing to him in all haste: he began more and more to augment my crime, repeating all things which he could remember, as well those things which were fit to be spoken as not, and called me adulterer and thése. In the end he carried me to the prison, laying to my charge that I had defiled his bed: but all this moved me nothing, not the reproaches of being in prison, nor the slandering of my good name did affright me, for I did trust that I could convict him with sufficient proof, that I was no adulterer, because the marriages were openly solemnized. But that did grieve me worst of all, that I had not Leucippe: for the mind is the presager of mishaps to come, but never of goodness: never any good thing came into my mind concerning Leucippe, all things were suspicious and full of fear, my mind was troubled, my spirits daunted, & I myself in great vexation and anguish. Thersander, when he had cast me into prison, went very mercy with Sosthenes to Leucippe, where coming into the house, he found her lying upon the ground, and meditating upon the words which Sosthenes had reported to her before, showing by her countenance the fear and grief of her heart. For the mind cannot be seen, but by the countenance it may plainly be discerned as if it were in a glass. If she be pleasant, mirth itself shineth in her eyes: but if contrariwise, she be sad, grief and sorrow contracteth her brows and sitteth in her cheeks. But Leucippe hearing the doors open, scant had cast her eyes upon them (for they had a candle) but she cast down her head again. Thersander seeing her beauty which came out of her eyes, which was like to a flash of lightning coming forth of the clouds, did shine in his face, and instantly vanished again (for the eyes are the chiefest seat of beauty) he instantly was in love, and being overcome with the force thereof, began to watch when she would cast up her eyes again: but when he beheld her sad, pensive, and heavy, looking upon the ground, how long, said he, shall thy eyes be fastened on the ground? how long wilt thou show the beauty of thy countenance to the earth: why dost thou not rather look up? When Leucippe had heard him speak thus, she wept bitterly, the Crystal tears in abundance began to water her ruddy cheeks: A tear doth move the eyes, and disquiet them: for if they before already, it maketh them worse, and increaseth their pain: but if they be clear, and the black sight compassed with a round white circle, they moisten with the tears, and are like the little bubbles of a clear spring, their salt moisture running down the bosom, the white part doth as it were wax soft with the dew, but the sight seemeth to be purple: so that, that is like the violet, this a daffodil: But when her tears were such, they could easily cover the grief of the mind: and if that they had congealed, when they had fallen down, we should have had a new kind of amber. Thersander therefore while he doth behold the virgin's beauty, and sorrow together: with the one being drawn into an admiration, with the other fraught with anger, his eyes were full of tears: for it is so ordained by nature, that women's tears should move pity: and so much the more, by how much they are the fresher: but if she be a beautiful woman, and the beholder her lover, then will not his eyes rest: but they also moved by some compelling cause, do shed tears also: for the beauty which in fair Women hath his chiefest seat in the eyes, do flow from thence into the beholder's eyes, and do draw from thence abundance of tears: whereby it cometh to pass, that the lover receiving her beauty into her eyes, keepeth also his tears there: neither doth he desire to wipe them away, but holding still the motion of his eyes, keeping them in as long as he can, fearing lest they should fall before they be seen of his lover, for he doth think to show by that sign that he is in love. The like happened to Thersander, he wept, as it is most likely that he might show he was moved with a kind of human desire: willing to insinuate into the favour of Leucippe, & because he saw her weep, he also would do the like. Then turning him to Sosthenes, he said: Comfort thou her, for thou seest in how great heaviness she lieth: I although unwilling, will departed hence, that I may not here be troublesome unto her. afterward when I see her more mild, I will speak unto her: in the mean time said he, be of good comfort maid, for so soon as I can I will take away this thy sorrow. Then about to go forth he spoke to Sosthenes saying: take heed that thou speak no more of me then becometh thee, and to morrow morning by day light look that thou come unto me, and certify me of this matter. In the mean season, assoon as I was gone, Melite sent a servant to Leucippe into the country, which should hasten her homeward, telling her that there is now no need of medicines: he presently came thither, & finding her fellow strangers complainig that they could not find her, returned back in all haste and told his mistress, who understanding that I was cast in prison, and Leucippe was carried away, was overwhelmed in a sea of cares: and although she could not certainly know all the order of this mishap, yet they laid all the blame upon Sosthenes: wherefore she laboured diligently to have Leucippe found out, and that she might persuade Thersander that she was in no fault, she cunningly devised a tale which seemed to contrary the truth. For when he came home and exclaimed again; Thou hast delivered the adulterer, thou hast set him free from his bonds, thou hast sent him out of the house: why dost not thou follow him: why dost thou stay here? rather follow thy lover, that thou mayst behold him bound in more stronger chains. Then said Melite, what adulterer do you mean? are you well in your wits which talk thus vainly. If you will lay aside your choler & hear what I shall say, you may easily know the truth. This one thing I request you, that you would show yourself an equal judge, and casting slander out of your ears, & placing reason in steed of anger, I pray you listen to my tale. This man is neither an adulterer nor my husband, he is a Phaenician, born in Tyrus, inferior to none of the country. As he sailed, fortune seemed to frown upon him, for his ship was split, his merchandise all lost in shipwreck, which when I heard, being moved with the misfortune of the man, being also mindful of you, I entertained him, thinking with myself that it might so fall out, that you also might wander abroad, and some woman would take pity upon your adversity: and if indeed you had perished in the waters, as it was reported abroad, do not think then that I did amiss if I succoured all such as suffered shipwreck. How many do you think I have relieved which have endured the violence of the Sea? what number do you believe I have buried, which have perished in the water? and if I could get but a board of some broken ship which came to land, I would take it up, saying; Perhaps my Thersander was carried in this ship. Of those which have escaped the danger of the sea, he is one, and the last: whom when I offered, what other thing did I do then be obedient unto you? he sailed as you did: and therefore dear husband, I pitied his mishap as a picture of yours. Now do you know after what order I brought him hither: Moreover, he did bewail the death of his wife, whom he thought to have perished, although she did not; whom I know not who it was which did certify me that she was alive, and did lodge at our Steward Sosthenes his house. And the matter was found out thus; for going into the Country we found a woman, which bewailing and making great moan, followed me: you know where Sosthenes dwelleth, she is with him in the Country: you may demand of him of all things concerning her, at your pleasure: if you can find I have not spoken the truth in any thing, then shall you accuse me of adultery lawfully. Thus spoke Melite, feigning as though she had not heard of the rape of Leucippe: determining also in her mind, that if Thersander had gone about to have known the truth of the matter, she would have brought the servants to witness, with whom she went that morning into the Country, that now she can be found in no place: neither did she move this inquiry of Leucippe to him, for any other intent, then that she would have him believe the rest to be true which she had spoken: and although she seemed to answer every thing oppositly enough, yet she would infer this also: and that sweet husband I would not have you think that these are fables, remember how I led my life while we lived together: wherefore you do wrong me to think amiss of me now. This report of the young man proceeded to his honour, because the cause was not known to many, why I did receive him into familiarity, and if a man must believe fame, were not you thought to be drowned in the sea? for flaunder and fame are two mischiefs propinquall, to wit, because this her daughter is more sharp then a sword, more hotter than fire, and more apt than the Maremayde to persuade: she is more voluble than water, more swifter than the wind, more quicker than the lightning: wherefore the speech which is uttered with slander, flieth in manner of an arrow, which woundeth him being absent, against whom it is sent: for he which heareth and easily believeth, being incensed with anger, doth rage against him which is wounded: but fame proceeding from such a wound is manifold, and dispersed into divers places: and being driven with the wind of the speech, and being kept up with the feathers of the tongue, is carried round about every where, and falleth into their ears which she meeteth. These two plagues have conspired against me, the same do now possess your mind, and drive my speeches from your ears, which when Melite had said, took Thersander by the hand and would have kissed it: but he moved with the likelihood of her words, remitted his anger conceived: for that which she had reported of Leucippe, agreeing with Sosthenes words which he had signified to him before, did take away all suspicion from him: yet he would not believe all, for a slander being once crept into one's mind, will very hardly be rooted out. But Thersander hearing that the maid which he loved was my wife, was wonderfully troubled in mind, and conceived more hatred against me, saying that he would inquire if the matter were so as he had heard. Being thus disquieted, he went to bed alone, Melite now being sore grieved, because she could not perform that which she had promised to me: but Sosthenes having dismissed Thersander, requesting him to be absent a while, he came again to Leucippe, promising her many things, and pretending some happiness to her by his countenance, he had her be of good courage, saying; All things Lacaena will fall out prosporously: Thersander is so far in love with you that he is ready to go mad; perhaps he will marry you: and I would you should know it is by my help alone, which did commend the rareness of your excellent beauty unto him above all measure. I fastened this conceit in his very marrow: wherefore leave off this weeping and be of good cheer, and sacrifice to Venus for this felicity: beside have care you remember me: then said Leucippe, God grant that such happiness ever come to thee, as thou hast reported unto me.  
But Sosthenes little suspecting that she mocked him, thinking she spoke from her heart, said: I will recount to thee the estate and wealth of Thersander, that thou mayst know thou hast greater cause to rejoice. Therefore know this for certainty, that he is Melites husband, which you saw here in the Country, and the chiefest in birth amongst the jonians: whose stock surpasseth his wealth, but his gentleness excelleth all his riches. Moreover, what should I talk of his age? Thou seest that he is a young man and beautiful: which two things women chiefly desire.  
Here Leucippe could not endure Sosthenes to prate any longer, saying: How long, thou most infamous tempter, wilt thou proceed to defile my ears, with this thy unclean talk? What care I for Thersander? let him be fair for Melite; rich for his Country; courteous and courageous to them which have need of his help; it belongeth nothing to me, whether he be nobler than Codrus, or richer than Croesus'. Why dost thou repeat to me a heap of another man's commendations? Then commend your master Thersander, when as he will cease to offer injury to other men's wives.  
Then Sosthenes looking upon her very earnestly, said: What do you jest? Then she answered, why should I jest? let me alone with my fortune, and follow whither the Destinies will have me: for I know I am amongst Pirates: You seem said he, to have an incurable madness: doth this seem to be a place for Pirates: where you may get you a husband, riches, and delights? And moreover that man whom the gods have delivered from the pit of death.  
And here taking an occasion to speak, he recounted his shipwreck, saying: It was the gods will and providence, that he escaped so many and infinite dangers: and not unlike to that which the Poets do feign of Arion, to be carried through the Seas upon a Dolphin's back. To which, when Leucippe answered nothing, Sosthenes began saying: Look about you, and see what is fit for your own profit, and beware you do not answer Thersander after this manner: take heed you do not stir up a gentle, meek, and kind man to choler: which when he is angry will not endure it: for he, in whom there is meekness, and courtesy, if he do find out one of a gentle disposition, he doth show himself more kind: but if he do meet with an uncivil one, he will rage's in cruel burning wrath: for it is so ordained by nature, that in whom there is kindness to deserve well, in the same man there is cruelty to revenge. And thus much for Leucippe at this time.  
Clinias and Satyrus, assoon as they heard that I was cast into prison (for Melite declared to them what had happened to me) by night they came to me in prison, desirous to live with me there, but the jailer would not suffer them, constraining them to go forth against their wills. But I requested them, that assoon as Leucippe was returned, they should bring me word: cogitating in my mind of Melites promise, I was troubled between hope and fear: for hope was joined with fear, and fear with hope.  
afterward the next morning by break of day, Sosthenes returned to Thersander, and Satyrus came to me. Thersander demanded of Sosthenes whether he had prevailed with Leucippe, and by persuasion had won her to obey. But he smothering the truth, began to feign a lie, saying: she doth deny after a sort, but that cometh not from the heart, for she seemeth only to me to fear the reproach, lest that when you have once enjoyed your desire, you would then cast her of. Then said he, what belongeth to this matter let her fear no more, for that I may truly confess, that the desire of her hath taken such root in my heart, that it cannot easily be plucked out, but I do fear greatly this one thing, whether she be the young man's wife as Melite reported, and do earnestly desire to know the certainty thereof. Thus talking together, they came to leucippe's chamber, where when they had stood, they heard a great groaning of one lamenting, wherefore they sat down at the door, that they might hear all that she said, for she being alone, began thus to complain. Alas O Clitiphon (that name she often repeated) thou dost not know where I am, neither in what place I am kept, neither do I know what is become of thee, but both of us ignorant of one another's estate, do live a miserable life. What did Thersander take thee at his house? what hast thou also suffered injury? it was once in my mind to ask Sosthenes thy fortune, but I could not find how I might do it safely, for if I had asked for my husband, I was in fear lest I should purchase thee some harm, by provoking Sosthenes against thee: or if I should have inquired of a stranger, here also suspicion might have risen: being thus in doubt, I ceased to inquire for thee. But why do I speak thus? I have often gone about to ask for thee, never yet could I bring my tongue to ask the question, but yet I did often complain thus to myself: O my husband Clitiphon, the only hope of Leucippe, and my constant husband, whom no other woman yet could allure to lie withal: although that I did verily think thou hadst forgotten all thy love to me, when I did behold thee in the country. But what shall I answer if Thersander peradventure come again? what shall I unfold all the matter to him, & certify the very truth? That thou mayst not think me (Thersander) a base bondslave, I am the daughter of the general of the army of Byzantians, & the wife of a youngman chief amongst the Tyrians, I am neither a Thessalian woman, neither is my name Lacaena, this is the reproach of the pirates, by whom my name was taken away: my husband's name is Clitiphon, my country is Byzantium, my father Sostratus, my mother Panthia: I do not think that thou wilt believe me when I have spoken thus, & if thou do believe it, I fear lest that thou wilt deprive my dear husband of his liberty. Well, I will put on my counterfeit parsonage again, and call myself Lacaena. Thersander hearing her speak thus, turning him to Sosthenes said; Hast not thou heard her speech, full of grief, heaviness, and sorrow, how she hath spoken of many things? how grievously she hath complained? how she hath accused herself? an adulterer is preferred before me. This thief I think he be a sorcerer, he loveth both Melite and Leucippe, I would O jupiter that I could be Clitiphon. Then said Sosthenes, you must not master leave off to labour, but rather go unto her, neither will she tell you that she loveth this adulterer, but so long she careth for him, as long as she wanteth another's company: but if you can succeed into his place (for you far excel him in beauty) she will quickly forget him: for a new fire doth extinguish the old, & such is the nature of women, that they rather love the present, than the absent, except perchance they remember them when they want another: wherefore assoon as another cometh, the first is immediately forgotten. Then Thersander began to pluck up his mind: for those words which do bring any hope to obtain the wished thing, are easily believed, because it cometh so to pass, that the desiring part of the mind, having the wished thing his companion, compelleth a man to hope: Thersander, after that Leucippe had thus spoken to herself alone, stayed a little, that he might not seem to have heard any thing, & setting his countenance that he might seem more tractable, at length he went in to her, upon whom he had scarce cast his eyes, when as he burned with a hot desire, for she seemed to him to be more beautiful than before: his fire was sostered all the night he was from her, her sight now ministering more matter for the fire, he could not withhold himself, but casting himself down, he embraced her, yet he refrained himself as well as he could. Thus sitting by her he began to find some idle talk, and scant hanging well together (a thing it is which often happeneth to lovers, if by chance it so fall out they have some conference with their loves, neither do they speak from their heart, but having their mind fixed on her, they do talk smoothing with their mouth) and as he was talking he laid his arm over her neck about to kiss her: which she foreseeing, cast down her head and hide it in her bosom, yet he was very desirous to embrace her, and by her resistance was more eager, but she holding down her head more and more, denied his favour: when he had spent a good while in talking thus, being incensed with an amorous desire with his left hand he held her by the chin, with the other he fastened on her hair, by force assaying to view her countenance, that she might look him in the face. At length, whether being weary, or whether having obtained, he left off to force her, but Leucippe said unto him: you do neither behave yourself like a freeman, nor like a Gentleman, but do imitate Sosthenes, who truly is a worthy servant for such a master, wherefore leave off, neither hope to get any thing except you can change yourself from Thersander into Clitiphon: which when she had said, she could scant refrain, love & anger did so burn within her. For love and anger are two firebrands of the mind, anger hath his fire contrary in nature to the heat of love, but like in power, for the one doth constrain one to prosecute with heat. the other with good will: the mansion places of both these fires is near to one another, for when a man is possessed with both of them, his mind is like a balance wherein both the fires are weighed, & the one doth seem to expel the other, but most commonly love doth overcome, when as he obtaineth that first which he did desire. But if he find himself to be neglected, he prayeth in aid of anger, as by reason of vicinage, who presently is at hand, and they both do kindle their fires: but if that anger do once beat down love, and as it were drive him out of his house, than he is so far from helping him to enjoy his beloved thing, that he doth strive to bind him like a slave in bonds, neither will he ever come in favour again, although he greatly desire it. Whereby it cometh to pass, that love overcome must needs yield, and desirous to return to his accustomed place is not able: but when anger hath exercised his forces sufficiently, with very satiety being loathed, is at length remitted, and then love taketh his force again, and bringeth forth desire into the field, casteth anger now quite out of his seat.  
Thersander at the beginning doubted not to be frustrated of his desire, but when he perceived all his hope to be lost, forgetting his pleasure conceived in his mind, struck her a blow upon the cheek, saying: thou vile bondslave, puffed up with fill this lust, for I know all thy affairs very well. Dost not thou think thyself happy that I would talk with thee? Dost not thou think it a great felicity to kiss thy master? wherefore dost thou dissemble that which thou dost most desire, counterfetling thyself to be despaired? but do not I know that thou hast lived an harlot's life, which hitherto hast followed this adulterer: but since thou wilt not receive me into thy familiarity, I will teach you minion what it is to deny me. Then said Leucippe, if you have a delight to play the tyrant, I will endure it as well as I can, so that you shall not take from me my virginity: and turning her to Sosthenes, she said, and bear thou witness also with what a mind I endure these injuries, thou knowest thou hast offered me greater wrong than this.  
Then Sosthenes whose guilty conscience accused him of this crime, blushed for shame, and turning to his master said: you must beat her sir with rods, until her tormented body ask forgiveness for her trespass, confessing it to be a just reward that she may learn and know what it is to displease her master.  
Then answered Leucippe: Thersander obey your Servant Sosthenes (for he counseled you well) and command what torments you please to be provided, whether it be to be torn in pieces upon a Wheel, to be whipped with scourges, to be burnt with fire, it will seem to you to be a new kind of sight: for one woman alone, will strive against so many punishments & departed the conqueror. But thou callest Clitiphon adulterer, when thou art the adulterer thyself. But hear you sir, do you reverence Diana here; and go about to ravish a virgin in a virgin's City? O goddess why do thy arrows rest now? What thou a virgin, said Thersander: O ridiculous impudent? what thou a virgins? which hast lain so many nights with pirates? What I pray you were the thieves eunuchs? or whether did these thieves go into the Philosopher's school, that none were found, which had eyes? Then said Leucippe, I pray you ask your man Sosthenes whether after so long and great violence offered to me by him, I am a virgin or no: for he indeed played the thief with me. The Pirates were more modest than you: for not one of them would once offer such a thing, but since you dare do such villainy, why should not I rather call this your seat a den of thieves, which are not ashamed to commit those things which they have abhorred to do? you perhaps know not what commendation this your impudency will bring you. But if you kill me what then, there will not be some wanting which will say, that Leucippe after she had been amongst the thieves, after the rape of Chaerea, after the violence of Sosthenes, yet was found a virgin: these are the least of all: but this is the most famous commendation and to be preferred before all, that Leucippe keep her maidenhead against the force of Thersander, more savage than all the pirates: which suffered herself rather to be slain then to be violated. Wherefore, provide you whips, a wheel, fire, iron, and take your fellow counsellor Sosthenes with you, I am both naked, alone, and a woman: and have no defence, except my liberty, which can neither be whipped with rods, nor cut with iron, nor burnt with fire: that will I never lose, and if you cast me into the middle of the flame: there will not be force enough therein to take it from me.   

The seventh Book.  
The Contents.  
In this Book is declared, how Thersander cunningly deviseth means to brute abroad the death of Leucippe, whom he had shut up close in the Country: he accuseth Clitiphon of the murder: Leucippe escapeth out of hold, and cometh into the temple of Diana: Sostratus coming to sacrifice to Diana, findeth his Nephew Clitiphon and his daughter Leucippe.  
THersander when as he perceived how obstinately Leucippe persisted in her opinion, began to be distraught in mind, for he did grieve to see how he was deceived of his hope; and angry to think how he was neglected; being wounded with love, he devised with himself what he should do: amongst these wavering motions of the mind speaking no word to Leucippe he went forth, being provoked, with anger to run, then gathering his mind together, to discuss the ambignities thereof, taking counsel first of Sosthenes, he went unto the jailer, and purposed in his mind to poison me, requesting him to consent thereto: to which villainy, when he could not induce him, (for he feared the cruelty of the people, which punished another in the same office before him, because he offered the attempt in such a matter) yet he obtained this of him, to keep in ward a certain man which he brought, as though he were an offender, in the same place where I was bound: of whom he feigned that he would know all my estate: the man being brought, was bound not far from me, who before was diligently instructed of Thersander, that he should raise some talk of Leucippe, and that he should tell me, that by Melites commandment she was put to death; which was therefore devised by Thersander, because that although I could clear myself of the crime, yet I should not go about to inquire for her, whom I thought was already dead. But Melite therefore was chief appointed the Author thereof, because that Leucippe being slain, I should have espoused, which before was beloved of me, by shaking this fear frem Thersander, in putting him in hope safely to enjoy Leucippe: or else because I should hate her, who caused her to be taken away, when was more dear to me then my own life: and so for very anguish of mind and discontent, I should departed out of the city. This fellow assoon as he was come in to me, began to tell me a tale, and of purpose he sighed and groaned: what life said he, shall we lead in the world to come? what way to salvation may we looks for, if to live uprightly be not sufficient? Imminent dangers do hang over our head, it did behove me to have conjectured with myself, what he was, and what he had committed, before I had taken my journey with him. These & such like did he talk to himself of set purpose, assaying to make the beginning of his talk by me, that I might ask him the cause of this his lamenting: but my own cares troubled me more: wherefore when he had shed a shower of tears, one of them which was bold with us; (for unhappy men desire to hear of other men's misfortunes, because that the communication of grief, is as it were an easement of a sorrowful heart) said, what misfortune is this which hath happened to thee? what is it credible that thou hast fallen guiltless into these mishaps? then he rehearsed the cause, why he himself was cast into bands, but I listened not to his tale: when he had made an end of his speech, now also said he, I pray thee let us hear the cause of thy misfortune? Then said he, yesterday as I took my journey out of the city towards Smyrna, there came a certain man to me, and inquired of me whither I wit: to whom I answered, that I was going to Smyrna: and I also said he, God willing do determine to go thither: we went on our journey together, and as the manner of travelers is, we eased our journey with some talk: about dinner time, we went to an Inn by the way to bait: being set down, there came in some men, which also sat by us, seeming as though they would dine with us. The one did look upon us, beckoning & winking upon one another: wherefore we began to think with ourselves that they had some suspicion of us, although we could not perceive what their beckningsment. He which was with me began to wax pale and to tremble, and in the end he quaked for fear: which they marking, presently laid hold upon us & bound us: but one of them struck that man upon the chéek: he as it were tormented with innumerable punishments, none ask him any question, cried out; I have slain a maid, being hired by Melite, thersander's wife: for a hundred pieces of gold, she provoked me to do this villainy: behold the money, which I will distribute between you, I pray you do not go about to cast me away, nor deceive yourselves of this booty. Then I hearing Melite and Thersander named, was suddenly strooken with his words, as if I had been wounded with a sword: and turning myself to him, What Melite is the said I? Then answered he, the chiefest woman of this city: which (as it is reported) is in love with a Tyrian young man, which having lost a maid whom he loved, and understood that she was sold into Melites house, did make inquiry for her, who fearing lest by her means, this maid would be alienated from her, privily caused her to be slain by this murderer: into whose company it was my ill fortune to hap: he committed the fact, but I (poor wretch) neither seeing it, nor guilty of word or deed, was taken together with him, as accessary to this detestable murder. But this is the least, a more grievous thing fell out: for we had not gone a furlong from the Inn, but they took his money and let him go: and brought me in examination before the officers. After I had heard this tragic discourse, I could neither speak a word, nor shed a tear, for my voice failed me in my mouth, and the moisture was fled from my eyes, all my members quaked for fear, and my very heart was broken: neither had I any life left in my body. A little after, when I had driven away this concept, I began to be of good courage: How said I, did this varlet wickedly slay her? or into what place did they fling the carcase? But assoon as he had given me this bone to gnaw on, and had brought that to pass, for which he came, began to be so mute, that I could not writhe one word out of him, except that which I had demanded of him before: you seem to me, said he, to be partaker also of her death, for this one thing did I hear certainly of the murderer, that she was slain: but when, where, and how, it is to me unknown: then did the tears fall from my eyes, which made an apparent sign of my inward grief. For as in a body which is beaten with whips, the prints of the strokes do not appear immediately, but after a little space: or else as the wound doth not presently show itself in him, which is strooken with the tusk of a Boor, because it will penetrate the deeper: and not long after, there will be seen a white line which is the index of the wound, from which being touched, doth flow whole streams of blood: so the mind, being wounded with the sharp point of some ill news, doth not instantly gape, neither do the tears immediately come forth, which is as it were the blood of the wounded heart: but after that the tooth of sorrow hath somewhat touched it, then is the mind rend asunder, and the tears having made passage for their stream, through the eyes do flow abundantly: for my mind, so soon as it was strooken with the speech of him that reported the death of Leucippe, as it were with a dart, began after a little space to breath from grief, and make passage for the tears: Then said I: what fear was this which alured me with so short joy? who showed Leucippe to me, that she might be the cause of new calamities unto me? what, because I could not satisfy my eyes with beholding, by which alone I was happy: or if I did behold, I was not filled with sight, all my pleasure being like unto a dream: O wretched man that I am! for whom, how often hast thou died Leucippe? shall I never cease from weeping? I think not: for I see a new death cometh upon one another's back, but fortune before this time hath mocked me with her calamities: but this I see is no sporting matter: After what means was Leucippe taken away before in those other suppposed deaths I had ever some comfort left, first thy whole body, thy head being taken away, which I buried: but now thou hast died a double death, both of body and soul together? what hath it availed thee to have escaped the danger of thieves twice, if that this receiving of Melites, be the taking of thee away from me? Why did I so often kiss the author of of thy death? Why did I so sweetly embrace her, and bestow upon her my first fruits of Venus, before I gave them to thee? As I was thus complaining with myself: Clinias came in, whom I certified of the whole matter.  
But said he, be of good courage: who knoweth, whither she be alive again? hath not she been often dead, and yet revived? Why then dost thou thus rashly disquiet and vex thyself? you may meditate of it at your leisure, when you know certainly that she is dead indeed. You seem to jest with me, said I, for how can you know it more apparently? surely I do think I have found a happy way to death, and it is such a one, that Melite also shall not escape free: For I had deeréede (as you know) if so the destinies would suffer me, to wash away this objected crime of adultery by judgement: But new I purpose to take a quite contrary course. I will acknowledge the crime, saying that I and Melite, burning in love together, did hire this miscreant privily to murder Leucippe, so she shall suffer worthy punishment, and I will leave my loathsome life: the gods will grant all things I hope to fall out more happily. What said Clinias dare you undertake so filthy a fact committed: and confess her death which was your only love? then said I: There is nothing dishonest which bringeth shame, and confusion to the enemy. I being in this case, not long after there came one to deliver this man accused of the false murder, who said he was appointed by the Archontes, and that he should be brought to answer those things which should be objected against him: In the mean time Clinias and Satyrus comforted me, and persuaded me also not to confess any thing in judgement as I had decreed.  
But they the next day hired a house, and there dwelled in that, that they might not be seen in company with Melite: the next day I was brought into the Court, and where Thersander was present with a great appearance, having brought no less than ten lawyers to plead his cause, neither I, being ready: to die, would go about to sue for Melites defence.  
After that they had made an end of their argument, and licence was granted to me to speak: all these said I, which have pleaded for Thersander and Melite, have declared nothing but mere toys, you shall hear me faithfully and diligently declare the whole matter as it is. I had a friend sometimes, borne at Byzantium, her name was Leucippe, which I did think to have perished (for she was violently taken from me by the Egyptian pirates) after it so chanced I fell in company with Melite at Alexandria, with whom growing into better acquaintance, I came from thence hither, where I found Leucippe serving Sosthenes chief steward of thersander's lands: but how Sosthenes could receive a free woman into bondage, or what familiarity he had with the Pirates, I leave to your gentle consideration. Melite after she perceived that I had recovered my old love again, fearing lest I should settle my mind upon her, took counsel to make her away, which I also allowed, for why should I deny it? and when she had promised to make me Lord of all her wealth, I hired a damned peasant to murder her, promising him a hundredth pieces of Gold: so he having committed the fact, fled away, neither since that time did I ever hear of him. But love seeing himself thus troubled, suffered me not to go long unrevenged, for knowing the maid was murdered, being charged with an evil conscience, I never ceased to weep since that time, but now being burned with the desire of her, I do love her dead, neither do I accuse myself for any other cause, but that I would have you send me thither where my lover is, since that in your presence I am a murderer, and desire to die, I cannot endure to live any longer: which when they had heard me apparently confess, were amazed at the unlooked for issue of the matter, but especially Melite. The lawyers which defended thersander's cause, when they heard that, cried out for joy, but they of Melites side did examine her, if the cause were thus certain. But she being wonderfully distempered, denied utterly some things, other things she granted and of purpose very closely she seemed to confess: but what I had told of Leucippe she verily affirmed, that all was most true except her death: wherefore when her speech agreed with my confession, they which defended Melite came so into suspicion of her, as that they were uncertain what speech they should use to defend her. But Clinias when there was a great cry and tumult risen, stood up in the middle: give me leave (said he) to speak a little, since the judgement is now to be given of his life: which when he had obtained he wept, saying: O you men of Ephesus, do not rashly condemn this young man to death, which you see is desirous to die, which is the only easing of mischiefs to miserable men, he hath taken upon him the impious fact of wicked men, that suffering punishment he might find some refuge for his adversities. I will declare to you in few words as brief as I can, what his misfortune is. This young man (as he said) had a lover, neither did he feign any thing which he spoke of her concerning the Pirates and Sosthenes, for whatsoever he said which did happen before her death were true: she was suddenly taken away cut of all men's sights, but how that was done, whether she be yet dead or alive I cannot tell: this one thing I did learn, that she was beloved of one Sosthenes an acquaintance of the pirates, and because she would not yield to his filthy desires, he executed his villainy upon her: now since he thought that she was dead, he denieth also to live any longer, finding himself the author of her death: he himself confessed to me that he did desire to die, and chiefly for the grief which he conceived for her death. Think you with yourselves again and again, whether it seem any thing likely to you, that he which hath killed another would be willing to die with him whom he hath slain? or whether any one can be found exercising his enmities so familiarly, as that moved with pity of him whom he hath slain, he would desire to end his life and to accompany him. What hatred I pray you can be cast away so soon: by the immortal gods do not believe this, neither cast away one which is rather worthy of pity then punishment: but if he be the author of this murder, as he saith he is, let him bring forth that hired varlet: showing the maid slain, with the time and place where it was done: but if he can neither name the murderer nor show the body murdered, wherefore should any man accuse him of the murder? I loved (said he) Melite, therefore I took away Leucippe: but why doth he thus often repeat her name whom he hath slain, and not once name her whom he loveth so earnestly? Do you think any man so inconstant to himself, as that he hateth that which he loveth, & loveth that which he hateth? Do not you rather think that a lover, although convicted, yet to save his love, will deny the fact? but you must consider why he did accuse Melite if she did never commit such a heinous crime. I request you again to consider, not that you might think me to use this speech to bring Melite into controversy, but that I may repeat the whole matter in order. Melite was in love with this young man, with whom she hath had often conference concerning their marriages before this seafaring man came home. Moreover, his lover whom he thought had been slain by the pirates, was found (as he said) with Sosthenes, not knowing that she was his love, delivered her from bonds wherewith Sosthenes had bound her: she received her into her house, and being now freed from his bondage, she had her in great estimation: then perceiving the truth, she sent her into the country, that she might apply herself to husbandry, and after that time she was never seen of any: Melite herself and both her maids will witness that I speak the truth. But this brought him into suspicion, fearing lest she being overcome with the heat of rage or slander, should privily kill her. Moreover, another thing increased this misdeeming humour: while I was in prison a certain man was committed thither (for what fault I know not) who reported that he fell in company with a villain which murdered Leucippe, which openly confessed it, that for a sum of money he was hired by Melite to do it: but he said (I will not avouch the certainty thereof: it is meet therefore the she truth be sought forth, which for to do is no very hard matter, when you have him here which made mention in prison of the murder, of which matter first I would have him to be examined. Moreover, let Sosthenes be sent for, and the two maids, whereby of him you may learn by what means he took her into servitude of the others, and by what manner she is thus gone out of all men's sights. And before that these things be sifted out thoroughly, there is neither law nor right why he should be deprived of his life, believing his own mad sayings, for grief and sorrow compel him to this madness.  
Melite brought forth the maids, and requested that Sosthenes also might be brought into the Court, supposing that he had Leucippe. But Thersander fearing lest by him the matter would come to light, sent one privily to Sosthenes, to bid him fly away with as much speed as might be, before that they came thither who were sent to fetch him: wherefore taking a horse he road inpost haste, being certified that if he were once taken the whole matter would be detected. Sosthenes was then with Leucippe, about to salve her wounds: wherefore being called on with a great clamour, he went forth, and understanding the matter, full of fear, thinking that the Sergeants were at hand to attach him, taking a horse he road in all haste towards Smyrna. The messenger returned back to Thersander, and that is most true as it seemeth to me, that the memory is often overwhelmed with fear.  
During the time that Sosthenes was in this fright, forgetting all things which he had to do, he had forgotten also to lock the doors of the house wherein Leucippe was enclosed (for servants are oftentimes most fearful when any danger is at hand.) In the mean season Thersander rolling into silence Melites matters, said: this fellow here whatsoever he is, hath prated sufficiently, I cannot choose but marvel at your bluntness, which when you find an apparent murderer, taken manifestly in the fact though it be more heinous, he doth accuse himself, yet you will not give him to the executioner, but let this cozener be here to fill your ears with admonishing and lamenting, whom I do fear to be partaker also of the murder: wherefore I do not see what need there is of further inquisition in a matter so apparent. Moreover, I am brought into that belief that I think he hath committed some other murder, for Sosthenes whom they do so much call for, hath been away from me this three days, neither doth this seem to abhor from the truth, to be done with their general counsel. Wherefore I do verily think that they also have slain him, knowing that I had no other man to bring for my witness. But I would to God Sosthenes lived, and that it were possible that I could bring him forth to you: but let us imagine that he were here, what would you demand of him whether he bought a maid? and whether Melite redeemed her from him? Go to, let it be so, he bought her, Melite redeemed her, he confesseth this by me, what else have you to demand? nothing truly, those things are confessed, Sosthenes is quiet. But now let my speech turn to Melite and Clitiphon, what have you to do with my maid? for she is my servant indeed: neither did this crafty Thersander speak for any other intent, but that he might bring Leucippe back again into servitude, if perhaps she were alive. Moreover he added this, Clitiphon hath confessed that he hath murdered her, and maketh himself guilty of the fact, but Melite denieth it, but the proofs of the maids do gainsay that, for it is known that they received Leucippe of Melite, who as yet is not returned, what may we think to become of her? what will you have more? she is sent away? to whom? they are silent: wherefore it is manifest enough, that some one which hath murdered her was hired by them? which the maids do know very well, but would not declare it to any more, lest the matter should come to light. They left her perhaps amongst a number of thieves, that by them she might be carried away.  
I know not what they have devised of one which was in prison, of whom this matter was first reported, when therefore will you leave off to lend your ears to such foolish tales, and dispatch this weighty matter? What say you? do you think that this man would accuse himself except it were God's providence it should be so?  
Here Thersander had made an end of all his speeches, and had approved it with an oath, that he could not tell what was become of Sosthenes, it seemed to the Prince to give judgement, (he was of the king's stock, in whose power it was to examine all matters of life and death, and to give judgement thereof, although it was decreed by the ancient laws, that he should have counsellors which should direct him what to do) wherefore (said he) it seemeth to me, the matter being communicated also to my fellows in this office, according to the order of the law to punish him with death, which saith that he which accuseth himself should be condemned without any further inquissition: but for Melites judgement, it shall be deferred until the two maids be examined. Thersander caused his oath to be registered down, that he was altogether ignorant what was become of Sosthenes, & it was decreed that I should be tormented upon some engine, to confess whether Melite were guilty or no: my clothes being plucked from my back, I was hoist up aloft, some bringing fire, some whips, some a wheel, but Clinias wept bitterly, when behold a Priest of Diana crowned with a garland of bays, began to come into the market place, for that was a sign that strangers came to offer sacrifices unto the goddess, which when it came to pass, they ought to stay so long from the execution until the sacrifice of the goddess was ended, wherefore I was let down again. The author of this sacrifice was Sostratus, leucippe's father: for when the Byzantians had gotten the victory in the battle against the Thracians before the goddess Diana, they thought it meet to offer sacrifice to her, as it were giving her thanks for her aid which she did send them. The Goddess appeared in the night privately to Sostratus, and foretold him that he should find a daughter and a son in law at Ephesus. By this time Leucippe having opened the doors of the house, fearing lest Sosthenes which went forth a little before, had stood at the door, looked round about to see if she could espy him; but when she saw that he was not there, she began to be of good courage: seeing then that unlooked for she was delivered out of these dangers, she began to pluck up her heart, and decreed to use the benefit of fortune: for when as Diana her Temple was not far off from those fields, going out of the house, she went thither. This temple in ancient times was not opened, without some great occasion, wherein it was lawful for men and virgins to enter, especially when any matter of life was in question. It was counted a heinous matter for we men to enter therein, except servants which were called into questions of law by their masters, for than it was lawful for them to fly to the Goddess for succour, While Sostratus lead the Priest into the market place to defer the execution, Leucippe was going into the Temple, and it so happened that she had almost met her father: but I, the company being dismissed, was let lose, a great number of people following me, some pitied my case, some prayed to the gods for me, some asked me divers questions, amongst whom was Sostratus, who assoon as he saw me forthwith knew me, for as I spoke in the beginning he was at Tyrus, when Hercules sacrifices were solemnized, and there he stayed until the accustomed rights were solemnized: wherefore since that time he carried me in remembrance, especially when he was admonished in a dream that he should find us here. Wherefore coming near unto me, he said: This truly is Clitiphon: but where is Leucippe? Then I, assoon as I knew him, cast my eyes upon the ground: they which were present, began to repeat unto me, that which I had confessed: but he grievously sighing and shaking his head, cast his eyes upon me, in such sort, as if he would have looked through me: neither durst I resist him, for he struck me upon the face: but Clinias coming between us, stayed his hand, and sharply rebuked him, saying: What do you now? why do you so rashly offer violence unto him, which doth love Leucippe better than yourself? which of his own accord offered himself to death, because he had heard Leucippe was dead: speaking many more things to him, that he might pacify his fury. But he calling upon the goddess, began thus to complain; O goddess is this the cause wherefore thou didst bring me hither? Is this that which thou didst foretell me in my dream? I truly did believe it, thinking I should find my daughter also: and surely I have received a goodly reward, I have found her murderer. Then Clinias hearing mention of the dream was wonderful glad, saying: Father be of good cheer, for the goddess will not be a liar, (believe my prophecies) thy daughter Leucippe is alive, do not you see how she hath escaped from the hands of her torturers? in the mean season, one of the Sextens came running to the Priest, and told him, that there was a strange maid which came to Diana for succour: which when I heard, I began to pluck up my spirits: and lifting up my eyes again, I I seemed to be alive. But Clinias turning to Sostratus, said: Believe me father, my Oracles are true: and he asked the Sexton whether she was fair, to whom the Sexton answered: I never saw one more beautiful, except she were Diana. Then I leaping for joy, what said I, dost thou say it is Leucippe? He answered, yea: for so she saith she is called, her Ceuntrey is Byzantium, her father is Sostratus: Clinias for very joy, shouted and clapped his hands. Sostratus for the great gladness which he conceived, fell down in a maze. I leapt in my fetters as it were to the sky, and presently went into the temple: the keepers thinking that I would have run away, spoke to every man that met me, to take hold of me, and stay me: but I ran as if I had wings at my feet. At length as I was thus running, there came one to me, I know not what he was, which took me by the hand, and would have brought me back: but being now more bold, I withstood them, wherefore they would have carried me to the prison. In the mean while the priest and Clinias were at hand, but Clinias speaking first, said; whither lead you the man? he never did the murder whereof he is condemned. Sostratus spoke unto them to the same effect, seeing that he was her father, whom they thought to be slain. They which were there present understanding the matter, rejoiced greatly, and extolled with praises the Godhead of Diana, and standing about me, they forbade me to be carried to prison. The keepers, when as the law would not quit me to go free, would not let me loose, until a priest, at the request of Sostratus promised to be my surety: wherefore being loosed of my setters, I ran with as much speed as I could to the temple, Sostratus following me, but I know not whether with like joy, being certainly assured, that there is no courser so swift whom fame cannot overrun: for she flying before us, hastening & running apace, certified Leucippe of the coming of her father: wherefore running forth of the temple as fast as she could, she embraced her father, casting her eyes upon me: which although I was constrained by reason of Sostratus presence not to embrace her, yet I never cast mine eyes from her countenance, so with looks we did salute one another.   

The eight Book.  
The Contents.  
In the last Book is to be seen the false accusations of Thersander, who for a just reward was banished his country. Clitiphon was freed, and afterward happily married to his beloved Leucippe, with many other descriptions happening in the same, as the description of the Pipe of Pan, and the fountain of Styx.  
BUt Thersander whilst that we were talking together in the Temple, bringing his witnesses with him, followed after with great speed: and turning himself to the Priest, cried out with a loud voice, saying: Thou hast done unjustly, before these which are here present I speak it, which hast delivered one from bonds which is condemned by the law. Moreover, thou hast hidden this my bondslave an impudent and unchaste thing, and almost out of her wits for the company of men: thou hast kept her close in thy Cell, which I would very willingly know with what right thou canst maintain it. Then I hearing him call Leucippe immodest and unchaste, was wonderfully moved in my mind, and not bearing these contumelions words, he scant having ended his speech: thou said I, art thrice more servile; mad and immodest, Leucippe is a free woman, a virgin, and worthy of a Goddess. What, said he, dare you prate, Sir, being bound and condemned? And with as great force as he could, he stronke me twice upon the face, that streams of blood gushed out of my nose, and striking me the third time, his hand dashed against my teeth: and having hurt his fingers, with a great groan he plucked back his hand: so that my teeth seemed to revenge the injury which was offered to my nose. But he for the grief of the hurt, effeminately like a woman wept: then he ceased to strike me again. But I seeing his finger hurt, complaining of violence offered to me there. I filled the temple with a great clamour: whither shall we fly the violence of these gross heads? what gods shall we worship after Diana? for we are beaten in the temples, and we are strooken before the sacred altars of the goddess: In desert places where no witnesses are, such facts are committed: but thou before the gods themselves, dost exercise thy authority: and when as the stately temples of the goddess are a refuge for the innocent, I being guilflesse, have received a wound before her presence: who can deny therefore but that these blows were given to Diana? and when he could not be content with words, he gave me wounds, such as are given in wars, and hath defiled the flore with men's blood. Who ever sacrificed so unto Diana of Ephesus? That is the law among the Barbarians, the Scythians, and them which inhabit the mountain Taurus, to sacrifice to Diana with men's blood. Thou hast done as if jonia were Scythia: and Ephesus Taurica: but why dost not thou draw thy sword upon me? neither hast thou need to draw it, since thy hands supply the use thereof. While I did thus lament with myself, a great concourse was made, and all the people came round about me; and many began to blame the man, others exclaimed of his impurity: then said the Priest, are not you ashamed thus publicly in the temple to behave yourself? Wherefore said I, with a good courage, thus you see O men of Ephesus, how I am used, which am a free man, and a Denizen of no base City. I had almost perished, being brought into hazard of my life, except the slanders of this wicked man being land open, Diana by her holy godhead had now delivered me out of his hands: now have I need to go out of the temple, and wash my face: neither is it lawful we do it here, lest the holy water should be defiled with polluted blood. In the mean season Thersander, when as he was thrust out of the temple by many as he was going, he spoke thus to himself: Thou art now condemned in thine own cause, neither long after shalt thou be unpunished, the pipe shall make trial of this harlot which counterfeiteth her virginity. After he was gone I went forth and washed my face, but when supper time was come, one of the priests invited us to his house, but I being guilty of those things which Sostratus had reported, durst not look him in the face: Leucippe also for shame looked upon the ground, so that the supper seemed to be sorrowful: at length Bacchus did remove away our shame, for he is the author of liberty: and then the priest turning to Sostratus said: Why I pray you do not you show unto us the order of your war, wherein I delight to hear of your worthy stratagems, for pleasant discourses well agree with wine. Then Sostratus taking the occasion to speak, said: what I did was of no great valour, and therefore not worthy the rehearsal: my name is Sostratus, my country Byzantium, I am uncle to this youth, father to this maid, the rest O Clitiphon declare now, what soever they be, for if any adversity hath happened to me, it is not to be given to thee but to fortune: then I repeated all things in order which had happened to me after I fled from Tyrus: First my scaping shipwreck, our landing at Egypt, the thieves, the rape of Leucippe, the counterfeit cutting of her belly at the altar, the craftiness of Menelaus, the love of Charmides, the medicine of Chaerea, the rapine of the Pirates, the wound in my thigh, whose scar I showed there: but after I came to Melite I declared whatsoever had happened to me, with as much modesty as I could, admitting no falsehood to the truth, and first I described my love, her continency, then how long she sued unto me, and how I fed her with hope. Moreover, I declared whatsoever she spoke, whatsoever she complained, whatsoever also were done in the ship while we came from Alexandria to Ephesus, how we lay together, and how abstinently I behaved myself, as if I had been an eunuch. Then I showed all my behaviour towards her, the supper, and her false accusation of me, and continued all things until Sostratus coming, omitting only this indictment of mine: and thus much I spoke concerning my own accidents which had happened to me, I repeated also the calamities of Leucippe, which were far greater than mine, showing first how she served, how she digged the earth, and lost the grace of her head, which shaving the hair can witness: but when I came to make mention of Thersander and Sosthenes, I did set down every thing so easily as they were committed, that they seemed to be but newly done. But ever I noted this, that in telling my tale I sought to grace Leucippe as much as I could, She, said I, hath suffered all these adversities, and untouched as she came from Byzantium so doth she remain yet, neither do I account this for a commendation to myself that I have ended none of these things, for which chiefly I proposed my journey: we truly father, did take upon us our journey advisedly, but we were compelled to it by the extreme heat of love, that worthily it might be called the flight of lovers. Moreover, both our brethren went together with us, and I do keep my virginity (if men have any as yet untouched, as Leucippe doth hers) since that I had learned long before to consecrate it to the honour of Diana But you O Lady Venus, be not displeased with us, though you may seem as yet neglected, we would not celebrate our marriages our father being away, he is now here present, wherefore be thou favourable unto us: which when they had heard, the priest was astonished with the very admiration of them. Sostratus wept when I repeated the misfortunes of Leucippe. After I had made an end of my speech, I have (said I) rehearsed all our mischances, but yet, O divine priest, I would very willingly know one thing of you, what that was which Thersander when he went out of the temple, determined to do to Leucippe. Then said he, your question I like very well, and it is meet also that I should declare this unto you. See you yonder wood (said he) behind the temple, therein is a cave, into which it is not lawful for any to enter but virgins, a little within the door there is a pipe hanging up, which kind of instrument is much used amongst the Byzantians: now you do understand what I say, but if any of you have any skill in music, I will declare unto him the whole use of it, with all the history of God Pan, and to what end it belongeth. This pipe is compacted of many little pipes, all made of reeds, all which joined together do yield a sound as if they were but one pipe, they are so placed one by another, that they do seem to join in order together, the foreside and the hinder be all alike, but yet one reed is higher than another, which are so placed for the better consort, for as much as the first is higher than the second, and the second higher than the third, continuing the like equal portion unto the end, their sound is very pleasant, at the top very shrill and loud, but at the bottom low and base, and both these are in the outermost side of the pipe. This pipe is like to that of Pallas, but here the fingers do distinguish the sound, there the mouth: it was upon a time when this pipe was no pipe, neither a reed, but a most beautiful damosel, which when she did fly from God Pan who then pursued her, she got herself into a most thick wood, but Pan pursuing her with fresh suit, laid hands on her, and when he thought he had her fast by the hair, he saw he had his hand full of reeds, which they say did rise out of that place where the virgin did sink down: but the god being overcome with wrath, cut down these reeds, under which he thought she had hid herself, but not having found her, he was moved with the wicked fact, thinking that he had put his love to death wherefore he sighed, groaned, & gathering the reeds, cut as though they were her members, placing them in order, & began to kiss them, & while he thus amorously lamented, & breathing into the hollowness of them, as it were into the wounds of the virgin, the breath being enclosed therein, through the narrow passage thereof there came a sound, and this was the first beginning of the pipe, which afterward Pan himself did hang in his cave & there to this day it is kept, & the report went that this god would often resort thither, and play according to his accustomed manner, but in latter times the inhabitants of the country thinking to obtain favour of the goddess Diana, consecrated unto her such a pipe, upon this condition, that she should suffer none to play thereon except they were virgins: wherefore if any maid come in suspicion of her maidenhead lost, the people doth bring her to the gates of this cave, that they may be tried by this pipe, for she which is suspected of whoredom, adorned in a long garment appointed for that purpose, doth descend into the cave, where taking the pipe and putting it to her mouth, if she be a virgin a most sweet and a most heavenly sound is heard, whether it be because that place hath a shrill sound hidden in reeds, or whether because Pan himself doth play upon it, the gates she open of their own accord, and the virgin returneth crowned with a garland of pine tree, but if she fame herself a virgin, in steed of playing on the pipe, the cave sendeth weeping and mourning, wherefore the people leaving the woman there, depart away. But the third day the virgin which is governor of the place, goeth into the cave, where she findeth the pipe thrown down, but the woman is not to be found: this trial must you abide, wherefore be think yourself before you go down, if Leucippe be a virgin (as I truly would have her) she shall find the pipe favourable unto her, whose trial never deceived any. Leucippe before the priest had ended his tale, Do not you (said she) take care for me, for I will very willingly descend therein, wishing to be locked fast without any companion. I am very glad (quoth the priest) that you are so well resolved, rejoicing at this your felicity. But when it began to wax late, every one went to his lodging where the priest had appointed: Clinias did not sup with us because he would not seem to trouble our host, but he returned thither where he lodged before. But Sostratus having heard that which was reported of the pipe, séened unto us to fear, lest that for modesty's sake to him we would bely our own virginity: wherefore I beckoned to her privily that she should rid her father of that fear, for she had learned before how to persuade him to believe it, seeming also to suspect the like matter, because she perceived so soon what I meant by my beckoning, for she going to bed having done her duty to her father, bade him be of good comfort, saying, father believe my words, for never a one of us here (so Diana preserve me) hath dissembled in any thing. The next day when the sacrifices were ready, Sostratus and the priest went about their offerings, and the multitude of people assembled together, to be partakers of their oblations: and they cried out with great applause to the goddess. But Thersander (for he also was then present) went unto the Governor, saying: Let us defer the appearance until to morrow: for whom you yesterday condemned, many have let go free, but Sosthenes is not to be found, wherefore in the mean time, I will provide that my witnesses be ready. But when the day came, Thersander made a speech in this form, what words shall I use? what beginning of speaking should I make? or whom should I accuse first or last? I do not know, for many things are done boldly by many, which offer themselves to me to be spoken of, alike and in greatness, and more manifest in that it is superfluous to be spoken of in this accusation, for I fear lest that I shall not express in my speech, that which my mind doth conceive, since my tongue doth strive to draw them to my remembrance. For while that I hasten to speak, of those things which hitherto have not been spoken, all my licence seemeth to be taken away from me, so that I cannot finish my causes which I begun: for when adulterers kill other men's servants, murderers ravish other men's wives, and bawds do deliver men condemned from their punishment, when harlots do profane the holy Temples of the gods, we had need of diverse accusers. Recite the decree of the governor, and his counsel: you hear what his sentence is, I being the accuser: you have decreed once that Clitiphon should die, where is the headsman to hang him up? why do not you give him poison? Now according to the law he is dead, and the day of his punishment is passed, what say you (most religious and merciful Priest) I pray you what doth the law provide for them, which go about to set them free which are already condemned to die either sure your authority is greater than the power of the the Prince and his counsel, or else you have done amiss, wherefore O most noble prince you must come down, and give this man your place and authority to judge weighty matters, you have no more power to punish wicked men, for this fellow absolveth whom he list: why do you stand like a private person amongst us? Why do not you get up, and fit in your throne, and declare the law unto us: or if you please cast all laws aside, and govern like a tyrant? Do not think yourself, O man, but to be honoured a like with Diana herself, whose honour thou hast filthily arrogated to thyself: who ever saw her temple made a prison, as it plainly appeareth, when a murderer, and an adulterer shall stand before the Goddess, O most unworthy fact! an adulterer to lodge with Diana, and an unchaste and immodest woman to defile her Temples. O most mighty prince, it behoveth you now to look about you, and to suppress these manifold vices, which lately are grown up in this common wealth.  
Then stood up the priest, a man most ready to reply, and one which was well read in Aristophanes, began to inveigh very coldly and merrily against Thersander his youth. It is (said he) an argument of an impure mouth, so reproachfully to inveigh against honest and upright men: for he not only here, but also every where else, hath had his tongue ready to speak reproachfully of any man: being a youth, he was conversant with all immodest persons, with them he spent his life: when he is farthest from all modesty, he most of all pretendeth continency, feigning himself studious of the liberal sciences, yet subject to all sin and iniquity, he abuseth them to his own lust: for leaving his father's house, he hired a Cottage, where he dwelled, flying the company of honest men, and selling those of whom he might have any gain: when he did exercise his mind with these lewd vices, yet he counterfeited privateness. I myself have seen him anoint his body in the schools, run razes, and how young men (for he did ever strive with his superiors) did abuse his body: and this he did when he was a youth: but when he came to man's estate, whatsoever was privately done by him, he made it known: but being now waxed elder in years, he exercised all things whatsoever did please him, evermore sharpening a lewd and dissolute tongue, which he used to all dishonesty, that he would spit his reproaches in every man's face, carrying that malapert stoutness in his countenance, which he conceived in his mind: insomuch that whom you have thought worthy of the Priesthood, he doth not fear in most scurrile words to revile. If I had lived any where else then in all your sights, I know he would have spoken more liberally of me, and of those whose company I use: But when you yourselves do knew, how far from them I have led my life, which he doth accuse me off: I will refute those things as well as I can, which he hath objected against me. Thou hast (sayeth he) loosed one condemned to die: and at this he doth repine, calling me Tyrant and casting many more vile taunts upon me: spewing up the rancorous poison from his heart, as though it were more likely that he were a Tyrant, which delivereth the guiltless, and not condemned: then he which delivereth the slanderers. But first, what law had you to cast a stranger and a freeman into prison? Which of the governors appointed it? by what judgement was he commanded to be bound? But let us confess that he is guilty of all these things which thou hast laid to his charge: is it not the duty of the law to inquire, and to convince by sufficient proof? is it not the fruition of the law which hath authority over thee and all, to command him to be bound? neither is it in every man's power to command it without the judgement of the law. If that thou dost arrogate this to thyself, why dost not thou shut the doors, adjourn the court, and cast out the officers? But what thou hast objected to me before the prince, may be more justly and truly spoken of thyself. O prince it is you which must rise up to Thersander, for you have authority but only in words: this one man alone indeed, doth all which becometh you to do, and that moreover which you never would dare to do, you have counsellors without which you will decree nothing, neither is there any thing which by your authority you dare set down, before that you sit down in your throne: nor did you ever at your house command any man to be bound. But this Gentleman, he is both people, governor, prince: and to conclude, he one, is made all. He punisheth at home, he giveth sentence, he commandeth to be bound, and the evening is judgement time with him. O night judge, and worthy of the dark, which now exclaimest again, thou hast unloosed a guilty person, and one whose sentence is to die: but what guilty person I pray you? to what death? I bid thee speak the cause of his damnation, thou wilt say he is condemned of murder: then he hath killed one? But what is she? Canst thou show her? No truly, thou canst not. Her whom thou sayest was murdered, standeth here before thy face, and yet art not thou ashamed to accuse one of murder. This is not the Image of the Maid: neither hath Pluto sent her hither dead to reprove thee: but thou art rather to be condemned of murder, and that of a double one too, which did kill the Maid by report, and wouldst have slain the man in deed: thou wouldst have slain her in deed, we know all that that theu didst to her in the country. But the great Godhead of Diana, was the preservation of them both, by taking the one out of Sosthenes hands, and delivering the other out of thy fingers. But why didst thou send away Sosthenes? Art not thou ashamed not only to accuse strangers, but also to bely and slander them. Thus much I have to say, to clear myself from those crimes which thou didst object against me: but that which belongeth to these strangers, I leave the defence of them to your owen consciences. But when as another patron, a man of no obscure house, was about to speak for me and Melite: another of thersander's advocates, whose name was Sop●ter, prevented him. Now said he, good M. Nicostratus (for so our patron was called) it is my turn to speak against these adulterers, for Thersander his speech was only occupied in accusing the Priest, neither did he touch any thing which belonged to this guilty person, wherefore I will prove him worthy of this & another death, then shall you have time to quit him if you can: when he had said so, stroking up his hair, and making ready his forehead to lie, he began thus: You have heard the unseemly and dishonest talk of the priest, wherein he hath showed nothing but only devised false crimes against Thersander, taking cheeyfl the beginning of his speech, from those things which Thersander had spoken of him: but that which Thersander did speak of him he is able to defend and justify for true, for he delivered a guilty person from bonds, entertained a harlot, and hath lodged an adulterer: he whilst that he did go about to bring Thersander into envy by reproving of his life, did deal altogether by slandering: if there be any thing which becometh a priest to do, it is this chiefly, to keep his tongue from slandering. But leaving these, let us come to the matter indeed which he spoke of openly, complaining that the adulterer manifestly taken was by us cast into prison: I cannot choose but marvel wherefore the priest would labour so greatly in defending these old matters, although I coniectue at the cause, surely he beheld their faces, whereof the one is beautiful and of tender years, the other is not only well favoured, but also fair and personable stature, and judged fit for his own pleasures. But which of these doth most delight thee? you supped altogether, and you lay altogether, neither was there any beholder of your nightly revels: wherefore I fear lest that that which was Diana's temple, you have made it the sanctuary of Venus, but afterwards it shall be decreed whether you be fit for your priesthood or no: but that which belongeth to Thersander his manners, there is no man here but knoweth how modestly, moderately, and temperately he hath lived ever from his infancy, which assoon as he came to his ripe years, according to the law married a wife, at length he deceived himself in his choice, for he hath found her otherwise since then he first took her to have been: for it is most likely that she also before that time had accompanied with others whom she kept close from her husband, at length her chastity came in common, and she gave herself to all licentiousness, for her husband being gone abroad into a far country, thinking that time to be most fit for to fulfil her desires, the wretched woman took this impudent youth unto her (for what misery can be greater, then to have such a lover, which amongst women can supply the duty of a man, and amongst men serve in steed of a woman) neither was it sufficient to entice him to naughtiness in a strange city: but she must bring him hither with her over the huge sea, in the mean time lying always with him, and solacing themselves with their pleasure together in the ship where all men did behold. O filthy lust common to sea and land! O adultery defiling both Egypt and jonia! This woman did not only filthily behave herself with him, but she must have a crier: O you men of Ephesus behold this adulterer! neither is she ashamed yet: this honest woman bought him these ornaments which he hath about him, lest he should return with her unseemly to any: these precious merchandise hath she bestowed on her lover, but (saith she) I thought my husband had been dead, than this name of adultery had been clean taken away, but now he is returned: I pray you what will you call it? Then Thersander interpreting Sopater said: there is no need of more question about this matter, for what belongeth to Melite, and to her which is said to be the daughter of this stranger, which made this sacrifice, which truly is my servant, I accept these conditions. Recite those conditions: Thersander proposeth these conditions of Melite and Leucippe, that she, since she saith that she never committed any dishoneslie with this stranger in my absence, shall confirm it with an oath and shall go into the fountain of holy Styx, there if that she be found not to have forsworn herself, she shall be set fee, but this other, if she have lost her virginity, shall serve bondage to her master: neither is it lawful for any woman to enter into the temple of Diana except she be a servant, but if she do affirm she is a virgin, she shall be shut in the cave where the pipe hangeth: we presently accepted the conditions, not doubting but that Leucippe was a virgin: Melite liked it well, affirming that she never had any thing to do with me in thersander's absence, except talking together. And I also said I do not refuse the conditions, adding this which is more, that there is neither citizen nor stranger, which having such familiarity with her as I had, could all stain: & if that you prove this false that I speak I will endure what punishment you shall lay upon me: wherefore these things being finished, the company was dismissed, & it was furthermore decreed, that the next day we should be tried upon these conditions. But the history of the fountain of Styx, was in this manner: there was a certain beautiful virgin whose name was Rhodope, which did delight much in bunting, being very swift in running, & skilful in casting of a dart, she was girt with a girdle, with a mitre upon her head, her clothes tucked up to her knee, her hair long and hanging upon her shoulder. Diana meeting with this maid by chance on a day, and liking her very well, lead her a hunting with her, their prey which they took, saying should be divided amongst them, wherefore she did swear that as yet she had kept her virginity, & that she fled the company of men, and would not suffer the shames of Venus: which when Venus heard, being moved with anger, she determined with herself to revenge the pride of this maid: it so fell forth there was a young youth of Ephesus, equally as fair amongst men as Rhodope was accounted amongst women: this youth was called Euthinicus, he was wonderfully delighted in hunting as Rhodope was, he also did abhor from Venus' sports, wherefore on a time they went both a hunting. Venus' got her thither also, and drove both their wild beasts together into one place, Diana then was absent: wherefore Venus thus spoke unto her boy: my son, dost thou not see this couple, how they are expert of our secrets, and enemies also? and that bold girl very bravely swore a great oath against me, thou seest them yonder following the hearts, wherefore go thou and hunt, and first take revenge of this malapert girl, for thy dart will now fly more certainly, wherefore both drew their bows together, the virgin upon the heart, and Cupid upon her, neither were their strokes in vain, for the huntress herself was the prey, she gave a mortal wound to the heart, but received a deeper wound in her own heart, whose fear was such that immediately she fell in love with Euthinicus, who not long after felt the same sore. Then did they begin to behold one another, and cast their eyes upon each other, insomuch that they never would withdraw their sights. But not long after their wounds began to grow up, & love brought them together into a cave where now this spring is, where the faith of their oaths was utterly abrogated. Afterwards Diana met Venus, who laughed and smiled upon her, but she when she understood the matter, she transformed the maid even there where she lost her virginity into a fountain, so that it cometh to pass, that if any be accused of their virginity lost, they go down to this spring, whose water scant cometh up to the leg. The trial is made after this manner: she which is suspected is brought forth, & first she solemnly taketh her oath which is written down in paper, & hanged about her neck, & thus descendeth into the spring: if her oath be true, the water never moveth at all, but if she be forsworn, it riseth to her neck, & covereth the paper: while we were talking thus, it drew towards night, & every man after supper went to his chamber where they lodged before. The next day the people came together again, before whom Thersander went with a merry countenance: but Leucippe being adorned in a long white garment coming down to her feet, which was woven of fine threads, having a girdle about her middle, her head adorned with purple tire, her feet naked, she went into the cave, which when as I did behold, I was astonished with asodaine fear, and began thus to speak to myself: I do not doubt but that Leucippe is as yet a virgin, but when I do remember what this God was, I was in a great fear lest be then would be the pipe: she flied from this god into the woods, but we have included within thy gates our pledge, that if thou wouldst pursue her, she would not fly away. But O thou God Pan, be merciful unto us, neither break the laws of this place which we keep holy, but restore Leucippe untouched: this league was made between Diana and thee, do not therefore violate it & deceive a virgin. Whilst I did talk thus to myself, I heard a sweet sound, and they which stood by rejoiced, saying: that they never heard a more pleasant sound: the leaves of the door did open of their own accord, and Leucippe came forth, all the multitude shouting for joy, begen to rail upon Thersander: but I could not declare in any speech the joy which I conceived in my mind.  
Having gotten this famous victory, we went to the fountain of Styx, that we might make trial of the other condition: the people came together to behold, all the other things were in a readiness, wherefore they tied the writing about Melites neck, and with a merry countenance she went down into the spring, the Water as it was remained low, neither exceeded his accustomed bound, wherefore when the time was come that she should come frooth of the spring, the Prince took her by the hand, and lead her forth of the water, Tersander being apparently convicted in two things, fearing also the third, ran home as fast he could, fearing lest the people would oppress him with stones: for behold two young men cousins to Melite, brought Sosthenes, for she had sent two servants before to seek him, which when Thersander saw, seeing now his fact would be known if the Sosthenes were examined, by night fled out of the city. In the mean season, the judges commanded Sosthenes to be kept in hold: we being absolved of all these crimes & accusations, with all men's commendations were let free. The next day Sosthenes was brought into the court, who when he saw that punishment was provided for him, incontinently confessed all what Thersander meant to do, and also what himself suggested to him, together with all the other things which they talked together of before leucippe's door. But Thersander (who now was absent) was banished: we being invited again to supper to the priests house, what calamities of ours I remitted there the night before to rehearse, I now went forward withal, Leucippe now fearing her father no more, because she was found a maid, rehearsed her own mishap, not without great pleasure. To whom, said I, I have declared our mishaps until I come to Pharus, where the pirates did violently take you away: wherefore tell you the fine device of the thieves, & what was meant by the head which was cut off from the body, that your father also may know it: for this alone is wanting. Then said she: The woman which you saw was slain, was one of them which sell apples and pears by the sea shore, whom they got into their ship, promising her that they would marry her unto one of the mariners: but after that they had gotten me, hoisting up their sails, and plying their cares, when they saw how near they were pursued, they plucked off my apparel, and put it on her back, appareling me likewise in hers. And having thus attired her, they placed her upon the top of the hinder end of the ship, that she might be seen of them which pursued her, and there they cut off her head, the body as you saw they flung into the sea, but the head they kept a little space in the ship. But when they perceived that no body pursued them, they cast it out also. I do not certainly know for what intent they took in that woman, except that as it happened to me afterward, that they would sell her, but she was slain in my stead, that the pursuers might be deceived, thinking that they could gain the more by the sale of me, then of her. There did I behold Chaerea, which was the author and counsellor of her death, to suffer worthy punishment. For when as the other pirates denied that he should enjoy me alone, because that he had taken that other woman, and slain her, which perhaps might have been again to them, said that I should be sold, and the money equally distributed amongst them: but he defending his own cause, denied, saying that he agreed with them before that he should take her for his private profit alone, and not to the common utility: but one of them which stood behind him, hearing him thus wrongfully challenging me alone, took his sword and stroke off his head: and so suffering just punishment for his rape, was cast into the sea. Two days after being carried I know not whither, the pirates sold me to a merchant, who receiving his money again sold me to Sosthenes. Then said Sostratus, since that you my children have reported your mishaps, hear of me, what happened to Calligone, Clitiphon his sister at home, that I may not go free alone without declaring something: but I hearing my sister's name did listen more attentively: speak, said I, father when you please, so that you say she liveth. Then he rehearsed all, as I had showed before the Oracle, as well the sacrifice, as the ship, and the manner of her rape, adding moreover, that when calisthenes perceived she was not his daughter, although he knew that the matter went forth otherwise then he thought, yet he ceased not to love her, but casting himself down at her feet, he spoke to her in this sort. O mistress do not think me to be a pirate, or such a wicked person; I am borne of a noble house in Byzantium, and will give place to none in birth: love constrained me to lay after the manner of thieves, these ambushes for you, but think me henceforward your servant. And first, I give to you myself, and willingly also bestow on you all my wealth and substance, which never your father would have imparted to you: I will abstain as long as you will from violating of your virginity. With these words and many other, more apt to persuade (for he was of comely parsonage, and in talk very pleasant and earnest to move) he won the maid to his own desire. And after he returned to Byzantium, he endowed her with most of his living, he attired her richly with gold and precious stones, and many other jewels which are requisite to the adorning of a woman. And as she was a virgin when he took her away: so he suffered her to continue before he had promised: but he himself in handling many matters, behaved himself very gently, courteously and civilly, and upon a sudden there was a new reformation of the man, for be did give place to his elders, and ready he was to salute whom soever he met, when before he was a great spender of his good, his former riot was turned into liberty. To conclude, he dealt so wisely in all his affairs, that all men marveled, that of a sudden, from so lavish, he was become so thrifty: he always loved me, and I likewise had a good opinion of him, thinking that this excessive prodigality, did father show a bountifulness of nature than any intemperance in the man, remembering what was said once of Themistocles, that when he was very dissolute in his youth, yet in the end he excelled all the Athenians, in wisdom and fortitude: wherefore it repent me that I had denied him my daughter when he would have had her into marriage, for he did give me great honour, calling me father, and being armed he accompanied me through the Market place: neither did his mind abhor from martial affairs: for when he was a horseman, he behaved himself courageously: so that in those intemperate young years, in valour and chivalry he seemed to excel: But coming to man's estate, when his strength increased in his body, his chiefest desire was to follow military affairs, to profit the common wealth with his substance: wherefore he was created general of the army with me, whereby he won great honour, willing to obey me in all things.  
After we had gotten the victory over our enemies, the Gods assisting us, we returned to Byzantium, I came hither to give thanks to the Gods, he went to sacrifice to Hercules at Tyrus. But first calisthenes took me by the hand, and told me all what he had done for Calligones sake, wherefore my father said, the cause of these things which 〈◊〉 he in our youth, is the fiery heat of those years, but what 〈◊〉 afterwards are done with discretion and judgement: wh 〈◊〉 said calisthenes to me, I have kept her a Virgin yet, especially in time of war, when no man then by his good wi●● will let slip such occasions to his pleasure, wherefore now I determine to carry her to Tyrus to her father, and there according to the laws, to marry her: if that I can get his good will, it will be well: but if he be froward and will not, let him take his daughter again, a virgin as she was when I took her, which when I have married, I will endue her with a large patrimony: wherefore since all things have fallen out so well, contrary to thersander's expectations, I have determined first to go to Byzantium, and from thence to sail to Tyrus. When he had made an end of his tale, we went every man to bed, as we did before. The next day Clinias returned unto us, and certified us, now that Thersander was fled away. We stayed there three days (for our apparance did last so long) than we went again to the prince, and having recited the laws, whereby he found that Thersander had no cause of just accusation against us, we departed: and taking ship, with a gentle gale of wind we came to Byzaantium, where we finished our long desired marriages. Then we sailed to Tyrus, whither when Calisthenes was come two days before, we found my father offering sacrifice the next day for my sister's marriage: therefore we also were present, that we might be partakers of the same, requesting the gods to grant our marriages to be happy and fortunate: where we agreed to stay, upon this condition, that winter being past, we should return again to Byzantium.  
FINIS.