THE English Lovers: OR, A GIRL Worth Gold.  
BOTH PARTS, So often Acted with General Applause; now newly form INTO A ROMANCE.  
By the accurate Pen of I. D. Gent.  
LONDON, Printed for H. Brome at the Gun in Ivy-lane, 1662.   

TO THE Truly Virtuous Lady, The Lady ELIZABETH BLOUNDEL.  
Madam.  
'tIs not the Ambition I have to let the World know how much I honour your Virtues, that emboldens me to make this present Dedication; but to let You see that I would in some part correspond with the many obligations, those of Your Worthy Family, have thrown upon me, which lie like so many burdens upon my Soul, and make the very Favours themselves a Torment, whilst I behold myself to have without merit received them, and to be without Abilities Rightly to acknowledge them.  
I cannot I must confess but blush, to bring so poor and unworthy a Gift to kiss your Ladyship's fair Hands: But I know your Generosity will easily find an excuse for my boldness, and not counterpoise my weak Abilities with your superexcellent Worth and deserts.  
If not Madam, let me make this excuse for myself, That whilst the poorness of my Fortunes struggle with the gratificatory motions of my Soul; I remain so oppressed under the weight of those favours, that seem to participate Divinity whilst conferred without interest, that I should think myself guilty of the blackest injustice and ingratitude, if should not at least acknowledge those debts, which I cannot discharge.  
This Madam has begot in me that presumption, to lay this piece at your feet, that I might have opportunity to confess the infinity of those favours I have received, & to tell both your Ladyship and the whole world that they are engraven in my heart, with an Indelible Character.  
Let your goodness then accept of this poor expression of my thanks, which however mean in itself, please too look upon, as proceeding from a heart desires to be grateful, and excuse me if I enter not into a praise of your Virtues, lest I lessen them. For certainly nothing can proceed worthy so noble a Person from the Pen of  
Madam, Your Ladyship's Most unworthy, but most obsequious Servant john Dauncey.   

TO THE READER.  
EVery age hath its several humours and times like men, their sundry constitutions; That which might be approved of in the blustering Storms of Wars, when the contentious Drums and Trumpet sound alarms to the field, would seem harsh and displeasant in the calm, and gentle quiet of a salutiferous Peace, when the pleasant groves are filled, not with destructive Arms, but the sweet and winning embraces of Lovers.  
Yet is there nothing more difficult then in any time to please all men, for in the serenest calms there are some turbulent Spirits. The World was never nor ever will be free from Critics; whose envenomed Souls will throw dirt upon that which only for humour sake they cannot disaprove, what is their arrogance or folly, they will have counted their judgement; and think themselves wise enough, if they can but find fault with any thing of another man's.  
I cannot doubt but this Book will fall under that Epidemical fate, but if it do, the Author has the confidence to laugh at such carping Momus's, as shall to harshly censure it. I confess, I would not willingly have what was my pastime, prove my disgrace; yet I must arm myself with the same patience, that far more worthy Authors have been forced to make use of.  
If I meet with any ingenious Reader, I know they will be so generous as not to censure rashly; If with others, they will but make themselves the Subject of my scorn and laughter, whilst they endeavour to make me so of theirs.  I. D.  

To his Worthy Friend the Author upon his Ingenious ROMANCE.  
ANd what in so short time attempt again  
The several hazards of the dangerous Main?  
Your last brave 
a His History of the late Times.  voyage did bring back the jars  
And various turns of our destructive wars.  
In this you both yourself and us do ease  
With the Calm pleasures of delightful pease:  
And recreating with your sweet delays  
Our pleased fanciea in a harmless Maze,  
That no dire monstrous objects do●h contain,  
(Like that wherein crete's Minotame did reign)  
You with well-worded rational plo●● do show  
(What books should) profit and contentment too.  
Sharpwitted Horace did discern (he said)  
Both vice and virtue more deciphered,  
Tothth' life by Homer's well advised quill  
Then by learned 
b Two stoic Philosophers.  Cranter, or Crissippus skill.  
Wise Heliodorus would not slight (fame says)  
Or throw aside those well deserved Bays  
In his maturer Age; which were acquired  
In his young years, when him his Muse inspired,  
Though the severer Church's misguided zeal  
Did not its disaproving thoughts conceal; 
c His History of Theagenes & Caraclea.   
But, (if he'd not disown his youthful trick)  
Threatened to take away his Bishopric.  
Impartial Wits have thought (and truly too)  
Heroic Poems and Romances show  
Resplendent virtue, and deformed vice  
In their most natural Colours; makes despise  
Foul Lust; adore pure, incorrupted Love;  
Do to great actions valiant Spirits move;  
Do by their several, rare designs us teil,  
And facitly inform what's ill, what's well.  William Smith.  

To his much Respected Friend Mr. john Dauncey, in praise of his excellent Romance, called the English Lovers.  
RIch Soul of wit and language, thy high strains  
So plunge and puzzle unrefined brain,  
That their illiterate Spirits do not know  
How much to thy ingenious Pen they owe:  
Should my Presumptuous Muse attempt to raise  
Trophies to thee, she might as well go blaze  
Bright Planets with base Colours, or display  
The World's Creation in a Puppet play.  
Let this suffice what Calumnies may chance  
To blur thy fame, they spring from Ignorance.  
When old Orpheus drew the Beasts along,  
By, Sweet Rhetrick of his learned tongue.  
'Twas Deafness made the Adder sin; and this  
Caused him; who should have humed the Poet, hiss  L. G.  

To his Friend the Author, upon his excellent Romance, called the English Lovers.  
HOw am I struck with wonder and amaez  
Like one, who at some Miracle doth gaze  
Viewing this piece? whose language is so sweet,  
It makes dull prose run in Heroic feet.  
Yet hast not thou like other wits o'th' age  
Robbed French, Italian, brought upon the flage  
Old things new vampt, this we may truly call  
For words, and plot thy own Original:  
Had I for this but skill enough to praise,  
I'll Rob Apollo, but thou shouldst have bays  
To Crown thy Brows, nor should the Sister's nine  
If from their Heads I snatched a wreath repine.  
Go on thou Muse's darling in this strain,  
And let us meet thy Genius once again  
In such another, And we'll debtors be  
Not to Apollo's self, but only thee.  john Sandys.  

To his Ingenious Friend the Author, upon his English Lovers.  
OUr late confused times were much averse  
To what ingenious was or good, perverse,  
Precise, illiterate Fools that looked a squint  
On what had any thing of learning in't;  
The Muses hung their heads, for in those days,  
Good Bullets were in more request than bays.  
But now the tide is turned; sharp wit again,  
Good plays, pure fancy, and Romances reign,  
And this revived and refined Age  
Behold the slighted, long unpractised stage  
Enjoy its ancient Splendour; then be kind  
To wit, for fear you in short time do find  
Dull stupid Ignorance again affright,  
The Muses with another tedious night.  
And think those worthily deserve the Bay's,  
Who wit from ignorance light from darkness raise.  I. O.  

The Bookseller to the Reader.  
THat which the French and Spanish long did boast  
Was no where to be found but on their Coast.  
Well writ Romances, now weer'e confident,  
In our own Mother language to present.  
And Gentle Reader in as good address  
As ere our Neighbour did, and with no less  
Excelling, Plot fancy and language too,  
English or Foreigners ere could vaunt to do  
And yet our modesty will make us veil  
To worthy Sidney, nor can we bear sail  
Against these famed Dramaticks, one past age  
Was blest with johnson, who so graced the stage,  
The thrice renowned Shakespeare, and the rare  
Ingenious Fleteher. These past envy are  
Much more past imitation only we  
Would second be o'th' first, last of the three,  Era. Kirkman.  

THE ENGLISH LOVERS: Or the Mirror of Constancy.  


The first Book.  
SCarce had the Sun broken and dissipated the darkness of the preceding stormy and blustering night, when Sigr. Georgio Spinola (Son to the Ancient Senator, Francisco Spinola, of whose virtues and greatness few can be ignorant, who have either heard of Flanders or Ostend) according to his wont custom, taking the opportunity of the pleasant coolness of the morning, a happiness and blessing in those hot and scorching Countries, was walked along the Sea-Coast some pretty distance of his Father's Palace which stood upon the Riviera, and not much more than six miles from Genova, a City whose famous and magnificent structures makes her exalt her head above the proudest in Italy, wherein diversity of cogitations viewed & admiring where the Rolling Seas which disturbed by the last night's winds were not yet pacified, he might as the waves advanced themselves espy something tumbling and tossing towards the shore, and by the reflection of the morning beams see somewhat glisten, which yet at first by reason of the great distance of the object, he rather thought a fancy of his deluded imagination then any reality, but at length the force of the waves driving it nearer, he might easily perceive that it was a man, with a naked Sword in his hand, whom the cruelty of the Seas had deprived of all hopes or shelter, but only what the Mast he bestred could afford him; no sooner was generous Spinola satisfied with the certainty of what he first doubted, but his magnanimous soul pitying the distress of him he knew not, he with the wings of compassion flies towards Lizari (for there stood the Palace of his renowned Ancestors) and with all possible speed manning out a Felucca ventures himself in person in that rough and boisterous Sea to save the miserable stranger to whom otherwise no hope of life could be left, whilst either want of strength longer to sustain himself upon his rolling Bark, must render him a prey to the merciless Seas, or a more cruel death certainly befall him, if by the violence of the waves he should be thrown headlong among the sharp and obdurate Rocks. But the quick speed of of the worthy Spinola prevented his ruin, for though having arrived him, he found him utterly spent with endeavouring to keep himself firm upon his skittish, though inanimate Cowrses, insomuch that his Sword which he at first brandished above his head with an unexpressible gallantry, growing too weighty for his weak and tired Arm, hung down in the Sea, as as if it would be revenged on that which would prove the devourer of its Master, yet he came time enough to see some hopes that his almost departed spirits might again by some cherishing be revived, and therefore taking him into his Fellucca, and there disposing his speechless Corpse with the greatest ease so small a Boat would afford, he now made as much haste to shore as he had before done to Sea, fearing lest his goodness should want the desired effect, and the Gentleman (for so he perceived him to be both by his air and habit) for want of those Cordials which the shore might supply him with, yield up his tired spirit; but the stranger whose speechlessness proceeded merely from the benumedness of his senses (having now been three days in the water) was soon by the warmth of those clothes wherewith the compassionate Spinola had caused him to be covered, revived, when looking about and finding himself still at Sea, but not so solitary as before, he amazedly demanded where he was, and how he came there; to which the courteous Spinola told him in what manner he had espied him floating upon the Main, withal freely proffering what ever civilities lay in his reach either by his power in the Country, or otherwise assuring him he should be honoured if he would please to command him; in the mean time desiring that till he should regain that strength which he must of necessity have lost by being driven up and down the Ocean, he would accept of what entertainment his Father's Palace would afford; for (continued the generous Spinola) though I very well know both by your countenance and habit that you are an English Man, and am not ignorant of the great stops that those of your Nation have by their valour and magnanimity put to the progress of my Father's glory and fortunes in the Nether-lands, besides that the intimate friendship between us and his most Potent Catholic Majesty against whom your Virgin Queen hath to the wonder of the World so long and so prosperously maintained a War, should incite us to a disaffection of you, yet you shall find I hope that generosity in our spirits, as shall persuade you that neither envy, affection, nor interest, can sway us to the least forfeiture of those rules of charity which enjoin us to succour and relieve the distressed, especially when we find such persons cast into the depth of miseries who least of all deserved any, in which number said he (making a congue) I doubt not but you may be enroled; The English stranger was very much perplexed what answer to return so much civility which made him for some time silent, till at length making a due acknowledgement of the vastness of his obligations, protesting that as by the saving of his life it was indebted to him, so it should be for ever at his command and service; withal hoping that fortune would in time be so favourable to him as to put him into a capacity by some personal service to express the gratitude of his soul, which by words he should never be able to do; scarce had he finished to speak when the Fellucca came to land, where too servants stood ready with a Sedan to conduct the English stranger to Spinola's Palace; whither come, he was immediately carried into one of the most sumptuous Chambers of it; and sumptuous Chambers there were both for building and furuiture, as any Court in Europe could boast of; the square of the Palace itself being supported by one hundred and fifty Pillars of pure Carara Marble, the Court Yard adorned with four most stately Fountains or Waterworks, and the Palace every where embellished by the great number of curious and ancient Statues.  
But neither the stateliness of the place, the great care which was taken of him whereby he in short time recovered perfect health, nor the daily conversation of Spinola, who extremely delighted in his company, could at all divert the English Stranger from his melancholy thoughts, which appeared more transparent every day than other to great wonder of the worthy Spinola, who endeavoured by all means possible to banish from him his solitary pensiveness by inventing new sports and pastimes to recreate both his body and mind, but all his endeavours proved in vain; for the more he strove to make him merry, the sadder still grew, insomuch that had not gratitude obliged him, he would have shunned the company of his preserver, as his did that of all others.  
Often had the good and generous Spinola desired his unknown Guest to impart unto him the cause of this his melancholy, but was ever put off with excuses and desires that he would not put him to the remembrance of so dismal a story, till at length they two being according to the custom walking in a private Garden, Spinola more earnestly than ever pressed him to reveal that which could possess him with so great a trouble and dejection of spirit, protesting that as he had been instrumental once in the saving of his life, so he would devote his life or what ever might be more dear to him to procu●● a remedy for his solitary disease, for whilst that continued he still seemed dead to him, promising that in requital he would relate to him the story of his life, which he would f●nd not to have been free from misfortunes, though perhaps they were such as were not fit to be weighed in the scale with his.  
The stranger endeavoured by all means possible to excuse the relation of his miseries, but being again and again importuned by him to whom he owed his life as his preserver, he could no longer deny to satisfy the desires of his generous friend, and therefore retiring into a pleasant Arbour which stood at the end of the Walks, he thus began.  

The Loves of Capt. Goodlake AND MARIANA.  
MOst Noble Friend and generous Preserver, when you shall have heard through how many various changes and chances of fortune I have run, you will think, considering my age, that every minute of my time (my childhood only excepted) had been a new & distinct misfortune: My birth you already know to have been in the Kingdom of England, a Kingdom sufficiently famous throughout all the World, both for its outward force and inward plenty, which as you say, has miraculously for so many years maintained a War against the most Potent Catholic King, and still in all attempts made upon that mighty Monarch gained the upper hand; but because this Kingdom is besides the annexion of Ireland and Wales in herself divided into several Shires or Counties, many of which have formerly been particular Kingdoms; 'twill be convenient to give you an account of the exact place of my Nativity. Know then noble Sir, that I was borne nigh unto the famous City of Sarum in the County of Somerset, in which Shire my Father enjoyed a yearly Revenue of near fifteen hundred pounds per annum; his name was Goodlake, my Mother's Seymour, which of the two I must needs confess is the more noble and ancient name; my Father had besides myself three Sons and two Daughters, of all which I was the youngest, and so like to enjoy the least part of my Father's wealth, though during his life he was not at all sparing in giving me as liberal education as my Brothers; of whom he took so great care that he thought it not sufficient to have them endowed with learning except they were likewise adorned with all qualities necessary to make a perfect and complete Gentleman, such he thought Fencing, riding the great Horse, and other active Exercises which might make them fit upon occasion to serve their Country; nor was he sparing in his cost to learn them Dancing, singing, and other less useful exercises, as things fitting to distinguish them from the vulgar.  
My Father died about that time that I arrived to seventeen years of age, leaving me besides those Gentlemanlike qualities that might make me fit to gain a livelihood and honour in foreign Countries, but a small parcel of his estate, yet such as with moderation I might have lived upon, but it was hard for me who had been highly bred during my father's life to conform myself now to a pension, and so small a one too as threescore Marks a year was, so that before two years were expired I was indebted twice as much as my annuity came to, which made me begin to perceive that whilst I took those courses I headlong pursued my ruin, my debts begun to be daily called for, which if I paid I must leave myself uncapable to subsist, and if not run the hazard of being imprisoned. Fear of this last made me finding delays to increase the danger, on a sudden to make a contract with my elder Brother, and to sell him my annuity, whereby I not only paid my debts but had a considerable sum of money in my purse with which I was resolved to prove my utmost fortunes.  
And hoping that I might have the same good hap which oftentimes befalls younger Brothers who have nothing but their gentility to maintain them, that is by gaining the favours of young Ladies whose plentiful portions might better be given to supply the wants of such persons, whom the ill Laws, or rather the ill customs of England had made poor, then added to the better fortunes of those who already abounded with superfluity of worldly riches. I put on a resolution to cast in my lot among others, and clothing myself in a garb much above my slender fortunes, by degrees I got into the acquaintance of many Ladies, among whom I resolved to choose one, both of whose Person and portion I could approve, and in short time pitched upon the beauteous Mariana, Joint heiress with her Sister of the great estate of Sir Robert Mollineaux, a Family famous in the Western parts of England: I confess at first the greatness of her beauty, parts, and riches did somewhat daunt me, who knew myself so far beneath her in all. At those words the worthy Spinola interrupted him by saying noble friend, though by what yourself report, I dare believe your estate much inferior to that of your beauteous Mistress, yet I must needs say that I find this by that small experience I have had of your conversation, that no Woman could be possessor of so much virtue, whereof you deserved not to be Patron, and I seriously protest that were I to be Judge, I durst affirm that for parts and Person, you merit the greatest Princess in Christendom. The Captain returned him a civil thanks for his so good an opinion of him, but withal told him that what he spoke were but Hyperboles, and far above his merit, but to continue my sad story, (said he, (which I only relate as an introduction to a sadder) I being resolved in my former determinations, addressed myself unto her in the most humble manner, either my learning, Genius, or condition could furnish me with, but ere I had three times conversed with her, such was the goodness of her nature, that I found that she who had captivated me, was become my vassal, nor were my visits more pleasing to me, than they were acceptable to her; in sum, we passed a contract, appointed our day of marriage, and the place where we should the morning before meet, for she was under the tuition of a rigid Uncle her Guardian, who would by no means have consented to match her with a Person of so low and mean an estate as I was of.  
Could I tell you, noble fr●end, what inexpressable passions of joy my soul was possessed with at this happy success! I thought every minute a year, nay an age, till the prefixed time approached; but alas how soon were my contents blasted? from what great hope did I on the sudden fall? both our loves and contract, were by her treacherous Chambermaid discovered to her Uncle, who yet like a subtle and revengeful Fox concealed his knowledge of it, till at the very time when I hoped to have met my beloved Mistress at the Woodside, nigh her Uncle's house, I and my two friends who accompanied me, were set upon by seven Villains, who lay there by his appointment to destroy me; I confess I was then raw and unexperienced in fights, but the consideration of the business I went about made me resolute, and I think it would have added to my courage, had I known the design, as I only thought them Thiefs; In short this storm was soon distipated, for almost at the first my two generous friends gallantly assisting me, we might behold three of the slaves trampled under the feet of our Horses, two others wounded, and ready to surrender themselves to our mercy, whilst their two remaining Companions escaped, and took shelter in the wood, those two whom we had taken, began with pitiful moans to beg our mercy, telling by whom they had been set on, and withal relating the story of my misfortune. Gods! into what an ecstasy of passion did I fall at their relation, though their swords could not force me from my Horse, their piercing words effected it, for I immediately fell into a swound, and my poor Beast sensible of the weight of my sorrows, seemed likewise to yield and fall with me, whilst one of my friends guarding the two Prisoners, the other endeavoured to bring me again to life, the other performed, they jointly strove to comfort me with all the persuasive arguments that either love or friendship could furnish them with, that there could be no doubt of Mariana's love and constancy to me, and whilst that endured I had no reason to despair. That her Uncle's violent hatred to me would rather make firm, then abate her love: That if he kept her immured from my sight, (as 'twas to be supposed he would do) it would but set her wits at work how to find means to escape him. That they would always be as ready as they now had been to venture their lives and fortunes to accomplish my desires. That therefore I should set my heart at rest, and consider with them for our present safety, the way to which we all concluded to be the carrying of our two Prisoners to the next Justice, which we did, and they without hesitating, confessing what they had before told, were committed to Goal, but soon after by the power of Mariana's Uncle released, whilst I lay yet open to his further revenge.  
In the mean time I made all possible enquiry (but very privately) after my Mariana, seeming publicly to disown any intention I ever had of courting her, and at length found that by the cruelty of her Uncle she was indeed chambered up, and so many spies set upon her, that it was impossible for me either to visit or convey a letter to her; yet at length by the help of a Lady, who often used to visit her, I adventured to send her a letter, an answer to which I three days expected, but instead of that came the following Challenge.  
To Mr. Edward Goodlake.  
SIR,  
That I know you a Gentleman I confess, I should otherwise have taken a more suitable course to have ere this chastised your boldness in attempting courtship to a Person so far above your birth and fortunes, yet were you▪ in those equal to your fair Mariana, I must let you know that she must and shall be mine, which since she will not be during your life, your death must make her so▪ Meet me therefore (with your second) to morrow morning on the backside of the East Wood, at least to show that you may make you worthy so noble a Lady.  
Hatton.  
This unexpected Challenge most extremely surprised me, but I was much more amazed when I found it subscribed by one of my dearest friends, who had before assisted me in my former attempt to steal away the fair Mariana, and who very well knew that I was contracted to her, I began to muse with myself how this might come about, but the Gentleman that brought it, put me out those dumps by desiring my speedy answer, which I told him I would find either a friend or a servant of my own to carry, with which he returned to his friend, and I immediately went to seek out Mr. Spencer, the other Gentleman whose courage had saved me from being assassinated by those Villains which Mariana's Uncle had set by the Woods side to deprive me of my life, but alas! now I expected a second help from this my worthy friend, (on whom indeed the chief part of my story will depend) I found him sick of a violent fever, and he altogether unable to help me, yet such was my passion that I could not refrain to show him Hatton's Challenge; Heavens! into what extremity of frenzy did he fall into at the reading it? he in fury leaps out of his Bed, and protests that neither sickness nor death itself should hinder him from assisting me to revenge such abominable treachery; Nor could I without the help of his Physician persuade him to return to his rest, and not go immediately with me to seek out the perjured Villains, (for so he styled him) but at length overswayed by my arguments, and by the Physicians: That by it before the next morning he would absolutely endanger the loss of his life, and then I should not only be destitute of his help, but likewise loose my dearest friend, he was content to desist, but withal telling me that she did not doubt but the justness of my quarrel would make me able of myself to revenge such damned infidelity, that though he knew Hatton to be sufficiently valiant yet his treachery would cowardice his soul, and therefore I should not fear to attempt him single, that he had for many years been an intimate friend of Hatton's, but never knew him guilty of any falceness till now, which he (as well as I) had the charity to believe, proceeded rather from the enticements of Mariana's Uncle than his own spirit, hardly had he finished to speak to me when Hatton stepped into the Chamber, but seeing me there before him, retired with as much haste as he had entered with, only saying as he passed out, that he wondered he had received no answer from me, which I told him he should not much longer wait for, nor did he, for immediately I took Pen, Ink, and Paper, and by Spencer's advice, writ him as followeth.  
For Mr. George Hatton.  
SIR,  
THough I am now become your enemy, (for what reasons I know not) yet our former friendship might have engaged you to have declared in more civil language, I know not what pretences you may have to the beauteous Mariana, but you cannot but know that she is mine by Contract, nor have I (I think) given you any occasion to believe that I will let what Heaven hath bestowed upon me, be snatched away without endangering of my life, or forcing that Person, be he who he will that shall treacherously endeavour to deprive me of my only Happiness; I shall not fail therefore Sir to meet you at the appointed place, though without a second, for I am unwilling to engage friends in a business in which none but myself is concerned, though I could wish you would rather disclaim your unjust pursuit, and let us meet as we used to do, friends.  
Goodlake.  
This having sealed, I posted away to him by Mr. Spencer's Page, who immediately returned with an answer, that he was content to meet me single, and withal brought along with him a Ribbon, which we guessed to be the length of his sword, and I found it to be the just measure of mine. That night Spencer engaged me by all the loves between us, not to depart from him, till the morning I went to fight, so we passed away the most part of the night in discourses of Hatton's baseness, but concluding that the greatness of his estate had moved Mariana's Uncle to proffer her in marriage to him, and that her beauty and riches had been the motives to make him accept of the proffer. In the morning about five a clock I took a solemn leave of my dear friend, not knowing but it might be the last, (though that misery was reserved to a more unfortunate hour) who having poured forth his prayers for my good success, which (says he) I do not doubt will attend the justness of your cause, bid me adieu, and I fearing lest I had overslipped some minutes of the time, made haste to the appointed place, where I found my adversary ready to receive me, We both without speaking began to strip of our Doublets, and being now ready to encounter each other, he first broke silence, telling me that if I would resign up to him my interest in the beauteous Mariana, and set her free from all promises and contracts, I might live; otherwise his sword should force her from my heart: to which I replied, That he could not but know that I prized the enjoyment of my dear Mariana (for mine said I) I will in despite of you call her) far above my life, and therefore any proposition of parting with her rather than may dearest blood was vain and irrational, that I might with more reason persuade him to relinquish pursuit of that to which he had nor could pretend any right to: To this he made no other reply, but that we came not then thither to talk but do, and therewith made a desperate pass at me, but it was my fortune to put by his point, and before he could recover himself to give him a mortal thrust into the right side, at which he fell, saying no more than go now and enjoy the price of my blood they Mari-a-na- I must confess I was sorry when I saw him fall, for I would not willingly have killed kim, hoping he might yet have been persuaded to desist further pursuit of his love, and have proved as true a friend as at first he had been, but seeing that his wound was past remedy, 'twas in vain for me to stay and lament him, but rather study my own safety, having therefore wrapped his body in his Cloak, I took my Horse from the hedge where I had tied him, and with all speed galloped to tell Spencer what I had done, he at first expressed a great deal of sorrow for the so sudden death of one that was once his friend, but you tell me no more (says he) than what I expected, and think he deserved, so that we have more reason to lament his folly then his death, but however (continued he) the strict Laws lately made against duelling will hardly admit of such defensory excuses, and though he might fall justly by your sword, yet the power of his friends will endanger your life, let me therefore advise you to make all possible speed out of England, and because I know not how your slender fortunes may have furnished you, let me beg of you to accept this (taking down a little Cabinet from the Bed's head, and giving it me) as token of my love, which if I live and have the happiness to know where you reside, I shall be most highly obliged if you admit me to supply farther, otherwise, if I die I shall dedicate some of my last breath to the remembrance of our friendship, I could not tell what to answer to so noble and generous a friend, but distilling some tears out of grief, that I was forced to depart from him, I let him by those silent showers know how much I prized his goodness, and that the gratitude of my soul was greater than my tongue could express, having therefore kissed him again and again, and poured forth ten thousand Prayers for his health, as he did for my good success; we sorrowfully bid farewell, and I taking Horse rid with all speed possible to the Sea Coast, where finding a Ship going with fresh supplies of provisions to the English-Souldiers in Holland I embarked myself on her, and in seven days we came to Vlishing, whence I travelled to the Hague, and there changing my name to Love-ill listed myself a Soldier, to recount to you Noble Spinola any passages of this war, were but to give you a dark and blind repetition of a thing which yourself already know most perfectly: I confessed (said Spinola) I have from my Father and other friends, besides some small experience of my own, received an exact relation of those wars, nor must I now forget that I have often heard him mention you as a Person, who of all the English Captains, behaved yourself with most courage and nobleness; I confess (continued Goodlake) I was in a small time of being there, more by the partial favour of the English General, than any desert of mine, commissioned Captain of a Foot Comp●ny, and such a Company as had they had a Captain equal, either in Courage or experience to the meanest of them, might have performed wonders. But to return to my said story, my dear Mariana sadly lamented my loss and absence, and would herself, had she not been so narrowly watched by her Uncle, have adventured to have found me, but yet was she not by reason of my absence so closely restrained from her liberty as formerly, so that we found ways, by means of my dear friend Spencer to keep a correspondence, for the generous Spencer still continued his nobleness to me in that high degree, that he not only seveveral times sent me supplies of money, but had expended great sums, and spent his whole stock of Interest at Court in endeavouring to procure me a pardon from the Queen, but it could not be blamed, nor would (such was the power of my adversaries friends) ever have been granted, had not my fortune, and the resolution and courage of my Company, rather than any personal valour of mine, allotted me to be the first, that upon storming the Brill, entered the Citadel, I have (said Spinola interrupting him) heard many gallant Persons descant upon that action, and they have generally concluded it an act rather of desperation than prudence, there being little to be said in justification of it, but only that it prospered; I speak not this, continued Spinola, of your particular assault, (for that being pursuant to command, demonstrated you truly valiant) but to the action in general; 'Tis very true, (said Goodlake) it was so esteemed by many understanding Soldiers, but however it might be in itself, sure I am it proved fortunate to me, for by it I got that pardon, which for so many years before I had sued for in vain; You may easily imagine my dear friend, that I had after seven or eight years' banishment a great desire to see again my native Country, but a far greater to see my beloved Mariana (who still for my sake continued a Virgin) and my dear friend Spencer; I therefore having with very small entreaty obtained leave of the General, to pass over to England, embarked myself at Rotterdam, and Favente Neptuno arrived in two days at Dover, where my earnest desire to see my friends, made me stay no longer than I could provide myself with Horses to post towards them, which diligent care soon found, and unwearied speed made me the next day in the evening, to arrive at the House of my generous and noble friend Spencer, where without further Ceremonies I entered, and surprised him in a sad and serious discourse with his Sister, and some other Ladies, but little did I think that that grief which I saw, had overshadowed their visages, did so much concern me, my dear Spencer immediately came running towards me and embracing and kissing me ten thousand times congratulated my safe arrival, at length to my Native soil and friends, but yet me thought that his countenance was somewhat clouded, and not so serene and complacent as I had formerly known it, besides I observed that there were, whilst I was renewing (as it were) my friendship with Spencer, strange whisper among the Ladies, and that their former bemoanings were turned into a dumb silence, me thought this boded something extraordinary but what to think I could not tell, nor did I at all imagine that it had so nearly concerned me, till having saluted the Ladies, I desired them to make me partaker of their sorrows, by knowing the cause of them, alas Sir, said one of them, our sorrow (if there be any here whose looks or other jesture may make you deem them sorrowful) is no other than what is caused either by the dulness of the weather, or some unknown reason which we cannot be sensible of, Alas Madam, said I, your goodness must pardon me, if I do yet believe, that so great a dejection of spirit, (as I perceive in this whole company) must necessarily proceed from some greater occasion than the dulness of the weather, which to me seems pleasant, unless (said I) I be that unknown reason from whence it doth proceed, and turning thereupon to Mr. Spencer, whose visage testified more discontent than any other; I told him, that he had not formerly used to receive me with such a show of grief and sadness, and therefore desired him to let me know the occasion, for otherwise I should be enforced to believe that some malicious Person had scandalised me to him, and possessed him with such things as might make him think I had justly forfeited his former friendship which if so, I desired to know my crime and accusers, that I might confess and crave pardon, or right myself; Hereupon with many vows he protested there was no such thing, that I was as high in his good opinion, and that he esteemed my friendship as much if not more, as ever that his present melancholy and dejectedness proceeded from he knew not what inward cause which had likewise poured its influence upon the whole Company, This though it little satisfied me, yet I was forced to conform my humour to theirs, for I could not persuade them from you, and indeed I who had the most reason to be sad knew no cause for it, till Bedtime being come my dear Spencer accompanying me to my Chamber, I began more seriously to examine why he who was always wont to be of a jovial temper, had now so utterly banished mirth from his soul, especially at my arrival, Oh my dear friend (said he fetching withal a deep sigh) since I must tell you the cause which I would not do, did I not know you a Person who could absolutely command your passions; know that the very sight of you increased my sorrow, for your sake did I first conceive it, and you are the only Person in the World it most concerns. I was somewhat startled to hear him say so, and what is it (said I in some passion) can make me so miserable that you should thus have cause to grieve for me? is Mariana turned inconstant? and hath she now I am come home fraught with full hopes to enjoy her, plighted her faith unto another? It cannot sure be, oh no, (replied he) she continued constant to you even to her last; to her last? (said I) and is she then dead? oh Heavens! what cursed stars was I born under, thus to conspire to make me miserable for ever? Well Mariana since after so many delays I candiot enjoy thee living, I will follow thee to ●●eath; and therewith drew my sword, intending to have pierced my bosom, but was hindered by my too pitiful friend; and what (says he) though Mariana was (whilst living) your only comfort, what comfort will it be to you to follow her in death, where you can have no further hopes of conversing, whilst her constant and innocent soul is fled to Heaven, when yours, blacked with that hideous crime of self murder, must necessarily be hurried to a blacker region. Live, live, and live, so that since the fates have denied you to enjoy each other here, you may enjoy eternal Society hereafter, I could not tell how or what to answer him, but throwing myself into the Bed, I lay there (and Spencer by me) for he would not trust me alone lamenting my misery, in such sort, that before morning I had contracted a most violent burning Fever, which I wished heartily might have carried me to my grave, and it had answered my hopes (notwithstanding all the care of Physicians) had not the sweet converse of the generous Spencer been more effectual than all their Potions, here it was (during my sickness) that he and I contracted an indissoluble knot of friendship, so firm that nothing but a most cruel and perverse fate could have ever parted us; Just at those words, came a servant to acquaint Spinola that a Messenger from the Senate attended to speak with him, which he desired to do with all speed, the business as he said being of great importance, He therefore craving excuse of Captain Goodlake for his forced al●● sense, with promise immediately to return, we●● into his Palace where in the great Hall he found the Messenger attending him, who brought him not only letters but an express command to repair immediately to Genova, having dispatched the Messenger, and perused his letters, he returns into the Arbour to Captaln Goodlake, whom he finds sitting with his eyes fixed on the ground according to his accustomary melancholy posture, but raising himself up at his approach, was about to continue his story when he was stopped by Spinola's telling him; that at the earnest entreaty of the Mantuan Ambassadors the Duke and Senate of Genova had granted one thousand Horse, and two thousand Foot to the Duke of Mantua to assist him in his present wars against his too potent enemy the Duke of Ferrara, whereof they had thought fit, for what deserts of his he knew not to nominate him General, to which charge he was ordered immediately to repair; That though he durst not presume to desire his Company in those Wars, yet he would willingly to gain it, could he be dispensed with by the Senate, surrender to him his place of General, and accompany him in what inferior rank he should think him worthy of, but since the place of General was conferred on him by the Senate (who used not to entrust any strangers with the chief command of their Forces) and could not therefore be disposed of by him, yet he desired that if his spirit inclined him yet to the Wars, he would be pleased to accept of being Lieutenant General of his Horse, and next Person in command to himself; The offer was so generous that Captain Goodlake could not refuse it, though he would not at first seem to accept it, but rather desired he might attend him as a private Person till overcome by Spinola's importunities, he undertook the charge, though as he told him that being a stranger he could not but expect the envy and hatred of many gallant Persons of his Nation who might themselves justly aspire to that employment, and think themselves wronged if a stranger were therein preferred before them; To which Spinola replied that he doubted not but to find such gallant behaviour in him, as would make him above the envy of the proudest Genoveses, Goodlake thanked him for his good opinion of him, but the business requiring haste, they left off farther compliments, and the Captain being furnished with Horse and attendants by the generous Spinola, they set forward together towards Genova, but in their way, and not half a mile from the City, they might see their small Army both Horse and Foot ready drawn up to attend the coming of their Commander, who having first well viewed them, and then recommended Goodlake as a Person whom he had thought fit to appoint their Lieutenant General, and they upon his commendations received him with great applause, he ordered them to march and take up their quarters towards the borders of Mantua's Country, and himself in two day's time following them overtook them at Friuli, a little Town in that Duke's Territory, not ten miles from which between four and five thousand Savoyards (who were come to the assistance of the Duke of Ferrara, and had by treachery taken a Castle belonging to the Flaminij a noble Family of the Mantovess) were encamped, upon these by the advice of Goodlake, the noble Spinola resolves to give the first assault, and therefore advancing from Friuli in the dark of the night lodges his Army within a mile of the enemy, intending about break of day to fall in upon them at unawares, but they having advice by their Scouts, had drawn out into an advantageous ground ready to receive them, yet that not at all abated Spinola's courage, but having given the charge of the right wing of Horse to Goodlake, and of the left to Segr. Alexandro justiniani, himself commanding the body, began the fight about break of day, which continued doubtful (the Savoyards being more in number then the Genoveses) for about two hours, till Captain Goodlake first, and after him justiniani having broken both the wings of Horse, the battle clearly showed itself on the Genoveses side, for Captain Goodlake having left sufficient numbers to pursue the enemies scattered left wing, and make good what he had gained with a select party of Horse, came flying to the succour of the noble Spinola, who was somewhat oppressed, for the Savoy infantry being both more numerous and better experienced Soldiers then the Genovese had gained ground of them from the very beginning of the fight, and were now ready to put them to a total rout, when Captain Goodlake falling into the rear of the enemy's infantry turned the scale so, that those who before were ready to fly were now pursuers for the Savoyards; Seeing themselves deserted by their own Horse on both sides, were no longer able to bear the brunt, but confusedly breaking their ranks, either ran away or yielded themselves to mercy; Yet a small party of them resolutely maintained the Field till justiniani coming in likewise with a party of Horse, and they now seeing nothing but the visage of ghastly deaths, presented, threw down their arms, and cried for quarter. Thus was the whole force of Savoy, which came to the assistance of the Duke of Ferrara, either totally dispersed or taken Prisoners, and the generous Spinola having loaded Captain Goodlake and justiniani with the honour of that day's victory to pursue his good fortune, immediately advanced with his Army to the Siege of the Castle of Flaminii, a place accounted almost impregnable both for its situation and fortification, and won only by the Savoyards golden bullets shot into the purse of the treacherous Governor, before it he sits down, resolving that if he could not by force yet by starving he would gain it before he parted, but gallant Goodlake not approving such delatory proceedings (things natural to the Italian) with much entreaty persuaded him to play his batteries, though against the opinion of most Commanders in the Army, who alleged that it was impossible with Bafilisco's, much less with their small artillery to move those impenetrable walls, that should they make a breach, yet there was so great a power in the Castle both of officers Soldiers fled in the late defeat, that it would be impossible to assault it, or having assaulted to carry it; That their own numbers within would soon consume them, and give them an easy victory, but Spinola waved all the reasons of his other Commanders to comply with the Council of his English Lieutenant General, who used no other argument to persuade him then that by how much greater the danger, by so much more glorious would the conquest be, so the Artillery incessantly played upon the Castle for two days and nights, which not only terrified the Defendants, but about the evening of the second day made a considerable breach in the wall, which the next morning Captain Goodlake with a choice party assaulted, and after two repulses from his resolute enemies entered, and left room for the rest of the Army to follow him, who rather expected to have ransomed his body to burial, then to have followed his steps so easily into a place by them thought impregnable. Here it was that Spinola being received in at the Castle Gates, began with astonishment to admire Goodlake's valour, and to tell him that whatever honour the Genoveses had gained by these exploits, ought justly to be transferred upon him, and therefore desired him to accept of the government of that Castle which being a frontier, could not be put into more trusty and valiant hands, but Goodlake taking little notice of his extravagant praises, (as he called them) desired first to be excused from that employment, as delighting more in field actions, then to be immured between walls: He than presented him the Prisoners he had taken in the Castle, desiring his mercy for them, and that they might have liberty to return to their own Country; to which Spinola replied, That though it was not the usual custom of the Italians to be so merciful to their enemies, yet for his sake (whom he found endowed with as much compassion as valour) he was ready to yield to their release, and therefore he commanded that they might have liberty to depart; but compliments being passed over, care was taken to refortifie the Garrison, during which time Spinola received Orders from the Duke of Mantua to lodge there with his Army, because he had received advice, that the Duke of Savoy was with all speed raising a second Army to regain that honour which the first had lost, that he thought no Men were fitter to combat the second than those who had been victorious over the first, that for his own Forces he thought them of strength enough to engage Ferrara's Duke. This idleness, though it displeased Spinola, robbing him as he thought of some glory, yet was pleasant to him again, because he had now the opportunity to desire Goodlake to continue the story of his misfortunes which he readily assented to; and pursued thus.   

The Loves of SPENCER AND The Magnanimous Maid.  
MOST noble friend, what I before told you of myself in particular, was only as an Introduction to the story of a Person whose strange variety of fortunes, will certainly both delight and afflict you, it is the worthy Spencer, whom I'm sure you remember to have often heard me mention in the relation of my private misfortunes, as my dearest friend, a Person he was born of a noble Family, and enjoyed an estate suitable to his blood, nor were his qualities any other than such as might make him esstemed by all, his friendship indeed was the only thing that revived my spirits, which would else certainly have drooped for the loss my beloved Mariana, he often protesting that he would be an ●ther Mariana to me, and that it should be my fault if ever our friendships were severed or disturbed; who would not have rejoiced in so noble a friend, or who would not lament the loss of him, oh heavens! the very thoughts of it confound my senses; (at these words he seemed to be in a great confusion, which made the generous Spinola desist from interrupting him in breathing forth his passion, till again recollecting himself he continued) The time of my recovery after my violent Fever for the loss of my dear Mariana, was at the same instant, that an Army was levying to make assault upon Fiall, in which (when the thrice noble Earl of Essex was declared General) many of the Gentry of England listed themselves as Reformadoes to accompany so gallant and worthy a Person: I have indeed heard much (said the generous Spinola interrupting him) of the prowess and valour of that renowned Person, which makes it a riddle both to me, and indeed to all the World, how he should since by the malice of his enemies be reduced to so much misfortune, 'tis very true, continued Goodlake, and I have often heard the Queen's judgement highly taxed in throwing him so easily from her favour, but he was then (continued he) in his glory, and accounted so gallant a pattern for the English youth, both of the Gentry and Nobility to follow, that they strove to emulate one another who should show himself most ready to serve him, amongst the rest my noble friend Spencer engaged himself to wait upon him in this gallant enterprise, and that intimate friendship which we had now contracted, made me rather choose to quit my command in the low Countries, than my friend whom I was resolved nothing but death should rob me of; nor was he conscious of less: eso●utions on his part, but being acquainted with my determination to accompany him with most affectionate embraces told me, that he should be by me of all Men most happy, having so faithful and trusty a friend to be a Spectator and guide of his actions, which would provoke him to those noble attempts which want of skill and experience might otherwise detain him from; I returned him a thanks suitable to the honour he did me in those expressions, withal desiring him that we might make all speed possible to Plymouth, for there the whole Fleet was to randevouze, lest by delay (the confluence of the Gentry to attend upon the General in this voyage being so great) we should be deprived of those accommodations, which other wise we might enjoy, he highly approved my motion, so in three days having provided ourselves of all necessaries fitting, we set forward, but at our arrival at Plymouth found not the Fleet in so great readiness as we expected, but that we might have taken more time to have given Congee to our friends and acquaintance, yet being now there we thought it a vanity to return, lest so many Ceremonies with them might in the end hinder us of our intended voyage, so in that Town we provided ourselves with such lodging as we could get, resolving with patience to attend the motion of the Fleet, whilst in the mean time the same of a most beauteous Virgin, who though but of mean Parents, being but a Tanner's Daughter of Somersetshire, and at present Servant at a Tavern in that City) was for her excellent and most bewitching features, but above all for her sweet and modest carriage, which seemed to show somewhat of nobleness in her beyond her birth or present condition, styled the glory of the West) invited us (out of curiosity to see her) to go and repast ourselves one afternoon at her Master's house, whether the same drew many more Customers than we, I confess at the first report of her (which was to all men's seeming given somewhat extravangantly) I did believe her fair, but not such a wonder of beauty as she was represented, but when I came to see her, me thought she had somewhat in her that resembled my dead Mariana, and so far exceeded the report I had heard of her, that had not the remembrance of her restrained me, I had certainly been taken with her, but the snare I escaped my dear friend Spencer fell into, for having by some experience made proof of the sweetness of her disposition, observed her noble yet modest carriage, he was so passionately affected with her, that nothing but enjoyment could satisfy his desires, for they were not yet come to that pitch of love as to think of marrying one so much beneath him both in birth and fortunes; You will wonder noble friends that I trouble your ears with this relation of a Person of so low condition, but when you shall have heard the full progress of their loves, you will find that which will both delight and content you; no means, did my dear Spencer leave unassayed by promises, gifts, courtships, or whatever else can or might endear Man to Woman, to accomplish his desires; but so impregnable did he find the rock of her chastity, though she seemed likewise to express a very great affection for him, but that with such a modesty as became her birth and the difference of their fortunes; In sum, after he had made a tedious trial of her honesty, and endeavoured but all in vain to blast her honour, he resolves with himself to marry her, and to me imparts his resolutions, I was surprised to hear him speak so much below himself, and what then said I, will you now leave this glorious enterprise wherein you have engaged yourself, and whereon your eternal honour may depend to tie yourself here at home to a Person so much beneath you in birth and fortunes, a Tanner's Daughter, a Tavern Servant, one who perhaps only sensible of the passion wherein you burn for her, counterfiets a chastity to you whilst in this public place she prostitutes herself to others, Do not (says he in extremity of passion) profane so much goodness, my very soul tells me she is all virtue, nor can I think but my gifts and promises which I believe have been greater than any others would tempt her were her spotless virtue to be corrupted, In sum says he, should the General himself but tell me she were vicious, I would make him feel the point of my sword, which I shall as readily draw in defence of her honour, as of my own life; therefore by the inviolable friendship contracted between us let me beg you to desist, from further mentioning her birth, or blemishing her fame, for my ears are not capable of hearing any other sound, then that she is fair and virtuous; to which I (seeing him so resolute) replied, that what I spoke, was but the advice of a true and cordial friend, who prized his honour as my own, but since I found him so absolutely determined in his love to Bess Bridges, (for so was that fair Maid called) I would not only desist to persuade him from it, but assist him what I could in it, but withal advising to make some farther trial of her, and not point blank to marry her, for he might easily be sensible how great a blemish it would be to his honour, if she should afterwards be found trainted: He was so rejoiced to hear these comfortable words of mine, (for so he termed them) that clapping his arms about my neck, and kissing me, oh now says he, I know thou art my friend indeed, but how is it possible (says he) that I can make trial of her farther, the Fleet being almost ready to depart, and no excuse can I in honour make to stay here when they are gone, you must venture that Sir, (said I) it may be before the departure of the Fleet somewhat may happen, which may give you occasion both to make trial of her love and honesty, but little did I think when I spoke those words, that such a fatal occasion would happen indeed, as there did soon after, for my Spencer continuing his wont visits to his beloved Elizabeth, it happened one day that some Gallants desiring the sight of her, (for as I told you Sir before, 'twas her same drew Company to the House) and she not being permitted by Spencer to go to them, they with a boisterous rudeness, not only forced into our room, but in a most uncivil manner began to abuse her mean birth and present state, which so enraged her Spencer, that by a desperate thrust he deprived one of them of the further use of his tongue, for having now used it so lavishly, his two friends▪ seeing him fall easily, gave us way to make an escape to our lodging, which was pretty private, whether being come, Spencer in an excess of passion throws himself upon the Bed, laments his hard fortune, curses his stars, and in a desperate manner, would have attempted his own death, had not I prevented him, yet could not all the arguments I could use, assuage his extreme grief, for how (says he) can you speak me a word of comfort, who am reduced to this miserable condition, for my inconsiderate rashness has not only burdened me with the black stain and guilt of murder, and hath laid me open to an ignominious death, but that which above all grieves me, forces me to lose the presence of a love so fair, so sweet, so good, so chaste, so virtuous that the World cannot parallel her, oh Goodlake tell me not then of comfort; Alas Sir (said I) 'tis true you have laid yourself open to all these inconveniences, but yet the way eat them or at least remedy them is not this, immoderate grief, if you stay here the law as you say will very speedily pursue you, and what comfort will it be for you to see me die with you, could I die for you, I should let the World and you know and see how willingly and undauntedly I would sacrifice my life for so good a friend, come Sir cheer up your spirits, there may yet be remedies to all these miseries, fly and secure yourself; Fly and secure myself (said he) why that is my greatest misery that I must be forced to do so, and leave my love behind me; That may be but for a short time (said I) remember that others (my self) have been made subject to the same frowns of adverse fortune, let those arguments of yours which were too powerful for me to gainsay the flying from my dear Mariana, now prevail with you, besides (said I) you have now an occasion offered to make trial of your Love's fidelity, and whether she be worthy those attributes which you are pleased to give her. And art thou still doubtful of her virtue? (said he, raising himself from the Bed) thou shall see me make such trial of her constancy, as shall make thee declare her worthy not only of mine, but of the love of the greatest Prince in Europe, but alas! (continued he) how do we feed ourselves with fancies? how is it possible that we should either speak with, or send to her, for that trouble not yourself, (said I) but give me your ring and I will undertake to rid you of that care, he immediately slipped it of his finger, and I having before sent his Boy for one Mr. Forset, a Gentleman of whose approved fidelity I had often had experience in the Netherlands, he just at that instant entered the Chamber, to whom I gave a full relation of our sad disaster, entreating him first to provide the best Horses he could procure in the Town, and having left them at an appointed place in the Road to Foy, a Haven Town in the west of England, where one squadron of our Fleet lay under the command of that famous Cavalier Sir Walter Raleigh, to go with that Ring to Bess Bridges, and acquaint her with that the owner of it expected her at the place appointed where we would not fail to meet her in the dusk of the evening which then approached; He performed all things according to our wish, for when we came thither we found Horses ready both for ourselves and our men, and scarce had we looked upon them, but in came Forset & Bess Bridges loaden with gold, for so noble a spirit had this virtuous Maid far above her birth, and education, that she did not only desert her Lover in this his extreme necessity, but likewise brought him fifty pieces out of her own stock (besides one hundred which he had left in her custody) fearing least (being far from his Friends and Country) he might be surprised and taken before he could send for money to facilitate his escape, we left the two Lovers to take their leaves, which was done with that affection as those who are true Lovers indeed, are only able to be judges of, and Spencer having returned (her with many applauses of her fidelity, and vows never to be any others then hers) both her fifty pound given her the hundred pound she had in custody, consigned over to her his Trunks with things of very rich value, and allotted her a House in Foy part of his possessions to live in till his return, but especially recommending his picture to her which she vowed to keep during her life, and given he● a strict charge, that as she had hitherto maintained herself chaste and virtuous in despite of the scandals, and to the envy of the World, so she would for the future conserve her honour as a jewel more precious than beauty or riches, took a sad farewell of her. And we immediately Horsing, rad with all speed possible to Foy, where we arrived next morning early, just at the nick of time that the Fleet had order to sail, so immediately getting aboard the Admiral, we to our thinking bid adieu to the English shore, for longer time than we were absent from it, for we were by an unhappy accident forced again to visit it sooner than we thought for, our Squadron having joined with the rest of the Fleet, had scarce got forty leagues from our beloved Country, when a hideous and dreadful tempest from the Northwest assailed us with so much fury, that we were not able to bea●e up our sails against it, whilst a thick and black mist surrounded us, taking away all light, but what the terrible flashes of lightning afforded, the Sky with horrible thunder, and the troubled Sea with boisterous whirling storms beating the billows against the Ship with dreadful noise, wrought so fearfully for the space of four days, that the very Mariners themselves were abashed, the Soldiers affrighted, and the Fleet dispersed, not without very great danger recovered the Coast, where being come, though others were glad of their safety, yet Spencer grew melancholy, fearing the danger he was in, should he be discovered, but fortune was so favourable unto us, that our Ship could not reach Plymouth, so we put into Falmouth the very uttermost part of England, yet not very far distant from Foy, where Spencer had enjoined his beloved Bess Bridges to reside in an House of his own, for no small parcel of his estate lay thereabouts, yet though he was so nigh he durst not adventure either to go or send to her, lest some sinister accident might discover him (for it was given out that he had deserted the Fleet and was fled another way) and so his covetise to have but one short sight of her, might deprive him both of her and his life together, yet she hearing of the Fleet, being driven back, and that the Ship which only she and Forcet knew, he was embarked upon, was put into Falmouth, not being able to restrain her passion, was more adventurous than he, but withal cautious, and therefore recommended to the care of Forcet (whom she knew faithful) a few lines to this purpose.  
The Unworthy Bess Bridges To the worthy and Noble SPENCER.  
THough I dare not call that passion which your so often professed affection to me hath made me burn withal, Love, whilst I know such a disparity of our births and fortunes, yet your obligations to me are so great that they enforce me to think myself bound to acknowledge it a duty I owe to your worth and goodness, which no danger or hazard whilst not yours shall restrain me from tendering; accept but it and the continual Orisons by me poured up for your safety, as a token of the gratitude I owe your bounties, and it shall be not only a satisfaction but a glory to her whose life and death are in your hand and at your service.  
Forcet having received this Letter from her with further instructions what he should say, fled on the wings of friendship to Falmouth, and in less than a day's time got aboard our Ship; should I tell you (noble Spinola) with what joy he was received by Spencer, or with what affection he enquired after the health of his beloved Mistress, you would think I hyperbolized, for it certainly exceeded all passions that the most ensnared Lover was ever yet sensible of, but being briefly informed by him of all things to his utmost content, he addressed himself to return an answer to her Letter, which he did in these words.  
SPENCER, To the Glory of the West.  
HOW ever worthy I may seem to you, yet I find myself so much unworthy to be accounted, so by so much beauty and virtue, that I dare not accept of any such thing as you style Duty, for I shall never live happy till you change that (to me) harsh dialect, and call your passion Wit; I find in me to be sincere Love, which if you will but once profess to preserve with so assured a constancy as I vow to you, I shall not only think that my Tutelar Angel and Guardian of my safety, but esteem myself of all men most blessed.  
Having recommended this Letter with innumerable loves to his dear Mistress to Foreet, and taken Congee of him, he retired himself to to his cabin, and spent the most part of that night in melancholy cogitations and lamentatitions of his misery that he was forced to depart from one who so much loved him and was so much beloved of him; when the next morning those thoughts were broke off by the noise the Mariners made, which gave him and me notice the Fleet was again departing, wherefore getting up, we found ourselves already under sail with a prosperous gale, which for some days we were favoured with, but being come into the Bay of Biscaia were the second time encountered with a violent storm, though not so terrible as the first, yet by it we lost the main yard of our ship which forced Raleigh with his Squadron to stay behind the General, and thereby lose him the opportunity of burning the Spanish Fleet in Faroll, but having mended our yard, we made all possible speed we could after Essex who had steered his course to Fiall, but coming there before him, and being distressed for fresh water, perceiving likewise from aboard ship that the inhabitants were packing up their goods to fly, and that the Haven was commodious to land in, without staying longer for the General we landed four miles from the Town, and having routed a party of Spaniards which came thither to oppose us, we entered the City, which we found destitute of inhabitants; I should not trouble you Sir with a relation of this enterprise which was so publicly known, if it were not to hint to you that this very action did contribute much to the fall of that Gallant Essex, who being seduced by some evil Counsel as to believe that Raleigh had made this attempt only to rob him of his glory, and accused that he had in contempt of him and his authority broken the discipline war by landing without the consent of the Commander in chief, which Essex greedy of glory, and sensible of ambitious mind and ill affection towards him, easily believed, and though he were one of the three Commanders of the Fleet, publicly checked him and cashired several Captains his friends and favourites, whereby he contracted to himself an enemy, who had not the least hand in his ruin and destruction: This Town we kept near upon two months, Spencer beginning by action and absence to shake off his Love Melancholy, so that we jovially passed away the days, till about the time of our departure there happened an accident which of all but one that I ever felt most afflicted me, as we were walking together without the walls of the Town, we espied two Captains earnestly disputing & each challenging the other to have basely robbed him of his honour got in the skirmish with the Spaniards, when my dear friend Spencer perceiving that from words, they began to draw their swords, ran in unto them, and by persuasions endeavoured to draw them from such rash encounters, telling them that before they yet went home they might chance ●●nd enemies enough to employ their valours on, ●nd not destructively wield their swords to one another's ruin; That that which they accounted courage, was nothing but a desperate folly, fitter to be practised by Beasts than Men. but they being deaf to all wholesome persuasions, and not at all giving ear to what he advised them, began desperately to foine at one another, when Spencer extending his piety so far, as to endeavour the parting of them, received a wound (to all our apprehensions) and his own too) mortal; I was en●●raged to see that he should so suffer for his too much goodness, and was ready to have revenged ●his wrong, had he not charged me by all ties of friendship to desist from any such attempt, and withal advised the two Captains to take care of their own safety, which generous offer of his they (having first expressed their sorrow, for having unwillingly abused his too noble spirit) accepted, and left me alone with my (to my best apprehension) dying friend, who I endeavoured by all means to comfort in this his last condition; nor was he of himself uncomfortlesse, but rather seeming not at all dejected, bid welcome to his death, which he confessed a just revenge of his having so rashly and suddenly slain the Gentleman at Plymouth; this was the sum of his discourse to himself whilst I was busied in binding up his wound, which bled so fast, that I was fearful that if perchance the wound might happen not to be mortal, yet the too violent effusion of blood might deprive him of his life, and so it almost had, for notwithstanding my endeavours (which though they were the utmost I could do, were but poor in themselves) he was in a manner absolutely fainted away before I could get any assistance to help me carry him to the town, but at length before he was quite spent, there came in three or four Soldiers, running not so much to assist him as to seize me for his murder, for they no sooner arrived at us, but they began violently to lay hands upon me, so that to have freed myself from their causeless gripes, I had like to have committed that upon some of them which I was falsely supposed to have done upon Spencer, and their rudeness (for so I interpreted that) had assuredly been the cause of my sending some of them to their eternal mansion, had not one who seemed to have some influences over the rest, commanded them to desist from further oppressing me, and withal told me that my opposing myself against their numbers, would not only prove a piece of desperation rather than valour, but would likewise increase my guilt; I forced him to stop at that word guilt, for I wondered I must confess extremely what he meant by it, and therefore earnestly pressed him to tell me from whence such discourses might proceed; from whence (said he) can you imagine, but from the death of that Gentleman (pointing to Spencer;) I was more amazed then before to hear him say so, yet had less cause; for I now supposed that the two Captains fearing lest I should not be so generous as to make good my Spencer's promise to them, and engagement of me not to reveal them, had resolved (hoping him absolutely dead) by this stratagem to take away my life, and so the better acquit themselves; in which imaginations I had almost broken that tie of friendship wherein Spencer had bound me not to disclose them, and revealed them as the actors of that Tragedy, but recollecting myself, and observing that the Gentleman had taken notice of my discomposure, and still expected what answer I would make to his charge; I told him, That by what he had said, I might easily guess that they were come thither to apprehend me for the supposed murder of that Gentleman, that I was very well content to yield myself his prisoner, though I were innocent of the least thought of such an action, which without the prosecution of the Law I should sufficiently demonstrate by putting in execution my resolve not long to outlive him, That I had yet some hopes that his wound was not mortal, but that the great effusion of blood had brought him into that weak condition, out of which some care might perhaps bring him at least for so long time as that he might clear me, for though (said I) I am resolved to follow him in death, I would not willingly do it with the aspersion of being his murderer; and therefore I craved the assistance of some of those that attended him to carry the body of my dear friend into the town, where we might have the help of some Surgeon, not only to bring him again to those senses which he had lost with excess of bleeding, but likewise to give judgement upon the wound, and if pssible effect his cure: The Gentleman very readily assented to what I desired, and having commanded some of those that were there, to take up the body with all tenderness possible, and others to guard me (though I told him it was unnecessary, for I would not fly from the body of my so dear friend, unless it were to find out some death) we soon reached the town, and as soon after by the help of a Chirurgeon belonging to a Merchant's ship then in the Road, my dear friend recovered his senses, and lifting up his eyes (not knowing well where he was) he was a good while silent, till espying me; And art thou there my dear Goodlake (said he) have the fates been so happy then as to permit me once again to see thee before I die? then are my joys complete, and I shall willingly yield myself into the jaws of death, if that cruel Tyrant will but give me so much time as to lay some commands upon you, which I shall enjoin you to be true to; these words and his relation that endeavouring to part two persons strangers to him, he by chance from one of their swords received that fatal wound, acquitted me in all men's judgements, so the guard was dismissed, but the Gentleman who commanded them would have stayed longer, had not there at that instant come in a messenger, who acquainted him that all persons whatsoever belonging to the Fleet, were by the General commanded immediately to repair to their several ships upon pain of death, for the Fleet was even ready to set sail, whereupon having wished me all happiness, and Spencer the recovery of his health, he took his leave, and I having waited on him forth, and returned him a due thanks for his civility, made haste in again to enjoy alone the company of my dear friend, whom I found in a manner even ready to give up the ghost, his faintness having again seized him, yet at sight of me he seemed somewhat comforted, and rearing himself up in the bed, told me that he had several commands to lay upon me, which he would conjure me by all the ties of friendship, by all the obligations he had upon me, by his last dying words punctually to obey; O Lord! sir, (said I) think not that I have or can have any power to obey any command whatsoever, except it be to follow you in death; but why should I talk of death since there is yet hopes that you may live, and I live happy in the enjoyment of your friendship; flatter not yourself (said he) with any such vain thoughts, for I find death to have even already seized me, but let me command you live, that since I must die I may rest in peace; since then (replied I) you think my life necessary to the quiet and rest of your soul, I shall endeavour to live, if it be but so long as till I fulfilled your injunctions, which be they what they will, I here protest by those indissoluble bonds of friendship which have been so often confirmed betwixt us inviolably to perform; here I stopped, expecting what he would enjoin me, but he first desired me to take out of his pocket a bundle of Papers wrapped up in a scroll of parchment, in which says he you will find my last Will and Testament; I according to his desire took out the bundle and, having found it out, what is your further command concerning this (said I) That Will (said he I confirm my last, therein thou wilt find that I have divided my whole estate between thee my dear friend, and my beloved Bess Bridges, but with this proviso, that if thou shalt find her in the least tainted, or to have falsified that faith wherewith she made herself mine, that five hundred pound per annum which I had resolved to estate her in, let me beg of thee likewise to accept, and in requital of it to obey these easy commands; First, That thou wilt restone this Ring to my beloved Bess, the last pledge she gave me of her faith, which if she have kept entire, will rejoice her heart, and ease it somewhat of grief for my death, if not, 'twill be a strong witness against her to condemn her as the most light, inconftant, and very woman, in the world; secondly, That if thoushalt find that she hath either broke her faith, or forfeited her honour, thou wilt not fail to take from her my picture, which how unworthy soever, is too good to be enjoyed or breathed on by one unchaste; and thirdly, that thou wouldst make what hast possible thou canst to the ship, lest thou lose the opportunity of this passage, and leave me to my fate, farewell; Farewell? (said I) O ye Heavens! and is Spencer then so unkind as to command me from him? this command doth more afflict me then when he bid me live; for without his presence I am but dead in my own conceit, but to be forced from him when he is even ready to render his soul to heaven, is worse than death! either (said I) command me not from you, or command me not to live: If (said Spencer) the peace of my mind were not concerned in your absence, I should be as unwilling to be deprived of you, as you seem willing to be deprived of you, as you seem willing to die for my sake; but since neither my dying desires, nor our former ties of friendship can work upon you to leave me, I must rest content, and as well as I can, pacify my spirits: Nay, now (said I) you are unjust, if my earnest love made me speak somewhat disgustful, what reason have you to blame me? I will go, but who shall then close up your dying eyes? who shall see you interred? what friend shall weep a tear upon your funeral hearse? must it be added to the rest of my torments, that I cannot perform the last duty of a friend to you? for that (said he) trouble not yourself, and add not your afflictions to the heap of my miseries, you are not the first that has lost a friend, but the first (replied I) that ever lost so faithful a friend, farewell, for I cannot stay here and obey your commands, farewell; that word parted us, for since his injunctions were so absolute, I thought it would but add to his grief, and perhaps hasten his death to stay longer, so having with a heavy heart given the Surgeon charge of him, and left him a sufficient number of crowns, I hastened on shipboard, having no desire now to live, but to obey his commands; being arrived on shipboard and under sail, we might hear the Great Bell of the City toul, which was as it were a sad Omen of that news I after heard, and which made me inquisitive into the cause of some Mariners, who having stayed too late, pursued the Fleet in a swift Fellucca, at length overtook us, who told me what my own fears predicted, that it was for one Spencer a Gentleman, and well known in the Fleet, who was just at their leaving the town, dead of a mortal wound; all these circumstances confirmed it was my dear friend, nor could I refrain so much my passions, but that overwhelmed with grief, I fell down upon the Deck, and had not the great care of my friends and acquaintance again revived me, I had been made incapable of ever performing the injunctions of my dead friend, yet what with their persuasions and the comfort I had of having some service to perform to his memory, I assuaged my grief, and began to bethink myself how I might carefully observe his commands, they were outwardly easy, but whosoever considers how close women are in their actions, will judge it a hard task to prove them unchaste, yet at length I bethought myself that Mr. Forcet the person who assisted us in our escape from Plymouth, might very possibly give me an account of the since carriage and deportment of Bess Bridges; he having expressed to me his intention of residing at Foy, where this Magnanimous Maid (for so when you have heard her gallant deportment, you will think her worthy to be called) was by her lover enjoined to live; to him therefore at my arrival (which was after a very short and prosperous voyage) I addressed myself, and easily persuaded him to give me the following Relation.   

The Continuation of the STORY OF THE Magnanimous Maid.  
COuld I dear friend (said he) summon up all those rhetorical Epithets, which have by the most famous and renowned wits been given to virtue or chastity, I might undertake before I entered into a story of her carriage and demeanour since your absence, and the absence of your worthy friend Spencer, to give you a character of this unparaleld Maid, but since that is impossible for me, i'll give you leave to judge by her actions how much she deserves applause above the thought of Man or reach of eloquence; No sooner had she recovered from the swound which she fell into at parting from her beloved Spencer, but she began to repeat what he had left her in charge, and first said she virtue and chastity, did then my Spencer doubt or mistrust me, oh no, 'twas love, 'twas love, and care of me (said she correcting herself) that made him give me that counsel, else why should he be so auxious and careful for my being, and surely would have been so for my well-being, my living chaste and virtuous, had it been in his power, to me then that remains which when I forgo, or make forfeit of my honour or faith to him plighted, let me not be thought unworthy of my Spencer, but to live upon the Earth, here she began again to lament her misfortune, which had made her so miserable as to be deprived of her Spencer, when she had but just been made sensible of his ardent love and affection to her, and had assuredly fell into a second swound, had not I endeavoured by all possible arguments to comfort her, and divert those thoughts, by putting her in mind of his charge, for her speedy removal to Foy, which she delayed no longer than the succeeding day, when making even accounts with her Master, and taking care to pack up those goods which were left her by Master Spencer, (but especially taking care to preserve his picture, which she kissed ten thousand times, with as much affection as if it had not been the dull representation, but her real living love,) she in very few days removed from Plymouth, and in as few more was settled at the Windmill in Foy, whither her same spread all over England, drew her such custom that she was the envy of all those of her Trade, I wonder (said Spinola interrupting his valiant Lord General) that Master Spencer being so much enamoured of her beauty and virtues, having an estate so great, and being a Gentleman of such quality, did not rather provide a private apartment, or habitation like a Gentlewoman, or at least a Person he thought worthy his affection, rather than expose her again to the public temptation of the World: (Your Objection answered) Captain Goodlake is no more than what I expected, and what I myself had very often made to himself, but could never get any farther reason of that action from him, then that thereby he should make the greater trial of her virtues: but in my judgement (replied Spinola) the trial was too hazardous of a Person whom he so entirely affected; You say true, (said Goodlake) but there is no disputing the reasons of past actions, especially such as spring from the private bosoms of particular Personages, but (continued he) to proceed in Forset's relation, amongst these many Guests (said he) there could not want some who would prove Suitors to such an excellent face, especially when they perceived that it was likewise embellished with virtue, and that set forth by no despicable estate, which the stock left her by Master Spencer had in small time acquire, amongst the rest there was one Master Hopton, a Gentleman of a very good Family, and great revenue in that Country, who for a long time laboured in her love, nor was he wanting to endeavour to force her to an acceptance of such presents as he would daily send, but such was the nobleness of her mind, that she would not accept of the price, where she could not make good the bargain expected, love, Nay so generous was she, that (contrary to the common humour of that Sex, who love not only to have many Suitors, but to lull them still on in hopes of their desires) she not permitting the poor Gentleman to languish in vain expectations of what he could never obtain, he had no sooner discovered his passion, but she plainly told him, that her love was not hers to give, being already disposed to one, with whom should she break her faith, she had just reason to suspect she should not only be abhorred by all Persons whatsoever, but especially by him who so earnestly solicited her to it, yet this answer did not at all satisfy my young Gallant, who with no less eagerness than before still pursued his suit, till finding by her continual repulses there was left no hopes of victory, he resolved upon travel, as the fittest cure for his lovesick mind, should I (said Forset) give you a particular account of all her Suitors, I should make the relation tedious, and spend as much time in it, as there was spent in their several actions, I shall therefore only particularise two more.  
But as Captain Goodlake was going forward in this story came a Messenger in, whose countenance betrayed the haste of what he had to deliver, yet so much breath had he lost by his violent running, mixed with fear, that a good while it was before the illustrious Spinola could make him deliver his message, which at length they understood to be caused by a sudden incursion of about five thousand Savoyards upon the Camp, for the Duke of Savoy incensed at the last defeat of his Forces, had with all possible speed raised another Army, and commanded them to march night and day, till they revenged their rout, and regained the honour lost by their Countrymen, these express Orders joined with the vigilancy of their General made them fly with such speed that they even like Caesar outwent the report of their coming, and (still in their way recruting themselves with such as either fled from the other Battle, or whom the charity of Spinola, at Captain Goodlake's request had released at the storm of the Castle) they were come within view of the Genovese Camp before they had (such was their security, and the negligence of the Scouts) any notice or advice of their coming, which sudden surprise had so much disordered them, that without speedy help they must necessarily fall into an inevitable ruin, this news extremely stratled the two valiant Captains, but not at all abated their wont courage, nor lessened in them the care to assist their distressed Camp, wherefore Spinola drawing out a selected party of Foot out of the Garrison, and Goodlake the like of Horse, they seemed to fly to the assistance of their friends, spurred on not only by their own innate valour, but by the earnest desire they had still to maintain, and keep alive that honour, which by the last Campagna they had so happily given birth to; Scarce were they come within sight of their almost scattered Troops, but their Soldiers having advice that their Generals were posting to their relief, began to encourage their fellows, and gathering together into several close battalious, first put a stand, to the pursuing fury of the Savoyards, this unexpected sight made their Commanders spur on more eagerly to the relief of those Soldiers, who so valiantly maintained their grounds and their Countries honour, whilst the Savoyards angry to see a stop put to their full hopes, and almost assurance of an absolute victory, pressed with more fury upon their Enemies, whose present valour they accounted but like the blaze of a dying Taper before its extinction, and indeed so it had proved, (notwithstanding the great care and valour of justiniano's, who resolutely adventured his Person amongst the thickest and most daring of his enemies, thereby to double the courage of his almost wearied Soldiers) had not Spinola and Goodlake come in with their opportune assistance, the first that arrived was Goodlake, who having wheeled about, fell into the Enemy's Flank with such a brave resolution, that at the first charge he put them into disorder, but such was their courage that (notwithstanding his advantage here, and that Spinola with his fresh supply of gallant infantry the Savoyards were forced to give some ground) spurred on with their confidence of victory that rather renewing then abating their fury, they continued the battle till the darkness of the night parted both Armies, and forced them to an unvoluntary retreat on both sides, the Genoveses being forced notwithstanding their gallant resistance, to yield so much of the victory to their enemies as to give them leave to pass freely into the Territory of the Duke of Mantua, and join with the Ferrarian Forces, which more grieved the generous Spinola, valiant Goodlake, and the noble justinino, than the wounds they had received in the battle, but finding it in vain to repine at their ill fortune, they thought it fitter to retire to the Castle to consult of Deeds then to rest there by helpless words to bemoan their ill success.  
THE END Of the First Part of the First Book.      

THE ENGLISH LOVERS: A ROMANCE.  


The Second Book.  
STrange was the passion that possessed the generous Spinola for the last days oversight, and willingly would he have thrown by all thoughts of redressing it, to have prosecuted his revenge on those by whose neglect it sprung, had not Goodlake persuaded him that it was now no time to think of punishments, but rather to consult of some means to redeem not the loss of honour, for he was sensible of no such thing, whilst though the enemy had gained the pass, they yet stood upon equal terms with them, but the regaining the advantage they had got, which might by a speedy pursuit easily be done, and they yet either driven out of the Mantouse Territories, or utterly cut off; that the whole Army seemed to him guilty of the yesterday neglect, and though some might seem more concerned than others, and according to the strict rule of Martial discipline, might deserve a severe punishment: yet in this pinch of necessary service required from them, it would seem a great deal better to pass it by, they now wanting rather encouragements to spur them on, than punishments of some few, to damp the courage of the rest. That he might easily discern by the Army's courage, and resolute endeavours by force, to regain what by want of care they had lost, that they were so really sorry for their negligence, that they were willing to expiate that crime with their bloods. That therefore he should lay aside all thoughts of rigour, and (only by some words making them ashamed of their fault) by a free pardon beget in them in a desire of amendment. Though the worthy Spinola was very sensible that this advice of his Lieutenant Generals was most seasonable, yet whether swayed by his passion, or out of inbred hate to that family, he would not rest satisfied till a Captain of the house of the Grimaldi's (who having that night the charge of the watch, was therefore thought most culpable) was called to answer the surprise, and assuredly his death had only sufficed to expiate his neglect, had not those great services he had often performed, the murmurs of the Soldiers, and Goodlakes persuasions, overswaied Spinola's intentions, who finding that his death would probably breed a mutiny, or worse discontents in the Army, though it would better suit with his honour and Grandezza, to give that life freely, which he could not take away with safety, and therefore having first at large laid down the penalties due to those neglects, whereof he had confessed himself guilty; he concluded, that though the world might very well believe that the enmities between their families, might make him rejoice at so just an occasion offered, to take away the life of one of the Grimaldi's yet no thoughts of private enmity, or revenge, could restrain him from giving due honour and respect to his very enemies, that his former services sounded so loud in his ears, that for their sake he was content to remit the present forfeit of his life, not doubting but he would by future services so redeem the fault, that his Country should think him deserving of the pardon. The Captain returned him a thankful answer, but in such doubtful terms, that he might easily guests that he thought his life more due to the love of the Soldiery, then to Spinola's courtesy, concluding his Speech more clearly, by telling him, that he hoped his Country should never have occasion to think either him, or any of his Family, unworthy of life, whilst though they never had the happiness to arrive to that height of command, which some of other Families, perhaps less worthy, had been entrusted with; yet none should be more ready than they to sacrifice their utmost abilities to its service.  
Spinola, though he knew these words were levelled at him, yet so bridled his passion, that returning him no other answer, then that he did not doubt but the Duke and Senate were well satisfied with the worth of those whom they employed, that though they could not advance every man who deserved it to a supreme command, yet their favour would shine no less clear upon that Captain, who faithfully discharged his trust as upon their General himself; that it argued some thing of self-guiltiness, at least self-conceit, to arrogate to ones self a reward of imagined merits; that for his, he wished they might prove so clear, that the Senate might think him fit to confer upon him the Generalship of their Army, which when so, he should willingly resign it; and therewith dismissing him to his charge, he gave order that the Army should immediately be put in a posture to pursue their enemy, and if possibly, hinder their conjunction with the Forces of Ferrara; his commands were immediately obeyed, and the whole body both of horse and foot were in very few hours upon their march after their foes, but with very small hopes of reaching them, for finding their Army extremely broken, they adventured not to stand another shock, but in the dead of the night were marched away with an incredible speed, intending to join with the Duke of Ferrara, who then with a potent Army faced the Mantovese; their flight more animated the generous Spinola, and his whole Army, who now looking upon then as conquered, and pursued, fled with the wings of revenge to arrive at an easy slaughter; but they were deceived in their expectations, for after two days march, they had advice that the enemy's Army, being increased with the addition of two thousand Ferrarese, was turning back to encounter them; nor long had they received this news, but a messenger arrived, who all bloody and trembling, related to them the cause of their enemies advance towards them, which they were before almost incredible of, his very countenance betrayed the ill news he brought, nor need Spinola ask him what it was, for with a kind of stammering he began to tell him, That the Armies of the two Dukes having several days faced each other, the soldiers of either side by continual skirmishes still provoking their enemies to the battle, at length by a joint consent, drew out their forces, and on the spacious plains of Miraneula, began so terrible a battle, that the Sun, though but newly risen from his marry bed, not daring to look upon such ghastly deaths as each side strove to give the other, crowded himself under the blackest and most dismal clouds, whilst the two hosts with various fortune disputed the victory, till about the time when the Sun having arrived to his greatest height, began again to decline; Fortune seemed most to favour us, for the right wing of the enemy was absolutely defeated, and their main battle began to give ground, so that we were in a manner assured of victory; our shouts of joy echoing our confidence to the skies, but alas! Fortune did only flatter us, for what we gained on one side, we lost on the other, for our right wing began apparently to give ground, and by the valour of one sole stranger was in a manner defeated. Gods! with what fury did he pierce our Squadrons? his victorious sword like an overthrowing thunderbolt tumbling down all before it? how did he make our greatest spirits bow, as if death and destruction had been entailed on his arm, yet could not touch his body? In sum, notwithstanding the valiant Lorenzo posted with a fresh supply of horse, to the assistance of our almost scattered wing, as if his indefatigable arm knew no weariness, he flew like lightning amongst our bravest troops, and seconded by a select party (and who would refuse to follow so gallant a Commander?) quickly forced them to accompany their before-wearied fellows in a shameful flight. This success put a new courage into their Main battle, so that again regaining their ground, they maintained a sharp fight with us, yet something doubtful, till the valiant stranger, having left sufficient numbers to pursue our defeated right wing, attacked us with his Troops, which struck such a panic fear into the coward heart of our soldiers, that if hell with all its terrors had affaulted them, it could not more have appalled their dastard spirits; for as if they knew no resistance for his victorious arm, they immediately threw down their Arms, and with al●speed fled towards Mirandola; the victorious enemy spurred on by revenge, still pursuing and sacrificing to Bellona thousands of their coward-souls.  
Captain Goodlake all the while the messenger was making this relation, was meditating who this mirror of courage should be, and no longer able to restrain his desire of knowing him, here interrupted him, by demanding if he knew of what Country the valiant stranger was? Sir, answered the messenger, I know him no farther then by the effects of his valour, which were so prodigious, that it makes me believe those which I formerly thought fables of the ancient Hero's might be truths, and that some of their noble souls might be transmugrated into this man's body; Heavens how did our best Commanders yield up their souls when ever his sword was pleased to command them; the valiant Lorenzo that famous soldier, Petruchio, Horatio, Alonzo, and the too young and too valiant Schiarra, were all made dead Trophies of his living valour. And is Schiarra then dead? said Spinola, interrupting him; he is, said the messenger, and with him dead all our hopes of courage, or goodness. He was indeed a person (said Spinola, turning to Captain Goodlake) to whom the graces seemed to strive, which should be most prodigal of their bounties, a youth beloved both of Gods and men, affable, courteous, noble, generous, valiant, and no way deserving so hard a fate; but how did the noble Duke escape, said he to the messenger, or is he dead? or rather fallen into the hands of his triumphantenemies, tell us, that we may hear all our miseries together? The Gods have yet preserved the noble Duke, replied the messenger, yet to try the fortune of another day, if he can but again rally up his scattered forces, which we have some hopes may be done, for as yet the whole left wing of our horse remains entire, who only now watch an opportunity to join again to the rest of his scattered Army; and though the slaughter was great on our side, yet was not the victory cheap on the enemies, for the greatest part of their right wing was cut off, or taken prisoners, and no small number fell in their Main battle; our Musters at present in Mirandola amounnt to about seven thousand foot, and two thousand horse, so that were your Army joined with ours, and our left wing come up, we might presume, notwithstanding their conjunction with the Savoyards, again to take the field.  
At these words there came in one of the Scouts to acquaint the General that the Savoyards, strengthened with two thousand Ferrarese, were now within three leagues of him, and made all possible speed to arrive him before night, whereupon laying aside all other affairs, he immediately called a Counsel of War, to consult what was fittest to be done, some advised that the best course was to make a swift retreat to the Castle of the Flaminii, and there strongly encamp themselves till they could get relief, it being impossible that with half the number of their enemies (for they were no more) they should be able to stand out an encounter; but both the generous Spinola, and Captain Goodlake, were of a contrary judgement, and rather inclined to fight them, which opinion of theirs being seconded by the valiant soldiery, who filled the skies with loud exclamations, that they would never fly them were they thrice as many, that they would never doubt of victory, whilst their valiant General, and Lieutenant General were with them, and that therefore they should not stay their coming, but advance; these Echoes, I say, of the soldiers, to the votes of Spinola, and Goodlake, made those who before were for a retreat, quickly change their minds and consent to a battle; so the Army dislodged, and about the time that the Sun had made two hours descent towards the Western Ocean, attacked their enemies, who confident in their numbers, and looking upon this encounter of the Genoveses as an act rather of fury and desperation, than wisdom and valour, assured themselves of an absolute victory, and had already divided among themselves the Genovese Nobles, and proportioned their Ransoms; but had they not been so confident of a conquest, they might perhaps have conquered, whilst their thoughts of its certainty utterly lost it, for both the Commanders and common Soldiers, assured in their numbers, neglecting their orders, ran themselves into inevitable ruin, which yet they perceived not till they saw themselves utterly deserted by their horse, (whom the valiant Goodlake on the one side, and the Illustrious palavicini on the other, (for the gallant justiniano's lost his life at the first charge) had utterly routed) when the main body of Infantry drew up closer together, resolving either to gain the victory, or to sell their lives at a dear rate, in recompense of their folly; this last indeed they effected, for they maintained the fight till near Sunset, though galled on both sides by the enemy's horse, with an infinite slaughter of their enemies, to whose swords they were no less made sacrifices, till at length wearied out, and hemmed in on all sides, tow thousand three hundred, the remains of four thousand Infantry, yielded themselves to the mercy of the Conquerors.  
This Victory put the Mantuan affairs again into a gallant posture, the news of it much rejoiced the Duke, who was then anew completing his before-broken Army at Mirandola; but more was he rejoiced at the arrival of the generous Spinola there, whom he received withal imaginable pomp and splendour, and he having first presented the prisoners taken in the last conflict, next recommended unto him his valiant Lieutenant General Goodlake, as a person to whom, though a stranger, he ought all his present happiness; the Duke amazed at his great Obligations, to one whom he had never yet seen, immediately sent for him, and he as readily obeyed his summons; when being come into the presence, where the Duke sat in his Chair of Estate, having made his obeisance, he kneeled down, but his Highness not permitting that Ceremony, fit only for Subjects, to one to whom he acknowledged himself beholding both for his life and Dukedom, rising from his Chair, and taking him into his embraces, told him, that he understood by the generous Spinola, that he was the person to whose gallantry he was indebted for all his good Fortunes, that his Obligations were so much the greater by how much they proceeded from a person whom he had no way obliged; that for the future, he would endeavour with all possible address to quit the score of his debts, which were so many and so great, that it was impossible that a short time should find out a proportionable recompense; that he would therefore make it his future study, and that now he did not doubt to vie Forces and valour to his enemy of Ferrara, since as well as he had a Stranger, and a valiant Stranger to be his Champion. Captain Goodlake endeavoured to return a suitable answer to his over-civil reception of him (for so he styled it) by telling him that the Noble Spinola had wronged both himself and him, the first by robbing himself of that honour which was only due to his worth, and the second by attributing to him things far above his deserts; that if he had done any acceptable service to his Highness, 'twas sufficiently recompensed in being accepted, & that he should always account it the greatest honour could accrue to him to spend his life in so just a cause as his. Many compliments of the like nature passed till such time as the Duke thought it fit time to conduct these two gallant Commanders to their apartment, which he did himself in person, leaving them into a room richly hung with Arras, and fit for the entertainment of so Noble Guests, where leaving them alone; Captain Goodlake perceived that a strange and unusual melancholy had seized upon the worthy Spinola, and that he whose comportment used to be always pleasant and Debonair, was now dull and heavy, he would not presently trouble him to demand the reason of it, hoping it was but some sudden fit which soon would be passed over, but finding it to continue, and rather augment then decrease, he interrupted his fixed cogitations, by telling him, That he was not sensible of any accident which had happened, which might deserve of him so great a dejection, or if there were, that he could not but imagine that his friendship to him was lessened, whilst he kept from him the cause of his sorrow, who had made him partaker of all his griefs. The Noble Spinola at these words awaked as it were out of a dream, looking steadfastly upon him, replied; My griefs are now, dear friend, made in some measure parralel with thine, for I have lost a friend whom I prized above my very soul, my dear friend Schiarra. Schiarra, replied Goodlake, was that generous youth whom the messenger, who brought us advice of the Duke's defeat, reported to be slain by the hands of the Stranger, who in Ferrura's cause performed such wonders, so much your friend as to deserve such sorrow? Our friendship, replied Spinola, was so firm, that nothing but death and envious fate could have separated, or broken it. I confess, said Goodlake, I perceived at the first relation of the news, that your countenance strangely altered, though I could not then guests the cause of it; but since you have been pleased to make me, I know not whether I may say happy or unhappy in its knowledge, let me further conjure you by those noble favours you have already done me, to give a relation of that person, for I know he must have been one in all things worthy, who could from you merit so entire a friendship. Though it will but be a renewing of the memory of my sorrows, replied Spinola, I have been so much obliged to you for the relation of your own, and some part of the Fortunes of the generous Spencer, that I cannot deny you this request, and perhaps it may prove a disburdner of my sorrows to impart them.  

The Loves of Schiarra and Florelia.  
KNow then noble friend (continued Spinola) that when I arrived to about the third Lustre, my Uncle Ambrogio Spinola, to whose care I was committed by my Father during his absence in the Netherlands, thought me at an age fit to intrust me with the sight of other Countries, as looking upon travel as the enlivener of the soul, and stirrer up of generous minds to an emulation of other virtues, and because the glory and splendour of Florence (by reason of the absolute Government of the Medici Dukes of Tuscany) seemed to exceed that of all other Italian Cities, he sent me thither, recommanding me to Signior Alonzo Schiarra, an ancient Nobleman of that City, and both a great friend of, and somewhat allied unto those of our Family; I was received by him with all possible expressions of Love and Affection, with protestations of having the same care of me that he would have of his own and only Son Giorgio Schiarra, a youth of about twelve years of age, of a sweet and affable nature, comely carriage and behaviour, and with all exceeding beautiful, with him I associated myself in learning those exercises of riding, fencing, and other qualities and studies which the Nobility of Italy do most delight in, and generally breed up their sons, to the better to enable them when they should arrive at riper years to serve their Country; such was the delight that we took in each others company, and so did our friendship flourish in those our tender years, that it grew up as it were to an inviolable bond, to the great delight of the old Alonzo, who gloried to see how we strove more and more to endear ourselves together, and yet would endeavour to exceed each other in duty and respect to him, so that he would often say, that if we had but both been his children, no Father could have boasted a happiness like his; thus we lived together for about three years, and upwards, never parting by our good wills neither night nor day, or if by any chance we were for some time forced to be asunder, that time was either spent in dull melancholy, or in pouring forth prayers for each others safety; but whilst we thus lived in all bliss and content imaginable, adverse Fortune renewed an old Feud, which had long lain asleep between the Families of the Schiarri and the Donati, a Family observed to be most guilty (though they had least cause) of pride of any one in Florence; the occasion of the raking up the embers of this long concealed fire, were so slight, that they are not worth relating, let it suffice that it soon grew into such a flame, as disturbed the whole City of Florence, and many murders were committed on both sides, Almerigho Donati, son to Lorenzo Donati, one of the chief of that Family, was the first that felt the fury of this difference by the loss of his life, which was too soon revenged upon Giovanni Schiarra, a youth in whom all Nobleness flowed, but of too tender years to be made a concern in this bloody difference, who being set upon by three of the opposite Family, though he bravely defended himself, being overpowred, was made a sacrifice to their revenge. This baseness extremely heightened the difference, yet it made somewhat well for the Schiarri, who gained thereby the friendship of almost the whole City, for they generally condemned the Donati for committing so horrid and unworthy a murder, upon the person of one so young and tender, that he scarce yet knew the handling of offensive Arms; in sum, scarce a day passed but either wounds or deaths given or taken; yet my Schiarra and I passed unaffronted, which proceeded not from any want of malice in the Donati to him, for they particularly coveted his death as the son, and only son of one of the chiefest of their enemy family; but because they knew that our friendship was such (and seldom or never did we walk asunder) that it was impossible for them to engage him, and not endanger me, and very sensible they were that should I have miscarried by their swords, my Father would either by Embassy have procured, or by war have forced the Grand Duke to have executed a severe vengeance on my murderers; nor was the old Alonzo Schiarra insensible that it was out of fear of me, for those reasons before recited, that his son passed unassaulted, and therefore he took special care that he walked not out single, nor indeed in any company but mine; but he might have spared those thoughts, for such was the sweet harmony we found in one another's society, that all others, except ourselves, seemed a jarring discord; and yet it happened one morning that I being somewhat indisposed, and keeping my bed, he accompanied me in my chamber, till about ten a clock, when I falling into an easy slumber, led by I know not what evil Angel, he adventured to go abroad into the Piazza; scarce was he gone but I awaked, and calling for him, a servant told me that he was newly gone forth, I started to hear him say so, for me thought his very words were like the passing Bell which rang out any friend's funeral, I leapt out of bed, and put on my clothes with a propicious speed, made all haste towards the Piazza, where I found that true which my fears had boded to me, for just at the corner of the street that entered upon the place, I espied him valiantly defending himself against two of the Donati, I flew with all possible speed to the place, but just as I arrived to his assistance, I had occasion given me to think that all help of mine was too late, for brandishing my sword at one of of them, I had no sooner said, And will the Donati never forget to be treacherous? but he fell at my feet, fainting rather through effusion of blood, then for any dangerous or mortal wound received; but seeing him fall I stopped my speech, and desperately ran at one of his Assailants, whom I made measure out his length on the earth, to accompany my dear friend, whilst the other trusted to his feet for his safety, not need he have ran overswiftly, for my care of Schiarra would not permit me to pursue him: but coming to my friend, who lay stretched out upon the ground, I perceived in him very few symptoms of life yet I thought it more convenient to cherish some hopes that he might recover, and by them encourage myself to have his wounds quickly recommended to the Surgeon's care, then delay time by an unprofitable grief, the only way utterly to lose him; and therefore having got the assistance of some Citizens thereabouts, we carried him home in a chair, the Surgeons whom I had sent for, overtaking us, who after they had laid him with the greatest ease they could upon the bed, began to use those arts they thought most fit to return him to life, which in half an hours time they effected, and in as much more having dressed his wounds, assured me, that though they were very many, there was not one of them mortal, or dangerous, but that his fainting was only for loss of blood, which out of so many Orifices must needs find passage in abundance, that if they could now (which they would use all their Arts to do) keep him from falling into a fever, there could not be the least doubt of his recovery, and that in very few days. I had no sooner received this comfortable news, but I ran with all possible speed to communicate it to the good old Alonzo, who overcome with excess of grief, had retired himself into his closet, and would by no persuasions either be drawn thence, or restrained from tearing his grey hairs and reverend beard, and miserably afflicting himself; being come to the door. I knocked at it, and withal told him, that I had brought him news that would rejoice him; And am I then so miserable, said he, as to hear Spinola tell me now of rejoicing? Open the door Sir, said I, and if I do not perform what I have promised, blot me out of the list of your friends; herewith he opened the door, and looking steadfastly upon me, what, says he, my dear Spinola, hast thou now to tell me that can make me rejoice? now that I have lost my son, is it that thou wilt be another Giorgio to me? I know thou wilt, and I accept it, but alas! he was my own son, my own flesh and blood, give me leave then to lament him; and herewith he began again to tear his hair and beard, but I stopped his fury, by telling him, Alas Sir! why should you thus cruciate yourself for a supposed loss? your Son liveth, and may, I hope, yet live to be as aged as you are now: Fie, fie Spinola, said he, think you to make believe these are any other than mockeries? I could never have believed you so cruel, did I not see him dead? 'Tis true, replied I, he was both to yours and my appearance dead, but it was only loss of blood, which was the cause of his fainting, for now his spirits being revived, the Surgeons assure me, he will in very few days be easily recovered, none of his wounds being either dangerous, or mortal: If this be true, replied he, how am I blest, and blessed be thou that bring'st me joyful news indeed; and thereupon going to take me about the neck to embrace me, joy had so overpowred his soul, that his spirits failing, he fell into a swound, but soon recovered, when yet he would not believe what I had related to him, till his eyes had confirmed it: to be brief, three week's time rendered Schiarra by the great care and industry of the Surgeons, perfectly whole, during which time I never stirred from him, nor indeed durst I stir abroad, the whole Family of the Donati having solemnly vowed my death, though they all lost their lives, for the rescue I gave Schiarra, and for the wounding their Kinsman, for slain he was not, and now my friend was recovered, we began to consult our own safeties, for we were both equally concerned; the opinion of old Alonze was, that I should return to Geno●a, where I might presume myself secure, and that to my care he would commit his son, whom he did not doubt I would preserve as myself, till the storms in Florence were blown over: I returned him a hearty thanks for the honour he did me in making such a motion, assuring myself that it would be seconded by my dear Schiarra, whose friendship and mine had taken so deep root, that I was very confident nothing but death, or inevitable necessity could separate us; so all parties being agreed, we next advised how to take our journey with all possible privacy, which to effect all things succeeded to our wish; so we departed from Florence, taking our leaves of the good old Alonzo, who with many tears offered up orisons for our safety: In four days time we arrived at Genova, where I used my utmost endeavours to entertain Schiarra, according to best rules of friendship, recommending him to those of my relations, whom I knew the greatest honourers of worth and ve●●ue, but he would often tell me that my company was the only solace of his soul, which I took care he should not want, for I protest really that I believe in all the time which we spent in Genova, which was near a year, we never were three hours together absent from one another; our sports were alike, our studies alike, and as yet we had not been wounded with Loves which might separate and estrange our affections. About a twelvemonth, as I said, being passed in the pleasures of Genova and the Riviera, I received Letters from my Father, commanding me to attend him at the Leaguer of Ostend, that I might there to the Theory which I had learned, add some knowledge of the practical part of War; this message extremely perplexed me, for I was commanded to attend the messenger in his return, which was within six days, and doing so, I was fearful lest in that we should not procure licence from old Alonzo to permit my Schiarra to accompany me, and though I knew it would be as great a trouble to him to part from me, as for me to be deprived of him, yet I was confident without his Father's licence▪ he would not adventure to go, much less not stay, should he command it: but hoping I might procure so much favour from Alonzo as to permit him to accompany me in so honourable an enterprise, thinking every hours delay a years; I communicated my Letters to Schiarra, withal acquainting him with my resolution to write to his Father, to beg the leave of his further society; for, said I, my dear Schiarra, I can as well die as part from thee; He professed the same to me, and added, that himself too would write, and that in such winning terms, that he should not have the power to deny him; I rejoiced to hear him say so, but, said I, what we do, must be done with all expedition, for within six days must the messenger return with an answer of those letters he brought from my Father to the Senate, with whom I am commanded to go: this made him sensible of the necessity of expedition, so we immediately posted away a messenger on purpose, with order to make all the haste imaginable, whilst we in the mean time provided all things for our journey: but alas! the sixth day was now come, and our post not yet returned, nor any news of him, the messenger whom I was to attend, would by no means be persuaded to stay one minute; in this Agony we knew not what to do, or what course to take, at length we resolved that Schiarra should accompany me to the foot of the Alps, and if our Post overtook him not before that time, or there, without a concession to go further, that then we should part, and patiently endure our hard fortune; so we set forth, but a tedious and melancholy journey it was, for we in vain every minute expected what yet came not, three days we journeyed thus, till we came to the Mountain's foot, the place appointed for our taking congé of each other, and so fearful were we that that adverse lot would certainly befall us, that we thought the next morning not sufficient to bid one another adieu, but began as soon as we came in to our Inn at night to bethink how we should wean ourselves one from another; The Illustrissimo, whom we attended, perceiving our mutual affection, was highly pleased with it, and pitied so much our feared misfortune, that he, who at Genova refused to stay a minute, now proffered to wait a whole day there, in hopes our Post might in that time arrive, for we had left order at Genova he should follow us thither, we equally strove who should first return thanks for this great favour of this Illustrissimo's, who kindly accepted it, but by out better fortune we needed not his courtesy, for that night going to bed with somewhat more alacrity then formerly, our joys, hopes and fears, kept us still awake, pouring forth Orisons for the Posts arrival before the favourable time of stay granted by the Illustrissimo were expired, when it happened that whilst we thus busying ourselves, we might at a great distance hear a horn, which seemed to draw nearer to us; Schiarra no longer able to contain his joy, nor doubting but that it was a Post sent from Genova with Letters from his Father, immediately leapt out of bed, and in all haste putting on his nightgown, ran down stairs to meet the unexpected messenger of his and my bliss, I followed him with all expedition possibly, and coming down into the road, found him just examining of the Post, who gave him an account far beneath his expectations, to wit, that he was come from Modena, and was bound in all haste to Turine: Schiarra was almost angry with himself that he had flattered himself into such mountanious imaginations, which in the end brought forth somewhat less than a Mouse, nothing; and therewithal began to cry out, 〈…〉 Schiarra! Nay rather unhappy Spinola●●● I, when at those words a fellow, who seeing us rise at that unseasonable time of night, and to come out of the Inn into the street, out of mere curiosity had followed, hearing us name ourselves, accosted me, and tells me, Truly Sir, if you had now by chance named yourself I should have despaired of finding you out, for I had enquired for you of almost every person in the Inn. And what is thy business, said I, that thou wert so inquisitive for me? not dreaming that he had brought such joyful news. Business, said he, I have brought you, Sir, a return of your Letters from Florence. From Florence, said Schiarra, delay not to deliver them Letters, that I may know whether I am made miserable or happy, for on them depends my doom; and therewithal snatching them out of the fellows hands, he ran in, and calling for a candle, breaking off the cover, which was wholly to me, there was enclosed one to me, & another to himself, mine he flings me, and with fury breaking up his own, one might e'er he had read one half of the Letter, perceive by the serenity of his countenance, that it brought what his heart desired; I adventured likewise to break up mine, where I found our blessings confirmed to the height of our content, and therefore running to him, and embracing him, now, said he, need we not to be beholding to the Illustrissimo's courtesy, since we are made free to wait on his commands when he pleases: But how strangely fortunate were we, said I, in the approach of the 〈◊〉 oft, without whom we had not found 〈◊〉 own messenger, whose good news shall never by me pass unrewarded: Nor by me, said Schiarra, who must, and do hold myself as much obliged by it, and concerned in it, as yourself, for now I enjoy you in whom are all my joys completed, and therefore, dear friend, let him accompany us forward in our journey; I readily assented, and therewith we thought fit to take some two hours repose for it; now drew near morning, that we might be the better able to travel the next day, when we set forth with more joy and content than we had done at any time formerly. To recount unto you the particulars of our journey, will be too prolix, it will suffice to say, that it was prosperous, and that in six week's time from our departure from Genova, we arrived in the Camp before Ostend; here I endeavoured to have my Father receive my dear Schiarra, with the same affection that old Alonzo had showed me, nor was he at all backward in performing my desires, striving rather to exceed myself in kindness: having passed the first compliments of entertainment, we went to view the Leaguer, which had now lain two years before that Town, or rather before some mounts of earth, for upon what was at first the Town, our Camp was Pitch, and y●t a Town held out against us; but I am now dear friend, come to give a relation of those things in which yourself, as well as I, have been an actor, I shall therefore omit all passages of that War, as to you tedious and superfluous, and only tell you, that Schiarra did there things worthy himself and his family, and deserving my Father's greatest friendship and affection, who rejoiced that I had made choice of so Noble and Gallant an Associate; we stayed together in the Netherlands for some years, after the surrendering of that once thought invincible Town of Ostend, improving ourselves as well as we could in the practice and policy of Arms, in both which, blushing I speak it, Schiarra so far exceeded me, that were it not to do my friend right, I should shame to acknowledge it. Your modesty 'tis Sir, said Captain Goodlake interrupting him, that thus extenuates your own deserts, and your generosity that amplifies the merits of your friends, which how great soever, give me leave to think that they could not exceed yours. Platter me not so, said Spinola, for of all men breathing you have least occasion; But, continued he, my Father at length thought fit I should return home, as being arrived at an age fit for Loves, and the care he had to see children spring from the loins of me his only son, made him recommend unto me several Ladies of the Genovese Nobility, out of whom he enjoined me to take a wife, yet with all telling me, that he would not limit my fancy absolutely to those, but leave me to choose where I pleased always, provided that I stained not my birth or honour by too inferior a match: so Schiarra he recommended my sister a Lady (as your eyes have been witness) of no despisable beauty, assuring him that he should be happy if their affections could meet with these instructions; we took our leaves, and arriving at Genova, dedicated ourselves to the Courtship of Ladies; for my own part, I confess, I found in myself little propensity to marry, yet I observed that Schiarra seemed to bear a kind of affection to my sister, yet not so violent a one as I found afterwards she bore him, for his was not so fixed as appeared afterwards, but that it could stray away to the Love of another Lady, as it did by the strangest accident that you have ever heard, to one, I must confess, of an excelling beauty, and no way inferior to my sister Isabel in Nobility of birth, or riches; it chanced one day that walking on the banks of the Riviera, where the Nobility of the City use to solace themselves in the cool of the evening in their Coaches, that Schiarra mistaking a Coach, which he thought to belong to one of our peculiar friends, sifted up the curtain, but seeing his mistake, he craved pardon for his unwilling offence, which he thought had been granted, but such was the rage of the Gentleman, who accompanied only with one Lady was in it, that though at present the expressed not his disgust, yet he awaited his revenge, which my forced departure into the City about some urgent occasions, gave him the better opportunity of effecting, for having traced careless Schiarra into a private walk, he very rudely conjures him to draw; Schiarra was so amazed that he could not at first find any answer, but that he believed the Gentleman was mistaken: But the other with a kind of Spanish Bravado, answers, that he should find his eyes had found out their true object, and that if he refused to draw, he would send his coward soul to hell. Sir, replied Schiarra, you seem to be noble, and by your garb should be at least a Gentleman, but you must give me leave to admire your judgement, that so rashly seeks a quarrel with me, who I am confident never injured you, nor to my knowledge ever saw you before, but let me but know the reasons induce you to it, and you shall quickly find I am no coward; all the reason in the world could produce no other answer from the furious Gentleman, then that he had offered him an affront, which he was resolved to revenge, and therefore advised him to draw, otherwise his sword should force him; well answered Schiarra, since I must of necessity make trial of your valour, I shall endeavour to make you repent it; and therewithal drawing his sword, they made two passes in urn one against the other, 〈…〉 it was Schiarras fortune, to give him a wound in the side, at which issued such 〈◊〉 of blood, that he immediately fell; now Sir, said Schiarra, you will be pleased to give me a reason why you were so desperately and rashly valiant? Scarce had he ended those words, when he might hear the cries of some Lady, piercing his ears, and looking about, might perceive one running towards him, and crying, Oh! for pity sake save my dear Lorenzo's life, or if nothing but blood can satisfy your fury, sacrifice mine in stead of his to your victorious arm; such was the amazement of the gallant Schiarra at the sight of her, and so much were his senses captivated at the excelling beauties of her face, and harmony of her voice, that not able to return an answer, he stood leaning on his sword, as if her looks had the power of Medusa's to turn men into Statues. The Virgin still anxious for her friend, and fearing lest if her request were not granted soon, it would be for ever too late, falling down on her knees, and embracing him, began in a Language which would have charmed Adders to sue for the saving of his life; Do not noble Sir, said she, let the tears and prayers of an unfortunate Virgin, who never sued before, be now spent in vain, but redeem the dear forfeit of my brother's life, or if you yet be so cruel that nothing but gore can cancel your anger, here, here sheathe your bright weapon between these white breasts, this blood may sooner quench your ireful heat! let me die, so he may live! with these words the tears so fast trukled down upon her Rosy Cheeks, that it would have made the fiercest Scythian relent and turn pitiful; but Schiarra still stood mute, as if her sweet voice had rather been thunder, and struck him dumb, till at length recollecting himself, he endeavoured to raise her from the ground; but she refused to rise, crying, Oh! no Sir, here will I for ever lie prostrate, till you confirm my boon, and grant Lorenzo life; to which Schiarra seeing she would not rise, kneeling likewise down; replied, Goddess, for so your celestial beauty, and Angelical voice confirm, yea, pardon my inconsiderate rudeness (the child of my astonishment to look upon so divine a presence) that hath permitted you to kneel and beg that which you may command. I am no Goddess, replied she, but a hapless Virgin, who here lie prostrate for my brother's life. How readily Madam, answered Schiarra, would I grant your boon, but that I fear by it I shall be too soon exiled from the blessing your presence so fully affords me. Will you not then let him live? replied she: Yes Madam, said he, he must live since you command it, and happy, thrice happy 'tis being vanquished to have so fair a saver; would Heaven had made his sword my Conqueror, so I might then have deserved so divine a pity; Rise Madam, rise, and receive your brother, but let me now beg one boon of you to know what made him my enemy? It was, said she, your lifting up the curtains of our Coach, which though you excused, he in heat of blood pursued you to seek revenge. 'Twas a mistake Madam answered Schiarra, that made me so discourteous, which I will yet redeem with my life when ever you shall please to command it. 'Tis too great a forfeit Sir, answered she, for so slight an offence, let me now only beg your help to lift my brother into the Coach, which Schiarra readily assented to, though with an inward unwillingness, because he should thereby be deprived of the sight of his Saint: Scarce had he done it, and the Coach departed, but I arrived at the place where this accident had happened, and found Schiarra in the same posture which I represented him in at the first sight of the Lady, having on his drawn sword, and fixing his eyes upon the ground, with a countenance sufficiently demonstrating some strange and unusual melancholy had possessed him, I wondered to see him stand in that manner, and fearing lest my absence might have endangered him I ran to him, and pulling him by the arm, demanded if he had been assaulted by thiefs? He was no less startled at his surprise, than I was to se● him in these dumps, and had not his eye been quicker than his hand, he had assuredly sheathed his sword in my bosom, but seeing it was I who had disturbed his serious thoughts: Yes my dear Spinala, said he, I have met with one who hath robbed me of one of my choicest Jewels, I am undone, for ever lost. Fie, said I, this is passion, fancy not to yourself a misery when none attends you, what is it thou hast lost? Lost, replied he, I have lost myself, but what is more I have lost you: Me, said I, Hell itself is not capable of robbing me of so high prized a friendship, dear friend dally not thus with me. Alas! Alas! said he, Heaven knows I da●ly not, and that you may know I am serious too, here take my sword, and sacrifice me to your just revenge. I must be sensible of an injury first, said I, for I am confident none but yourself can accuse you. True, said he, none but myself and this treacherous heart of mine can be witness against me, I have forfeited all those Obligations of friendship, in which you have bound me, these traitorous eyes of mine have ruined me. Prithee how, said I, undeceive thyself, this cannot be other than a delusion. Would to Heaven, said he, it were so, but let me tell you plainly, and then I am confident you will yourself, without my entreaty, be ready to take my sword and make me a just victim to the wrong I have done you. Alas! said I, my dear Schiarra, what can it be that can make thee thus to fancy thou hast wronged me? thy soul can never contract a guilt so great but I shall be as ready to pardon it as you have been slow in delivering it. Talk not of pardon, said he, for in confidence that you will revenge it with my blood, I will impart it. 'Tis this assume 'tis this, all those shows of Love which I have made to your virtuous Sister are vanished into Air, that bond which should have bound fast our friendships to eternity, is broken, utterly broken, for I now pay my devotions to another Saint. He could not have invented a greater affliction to me then these words were, I started and stood as amazed as I found him at first. I considered the passionate affection which my Sister but few days before expressed to me she bore him, and above that the great dishonour would be done to our Family should she be thus slighted, but above all how ill my Father would comport such an affront to have his daughter refused, because proffered by him, that in a rage snatching his offered sword from his willing hand; Do but, said I, again confirm this disloyalty, and you shall not need to beg me your Executioner. By the hopes I have, answered he, that you will take a just revenge upon me, all that I have told you is true, my heart is stolen by another. And canst thou perfidious man, said I, then leave my sister languishing, whom thou hast betrayed into so ardent an affection of thee, here take thy sword and defend thyself. I will receive it, said he, not to make resistance, but in assurance that it will provoke you to make me fall by yours, strike then, and let out this treacherous blood. I could willingly, I confess, have made him an oblation to my poor Sister's Love, and the honour of our Family, but the sacred name of friend so often vowed between us, begat a palsy in my blood, and withheld my arm, so turning from him: no false man, said I, I'll not become thy butcher, Heaven shall work thy ruin, for be assured, who ever thou now makest thy Spouse, will prove a faithless Strumpet; At these words I was going away, but he called after me, crying, thou liest, return, I'll now fight not in my own defence, but hers whom I adore, for know she whom I now love is one whom thou oughtest not mention unless with reverence on thy knees, one whose heavenly looks would tempt a Hermit, who had spent his whole life in contemplation, nay, for whom Angels would desert their bliss, and count it a greater happiness than Heaven to enjoy her; return, for wert thou armed with thunder, this sword should reach thee. These words gave me assurance that he was irrevocably lost, I began to consider that more sisters I had, more friends so worthy were not to be found, and therefore returning to him, come Sir, said I, sheathe your sword, and know I pity you, and if my service can assist you in gaining your new love, command it. Alas! my dear Spinola, said he, this is worse than killing me, to tantalise me thus, for I know thou canst not so much wrong thyself and sister. I do think, replied I, you have never found me faithless, by all the Gods, by all our vowed friendship, not all my sister's wrongs, shall make me prove disloyal to you, let me then know who is now thy Mistress, that I may assist thee in obtaining her. Am I then, said he, yet so happy in my misery? Talk not, said I, farther of misery, for thou shalt be fully happy, if all my skill and power can effect it, let me first know your Saint. Alas! said he, that's my misery that I know her not, yet 'tis she that was in the Coach we this day overtook: 'tis then, said he, the fair Florelia, daughter to the marquis of Senazzaro, so famed for beauty over all the Genovese Territories. Be comforted dear friend, said I, for my acquaintance with Gilberto, Steward to Sanazzaro, shall easily procure your admittance, come and you shall easily perceive how zealous I will be in thy service. Heaven, answered he, be propitious to our designs, and so coming along we soon reached the City, and at the gates parted, he taking the way to our Palace, and I to that of the marquis Sanazzaro, where meeting with Gilberto, I disclosed unto him Schiarras Loves to Florelia, and desired that he would invent some way to gain him admittance to her; he at first was somewhat backward to attempt any thing, alleging that therein he should betray his Master, and likewise abuse my friend, by feeding those hopes which would prove but vain, she being already promised by her Father to one with whom he will not break, and therefore, says he, noble Spinola, urge me no farther in it. I knew 'twas gold that must make him relent, and therefore giving him a pretty quantity, and promising more, he began to mollify, and to tell me, that the person whom her father had allotted for her husband was by her violently hated, yet such was the perverseness of the old marquis, that he had resolutely determined to force her to marry him, and that very speedily, so that there was now no way left for to remove him, but the death of him he had chosen for her Spouse. Do but name him, said I, and assure yourself he is sealed for dead. 'Tis, said he, Petruchio▪ eldest son and heir to the Count de Ligue; in the mean time do you and your friend come to morrow night with some Music to her chamber window, and doubt not of gentle audience.  
I returned to my friend with joy, to have effected thus much, who embracing me, and calling me the Author of his happiness, told me, that he had likewise discovered somewhat which would not displease me. What is it, said I, Prithee? why, says he, no sooner was I come home, but Catharina your sister Isabella's servant calling me aside, began to tell me very seriously, that she was sorry she must be messenger of such ill news, desiring me to arm myself with a noble patience, and not let passion grow predommant at the hearing it. I began to muse what it should be, and feared nothing more than that thy sister Isabel having discovered my falsehood, had chalked out some path for revenge; but those fears were soon dissipated, by the maids telling me, almost with tears in her eyes, that Isabel had forgot all her loves to me, and now doted on the Lorenzo son to the Marquis of Sannazzaro, whom she had only espied out of a window carrying in a chair to be dressed of a wound he then seemed to have newly received. I easily (said Schiarra) guessed it to be the person whose life my Florelia had begged, and so was I rejoiced at the news that I could hardly feign to her to be troubled, which I thought fit to do. You did well, said I, to do so, but you must now think of going to entertain your Mistress, which he accorded to, and we having soon provided ourselves of Musicians, addressed ourselves through the Postern, which Gilberto had of purpose left open for us, to Sannazzaro's garden, and placing ourselves under Florelias' window, after the Music had a while played, Schiarra caused his boy to sing this song, which he had of purpose composed: 

I.  
● Arrest Florelia rise,  
And with thine eyes  
Turn these sable clouds to light;  
If thou but shine,  
Thy rays divine,  
Like glorious Sol will banish night;  
Show but thy beauties, and the skies  
Viewing the lustre of thy eyes,  
Will swear to yield unto that purer flame,  
The Sun departed not of course, but shame.   

II.  
Rise Florelia, and view  
A fire as true,  
Though not yet so clear as thine;  
It is thy light  
Must make it bright,  
And turn it to a flame will shine,  
Shine so gloriously that none  
Shall equal it but thine alone;  
Look forth Florelia then, and with thine eyes  
Make this Scorched heart of mine thy sacrifice.    
Scarce had he ended the first Stanza when we might hear the window open, and Florelia and her maid discoursing with a seeming wonder who it should be that at that time of the night had bestowed that Music on them; the maid guessing it to be Petruchio, whose impertinency she discoursed on, and aptly discovered to us the hate his Mistress bore him: but the Song being ended Florelia herself demanded who it was, that when night had with its sable mantle beclouded the world, durst there adventure with so much danger on her secrets? It is one, answered Schiarra, whom you (when for your sake he saved your brother's life) promised so much to honour as to keep in memory. If you be he, answered Florelia, I confess I am obliged to honour your Nobleness, but you must excuse me if at these untimely hours I dare admit no conference, your Music Sir, I thank you for, and so much do I love you that I would not endanger you, for if you should be seen here, your life would run a hazard, therefore farewel: here she was about to shut the window, when Schiarra with a passionate voice cried out, for Love's sake, stay Madam, for were there here dangers as thick as there are Stars above us, nay were even death itself, here I would scorn his fury, and believe that whilst you stay, I am by your presence made immortal. I am content, replied she, lest you should condemn me of discourtesy to stay, but you must then be brief in telling me what you desire. Oh! Madam, replied Schiarra, confine me not to such hard terms, and yet why should I crave greater licence since all I wist for is summed in these few words, Madam, I love you, and desire your love. And is that all, said she, then Sir farewel, and herewith she made a second proffer to shut the window, and had done it, had not Schiarra withheld her by crying; Oh Madam! let me conjure by the blood, which yet for your sake flows in your brother's veins, to stay and hear me further. That charms me for some time, replied she, but consider, I pray, both your danger and mine, and therefore conclude with speed. Know then Lady, continued Schiarra, that my zeal could tell you, that you are above expression fair, that your eyes illuminate the night, and Eclipse the Stars in their greatest brightness, that you are the Masterpiece of Nature, in which she strove to wed Art and Beauty together, but these terms though they want nothing of truth, yet are only fit to be used by those whose loves lie in their lips, my deeds shall speak the truth and constancy of my love. Should all the actions in the world confirm your love, answered Florelia, I must still return you the same answer that I dare not, cannot love you, for my more honest thoughts permit me not to deride your passions with frustrate species, or flatter them with vain hopes, but as you have been brief in your desires, I will be the same in my denial; in confidence of the truth of which, I desire you to rest satisfied, and assure yourself, that whilst you persist farther in it, you do but plough the seas, and write in the sand. You are noble, answered Schiarra, thus to rid me of my torment, and not permit me languishing to burn in those hot tortures, behold this blade, which once for your sake did refrain from shedding your dear brother's blood, shall now make me a victim to your cruelty, and herewithal he was about to have sheathed his sword in his bosom, and had done it, had not I who stood hard by perceiving his intent, ran to him and stayed his arm, which Florelia perceiving, Fie, said she, what a faint-hearted soldier are you thus to despair at the first repulse, grant that I could affect you, would you not account me light should I at the first assault be won, before I had made any experience of your faith and loyalty; nor can I without my father's consent adventure to love any, get that, and you may perchance find heart-room in my breast. Me thinks those words, replied Schiarra, return me to a new life, me thinks the enamoured Stars hangs o'er thy lips, expecting a blessing from them. Be not too hasty Sir, said Florelia, for it is yet impossible I should love you, being already contracted. And yet 'tis in your power, replied he, to love your servant. Well, said she, I can hold out no longer, and if what Anatomists write, that in the Centre of our hearts, there is a little concave where resides our best affections, be true, then is your Augury a divine truth, for all the love lies therein engaged to the worth of another, not to the jealoufie of him to whom my father hath contracted me. May I be so happy Madam, said Schiarra, as to receive from your sweet lips the name of the person whom you are pleased to make so blessed? Know then Sir, said she, for I can no longer conceal it, but let the night yet shroud me with a blacker cloud, to hide from you the blushes of my face, that from the first time I saw you, and observed the nobleness of your temper, in saving my brother's life, which he had rashly forfeited to your just revenge, I become a true devotarist to those virtues which to me seemed heavenly: Here she made a small stop, expecting that Schiarra should return some answer, but into such an ecstasy had his joy transported him, that he was not so sensible of his happiness as to return a due thanks for it, when his silence gave Florelia occasion to continue thus; I fear Sir, my to soon yielding to your desires has abated, or utterly extinguished that love you but now zealously protested to bear me, but if it have, I can but blame my own credulity; farther she would have proceeded, when Schiarra recollecting himself, interrupted her by crying out; Oh! Madam, do not believe my silence to proceed from any other cause then the exuberance of my joy, your words have ravished me beyond my hopes, and made my heart too narrow to contain that bliss, which now you have made it entertainer of. Then Sir, replied she, excuse my jealous mistake, and if you please walk round about the house, my maid shall attend to give you entrance. I will fly to such happiness Madam, said he, and therewithal we were just going, according to her command, when betrayed by that perfidious villain Gilberto, we were encountered by Petruchio, the contracted Lover of Florelia, I was the foremost, and therefore the first that met him, murmuring to himself in such terms as I easily guessed, that he had overheard all their discourse, yet had I carelessly passed by him, had he not bid me stand, and withal told me, that he had an arm Heaven itself would not let falter in revenge of such impious injuries; what art thou, said I, that after thou hast made a forfeit of thy life by overhearing our secrets, darest thus rashly tempt thy death, be gone, be gone, and bless that fate that spare thee. Be gone, said he, were you encompassed with whole Legions, this single sword would dare to encounter them, and force a way to my revenge. Your very valiant, replied I, or else some strange and unknown desperate frenzy has seized you, retire Sir, or tell what 'tis hath prompted you to this madness. You shall find 'tis not madness but justice, said he, which of you two is it that dates attempt to court my Florelia, mine I call her, since both herself and father have confirmed her so. Dare Sir, replied Schiarra, 'tis I dare dot, and will, what darest thou do to oppose it? I dare Sir revenge it, said he, but first I'll tell that wrong you do both heaven and me, in striving to deprive me of my betrothed Spouse, she is mine, nor can she while I live be any others. This sword shall clear my passage to her, replied Schiarra, and since you must have a Mistress, I'll send you to choose one amongst the Infernal deities. Dear friend, said he, turning to me, put up your sword, this glorious quarrel doth concern none but myself; come Sir draw, (again to Petruchio) and let our weapons decide whose she must be. Stay Sir a little, said Petruchio, you seem a person well qualified, and let me with your badness of your cause chill that blood which flows so violently in your veins, consider that with your blood you strive to ravish her from me, who both by herself and father hath been confirmed mine, before whole quires of Saints and blessed Angels; let not your lust then blind you to run headlong to a sin so horrid and abominable. Oh! Sir, consider, and hazard not your souls salvation on a quarrel so unjust, should it be my fate, as in justice it must be, to kill thee, consider what a mass of endless woe (hast thou no other sins to charge thy conscience with) thou pluckst upon thy head, sure this must cause an earthquake in thy blood. I am no Schoolboy, replied Schiarra, to be thus Catechised, words are to weak to force me from the love of the Beauteous Florelia, if you will enjoy her you must fight for her, which with what reason you can do, when you know that after your sword has gained her from me, you must likewise force that will which cannot love you; come Sir prepare yourself, or resolve Lamblike to die her sacrifice. Since you are so resolute, replied Petruchio, this sword shall quickly find your heart, and therewith drawing made a sudden thrust at Schiarra, who as nimbly avoided it, and with the point of his weapon found a smooth way to his enemy's heart, who without speaking a word fell down and died, and Schiarra glad that it was done with so little noise, and I proceeded to find our entrance into the house, at the back door of which we found Florelias' maid attending, who joyfully received Schiarra, and both desired me to walk to my Palace, the maid assuring me that my friend need fear no danger; I left them, but my soul boding some further evil, I could not depart, but resolved to watch my Schiarras coming out till the morning, but before that approached, I might hear a bustle in the house, and espy one fetching a dangerous leap out of a window, which I supposed to be Florelias'; I ran towards the place with all speed possible, where I found Schiarra set upon disarmed, and almost naked as he was, by a villain, whose person the darkness of the night hindered me from discovering, but obstructed me not from taking a just revenge of depriving him of life, and rescuing my friend, who all breathless as he was, desired me to assist him to make the quickest escape we could towards our Palace; I seconded his desires, and wondering at what should be the occasion of this Tragical event, should scarce have contained my desires of knowing it, till we came home, had not my fear of being too close pursued and surprised, witheld me, but being come home, I was earnest with Schiarra to know the manner and cause of his fright, but all he could tell me was, that when he was close clasped in the embraces of the beauteous Florelia, her father, by whom informed of his being there he knew not, he came into the chamber, and had there sacrificed his life to his rage and fury, had not the window by chance been open, out of which he leapt, and had there again been slaughtered, had not I come into his rescue. I was amazed at what he told me, and began now to imagine that Gilberto had betrayed us, and was fearful lest in the morning we should be pursued for Petruchio's, and the others death; but those doubts were soon over by the general report of the accident spread about the City, that old Sanazzaro, finding his daughter's incontinency, had in rage murdered her, that Petruchio her betrothed Spouse was found dead in the garden, and the Marquis' Steward Gilberto slain under Florelias' window, that there was no means left to find out the causers of this Tragedy, but by some clothes and a sword which was left in the chamber, and supposed to be his who had robbed Florelia of her honour; these reports confirmed unto us Gilberto's treachery, yet we were glad he could now no farther betray us, but above measure was Schiarra afflicted for Florelias' murder, whom I endeavoured to comfort as well as I could, and further advised to depart with all speed, for though it should not be found out that those clothes were his, yet should any of Sannazzaro's kindred but entertain the least suspicion of him; they would watch some opportunity to take away his life; he liked my advice, and his quarrel between the Dukes of the Ferrara and Mantua being then breaking forth, upon my assurance that our State would assist the Mantouse, and that myself would come thither in person, he choose to go to Mantua, and attend my coming, during which time how he joined himself with the Duke's forces, and how unfortunately he fell, you have too lately heard.  
Captain Goodlake was extremely affected with this Tragick-History of young Schiarra, which so delighted him, that though the night was well past, he could have wished it had continued till morning, but being ended, these two generous friends addressed themselves to their sleep, but their troubled thoughts not permitting them to take any quiet rest, as it were by one consent, Spivola desired, and Goodlake proffered a continuance of the History of the virtuous English Maid, which he pursued as followeth.   

THE CONTINUATION Of the HISTORY Of the Magnanimous Maid.  
THe boisterous Savoyards said Goodlake, disturbed me in the midst of the Relation of Mr. Forcett, made me of the Comportment of this virtuous Maid, during the absence of her Lover, that amongst the number of her Suitors she had turned away some, whose birth and fortunes of persons might seem to bear equal balance with her beloved Spencers, which yet could not batter her well-fixt Constancy, but that it still flood as firm as a Rock in the midst of the boisterous waves: But amongst the rest, continued he, two Suitors there were, out of whose ridiculous humours she made herself sport, the one son to the Mayor of the Town where she lived, clownish in every thing, yet forced by his father to make address unto her, the old man hoping that by his power in the Town, he might gain her for his son; to tell you (said Forcett) the antic postures in which both the old man and his son courted this fair Virgin, the great proffers, and many invitations they made, would seem but tiresome, I shall therefore omit them and proceed to the other; who having usurped the Name of Captain, though never guilty of the least valour, or daring to look an enemy in the face, did think by his Rhodomontado terms rather to force than win affection, so that in the end he became a continual plague and vexation to her; neither herself nor any of her house being able to rest at quiet, or be free from his boisterous rudeness; her servants he commanded as his own, and with a kind of an imperious boldness would assault her, as if his bellowing words like so many Cannons, were sufficient to batter the fortress of Faith. Thus was he for a good while her continual trouble, which she bore with patience, till at length she found out such a way to curb his domineering rudeness, as sufficiently demonstrated her of a high and magnanimous spirit, far above her birth; often had she complained to me (said Forcett) of the roar of this boisterous Captain, but I was as ignorant as herself how to remedy it, much less could have invented such a course as she herself one day imparted to me she resolved to undertake, which seemed indeed at first so strange, that I stood amazed at the very mention of it, as I believe you will be when you hear every particular: It was briefly, calling me one time after she had just before been vexed with his debauchedness, she began to tell me that I could not but be sensible how grievous it was to her, to see herself controlled, her servants beaten, and her whole house commanded by a ranting fellow, who having learned some highflown speeches, thought he might with them domineer over the world, that for her part she could no longer endure it, and therefore had bethought herself of a remedy, which if I would assist her to effect, and promise to be secret in, she would put in execution: I told her I should be ready faithfully to perform whatsoever she pleased, and that I was honoured she would so far intrust me: Then know, continued she, that I cannot believe that this Bombast Captain is any thing but an empty vessel, that all his boasts and Rhodomontadoes of valour, are nothing but an empty and airy sound, and he as destitute of valour as he is of good manners, I have therefore resolved to make trial of him; and if you will but furnish me with Clothes and a Sword, attired like a young Gentleman, make an attempt of his courage. I could not imagine what answer to return to such a strange proposition; but are you serious indeed, said I? Serious, said she, if you doubt it, I will trouble you no further, but request this courtesy of some one else. Nay, said I, if you be resolute, I shall assist you what lies in my power: but had you not better let me do this, than hazard yourself? suppose he should fight, what resistance is your tender arm able to make? Fear not, said she, I cannot in the least suspect he will dare to oppose me, but if he do you shall see I will not yield basely. I laughed heartily (said Forcet) to hear her so confident, and promised her to furnish her out at all points; but then, said he, how will you do to meet him out of town? It must be your care, answered she, to train him forth: I concluded, said he, it should, and having appointed the place whither I would bring him, and to which I might have a fair excuse for; having over night furnished this Amazonian Maid with all necessaries, I easily persuaded him to walk next morning to the place destined for his disgrace; he all the way we walked chanting to me in a sublimated tone his almost unexpressible valours, and wishing that we might meet with some. Hector that durst affront us, that I might bear witness of his courageous spirit. I soothed his humour, and taking leave of him at the place appointed, which was a style that led across a large field, I pretending that I would only call at a house which stood on this side the hedge, and at the further corner of the field, and promising him to meet him on the other side; no sooner was I gone over, but I perceived that by reason of the thickness of the hedge, he could not discern whether I took the way I promised or no, I clapped myself down close to the ground, looking through to behold the period of this Heroic Adventure, when scarce had the Redoubled Lancepresado passed thirty yards from the hedge, but he was met by this Magnanimous Virago, clad like a spruce young Gallant, who boldly jostled him, so that she almost overthrew him, yet though he tottered two or three yards out of the way, yet his patience was not at all shaken, for without grumbling or seeming offended at his Affront, he courteously saluted our Amazon, and would have passed away, had not she now resolved to prosecute her intended revenge upon him to the height, and therefore following him, demanded with an angry countenance, wherefore he had jostled her? To which my roaring Captain very submissively replied, Indeed noble Sir, I hope you will be pleased to excuse me, for I intended no harm, but you were pleased to thrust your poor servant out of the way. Villain thou liest, cries this manly Maid, and therefore with thy sword either give me satisfaction for my abuse, or here I vow to lay thee dead, why dost not draw? Hold, let me entreat you, hold, as you are a Gentleman, replied the Rhodomontado, for I have made a solemn Oath that I will not this day draw my sword against any. No, said she, thou hast taken the lie already, will not that provoke thee, I'll try if this will do, and therewithal gave him a full box on the ear. You may this day noble Sir, replied he, do what you will with me, for I have solemnly resolved that I will not break my Oath. Villain thou liest, thou hast made no Oath, said she, 'tis Cowardice, mere Cowardice withholds thee, not Oaths, base Caitiff; why art not thou Roughman that furious Ajax, whom no day doth pass but you either wound, or kill, pray how comes this out of your Calendar? Who I noble Sir, said he, I kill or wound? Alas! I never drew this sword in anger, unless it were on some poor weak fellow that never durst wear steel about him. And darest thou villain then, said she, dishonour all noble soldiers by wearing that sword thou darest not use, deliver it me, or by Heaven I'll send thy Coward soul to Pluto. I could hardly, said Forcett, forbear laughing so loud that they might hear me, to see with what a mild temper that man, who in a Tavern would Thunder as if he had been able to encounter half the world, now delivered up his sword to a woman, and with humility submitted to permit her to tread over him; whilst I seeing the business to have so happily succeeded, made haste to meet him at the other side of the field, where I, making haste, arrived just as he came there, and before I could speak to him, began in a thundering tone to tell me, that just as he had prophesied, so it fell out, for he was scarce parted twenty steps from me, but he was encountered by one whose valour did as far exceed the Trojan Hectors, or Graecian Achilles', as their did Dametas and Climas'. You tell me, said I, of a miracle, but of what stature and years might this Hero be? I must confess, replied he, that he was of no gigantic proportion, nor did I believe count more than the sixth part of longlived Nestor's days, but for the agility of his body, strength, and nimbleness of his arm, he exceeded all those monstrous Giants, talked of to be slain by George a horseback, Bevis of Southampton, or Guy of Warwick. ●●smiled within myself, said Forcet, to hear these extravagancies, but because I would make no show that I knew of the disgrace put upon this Coward Bravo; I all the way as I went and returned to the Town, highly applauded his insuperable valour, as I termed it; nor did he want to give me occasion to do so, by ravelling up actions which he thought he had enforced me into a belief of, far beyond all the labours of Hercules. But that, continued he, which gave most occasion of pleasure in this adventure, was his desire that I would go with him to Bess Bridges her house, whom as he told me, he would acquaint with this his resolute combat; I easily consented to go with him, because I knew that there we should soon make him sensible of his shame; being arrived there, he began to pursue his accustomed domineering fashion over her servants, and withal commanded her presence, and she being come, began to relate to her his adventure in such thunder-thumping words, that the furious battle between the Centaurs and Lapithites, contained not more horror than he expressed this with: Had you, said he, seen two tilling Meteors justle in the middle Region, you would have made it an apt simile to that force and fury with which we encountered; Briarius' self with his hundred Giant hands, could not have dealt blows thicker, and more fierce, than this brave Trojan, yet were they all by the force of this invincible arm, able to repel thunderbolts, put by, and on his head redoubled. Alas! said this Magnanimous Maid, I fear me this too much valour of yours will make you one 〈◊〉 subject to the law, if it have not already, I tremble to think what became of your enemy. You may tremble, said he, to think of the fury of our fight, but I so hacked and hewed him, that if he be not past all fear and trembling, I'll never more put trust in this good sword. But if he be in such danger, replied she, why fly you not, and so escape the clutches of the Law? The Law, said he, I fear it not, for I was once told by a Conjurer I should never die for murder. He knew thy constitution very well, replied she, that told thee so, and I dare believe her; come hither Bragadochio, and tell me, was not this Giant with whom thou didst encounter a youth, and of my pitch? Deny it if thou darest, or if thou hast the impudence to do it; see here, is not this the Suit he wore? this is the very shoe thou stoopedst to untie, and this the leg that did bestrid thee, whilst thou like a beastly Coward layest along, this hand returned again thy sword which thou yieldedst up at my first demand, deny but this, and in this woman's habit I will force it from thee.  
You cannot imagine (said Forcett) that I could contain myself and not burst into laughter, to see how gallantly she carried this Affair, whilst our highflown Rhodomontado in as low a stile as he could invent, confessed that all she had said was true, begging of her not to make his shame public. Redeem it then (said she) and I shall not be backward, with as much civility as I can afford, to grace you as much as you have now disgraced yourself. You have wakened me, replied he, and kindled in me that fire of valour, which clouded by some coward thoughts hath so long lain asleep, and made me prise my fameless then my blood: you have, I say, awaked me, and if I defer by some valiant deed to repair my wounded honour, you will do but justly to make me the scorn and reproach of boys and children; nor was he more slack in performance than he had been in promising, for quite leaving of his bragging humour, he became truly and worthily valiant, and now deserves the commendation of all deserving personages, so great a cure had this Magnamious Maid wrought. These are, said Forcett, some particular passages of her life in your absence, to which the Generals have been so correspondent, that should I strive to applaud her virtues, truly I should but whisper to you, what her Fame blazons forth to the world.  
I was both affected and afflicted, continued Goodlake, at this relation of Forcetts, and I must needs confess that I was never so nigh to have swerved from the course of virtue, as I was now for the estate which my dear friend Spancer had left to her, I thought unworthily bestowed, and could more willingly have harkened to a Story of her inconstancy and incontinency, that I might have enjoyed the other moiety of his lands, than thus to have heard the whole world applaud her virtue: nay so much was I transported, that whether it was out of covetise in myself, or a real sense of the unreasonableness of the gift to one of so mean birth, that I was tempted to make a trial of this so feigned piece of chastity and virtue, which at length I resolved to do, and in a disguise for some days frequented her house, attempting her by all allurements of courtship, and promises of rewards, such as would in my thoughts have tempted an Angel; but I found her still lamenting the death of her Spencer, (which she had heard of by some Gentlemen that came over in the same ship with me) and resolutely bend that since she had not the fortune to enjoy him as her Love, she would never enjoy any; one day above the rest I pressed into her privacy, where I found her lamenting over the Picture of her beloved Spencer, I stood some time aside listening, when I might hear her say; It cannot sure be true that thou art dead my Spencer, death could not be so cruel to take thee in thy prime! but if he hath, how happy is that earth that doth contain thy breathless corpse, how do the cold clay encircling thy tomb, rejoice that it's a neighbour to so noble corpse! Oh! that I were so happy to lie by thee, but since that cannot be, I'll study how to die, that though our bodies lie at this vast distance, our souls may meet and safely harbour together! and yet, why should I be so cruel to myself, to whom thou waste so unkind as not to leave me some few commands before thy death! this Picture which is thy lively representation, is more courteous, 'twill not deny me twenty thousand kisses, since the fates deny me thee, it shall be my husband, for here I vow never to marry other! At those words I stepped to her, and snatching away the Picture, would have departed with it, had not she, taking hold of my clothes, stopped me, and falling down on her knees, cried out, Oh Sir! for goodness sake deprive me not of that Jewel which I prise above the wealth of both the Indies, rather let me beg you to possess yourself of all I have, and leave me only that. You beg in vain, said I, nor must you think that bribes will make me so much wrong my friend as to leave his will unperformed. What was that friend, said she? 'Twas one, said I, loved you too well, nor did deserve such inconstancy as you have been guilty of, which made him charge and command me when his soul was now ready to expire to come hither, and force from thee this Picture, unfit to grace a Strumpet's chamber. Suspend not my fear Sir, replied she, but let me know the name of this cruel friend of yours. Spencer, said I Villain, said she, starting up, thou liest, and so much more damned is thy lie, by how much thou wrongest by it the dead soul of him, who whilst living, would have pulled out that treacherous soul that durst have wronged that chastity, which I have so entirely preserved for him, and will for his memory. Nay, said I, if you will be angry vent your passions alone, farewell. Oh! stay, cried she, and though my Spencer could be cruel as to deprive me of what I prise above my life, the only remembrance I had of him, yet be not you so inhuman as to deny me to take my last farewell of it. I do not much care, said I, if I grant your suit, provided you will promise immediately to return it. As I am chaste I will, replied she, and therewithal gave her the picture, which having kissed over, she began afresh to cry out, Oh! thou perfect resemblance of my Love, my dearest Love, for whose safety I have every morning before the Larks with their sweet Notes saluted bright Aurora, and every night when all other humane Creatures were buried in sleep; and none but Stars were witnesses, poured forth Orisons to Heaven, for whose sake I have remained constant and unspotted, though he hath been so unkind with his last words to blast my memory, accept yet this, and this kiss for my last farewell! and here Sir, said she, since it must be so, take this remembrance of my Lord, the sight of which hath often made me give alms, visit prisoners, and lend money to needy Travellers, that Heaven might repay it Spencer, but with it let me beg one boon, that if some few days hence you hear I am expired, you will for his sake, to whom you were once a friend, accompany my corpse to the grave. I was so extremely transported with this excess of virtue, (for what else to call it I know not) that I was neither able to take the Picture, nor to undeceive her, but recollecting myself, and pulling off my disguise, no, said I, keep both it and withal this Ring from off your Spencer's finger, nor did his love cease with his life, this Will brings you a Legacy of five hundred pound per annum. Oh! now you have told me that, replied she, which makes my loss the greater by how much his love was more superlative. But I hope Captain Goodlake, continued she, you will excuse me for my being so rash with you, 'twas your disguise caused it. I must rather beg excuse, replied I, that I have been so harsh to you, though I doubt not your pardon; since, said I, 'tis now in vain to lament Spencer's death, and that he hath divided his Estate betwixt us, let those loves which we severally ought to him, be joined together in us. Alas! Sir, replied she, my love is buried in his grave, and my resolutions never to enjoy any other, sealed with a solemn vow▪ but because you were his friend, I will impart to you a secret, which none else must know, & in which I doubt not but you will be partaker with me. Willingly, said I, be it to pass through dangers never undergone by men or devils yet. Go then, said she, and e'er you know farther, purchase for me that ship which lies for sale in the road, see her well fitted and manned, I have money ready to defray all charges, and this done, you shall know farther; I went according as she desired me, though I could not yet imagine what design she intended: I soon fitted the Frigate according to her order, colouring both the Hull with black, and furnishing her with Sable Sails, and Colours; this done and the Frigate, (which she would have named the Negro) being munitioned with sixteen brass Guns, and threescore and twelve stout men, I went to acquaint her that she was now in readiness to put to Sea, whom I found to have (whilst I was taking care about the ship) had the same care in sitting herself out for the voyage, having settled her Estate in case of miscarriage, and bestowed most of it to pious uses; being thus prepared, we soon set to sea, herself vested in man's apparel, and having administered an Oath to all in the Ship, not to discover her sex upon any disasters whatsoever without her free consent; to me she gave the command of the Ship, and made Roughman, into whom she had by her Magnanimous spirit inspired valour, my Lieutenant, Mr. Forcett accompanied us as a volunteer; we were for many days blessed with prosperous winds, steering our course directly towards the Islands, within two days sail of which we were encountered by a Spanish Man of War, who stoutly attacked us, but found that resistance which he little expected, in sum, after two hours' fight (during all which time this Magnanimous Maid behaved herself with a more than manly courage, cheering up the soldiers, and herself in person venturing amongst the thickest dangers) the Spaniard instead of making us his Prize became ours, only with the loss of seven of our best Seamen, but that was recompensed by the damage which the enemy fell, to wit, not only of ship, goods and liberty, but the lives of near forty of their men; yet such was the generosity, that only distributing some of the riches of the spoil amongst the Mariners, and disarming the Vessel, she gave those that survived the Ship, and sent them away with blessings for her courtesy; two days after this encounter we arrived in the Port of Fial, where she first discovered to the whole company what she often before had in private told me, to wit, that her whole intent of coming thither, was only to fetch the body of her beloved Spencer, and entomb it in a place where herself might afterwards sleep with him; she therefore told them, that now she must make the utmost proof of all their affections to her, which would best be expressed by their valorous attempting the Town, and redeeming out of it the body of her there slain Lover; they all seemed ready and willing to accomplish her will, and though we were but 65. in number, not any man's fears, or doubts of ill success appeared in their faces, but all were ready to fall on, yet I was loath to think that so many good men should be cast away, and lost in vain, for with so small number to have attaqued a Town then newly and strongly refortified by the Spaniards, would have been an act of so great desperation, that we should hardly have escaped the censure of being guilty of our own murders; I therefore advised that we should first man out our Boat, to see if by the taking some straggling Spaniards, we might come to know what force was in the Town, before we attempted so hazardous an enterprise; this counsel, after a small deliberation, was agreed and assented to, and Mr. Forcett with ten men taking the command of the Boat, soon brought us in two Spaniards, whom their own fears made confess, that after the departure of Essex his Fleet, the Spaniards were returned, and had with a new line begirt the Town, that they had received great supplies both of men, ammunition, and provision, from the Spanish Fleet, but lately departed thence; that the soldiers now in garrison, were two Companies of foot, besides the inhabitants; but all this had not deterred us from pursuing our first intentions of assaulting it, had not the Spaniards, upon the enquiry of our Virgin owners, informed us, that the body of Spencer, though at first buried in the great Church, and a stately Monument reared over it, was upon the Spaniards repossessing of the Town, it was removed thence as the Corpse of a Heretic, (as those of your faith are pleased to style us, though I believe the greatest part of those our Nation rather entertain the Protestant Religion, as that which they suck in with their mother's milk, than out of any sounder reason or search into the depth and truth of it) and buried in the fields, nor was it yet permitted to rest there, for the man that ought the field doubtful that his Corn would never prosper, whilst his Land was fatted with a Heretics body, petitioned the Church that it might be taken up and burnt, which was easily granted, and as readily performed. The impossibility therefore of effecting our desires, or gaining what we came for, made us desist from further pursuit of it, but not from some part of our revenge, in battering down some part of the Town and Church, upon those who dealt so harshly with the body of our dead friend; this we had scarcely performed when from the maintop one of our Mariners espied two sails coming in directly towards us, we had no reason to guests them other then enemies, and therefore immediately made ready to fight them, and because they should not have the advantage of combating us in their own Port, we made out, and to draw them somewhat farther off the land, that they might have no relief from thence, made show of flying from them, and they as greedily pursued us as the hungry Tiger would his prey, but being as we thought at sufficient distance from shore, tacked about upon them, and easily gaining the Windward, when we came nigher we might perceive that the one was an English Merchantman, made Prize by the other a Spanish Rover; we were mightily encouraged to find that we had no odds against us, and therefore readily clapped them aboard, not doubting but to carry them at the first assault, but our hopes failed us, for we were not only twice beaten back, but the third time boarded by them, and had not our men been more than men, we had utterly been lost; but who would refuse to fight when they saw our Magnanimous Amazon encouraging them, and herself in the van, prostrating her tender body to the greatest dangers, her valour it was that at length repelled the Spaniards, and prosecuting the Victory (whilst I wounded in this last assault was (unable longer to stand) retired to my cabin) soon made those proud Dons veil their Topsail to her Maiden Flag: And now possessed of her enemy, she next generously pursues the release of the English prisoners, to whom she freely restored both their ship and goods, and supplied what damage they had received, out of the riches of the Spanish Pirate; but surveying the persons of all the Prisoners, she chanced to cast her eye upon one, whose countenance so absolutely represented her Spencer, that had she not been confirmed by so many convincing that he was dead, she would certainly have challenged him for hers, but confident of his death she refrained, yet the so near remembrance of him surprised her spirits, so that swooning away, she was conveyed into her cabin; nor were his eyes (for Spencer it was indeed) during her stay less fixed upon her, he believing that he had seen that face, but by reason of her virile habit, not in the least dreaming it could be she; Roughman who was now the chief in the ship during our owner's indisposition, and my weakness, dispatched away the Merchant's ship to follow her intended traffic, and thus were these two Lovers, by reason of my wounds, no sooner met then parted, seeming to know and yet not daring to know each other. The Spanish Prize was equally divided amongst the Sailors, and the Hull being made unserviceable with our shot, sunk in; but it was the care of this Magnanimous Maid that the Spanjards should all be safely set on shore at Fial, which being done, we Roved for some months over a wilderness of seas, seeking out revenge upon the Spaniards for their inhumanity to Spencer's body; but at length we were forced for want of fresh water, to put into Mamorrah, a Port belonging to the Kingdom of Fosse, into which being entered, our noble Virgin owner, weary of her manly habit, revested herself in most gorgeous feminine Robes, as well for her own pleasure, as to let the Moors have a sight of those beauties with which England was enriched; it is the custom in that Country that as soon as any ship comes into haven, one of the chief Beighs belonging to the King, goes aboard, as well to take knowledge from whence she came, and for what reasons she came thither, as to take an account of her lading, which he is at his return to deliver into the hands of the King his Master; it fortuned that it was the turn of Beigh Alcade to come aboard our Negro, who being brought into the presence of our Heroic Maid, was struck with such wonder and amazement at her excelling beauty, that not able to require an account of us, he stood rather like a Statue then any living soul, but at length recollecting himself, he fell down on his knees, and terming her the Goddess of the Sea, made proffer to kiss the hem of her garments, but being raised up by her, and told that she expected no such adoration, but only came in thither to desire some relief of fresh water, and other necessaries for her Seamen; he hardly yet put out of his belief that she was some Goddess, told her that all they had were offerings too little for so divine a presence, and that the hearts of men were oblations fitter for her worth, than such mean and earthly things as she desired: Talk not of divinity, replied she, for we are all like you, mortals; nor come we hither to be worshipped (though we know you prone enough to adore novelties) but to supply our necessities with which desires if you please to acquaint your King, you will pay us that service which we shall accknowledge as a favour, and endeavour to requite. I am happy dumb Creature (answered Alcade) that the Gods have at length been so favourable to me, as to confer a bounty on me worthy themselves, that is the serving you; our Heroic Virgin returned him thanks for his professed readiness to supply our necessities, and having caused some rich presents to be offered him, which he thankfully accepted dismissed him to give an account to Mullisheg King of Fez his Master of his adventure, who earnestly attended the success of it, for the blackness of our sails, Ship, and colours, had astonished not only himself, but all his Subjects: Alcade being arrived at Court, the King had not patience to attend his coming up into the Presence, but meeting him almost at the Gate, demanded of him what ladeing that mournful Vessel brought, she brings, mighty King (answered Alcade) a jewel more worth than all your Kingdoms; then all my Kingdoms (said Mullisheg) what inestimable thing is that thou talk'st of? surely thou must either overvalue that, or undervalue my vast Dominions; is the whole Ship an entire Diamond, and all her Cordage Ropes of Orient Pearl, yet were itso it would not stand in competition with my Potent Realms Alas! great Sir (replied Alcade) 'tis not the Ship but her lading that is so inestimable, she bears a Goddess in her, a Goddess said Mullisheg laughing, sure thou art distracted? I know not whether I am distracted or no (answered he) but sure I am, my senses are ravished with such Divine Angelical features as never mortal yet beheld, and if she be less than a Goddess there are certainly no Deities. Mullisheg was strangely amazed to hear this report, not could he contain (though he almost believed it but a fancy of Alcade●s) from satisfying his curiosity, having therefore commanded a present of all sorts of necessary provisions of the richest and delicatest to be taken out of his Storehouses for those were the things he understood by Alcade Beigh they most wanted, he caused joffer Bassa his prime Minister of state to accompany Alcade back again to the Negro with orders to inquire into the birth and Country of this Princess (for he so judged her to be rather than a Goddess) and if they could possibly either by gifts of promises of honour and preferments to persuade the Captain to bring on shore that rich Cargazoon of beauty. According to his orders they came a board, and found all things to suit with their utmost desires, she herself freely proffering to attend the Moresco King provided he would first consent to sign such Articles as she would send him which were in short these. First that there should be liberty granted to her and her attendants to leave the land at pleasure. Secondly safe conduct to and from her Ship at her own discretion. Thirdly that she might live free from all violence either from the King or any of his subjects. Fourthly that her Mariners might be allowed fresh victuals aboard; and lastly, That the King should offer nothing upon her person more than what he should gain by free courtship and entreaty. These Articles were no sooner sent, but returned, signed, and confirmed; and we in confidence of their performance accompanied the Bashaw on shore, where we were received with all Magnificence imagniable: Mullisheg was seated not purposely for our reception, but according to custom upon a Throne of three ascents, richly covered with a Canopy of Gold, for the distribution of justice, he had taken some admiration of her beauty at the report of Alcade Beigh, but had not fancied it so great as to him now it seemed, for in such amazement was he strucken at the first glance of her Sunlike beams, that not able to move himself from his imperial Throne, he there sat as if he had been enchanted; but raising himself, he descended and taking her by the hand, placed her in the Chair, where his Royal Queen used sometime to sit, & after having uttered several extravagant speeches in the praise of her beauty, told her that that day she should sit as supreme Judge for the trial of all causes should come before him, amongst the rest there were two Christian Merchants, one of which for stealing Custom was fined one thousand Ducats, the other condemned to a forfeiture both of Ship and goods, both which by her intercession were released, and the life of an English Divine saved, who vainly endeavoured to convert the Moors pardoned; but as these causes were debating, who should come in as a Petitioner but her beloved Spencer: 'twas strange what amazement seized upon us two at the sight of that which we could take for nothing but his Ghost, nor was his wonder less to see us there. I was just going to salute him in that public place and to try whether he were a reality or a shadow, had not his fair love detained me, and advised me to take some privater opportunity. Capt. Goodlake was further pursuing this story, than which Spinola confessed he never heard one more delightful, when he was interrupted by a messenger from the Duke of Mantua, who came to acquaint these two valiant Commanders, that the Duke of Ferrara hearing that the Mantoves Army daily increased in numbers, and would in short time arrive to such power as would be able to force him from his siege, thought it more honourable to raise it himself, & before their numbers were too much increased, give a second rout if possible, which effected, the conquest of his whole Country would assuredly follow; that to the end he might find them the more unprovided, he had filently raised his leaguer, and that his vanguard was already advanced within 12 miles of Marandola, that therefore the Duke of Mantua had sent for them to desire their speedy Council what was sit to be done, Spinola returned answer, that they would presently wait upon his Highness, though he never went with more regret to consult of affairs which tended to his honour, because he was forced to forgo the heaving of a story at an adventure, which he most of all desired to hear.  
The end of the first part.      

THE English Lovers: A ROMANCE.  
THE SECOND PART.  
Written Originally in English.  
By I. D.  
LONDON, Printed in the Year MDCLXI.   

THE English Lovers: A ROMANCE.  

PART II.  

Book I.  
THE heat of the Sun which was now mounted to the highest of the Zodiac, made the famous great Duke of Florence retire from his sport of Hunting, to seek some cooler shade in an adjacent Wood, which with its Verdure seemed to invite him, as well to delight his Senses with the various Odours of all sweet smelling Flowers which Nature had adorned that pleasant Soil with, as to please his Optics with their variety of Dresses, which the frugal Earth had been prodigal to bestow upon this fortunate Bower; but more especially to shade himself from the too violent beams of the Sun, under the broad spreading leaves of the Oaks and Sycomores.  
But riding thus along with all possible delight, accompanied with a brave Squadron of his Nobles, to seek further pleasure, or to enjoy the fruits of their former sport, drawing near to their intended repose; a place, which for its beauties might have deserved the presence of the chaste Diana, a shrill and woman-like noise, pierced the ears of this famous Duke, who after having listened from whence their Cries came, posted with his Pegasean Steed, and was followed with no less swiftness by his Nobles, to the assistance, as they supposed, of some distressed Virgin.  
Being arrived at the place, they might perceive a villainous Bandits to have surprised a Lady of excellent beauty, and she not being able to resist his force, was forced to submit her tender arms to be tied to the boughs of a tree, which seemed to bow and yield obedience to her, whilst the hellish Ravisher was preparing to sacrifice her Chasity to his lust; if the grand Duke at the Echo of her cries made his horses feet strike Fountains out of the Rocks, with the strength and swiftness of his running, he now flew faster than the winds to rescue this distressed Lady, and to execute a just vengeance upon the impious Villain, who durst attempt so horrid an iniquity upon one so like a Goddess; but the base Catif-conscience of his own desert, armed with the wings of fear and guilt, fled into the thickest of the Wood, and though pursued for some space by the Duke himself, yet did those fair spreading boughs for the present yield both shelter and security to the barbarous Ravisher.  
The Duke seeing it in vain to pursue him any further, returned to the place where this beauteous Lady was, so near being made a prey to ugly and deformed lust, whom he found to be unbound by some of his, and at the sight of him, advancing towards him; whither being come, she fell down, and kissing his hand. Noble sir, said she, For this act of succouring a distressed woman, must needs assure me you are so; Give me leave before I pay my Oraizons to Heaven, or render that sublime thanks I owe to you, to know to what worthy person of what estate or degree I owe this wretched life, lest otherwise I prove a Heretic to good Manners, and strive not to render a thanks worthy the person, since I can never do it worthy the favour. Fairest of thy Sex, answered the Duke, since thy Nobleness I need not question, whilst I see it written in thy Forehead, I should want some of that worth which you impute, if I should deny your request; Know then, noble Lady, I am styled by my Subjects, Duke of Florence, and Prince of their Country, whose greatest happiness is, that it can boast to have kissed your feet. The Prince of this Country (answered she) then thus low must I fall to do a due Obeisance, and therewithal would have fallen with her face to the ground, but was taken up by the Duke, saying, O Madam! deign not to this sordid earth; so great an honour as to kiss those fair lips, which the Owner of this ground would be proud to receive, and which the greatest Princes may boast a Favour from. But, Madam, continued he, since my Stars have been so happy as to make me the Minister to preserve your Honour from barbarous violation; let me beg to know for whose sake the gods have thrown so great an Obligation upon me, and how they came so much to forget themselves, as to let you by an adverse Fate, be hurried into so great danger. Though your Highness (answered she) may justly demand this as a debt due to the greatest Obligation ever was laid upon poor distressed woman; yet to the favour of preserving that Jewel which I hold inestimable; let me beg your Grace to suspend for some time your desires by believing that my over-pressing grief, will not let me to fulfil them farther than to tell you, that by the raging of the boisterous Seas, we were made a Shipwreck on the neighbouring Coasts; upon which, I was no sooner safely landed, and had escaped the merciless Seas, but we became a prey to those Villains, from whence your Highness rescued me. Cruel were those Seas (answered the Duke) and ignorant of the great Treasure they supported, when they could be so obdurate to injure so divine a Beauty: but for those Bandits, who durst in my Country (happy only in being your Ref●ge) attempt such Impieties; they shall assuredly feel both the power and the justice of my Revenge: And thereupon turning to the Lord Almerigho, Be it your care, said he, to get in readiness a sufficient power to clear these Woods of those inhuman Robbers, and in the mean time, let a Bando be published, porclaiming a Reward of one thousand Crowns, to whoever should bring in the head of that soul and beastly Ravisher. But, Madam, said he, I suppose that grief through which I see your Beauties shine, proceeds from the loss of some friend, in this fatal Disaster. 'Tis true Sir, answered she, I have lost a friend, who striving to defend me, overpowered by numbers, I fear me fell by those Bandit's Swords, and cause enough I have to doubt, lest my Maid's Chastity be made a prey to some Ravishers hot blood: We have delayed too long time to rescue her, answered the Duke; and therewithal commanded some to go out in search of her, who soon found her tied to a Tree, in the same manner as her Lady was, but as yet unprejudiced in her honour; for upon the noise of the Duke's approach, fear had made the Villains desist from their Design, and fly to seek their safety. The Maid at the sight of her beloved Mistress, fell down, and embracing her knees, uttered thousand of expressions of joy for her deliverance, with millions of blessings upon those who were the Causers of it; but withal, assured her, that she feared her friend who had fought so gallantly for her was slain, for that she saw him desperately wounded, and pursued by at least a score of the Bandits. The Lady showed feeling expressions of grief in this relation; but the Duke endeavoured by all means possible to comfort her, withal telling her, that since Fortune had been so adverse to her, as to cast her upon his shore, he hoped she would not refuse the happiness to bless his Court with her presence. Her present condition made her easily yield to the generous offers of the Duke: so she was presently mounted in a stately Chariot, which was come there ready to attend his Highness, who entering with her into the Coach, fed all the way upon her excelling beauty, till the little blind god made his heart a prey to her perfections.  
Being arrived at Court, the Duke strove to entertain his strange guest with such extraordinary solemnity that from thence might be easily perceived, that he bore her no ordinary affection, the statelyest Lodgings in the whole Court were appointed for her apartment, and many Ladies of honour ordered to attend her, but she would suffer none to wait upon her but her own servant Maria.  
Nor could all the sumptiousness of her entertainment or the sports purposely invented by the grand Duke, remove or make her abate his melancholy humour, which had so fully possessed her that the joy for the misery she had escaped, was forgot in the great sorrow she felt; for misery she yet thought herself involved in, yet still so transparent did her beauty shine through that veil of grief, that it seemed rather as a foil to set of, than ablemish to her excellencies.  
The grand Duke had a great desire to know the person or quality of his fair guest, but finding her so much over pressed with sorrow at any mention of her story, his love and civility obliged him not to be troublesome to her, he therefore addressed himself to her maid, and by gifts endeavoured to draw that from her which her Mistress' griefs would not permit her to relate, but she having received a charge from her Lady not to disclose any thing of her various fortunes, he might as well attempted to have washed a Blackmoore, or done things most impossible.  
But whilst he both in vain pursued his love to his fair guest, and his desire to know her person and quality, an unlooked for accident discovered the last unto him, for a Merchant by chance, having received from foreign adventures a rich Casket of the most curious Jewels of the East, thought it his duty to make the first show of them to his Prince, whose love promted him to command this Merchant to attend upon his beautiful guest and freely present them to her choice, as things only fit to adorn so incomparable a Creature.  
the Merchant according to the commands of the Grand Duke, attended on the fair Mistress of his Prince's heart, freely making offer to her of the most precious of his Jewels, all which she slighted making choice of none but a small Ring and that only because her civility obliged her not to reject the bounty of so great a Prince.  
But upon the return of Tignor jacomo Bonaventuro, for so was the Merchant called to the Grand Duke, he brought him a Jewel, which the valued above all those of his Casket, to wit, the knowledge of the person of his beauteous guest, assureing him that she was no other than that virtuous English damosel whose fame had spread itself from the Court of the King of Fez over most parts of the Christian world.  
The Duke was extremely rejoiced that it should be his happiness to entertain a person whom fame had reported so highly deserving, yet seemed somewhat to doubt the Merchant's relation, till he assured that the favour he received from her (six of her men being rescued from the Galleys by his intercession) had so engrafted her Idea in his mind, that it was impossible ever to be eradicated or blotted out.  
This conference of the Merchant's made the Duke as confidently believe what he was likewise willing it should be so, and this belief sprung in him a desire to hear a perfect relation of her particular carriages in the Court of that mighty King of Fez and Morrocco, which though he had darkly been informed of 〈◊〉 the General by the land Echo of her far resounding fame, yet he wanted that certain relation which his now knowledge of her person made him desire.  
He therefore commanded the Merchant to acquaint him with his knowledge of that story, which after some excuses of not being able to perform his Highness desires so fully as he might expect, yet resolving in obedience to his commands to do his utmost endeavour; he thus prosecuted.  

The Continuance of the History of the Magnanimous Maid.  
IT was my fortune (dread Sovereign) to be in the Port of Mamorrah, when this most excellent maid arrived with her Ship called the Negro in that haven, what her entertainment was, fame hath already so fully resounded in your Highness' ears, that I need not make any farther relation of it, no more than I need give you a recital of the many pious acts, which by the powers her beauty had gained over that Moorrish King; she did to many Christians, either whose ships, goods, or liberties had been made forfeit to the Tyranny, or severer Laws, of those Infidels.  
Let it suffice your Highness to take notice of an adventure which surpasses all that ever I heard, amongst other addresses made to her whilst she sat with that great King upon the judgment-seat there came in a Gentleman seemed to be a suitor for the release of an English Ship, seized upon by the King's officers for some default in ●he payment of customs, it was my hap, so please your Highness at that instant to be in the Court, when I might perceive a strange alteration and distraction both in the countenance of that renowned maid and this strange Gentleman who for manlike beauty and comeliness of Person exceeded in my opinion all that ever I saw; Gods! how did their eyes dart wonders at one another, a man might easily perceive in th●r co●●●●iences that they did know, and yet did scarce believe they knew each other, so great was their distraction that the Gentleman was not able to make known his desires, and certainly the King had taken notice of their passion had 〈◊〉 the Captain of the Negro who equally 〈◊〉 this Gentleman taken him aside and informed 〈◊〉 himself of that happiness which before he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doubt of.  
My curiosity drew me to that part to which they had retired, where I might understand by the sum of their discourse, that this Noble Gentleman was the occasion that drew that magnanimous Virgin out of her own Country, Not out of any hopes ever to enjoy him but out of the excess of love which she had formerly bore him, to fetched his Corpse (believed to be buried in Fiall) to grace it with asumptious interment in England, but being arrived there, i● was reportde that his body was by the revengeful Spaniards, burnt and the ashes thrown into the air, so that her intentions being frustrated, accident rather than design had brought her into that Port.  
The strangeness of this adventure, made me draw nearer to hear the period of it, and how this Gentleman so long believed to be dead was now again revived which I found to be by his own relation thus, that in few days after the departure of the fleet had recovered of those wounds which by his friend he was thought to have died of, that the mistake arose from the death of one of his name, whose ashes might in probability be so abused by the cruel Spaniards, that himself not finding a passage directly for England had Embarked upon that Merchantman now forfect, then bound for Mamoroh & so for his own Country, that they were first taken by the Spaniard, and then soon after released by that ship Negro, where seeing the owner (for so was this magnanimous Maid esteemed,) in man's apparel he did think notwithstanding his disguise▪ that she much resembled the joy of his heart, at those words his friend embracing him, cried out how unfortunate were those wounds I ●hen received, for forcing me to retire from the discovery of thee my Spencer, whose ●ight would not then have been less dear to me then now, after so many chances and strange variety of fortune's which according to the vulgar opinion do generally endear affections; but we must now, continued he, endeaver to manage our bus●ness wisely, for fear lest the love which I perceive the Moorrish King is inflamed with towards your Mistress, should work your own and our destruction; go therefore and without any further notice taking, urge your suit for the release of the English Ship and goods.  
The Gentleman did as his friend the Captain ●ad advised him, nor needed there much entreaty to prevail in the Suit, whilst that fair Virgin interceded so its grant; yet so closely, they could not conceal their loves and affection's to each other, but it was easily discerned by the enamoured Mullisheg, whose Rage began to appear in his eyes against his Rival, which being perceived, both by Spencer and his beautiful Mistress, they resolved, seeing they were no● longer able to conceal their Loves, freely to● declare to the King, knowing that by will●●● concealment of what was so apparent, the●● should but lose themselves; nor could they 〈◊〉 more if they revealed their Loves; the strange●●● misfortunes of which, they thought, might move● the Moor, if he had any sense of Nobleness 〈◊〉 Generosity, to grant them the enjoyment 〈◊〉 their long laboured for desires.  
Armed with this Resolution, the genero●●● Spencer (taking opportunity when the Moo 〈◊〉 King was seated Gloriously on his Throne▪ which showed more Replendant by being a● do ned with that Paragon of Beauty) kneeling down begged a Boon of Mullisheg, who having been always hitherto used to grace him for 〈◊〉 fa●e of his fair Mistress; bade him freely ask● promising upon his Royal word not to deny hi● any thing. Show yourself then most might● King, said he, what Fame has Renowned 〈◊〉 for, and grant me this fair Virgin, whon neither the envious Fates, nor boisterous Seas could 〈◊〉 me of, to be my Wife. Heavens! how did 〈◊〉 Request 〈◊〉 the Sable Mullisheg, his fier●● eyes did seem to dart forth Lightning, and gnash●ing his Ivory Teeth, leapt out of his Chair 〈◊〉 State, and shaking his Ebon locks, drew forth his Scimatar with such violence, as if he would have cleft asunder the two Poles, and made the whole foundation of the Earth sink to its primitive Chaos: In sum, crying out; And dares any insolent slave attempt to deprive me in my own Court, and at the foot of my Impeerial Throne, of a Jewel I esteem above my Crown? Base Caitiff, thy Request hath spoke thy death, and those audacious Accents of thy ill instructed Tongue, were the passing Bell to thy deserved Funeral: nor will I, by Heaven longer defer my Justice: His threatening words had been seconded by as hasty a blow upon the head of the worthy Spencer, had not the magnnanimous Maid interposed, and laying hands upon his Arms, cried out: Truce-breaking Mullisheg, most undeserving the name of a King; who darest thus publicly break and violate those Oaths thou so lately sworest to? what faith can ever hereafter be had in the word of a King, if the great Mullisheg who once was famed for the most good and just of any of his belief, shall become a perjured Wretch? And yet know cruel and unjust Tyrant, that if thou persistest in this villainy▪ (for other I cannot term it) thou shalt be yet further from enjoying thy lustful and irregular will upon me, for I vow to all the gods I will not outlive him a moment.  
The fierce looked Mullisheg stood as it were astonished at her Generosity, and amazed at the Majesty of her Anger, his trembling hand let slip his Sword, and falling back into his Throne, he fixed his eyes upon the ground, and as if he durst not look upon so much offended Beauty, sat rather like a senseless Statue than a living Prince.  
But after a small time of revengeful Cogitations (though his fury seemed all the while to abate) he with a voice scarce demonstrating the least passion, commanded his Attendant Guard to seize on the Generous Spencer, which they were as ready to effect, as he to command; had not he resolutely determined (knowing what would be the issue of a Moorish Prison) rather to sell his life at the dearest rate with his Sword in his hand, then be starved to death in a loathsome Dungeon.  
The Guard seeing themselves thus confronted, and indeed repulsed, by one single man, in the presence of their Prince, added fury to their Numbers, and resolved all at once to suppress him, but with such strength and courage, did he brandish his death-threatning Sword, that like those Rats who were to hang a Bell about the cat's neck, none durst be the first to approach him.  
In the mean time, this worthy and magnanimous Maid, snatching from the ground the Morrish Kings Sword, thrust herself amongst the thickest of the Guard, to assist or defend her generous Lover; and at length, coming to the place where he was, she like a Breastplate clapped herself before him, endeavouring to receive or defend all blows that were made at him; but the timorous Guard, whether not daring to offend so much Beauty, or daunted at her heroic Courage, made no further attempt upon her beloved Spencer.  
The falling off of the Guard bred a pity of these two Lovers in the heart of the Sable Mullisheg; yet he thought fit at first to make no show of it, but calling them before him with an angry Countenance: Is it possible, said he, that you should yet dare thus to affront me in my own Court, whilst it lies in my power to inflict on you the most terrible of Tortures? Tortures (replied this magnanimous Maid) know base Tyrant, the most fell Tortures that ever barbarous Africa invented, can no more make us alter our fixed Resolutions, than Kings are able to make the Heaven's bow to do them Reverence: for know, insulting king, our Loves are like the Centre of the World, so strongly seated in our hearts, that nothing but a general dissolution can shake them. Whilst the King sat still amazed, and musing upon the Gallantry of the English Maid; the Captain of the Negro who had not been idle all this whive, but showed sufficient demonstrations of his resolutions, to follow the fate of his friends, adressing himself to Mullisheg; seconded her words with somewhat to this effect. I need great King (said he) urge how infamous you will become by breaking that faith which you so lately gave. King's are easier incited to action, which will add to their former Glory, then by words deterred from those would eclipse, He let it suffice that you have now opportunity offered to do an action which will make the great Mullisheg renowned through the world join these two lovers hands, the story of whose constancy, were it but related, would move compassion not in you only but in the very senseless Rocks, O let not then Sir your intemperate love sway you above your honour, but as you have been conqueror of mighty Kingdoms, let this action demonstrate to the world that you are victor over yourself and over your immoderate desires, so shall foreign Nations that never yet heard your name Chronicle your virtues.  
This speech of the Captains wrought so effectually with the inclining Mullisheg that rising from his Chair, you have (said he) wakened in me that heroic spirit; which can never suffer lust to triumph over virtue, Most excellent Virgin, whom before we loved for the outward graces, but now admire for that inward ornament of thy soul, thy loyal constancy, accept from my hand thy long hoped for love; whose story having heard discoursed, the greatest riches of my Kingdom shall Solemnize your Nuptials; Were but the great Mullisheg (answered this Magnanimous Maid) of the Christian faith, I should believe him a god on earth▪ but let this action however so celebrate his fame, that he may be an eternal pattern to future Kings, to account it a greater glory to be conquerors of themselves then of the greatest Empire.  
Many other words passed to the like purport, and so the company for the present withdrew to the King's Palace, where shortly after all imaginable preparations were made for the Solemnisation of the Nuptials of these two English lovers, but my occasions mighty Duke, calling me from thence, I could not stay to see the marriage solemnised, though I afterwards heard that it was performed with wonderful state; and since your Highness tells me that she was cast by shipwreck into your country; I have reason to believe that great sorrow which at present overshadowes that nature which used to be civil, courteous, and debonair, is for the loss of her husband who undoubtedly perished in the all devouring sea.  
The Duke was extremely delighted with this relation of the Merchant, but especially with the hopes he had of the worthy Spencer's loss, for he thought that might facilitate the enjoyment of his beauteous Mistress, which he resolved to leave no way unattempted to attain; and therefore commanded the Merchant to go and present her with own of his richest Jewels, valued at ten thousand Crowns, knowing how much gifts do prevail over the soft and easy natures of women; but though her civility taught her to accept the Duke's Jewel, yet her honour inclined her to a resolution, that not a whole Dukedom should tempt her to a violation of her chastity.  
Scarce was Sig. jacomo Bonaventuro departed to offer up his rich present, to the fair hands of the fairest guest, but a messenger arrived to acquaint the Grand Duke of Florence, that after the long continued bloody wars between the two Dukes of Mantua and Ferrara, they had concluded a firm and lasting league; and were resolved within two days to visit Florence, to make his Highness and his whole Court and Country a witness of their late concluded amity. The Duke received the Messenger with all honour due to one, who came as agent from two such Princes, returning them thanks suitable to the honour done him by such a visit, and withal giving order that his Court should be made to shine with Gold and Pearls, for their more sumptuous entertainment.  
Two days after the two Princes arrived, being met by the grand Duke, with an infinite train of Nobility on horseback, three miles without the City, and so with inexpressible state, conducted to the Royal Palace, where the Tuscan being seated on his Throne, and the two Princes on each side of it, he endeavoured to make their welcome grateful, by telling of them, that the honour they had done him in leaving their Courts to visit him, should be recorded as an everlafting Trophy of their loves, and an eternal monument, of a firm and perfect amity with them both. They returned an address suitable to his civility, by telling him, that having happily composed their two long lasting differences, they thought themselves obliged, to make a tender of their united league to his Highness, as to greatest and most renowned Prince of Italy, selecting him as a Royal witness of their blessed union: Nor must we, continued the Duke of Mantua, forget to present unto your Highness this pair of Heroick Englishmen, who as they defended us severally with their Arms, so they united us in their friendship. I have heard indeed long since (answered the Tuscan Duke) of their Noble deeds of Arms, loud fame having blazoned it into most Courts of Christendom, but that they have been happy in reconciling two Princes, and stopping that issue of blood, would in time have overflowed their Countries, makes them more glorious than all their acts of Chivalry, and herewith he Rose from his chair to salute the two English strangers, whom he perceived made their addresses to kiss his hand, which he would by no means permit, but affectionately embracing them, told them that persons of such great worth were not to be received as Subjects, but Companions to Princes; and though he knew no way to do it according to their deserts: yet he should study to find one out, they humbly on their knees returned thanks to the Duke for his Noble reception, excusing themselves as not deserving any such favour at his hands; Your fame hath already sufficiently spoken your deserts (answered the grand Duke) but if any of these Noble personages will do me the honour to inform me of some of the latter passages of that war, I doubt not but your actions will best speak your character. 'Twas a kind of a pleasant strife to see how the two Dukes hastened which should first satisfy the Tuscan, and do right to their Champions, which at length being conceded to the Duke of Mantua Ferrara, being retired he thus began.   

The continuation of the story of the two Worthies Spencer and Goodlake.  
AFter the fortunate arms of the Duke of Ferrara, assisted as himself confesses, chiefly by that noble English Gentleman (pointing to the gallant Spencer who had hitherto con●ealed his name) to whom I think deservedly he attributes his whole success, had gained that signal victory over my forces on the Plams of Merandola, I retreated with a small remainder of my Army, unto that strong fortress, there to endeavour again to respire my sha●reted B●ig●es, though with little hopes ever to appear again in the field, had not the invincible arms of the generous Spinola, and thrice valiant Goodlake forced a victory from the Savoyards and Ferraresses, and joined their forces to mine, whereby I not only gained their assistance, but other of my Subjects having their hopes revived by their victory, came flocking in to offer their service in assistance of my cause, which they now accounted nothing less than desperate.  
But the Duke of Ferrara having advice of the great supply which daily came into my Army, as he was encamped before my Metrapolitan City of Mantua, thought it the better policy to raise his siege then to be raised from it, and I suppose it was then debated in his counsel of War, that every delay did but add more strength to my forces, that the City was yet well provided with all sorts of provision, strengthened with a strong Garrison, and therefore not likely to be surrendered or forced in a short time; that if he could once more give a general defeat to my forces, the City would of itself come in without any resistance, that therefore the Duke should immediately raise his siege, and if possible provoke me to a battle.  
This last conclusion was made a resolve, and such was their expedition in advancing towards us, or the negligence of my Scouts, that the whole Army of the Duke of Ferrara was scarce half a days march distant, ere I had any advice of their motion, which put me at first into some distraction, but finding all delays to be so many presenting perils, I immediately called a Counsel of War, where it was with one voice advised and assented to, that I should with all speed draw out my whole forces, and give my then Enemy Battle.  
Thus were the plains of Merandola the second time to be made the stage whereon we were to act a bloody Scene, for we had advice that the enemy not much above four leagues off was entering upon them, nor was that large champagne above half a League distant from our Camp. The Sun had about two hours declined towards the Western Horizon, when our whole Army, consisting of about five thousand horse, and twelve thousand foot advanced, and somewhat before sunset, faced the Duke of Ferrara's Camp, who with about the same number of horse and foot, had seated himself with their backs directly opposing the morning sun.  
'Twas strange that two so great Armies should lie so close together with so little noise, neither being guilty of the least excursion during the whole night, though I must confess I was advised by some, and that not without reason, to have immediately fallen upon Ferrara's Forces, whilst I had the advantage of the setting sun, which darted its rays just into the faces of my Enemies; besides, it was urged that the Feraresses, having had many long & tedious marches without intermission, must needs be very weary, and so easily be overcome by a fresh Army, but all those arguments were opposed by the generous Goodlake, bravely encouraging me to scorn to take the least advantage of a foe, whose numbers exceeded not mine.  
The next day before the sun had displayed its Golden Rays upon the Parched earth, the Drums and Trumpets Alarmed both Armies to their bloody work, my right wing of Horse I committed to the charge of the thrice Noble Spinola and the gallant Goodlake, the left wing was committed to the charge of that worthy Soldier, your Highness Subject, Signior Alonzo Tristamara, myself in person Commanded the main body of the Army, and as if it were by joint consent, the Duke of Ferrara had ordered his Forces in the same manner as I had done mine, the English stranger Commanding the ●ight wing of Horse, Signior Piemontese●hat ●hat approved veteran the left wing, and the Duke himsself having charge of the main ●attel.  
The Peals of Ordnance, like so many funeral Knells, having rung out a fierce Alarm to both parties, and the Drums and Trumpets ●ounded an encouraging charge, our armies joined just about the time when the sun showed ●is dewy locks above the Caerulian Sea, and ●here as 'twere stood still to behold the gallant ●ctions of these two noble strangers, who most resolvedly charging in the heads of their troops, ●n few hours time with an infinite slaughter interchangeably put to flight their opposites, whilst the main Battalias fought with equal success, or indeed scarce at all, but amazedly beheld ●he incredible actions of the two English men. Gods! How like flaming Comets did their ●rightned swords pierce through the Helmets of ●heir enemies; the left wing of the Duke of Ferrara's Army was forced to yield to the unconquerable Arm of Goodlake, nor did ours find a milder fate in endeavouring to resist against that of the other invincible, but yet unknown stranger, when at last Goodlake leaving Spinola still to pursue the routed Ferraresse in the left wing, came to the assistance of ours, with a full resolution to meet that gallant stranger who had wrought such wonders against us.  
But it happened that at the same time that Goodlake with a gallant party, came in to the assistance of our left wing, his other magnanimous Countryman (though then unknown of him to be so,) was gone with a select Brigade of Horse to repair the ruins on the Duke of Ferrara's part, Heavens! how soon did their presence alter the Scene of affairs, those who before were pursuers, were now pursued; the gallant Spinola charging in the head of his troops, became a sacrifice to the sword of Ferrara's Champion, & on the other side those troops which his presence had before made victorious, now fled as fast as they before pursued, before my valiant Commander. In this variety of fortune did the battle continue on both sides, for the whole day those two noble strangers, seeming as it were the souls of the two Armies which moved those great bodies at their pleasure, till after Sunset the approaching darkness of the night, rather than any other cause, made us both willingly sound a retreat, as well to rest our wearied bodies, as to compute● our losses.  
'Tis almost incredible (worthy Prince) what infinite slaughter this day made, those vast and wide-stretching plains seemed covered with the bodies of the dead; nor could either Army boast above half the number which they had that morning seen alive and well: Strange fury of men, worse than that of wild beasts, for these are never ravenous upon those of their own brood, but we ambitiously strive to destroy one another!  
The next morning's light called up the two Armies again, to put a final period to this bloody Tragedy, the Trumpets and Drums had sounded the alarm, and now only attended to change their note to that of another fell and dreadful charge, when a Herald from the Duke of Ferrara's Army brought me the ensuing Letter.  
To the Puissant Duke of Mantova.  
THough we have no reason at all to doubt the strength or courage of our Army, or to think our cause so bad, as not to venture our Subjects bloods once more in a fatal conflict; yet when we consider, that the blood which has been shed in this unhappy contrast, would not only have watered but overflowed those lands we contend for, we cannot but with tears lament that vast effusion of humane gore, and with that some happy remedy might be found out to give a Period to these unhappy discords, rather than by further hazarding our Subjects lives, increase both the score and the enmity. Think not hereby that we mean to forgo the left of our right, but this we promise upon the word of a Prince, that if for preventing further Tradegies, your Highness will make choice of a Champion to combat ours, we will willingly hazard the loss of that which we think we may justly call our own, upon his single person, being content that the conquest of either shall end all differences between us.  
D. Ferrara.  
This Challenge which I may in some regard call pious (as I understood afterwards from the Duke of Ferrara) proceeds wholly from the generous entreaties of that worthy stranger, who moved out of a noble pity, to see too neighbour Princes in that cruel manner, sacrifice their Subjects lives, to either their disdain or ambition for a thing scarce worth the contention, freely offered his blood to end the difference, which Ferrara confident of his valour, as readily accepted.  
Nor can I, tell you mighty Prince, with what joy I received his offer, though I was doubtful when I least had need) who to make choice of for the defender of my right, for no sooner was the Challenge read in my Council of War, but the thrice valiant Goodlake, falling on his knees, earnestly entreated to do him the honour to make him my Champion, which he added, he desired not so much out of a confidence of his own strength or valour, but that he might rerevenge the blood of the most Noble Spinola, for between them two was there contracted an inviolable friendship.  
I readily assented to his request, nor was there any of the most daring that murmured at it, either because they had had too much experience of the valour of the enemy's Champion, (for we all believed the stranger) or because they thought none but him able to cope with him, or else because they thought it convenient that the other being a stranger none but a stranger should combat▪ him. So I immediately returned this answer to Ferrara's Duke.  
To the thrice Noble Prince the Duke of Ferrara.  
THe pious care you have to avoid the effusion of Christian blood, mak●s me accept your challenge, being as willing to save the lives of my Subjects, as you have been ready to sacrifice both yours ana mine to deprive me of my right. My Champion shall meet yours armed at all points, like a Knight at Arms, in the Plain between both armies, Hostages being first on both sides given to perform conditions.  
D. Mantova.  
A Herald from me being sent, with this returned, with speedy answer that the Duke of Ferrara, would immediately deliver into my power as Hostages the Count Lozenzo Porzcachy and Signior Giasparo Piemontese, if in exchange of them I would send the Count Piedro Giovanni, and Signior Alonzo Tristamara, which I willingly agreed to, and they were on both sides fairly delivered.  
Exchange being thus made, and all conditions agreed upon, the sound of the Trumpets called forth the two Champions into the field; the first that appeared was the Challenger, mounted on a black Steed, and his Armour so perfectly black that there appeared not any thing about him which was not wholly sable, save only a small green Scarf tied about his waist; my Champion was on the contrary apparelled all in white, being a furniture I purposely gave him to denote the justness and nocency of my cause, yet his own fancy lead him to encircle his ar●es with a mourning Scarf.  
Having made two or three traverses about the field, the signal was given, which the two Combatants received with so much readiness as I never yet beheld the like, their fiery Steeds breathing forth nothing to all men's appearance but death and destruction; yet ran so fiercely at each other, that they seemed to threaten the shaking of the whole Universe; yet these two gallant spirits at the breach of there Lances upon each others helmet sat like two Rocks unmoved in their Saddles, when furiously drawing out their Swords they made us believe that the Combat between Ajax Telamonius, and the valiant Hector, was again renewed, such was the ponderousness of the strokes that they would have forced the Heaven, assaulting Giants to have bowed under them.  
But how soon was this storm changed into a calm. These two Champions who but just before, with such violence and fury assaulted each other; on a sudden to the amazement of us all threw away their Swords, and leaping of their Horses cast themselves into mutual embraces: We were doubtful, at first what to think of this so strange adventure, some were of opinion that they still fought, affirming that it was the manner of England, not to stand overlong dallying with their Swords, but by closing try out the issue of the fight by strength; others believed that by some accident, they had come to make some happy discovery of themselves to be two friends, and were now embracing (which was indeed the truth) and renewing their ancient friendship, nor wanted there some to believe that, one party had yielded to the other, though they could not guests which; yet either in the interim believed themselves betrayed.  
The agreement made that none should stir, from their post, to assist or encourage either Champion, made us with the greater patience await an issue, which after no short time of expectation was brought to either side by the combatants themselves. Good lack being arrived at my Tent, I was very inquisitive to know the reason of that strange amity so suddenly agreed upon between two foes, who I believe went with as equal regret and hatred to the seld, as did Paris and Neoptolomus, when the one vowed▪ to revenge the death of a father, the other of a friend and brother.  
But the entreated me to restrain my curiosty, till such time as I could call a general Counsel of War; to whom he desired publicly to declare the event: I assented to his request, and having summoned all the chief officers of my army together, seats being taken according to order, he thus began to relate the story.  
That I have, Noble Mantoveses, ever since I entertained your Duke's service, behaved myself both as became a soldier & Commander, I hope there's none here will gain say, nor deny that I have always readily ventured my life to the greatest hazards, perils and dangers, which the various chance, & fortune of this war hath cast before me; and yet I think never any of you before heard me so much sound forth my own praises: nor do I now make this Exordium, either to augment my own, or diminish your worth, but to tell you that I can now no more hazard my blood for you, that life which before was a butthen, is now grown precious to me, and I may say that through both yours and the Duke of Ferrara's Armies, are still in the field as opposites, I have by your wars gained such a requiem as just a period to my further labours. For I have found my friend for whose only sake or rather for whose supposed loss I became your friend, and Ferrara's foe; let your contracts then mighty Sir end in our friendship, and as we have showed you an example, through away your blood thirsty swords, and turn your enmity in to embraces.  
He would I believe have proceeded farther to our admiration, had not the arrival of a Herald from the Duke of Ferrara's Camp, requiring speedy audience obstructed him, who being admitted addressing himself to me, told me that he believed my Champion had already prepared me with what he came about; that his Master inclined by the strange accident which had happened between the two Combatants, was resolved likewise to lay aside his offensive arms, and embrace me with those of an eternal friendship; that to that effect he had sent me such conditions, as he thought could not in honour refuse. That he was ready to yield up to me all those Lands in contention, save only the small Town and Castle of Torre Necova, which standing on the other side of the River, were known anciently to belong to the Dukedom of Ferrara, that if I refused these offers, he doubted not but in the end, I should have reason to repent the loss of so fair an opportunity to conclude an everlasting amity.  
The conditions were so honourable, that it had been a dishonour in me to refuse them; so with the Herald, I returned an honourable messenger of my own to acquaint the Duke, that if he would be pleased to grant me an interview between both Armies, I doubted not but we should have occasion to free our Countries from further Alarms by concluding a firm and durable league.  
My messenger was honourably received, my message accepted, the interview had, and all things easily agreed upon, and thus (Noble Prince have) I in brief related to you how those wars, which had cost the lives of so many thousand of our Subjects, were in few hour's space by the mediation of those worthy persons, terminated in a happy and lasting peace, a witness whereof we are come to make your Highness, your whole Court and people.  
The Grand Duke was extremely delighted with this relation of the Duke of Mantova uttering forth innumerable praises in honour of the English Nation, and studying how he might honourably requi●e these Noble persons, who had wrought so much good in Italy, when there entered into the presence Chamber, a Gentleman of a gallant aspect, bearing upon the point of his sword the head of one, whom it appeared he had overcome.  
Being come within hearing of the Duke, kneeling down he made this address to him. Show yourself (Noble Sir) that bountiful Prince to strangers, which all the world reports you, by paying to me that debt which your Proclamation makes due to him who could bring the head of the Captain of Bandits, which thus low I present to your highness feet: We should show ourselves ingrateful (answered the Duke) and much ●etrogade from the honour of Sovereign Princes, should we deny you your well purchased reward; ●ut let sum s farther beg to know to what Country man we owe this service. I am mighty Prince (said he) by birth an Englishman; an Englishman answered the Duke, must my Court erect then farther Trophies to the glory of that renowned Nation. Command the two Champions hither, for certainly they must be all three allied as well in blood as in their Noble actions.  
A messenger quickly hastened Spencer and Goodlake into the presence, who no sooner entered were, but Ruffman, for he it was looking steadfastly upon them, and knowing them to be his dearest two friends, ran & embracing them, cried out to the Duke, most illustrious Prince, you now owe me nothing, to show me this is a reward beyond your whole Dukedom; and therewithal returned again to embrace his friends, and they him, with so much ecstasy that all the presence perceived the affection was not common.  
But the earnest desire Spencer had to hear some news of his dear beloved, whom he had lest aboard-ship with Ruffman, and bound for England; made him desire leave of the Duke to retire with his friends, which being easily granted they having found out a privacy, he with great importunity demands of Ruffman what was become of his beautiful spouse, or whether he had deserted her and sent her alone for England: deserted her, (replied Ruffman) if all the Devils in Hell had conspired together they could not have possessed me with so much ingratitude; but pray Sir Arm yourself with patience, for I have the tuthfullest story to relate that ever your ears yet heard. My constant misfortunes (answered Spencer) have been so sufficient proofs of my patience, that nothing I believe can now shake it; the Gods grant it answered Ruffman for I fear it will else totter, when I shall tell you that the next day after you were by the unkind winds parted from us, we were thrown among the Rocks on this Coast of Florence; but escaping the furies of the Sea, ran into a greater Sea of miseries: for set upon by some bloody minded Bandits, I was enforced by their number, to permit your beantious Mistress to be snatched away by one, whose looks dencted rape and murder, nor was it in the power of any but a deity to rescue her; yet if she be murdered, I have at least given this satisfaction to her Ghost, to have revenged her on the villain. These words notwithstanding, his firm resolution could do no less then for present deprive the generous Spencer of his senses, to which being again by the care of his two friends revived; they began to comfort him with hopes that the Gods could not permit such an unparraleld p●ice of virtue and beauty to suffer such outrage, but would rather themselves descend from Heaven to her succour.  
In the mean time the grand Duke thought all the entertainemnts he was forced to give to the two Princes of Ferrara and Mantua tedious, because it debarred him from giving a visit to his fair Mistress, whose beauty had gained such power over his heart, that all things else seemed to him but a trouble and vexation to him, night therefore approaching he hastened the two Dukes to their apartment, and that he might give the fire of his love some fuel to feed on, having selected out some trusty Musicians, he retired under the Chamber window of his Superexcellent guest, where he caused the ensuing Song to be sung.  

1.  
LEt not those beauties which adorn that soul,  
And make it the World's wonder  
That passion blame which Kings cannot control.  
Nor Jove with all his Thunder;  
Great Hercules for Omphale's dear sake,  
Did lay down's club, and up the spindle take.   

2.  
Had that lascivious Trojan youth whose luss,  
Bred such a fatal jar  
Seen thee; proud Troyas yet had not been durst  
Nor felt that ten years Warr.  
Fair Helen still had kept the Grecian shore,  
And be left her, thy beauties to adore.   

3.  
Or had the Cretan God beheld those eyes,  
Those darting eyes of thine  
He had descended from the azine skies  
To make thee half divine.  
And would those other fancied beauties flee,  
Calisto, Danae, Semele, for thee.   

4.  
Then blame not me that I such power Divine,  
Have no power to withstand;  
Who dares deny obedience to that shrine  
Which does all things command.  
That passion must be surely just, when he  
That wants it's justly taxed of blasphemy.   
The Song ended the Duke adressing himself close to the window, hoping that it might invite the Mistress of his heart to look out, but she was so overwhelmed in melancholy thoughts that she neither listened to it, nor believed it addressed to her, which made the Duke second that first Song with this.  

1.  
What boots it for me to have command  
Or sway a Sceptre with my hand,  
What boot it I a Sovereign Reign  
Whilst I am forced thus to complain,  
Yet get no answer but disdain.  
King's may their Subjects rule, but love  
Will over them the Tyrant prove.   

2.  
What am I better to be high,  
Since though my state reached to the sky;  
Or stretched its arms from shore to shore,  
I here must fall down and adore,  
Yet yet, disdain and nothing more;  
Kings may their subjects rule, but love  
Will over them the Tyrant prove.   

3.  
No height or greatness can avail  
Or'gainst the charms of love prevail,  
A heart once heightend by desire  
Doth still advance those sparks up higher,  
were kindled first at beauty's fire;  
And so consumes till gentle ease  
Come from what first was the disease.   

4.  
Then fairest stranger pity show  
Let not a Prince in vain thus woo  
You with that sovereign balm abound  
That made me sick, may make me sound  
For none but you can salve this wound;  
Oh make me partner of this skill  
And mix not with such good such ill.   

5.  
But I alas do crave in vain!  
That pity which you will not deign,  
Grant but a glance of your fair eyes  
And that alone will me suffice  
To crown my thoughts above the skies:  
Kings may their subjects rule, but love  
Will over them the tyrant prove.   
This song made her know that both this and the other were addressed to her, and that the grand Duke was the person who had taken the pains to give her this Serenad, she therefore thought herself obliged, in civility to return him some answer, at least to thank him for his profuse endeavours, but resolving first to seem not to know him; opening her Casement she roughly demanded, who it was that presuming to take upon him the person of their Prince, durst at that season of the night, presume to disturb her rest. I am Madam (said he) the Duke himself, come to tender the humblest of my services to you; though my furrows (answered she) are a degree above what music can bate, yet I must needs confess myself excessively obliged to your Highness, that are thus pleased to abase yourself, for the entertainment of so poor a guess, beyond all the degrees of Noble Hospitality. Both I and all others (answered the Duke) are bound to do Homage to so great beauty, and might I but hope to find love a reciprocal to that duty, and service that I owe your fair self, I should account me of all Princes most happy. Is it love then my Lord (answered she) that prompted you to this pains? Alas mighty Sir, how much do you debase your greatness, to cast an eye upon so mean and unworthy a person as myself, yet Noble Prince, consider and let the thoughts of my meaness restrain in you those wild desires. Thou art all goodness and all beauty (answered he) and that makes thee greater than I am, oh good my Lord, answered she, dedeceive*** not yourself by thinking to gain that from me by your statteties, which all the power of men, nor Devils, shall not force from me, desist therefore my Lord from this enterprise, which will in the end so much dishonour you; and think not my Lord, that because you preserved my chastity from the villainous Bandits, that you have any right to violate it: at these words she was going in, had not the Duke recalled her, by saying dear Madam stay, and at least grant me this request, that your Gentlewoman may relate to me the continuance of your story that if you will not grant me your love, yet I may have liberty to admire you. In that (said she) or any thing else I may with honour, I am ready to serve your Highness and so departed.  
The Duke remained inwardly vexed for his ill success, so that he could hardly rest, yet he somewhat comforted himself, with hopes of the pleasant story he was to hear next morning; & therefore no sooner was the Sun mounted an hours course, but he sent to his fair Mistress to mind her of her promise, who immediately sent her Gentlewoman to wait upon his Highness, who carrying her into an Arbour, fit by reason of the privacy of it, for such a purpose, she thus began.   

The continuation of the story of the Magnanimous Maid.  
YOur Highness having already informed me, that you have heard so far of my Lady's story as arrived to the promise of the Moorish King to unite her hand (as she had already fixed her heart) with her beloved Spencer I shall not need to make a new recital of it, but proceed to what follows.  
The some urgent affairs of State, rather than the present season of the year induced Mullisheg; some few days after his Royal promise was passed for the marriage of this Noble and Peerless pair of constant Lovers, to remove his Court to the famous Sea Port Town of Algiers, whether induced as much by their own inclination, as the earnest desires of the Moorish King, he was accompanied by the generous Spencer and his lovely Spouse, whilst the worthy Goodlake took charge of the Frigate to carry her round by Sea to the same Port.  
The grand Duke seemed to be somewhat transported at the name of Goodlake, for he remembered that the Duke of Mantua had given the same demonstration to his Heroic Champion, which made him doubt that the other stranger who had done such famous acts on the part of Ferrara, which was the gallant Spencer, the husband of his beloved guest, but for the present smothering his imaginations, Maria thus continued.  
Being all arrived in safety at Algiers, the Moresco King having dispatched his most important affairs of State, was put in mind of his promise, to solemnize the Marriage rig hts between these two Noble Lovers, which he readily assented to; himself in presence with his Queen gracing their Wedding, the ceremonies of which were performed by that English Priest whose life my Lady's intercession had saved, and costly banquets being prepared at the expense of the Morocco treasure; there wanted no magnifience which might indeed befit the marriage of the greatest Princes.  
Many days did these Lovers, in the full enjoyment of conjugal bliss, live with all imaginable content in the black King's Court, but fortune which delights in nothing but varieties and changes, soon altered the Scene of their happiness, & overclouded all their joys by the relapse of King Mullisheg, who again bewitched with the love of my beauteous Mistress, out of hopes that he might now sooner gain his desires on her, fell back from that course of virtue which had made him glorious, and by a violent passion, sought to entrap her honour.  
Nor did perverse chance think it enough, that the great Mullisheg thus deviated from all the rules of honour, but to make the misery of these two constant Lovers more complete, the Queen of Fez, and Morocco, a Lady of a haughty spirit and not enduring an imagined injury, whether moved out of a jealousy of her husband, or out of a real affection, was inspired with the same unruly passion towards the worthy Spencer, as the King her husband was towards this louly Bride my dear Lady. Thus did both these Princes strive to rob two of the most constant and most deserving souls, that ever History made mention of, of that joy and content which they had yet but enjoyed in the blossom.  
The King who had most power to act, and indeed to force what his lust prompted him unto, having heard some secret whispers of ouritention to escape his Court, and getting aboard our Ship, sail home to England, gave order to Alcade Beigh, to cast a curious eye upon the gennerous Spencer, & my Lady; and if possible, not to be at any time absent from them, or at least from one of them, so that all hopes of getting away by stealth was taken away from us, for indeed some such thing had been determined of, the passion of Mullisheg, being daily observed to increase more and more, and like a blazing Comet to portend some prodigious effects: Nor was that of the Lady Tota, his Queen to the worthy Spencer, utterly hid from us, though she carried it with more policy and privacy.  
Our stay and my Ladies continual being in the presence of the lascivious Mullisheg, was like fire adding continual fuel to the flames of his lust, which in the end burned so strongly, that he resolved by one means or another to quench it, though by the doing of it, he forfeited all the rules of honour and hospitality, broke his word given, and murdered those guests he had sworn to preserve; yet in what manner to attempt it again he knew not, those brave and Noble, repulses he had before received from her, disheartened him from attemping it upon her own person, he now thought it fitter to use a Proxy and therefore resolved to make the virtuous Captain Goodlake, the Bawd to his lustful desires, this determination he of all best liked, yet knew that such was the goodness of that person, that his very looks would force a blush from the most savag▪ Moor, should he but mention to him a thought so vile and unworthy, he therefore resolved to take the Roman Poets advice, and write those things which his shame would not let him speak, and accordingly after having some few days graced the Captain, with extraordinary and unusual honours, he privately delivered to him this Letter.  
The High and Mighty King of Fez and Morocco. To the Captain of the English Ship Riding in our Port.  
WE have always found thee a Person deserving our greatest honours; nor have our favours been distributed to thee with a niggard hand; Yet now, if lies in thy your to do us a favour, which shall wreathe thy front with Gold, and make thee Command in all our Territories, next to Ourselves, embrace then that Fate which shall make thee for ever Chronicled in thy Native Country, by complying with our desires. We love thy fair Country Woman, the beauteous Elizabeth, and must enjoy her by thy means, which if thou performest thou gainest our love, if not, look to be hewed in pieces by the fury of our enraged King. Thy own Fate direct thee.  
Heavens how was the generous Goodlake startled at the reading of this Letter, he no sooner came to those Words Love, and must enjoy by thy means, but tearing it in two pieces and throwing it away, cried out begun thou treacherous Paper, bespotted not with Ink, but with the Person of Basilikes, Asps, and Dragons; Certainly, had a whole Parliament of Devils, had all the feins and furies sat together in a Synod, they could not in an age have devised an mischief to equal this, this wherein thousands of mischiefs are summoned up together, to Strumpet a chaste and virtuous Lady to injure him, who prizes and vallues her honour far dearer than his life, to set a friend to betray his dearest friend, and rob him at once of all his joys; To blast that name of mine, which Heaven hath hitherto preserved in the scroll o● the virtuous, with that ignominious reproach of Pardarisme. Could any but a Moor whose wickedness must exceed the Devils, have spur●● so many mischiefs in one thread? But what (continued he) should he mark in me might make him think me fit to act such villainies, what could he prognosticate in this visage, that he should find there an Index to such impious Treasons? I have known this Face dart forth ● look, has made my enemies shrink beneath it but never knew it accused into a blush for falceness to its friend; Nor shall it ever in despite of perjured Mullisheg and all his Torments.  
Whilst he was uttering these exclamations against the Moors perfidiousness, he was encountered by the valiant Ruffman his Lieutenant, whose looks made show of no less distractions, than those which had overshadowed the countenance of the generous Goodlake, yet was the Captain about to disburden his thoughts● to him, had he not been prevented by Ruffmen telling him, that he was just now come from the Queen Tota, who by threats and promises had been importunately conjuring him to Solicit Spencer, to grant her the enjoyment of his loves.  
This Story no less confounded the generous Captain, than his Lieurenant was startled, when at his desire he took up the pieces of his torn Letter and read it, their cases being both alike, they thought fit to resolve on some course for their own safety, and the preservation of their friends honours, which whilst they were confusedly consulting about, they were encountered by the two loyal Lovers, who in their angry fronts could discover no less than a direful storm; the meaning of which they were as inquisitive to know, as they were doubtful to believe their relation, till they were convinced by the unresistable testimony of Mullisheg's Letter.  
It was in vain now to let amazement take ●lace of advice, they therefore began to consult how to escape this cloudy tempest, which hung so threateningly over their heads, but in a business of so great consequence their opinions were confused, and indeed they knew not what to do, till my magnanimous Mistress turning to her beloved Spencer, (and Women they say have the sharpest wits in such exigencies) My dear Friend, said She, desperate diseases must have desperate cures, there remains no way to escape the violent lust and fury of the Moorish King and Queen, but by a violent hazarding our own lives: Yet before we come to make use of force, we must work with disimulation; you my dear Soul said I must learn to counterfeit an affection to the Queen, whilst I seem to smile upon the lascivious King, and doubt not but we shall in short time find a means to escape: the effecting of which, we must leave to the wisdom, courage, and sole Management of these two their Agents, who I know by sound experience will not fear death itself, for our safety.  
They all seemed to applaud her Counsel, but because the place was somewhat too public for such a debate, they retired to a greater privacy, where they at large consulted of what they resolved, afterwards to put in execution when opportunity should offer itself.  
Nor was it longer the importunity of Mullisheg forced them to anticipate even their own thoughts; For he thinking that Goodlake dallied with him, with open Threats enjoined him to effect his purpose, or expect the effects of his fury, nor was the Queen less impatient to have her Lascivious thoughts satisfied by the noble Spencer, which made these two worthy friends resolve now to use their utmost art and power, for the delivery of those two loyal Lovers.  
Goodlake in the first place, therefore desires the King that an apartment might be of purpose appointed, as a thing necessary for the bringing his desires to pass, withal assuring him that he had gained the absolute consent of my beauteous Mistress, to entertain him in her embraces, the night following; but that she desired that to cover her blushes, that he would be pleased to approach her in the dark, when she would not fail to entertain his Majesty with the greatest caresses of love. In the mean time, Ruffman had acquainted the Queen, that by reason of the sudden change of Lodgings, where with the two Lovers were yet unacquainted, he would bring her Majesty into the Chamber, where she should all night lie linked in the Arms of the generous Spencer, and he receive her as his beloved Bride.  
This lascicious pair were both highly contented, in the expectation of their next night's enjoyment, which being approached, Ruffman silently conducts the Queen into the Chamber, where the King expected to find his beauteous Guest; and she being disrobed, and lying ●●pecting the renowned Spencer; the King 〈◊〉 by Goodlake conducted in thither, who 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 means satisfied them with an 〈…〉 arefaction of their desires, and yet 〈…〉 bodies chaste.  
These two thus lodged there, yet remained the hardest part to act to avert the dependent Tragedy; The curious eyes of Alcade-Beigh like those of another Argo's, still waited so exactly upon the generous Spencer, or upon his fair Bride, that it was impossible for them to pass the gates together; nor could the worthy Spencer at first persuade my lovely Mistress to leave him to his better stars, and go with Captain Goodlake, Ruffman, and the rest, to secure her own Person: But at length overpowred with Arguments, That it must be the only way to procure all their safeties, she vowing, that if by the next morning he came not safe aboard-ship, she accounting him slain, would assuredly follow him in death; consented to go.  
Captain Goodlake having got the King's privy Signet, and the Military Word, for that night, under pretence of passing up and down from lodging to lodging for the better accommodating of the lustful Mullisheg, with my fair Lady, we easily with them passed the Court Gates, and so securely to the Seaside, where we found a worthy Gentleman Mr. Forcet, with the Boat well-manned and armed, ready to waft us aboard whether being happily come, ourselves we hastened it back, in hopes it might return laden with the generous Spencer, whose presence we now only wanted.  
But long did we in vain expect, what we so earnestly desired, and much longer it seemed, by how much more we did desire it; for after our departure, the noble Spencer found himself so haunted by Alcade-Beigh, that he could not possibly pass any veny of the Court, which so enraged him, that he was once resolved with the sudden death of the Beigh, to rid himself of so burdensome a Companion, but the great danger in this, having for sometime restrained him, he at length thought of a slight which much better served his purpose, for knowing that Alcade-Beigh was not ignorant, that the King his Master had lately attempted always possible to enjoy his lovely Guest, and that he had the promises of Goodlake to effect it; he resolved to dissemble a passion, as if he then really had her in his lustful embraces. The Beigh who had heard him utter somewhat to this purpose, not only left him to his own guard, but freely proffered him passage through the Court Gates; Fond imagining that his absence would make the King rest more securely with his Spouse.  
But Spencer being passed those Gates, there yet attended him a more unluckily fate, for missing his way to the Sea on that side the Town, where our Boat waited for him, he unadvisedly ran upon the other, which lying open to a small Citadel, ingarrisoned by Spaniards, not far distant, makes the Moors constantly keep a strong Guard, both of Horse and Foot there; a party of about forty Foot were usually set upon a Bridge, not above two hundred paces from the Town, amongst these Spencer's unhappy stars first led him, by whom he was commanded to stand, and show a reason of his being there so late; but he now first sensible of his error, would have returned without returning any answer, which they perceiving about eight or ten in number swiftly pursued him, who was resolved upon no conditions to yield himself Prisoner; and therefore with his Sword in his hand turned upon them, resolving dearly to sacrifice his Life, or to force a passage through them to his Spouse.  
But the slaughter of half of that number, which first pursued this thrice valiant Hero, making the remaining part to cry out for more assitance, the whole Guard was alarumed and great numbers both of Horse and Foot came thunding in upon this single Gallant, who yet endeavoured to make an obstinate resistance; several of the faint-hearted Moors being forced to fall under the power of his revengeful arm, in the presence of their Captain joffer-bassa who stood admiring at the noble courage of this Person, whom yet he knew not. But at length encompassed on all sides, the worthy Spencer wearied with dealing wounds, was surprised by his enemies.  
But he was yet happy in being thus a Prisoner, for being brought before joffer-bassa, a Person truly generous; he was accosted by him with all possible civility; the Bassa as if he had been bred in civil Europe, and nor in barbarous Africa, Telling him, that though he could not but wonder at his noble deeds, yet he must be inforeed to perform the office of a Subject, by keeping him his Prisoner, though he could rather have wished fortune to have laid open some way for his escape, and not rendered him a Captive to him, who could only love and honour him, but not help him: By this nobleness (answered Spencer) I am confirmed you are joffer, chief Bashaw to the Great Mullisheg, whom I have always found full of worthy and gallant thoughts. And I now know you answered the Bassa, for that brave Englishman, so highly graced in the Court of the mighty King of Fez and Morocco; My Master, which makes me the more admire, that in requital of his favours you should thus slaughter his beloved Subjects, by which you have made a double forfeit of your life; for the outrage committed against his Guard at the dead of night, is death in itself; but those you have slain in the conflict, makes it exceed all bounds of Pardon; For death, answered the Gallant Spencer, it does not at all trouble me; but I have some private thoughts torment me, more than ten thousand tortures could; and herewith this brave Soul fetching a sigh, could not restrain some tears, which the thoughts of his beloved Spouse made gush out. When the noble Bassa seeing his discomposure, commanded the Guard to depart, and leave the Prisoner alone with him.  
The Guard readily obeyed the command of their General, when he taking opportunity from the Solitude addressed himself to his Prisoner in these generous terms; Sir, (said he) though I am a Moor, a Nation strange to you Christians; yet, think that I can be noble; but in you I have observed such strange contrarieties, that I cannot tell well how to reconcile them; for when I consider your mighty actions and late greatness of your Spirit, when my men flew before you like dust before the wind, I cannot but admire at your present passion, and justly wonder why such a small effuse of blood, let out by these sleight wounds, or the pale-fear of grisly death should draw a tear for such a Noble eye; Thou most worthy of thy Nation (replied Spencer) do not so much mistake me, to think that wounds, blood, death, or all tortures imaginable, could force one drop from hence; but that I now suffer under, as far exceeds all torments that ever the wicked art, or wit of Man invented, as Hell doth Heaven in pains. This it is, that like the burning Sun extracts from my declining Soul, this dewy and effeminate morsture: Sir, (answered the Bassa) if I have yet gained in you an opinion, that I dare be noble, impart to me your sorrow's, and if any thing in my power can assist you, though it be with the hazard of my life, rest assured I will perform it. Your Nobleness most Illustrious Bassa (answered Spencer) obliges me to relate my misfortune, though I must despair of remedy; yet if you have a heart not wholly composed of Adamant, it must needs melt it, to consider my misery; and think then Sir, if you have ever loved, or if ever you loved one so fair, so constant, so chaste, as my dear Spouse; whether it would not confound you, and make whole Oceans of tears flow from your eyes, to know that for your sake she was betrayed to a black and remediless-fate? I confess (answerred the Bassa) It would perplex a well-blassed Soul; but how can this be your condition? were not all your joy's but lately consummate, by uniting your Souls, according to your own manner of marriage, and were you not but yesterday both honoured in the highest degree, by the virtuous Mullisheg? 'Tis true, worthy Bassa, (replied Spencer) he honoured us at first too much, but at length his lust outwayed his honour, and as if his Soul had been of a darker Eye than his Face; he sought to take away that he had given me, and rob me of that Jewel 1 prise far above my Life; but the fates were yet happy unto me, in that I found means this night to convey my beauteous Spouse, the Captain, and Lieutenant, and others aboard Ship, and now myself intended to follow them, but missing my way fell amongst your Guard, where wonder not that I performed wonders, and durst single oppose myself against your multitudes; for it was the impression she had left upon my heart, made me act things beyond a man. But Sir, (replied joffer) since she is safe aboard, recall your noble spirits, and let not your own fates thus distract you. Ah! generous Sir, (said Spencer) the sting of all is yet behind, I at her parting from me, swore by the honour of a Gentleman, and by all the vow's and loves had ever past between us, that if I survived, I would visit her aboard before the morning Star appeared, which she seconded with a solemn vow, that if I did not she should certainly esteem me dead, and not Heaven itself should hinder her from following me to the Grave, This Great Bassa is it; Fear of her safety not my own, that drew these tears from a Soldier's eyes. 'Twas strange what noble pity this relation bred in the heart of the thrice worthy Moor: Noble Sir, said he, you have indeed told me story would move the very Rocks to pity, and that I may let you know, all moral virtues are not wholly and only seated in the hearts of Christians; Go freely, pass to your Love and preserve her Life, I will not desire you to return, but if you do not remember, this Head of mine goes in exchange for yours, which I cannot lay down in a better service. My worthy Lord was so startled at this high generosity of the Moors, that he knew not what answer to return, nor indeed how to accept his so obliging proffer; but at length considering it would be the preservation of his dearest Spouse, he resolved not to refuse the Courtesy, but withal desiring the Bassa to oblige him by some solemn Oath, to return at an appointed hour: No, (replied joffer) it will be sufficient, if you give me your word to return by that time to morrow, that the Sun shall be mounted to the Meridian: Let God's and Men (answered Spencer) conspire to make me miserable if I fail one Minute; Let me then conduct you, said the Bassa, past all watches, and therewithal himself in Person brought him to the place where the Boat did attend him, who received him with an inexpressible joy.  
The Discourse between the Bassa and Spencer had spent the greatest part of the night; so that before they arrived at the Boat, it was near break of day, and before any discovery could be made of them coming towards the Ship, day was absolutely broke, and the Sun even ready to advance its head above the Cerulean Confines. My dear Lady, with infinite impatience had all this while expected the coming of her Spencer, according to his promise; but finding him not yet appear, concluding him dead; she began to utter such miserable lamentations as are impossible for me to recite; and calling for an Hourglass, resolved as soon as that poor moment of time was spent, either to behold her dear Spencer safe, or follow him in death.  
The last minutes were now running, when with a full mouth of joy one of the say lors calls from the Topmast-head that the Boat was coming towards us, and that he did plainly discern the generous Spencer sitting in her stern; 't was my good fortune to carry this news first to my Mistress, who entertained it with such a rapture, that her joy now put her into no less an ecstasy than her grief before had done; but having passed over that discomposure, which at her first hearing these glad tidings had seized her, she issued out of her cabin to entertain her Spencer, with a joy suitable to the love she bore him,  
'Tis impossible for me (mighty Prince) to tell you with what joyful, and what obliging expressions she entertained him aboard; but how soon was all her joy turned into a super-abundant sorrow; for he having a great while listened to her loving expressions, without having returned any answer, at length to her earnest entreaties, gave this fatal one? Alas! my dear Soul, now I have seen thee, I must again leave thee: These Words were like a Thunderbolt, which almost before their noise was heard, bereft my dear Lady of her senses, who fell entranced at the feet of her beloved Spouse, but our art and care soon recovered her, at which she seemed somewhat displeased, crying out: Wherefore do you in vain endeavour to ruin me, for if that Tongue that gave the wound do not again give present cure, not all Esculapius his art can reprieve me from death. Alas! my dear Love (said Spencer) arm yourself with patience since I must depart, and endeavour not to make me forfeit by our passion, my own and my Country's honour, the Faith and Reputation of a Christian all which are pawned for my return. What will the Moors say? and how justly may they say, That we that are Christians make great boast of Faith, but they alone do honourable good and virtuous works.  
My Mistress, and indeed all of us sat in a manner intranced to hear Spencer's Resolution, and a dull silence had invaded us all, till Captain Goodlake broke it by telling him, That he would do well to lose us from that labyrinth of doubts, wherein his discourse had involved us by a plain discovery of the reasons, that moved him to this Resolution to return: I am content, answered Spencer, and there withal related what I have already told your Highness, happened between him and joffer Bassa, concluding that if he should leave the life of so generous a Person, to be sacrified to the fury of the Moorish King, he should for ever be a Scandal to virtue and goodness; I must confess (answered Goodlake) 't was nobly done of the Moor; but what is the Laws of twenty thousand of those Infidels, to one that is a Christian: You have now (said he) Liberty and free way to your Country, and will you refuse to take the advantage, that Heaven has lent you? But as if you scorned their gracious bounty, betray both yourself and us to voluntary death, or bondage; leave, leave Sir, this fond Resolution, and let us make use of this prosperous Gale, which so Smilingly invites us to Sea. These Arguments were seconded by Ruffman, and my dear Mistress, withal the persuasions their desires could furnish them with; My Lady clasping her Arms about the Neck of her beloved Spencer, and crying out, Oh Sir! do you now then prise my love no better, then to rate it beneath the friendship of a Barbarous Moor, or can you to save him, betray and leave me to an assured death? Can you thus reward the Pains and Travels I have undergone for your sake; Alas! (said the generous Spencer) do not thus torment me, I must and will praise my Honour, and the Faith, and Reputation of a Christian, above whatever the Earth can yield: Shall Fez report hereafter, to the shame and disgrace of Ours, and all other Countries of Christendom, to the scandal and ignominy of our Faith and Religion, that a barbarous Moor should exceed us in Nobleness and Gallantry, No! I will first ten thousand times Sacrifice this Life, rather than make so great a so forfeit In sum, when nothing could prevail to procure his stay, we were enforced with patience to suffer his departure.  
But to return to the King whom we left lasciviously stealing embraces from his own Queen; so strongly had imagination wrought with him, that he really believed he had all that night clasped in his Arms my fair and bea●to is Mistress, and so great was the pleasure, which he thought he had enjoyed, that having according to agreement stolen from her before day, his impatient bosom not able to smother his super-abundant joy, communicates it to Alcade Beigh who very confidently affirms that he had had● helping hand in that night's pleasure; for he had by a cunning device got Spencer by his own consent out of the Court Gares, and commanded that neither money no● entreaties should prevail ●r his re-entrance, lest by some suspitio●s jealousies, he should be emboldened to disturb his Majesty's rest; The King in requital of his care for the furtherance of his delights; presently made him one of his Council, and withal promised farther not to forget his diligence.  
But after so great a Calm, Storms usually ●ollow; whilst the King was thus priming himself in his delights, a Messenger came hastily in, and kneeling down, desired his Majesty not to ●e offended, if he brought him news that he ●eared would displease him; Whatever it be answered the King, it cannot sour this night's sweetness, therefore speak it boldly: Know ●hen Mighty Sir, (continued the Messenger,) That by virtue of your Royal Signet the English Lady with the Captain and Lieutenant are his night past the Court Gates, and are safely ot aboard their Negro: away, away, cried ●he King, thou art deceived; Go see Alcade, ●or we left her but now sleeping on our Royal ●ed: What I affirm answered the Messenger, ●swear by my Head to your Majesty, is most ●ue; else let my Life answer my presumption. ●or did the King doubt it to be so, when Al●●de returned, and told him that there was in ●e Bed neither English Lady nor any Lady else, ●or the Queen as soon as the King had left her ●as retired into her own apartment: pleased ●●●ewise with the imagination, that she had enjoyed the generous Spencer.  
The King was extremely enraged at this news, ●●d the more because he believed the Captain ●●d betrayed some dissolute common Strumpet 〈◊〉 his Bed, but his fury was much increased when he was informed by a second Messenger, that Spencer being left behind, had without the Word or Signet passed the Gates, 'Tis most true, Answered the King, and thou Traitorous Villain (said he, turning to Alcade Beigh) that hast been a Sharer and Conspirer with these English to rob us of our Jewels and Treasure, shalt as sure as we are King of Fez and Morrocco pay the forfeit of thy Treacherous Head. Alas! Dread Sovereign, (answered the Beigh) 't was willingness to do you Service, which made me commit this Error: Villain, said Mullisheg, thou liest▪ 't was bribes; therefore dispute no more, but let our Guard load him with Irons, and turning to the Messenger, but is Spencer then escaped, said he? No dread King (said he) for though at the Bridge with his Giantlike blow's, he sent several of your Majesty's Subjects to their graves; yet when by a lou● Alarm we called the whole Watch to ou● assistance, he was forced to yield to our Numbers, and is at present Prisoner to the Grea● joffer Bassa. 'Tis well then, answered th● King, for upon him will we revenge all our injuries, go said he to his attending Guard, command our Bassa to bring him, overpressed wit● Irons to our Royal Presence.  
The Kings have always some suc● attending sycophant about them, wh● like dull Angels are ready to assist upo● all bad occasions, The Messenger that went to command joffer Bassa to produce his Prisoner, fled with a too officious speed, for there wanted yet several hours to the time of the promised return of Spencer, and the Bassa knew that the King's fury was like an unresistable torrent that would brook no delay; However he nobly resolved to go into the Presence, and if nothing else could appease the King's anger, freely lay down his Life for our safety; but with all dispatched, a speedy Messenger to the Ship to tell us that we might now safely ●ail away, but Spencer's meeting him prevented his coming.  
The Bassa being come before the King, he with a frown which sufficiently denoted his inward passion, demanded of him how he durst, when he had sent his express Command that he should produce his Pri●soner, come without him. Mighty King, answered the Bassa, had you with me beheld his unparrareled Prowess, and withal seen his passions, you would like me pity these disasters, wherein his unhappy Stars have involved him, Insolent Villain (replied Mullisheg) presumest thou to prescribe us Rules, we will know no pity for an injury of so high a Nature, and more than our revenge we have vowed his death; therefore go fetch him forth. Let me at least (replied the Bassa) for all the services I have done you, beg of your Majesty to spare him but some few hours; still darest thou (said the King) Capitulate with us, we tell thee once more that the least delay is death; Then know mighty Prince (said joffer) That he was my Prisoner, and is so still by promise, for I presuming that such Noble valour could not be lodged alone without those other virtues; Faith and Honour gave him free liberty to go to his Ship, only upon his promise to return before the Sun felt any declension towards the West; Nor do I yet doubt, but your Majesty will find that Nobleness in him which I have presumed. Foolish Bassa, said the King, thus to jest away thy own Life, but jest thou didst not, you are all Conspirators against me, and by Mahomet shall all receive the rewards of your Treachery; Couldst thou think that a Stranger so remote both in Country and Religion, being embarked at Sea free from our hands, and in the embraces of his sweet and lovely Bride, His Captain and Sailors all aboard, and fortune itself supplying him with a fair and prosperous Gale, would expose all these to voluntary dangers, and himself to a certain death, only for a verbal promise? At least let your Majesty (replied the Bassa) grant me Life but till the hour be past, and if he comes not, I shall willingly embrace death, and glory that though a Moor, I have excceded a Christian in Nobleness. No fon● Fool (replied the Moorish King) thou shalt not live a Minute, and therewith gave present order to his Guard to see him put to Death.  
Just were the Executioners laying hands upon the Worthy and Renowned Bassa, when Spencer who had made all possible haste to Land, entered with his own Life to save that of the generous Moor; his presence struck such amazament into the Great Mullisheg, that confounded with the Gallantry of the Action, he sat for a good space as one intranced, during which time the Bassa embracing the generous Spencer with tears in his Eyes, told him, that he was now sorry he had made him promise to a return; for he had thereby deprived himself of a fame which would have lasted longer than any Mausolean Monument, and that he rather wished that he had broke his Word, that he might have died for so Noble a Person, for now said he to redeem a Life which I could willingly have Sacrified in so glorious a Cause, you come to an assured Death. And it is that I come for (said the generous Spencer,) And to force the King your Master, though he takes away my Life, yet confess me honourable.  
Whilst these and some other Discourses to that purpose passed between those two Noble Spirits, the King recollecting himself, Commanded Spencer to be brought before him, And with a Tyrannical fierceness told him, That he had misprizing all his gracious favours violated his Laws, infringed the Peace of his Country, Alarmed his Watch by Night, slain several of his Subjects; and lastly, having Robbed him of infinite Treasure had stolen to Sea, by every Circumstance of which he had made a forfeit of his Life, which all the Riches of Europe should not Redeem; I confess (replied Spencer, with an undaunted courage) that I have done all thou chargest me with, save only the stealing thy Treasure, which though I could not do, because thou gavest it; yet finding thee unworthy in thy intentions towards us, I scorned to take with me that which would have been the price of my dishonour, & therefore of all thy Gold and Jewels would not permit one dram to be unbarqued; as for that Death thou threatnest, know proud Mullisheg, I am glad I owe thee nothing, but what I have in my ability to pay, if my Life be forfeit in taking it, thou takest nothing but what I came purposely hither to tender. Art thou so resolute (answered Mullisheg) however out of pity to thee, we will yet propose thee one way to save thy Life, nor any other way ●ast thou to effect it, send then to thy Ship and surrender up to me the Captain and thy fair Spouse, or otherwise by all the Rights of our Holy Prophet thou shalt not live an hour. Dishonourable Tyrant (replied Spencer) know that I so much despise both thee and thy Tyranny, that were there on one side all the Tortures that either Turks or Devils ever invented, threatened to be inflicted on me; and on the other side, wert thou Commander over all the Kingdoms of the Earth, and should lay at my Feet all their Crowns and Sceptres, and make me Monarch of the whole Universe; rather than yield up the basest of my Shipboys to become thy slave, much less betray my Spouse to thee and to thy brutish just, I would endure ten thousand Deaths; and so thou shalt (cried Mullisheg) prepare to torture him.  
At that Word my Lady (attended by the Captain, Lieutenant Forcet, and myself, who never had forsaken her) having followed her beloved Spencer, with a full resolution to die with him, or for him; entered the Presence, and falling down on her knees before the Moorish King; Behold cruel Mullisheg, said she, if thou dost delight in blood, but spare that of my beloved Spencer; and in its stead I here present thee mine, and those of all my Train, to make a flood instead of his small Rivulet: The generous Spencer was extremely distracted at our sudden appearance, and turning to us, all you have wronged me (said he) above injury, and how sufficiently to express my just anger, I know not, for in you I die ten thousand Deaths, that could otherwise have tasted but one; and then turning to the Moor: Mighty King, said he, show yourself at least to have somewhat of humanity, by dismissing these to their Ship, and since my Life is only forfeit, take but that, and at my Death, I shall proclaim you merciful. Oh! no great King (said my Magnamous Lady,) It were injustice & not mercy to take his Life, and spare mine, since what he did was only for my sake and safety; or if he have committed any fault (said we altogether) let all our lives serve as so many victim to expiate his Crime, and appease your anger. Alas! you need not plead for death, (replied Mullisheg) you shall all assuredly die, but especially you treacherous Captain, on whom I will execute such a revenge as shall make future generations to read it: I came not hither great King (said Goodlake) to be daunted with your threats, but freely to offer my Life (who am only guilty) to redeem my friends, take then this Body and tear it in pieces with the most exquisite Tortures that the Savagest Barbarians did ever invent? and spare but the rest, I shall endure them contentedly. Thou shalt not doubt it, replied the Moor; but villain said he, what infamous Strumpet was it that thou betrayd'st to our Royal Bed. For that Mighty King (said the Queen, who as well by the several Circumstances, as by Ruffmen Information was confirmed, she that night enjoyed the King) I must with your pardon excuse him; for having had private advice of your designs, I wrought him to my purpose; nor was it any other than myself whom you last night embraced.  
The King was visibly seen to abate somewhat of his fury at this relation of the Queens, and began to consider that the action in the whole contexture of it was honourable, that he had endeavoured to do wrong, but had not been wronged; That his lust had led into a road of evil actions, where he was riding with a Carrier, to the loss of that fame which had once proclaimed him good and just, that it was time for him now to stop, which he resolved to do, and therefore with a smiling countenance looking towards us, he with a generous passion cried out, shall lust then still have the prevalency over me? or shall all those virtuous deeds, for which I have been so long renowned in Fez be utterly exiled, shall the Christians still have the honour to be sole heirs to goodness, and we Moor barbarous and bloody. No (said he rising up from his Throne, and taking my Lady by the hand) renowned Englishwoman, I once more give thee back to thy Husband, and if he think it no dishonour, beg him again to accept of our grace and favour, and in recompense of those wrongs we endeavoured to do him, render we will thee such an ample Dower as shall renown our bounty, provided we may but procure your Pardon.  
Thus was all our sorrow turned into sudden joy, the worthy Captain Goodlake was by the King prised amongst the Chiefest of his favourites, for his faith to him, Zeal to the Queen, and constancy to his Friends, the generous joffer Bassa for his Nobleness to the renowned Spencer, was by the King created Viceroy of Algiers; but Alcade Beigh, though he was released from Prison, yet was banished from Court, as a Person who had encouraged and fomented.  
Yet for all this, we had some reasons to fear that Mullisheg would again fall into a Relapse, which made the Noble Spencer earnestly and frequently desire his leave to visit his own Country; and he at length being no longer able to deny him, yielded to his Request; and loading our Ship with the Richest Commodities his Kingdom afforded, Himself accompanied us aboard, where after some days magnificent Feasting he left us, and we took leave of the Barbary Shore.  
But the fame of our great Riches was gone before us into most parts of Christendom, which had made many Pirates come out on purpose, in hopes to make us their prey; two days after we had been at Sea, we espied a great Sail, which made directly towards us; nor would we seeing but one Ship alter our Course; or with addition of Sails endeavour to fly from her, so she came easily up to us, and by the roughness of her salute, (for she immediately poured into us a whole broadside) gave us to understand what she was, and for what intent she came.  
We had before provided ourselves for resistance, and so soon returned her courtesy in the same roaring terms; she had first spoke to us in, but she relying upon the number of her men, thought it more advantageous to close with us, then to fight at distance, which made them twice resolutely board us, but were both times most courageously beaten off by the valour of the renowned Spencer, Goodlake, Ruffman, and Forcet, and at length so discouraged that Spencer and Goodlake hoping to make a Prize of their Assailers, armed with their Swords and Targets leapt aboard the French Pirate, (for of that Nation it was,) that before any could follow to their assistance, the ships were by a sudden Storm severed, nor could we withal our art or endeavours again reach the French Ship.  
I need not tell your Highness what lamentations my Lady made, to be so strangely and suddenly deprived (as she had just cause to fear for ever) of her worthy Husband. Your Highness hath seen some effects of her grief, as well as been informed how that some Storm cast us upon your Coast, where after we had escaped the dangers of the Seas, we fell into the hands of the Bandits, where we had like to have been robbed of our honour, a Jewel we prized far above any the Sea had devoured, had not your Highness rescued us. Here Maria ended, and the Duke seemed very much affected with the Story; but he was inwardly displeased at Spencer's being in his Court, (for he was confirmed by many circumstances it was he,) fearing lest his discovery should wholly obstruct his love; he therefore resolved to Cloister up his fair Guest, in the most private part of his Palace; but this being no time to consult what to do, having presented Maria a Jewel in recompense of her trouble, and sent by her all commends to his Mistress; He went to entertain the two Dukes of Mantua, and Ferrara who expected him.  
The End of the First Book of the Second Part.     

THE ENGLISH LOVERS: A ROMANCE.  
Part the II.  

Book the II.  
THE Court of Florence abounded in all imaginary delights daily, and before unfound-out inventions, being put in practice as well for the entertainment of the two Dukes of Mantova and Ferrara, as for to endeavour to divert that Melancholy, which had so strangely overwhelmed all the faculties of the soul of this Duke's fair Guest; yet all that mirth which seemed pleasant to others, seemed tedious to her, and so absolutely had sorrow for the loss of her beloved Spouse, taken possession of her heart, that even all common and known remedies, proved but Corrasives to her grief.  
Oftentimes would she be overheard to lament to herself, and with bitter exclamations to cry out; Cruel and unjust fates! was it not enough that you made me suffer so many unspeakable disasters, and dangers, before ye would permit me the enjoyment o● my beloved Spencer, but must you still continue to be perverse by depriving me of him almost as soon as you gave him? Miserable me! who am no sooner married but divorced; almost as soon a Widow, as a Bride; permitted only for some few days to enjoy the greatest happiness earth could afford me, and then on a sudden involved into the deepest gulf of sorrow possible! How much better had it been for me to have yielded up my life in the all devouring Sea, where perhaps I might have met my Spencer's fate, then to outlive him, and become thus miserable by his loss● Oh! that the fates would yet be so merciful as to cut my thread of life, that I might follow him to the other World, since they would not permit me to enjoy him in this.  
These and such like lamentations she would often in private Echo out, whilst her maid Maria would frequently interrupt her, and endeavour to comfort her, by telling her, That her beloved Spencer might still be alive, that the fates themselves could not be so unjust to two such loyal and constant Lovers; that she had less reason now to despair of his life, or of her finding him again, than she had when she believed him buried in Fiall, and his ashes strewed in the Air: To which, and such like accents of comfort, this afflicted Lady would reply, Away fond fool, and canst thou think then that Pirates are turned merciful, or that my Spencer's arm is able to resist so many hundred villains, who by continual practice had been enured to blood and cruelty, with the sole assistance of the Noble Goodlake; and yet suppose them to be victors, we must then suppose them to be left alone in a wide and almost sinking Vessel, to the mercy and power of the merciless Seas; O strive not thus to flatter me with any hopes of his life, but since he is assuredly and utterly lost, endeavour not to stop that current of grief, by which only the fates have now left me a way to follow him.  
Whilst they were one day in a Discourse of this nature, a noise of the running of horses just under her window, made Maria first, and after that her Lady look out, the one out of curiosity, the other to feed her melancholy, rather than divert it, where they might behold several Gallants with their Lances in their rests, ready to run at the Ring; they stood marshaled in two equal Ranks, which might give the Spectators to understand, that they were in that sport Opposites, being twelve in all, whereof six were chosen by the Duke of Ferrara, and six by the Duke of Mantua, the two Dukes themselves standing in the head, and ready upon the signal given, to run the first Carreire in their own persons; which the Judges of the sport (the lots being drawn who should run first, which fell upon the Duke of Ferrara,) immediately gave; and Ferrara's Duke mounted on a milk-white Steed, richly caparisoned, and shining with Gold and Pearl, himself clad in a Suit of sky colour Damask, embroidered with many curious flowers and fancies, with a large feather of the same colour in his hat, advanced to the place from whence he was to begin his course, where weaving his Lance thrice over his head, in token of challenge to Mantua's Duke, he set spurs to his horse, and with a gentle and easy Carreir, took the Ring with so much dexterity, as was admirable to the Spectators. The Duke of Mantua who had beheld the good success of his adversary, next fitted himself for the course, and issuing from before those Cavaliers his adjutants (mounted on a Dapple-gray Steed, that Heaven-resembling colour, his caparison as well as his habit, being all composed of green silk, embellished here and there with a resplendent Diamond) he came to the place appointed, where waving likewise his Lance three times about his head, made his course, in the midst of which his horse being somewhat too fiery, gave several bounds, which made not only the ignorant spectators, but even those Cavaliers who were of his part, fear that he would miss the Ring, but he finding it must be done by a quick motion, by reason of his Steeds unruliness, setting spurs to his horse, took it with so fierce a Carreir, that many, though they saw it upon the point of his Lance, doubted whether he had it or no. The next who run were the Count Lorenzo Bentivoglio, on the part of the Duke of Ferrara, and the Marquis of Mirandola, on the Duke of Mantua's, who both having performed their course with admirable agility, were followed by the Conte of Villa Corta, on the part of Ferrara, who having miss the Ring with the point of his Lance, very dexterously let it fall, and drawing out his sword took it at its point, to the no little wonder of the spectators. He was followed by the Cavalier jacomo Amadei, who notwithstanding his horse, as he almost came to the end of the course, seemed to stumble, and indeed in a manner to fall, yet he took the Ring with an excellent dexterity. The Cavalier Alfonso Bernardi, and the Cavalier Thomaso Medico, both performed their courses with applause; but Girolamo Picolhomini, and Fernando Contarini, who followed them, both miss the Ring, yet received no less shouts from the spectators, than those which had performed best, though I suppose they were not at all pleased with them. The Count of St. Severino was the next, who ran on the Duke of Ferrara's side, who deservedly gained the applause, not only of the spectators, but all the Noble Actors; he was followed by that renowned Cavalier Giovanne del Monte, who to his great vexation, was this day most unfortunate; for after he had made a most graceful course, and was now ready to take the Ring, his girts broke, and his horse withal giving a bound, both himself and saddle came to the ground; But now appeared on the part of the Duke of Ferrara a person, which made Maria recall her Mistress to the window, at least to show her a person who resembled her lost Spencer; she, though somewhat unwillingly, came to behold him, but having looked upon him, she immediately fell into a swoon, whether overpressed with joy, believing it to be her beloved Spencer, or with grief, at seeing so near a resemblance of her lost Spouse: Maria endeavoured by all means possible to recover her, and by reason of this accident, was hindered from making a farther discovery, though she was absolutely confirmed that it was the generous Spencer (as indeed it was) both by a little green scarf which he wore upon his left arm, a badge her Lady had given him at his first going to Fi●ll, as likewise by a person whom she judged to be Goodlake, and whom, had not her Lady's weakness hindered her, she would have found some means to have spoken to, but her faintness increasing, she was forced to retire with her.  
The generous Spencer was this day of sport and triumph, as he had ever been since his forced separation from his beloved Spouse, clothed all in black, nothing of any other colour appearing about him save only the small green Scarf, but the extraordinary grace wherewith he sat on horseback, and dexterity wherewith he took the Ring, put the whole Company that viewed him into admiration: not was it performed with less skill and gallantry by Captain Goodlake, who was the last that ran on the part of the Duke of Mantua; yet was the Victory given by the Judges of the field to the Duke of Ferrara's side, because of the misfortune which happened to the Cavalier Giovanne del Monte, who thereby missed the Ring.  
Yet all persons were well contented, and so accompanied the Grand Duke to his Palace, where a sumptuous and magnificent Feast was prepared for them at which the Duke of Florence did more observe Spencer then ever he had done before, and both by his reserved melancholy, and mourning weeds, but especially by his generous countenance and actions, concluded him infallibly to be the Spouse of his fair Guest, and Goodlake undeniable the same person who was Captain of the Negro, yet he resolved absolutely to detain these two Lovers from the knowledge of each others safety, till such time as he had attempted all ways for the gaining of the Love of his beauteous Guest, which he was not wanting by continual solicitations to endeavour to do, and thought all time tedious which he did not spend in her company, resolving as soon as he could with civility leave the two Dukes, to visit her.  
We left her in a swoon at the sight of her beloved Spencer, from which being by the care of her maid Maria revived, clasping her in her arms with a fervent embrace (scarce knowing where she was) And is my Spencer yet alive, said she, or art thou but his shadow? Alas! Madam, said Maria, I am neither your Spencer, nor his shadow, but this I dare assure you, that both he and Captain Goodlake are alive, and at present in this Court, and much I am mistaken if Rufman were not there likewise to see their just. Oh me! said her Lady, what a dream have thou and I been in. A dream Madam, replied she, certain I am that both my eyes were open, and all the faculties of my soul awake, when I beheld your generous Spencer with a grace admired by all, take the Ring, and him followed by the valiant Goodlake; nor do I doubt Madam in few days but to find an opportunity to assure him of your safety, for I can perceive both by his dejected countenance, and sable habit, that he as much mourns your supposed loss, as you do his. But dost thou then think it possible, said she, that the Gods should be yet so favourable to me, as to preserve my Spencer both from the fury of the Pirates, and the Seas? Madam, the fates could not, answered Maria, be so unjust as to deprive you utterly of him for whom they had made you endure so many strange and adverse fortunes, and run through so many perilous adventures, therefore cheer up your Spirits with an assurance that your Spencer lives, and that you shall again within few days enjoy him.  
In this Discourse was the beauteous Elizabetha, and her maid Maria, when the Grand Duke entered her lodgings, and perceiving in her countenance somewhat more alacrity then usually, he began to hope that time would wear away her melancholy, not at all dreaming that she had made any discovery of the safety of her Love, or his being in that Court; he therefore accosted her with many Obliging and Amorous expressions. To all which she returned in answer, That the Vows she had made to the generous Spencer, were not yet, not ever should be canceled in her breast. You wrong both yourself, and your beauty Madam, said the Duke, to dote upon a thing that is not, for though I were not fully sensible of the cruelty of the French Nation, especially of the Pirates of that Nation, yet I cannot believe that a sinking Vessel could escape that storm, wherein yours, which was a sound one, perished; and though it may be alleged, that they might likewise escape the furies of the Sea; yet it is rather to be supposed that the French ship perished in the vast Ocean, rather than that it was driven nigh any shore that might preserve them: Afflict not then yourself Madam, continued he, with a vain hopes of that which can never be obtained, nor repine not at what the gods have done for your greater benefit. If the gods, answered she, have been so unjust as to deprive me utterly of my Spencer, yet I will, nor cannot be so unjust to his memory, as so soon to blot out the remembrance of our Loves, even before I can be certain whether the fates have been so unmerciful as to deprive me of him or no; not do I know whether it would savour more of levity in me, to entertain another Lover before I was surely informed I had lost him; or of cruelty in the deities to part two such constant Lovers as we have hitherto been.  
The Duke was about to have returned answer, and to continue his persuasions, when one of his Pages entered to acquaint him that a messenger pretending weighty affairs attended for Audience, which made the Duke for the present, though unwillingly, leave his Mistress, till he could have some fitter time to prosecute his desires.  
Being come into the presence, the Messenger on his knees presented his Highness with letters, which he opening found to be from his Admiral Pedro de Venturo, giving him advice of a great victory obtained by him, against the Viceroy of Algiers, who had long infested those Seas with a great Fleet both of Ships and Galleys. The Messenger farther by word of mouth acquainted his Highness, that Signieur Pedro Venturo was coming himself with the Viceroy his prisoner, to lay his whole conquest at his feet, that there were likewise several Christian captives whom he had released, who were coming after to present themselves to his Highness, and that by reason of an accident which befell his horse, he once feared the Admiral would have arrived as soon as he, if not before him.  
The grand Duke was extremely rejoiced at this victory, against the common enemy of Christendom, and immediately sent to acquaint the two Dukes of Mantua and Ferrara with it, who accompanied with a great retinue of nobles, made all haste possible into the great Hall of the Palace, to entertain the victorious Admiral, who soon after arrived, and was received with all those expressions of joy and respect, which could proceed from a loving Prince to a deserving Subject.  
Usual compliments being past, the grand Duke commanded Venturo to relate the manner of his fight, and how he obtained that signal victory, and the noble Admiral having composed himself, his countenance to a modesty which would become the telling of a story, which must in some part Echo out his own praise, thus began.  
Your Highness, (and I think all here present) very well knows that the Potent Mullisheg King of Fess and Morocco, after he had by a long and tedious civil war, taken prisoners his two brothers who had striven with him for the Royal Sceptre, and caused them to be put to death, having settled those two Crowns upon his own head without any fear of competition, made many threatenings to annoy the Christians whose, sworn enemy his Religion makes him, which threats he not long since put in execution by commanding this noble Bassa, (for he worthily deserves that attribute) whom he had some time before created Viceroy of Algiers, with a Fleet of twelve Galleys to scour the Seas, infest our coasts, make prize of our Ships and goods, and enslave our persons.  
And though this Bassa executed his commission with all mildness possible, and with a nobleness rather becoming a Christian, than a Moor, restoring many whom he had made prize of to their liberties, and some to their goods; yet the tyrannies which were acted by some who were Commanders under him, or rather spies over him, and who ill resented those favours he so often showed to the Christians, were too great for to comport, which made your Highness with Sixteen Galleys command me to clear our Seas and Coasts from their piracies; which I hope I have effected in so short a time, that your Highness will not repine at the expense you have been at for the general good of Christendom.  
I was not fully a fortnight at Sea, but it was my fortune to espy the Moresco Kings whole Fleet, under the command of this gallant Bassa, we immediately hoist all our syal to make up to them; Nor did they endeavour to shun us, but standing up towards us, we expected a sharp fight: but nine of his Galleys, whether terrified by our numbers and valour, or their own coward fear, immediately yielded to us; two of the other after some resistance, were brought to obedience, but the Admiral's Galley though she were assaulted by at least six of our Galleys, at once, made a resolute resistance; encouraged, or indeed acted by the sole valour of this brave man, who did such wonders as I am almost ashamed to acknowledge, or recount before him, I was enraged that after the yielding of eleven, one galley, because she was the Admiral, as if the others had infused all their spirit into her, should make so gallant a resistance, and that only by the sole valour and prowess of her Captain; and therefore clapping her aboard, I entered her in person, which I had no sooner done, but this generous Bassa accosted me, and presenting me the pommel of his sword, told me, That it was neither desperation nor hopes to escape that had been the cause of his making so obstinate a resistance against so great odds; but because, being an Admiral himself, he scorned to yield to any other than the Admiral. I knew not how to return an answer suitable to his nobleness, nor was there any thing could have quitted so much worth, but an immediate restoration of his liberty, which not daring of myself to do, I here humbly present him, and myself thus low at your Highness' feet.  
The Renowned Spencer had all the while that the Cavalier Pedro Venturo had been relating this story, fixed his eyes upon the worthy Bassa, and no sooner had he finished to speak, but running to him and embracing him, cried out, Worthy joffer Bassa, and is it possible that fortune should be adverse to cast down so gallant a person? I shall be enforced indeed hencesorth to account her blind, and like a Courtier not regarding deserts or merit. Then kneeling to the grand Duke, mighty Prince, continued he, did you know the worth that flows in these black veins, you would not only send him ransomeless to his country, but honour him, and if (said he) I have merited any thing from these two Dukes, (meaning Mantova and Ferrara) let me beg them to be my intercessors that I may pay his ransom, and if all I have amount not to what great Florence may expect, I'll leave myself in hostage. The grand Duke remembredhis excellent Generosity towards the gallant Spencer, was very ready to comply with his desires, (though he would not yet seem to know him for that worthy person,) which he sufficiently manifested by telling him, Noble Englishman so much is all Italy beholding to you, for reconciling these two Dukes, in whose peace all the Princes of this country are so much concerned, that I should very ill quit the obligation you have laid upon our country, if I should not comply with your desires, your friendship to him is his ransom, which if you will likewise bless us with, we all account it better than Myriad of gold. Go noble Bassa, now no more a prisoner, at pleasure return to thy country. The joy which the generous Spencer conceived for this free grant of the Thusean Dukes, made him forget to return a thanks due to so great a favour: But running again to the Bassa and embracing him, noble joffer said he, thou saviour of my life, and of a life I prise above ten thousand of my own, how happy am I that I can in some part remunerate thy kindness, yet this freedom I have procured thee cannot half remunerate thy worth. Sir, (answered the Bassa) even slavery itself had been welcome to me, if I might but therewith have enjoyed your sight and presence, which I had resolved to search all over the world for, and rather than not obtain, have hazarded the breach of a rash and foolish oath I once made, of never more returning into my native country. Your native country (said Spencer,) are you not then a native of Barbary? I must confess I ever doubted that such nobleness could not reside in any of that rude, and illiterate Nation: Oh Sir (replied the Bassa, I have things yet to tell you, which will make you yet hate me; It is impossible (said Spencer,) I must first hate myself, and my own life sooner than the noble preserver of it. I will now then (said the Bassa) no longer conceal myself, but if you can receive a brother, who hath long since forfeited both yours, and his father's affection, embrace me, this black is like a veil to cover my former miscarriages, which being once washed off, I shall appear like my first self. Not only the worthy Spencer, but the Dukes, and the whole presence were astonished at these words of the Bassas, they all not knowing what to say, or how to believe what he had uttered, the worthy Spencer had fixed an eye of amazement upon his face, where though the black still remained, he began to espy some symptoms of his brother's physiognomy, whilst the Bassa seeing his and all their wonder, thus continued; Sir, I shall not only by taking away this Moorish hue, clearly convince you, I am your Brother, but give you likewise such infallible circumstances, as shall make you not able to deny it; nor think that though I have changed my colour, I have withal changed my Religion, for I protest before Heaven, I never was yet guilty of receiving into my bosom the least Turkish Tenent; but perhaps your doubt and wonder may as much accrue from my not discovering myself before, but when you have heard my reasons to the contrary, you will rest satisfied; in the mean time, let me beg some respite of these Princes to redeem my native hue, and I shall soon return like my first self. The Duke easily granted him that liberty, and withal gave order, that he should out of his Wardrobe be furnished with befitting Christian apparel.  
The whole presence was left in great admiration at this strange adventure, being unwilling to believe what they yet did believe; but at the return of the Bassa (for we shall still so call him) their wonder not only increased to see him so soon changed from a deep black, into a pure white complexion, but to observe the great similitude which was between him and the worthy Spencer, the same majesty and gallantry appeared in both their Countenances, with a kind of pleasing affability, which was somewhat less in the Bassa who was the elder Brother, and whose visage inclined somewhat more to fierceness than that of the generous Spencer.  
To relate the several Embraces and obliging Expressions, which passed between these two brothers, would be an Herculean labour; the noble Spencer with tears in his eyes welcomed into his bosom his long-lost brother, whom he had many years since accounted dead. The several Congratulations of Goodlake, Ruffman, and others would take up a Volume to recite them: the Dukes themselves descending from their thrones, embraced this newfound Christian.  
After all these Compliments and Entertainments had passed, which could be expected from two Brothers which had been long lost to one another: The Grand Duke's earnest desire to hear the story of this renowned Bassa, made him importunate in desiring him to give him and the other Duke, a brief Relation of it; which, although he was somewhat unwilling to do, yet not knowing how to be otherwise grateful to those great Personages, he assented to, and began in these words.  

THE HISTORY Of the Famous JOFFER BASSA.  
AFter I was (said he with the tears almost gushing out of his eyes) by my fathers too much provoked anger banished out of his sight, and wholly disinherited of his Estate, armed with disdain, and despair, (the last a plague and punishment incident to rebellions against Parents) I resolved to go seek that fortune in other Countries, which his just resentments had denied me in my own; and indeed shame as well as necessity enforced me to take this course, for I had not only tired out my father's patience, but all those friends whom I had too often employed to make my peace with him. Gathering therefore up some few debts, which my riot had before scattered amongst my dissolute companions, I embarked myself upon a ship bound for Civita Vechia, the chief Port-Town of the Papacy towards the Tyrhene Sea; intending to find myself employment in those Wars, which had some time before broken out between the Church, and your Highness renowned father, Cosino de Medici's, Grand Duke of Tuscany.  
But as if Fortune now having me in her clutches, had resolved to inflict a punishment upon me, equal to my former miscarriages; we were no sooner passed the Streits of Gibraltar, and sailing thence with a prosperous gale towards out intended Ports, but we espied three Turkish Men-of-war, belonging to the King of Tunis who gave chase to our poor Basilius que: 'tis true we could see little hopes in making any resistance, yet the fear I had to be a slave, and the certainty I was in never to be redeemed, made me encourage the Captain to fight; but no arguments of mine, or desires of many of his Seamen, could make his coward mind admit within it any other terms but those of yielding▪ vainly imagining that either his ransom would be less, or his usage better, from those Barbarians▪ if he basely submitted, then if he bravely stoo● it out.  
But the major part resolving to fight, and like generous souls, being willing rather to endure death then slavery, we resolved that since our Captain would not be persuaded to combat them, either to force him to it, or secure him▪ the last of which we had scarcely finished to do▪ and put ourselves in order, but the first of the Pirates came up to us, and having given us rough salute, presently clapped us aboard; bu● such was our resolution, that before either of the other two could come up to us, we had twice beaten them off our decks, and were ready to enter theirs, and in all probability to have made a Prize of those who endeavoured to prey upon us, when we were prevented by the furious assault of the second of the Pirates, a ship of greater force than the first that had attacked us, yet we for some time likewise obstinately defended ourselves against them, till the third coming up to their assistance, we were constrained to yield to their power and numbers.  
Nothing could be more grievous to me then thus to become a slave, yet my adverse fates would not admit me to prevent it; for I once endeavoured to have pierced my own heart with my Poniard, but was hindered by the covetous Turks, who intended to make money of my person, and the very thought of being to be sold in the market like a bruit beast, made me so desperate, that I should have accounted the blood of Asps and Vipers, to have been a healing and sanative potion.  
But of all means of freeing myself from slapery by a voluntary death, I was deprived by being closely chained up amongst the rest between the hatches, and so close were we together, that if we had striven to find out a death, it must have been no other than the knocking of our brains out one against another; but that which somewhat comforted me, was to see our coward Captain in as bad condition as myself, or indeed worse if possible could be, for he being placed in the midst of us was forced, endured not only the reproaches, but the buffers of his own men for his cowardice; five days continued we in this condition, fed with nothing but a few scraps of biscuit, and stinking water, which made me with tears begin to bethink myself of that good and noble condition, out of which I had by my own folly and wilfulness thrown myself.  
Being arrived at Tunis, we were immediately carried on shore, and with our chains about our legs, brought into the public Bazar, where it was my fortune to be sold to an old Beldame, who employed me in nothing else but to fetch her water, scour her dishes, and other the most servile drudgery, being continually subject to the flouts, mocks, and blows, of her imperious son; who had so much incensed me, that I once resolved to have executed a severe revenge upon him long before I did it, and thereby with the enduring of a little torture, to have freed myself from a lasting misery, for I could imagine no way to escape, but my stars had yet for me in store a better fate, and intended to punish me, not to destroy me; for so it happened, that my Beldame had some time before me bought into her house to do her private service, a little female Jew, with whom in short time I had grown so familiar, that I could discern in her some love towards me, for she would often assist me in performing those servile works which were daily imposed; and many times would we sit together seriously lamenting our misfortunes, and belching out curses against our young Patron, who was equally insolent to both.  
One day as I was brushing and cleansing some of Osmans' clothes, for so was the old woman's son called, she came to me all bloody and lamentably crying, she sat down in a most melancholy desperate posture by me, I need not ask her from whence her affliction derived, for I had often myself had experience of it; but turning to her, must we always, said I, be enslaved to this misery, and be subject to the insolences of this yond dog, without revenge? That word revenge, revived her out of her pensive drowsinesses: If thou canst be faithful, said she, and hast but valour enough to effect it, let me alone to invent a way for both our escapes. It is impossible, replied I, that ever we can pass the Ports. It is true, answered she, as we are it is, but I have an Art to compose a Juice, which shall turn us in two hours' space more black than the Sunburnt Ethiopians, by which means we shall escape the fury of our Patroness, and certainly we cannot fall into deeper miseries, then are now overwhelmed. Do but that, said I, and assure yourself of a full revenge. But thou shalt first promise me, (said josina, for so she was called) thet thou wilt not forsake me, for, said she, (rising up and embracing me) though I am like thee a slave here, yet I am of noble Extract, nor has my beauty, except my friends, and those of my own Nation, flattered me, been accounted despicable; nor indeed was it, for she was admirable fair, and had she not been so, I was willing to embrace any thing to procure my liberty; so I swore to her by all Oaths imaginable, that I would never leave her: she now felt not her blows, which had before half slain her, but nimbly went about to provide the promised Juice, which I had not faith enough to credit, till I had found by experience, that being easily laid on it, turned out skins to a Mauritanian hue, and that nothing but Wine Vinegar could remove it; she having thus performed her part, she pressed me to act mine, which I had within three days opportunity given me to do, for the old Beldame having sent me to fetch her some water from a Spring about two miles off, for her own drinking, I in my way encountered Osman, who far from his usual manner, began familiarly to discourse with me, and accompanied me as far as the Wells; this strange alteration of his, had almost made me alter my purpose, but knowing it was at present but feigned, and would break out afterwards into greater storms, I resolved to execute it, and hopes of gaining my liberty, giving a double strength to my arm, I stepped unto him, and snatching out his sword, and withal turning of his Turban●, without giving him leave to speak, at one blow I struck him to the ground, assured of his ever rising again till the day of Judgement.  
My revenge thus happily effected, I covered his body slightly with sand, and thrusting his Scimitar under my slave's coat, hastened home with my water, which having delivered to my old patroness, I made as much haste to acquaint josina with what I had done, and showing her the sword as a testimony of it, she so rejoiced as I cannot tell well how to express, the night drew on which was propitious to our designs, for he using seldom to come home, was not at all searched for, and we had the opportunity by the privacy of it to colour ourselves, which we soon effected, each mutually helping each other, though with as much modesty as we could: I confess it grieved me to lay that black hue upon her white and angel like skin; but the remembrance of liberty made all things sweet. About two hours before day, we issued out of the old Beldame's house, taking all the moneys we could find in it, but not meddling with any thing else lest it should betray us; and both of us speaking the language well, we came into a Cane or Inn in the town, as travellers newly come out of the country, which we might well do so early in the morning, it being the custom of those countries to travel altogether by night.  
To remove suspect, though it was impossible for any one to know us, according to the usual manner, we no sooner came into the Inn, but we laid ourselves down to repose, both in one Chamber, but at a modest distance, but scarce had we slept three hours, but we were awakened by the noise in the Inn, made by the Officers of Justice come in search of us; we were about to rise, and be as inquisitive as others what the business was, but as we were about to do so, the Officers entered our Chamber, and seeing none but us two Blacks, as they supposed, as soon departed; we asked some Moors what the matter was? Who told us, that Osman Chellabee was murdered by his mother's slaves, who being fled upon it, they were now in search of them.  
All things being again quieted in that Cane, and the Officers gone to search in some other, we called for some repast, and were very jocundly merry at our so cleanly escape; but in the midst of our mirth, it was, I cannot tell whether our good or ill fortune to remember, that we had left our sponges with a bowl of the juice which had died our skins at home, and though we imagined, that at first sight they could not tell what to make of it, yet we thought some accident might discover for what intention it was: This suddenly changed all our mirth into sadness, we could not a good while resolve what to do; but at length our own safety prompted us immediately to leave the town before our artifice should be discovered, for though the gates upon this murder were securely watched, that no Christian slave should pass, yet those of our complexion might have free Egress and Regress.  
We passed therefore forth of that gate, which leads towards Algiers, choosing to go thither, both because josina having past and repast that way, was acquainted with it, and also because we might there securely change our complexions, and so find some Christian ship to transport us to this blessed shore.  
Our feet had before been surbated with labour, so travel was not tedious to us, and our poor outsides secured us from thiefs, for we had scarce more cloth, than would cover our nakedness, though I had near two hundred checqueens tied in a girdle about my waste, so that we feared nothing but wild beasts, which often in those deserts assault. Most of our discourse to shorten the time, was about our difference in religion, and unto so good a conceit had I brought josina of our belief, that she promised me if I would carry her into Christendom she would forsake her Religion, for parents, friends, and kindred she had none living, for me and my faith.  
Thus travayled we with all imaginable content, till we came to the large●and spacious forest of Albemquel, which spreads itself over nine mountains, but hath no other inhabitant's besides Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and other beasts of prey, and those in no small quantity: one days journey had we made through this desolate Arbory, and were now proceeding onwards on the next, when about noon my josina, for my heart now bids me call her so) being somewhat faint through the extreme heat, we sat to shade and rest ourselves under a large spreading sycomore, (which in those countries bears a wild fig, much eaten by the Moors) and the fruit being almost ripe, I, though unwillingly consented to by josina, mounted the tree to gather her some, when being on top and thick leaves shading me from all sight, I might on the sudden hear a rushing among the leaves below, and withal a great feminine shriek; I descended withal the expedition possible, but when I came down I found her not there, nor could I imagine which way she had taken: heavens! into what a passion was I cast? I easily determined her devoured by some wild beast, and for her sake vowed revenge upon all those in the forest; therefore snatching up my dart, which I stuck at the bottom of the tree, I took that way which my reason had directed me to, hoping either to find her, or at least some remains of her; but having three days sought in vain, I was constrained by hunger to seek my way out of the wood, and taking the directions of the declining Sun, I passed with much trouble through those thick brakes, for I could not again find the road.  
But having travailed thus one whole day, night coming on, fearing to lose what I had before got towards my way out, made me ascend a tree to repose me, but the next morning I found myself so faint through hunger and thirst, that I was scarce able to descend: but with much pains being got down, I had not walked far, but I was assaulted by a hunger-starved bear, who with open mouth assured himself of a prey, and I confess I almost assured myself I should be so to him, for such was my weakness that I found myself almost incapable of resistance; but summoning up all my spirits, I with both hands reared up my dart, and as he mounted up his two hinder feet to seize me, smote him● on the breast, and found an easier passage to his heart than I expected; his death two ways afforded me life, for I not only escaped becoming a prey to him, but with his blood somewhat assuaged my violent hunger and thirst.  
That day brought me out of the forest, into a large sandy desert, where I resolved still to take the Sun for my guide in the day, and the Stars in the night; yet now I began to think I should wander eternally, for all that night and the succeeding day I could meet with neither man, or habitation, nor yet wild beast; but more than the tedious of my travel, did the loss of my dear josina afflict me, though I suffered all the inconveniencies of thirst and hunger, yet was my mind more tormented for her death (for so I supposed it,) than my body for want of necessaries: it length utterly wearied I laid myself down upon the ground when by an Echo through the hollow veins of the earth, I might hear strange and confused noises, this made me yet more attentively listen, when at length I determined it to be the sound of martial instruments not far distant, and somewhat revived hope to find some rational creatures, for I had for many days conversed with no other than beasts of prey. I roused up my spirits, and clambering up a steep hill which lay before me, I might in the large plain on the other side behold a mighty Army which seemed in a readiness to expect their foes, who appeared on the tops of the furthermost hills.  
Though I doubted I should at my approach to them be taken by them for a spy, yet my hunger constrained me to adventure down, and being come to their Outguards, I was immediately seized upon, and brought before the mighty Mullisheg King of Fess and Morocco; for his Army it was, which he had raised to oppose his rebeltious brothers, who having strictly examined me, was so far from thinking me a spy, that he demanded of me if I would serve him in his wars, and I readily assenting to do it, he persuaded, by I know not what genius, caused me to be listed in his own horse guard.  
The opposite Army under the command of Muley Xeriff, stayed for some days longer on the tops of the mountains, nor could any provocations draw him from his fastnesses; where it is to be supposed he resided in, expecting the other brother Muley Hamet to come and join with him; for no sooner was he arrived, but they descended into the Plain, with an Army of about fourscore thousand men, our whole force consisting of not above forty thousand foot, and twenty five thousand horse.  
The night before the fatal battle, both Armies encamped within the reach of each others Artillery, which played furiously whilst there appeared any twinkling of light, but night having covered the earth with her black man●el, both sides lay still till the morningstar showed them again in Arms, and after the Artillery had for some time thundered out death and destruction, the two brothers advanced towards us in a gallant Equipage; nor did we receive them with a resolution any thing unequal to theirs, though I must confess that we were forced to give a little ground to the fury of their first charge, yet that loss proved to our Advantage: In sum, the battle continued doubtful till about noon, when Muley Xeriff with a select party broke into the King's guards, and had near taken the great Mullisheg prisoner, or deprived him of life, had not my better stars guided me to his rescue.  
Having set the King safe, and received from him innumerable thanks and promises of reward, I returned again to the almost broken guards, and encouraging them the best I could, come (said I to party who had seen me rescue the King, and had there-upon protested to follow me wheresoever I would lead them,) let us fetch this Traitor from amongst the midst of his rebellious troops, I was gallantly seconded by about a hundred of them, who gave so resolute a charge that we soon made way through those before victorious troops, and came to the place where Xeriff was; him guided by fortune I singled out, and soon brought him under the power of my sword, Heavens! How did the great Mullisheg embrace me when I presented him at his feet: As for him he caused his head to be immediately cut off, and being set upon a lance to be carried up and down the Army, which struck such a terror into the Rebels, that they immediately threw down their Arms and yielded, or else trusted to their heels for their safety. Muley Hamet with three thousand horse escaped the fury of the field, and fled towards the plains, but so totally was the Army routed, that he had little hopes of rallying them for to try another encounter.  
I am ashamed to tell you (Mighty Prince) those obliging Expressions, with which Mullisheg entertained me after the Battle: he called me his Better Genius, One sent from the prophet to a●●st his Right, the Soul of his Empire, with many other such strange Epithets, too tedious to relate, withal giving me the Command of five thousand Horse, and desiring me with all speed possible, to pursue the Rebel Mulai Hamet; for you, said he, I know will bring him back: I would willingly have been excused from this Employment, by reason of my being unacquainted in the Country, but he told me he had provided me sufficient guides.  
We overtook this unfortunate Prince on the utmost bounds of those vast Plains of Mombaza, accompanied with not above forty on fifty horse at most, the rest having either fallen into our hands, or deserted him, and to procure their own safety, fled into the deserts or byways: he no sooner perceiving us pursuing him with so great a power, but hoping to escape into a Wood not far distant, he struck out of the way from the rest towards it; he was easily known by those Guides that accompanied me, who told me that if he gained that Wood, it would be impossible to find him out: This made me put spurs to my Courser, which being swifter than his, I overtook him just at the entrance into the Wood, and he seeing no possibility of escaping me, faced about, and opening his breast, Generous Soldier, said he, what ever by nature 〈◊〉 art, yet show thyself now noble, transfix this unfortunate breast with thy sword, and make me not a scorn to my tyrannous Brother: I was about to tell him, that I had strict command from Mullisheg to bring him alive; when he guessing by my delays that I would not answer his desires, with his own sword pierced his heart.  
I could not but both pity and commend the resolution of this generous Prince, and was standing amazed at the Magnanimity and Gallantry of the Action, when the whole body of Horse came up, the chief Commanders of which advised me to carry his body to the King, to assure him of his death, which I gave order to be done: and the Moorish King having first embraced me, and given me a million of thanks, and withal put a very rich Jewel about my neck, seemed somewhat to lament his death, giving order for his being buried like a Prince, which made me believe that he would have saved his life, the rather because he was drawn into this Rebellion, more by cunning Artifices of his brother, than by any inclination of his own.  
The Mighty Mullisheg strove still to load me with new Honours, making me often ride by his left hand, and at our arrival at Mamorah (whither he went to keep Court, and to settle his Kingdom, which now enjoyed a firm Peace by the death of his two brothers) made me one of his Bassa's, and of his Privy-Council, often using to tell me, that at his first sight of me he had perceived in my countenance somewhat● more than ordinary. But all those Honours he conferred upon me, were envied by old Mulai Mustapha, who presuming upon his being Uncle to the King, endeavoured by all means possible to bring me into some disgrace.  
But the King favour to me outlasted his life, for he died soon after, and still rather increased than decayed, till such time I was made Viceroy of Algiers: for all the Circumstances during my Brothers being there, I shall omit, presuming your Highness to be already acquainted with them, as far as they concerned him, and for the reasons of my not discovering myself to him, they are palpable enough to all; for had but the King had the least knowledge of my being a Christian, I had forfeited both my Honours and my Life, and feign I was, lest my whiteness should be discovered, to renew my tincture with the Juice taught me by josina, which I never did, but her untimely end came fresh to my memory.  
For all my Honours and the Glories of the Moorish Court, could not blot out of my heart that love I had entertained for her, and often would I take times solitarily to lament her misfortune; which as I was once in my Chamber very melancholy, considering of, and repining at the injustice of the gods, to deprive me of her as soon as I loved her, a strange person entered my Chamber, at which I was somewhat amazed, wondering how he durst be so bold as to press into my privacies, when addressing himself to me in an humble manner, Sir, said he, I have often waited an opportunity to deliver something to you which may perhaps content you, but not finding any convenience, I have made bold now to press into your Chamber, and therewithal delivered me a Letter, which I hastily opened, and found therein to this effect.  
To the Mighty BASSA JOFFER.  
THough your Greatness may justly cause You not to deign the sacrificing one idle thought to the memory of the unfortunate JOSINA, yet she dares let you know that through all the splendour of your Glories, and the change of your Name, she can espy that person who hath captivated her heart. I cannot believe that your honours have instilled into you such a cruelty, as will exceed that of the wild beasts in the Forest of Alemquel; or that I, who by a strange providence was preserved from theirs, should now perish by yours. Ambition to share in your Greatness, prompts me not to this; but only our former Loves makes me desire you sometimes to remember what hath for your sake been suffered by the miserable  
Josina.  
I was so overjoyed at the reading of this Letter, that I could not for a good while return any Answer to the Messenger; but at length turning to him, And is my Dear josina still safe (said I) have the gods yet preserved her? Blessed heavens! how am I bound to your goodness! She is, Sir, both safe (said the Messenger) and at present in Algiers. What need I then (said I) return any Answer to her Letter, when I may in person see her. Alas Sir, said the Messenger, she would think it too much an honour for her to receive a Visit from so great a Person. An honour, said I, 'twill rather be an honour to me if she admit me: Go (said I) to my Dear josina, and having begged her leave, come in the dusk of the Evening, and conduct me to her; in the mean time present her that as a Token of my constant Affection, giving him that Jewel which had been by Mullisheg presented unto me, upon my bringing him the body of Mulai Hamet, not did the Messenger of so glad tidings go unrewarded.  
josina give an easy grant to my desires, and no sooner had the darkness of the Night shut up the Day, but the Messenger conducted me to the place where she resided: but heavens! how was I ecstasied at the sight of her! if her beauties pleased me before, they now ravished me; I had seen her before in the habit of a slave, but now of a Princess. I stood rather like an inanimate Statue than a moving soul, and like one that could not tell whether I were moved with Admiration or Love; impossible indeed it will be to relate the passions of either of us at this meeting, or for any to guests what they were, but those that feel them; we soon renewed our former Loves, and I remember amongst other Discourse she told me, that though I had used such persuasive Arguments to make her change her Religion, as had overcome her, yet she feared I had now for momentary Honour, changed mine for a worse than that which she before professed: But I assured her, and made her easily believe the contrary. In sum, we concluded to invent some way of getting both into Christendom, which yet we resolved to defer, till those Galleys appointed for me to scour the Seas were in readiness, for they were then preparing; and indeed I should have embarked with my Brother on his Negro, rather than have made him run so deep a resigo of his life, but that I should then have left behind me my Dear josina.  
At last the Galleys being ready, I put to Sea, having privately got josina aboard, and could I have found an opportunity, would often have stole from the rest of the Fleet, but there was so much danger in it, that it was a desperation to attempt it. At length hearing that your Highness' Fleet was out at Sea, I had so tampered with Nine of the Captains, that they promised to yield (and turn Christians) at the first sight of your Fleet, which I long sought our for, and at length fortunately found; and lest you should wonder why myself made resistance, know that a boisterous soldier laying violent hands upon my beloved josina, I could do no less than give him the due reward of his insolence, which others of his fellows endeavouring to revenge, I was forced to defend myself.  
Here the Bassa ended, and the Princes began their admirations of the strange adventures of his Story, when a menssenger brought word, that the guard of soldiers who had the charge of the Captives, was arrived; whereupon the Grand Duke gave command, that they should immediately be brought before him; but in the mean time those Captives who had been taken in other Christian ships, and were now released by Pedro de Venturo, came to give thanks to the Duke: amongst these josina presented herself so excellent in beauty, that her presence no less amazed the whole Court, than her Story had done: The Grand Duke of Florence rising from his Throne, saluted her, the like did the Dukes of Ferrara and Mantua, the last of which seemed to eye her with a strange kind of affection, and withal so much troubled in his thoughts, that he was observed by the whole presence; but at length not able longer to smother them, he descended again from his seat, and taking her by the hand, Madam, said he, if I may not seem rude, or uncivil, to be thus inquisitive into your fortunes at first sight, I would willingly beg the favour to know of what Country you are. You have Sir, (replied she) put a riddle to me, which I am not able to resolve, for I never yet could learn of my Father what Country I was a Native of; but this I know, that he was an Hebrew by Nation. An Hebrew, replied the Duke of Mantova, shall I yet be so much farther bold as to desire his name, if your slavery and other miseries have not made you forget it? He was Sir, answered she, called Signior Gioseppe, and had many years been a Merchant in Italy, till his fortunes there somewhat decaying, he resolved to remove from thence into the Levant, but in our way we were taken by some Pirates of Tunis, where he after three years died a slave; but I continued so till fortune instructed that noble Bassa, and myself, to conspire our liberty. It is most true (said the Duke of Mantua to himself with the tears standing in his eyes) but fair Virgin, continued he, I once lost a daughter, who must be now about your years and feature, and if the Cherry your dead mother affirmed you had upon your right Breast, agree with the Mould upon your Chin, I must of force claim you for her; give me then leave to see that infallible testimony. She immediately showed it to him, to the wonder of them all: And the Duke no longer able to contain himself, embracing her with a fatherly affection, the tears trickling down his cheeks for joy: Is it then possible, said he, (my dear julietta) that after fourteen years' absence I should again be blessed with the sight of thee! Oh my dear girls to what sorrow did that treacherous Jew betray me, and what miseries did his theft involve thee into! Oh! Noble Florence, this is that child of mine, this is my dear and only julietta, whom that perfidious and treacherous Jew Gioseppe stole from me at four years of age, depriving not only me of a child, but my Dukedom of an Heir: Oh! most worthy Bassa, by whose means I am again blessed with an Issue, since thou hast before gained her love, receive her now again at my hands, and with her after my decease, my Name and Dukedom: in this ecstasy did the good Duke run on for near half an hour, to the admiration of the whole presence.  
But to make this day wholly replete with wonders, the valiant Goodlake met with an accident, which pleased him no less than could the gaining of a whole Dukedom; for being espied by one of the redeemed Captives, though not altogether so fair, yet not much yielding to the beauty of julietta; she suddenly accosted him, and to his great amazement, straight embracing him, cried out, And are the gods yet so favourable to the afflicted Mariana, to permit her again the sight of her beloved Goodlake! now am I fully requited for all the miseries I have undergone, for all the cruelties of my Uncle, for all my dangers at Land, and captivity at Sea. Captain Goodlake was so strangely transported with this sudden accident, that he knew not well what to answer, he beheld the visage, the carriage, the speech, and the accent of his beloved Mariana, yet could not but believe her dead, and that all that he heard, or saw, was a mere phantasm: But she seeing him in that passion, my dear Goodlake, said she, from whence proceeds this strange perplexity in thy mind? have I ventured all dangers imaginable, and endured all miseries to find thee out, and wilt thou not now own me for thy Mariana? how many times hast thou solemnly sworn that without me thou couldst not live? how many times hast thou protested that I was the very essence of thy soul? Away false man, if nothing will convince thee, yet let this Ring, the last pledge I received of thy Love, be a testimony against thee, for thy perjuries, which the gods will without doubt severely vindicate. Goodlake was yet more astonished at the strangeness of the adventure, but at length recollecting himself, if thou be'est, (said he,) the shade of my dear Mariana, as I cannot but think thou art, what worth was there in me that could call thee from the eternal Mansion of rest, to these earthly miseries? I am, said she, neither shade nor Ghost, but thy real living Mariana, cloistered up from thee by the cruelty of my Uncle, who to preserve to himself my Estate, and to put thee into despair, gave out I was dead, and made a solemn burial of an empty Coffin; but his real death had no sooner freed me from his Tyranny, but I put in execution that vow, which during my confinement, I made to search thee through the world, and now I have found thee, wilt thou forsake me? Forsake thee, my dear Mariana, said Goodlake, the gods must first relinquished their eternal powers; Alas! those years I have lived since thy supposed death, have been but a continual death to me, and had not the friendship of the Noble Spencer kept me alive, and his love buoyed up my Spirits, I had assuredly long since been a concomitant with those wand'ring spirits in the eternal shades. Here the Generous Spencer came to salute the fair Mariana, and to joy with her both for her safety, and her happy meeting of her long lost Lover.  
But all these strange adventures rather increased the worthy Spencer's melancholy, then allayed it; others joy put him in mind of his grief, for the loss of his beloved Spouse; which the Grand Duke perceiving, and willing to make fully complete the joys of this day retiring for a short time, soon returned leading his Fair Guest vailed in his hand, he addressed himself to Mr. Spencer: Noble Englishman, said he, the resentment I have to see you alone discontent of all this Noble Company, and in a day so fraught with wonders, makes me present you this Lady, in whom I dare presume you will find as ample content as any here; Herewith Bess Bridges (for so she was till then thought to be) taking off her vail, the amazed Spencer ran joyfully to salute her, embracing her with all that affection which could be expected from so constant and loving a pair, whose frequent adversities had both tried their love, and confirmed their constancy.  
But whilst they were thus embracing each other, an ancient gentleman who had stood all this while mute and melancholy, amongst the released captives, stepped forth, and addressing himself to the generous Spencer's fair Spouse. Madam (said he) both of the names, and the excellency of your beauty, I am confirmed that you are the Lady, I have so long been in search for to deliver this letter to from your noble Father. Certainly (Sir) said she, you are extremely mistaken, for neither was my father noble, nor hath he this many years been amongst the living. True Madam (replied he,) your supposed father is long since dead, but she whom you and the world I likewise esteemed your Mother, hath upon her Deathbed declared that the Countess of Sherborn, your real Mother dying in Childbed you were put to her to Nurse, but her own and only Infant soon after dying, she loathe to be childless, sent word to my Lord, that you were dead; so that you have ever since meanly lived, as child to your Foster-father, which yet could not obscure those noble virtues inherent to your birth, and which declare you to be, as indeed you are, the worthy Lady Isabel, sole daughter and heiress to my thrice noble Master the Earl of Sherborn. You tell me, said she, strange Paradoxes, and therewith breaking open her Letter, and having read it to herself, see here, said she, my Spencer, the same this gentleman tells us, is confirmed by that worthy Lord, nor will I in the least doubt it.  
This joy was added to the rest of those great adventures which had before happened, which so rejoiced the grand Duke, that he resolved to portion his entertainment equal to the strangeness of them; and therefore earnestly pressing that the marriages between the Illustrious Bassa, and the Infanta of Mantova, and the gallant Captain Goodlake, and his beloved Mariana, might be celebrated in his Court, which was readily assented to, nor wanted there a third Marriage to make full the joy for Ruffman, having the same day found out Mrs. Forcet who was likewise cast away in the Negro: it was concluded that he, and Maria, should now likewise consummate their loves:  
The Revels, Dance, Justs, Masques, and other Triumphs performed at the Marriage of these worthy personages was such, that there wanted nothing of that state and magnificence, which the Riches of the grand Duke, or the famous City of Florence could afford, to the far renowned and deserve depender of such a ceremony, the solemnity of which lasted forty days.  
At the end of which time the beauteous Lady Isabel, put her Spencer in mind of the earnest press of the Earl of Sherborn her father, for her return home, and he begging leave of the grand Duke, had it, though somewhat unwillingly granted, whereupon the generous Spencer, and the noble Isabel, Goodlake and Mariana, Forcet and Maria, together with Ruffman, prepared for their voyage, and accompanied by the three Dukes, with many other persons of quality, came to Pisa where they embarked, and fortune being now weary of buffe●●ing such worthy personages, gave them a prosperous Gale for England.  
As for the worthy Bassa, having now the possession of his beloved julietta, Infanta of Mantua, he resolved to keep his vow of never more returning into his native Country.  
FINIS.      

Courteous Reader, these Books following are printed for, and are to be sold by Francis Kirkman at the Sign of john Fletchers● head, over against the Angel Inn on the back● side of St. Clement's without Temple-bar.  
1. AMadis de Gaul: a Romance the sixth part, Translaced out of French into English by F. K. in 4 to.  
2. Clerio and Lozia, their Loves and Adventures: a Romance▪ Translated out of French into English by F. K. in 8ᵒ.  
3. Overbury revived: Or a Satirical description of the vices of our present times, in Essays and Characters in 1 s.  
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5. The English Lovers: a Romance▪ written originally in the English tongue, by john Dauncey in 8ᵒ.  

Plays.  
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