THE FLOWER OF FIDELITY·  
Relating exactly, The various Adventures of Three Foreign PRINCES, Intermixed with variety of Letters and pleasant Sonnets.  
BY JOHN REYNOLDS, of Exon Merchant, Author of that Excellent HISTORY, Entitled, [God's Revenge against Murder.]  
LONDON, Printed by T. Mabb for George Badger, and are to be sold at his Shop in St. Dunstan● Churchyard in Fleetstreet. 1654.   

TO The Right Worshipful, his loving father-in-Law, Richard Waltham Esquire, and Justice of Peace and Quorum in the County of Devon: JOHN REYNOLDS, your obedient Son, wisheth as much prosperity as the Gods can distribute, or You desire.  
IF the Golden Axioms (Right Worshipful) of Grave Pythagoras be authentical, I am then by the influence of his flourishing precepts induced to believe, that courtesies once received aught to be repaied with thanks; which harmonical Nectar-sentence penetrating the (Daedalian) citadel of my adrupt Muse▪ as also presenting th'idea of your kindness before the Theatre of my contemplations; I could in conceit reap no (Ambrosian) applause of my capacity, until (although in Baucis homely dish) I had presented you with the first April-fruits of my cerebrosities extraction: by virtue of which audacious resolution (arming my Muse with obedience, and my Pen with submissive humility) I have presumed to present you this my unpolished Pamphlet, or rather to betake my FLOWER OF FIDELITY under the (benign) wings of your worthy patronage: the material effect whereof (albeit derived from the Index of Cytherea) I have so overvailed with the mask of chaste modesty, that I hope not only the apparition of scandalising method is abolished, but also the Physiognomy of superfluous amorous terms (which may not correspond with the climate of your complexion) utterly razed out. Accept therefore, worthily Worshipful, this my peevish Pamphlet, as the pledge of my zealous affection; and grace my FLOWER OF FIDELITY with this happiness, to be established in the fragrant Garden of your flourishing Library: so shall I esteem my Labours coronized with the Laurel of content, my Muse invested with the exquisite Trophies of applause, and myself smoothed up in the Terrestrial Eden of fortunate delectation.  
Your obedient son and devoted servant JOHN REYNOLDS.   

A Sonnet sent by the Author to all Beauteous and Virtuous Gentlewomen.  

YOu Sovereign Nymphs, whose Crimson-chrystal Dye  
Obscures the taint of Juno's Lovely face,  
You which for sumptuous Princely Modesty  
Like fair Diana through the streets do trace,  
Come leave your tasks and with a gracious look.  
Peruse the method of my Pamphlet-Booke.   

Therein doth no Lascivious phrase remain,  
But only sparks of chaste FIDELITY.  
Wherefore sweet Nymphs let me this Boon obtain  
That midst your triumphs in May's jollity.  
Together with your Diapered Nosegays fair  
You will vouchsafe my faithful FLOWER to wear.   
I. R.   

The Preface.  
THe generality of ingenious Philosophers, within whose industrious capacities Discretion sitteth triumphant, do in the sympathy of their resolutions confess, that there is no Love comparable to that which is built upon the Rock of Virtue; divine experience doth by (sacred) examples daily demonstrate us, that desires which exceed the limits of Honour, ar● always in the prime of their hopes meritoriously crossed by some prejudicial misfortune: whereas on the contrary, Love grounded upon a sacred determination, doth not only most flourishingly live in fortunate prosperity, but likewise dieth in most blissful assured felicity: God at all times hateth a disloyal heart, and with the events of contentation coronizeth that Love whose effects tend to unfeigned fidelity. The rage of Love's passions are great, and so great, that in a manner all esteem Venus powerful; for first she (as mother) predestinateth, and then Cupid (as her obedient son) striketh whom she commands. By Nature all men are made of one essential substance, yet being produced under divers Planets, Love with her intricate authority doth more torment some than others; for beauty hath such power, and her power such virtue, that (in a manner) all Mortals are some times scorched with the ardent flames of her tirannical recognizance; as well Potentates, as Impotents, fight under the banner of Beauty; and Cupid, the Paphian Archer, being blind, as soon strikes Robes as Rags; Art can never displace the impression which Nature hath imprinted, nor Dignities ever avoid that which Divinity setteth down for a period. All men are subject to Love; therefore no marvel if Love so seize the top of Prince's conceits, that they build their external felicity upon enjoying their Mistress favour; and lay their (sacred supposed) foundation of hope, in being enrolled a servant upon the memorial of their Saints contemplations: Youthful fancies very often run at random; yet being once in the field of love, vanquished by the prospect of some excelling beauty, they so render themselves captives to the (Circe's) enchantments of partial complexions, that they will not only engage their constancy for the obtaining of their hearts desire; but also pawn their lives, yea fidelities, for the establishing of their breasts contentation; as by the sequel of this ensuing History shall most manifestly appear.   

THE FLOWER OF FIDELITY.  
IN the thrice renowned Island of Cycilia, (which being situated in the Centre of the Mediterranean sea, is most gallantly embellished with the Treasure of Ceres and Flora) before ever the inhuman pride of tyrannising Spain domineered in these Quarters; there sometimes reigned a virtuous and valorous King named Druyno, whose skill in Martial exploits, and knowledge in industrious Sciences did no less daunt the courage of his professed enemies abroad, than with content satisfy the expectation of his loyal Subjects at home. Who having lived a long time with his beautiful Queen (and wife) Gratiana, without Issue, being daughter to Polydore King of Barbaria, had at last in his old declining age, when Reason would have induced men to believe that his hoary white hairs (as the Avant Coureurs of Thanatos) betokened a speedy death, A very gallant young Son; to the no little applause of his aged Father, and no less rejoicing of his (more than) joyful Subjects; who in stellification of their young Prince his Nativity, so sumptuously solemnised his Birth with Heroical triumphs, that all foreign travellers being spectators of their voluntary Bountifulness, might condignly conjencture them (I mean the generality of truehearted Sicilians) to be exactly ravished in an ecstasy of celestial contentation. Which Princely B●be being baptised with such pompous (magnificent) solemnity, as was correspondent to his Noble extraction, was in fine by the King his Father (with the consent of his honourable Parents) named Thalmeno. Who being nursed with care, and disciplinated by the most expert Martialists of Europa; At the age of seven years, had so well profited in the (courageous) School of Bellona, that the Physiognomy of his face, as true Almanacs of future Qualities, did perfectly prognosticate that his Princely self would at the age of reason undoubtedly merit to be triumphantly crowned with the superlative Laurel garland of Olympian dignified fame. Beautiful he was of complexion; more curiously resembling Adonis than Paris: Courteous he was of demeanour; for his benignity surpassed the affability of Alexander: And more than exceeding discreet he was of Capacity; for that from his supereloquent Tongue flew the very enchanting Phrases of admired Demosthenes. So that as Nature had surpassed her (intricate) skill, in framing him outwardly most excellent; Art likewise had bestowed her chiefest curiosity in bedecking the Temple of his Cerebrosity with the prime of ingenious industry. Palas, if she had heard his report, would have praised his perfection: juno, if she had seen his Personage, should have forsaken her jupiter: and the sirens themselves, if they had settled their sights upon the soil of his Phisnomy, would have withdrawn their melody from fearful Ulysses, and tuned the harmony of their Voices to invest only Thalmeno their Favourite; who in the bloomy spring-time of his tender Juvenility demonstrated so many virtuous Apparitions of his Princely towardness, that King Druyno his Father rendered many millions of thanks to sacred jehovah for giving him so sweet a Son; and his joyful Sicilians yielded devout gratulations to Goddess Fortune, for affording them so gallant an Heir to their flourishing Empire. Which Heroical young Prince being the very Map of Modesty, the Patron of Piety, and the Flower of Audacious Magnanimity; had no sooner made the Horologe of Time sound the year fifteenth of his age, but having from his cradle his tostica●ed conceits fixed upon renowned Travel, did upon the Rock of his valorous Resolutions so constantly determine to try what the event of his Princely fortunes might be, that youthful (yet Majestical) desires, still kindling within the embers of his heroical affection, did at last so flame to the absolute fire of a desperate Determination, that hap life or death Thalmeno resolved, and in resolving vowed to pass the blast● of Boreas and streams of Neptune; the better to adorn the storehouse of his conceits, with the strange Accidental sights of some foreign Novelties. But here a main battle of encumbrances began to pitch a million of Doubts in the inspiring Cell of his Imaginations: For first considering, that to depart s●ns Congee, were to bereave his Father of his only Comfort, and to forsake Cicilia were to withdraw his ●●affe of Consolation; (The which precedent premises considering) he again resolved to entomb his military Resolution in the evaporating dust of Oblivion: so that smothering up the submissive Motives of Obedience in the concavity of Self-will; and pricking forward the superbity of his sense● with dignified Spur of honour; he lastly resolved, that maugre the effects of Fortune, or the treachery of Time, very soon to depart. But this his private secrecy was not so surely concealed in silence, but the news thereof arrived (to the Harbour of his cousin Palmas understanding, being only Son to Blithgor● King of Egypt, who having his capacity tickled with the exquisite Etymology thereof, could reap no perfect rest of his disturbed Contemplation, until he had engaged himself a Participator of his Cousins adventurous proceedings. Whereupon finding Thalmeno in the Arboury desolate, he very familiarly began to discover him the Physiognomy of his audacious resolution: The which Zephyr-novelty Thalmeno no sooner understood, but being in conceit with celestial Applause ravished, in that he found so Princely compartner of his future fortunes, he to the purity of affectionate entreaty most soon condescended: So that each taking a Page, with such commodious necessaries as was be●●tting their Voyage, they very closely in a night (when the Moon being overshadowed with obscure Clouds, seemed to condescend to their resolutions) most secretly departed, directing their course to Trapani one of the chiefest Ports in Cicilia; where finding an Argazil ready to set sail, bound for the Country of Arabia they instantly (with rejoicing contemplations, being glad that Dame Fortune had so soon provided them speedy passages, without making the King, Court, or Commons acquainted with their pretence) embarked themselves. Who after finding these two tender Princes absent; what sorrowful mournings, melancholy aggravations and distempered dolefulness was in all places, but especially in the Palace-Resident, I refer to the discreet Readers impartial censure. And in respect that our History dependeth not on their Bewailing, but on the adventurous proceedings of our Bloomy young Princes; I will for a while leave their sorrows to be comforted by the Dictamnum of patience: And return again to the azured Commonwealth of Neptune, whereon these our Princely Parogons were fortunately sailing; who tracing upon the Deck, not only reaped exquisite applause, to see the Armatho furiously cut through the surges of the Seas, but also enjoyed the Prerogative of delectable exhilaration in beholding the Zephyr-G●le fairly blow the Swan-like Sails from the superbious Mast. Which so long l●sted, that in time they were fortunately come within ken of their desired Port: whereat the whole company, but especially our two young Princes rejoicing, they forthwith generally rendered many millions of zealous gratulations to Divine jove, in that so favourably he had blest them with wished for success: who seeing their Argasill at an Anchor, and having invested▪ themselves with fresh Habiliments, did thereupon forthwith entreat the Master to set them ashore, which immediately was accomplished: At whose triumphant departure, the heroical Mariners let fly such a thundering peal of Ordnance, that the Repo●t thereof rebounding from the concavity of the cl●ty Shores, not only made these our valorous Martialists tremble, but also terrified Bellon● herself (being resident) in the citadel of her celestial Monarchy, but the brumy smoke thereof being evaporated with the freshness of the furious wind, our Princely Gallants instantly attained the Shores, and royally rewarded the Boatsens' gang; they betook themselves to the commencing of their desperate adventures, where through the African Deserts they solitarily so long traveled, that at last being destitute of victuals, and not finding wherewith to content nature (in respect these parts were un-inhabited) they passionately tracing these unknown Groves, very grievously began to exclaim upon the inhuman disaster of their miserable calamities; but in vain, for they saw no food to replenish their hungry appetites, unless to have brutishly fed upon unknown roots; which exactly they disdained, hoping ere long to harbour themselves in some homely Cottage, where with rustical Cates they might appease their gormandising hunger: Upon the foundation of which hope, advancing their pace, they at last came to the descent of a deep Valley, wherewith a faint courage very pensively walking, they through the thicket of an ancient Forest might espy the Architecture of some domestical Mansion, which to their sorrowful contemplations, producing unexpected encouragement, they arming themselves with audacity, thereunto directed their course; where being to the outer gate arrived, they beheld a famous Castle of sumptuous edifice, but solitarily situated in the Centre of the aforesaid Forest, that the wind piercing most dolefully through the branches of the lofty Cedars, made such a mournful murmur of disconsolate melody, that the dolefuln●sse thereof drove our two young Princes into a very distasteful conceit of effeminate despair: but at last hunger constraining them, they resolved to enter; where opening the outer-gate, they passed the first Court without espying any; and entering the second they beheld a delicious Court most ingeniously paved with illustrious Marble, which very stately was circumferenced with a sumptuous arched Gallery, p●opp'd up by pillars of bright shining Alabaster; from which by chance reflecting their eyes, they forthwith saw a sweet amiable Lady, which under the umbrage of a Figtree sat recreating her senses with the dulcet sound of a delect●ble Lu●e, and thereunto contracting her Angelical voice, she harmoniously breathed out this sorrowful Sonnet.  

My mournful breast! into the dusky air  
Send forth sad sighe●, true witness of thy plaint;  
Band pearled tears into Jove's sacred Sphere,  
And show how with Love's sorrows thou dost faint.   

Vnvail the curtains of thy misery  
Before the Throne of great Jehovah's sight,  
That contemplating on thy Tragedy,  
He may send favour on thy side to fight;   

Post therefore tears to Juno's Deity,  
Relate thy rage, display thy Passions fire:  
Sincerely crave of her bright Sanctity,  
The comble of thy mournful hearts desire.   

Fly thobbing sighs unto Dame fortunes throne,  
And thunder forth the taint of thy distress:  
Vnmask the Subject of thy direful moan,  
And of her (Janus) power implore redress.   

And both like twins of Dame Latona fair,  
Through Thetis' sail unto the Paphian Isle:  
Solicit Venus and young Cupid rare,  
That now discordant fate they will exile,   

And safely send Prince Maedor to thy sight,  
Whose Physiognomy with chaste applauds my soul  
Hath vowed eternally for to unite,  
And character in Adamantine ro●l.   
The which as soon as she had ended, repeating again and again the name of Maedor, one might apparently perceive many pearled tears distil down the (sacred) soil of her Vermilion cheeks, as also manifestly hear many secret sighs, which her perplexed heart sent forth, as testimonials of her tormented passions: and therewithal lifting up her eyes towards the seat of her celestial Maker (as being overcome with too many in supportable sorrows) she instantly shrinking to the ground, fell into a dangerous trance. The which Tragical spectacle our two young Princes perceiving, very soon advancing their pace, stepped to her assistance; And elevating her from the Flowrie-bank, whereon she was fallen, they used such, or at least the best preservative means for her recovery, as their unskilful (though willing) industry could afford them: So that in time (by good fortune) she again recovered; And remembering herself (or at least thinking to remember herself) and seeing these two strangers before her, she very disdainfully (having anger seated in the furrows of her Brow (uttered these or the like words following.  GEntlemen (for so the Physiognomy of your favour and prospect of your personages, invites me to term you) if you knew how divinely quiet I endured the enjoyance of this dangerous swoon (or rather deadly slumber) whereinto I was fallen, I absolutely know (or at least audaciously conjecture) that in equity and reason you would have refrained from disturbing me of my rest, and also permitted me to reap the tenuity of my consolation: But since things past cannot be recalled, because accidents once produced, do soon fly far, having Times wings; I will, on condition you speedily depart my Castle, for this your first offence give you an absolute pardon. I have here wholly betaken myself to sorrowfulness, and have long since devoted my zeal to the shrine of disconsolation, my desire is neither to see nor be seen, but rather to lead the Pilgrimage of my life from the sight of any: This solitary place I have elected for my Purgatory; And here, unless death prevent my premeditations I resolve to abide the return of a most dear Friend of mine, which inconstant Fortune this forty Months hath detained from me. I in heart hate the sight of any, and for his sake loath the prospect of all. Therefore at the request of a sorrowful Lady, (or if ever a tormented Damsel, may gain acceptance at the Bar of your Discretion) I beseech you delay not to depart, that according to my accustomed manner I may sincerely upon the Altar of his absence, devoutly sacrifice my affectionate sighs; In token, that till death in the Garden of my Maiden Amity, the resemblance of his self, and Idea of his perfections, shall (to my everlasting comfort and souls contentation) immortally flourish. 
The Princes having very lowly saluted this lovely Lady, and with attentive ears listened to the effect of her speeches, They both began or at least Thalmeno for both, instantly to frame her this benign reply.  RIght virtuous Lady! (for so your inward qualities and exterior perfections demonstrate you to be) if our sudden arrival hath prejudiced your sorrowful devotions, or detained you from executing some service due to your Friend; by so much the more we are thereof exceedingly discontented. But since the purity of our pretence may plead for the excuse of our audacity, and the innocency of our resolutions crave remission for our boldness▪ we doubt not, but having heard the History of proceedings, you will in equity afford us a benign pardon: For know fair Lady, that we are both Princes; the one heir apparent to the Crown of Egypt, and the other to the Diadem of Cicilia; Our Names Palma and Thalmeno: who in the prime of our bloomy minority, before the consideration of future fortune was established in the Zenith of our capacities, we resolved to travel, and so secretly embarking ourselves (without taking leave of our Parents) we of late arrived in the next brdering Harbour; since which time, as (faithless) Fortune would, (Error being our guide) we strayed into aan unknown Desert, where these three days we have most dangerously traveled, without finding sustenance to relieve our hungry stomaches; So that at last ranging these solitary Forests, we fortunately arrived to the view of this your Castle: Our pretence, fair Lady, is not to incur your indignation, but only to entreat you to relieve us with some benign demonstrations of courtesy; that in giving Nature her due, we may avoid the tyrannising dint of Death, which most inhumanely doth now begin to domineer over us: which if you effect, as virtuous reason cannot well deny we shall continually remain servants both to your Bounty and Beauty; and till the period of death, hold the term of our lives as again re-bought by your Majestical Merits, and likewise depart when it shall please you to command us. 
The Lady pondering upon these pitiful speeches, very soon in her breast conceived a motion of relentation, which flaming in the embers of her zealous imaginations, very secretly commanded her to entertain them with all agreeable curiosity: so that taking them kindly by the hand, she most debonairly conducted them to a very sumptuous Dining-chamber, where causing her waiting Virgins to attend, and furnish the Table with such store of rich poverty as her solitary Cell could afford, They very orderly without the vanity of prolixious ceremonies fell hungerly to their meat; till repast being done, the Princes satisfied, and the Tables taken up, Thalmeno still burning with desire to know the effectual cause of this Ladies desolate retirement, eupaporating bashfulness, and arming his capacity with courage, he very boldly (yet with a Princely grace) continued his familiar Oration as followeth: MOst beautiful Damsellif the repetition of your misfortunes renew not your grief, or the display of your sorrows increase not your disconsolations, I would (if I might crave so much grace at your Lily hands) entreat you to relate why so sadly you make this Desert your domestical Mansion. And the occasion why so often with volleys of sighs you repeat the name of Maedor. Me thinks your Beautiful face, Slender personage, Majestical comportment, and virtuous perfections, should rather befit a Monarch's Court than a rural Country, and a Prince's bed than a Pilgrim's Cottage. But whether wade I so far, since by experience I am taught to see, that all are subject to fate, and none exempt from adversity? for assoon the Prince as the Peasant, the Madam as the Milkmaid, are (or at least may be) crossed with the dart of Cupid, the sting of sorrow, or the Tyranny of misfortune; Therefore fair Lady, if any of these distasteful accidents have befallen you, with the (Sovereign) salve of patience so mollify your passions, and raze out your sorrows, that the residence of aggravation may not overtop the blossoms of your flourishing Juvenility, and so Tragically bring your beautiful self to the (untimely) enjoyance of a desperate Martyrdom.  
The Lady perceiving Prince Thalmeno had now ended his speech; For answer thereunto replied him as followeth.  KNow, virtuous Prince, that I have long since loved a Noble Cavalier, the absence of whom hath willingly constrained me to live thus solitarily. Name him I will not, because the motive thereof will refresh the birth of my accustomed disconsolation: yet in respect you shall not condemn me of perverse ingrateful coyness, I will (if you please to attend my arrival) buy me to my Closet, and there constrain my trembling Pen to indite the secrets of his Mistress sorrows, and in effect to discover the sole History of my as yet tragical misfortunes. 
Our two young Princes joyful of this benign courtesy, accepted of her proffer; and so having familiarly saluted each o●her, the Lady instantly with a tormented Complexion departed.  
But by that time a future hour was spent, and swiftly constrained to follow his forepast predecessors; Lo, immediately the Lady descended the stairs, and so presenting herself to their views, delivered them this short speech following.  MOst renowned Princes! To satisfy your earnest demands, here take this scroll; wherein though rudely, yet sincerely I have demonstrated the cause of my retiring hither, and penned down the sorrows which in heart I do (more than sorrowfully) endure. My present wealth is such, as I cannot afford you many gifts; yet as a Testimonial of my zealous affection towards you, here take these Victuals and small sums of money, to replete your necessities, when any future occasion shall present. What you find fault with in this Castle, I pray forget with favour, or in me I beseech you remit with partiality: in recompense whereof, I will sacrifice my devout prayers for the establishing of your prosperity, & beseech th' Almighty to send you a most fortunate and safe Return. In hope whereof, betaking you to your journey, and myself to my accustomed Cell of disconsolations, I most dolefully in all Honour take my sorrowful Congee. 
Thalmeno and Parma receiving the Scroll, with weeping tears kissed her mournful cheeks; And so rendering her many millions of thanks for their unmerited courteous entertainment, most sorrowfully departed, directing their course to a very high Mountain: Whose top having attained, and burning with desire to peruse the Scroll, they at last casting themselves on a green Bank, embellished with the essence of many diapered Flowers, under the covert of a stately Pinetree, whose branches were likewise apparelled with a summer's ve●●ure; taking the Paper in their hand, found this or the like therein contained.  ADmired Princes! (as well for your virtuous qualities, as heroical conditions) being that in courtesy you have requested my abrupt Muse to relate you the cause of this my desolate retirement▪ Know (valorous Martialists) that I am Florina, the only daughter of Agenor King of Numidia; who attaining to the perfect age wherein Nature seems to triumph in the delectable pleasure of Nuptial ceremonies, I was sought for in marriage by divers Princes both of Africa and Europe; whereof as the King my Father affected some for their private wealth, so others I hated for their public enormities; in such sort, that to be plain I could not esteem of any with whom I was contented to finish the limits of this my terrestrial pilgrimage: by virtue whereof, I some two years remained without either fixing mine eyes upon the influence of Love, or ever devoting my breast to the shrine of affection. But at last Cupid storming at my Liberty, and Venus herself at my single estate, (acknowledging that there was no life but Love, nor no paradise but the pleasures of Marriage) they so bend their invective ambition against my innocency; that at last by the means of Fortune, which had likewise intruded herself in the union of their sympathy, they unexpectedly to my Father's Court sent a sweet young Prince named Maedor, being son and heir to Orlando King of Biafara; which Prince being penetrated with the report of my Personage, came of purpose to Numidia to protest him my Servant: Upon the soil of whose beautiful Complexion I no sooner settled the influence of my Regards, but I immediately felt the flames of fancy sparkle within the concavity of my tormented breast. On the other side, Prince Maedor so often frequented my company, that at last (if his Protestations were unfeigned) he reposed his bliss in my Beauty, and reaped his chiefest pleasure in enjoying my (desired) presence: So that tract of time did (by reason of many amorous Glances) so firmly unite our affections with the twist of combined Ratification, that in few days I became mistress of his thoughts, and he master of my imaginations. But now despiteful Destiny resolving to metamorphose our sweet Nectar into bitter Aconitum; began to display part of his infidelity: For the news of this our late familiarity being bruited throughout the Court, did in fine arrive to the King my Father's understanding; who storming at this unexpected event, (because he bore a secret malice to Orlando Prince Medor's Father) resolved not only to nip the blossoms of this our tender Affections in the April of their minority, but also to blast the Buds of our Love in the spring time of their juvenility: In respect whereof, sending for Prince Medor before his Royal personage, he after having imbathed his capacity in the Acheron of indignation, so checked him up with thundering threats, and frowned at him with invective speeches, that in fine, albeit Prince Medor began with a pithy Oration to plead for himself, and in his defen●e to descant upon his unmerited discourtesy; He not only commanded him to silence, but also charged him to depart the Territories of his Kingdom. Ah infortunate sentence for so swe●t a Prince! And therefore infortunate, because being constrained to depart, he left me desolate in the distasteful surges of perplexity! But again, after the King my father had bereav●d me of this my Princely Paramour, (within the influence of whose personage I reposed my delectable contentation) being not any thing appeased with this his inhuman accident, but still severely determining to invest me with the recognizance of his wrath, He so cruelly entreated me, & so unnaturally restrained my liberty, that I could not one minute reap repose of my Imaginations, but continually lived in most tormented calamity; in respect whereof sacrificing my Orisons upon the Altar of Prince Maedors' absence, and devolving my contemplations to the beautiful Idea of his excellencies, accounting Courtly joys vain glorious trifles, and a Princely life a splendent misery; in a Cymmerian night, which seemed to allow of my resolutions, departed the Court, and betook my s●lf to the establishing of so sorrowful life. So at last Fortune resolving to assist me in my misery, very happily made me retire hither; which solitary Castle doth so correspond with my mournful conceits, that for the ardent love which I bear Prince Maedor, I firmly resolve either here to attend his (expected) arrival, or else to finish my days in manifestation of my Fidelity. Therefore (sweet Princes) attribute my disobedience to my Parents a favourable censure; and resolve that what my Pen prescribeth, my capacity shall perform; that is, immortally to remain faithful to Maedor, or everlastingly unfriendly to myself. 
Which scroll they had no sooner perused, but pitying the estate of the miserable Damsel, they instantly vowed to range the confines of Africa in researching Prince Maedor, that by their friendly diligence Florina might enjoy her breasts chiefest solace and her souls delectable contentation: By virtue of which infused resolution elevating themselves from the fragrant grass, they at last with delicious familiar Amity, and delectable friendly applause prosecuted their Journey, in such pleasant sort, that Phoebus gracing the Cincture of the day with his radiant complexion, they traversing many lofty Mountains, and pleasant Penean Valleys, at last towards the approach of drowsy Vesper arrived to a silver Fount ore-vailed with the Canopy of a sprouting Cypress, who frizling his curled locks, took this Crystal spring to be his reflective mirror, whereon (with Narcyssus) deliphting to gaze, he continually tximmed himself in his verdant jollity: many Angelical Nymphs they likewise saw circumferencing this fountain in a Dance, who (resembling Daphne) had their splendent hair dallying with the Nectar-breath of amiable Zephyrus, being all apparelled in Crimson Robes embroidered with Lilies and Cowslips; who no sooner saw our two Cavaliers approaching, but thinking that the Shepherds and Satyrs had sent them as spies, thereby to entrap them in some treacherous Ambuscado, they forthwith (as having Pegasian wings) flew through the Thickets, with far swifter pace than ever did Atalanta when she ran with Hipponeanes: Our Princes seeing this Amorous Troop fled, were exceeding sorrowful that their arrival hindered their pastimes; so that hailing them with a shrill Holaw, and perceiving none returned, they instantly sat them down upon the Diapered brim of the fountain; where accumulating many Nosegays of Daffadilies and prime flowers, they dipping them in the Orient water, therewith bespinkled their faces to refresh their spirits; so long till reflecting their light upon the excellency of the neighbouring Pasture, they at last espied a verdant Tent, on whose lofty Turret a snow white Ensign deliciously flourished in the Air; whereat admiring, because they could not conjecture what this delightful object betokened, (as also to the end they might satisfy their ardent contemplations) they both very joyfully directed their course thither; which no sooner they approached, but they perceived it to be an Eglantine Bower: Bespread (here and there) with Colombine and Damask-Roses, so that burning with desire (from point to point to survey it) they at last audaciously entered; where a snow-white Beagle being (with Argus' eyes) awake, saluted them with his shrill (discordant) barking, wherewith as a vigilant servant arowsing (a Nymph) his Mistress from sleep, she altogether at this unexpected Alarm began to tear through the Bower.  
But Venus and Diana having metamorphosed their (forepast) malice to a future Sympathy, so ordained, that her Amber locks should be entangled in the Eglantine Briars; whereat our Princes setting hold of her loose Garments, did, despite her force, compel her to stay: but the Nymph thinking them to be Apollo and jove, who had descended from Heaven to ravish her Maidenhood on earth, bitterly cried out, and grievously tore the Tresses of her hair in a rage; the which our Princes perceiving, with fair exhortive speeches began to appease her aggravation, r●questing her only to conduct them to some adjoining Cottage, where for that night they might assuredly r●st in some peaceful tranquillity: whereat this jolly Nymph elevating herself from the earth, and gratifying them with many million of thanks, bedecking her Lily Countenance with a cherry complexion, (as a skilful Pilot) very joyfully conducted them through the Woods and Forests, where many Troops of (Lightfoot) Satyrs ran on before as triumphant Heralds to proclaim them passage, so long till radiant Titan flying the Zenith of our Horizon to alight the obscure Antipodes, she at l●st brought us to a sumptuous Palace, whose Pyramids and Towers superbiously presumed to elevate their tops in the (sacred) skies; the glorious sight whereof (repleating their senses with astonishment) made them conjecture it to be that admired Palace of renowned Felicia (so much dignified by the Pens of civil and profane Poets) for the Walls thereof were of clear glistering Alabaster, the gates of pure Crystal, the pavement of black Jet intermixed with azured Marble, the Battlements of refined Gold, the Arches of stately Porphyre, the windows of translucent Diamonds beset with Carbuncles and Saphires, and the roof of Vermilion Coral, wrought Checkerwise with orient guards of Silver: what shall I say? The interior lineaments owed nothing in correspondence to the outward Edifice; for the Portals and Galleries were of snow-white Ivory, the Bedsteds of clarent Amber, the Coverlids and Curtains of green Damask embossed with Emeralds and Chrysolites, and the Tapestry of Crimson-Velvet embroidered with Amethysts and Pearl. In the spacious Courts and delicious Bowers (which Flora had adorned with the Treasure of her painted Drapery) were likewise many curious (conceited) fountains, some thither conveyed by the instinct of Nature, and othersome they erected by the Ingeny of Art) There might you have seen Diana erraised aloft upon a sumptuous Pillar, with a Bow in one hand, and a Banner (wherein was charactered Chastity) in the other, from whose Alabaster Paps the water sweetly distilling, was by her Nymphs in Crystal Vases received, and so artificially conveyed to the Fountain's centre; and also another, where Pallas, Minerva and juno, do from their breasts rain Veins of water upon the beautiful faces of Daphne and Phylomela; the which entering their coral lips, doth distil to the concavity of their Chrystaline Paps; from whence with a stern countenance, they furiously sprout it in the eyes of inhuman jupiter and lustful Tereus; also upon the borders of these fountains are growing many fruitful Fig-tres, whereon artificially range divers harmonious Birds, whose heavenly music according with the waters murmur, doth yield forth many ravishing Tunes of Angelical melody: so that there wanted no bravery to make this sumptuous Palace a terrestrial Paradise; It was impaled with lofty Woods, fenced Draw-bridges, and impregnable Bulwarks, as also circumferenced with a dainty River, within whose Tempee Gleam many Caistrine Swans most pleasantly imbathed themselves. So that our two Princes with their Nymph, being arrived to this dignified Palace, were forthwith met by an ancient Damsel, who seeming to be thereof Lady, very kindly bade them welcome: her habit was of a Sable hue, having her snowy hair dangling down her withered face; her beauty seemed to be nipped by age; yet in the lineaments of her complexion lay furrowed the anatomy of an indifferent Countenance: the arches of her sorrowful eyes were overvail●d with a crimson taint; from out whose conduits it appeared, many brinish tears had had their issue. Which desolate Lady, after having had some conference with these our unknown Princes, and perceiving how the zeal of their youthful resolutions were devoted to travel, she with a faint voice delivered them these speeches: COurteous Friends, (for such I wish you to be) fear not to enter this Palace, but advance with applause! for your eyes shall be presented with such delectable objects, as shall both please your thoughts, and solace your contemplations.  
Whereat she abruptly broke off, and so as fast as the Postilions of Aeolus, fled to the Forests. Our Princes seeing the sudden departure of this ancient Lady, exceedingly admired what this unlooked for novelty meant: But at last arming their resolutions with courage, as also seeing the sable night begin to orevail the Element with obscurity, taking leave of their Nymph, they boldly entered; where no sooner they had past the outer gate, but they were forthwith met by two glorious Virgins, who saluting them with a smiling countenance, arm in arm most lovingly conducted them to a sube●bious Theatre, from whence they might deliciously behold many amorous Ladies and gallant Cavaliers circumferencing themselves in a dance: from whence after having repleated their eyes with applause, they by the Ladies were conducted to a sumptuous Bedchamber, where divers flourishing Knights were unchastely Courting of their beauteous Paragons, yea and with such unseemly dalliance, that Vesta nay Venus herself could scarce refrain from blushing at their immoderate familiarity; in such sort, that being glutted with the variety of divers unchaste prospects▪ (which to repeat would but vainly replenish the Readers capacity with prejudicial contemplations) they were at last by many radiant Tapers alighted to their chambers: where to pass away the tediousness of the night, two lascivious Ladies were proffered to bear them company: But our young Princes (albeit ardently tempted with carnal enchantments) having th●ir immovable resolutions charactered upon the foundation of Honour (not accepting of this unexpected courtesy) very virtuously craved their absence; when thinking to repose themselves, lo they were instantly again solicited by two tender Virgins, who bringing two Ivory Lutes in their hands, with their melodious (Orphee) Music, thought to lull their premeditations asleep: Their breasts were nakedly unmasked to the spectator's eye, where one might apparently behold their Alabaster Paps swell and sink at an instant, as being inspired with the Luxurious wind of unsatiable desire, Immodest smiles they had at command; and wi●h the Hiaena, their eyes darted forth prejudicial Assummons: Their outward vestments were both gay and loose, in all things fitly corresponding with their inward qualities: and their glistering Hair being escaped from the Tresses of Chastity, most viciously sported with their Crystal complexions, as the amiable Fetters of Lust to inchant the Approachers. But neither their Siren deceitful Melody, their sweet Aconitum-glances, nor their alluring lascivious gestures, cou●d either (with Circe's) charm the capacity of our Princes, or else with Medea inchant their conceits to range beyond the Lists of (dignified) Modesty: but like two religious Pilgrims they valorously fought against (vicious) Concupiscence, and ardently devoted their zeal to the shrine of Virtue: So that not passing for their smile●, nor esteeming of their temptations, they audaciously thrust them out their Chamber, and so securely bolting the door, betook themselves to sleep. But Morpheus had not long detained their spirits in delicious slumber, but having contracted his Influence with the instinct of Celestial deity, they were in the depth of Nocturnus arowsed by a grievous Clamour, which rattled in the Palace with such a thundering noise, as if the battlements, nay foundation thereof were subject to a sudden revolution; Grievous groans were plenty, Cries were common, and all diverted to such a tempestuous confused Cha●s, as if the Atlas of the world had in the vivacity of his fury assummoned the Confines of Earth to the dreadful day of Judgement: whereat our two young Princes, a● having their obtuse senses repleated with fear, and their heroical courage daunted with timerosity, instantly slumbled from their beds, as if they had been transcended to the infernal concavity of obscure Acheron; thinking that their glass of life was already run, and that inhuman Thanatos had now taken his dart of tyranny in hand, to finish the period of their terrestrial Catastrophies. But whiles being thus in the (supposed) path way of destruction, lo there suddenly appeared unto them a delectable Dwarf, being apparelled in Crimson; which to evaporate their timorous despair, with an Angel's voice pronounced them these speeches: 
Fly Vice, fly Sin, fly Earthy vanity,  
And with a martial courage fear displace;  
Detract no time but with celerity▪  
Come view the Beauty of Dame Virtue's face.   
Our Princes seeing this pretty pigmy, and with advised deliberation pondering upon the Etimoligie of his speeches, could not at first refrain from infusing their contemplations within the Cabinet of astonishment; but at last more seriously ruminating which way to elect for their security, they both resolved to follow the tender guide; thereby to free themselves from the peril of this ensuing stratagem; upon which resolution, arming their courage with magnanimity, they as having Pegastan wings flew through the Courts, directing their pace to a lofty mountain, from whence they espied this glorious Palace, to be suddenly swollen up in the earth's concavity, and in such admired sort, that no appearance of foundation remained, but was utterly razed out as if the essence thereof had never there erected his (once) substantial situation. Which tragical (prospective) accident our Princes could not at first believe, but instantly thereupon surmised that their eyes and imaginations had been deluded with invasions: the Dwarf perceiving their doubtful perplexities, ran exactly from them; when to comfort their passions, the old forlorn Lady which they first met, again presented herself to their views, and so after having lowly saluted them, very mournfully uttered these speeches.  MY sons (quoth she) my name is Virtue, who of my own authority have invented this Tragedy for your advantage. The glorious Mansion which ye have seen destroyed, was the Palace of Folly, wherein only remained the Imps of luxurious Iniquity; who pampering up lustful Cytherea, were always persecutors of chaste Diana: my society they ever disdained, and contumeliously smothered my Temple with the contagious Incense of Lubricity; amongst which cursed Diabolical Regiment Perjury was rife, Swearing no sin, Pride a Pearl, Lust a Lord, Ambition a Saint, and Treachery a Goddess. But now (my sons) rheir immoderate Pride is past, their unchaste Desires extenuated, their devilish Oaths drowned, their aspiring ambition evaporated, their graceless Treachery abolished, nay and all their superbious actions, with themselves, utterly destroyed, and furiously sent to remain in the infernal dungeon of everlasting perdition: Therefore beware by their (unaccustomed) stratagems, and let the mirror of their misfortunes serve as an Instance to Impale you within the circumference of Piety. And to the end that, being absent, you may still ponder and premeditate upon my Exhortations, here take this Paper and observe such Divine counsel as I have therein prescribed for your salvations. 
Which having said, she in the twinkling of an eye elevated herself in the air, and so a brumy cloud orevailing her in the cincture of his embracements she immediately vanished.  
Our Princes astonished hereat, took up the Paper, and opening it, found these Observations therein contained.  
1. Build the foundation of thy faith upon purity and piety, that thy zeal be not eclipsed with the contagion of idolatry, but rather perfumed with the sweet incense of sincerity.  
2. Let devout Prayers be a Mediatrix between thy Saviour and thyself; for it is the most assured step to obtain felicity.  
3. Conceal thy secrets in the closet of thy breast: left rashly displaying them to others thou produce the prejudice of thine own tranquillity.  
4. Fly Ambition as the poison of the sense; and detest En●● as the Canker of thy contemplations.  
5. Gaze not on Beauty, lest it engender repentance: but loath a lascivious Courtesan as the scourge of iniquity.  
6. In thy Actions be faithful, lest being blemished with reproach thou impair thy reputation.  
7. Hnonour thy Prince as the anointed of Christ; and if occasion present, live and die for thy Country.  
8. Detest vain glorious superbity, as the Aconitum of sin, and abolish Superstition, as the cloak of ungodliness.  
Which having read, and knowing the sacred influence thereof tended to the establishing of their celestial tranquillity; they so imprinted it in the concavity of their contemplations, as it futurely should serve for a fenced circumference to retain them within the confines of Piety; and likewise for an impregnable Citadel to defend them from the fury of ungodliness: so as triumphing that fortune (in the mirror of experience) had presented them with so sacred an Instance, they repleating their thoughts with applauses, and their conceits with delectation, very joyfully departed. But won Aurora (being daughter of Thetis) had no sooner skipped from the bowers of Neptune, and so saluted the excellency of transplendent Phoebus, but our Princes afresh prepared themselves to their journey: when timely in the purpled Morn, as radiant Titan began to give the Bezo les manes to the verdant Mountains; the Satyrs, Fawns, and Nymphs skipped through the Forests; and doleful Philomela (basinating her Breast in the air on the superbous People) warbled forth her Tragedy: they were by a soft bloamy wind, which caused the verdant Leaves to caper, made acquainted with the delectable sound of a ravishing Cornet: the delicious (tripled) echo whereof, redoubling through the thickness of a curled Grove there next adjoining, gave such a quavering grace to the aforesaid Melody, that our Princes were perforce constrained to find out the said (unknown) excelling Orpheus. To the end he might for a while recreate their distempered senses, with the rare exquisiteness of his praiseworthy Art. And so directing their courses by their attentive Ears (which they took to be their guid●) they at last arrived to the beautiful prospect of a fair (Penean) Valley; in midst whereof ran most leasurably a (Tempe) silver stream, whose banks in equal distance were beset with fruitful Lemmon trees; on the branches whereof, they might afar off espy the yellow Citrons naturally growing: which delightful pleasant prospect so well contented their youthful imaginations, that immediately they b●nd their course directly to the aforesaid Arboury; where entering, they espied this famous Musician, being a beautiful young boy, apparelled in white, who being crowned with the Laurel garland set upon a Flora-Bank, close by the River's side, unto whose melody most attentively listening they at last in a fragrant Bower of delicious Eglantine espied an aged old Father, which as it seemed by the furrows of his complexion, had in his tender years past the endurance of many distasteful calamities; his habit was of a Sable Black, which coming scarcely to his knees, was about his weak waste begirt with a Willow stripple; his Visage was of a Wane taint; and his Snowy Beard, being milky-white, descened almost to his sorrowful middle; in his hand he held a Brazel staff, which as it seemed manifested to be the feeble supporter of his withered age; And before him, on a Table of Swanlike Alabaster lay open a guilded Book of absolute beautifulness, whereon in Reading he solitarily busied the conceits of his tormented cerebrosity; which prospect as soon as our Princes espied, being instantly transported with desire to know the cause of his disconsolate retirement, they boldly entered, where interrupting him from his earnest study, Prince Palma, (to awake his distempered Muses from the Chaos of his perplexity) boarded him as followeth: RIght aged Father, (for so the Calendar of your Complexion induceth me to term you,) If our audacious arrivals have disturbed your study, or our presence your patience; we beseech you to pardon the first, though a rash attempt; and to excuse the second, as being an unwilling enterprise. Traveller's ears are (you know) am●tors of novelties, and their capacities as desirous of news, as the Antipodes of the light of the Sun: Therefore, Reverend Father, we beseech you to relate us the cause of this your disconsolate retirement, and the Motive which induced you to embrace this austere Life, as the Image whereunto your contemplations dedicate the generality of their terrestrial devotions: as also to afford us so much favour, as (being foreigners, and unacquainted with the passages of this Country) we may under the support of some Debonair Seignieur, erect (for a while) our residence; and so avoiding the scandalous imputation of Vagabonds betake our resolutions to the obtaining of (desired) peaceful Tranquillity.  
The ancient Father perceiving by his speeches, ●hat he had been trained up in the School of virtue; ●s also conjecturing by the Physiognomy of their countenances, that they were issued from some noble extraction; very kindly (with a gravity, which seemed to embellish his speeches) returned him this Friendly reply: GEntlemen, (for such I esteem you to be) Your arrival hath n●●●her disturbed my study, nor your presence prejudiced my patience: For as my nature is not attractive to severity on the one side, so on the contrary, I make use of the other at leisure. Therefore to my sorrowful Celestina you are both exactly welcome: And in respect a friendly demand deserveth a familiar reply, Know (Gentlemen) that the Bower which I have here caused to be erected within the Incirculets of this fruitful grove, I make my retiring place, when passionate conceits begin to tosticate my distempered senses. This Boy being an Orphan, for charity's sake I have caused to be instructed in the art of shrill music, to the end that when my eyes begin to dazzle with overmuch reading, he may with his loud melody arouse my spirits from the thought of slumber, & so put me in mind of my accustomed duty, which in heart I immortally owe to the (sorrowful) shrine of my dead Saint, which whilst she lived I affected mor● dearly then myself; and being (now) dead, will honour with such ardent fidelity, that future ages shall have a meritorious instance to acknowledge▪ That till death, & after, to my fair Eucellina I remained completely constant: Ah sweet Excellina! which sacred Name when I repeat, enforceth my cordial blood to distil my sorrowful heart, and also my brinish tears to descend the soil of my penitent cheeks; she (oh she!) was the unique daughter of a valorous Knight, whom I long courted with unfeigned love, and at last (after having received many bitter repulses) obtained the enjoyance of her gracious affection; whereof her shrewish stepmother being (by misfortune) throughly advertised, (as one that rather sought her ruin then advancement) she so severely looked to her, & ●o inhumanely entreated her, that her Father being absent in a far journey, she most tyrannously bolted her up in a V●stal dungeon; where seeing she could by no means obtain the object of my personage, she in the bitter anguish of (Phlegeton) dolour, (bidding the World, but chiefly Me, farewel) most dolefully yielded nature her due; In remembrance of whom, to the other end of this Grove, in a Fragrant Valley, I have (as Duty and Love enforced me) erected a Tomb, whereunto till the period of my ending days, I have in heart daily vowed to offer her, not only my devout Prayers, that I may soon follow her, but also my throbbing sighs, as repentant witnesses of my tormented calamity: Therefore Gentlemen, if you please to afford the time to walk thither, I will make your eyes spectators of that, which with great grief & aggravation I have discovered to you; And after give you such Observations in your travels, that doubtless, if the celestial influence cross not your Fortunes, you shall find them very profitable for your advantage, and no way prejudicial to your adv●ntures.  
The two Princes returning him thanks for his proffered Courtesies, very willingly to his demand, soon condescended; and so walking through ranks of lofty Cedars, which with their verdant branches beautified the adjoining (silver) stream, They in fine arrived to a sacred Chapel, which with Alabaster Walls circumferenced that glorious Tomb; where entering, they espied it so repleeted with munificent curious workmanship, that the view thereof drove them speedily more near to approach, and so beheld the body thereof to be of Dove-white Ivory, whose cover being of radiant Jet, there was thereon the Picture of the aforesaid fair Excellina in Crimson fresh colours, most ingenuously pourtraicted, and under her feet, in characters of rich Gold (Inammeled with Azure) this Epitaph most sumptuously engraven.  

EXCLLINA'S Epitaph.  
Within this Ivory Tomb doth lie  
The Phoenix of pure modesty,  
Sweet Excelline, whose Beauty rare  
With Helen's taint surpassing sure,  
Nay, Helen's taint surpassing sure,  
Which did the Grecians Love procure;  
Being in Jove's Imperioll sight,  
A Nymph excelling juno bright.  
Cut off by fatal Sisters three,  
In confluence of Love's Plauditee.  
Therefore if any pass this way,  
With penitential tears do pray,  
That she may in th' Elysian Plain  
Until Eternity remain;  
Still crowned with hearts delicious joy,  
And freed from rage of dire annoy.   
Which Epitaph, when they had a●ain and again overread; as also reveiwing the Tomb, and regarding her Picture, they very sorrowfully departed to find out the ancient Delmon (for so they knew him now to be named) who purposely attending their coming, took them by the Hand, and the tears standing in his Eyes, he (albeit his Tongue did falter) at last breathed out these speeches.  AH Gentlemen! my grief is such, that I loathe my life; and were it not for too much offending my Soul, I could willingly be the administerer of mine own (untimely) martyrdom; But alas, I know (I too truly know) that that would be a sacrifice too abominable before the sight of my maker; which I protest is only the Rein that withdraweth me from executing of my Resolutions: For why, though I 〈◊〉▪ I live discontented; & by my death, my dolorous calamity would enjoy a period, Should I (most miserable I) be the cause of so sweet a Lady's destruction? Or by my means should so gallant a Virgin be depr●●ed of her future (delectable) pleasures? No, no, selmon; Live not but die in memory of her Mar●●●dome; for so shall thy aggravations ●nd, and 〈◊〉 everlasting joys commence. 
Our two young Princes, seeing him run so far in the diversity of (amorous) sorrow thought be●● to recall him from his passionate dumps; and interrupting him, Thalmeno began as followeth.  WHy Delmon we think the effects of amorous contemplation should be now (through Age) evacuated from your memory; and the remembrance thereof dried up in the Cinders of Oblivion: for it is not for you, which are ready to salute the Grave, to sacrifice sighs to Cupid; but rather for Youth, such as we are, to fight under the Banner of Beauty. Remember therefore with yourself, that Venus was by Appelles' Boy pourtraited with fresh colours, and not set forth with a withered Visage: and though Vulcan offered to the shrine of juno, yet he at last cried peccavi, and was for his simplicity laughed at by jupiter. Therefore Delmon, consider now with thyself, that Excellina is dead, and may not by any (mortal) possibility again be revived: In respect whereof, dry up your tears, and forget any more to devote your Orisons to the image of Cytherea: that fight against concupiscence, your actions may approve you to be an unspotted Personage for the celestial Monarchy; and while tracing on this earthly vale of misery to observe a blissful decorum of aged staidness. 
Delmon perceiving he was answered somewhat roundly; instantly afresh wept, because their exhortive speeches touches him to the qui●k: but at last comforting his sorrowful Muse with patience, he evapouring his tears requested them to enter his Celestina, & to accept of such homely Cates as his poverty could afford: whereunto they willingly agreed; and so deluding the time with familiar conference, they a long time solaced their capacities in amorous prattle; till at last repast being ended, and the Princes ready to depart; Delmon with as much audacity as his tormented passions could permit, at their Dernier adieu, pronounced them these speeches.  SEeing, heroical Gentlemen, that your resolutions are devoted to Travel; Know that some leagues hence, in the Kingdom of Zanfara, there reigneth a magnificent Prince, surnamed Brilion, whose Virtue doth no less applause his Subjects, than his valour doth daunt his Enemies; rewarding each with the guerdon of his merits, and retaining no honour from those which demonstrate their actions to be absolute magnanimous: So that, for discretion, he may well be esteemed a Solomon; for Majesty, a Caesar; for Prowess, a Scipio; and for benignity, an Alexander. His Court likewise may be termed the Rendezvous of the flower of Chivalry, for there are always resident innumerable of Cavaliers; which as they account Discretion a chief point of valour, so they stick not (though desperately) to adventure their lives for the establishing of their same. Their Senators likewise are both grave, politic, and provident; which from the sincerity of their contemplations, account Ambition a heinous crime, and Treachery a deadly sin. Also their Pastors of the people are both zealous and virtuous, admonishing their Flocks, not with th● servants of Baal, to place their Religion upon diabolical Idolatry, but to ground their zeal upon that Celestial Temple, whose Foundation is Faith, whose pavement Purity, whose doors, Devotion; whose Arches, Amity; whose pillars, Pi●ty; whose Windows, Sincerity; whose galleries, Glorification; and whose towers Humility. Their Ladies and Damsels are likewise both gracious and fair, and generally so chaste, as if Diana and Nature had adorned them with the pride of their excellency; being of gesture, modest; of capacity, quick; of quality, kind; and of behaviour courteous. Therefore, Gentlemen, if you direct your course thither, you shall generally see each live by the fertilenes, of his own Land, each reap the fruit of his own Vine, and (delectable) content sit smiling in every corner: there likewise shall you see the fragrant Fields adorned with their verdant Vestures, the lofty Trees with their gay garments, and the delicious Arbours with their diapered treasure of Flora; as also the mountains orev●iled with snow-white Flocks, their Meadows with the riches of Ceres, and their Valleys with Daffodils, and prime flowers: In their Parks may you likewise see regiments of Fallow-Deer running untaken; in their Forests may you likewise behold, troops of Nymphs trace unravished; and to be brief, on every bush, harmonious Birds warbling forth their melody. 
Thalmeno and Parma, perceiving that Delmon had finished his speech, being partly in conceit ravished with the report of foe flourishing a Kingdom, giving him thanks for their benign entertainment, as also for his debonair virtuous exhortations, very joyfully departed: where travelling a long time these unknown Countries, they at last very fortunately arrived to the chiefest City of Zanfara, where the Court then was; And taking up the Lodge in the best Inn which the City did afford, they there some three days rested, to refresh themselves of their forepast (troublesome) travels: And after having (as was requisite) given almighty jove most humble thanks for their safe arrival, they betook themselves to this private parley, where Thalmeno began as followeth.  MOst dear Cousin! We are now in a Kingdom far from our Native country; and therefore with celerity it behoveth us to settle our proceedings upon the main of some resolution, to the end we may futurely avoid the receipt of ensuing misfortunes. Therefore, understanding that the King exceedingly delighteth in heroical Virtues, it were not in my opinion unfit to betake ourselves under the umbrage of his service, where cherishing our valorous magnanimity, we may produce the demonstrations of dignified Princely achievements, whose effectual apparitions in the eyes of all spectators may condignly purchase us the title of gallant (admired) admiration. 
Prince Palma hearing Thalmeno utter this haughty resolution, very instantly returned him this reply: MOst affectionate Cousin, I allow right well of your conclusitive determination: therefore, delays set apart, let us proffer ourselves to the King's service. This day, I understand, he resolveth to hunt in a Forest neer-adjoyning the Court; where, if you please, we may present him with a submissive supplication, thereby to intrude ourselves within his Princely service; but let our names be obscured under the cloud of secrecy; So that Thalmeno may be termed Thalmo, and I Palma named Plivio, justifying ourselves to be both Knights of Arabia.  
This pleasant invention was well liked of Thalmeno; And so solacing their cerebrosity, they forthwith indicted this supplication, which by a young Knight (a fri●nd of theirs) they instantly sent to the King's Majesty, the tenor whereof followeth,  
To the most puissant, famous and flourishing Prince, Brylion King of Zanfara  
RIght renowned King! whose magnanimous fame (by the Herald of report, hath been transported to the bar of many Cavaliers understanding) in such sort, that they not only admire at your Princely valour, but also wonder at your (virtuous) animosity; so as their thoughts burning with desire to be made possessors of your (gracious) presence, and their resolutions flaming with applause to be spectators of your heroical audacity, they have upon the Altar of fame, long since devoted their resolutions to direct their course to your Country; amongst whom, we Thalmo and Plivio, two Knights of Arabia, having our capacities penetrated with the report of your affability, have undertaken this journey, to be made spectators of your renowned personage; So that being arrived to your flourishing Palace, we most humbly beseech you to accept us into your dignified service, assuring you, that our valour and fidelity shall be such, as shall well testify our resolutions to take their offspring from audacious magnanimity. So imploring your Majesty to admit us into your service, and to grace us with that stellified Title to be invested your Servants, We in all humility prostrating our lives to your (gracious) command, Rest,  
Your Sovereign's devoted Vassals, Thalmo & Plivio.  
This supplication was no sooner presented to King Brylion, but forthwith he commanded the two foreign Knights to be admitted to his presence, where saluting them in such sort as befitted his Royalty, He very benignly accepted of their voluntary service: Which famous acceptance adding applausible hope to our Prince's expectations, made them in conceit conjecture that they were now at the foot to mount the steps of honour. And therein to conclude, because peradventure the discreet Reader may think the time too tedious in describing their proceedings, let this as a brief annotation suffice: That their valorous actions, virtuous demeanour, gallant comportment, heroical courtesy, and Princely grace, did so conquer the capacity not only of the King, but the Commons; that in a manner all the Island of Cicilia esteemed them worthy the prize of Olympian victory, I mean the Trophies of Laurel dignified honour: Which by often demonstrations of their interior audacity did so instigate the King with the meritorious humour of preferring them, that not long after their arrivals, he appointed Thalmeno to be Attendant on the Princess Athelia his daughter; and established Plivio to be Lieutenant of Ithica-castle, wherein the fair Princess Mersilva daughter unto Samor King of Bohemia was retained prisoner.  
But leaving them, I mean the aforenominated Plivio and Mersilva, to the protection of fortune, we will for a whiles entreat of Thalmo and the Princess Athelia.  
IN a pleasant morn (before the pearled Dew was exhaled by ●he golden rays of translucent Phoebus, when the Flora-flow'rs were displaying the Pride of their beauty, & the melodious Birds on the verdant bushes straining forth their melody) it chanced that Thalmo being tosticated with the beauty of Athelia his Mistress, betook himself to the fields, as well to refresh his tormented contemplations, as to make the flowery Meadows acquainted with his amorous fancies; when directing his pensive course to the verdant Forests, he at last arrived to a spacious Beech-tres, whose Branches expelling the darts of Titan, made a complete shadow for all tired passengers to repose themselves. Which pleasant umbrage corresponding with Thalmo's passions, (and so much the rather, because amiable Zephyrus, embellished it with his Nectar-Blooms) being over-pestered with ardent affection, he there cast himself down on a Bank of Prime flowers, and taking out his pen and paper, indicted this ensuing Sonnet.  

So sit thee down accloyed with lovely care,  
Begirt with flames of Cytherea's fire;  
And to the Woods relate the taint most fair  
Of her which did thy youthful breast inspire.  
And sigh and say,  
Oh Beauty gay,  
The causer of thy mournful Lay!   

First show the Trees and fragrant verdant Bo●ers  
The piercing looks of thy Atheliah's eye;  
Next tell the streams, and dainty Florah's flowers,  
The sweet Idea of her jollity:  
And sigh and say,  
Oh Beauty gay,  
The causer of thy mournful Lay!   

Then to the Sylvanes, Satyrs, Nymphs divine,  
Depaint the glistering hair, white front most pure,  
Together with her beauty Chrystaline,  
Which did thy Paphian torments first procure:  
And sigh and say,  
Oh Beauty gay,  
The Causer of thy mournful Lay!   

Nay to the shrine of Venus' stately Throne  
Strain forth the praise and gracious rarity  
Of her whose beauty made thy breast to moan  
With plains and tears of Love's perplexity:  
And sigh and say,  
Oh beauty gay,  
The causer of thy mournful Lay!   
Having thus pourtraicted out his passions, and made the Forests acquainted with the Praeludium of his malady; He forthwith as being submerged with the variety of amorous contemplation, resolved to return, but fortune willing to smooth up his Conceits in an ecstasy of Contentation, so ordained that his Mistress the Princess Athelia, with her Troop of Ladies should trace that way. Glad of this heavenly news, he immediately blushed, because the Celestial Object thereof ravished his capacity with many millions of delicious applauds: So as elevating his resolutions upon the wing of Honour, and investing his courage with the consideration of magnamity, he audaciously determined to present her with the Phisnomy of his affection; By virtue whereof, at last finding her sequestered from her attendant Damsels, and resident within a myrtle-bower, in midst whereof she gazed on a silver-Fount there conveyed by Mistress Nature; he steeling his tongue with boldness, and taking a manly courage in the front of his faltering Oration, (with a grace, which though gallant took his offspring from fear) boarded her in this sort.  
RIght excelling Princess! When by the aid of ●ortune I first espied the singular sight of your delectable self, I immediately felt my tender b●ea●● to be inspired wit● the endurance of a Lover's passion, in such accidental amorous sort that min● eyes ever since conceiving their chiefest contentation from the vermi●ion-hue of your Alaba●ter-beauty, (at so divine an object) hath so firmly sworn my flourishing fidelity to the celestial service of your superexcellent Deity, that I utterly abandon the contemplation of other beau●y, and sincerely b●take my inward devotions to the glistering shrin● of your dignified perfection. The grace which I saw did adorn your comely personage, the beauty which I espied did (sweetly) bedeck your lovely cheeks, and the virtue which I beheld did garnish your Sovereign self, hath so inflamed my senses with the coals of affection, that in the prime of my constancy I am like to be raked up in the embers of despair, unless revived by the joyful news of your Princely favour. My birth is such, a● if you throughly knew, peradventure might occasionate you to render the accomplishment of my Brea●●s expectation; whereon I will not now descant, because the motive thereof shall not move you to term me by the phrase of a peevish Insinuator. But (sweet Athelia!) if my si●h● might disclose, my tears explain, my rage manifest, or my passions discover with wh●t zealous purity or affectionate love, I i● heart cherish the dainty resemblance of your sacred Idea, I not only think, but resolve, that your gracious self would at the first report, not only recompense my desert with the reward of my merits, but also repay my fidelity with the guerdon of your affection; whereof till the celestial Deity shall by inspiration partly advertise you, I will till the period of my (definitive) humane pilgrimage, remain as constant to beautiful Athelia, as I wish Athelia should be courteous to perplexed Thalmo.  
Athelia hereat overveiling her Lily-cheeks with a crimson taint, on a sudden, as much blushed as Diana, when she espied unlooked for Actaeon: and so metamorphosing h●r pleasant physiognomy to a melancholy complexion, (being altogether unacquainted with such amorous encounters) bending her brows, within the furrows of whose lineaments it seemed anger sat triumphant, She very sharply returned him this quick reply.  WHy Thalmo (quoth she) hath my too much kindness made thee so proud, or my undeserved favour so presumptuous, that thou now givest wings to thy tongue to run a course absolutely so lavish? hath my courtesy emboldened thee to aspire so high, as now out of sense to sue for thy Mistress? Hath thy idle leisure, being in my service, taught thee to deck thy tongue with the phrase of flattery? and is there no other for thee to aim at but myself? Ah fond Thalmo! and therefore fond, because possessed with a peevish fancy. As thou deridest my beauty, I will laugh at thy folly; and in accounting me fair, I will esteem thee frivolous. For thy Birth, know, that I disdain it as nothing, and thyself as less: If heretofore, thou hast sacrificed sighs, or shed tears for my sake, Why, expect a recompense where there is no satisfaction to be made; and hereafter be, more wiser, to engender the conception of the like simplicity. To be brief, refrain from prosecuting thy audacious folly; or else I will use such means that my Father shall qualify your courage▪ by nipping the blossoms of your flourishing estate. 
This thundering answer proce●ding from ● Princess' mouth, might doubtless hav● made many freshwater soldiers retire for fear; but our valorous Thalmo, disdaining to quit the siege for the first repulse, repairing his sense, and furnishing his Muse with a fresh supply, very boldly (as bei●● nothing daunted) continued his combat in this sort following.  MOst benign and beautiful Princess! If you conjecture, that in discovering my affections, I flatter your merits with a show of derision, you greatly wrong mine honour, in respect my nature was never attractive to so base an enormity; for what I protest in words, my effects shall manifest to be of truth, against the proudest Champion which durst undertake to maintain the contrary: Therefore sweet Athelia, let not an unconstant thought so obscure your Maiden-breast with obscurity, that for my faithful affection, you term me an ingrateful servant: for if the flower of my love was predestinated for your alone self, why, partly seek the means to affect him, which in heart hath long since vowed to adore you, as the image to whom he dedicates the generalities of his terrestrial devotions: And therefore reward me not with checks for my affection, nor with frowns for my love; but kindly repay me with a sweet consent, which at the Bar of your courtesy I daily attend. 
Athelia perceiving that he still directed his course to one harbour, being in a manner over-pestered with listening to his old Love, instantly framed him this bitter Answer: THalmo, if thy affection were equal to the tenor of thy speeches, me thinks thou shouldest at my sincere request bury the reiteration thereof in the shrine of silence, and not so audaciously presume to advance the pretence of so unreasonable demand: I● thy phrase of glozing were so unfeigned as thou makest a show of, or thy lovely passions perfect messenger● of a sacred constancy, yet my determinate desires can never be diverted from reaping the enjoyance of a single life, which I have already upon the Altar of Vesta imposed: my desires rather adore the image of chaste Diana, then adore the shrine of lascivious Venus; rather allowing of the ones principles, then esteeming of the others precepts. Therefore, Thalmo, since my mind may not be subject to the serviles of Love, let my commands in the closet of thy capacity be a mediatrix to make thee give a solemn congee to thy peevish (commenced) enterprise.  
Thalmo perceiving the Princess Athelia now pretended to shroud herself under the Cloud of a solitary Climate; by informing him, she meant to embrace the austere deity of a she-Saints devotion: V●ry hastily returned her this sudden Reply.  FAir Athelia! If my speech could decipher my love, or my tongue my affection; I should then account myself most happy, whereas now I esteem my fortunes most unfortunate. Unfortunate, I may well say, in that the Idea of my fidelity is (without desert) obscured in the vaporous mist of incredulity; which if (without partiality) you would sincerely poise in scales of reason, I assure myself, the zeal of my virtuous constancy would evacuate the residence o● your mistrust, and as absolutely advertise you that my love is graciously sprung from the exact soil of fruitful fidelity. Whereas you demonstrate, that your pretence is to live solitarily, without accepting the society of any; Why, know (fair Nymph, and Goddess of my imaginations!) that the possessing of your presence, and the obtaining of your commands, would yield me partly the satisfaction of my trembling desire: So that, (fair Athelia) if you please to grace me with the dignity of your Servant, it shall suffice; and upon that pleasant foundation will I futurely erect further delectable Trophies of delightful hope; And till my merits shall deserve more favour at your Princely benignity, I am resolved immortally to live and die in your service, and to attend on your sacred personage with such firm fidelity, virtuous affection, and submissive loyalty, that (Athelia) your sweet self and King Brylion your father, shall one day bless the hour of my arrival, and have just cause to acknowledge that the sympathy of our affections was predestinated to be united by the condescent of Celestial deity. 
Athelia well noting with what fervency he uttered his passions, began immediately to produce some motion of debonair pity: yet in respect he should not conceive any spark of hope, where there was no performance meant to be effected, bitterly returned him this sharp Reply: Thalmo! If thou leavest not thy prattle, I will leave thy presence; For thy obstinate opinion will constrain me to fly thy fight, and hereafter meritoriously) to loathe thy company. It is now (more than) time to give a conclusion to thy conference, because the tediousness thereof doth overpester my senses in understanding it▪ What I have said, I mean to perform, that is, Athelia will live solitarily, and leave Thalmo to his passionate folly: and where thou desirest to remain my servant, I thereunto condescend, so far forth as thy desires aspire not to thy Mistress prejudice. Let thy future attempts be seasoned with discretion, (for fear) lest folly overtopping thy capacity, thy downfall prove the more dangerous, Consider with thyself I beseech thee, what my Father will say, being acquainted with thy presumption; And resolve not that he will bless thee, but rather curse the instant of thy arrival, and (for recompense) reward thee with the recognizance of his indignation. Therefore, Thalmo, ask counsel of thy wits; Repent thee of thy forwardness, recall thy follies and be penitent for thy offences: in effecting whereof I will assay with myself, not only that I may pardon thy presumption, but also that I may exempt my memory of thy crime out of the Maiden garden of my youthful remembrance.  
Thalmo no sooner perceived that Athelia had finished her cruel Oration, but he instantly framed her this Answer: AH Athelia! is it possible that Beauty and Cruelty (albeit two Rivals) can at sometimes demure within the incirculets of one personage? And is it possible, that each being others enemy, they should both seek my ruin, and so in a seditious sympathy, triumph o'er my martyrdom? Ah, sweet Athelia! make not my fall your felicity, nor my ruin your rejoicing! But present before your sight the complexion of my Constancy, the fervency of my Fidelity, and the regard of my affection! Consider (I beseech you) the purity of my Pretence, the pretence of my Desire, and the desire of my Expectation! and think that if Thalmo live, he must love his dear Athelia; and though Athelia hate, yet Thalmo must needs love. What was predestinated for my fortune, perforce I must needs endure: yet in suffering her repulse, I in humility die, to see my fortunes checked with Athelia's frown Sweet Athelia! Distil into your heart the motion of pity, and amidst the showers of your anger, let the splendent Sun of Favour evaporate your wrath! Let the dew of patience so mollify the conceits of your cruelty, that I may (though long, yet) at last, amongst the briers of your displeasure, gather the delectable fruit of my Acceptance!  
Athelia perceiving that Thalmo still rejoiced in repeating his passions, very boldly interrupted him in this sort.  THalmo! I now see thou art bound apprentice to folly, & therefore mayest not be exempted until thy time of innocence be expired. I perceive 'tis in vain to dissuade, where senseless absurdity doth command; And it will little avail, where I see Exhortations are held as Toys, and Requests obeyed as Trifles. I am sorry that I have remained with thee so long, in respect thou art blinded with a frivolous humour; which, I see, rather springeth from a fond capacity, than any way from a tormented spirit. But howsoever, it nothing availeth the advancement of thy demand, because unlawful, and therefore to be rejected. 
Thalmo seeing she first interrupted him, thought now to render her le pareil, and so continued in this sort.  SWeet Athelia! If ever the sighs, tears, love, fidelity, or affection of a tormented Lover, may gain acceptance in the contemplation of his Saint▪ I beseech you to grant me the accomplishment of my virtuous desire, that I may once in all chastity of marriage enjoy your sacred personage, which above the world I chiefly affect! 
But Athelia (as the custom of women is) resolving to have the last word, answered him, That his talk disturbed her thoughts, and his speeches her senses. And so in a disdainful humour (without bidding farewell) she immediately flew from him: when directing her pace to the Court, we will for a while there leave her, and a little entreat of Thalmo his passions: Who seeing his Athelia so suddenly departed, thereat (as being impatient with love) immediately ●●ormed, changing his pleasant countenance to a pale complexion; and repenting the time that ever his mother Gratiana produced him into this miserable world, continually crying out on crooked Destiny, and very often sighing, as though his breast were overpestered with insupportable calamities, sometimes falling from sighs 〈◊〉 tears, and then from tears to sighs again; sometimes repeating the name of Athelia, and then (sweetly) closing up his eyes as though the Oracle of that celestial word had ravished his conceits with too many divine cogitations; At last desperately tracing these forenamed meadows, as though the Bark of his hope had already suffered the shipwreck of misfortune, He very pensively withdrew himself to his Closet, where to ●ase his tormented stomach, he resolved to write, and send Athelia a Sonnet, the Contents whereof followeth.  

Athelia fair, the Image of my mind,  
The mistress of my thoughts, my heart and breast;  
Exile th' appearance of all frowns unkind,  
And all disdainful looks do now divest;  
Behold the torments of thy beauty's power,  
Which pierced mine heart in an untimely hour.   

Your lofty front, the Throne of Grace's fair,  
Amidst whose milk-white soils doth always ●●eet  
Celestial Veins of purpled blood most rare,  
Which sometimes stray, and then again do meet;  
Hath so inflamed my heart with lovely fire,  
That of all Saints yourself I do desire.   

Your splendent hair, fine threads of nature's skill;  
Which doth obscure the brightness of thy Sun;  
Hath so combined my Heart with Fancies fill,  
That their Idea in my thoughts do run:  
In such strange sort that when I think to slumber,  
A thousand lovely toys my brains do cumber.   

Your eyes like glistering Stars divinely bright,  
Do shine most fair, as having sacred power  
To draw all those that do approach their sight,  
Captives unto their beauteous prison's Tower;  
Amongst the rest myself at first espy,  
Was forced to love, wherein I mean to die,   

Your lovely cheeks within whose centre spring  
Two dainty flowers, the Rose and Lily fair,  
At first espy did to my senses bring  
The thought (O thought!) of future pleasure rare;  
Which glads my soul, and makes my heart revive,  
When as my hope unto despair doth dive.   

Within my tortured breast your sanguine sigh  
Hath pitched his Tent, and sweareth there to remain,  
And still as Gardien both by day and night,  
The keys thereof doth vow for to retain;  
The fair resemblance of whose dainty view,  
Doth force my breast his love for to renew.   

All sweet perfections, Beauty, Virtue, Grace,  
Which do adorn the April of your age;  
Do force me secretly for to embrace,  
Your dainty self, to whom I do engage  
My love, my life, my service, constancy,  
My settled faith, and firm fidelity.   
Which Sonnet being ended, made up, sealed, and directed; he forthwith posted to a Gentlewoman of Athelia's, named Levina, whose perfect visage promised him the accomplishment of a faithful performance; and imboldening himself to request her secretly to deliver it to her Mistress, she thereunto voluntarily condescended; and so finding her very solitary in her Chamber, advancing her pace, she with an humble reverence effected her promise; albeit the Princess at first made great difficulty to receive it, in respect she knew not from whence it came; but at last unripping the Seals it came from Thalmo: she dying her Crystal visage with a crimson blush, bade Levina depart; when bolting her door● and casting herself on her dainty bed; she unripping the Seals, read the contents afore repeated, very often she perused those syllables and lines which best delighted her cerebrosity; and so kissing the Sonnet (contrary to expectation) she laid him in her naked neck, directly in that Crystal valley which her Alabaster paps do environ; when finding herself overpestered with many lovely contemplations, which ranged on the absent Idea of Heroical Thalmo, she at last to herself uttered these speeches; MOst unfortunate Athelia! If thy tears might assuage thy pains, or thy sighs thy miseries; thou mightest then envy (the better) the residence of thy tortures, and with preservative patience, the sweeter bear the insupportable burden of thy tormented calamities: but alas, as the fi●st cannot perform the one, nor the second effect the other; by so much the more mayest thou esteem thy estate more than unfortunate; and curse the hour wherein thou didst first espy the (charmed) face of virtuous Thalmo; Thalmo I say, whose valorous actions, heroical disposition, comely grace, and gallant demeanour hath so conquered the thoughts of thy maiden capacity, that thou with the pale-faced Moon, midst clouds of obscurity, dost take thy pleasant light of conceived hope from the most resplendent Sun; which in effect is only Thalmo. Remember with thyself (nay perforce thou must remember) with what fervency of affectionate fidelity he pleaded to thyself for a kind acceptance; and call to mind the pearled tears, doleful fighes, & passionate agonies, which as messengers (of faithful constancy) he sent to depaint before thine eyes the miseries of his malady; and blot not up in oblivion his wan complexion, hollow aspects, and repining despair; which as (Authentical) solicitors, might have caused the most obdurate heart to relent, and have produced a motion of pity. But wretched Athelia, (and therefore wretched because Athelia) forget not the proud repulses, sharp answers, bitter threatenings, nor obstinate denials which thou gavest his enterprise, which when I consider, I burst into the very humour of Anger; condemning myself of (impudent) ingratefulness, in that I repaid the prime of his pretence with unkindness, and crossed the proceedings of his hope with unmerited discourtesy: And being now alone, I must (nay will) confess, that obstinate coyness set apart, I in heart then honoured Thalmo, although Maiden-bashfulnesse would not permit me to discover it; and in such sort do still adore him as the (sacred) Image to whom I bind all my devotions; Ah sweet Thalmo! none but only Thalmo liveth within the commonwealth of my memory, nor none but he (alone) may boast, hath conquered me with the prospect of his perfections: though at first I was proud in refusing his precepts. I will now be as courteous in accepting his proffers; though then obstinate in denying his requests, ye● now as willing to agree to his conditions; and though then stubborn in not listening to his desires, yet now as tractable to hearken to his demands But soft, Athelia! what Lunatic humour of folly doth possess thy senses, or whether run thy wits a wandering without their guide, discretion? Hath amorous passion so soon transported thy Conceits with fancies, or lovely toys so instantly obscured thy Reason with absurdity, that without regarding modesty, or respecting bashfulness, thou showest thy simplicity such, as the world hearing it, may condemn thee of peevish Levity? Is she which was so long courted, now become an Oratory suitor? and must she plead to him for love, whereas heretofore he prayed her for affection? Ah Athelia! but such is thy fortune; And therefore contradict not that which the gods have already set down for a period; content thyself with that which is befallen thee; and hereafter seek by some favourable means to parley with thy desired Thalmo, to the end that his presence may evacuate the mist of sorrow which doth so tosticate thy senses, and extinguish the birth of ardent flames, which doth begin to scorch the substance of thy fore-contented estate.  
The which she had no sooner uttered, but Levina her waiting Gentlewoman suddenly rushed in, as being from the Queen her mother to seek her (much marvelling where she should be so long absent) Athelia perceiving that the time had deceived her, instantly rose up, and masking her fancies (the best she could) under the shadow of (partly) a merry countenance, failed not according to her duty with all celerity to find out the Queen her mother, where being arrived, contrary to her expectation, she received this check.  WHy Athelia, hath your too much liberty made you forget yourself? or is it some extraordinary affairs which hath detained you so long from my presence? was your Tutoress Lady Flerma with you, or else from whence came you? 
The Princess Athelia (as a maxim incident to the Female Sex) being in such amorous actions, never unprovided of a sufficient excuse, extempore framed her this applausible answer.  MAdam, (if it please your grace) I have long since been precisely invited to see Fulvia the Countess of Arios' daughters Chamber; and this morning unexpected she in person came for me; you being as then in your secret Closet, I was loath to disturb you, and so departed without Congee: for Lady Flerma, my mistress, she was then at her devotions, and only Iffida my waiting-maid attended me. 
This dulcet Reply soon contented the Queen; and so Athelia remaining in her presence, we will a while there leave her, and return again to tormented Thalmo.  
Who being as it were plunged in the stream of Athelia's beauty, and almost drowned in the River of her affection, as also hearing no answer of his Sonnet sent by Levina; stormed in such sort, that his familiars, (who being not acquainted with his passions) thought he would sure run Lunatic to dance with the skies, or else stark mad with the Man in the Moon to caper above the Clouds; for such rage possessed his senses, and such Anger overmastered his Reason, that I think he resolved with himself, or else vowed to Apollo to run to the confines of his wits Commonwealth; all company he abandoned, and detested the light, as jupiter when he transcended in a cloud to dazzle Vulcan, thereby to enjoy juno: His speeches were farfetched sighs, unless now and then he would breathe forth the name of Athelia: his laughter was metamorphosed to tears, and no motion could enter the Cabinet of his conceits, but the resemblance of Athelia▪ his Closet seemed to him a mere Purgatory, and his Bed a very exact Hell in conceited sh●w, (though not in effectual substance) his torments might be compared to the tortures of Ixion, only excepted, that he had a more fair Mistress in Athelia, than Ixion had in Proserpina. When he walked, the image of Athelia stood before him, whose Picture (with Pygmalion) he adored, as the unique solace of his heart's contentation: being in his Study pensively passionate, he would suddenly arise and ask who was there? as if Athelia had been always knocking at the door: From thence in a fantastical humour he would forthwith direct his course to the Fields, where most sorrowfully he would to the senseless Trees decipher forth the manner of his Mistress' cruelty; And again, as having offended, immeditately fall to sing a Sonnet in praise of her: and from thence, as though he had been bound apprentice to no trade, fall into another humour of recording his passions: amongst the rest (as I well remember) he once ranged into a very pleasant Forest, and so from thence to Mountains next adjoining, and again to Valleys, as the weathercock of his contemplations guided him; when being over-pestered with innumerable of amorous fancies, on the plain ground (where Mistress May had naturally spread a Summer-Carpet) taking out his Pen and Paper, he there indicted this ensuing Sonnet.  

If walking by some stately silver stream,  
When as there chanceth a bloomy wind to be,  
Methinks amidst that cockling vaperous gleam  
I presently my fair Athelia see;  
And if I trace upon their borders sweet,  
Instead of trees I still Athelia meet.   

If that I chance into the fields to high  
To pluck a Nosegay for Athelia fair:  
Me thinks amidst each flower I do espy  
The sweet resemblance of her beauty rare:  
And if by chance to sing I do pretend,  
For answer, she her echoing voice doth lend.   

If on high mountains sometimes I ascend  
To see the harmless flocks their pasture take,  
Me thinks from hill to dale mine eyes I lend  
If of my dear I may espial make;  
And if some Nymph or Shepherdess I see,  
Me thinks far off, it should Athelia be.   

From whence if I in valleys do ekart  
Myself to shade me from all humane sight,  
Or think to live in Woods alone apart,  
Hating the day, loving the mournful night:  
Athelia, as I high, doth run before,  
When as my fortune hard I do deplore.   
Which having ended, forgetting both pen and paper, yea Sonnet and all behind him, (as Neptune did his Trident, when Nereus had almost found him with a Siren) he resolved to range further into the unknown Forests. But as posting time gives a period to all terrestrial accidents, so in roving from place to place, without reaping so much as the blissful thought of one delectable applause, he at last arrived to a fair Cypress tree, where resolving to sleep, he was no sooner down, but (Love being impatient of delays) he rose again instantly, determining to depart; yet desirous to write some Ditty (in testimonial of his passions) although not knowing what to write, he busily in his pocket searched for his Pen and Paper; but not finding it he immediately drew out his poniard, and there on the Bark of the aforesaid Cypress tree (with as much skill as his trembling hand could afford) he engraved (or carved) this Ditty following▪ 
Thou Cypress tree,  
If once thou see  
My fair Athelia pass this way,  
Tell her I came  
To print her name,  
Thereby my passions to display,  
And let thy bark  
Whereon I mark  
This sacred Ditty of delight,  
Say only Love  
My hand did move  
In secret sort it to Indite,  
And without fear  
Do witness bear.  
On bended knee I do protest  
Whiles death shall give  
Me leave to live  
To wear her Portrait in my breast.   
Which having ended he very often kissed it, as if there remained some figured resemblance of his Mistress' perfection. And so leaving the Fields, he again returned to his melancholy Celestina, where busying his brain about his Mistress' beauty, we will instantly leave him to the fancy of his affections, and a little entreat of almost forgotten Palma.  
PALMA being by King Brylion appointed Lieutenant of Ithica-Castle, (wherein the beautiful Mersilva was detained Prisoner) did, as having his heart inspired with pity, grievously sorrow to see Porus his Captain so rigorously entreat her: For whereas King Brylion did allow her a comely Chamber, a pleasant Arboury, a correspondent Diet, and a Damsel to attend her; He on a sudden withdrew from her all those aforenominated Privileges, placing her in a very obscure Dungeon; where the thought of so detestable a Damp might have driven Alexander himself into the labyrinth of conceited despair: for in stead of a Garden for her walk, she had the only liberty of her close-Prison; her Diet being of a homely fare, and that scarce enough to content nature; And in stead of being attended on by some Lady, very basely served by an ugly ruffian, in the furrows of whose angry brows it seemed envious wrath sat triumphant, having from his Captain a straight command to hinder all those which (in her distress) should aim to succour her, Mersilva perceiving herself to be bolted up in this unmerciful Prison, (as a Climate contrary for her Complexion to endure) exclaimed on Fortune, deploring that ever her tender years had attained to the sight of so dismal aspect! But well might she weep, and having wept return to weeping again, because there was no spectators of her lamentation! and well might she lament, and having lamented, sigh again, because there were none to solace her in the depth of her perplexed miseries! For if at any time she bemoaned herself to her rigorous Keeper (with applausible reasons to induce him to pity) she was forthwith checked up with a dictionary of reproaches, alleging that her entertainment exceeded her merits. Which as a second wound, though the first deadly, did so transport her reason to the profundity of complete anguish, that with wring hands, and throbbing sighs, as walking in her Citadel of despair, she to her tormented self breathed out these speeches; PErplexed Mersilina! thou hast now (being by experience taught) just cause to acknowledge how inconstant Fortune doth at her pleasure conduct Princes to the top of prosperity; and immediately changing humour, and turning the Needle of her Compass to another point, doth violently tear the Bark of their former estate against the dangerous shores of future perdition, where suffering shipwreck, the memory of their happiness is immediately submerged in the unmerciful entrails of tyrannising misfortune. Amongst the rest, a● unfortunate Mersilva, thou mayest of that Chameleon Tragedy term thyself a prinipal actor; because the subject of thy present misery, hath already as a Prologue, accidentally mounted the Theatre of destruction: most wretched Mersilva! when the memory of thy birth doth (through the Chaos of thy conceits) pierce to the thought of considerration; And comparing dignities passed to calamities present: what terror of aggravation it doth proffer to thy hope, thou mayest (since knowing) well conjecture; whereas others (therewith unacquainted) can scarcely presuppose. Ah, desolate Mersilva! how are thy delicious delights now transmutated to melancholy contemplations! Thy pleasant pastimes diverted to doleful mourning! and thy sweet sports metamorphosed to sorrowful disconsolations! Ah, sure it is, (and therefore sure, because ratified by the gods themselves) that glory doth fade as well as flourish; beauty die as well as domineer; and honour wither, as the flower● of the Field, which no sooner sprout, with Titan, but die with Cynthia, what is then the, world but a labyrinth of perplexities? What then is dignity? but the seat of ambition? and what is Glory, but the throne of superbity? Ah Mersilva! but such i● the course of this terrestrial diadem, That being produced in sin, we prosecute in folly; and never forbear to detest Virtue before ingulfed in the Stygian stream of Vice. Therefore account thy miseries, as a recompense predestinated for thy fortune▪ account thy torments, as a reward sent for thy sin▪ and last, term thy calamities, as a meritorious affliction, projected for thy misdemeanour.  
Which doleful speeches she uttered with such ●ealous fervency, that the report thereof would have caused Disdain herself to have pitied her; for sometimes she walked (like mute Progne) in her miserable Cottage; and then instantly threw her se●● on her Bed of care, where drawing her Curta●● close about her, one might well deem it to 〈◊〉 Tomb, and herself a dead Corpse, therein in 〈◊〉: when again reviving her spirits and remem; bring her misery, she would sorrowfully smile-and instantly rebuke herself for committing so comical an offence. Her Holland-Handkerchiffe (resembling the Caystrine Swans for whiteness) she often washed with pearled tears (which distilled down the soil of her sorrowful cheeks,) and then immediately dried him with fanning wind on her face to arrouse her spirits: in which sorrowful sort she most grievously past the day, without being comforted by the assistance of any; until at last the exclamation of her mournful complaint (by good fortune) arriving to the understanding of Princely Plivio, drove him to so instant an humour of relentation, that knowing her to be a Princess most royally descended, as also innocently imprisoned without committing any crime or scandalous malefaction to the Crown or Kingdom of Zanfara: he being vanquished with debonair pity, burst into these terms; WHY Plivio! can humanity suffer that so beautiful a Princess as Mersilva should endure imprisonment, thyself being present? or, can the dignity of that (divine) Sex obtain no more favour at thy hands, where thou mayest by virtue of thy power bear sway? are thy senses so masked with obscurity, thine eyes so obscured with impiety, or thy heart so fraughted with cruelty, that ●er tears cannot (to thee) sufficiently solicit for ●er freedom; or her complaints, as advocates of ●er innocency, perfectly plead to thee for her speedy enlargement? How may the world blame the● of ingratitude? how may thy conscience accuse thee of rigour? or, how may thy thoughts condemn thee of tyranny? when the odio usnes of thy (impudent) fact, shall (with the wind of report) arrive to the bar of (unpartial) discretion; where thy faults being descried, and thy follies disclosed, what colour of correspondent argument canst thou allege for thy excuse? or, what mask of sensibility canst thou produce to orevaile thy inhumanity? Ah Plivio! consider with thyself in reason (unless exempt of all reason) from whence thou art extracted: if thou say (as thou canst not deny) from the loins of a woman, how falleth it then out, thou dfferest from so temperate a nature? or, if thou allege thy father to be a Centaur, or thy mother a Prisciraxe; no marvel thou art so perfidiously inclined to their devilish disposition. Ah, Plivio! recall thy senses to the throne of Pity, and drown the rigorousness of thy conceit, in the vast gulf of oblivion: Let thy thoughts before thine eyes bear the Banner of lenity; and let the Ensign of remorse pitch his Tent in the Camp of thy cogitations: &, ungrateful Plivio, resolve, that to succour the distressed, is a point of good nature, and to assist a tormented Lady, is a fact condignly worthy commendation. What though Porus thy Captain hate her? is it therefore consequent that thou shouldest loathe her? No Plivio, no, let not the suspicion of inhumanity? obscure the appearance of thy benignity? nor let the thought of perverse impiety drown the apparition of thy flourishing affability▪ but rather let thy (demonstrative) actions savour of courtesy, and let thy resolutions be tempered with charity; so shall thy contemplations be ●stablish●d of the Saints for mere bountifulness; thy conceits accounted of all men for gracious benignity, and thy debonair nature of the gods themselves esteemed for blissful Piety.  
Upon the ground of which applausible resolution, pricking forwards his breast with the animosity of honour, he very resolutely determined to visit Mersilva. So that giving wings to his courage, and liberty to his resolution, he immediately directed his course to the place where she sorrowfully lay imprisoned: where he was no sooner entered, but he might forthwith espy her mournfully sitting on her Bed of misery, having her face overvailed with a sable skarf, as if she partly loathed to see the appearance of delight some Phoebus; when not securely sleeping, but rather dolefully slumbering, being by his pace aroused from her pensive contemplations, she forthwith elevated herself from her seat of sorrow, and ruffling aside her skarf, discovered the whole substance of her singular Visage (as the most fair Phoebe being released from the obscurity of the darksome clouds) from whence her radiant eyes displayed their splendent influence as fixed Stars divinely seated in the (beautiful field of) celestial Element, so she attending his coming, he boldly approached her (where with an humble reverence) after he had most courteously saluted her he boarded her in this sort.  MOst fair Princess! I am at last come to your delectable presence, as a guilty offender to crave pardon for my forepast crime, (in that I which within this Castle may something command, have so long defered from affording you consolation:) But sweet Mersilva! my Captain's command was the Rein that (inhumanely) withheld me from prosecuting my pretence; who being now departed to the Court, if you please to walk into the Fields (or Gardens here next adjoining) to recreate yourself in taking the fresh air, I will accompany you assuring you that if this Castle possess any thing which may pleasure or serve you, you shall not only command it, but my (voluntary) assistance likewise. 
Mersilva seeing this (unknown) Gentleman proffer her such kindness, dying her Crystal Cheeks with a Vermilion blush, (which it seemed Hope had of purpose instantly sent her) very courteously returned him this applausible answer.  GEntleman, my vanquished Hope (which already hath been transported to the brim of despair) being now by the wind of your benign news again infused within the stream of consolation, doth for this your debonair courtesy render you many millions of affectionate thanks; &, gracious Knight! since of (unmerited) kindness you proffer me this sweet comfort, I will not deny your (Nectar) demand, but account myself fortunate to enjoy the air of the fragrant Fields. 
Plivio perceiving how exceeding glad she was to sign her prison a general acquittance, (and again how willing to walk in the gardens) kissing his hand and very kindly taking her by the arm, he conducted her by a Postern gate (through the Castle) to the Fields, and from thence to the Arbours of pleasure: where Mersilva delighting to range from Bank to Bo●der, and from Fountain to Bower, leaving in a manner no place therein unprospected, she at last arrived to a very sumptuous Cistern; whose walls being of clear glistering Alabaster and shining Marble, gave such a complete grace to Mersilva's (partial) eyes, that her spirits at so pleasant a prospect did then receive the long looked for motion of delightful contentment: so at last hearing the descent of some issued stream (which as it seemed made a musical accord, in falling to the concavity of the earth) she (taking her ear to be her guide) began to trace about the circumference of the aforesaid Cistern, where she forthwith espied on the eastern side thereof (some Ell distant one from the other) two stately Pillars of Dove-white Ivory, being very curiously carved and begirt about with divers spacious guards of refined Azure, wherein were enamelled both lovely Roses, and splendent Stars of most beautiful and artificial ingeny; on which Pillars tops stood two female Images most industriously painted, well resembling the Graces, each holding in their outward hands a little Vane, whereon one side was painted Minerva, and on the other Diana; and joining their other hands (which they elevated over their heads) did support the third Grace, being crowned with an Olympian Garland, holding in both her hands a Table of Celestial hue, seated in a frame of illustrious Argent, from out whose six globy Paps resembling for whiteness the snow which doth embrace the Pyrenian Mountains, rushed forth clear Crystal spouts of silver water; wherewith she being with too much joy for a whiles ravished, at last perceived (betwixt the two Pillars) a pretty conceited Geometrical door therein to enter, where entering she saw a small Mountain in form of a Pyramids, which did attain unto the top of the Cistern, from whence Nature (being by divine instinct commanded) did yield forth full many a Vein of weeping water, which by degrees distilled down the Rock, was lastly through Pipes of Silver by ingenious art, most curiously conveyed to the Grace's Paps, which Mersilva seeing (and shutting the door) resolved to depart; but by chance again thereon reflecting her sight (as unwilling so soon to take her farewell) and glancing her eyes at random upon the perfection of the upper Grace, (she either deluded with a shadow, frumped at with a Fancy, or how I know not) immediately conceived that she saw her artificial eyes naturally reflect in the Model of their influence, and so being in conceit induced that it was so, or else thinking that at the request of some second Pygmalion, the Goddess Venus had with life likewise inspired her; She resolved with herself that the said Grace although how she knew not) had interiorly some lively feeling of Natural sense, and applying it as the illusion of her fantasy drove her, conjectured that she invited her (more near) to approach, In respect whereof, mounting a step which stood (very close) before the Graces, she thought of them, but especially of the uppermost, to have some secret conference: where being elevated she forthwith forgot herself, (as if some sacred Deity had so before predestinated it) and after was instantly put in mind of her doleful calamities, whereat much lamenting, she blushed with shame in that she had committed so sottish an absurdity: when looking about her and not seeing Plivio there espying the blue Table which the Grace held in her hand, she from out her golden hair drew her glorious Head-bin, and so essaying and finding the stone tractable, (recalling her Muse to her sorrowful humour) in fair letters, Ala Romanisto, she thereon indicted this Sonnet.  
Fortune is frail and changeth with the wind,  
Riches doth fade and Beauty soon doth fly,  
Honour is dross, and Glory now I find  
With Time's instinct doth in oblivion die.  
What then is Riches but a Summer's shower?  
What then is Beauty, but a Winters-blaze?  
What then is Honour but a withering-flower?  
Or what is Glory but the world's amaze?  
Riches and Beauty, Honour, Glory, all,  
Are they not subject to Time's Deity?  
Yes time doth cause their splendour for to fall  
At the assignment of his Soveraginty.  
Whiles thus Mersilva was overviewin● the pride of this sumptuous garden, Plivio commanded a very gallant banquet to be there prepared; the which most kindly in an Eglantine-Bower he presented her: And to make her Cates seem the more pleasant, he so ordained that a Consort of Lutes, together with three tender Eunuches, should (in her hearing) warble forth melodious harmony. So in this delectable manner for a whiles they deluded the time, wherein Plivio never failed to glance his eye on the sweet Object of Mersilva's Beauty▪ the which Cupid (at unawares) espying, immediately bend his Bow and let fly an arrow, headed with Desire, and feathered with affection; which so forcibly hit Plivio to the heart, that he immediately fainted at the stroke, so that now he acknowledged no Goddess but Cytherea, no Saint but Venus, nor no Lord but Love, so that his breast being penetrated with the influence of amorous contemplation, after having reconducted Mersilva to the Castle, he buying to his Chamber, alone to himself breathed out these speeches: HOw now Plivio! what in a moment vanquished in the field of Beauty? or hath Cupid such power at the first approach to penetrate thy breast with affection? can thy resolutions, which were devoted to Bellona now stoop to Venus, and so make (Laurel) Garlands in her praise, whereas heretofore thou disdainedst her society? what, wilt thou fond imbathe thy Capacity in the stream of Amorous contemplation, and (so albeit to thy prejudice) devote thy Orisons to the Altar of Lo●●? Beware, Parma! The sirens have sweet voices, ye● deceitful; the Panther's fair skins, yet infectious; and the Amazons beautiful faces, yet mere dissemblers. What? Helen was fair, yet a Wanton; Thais was lovely, yet lewd; and Simiramis, though curious yet a Courtesan. But alas Plivio! One matter maketh not a Maxim; nor doth forepast examples include general actions: for speak without partiality, and thy conscience will plead, that as there hath been a wanton Helen, so a wise Galliope; As a lewd Thais, so a chaste Lucretia; and as a vicious Semiramis, so a virtuous Susanna: therefore Plivio, retire not with shame, but advance with valour; (For as the Poet's report, Faint heart never plucked fruit from the tree of Love:) Consider Plivio, with thyself, what Mersilva is; and then as in the Mirror of Verity, thou shalt perceive her to be, of Descent a Princess, of Qualities a Queen, of Beauty an Angel, and of perfection the only Phoenix of her Sex. Who then but would like such a Virgin? who then but would love such a Paragon? Nay, who but would (upon the altar of Humanity) sacrifice his life in the behalf of so sweet a Saint?  
Thus embathing his Capacity in the (Nectar) Aganippe of Amorous contemplation, and solacing his senses in the (Tempe) stream of Mersilva's Beauty, he remained so tosticated in conceit, that no plaudite could please him, but the Idea of his fair Mistress; no thought content him unless sprung from her majestical virtue; nor no imagination delight him, unless derived from the pure Model of her rare perfection: So as burning with desire to display his pretence, he at last with a trembleing resolution indicted this Letter, which (by a trusty Messenger) he sent to fair Mersilva, the Heavenly QUEEN of his Humane imagination's.  
SWeet Lady! I heretofore infused this period to my Resolutions: That the power of Cupid was peevish; the Instinst of Love, lewd; and the Influence of Cytherea vicious. But now, dear Mersilva, (and therefore dear, because Mersilva) having sent the eyes of my Capacity to rang upon the superexcellent soil of your Beauty, and finding the Model thereof to be repleated with the phisnomy of Majestical grace, I was instantly so surprised with a Favourable censure, That abandoning my former invective cruelty, I forthwith bend my devotion to the Altar of your flourishing excellency; Wherefore, amorous Princess! since I repose the prime of my delight, in contemplating upon the Idea of your rare perfection, and derive my chiefest solace from the lovely Index of your angelical Personage, by so much the more seek to counterveile my love with the recompense of your friendship: and let an applausible answer be the (meritorious) guerdon of my constant fidelity. I will not in depainting my passions, seek to tosticate your conceits with (the prolixity of) a tedious Epistle; because the report is, Many words umbrage desimulation: therefore sweet Angel of my breast, and goddess of my cerebrosity, (I beseech you) penetrate your capacity with this brief principle, that Plivio must perforce either affect Mersilva, or hate himself; and ever account Mersilva till eternity to be the (divine)  
Bonnet, he forthwith accomplished his Lady's command, Plivio not knowing from whom it came, very busily unripped the Seals, and so without further prolixity of literature-introduction, he directed his sight to the Signers name; where finding the consonants of Mersilva to be charactered, whether his thoughts were then obscured with divine conceits, or his breast replenished with many ravishing contemplations: I refer the censure thereof to those Gallants which have likewise enjoyed the essence of the like sacred tenuity: Yet sure I am, that the sight of this divine pre●●nt did not only solace our dispairfull Plivio, but likewise infused a sudden encouragement to his tormented malady; that embracing the Epistle in his hand, he very often kissed the Nectar-oracle of Mersilva's name, and with many pearled tears, seconded with affectionate sighs, instantly paid thereof the Bien venue. But at last, calling his thoughts to a retreat, and sounding the drum of Discretion to refresh his senses, he orderly mounted the steps of the Letters preamble, and so with the Sun again descending, overviewed sincerely thereof the substance; which being not contrived to his humours complexion, nor complotted after the fashion of his distempered fancy, he instantly raged and stormed, as if the demonstration of his fumes were to be presented upon the Theatre of folly; sometimes he would stamp, and in a moment stare, as if his brains had been besotted with a lunatic frenzy; then curse Cupid because h● was contrary to his enterprise; and yet instantly yield many million● of thankss to gracious Venus for investing him a servant to so sweet a Mistres●, when repeating the name of Mersilva, he would thereat quietly sit down and slumber, as though the Deity of that sacred word had some charming authority to lul him asleep; and again rise, and with detestable reproaches rebuke his eyes, because they so unfortunately anchored upon the Sand of Mersilva's Beauty. The Page being all this while spectator of Plivio's tormented passions; and knowing that it was only his Mistress Mersilva's refusal, which begird him in that perplexity; instantly (leaving him to his passions) departed, when being arrrived to his Mistress' presence, he failed not in the highest degree to depaint her the manifestation of the Gentleman's malady; as also the melancholy humour of his perplexed calamity. Which Mersilva no sooner understood, but being afresh inflamed with his affection, she very suddenly in her Princely breast conceived a motion of remorse; being exceedingly sorry that her occasion should administer the sparks of his aggravation: when separating herself from company, she betook her to her Closet (resolving to breath out her passions to her alone) where she was no sooner arrived, but the Princess Athelia knocking at the door, came to pass the time with her, as also to invite herself for that night her Bedfellow. Mersilva smothering up her sorrows under the mask of a merry countenance, bade her (outwardly) welcome (For her inward contemplations ranged upon the Idea of Plivio) And so they with familiar dalliance, and friendly conference deluded the time, till Suppe● being done, and the skies overvailed with the canopy of obscure night, they both betook themselves to their Bed; where both, but (especially Mersilva) slept with a watchful countenance, (as having their conceits tracing upon their Favourites perfections. Till splendent Aurora, the joyful messenger of Phoebus, had no sooner in combat conquered the vastal Night, and so given the sable Clouds a valorous overthrow; but radiant Titan transpiercing his darts through their Damask-curtains, early in the morn, made Mersilva arise; who without any noise (leaving Athelia in bed) apparelled herself, directing her course to the Fields, when circumferencing divers pleasant Meadows, she at last arrived to a fragrant Mountain, where not only finding that the Spring did present her with a delicious umbrage, but also that Phoebus had there exhaled the Balmy-drops from the face of Flora she very lovely (on the verdant grass) most majestically laid her down, (having a bush of Eglantine branches (interlaced with Cowslips) in her hand, not only to repulse the Rays of ardent Olympus, but also to keep off the Gnats and Bees which delighted to range upon the bloomy Roses of her Damask-cheeks; where pensively contemplating with her senses, she at last breathed out these speeches: AH Mersilva! how are thy conceits now suddenly caught in the snares of affection! and how are thy delightful pleasures now diverted to amorous passions! Can the model of thy capacity, which heretofore could receive no impression, become now tractable to receive any print? and must thy tender breast be so soon given over to affection?  
Which words she had no sooner uttered, but casting aside her fight, she might very plainly perceive her (unexpected) Plivio approach, wherereat exceedingly blushing (because such fortunate news incharmed her purpled blood to assemble) she immediately prepared herself to entertain him; who being arrived (as the Praeludium of his blissfulness) emboldened himself to kiss her, wherein he so tightly delighted, that he absolutely resolved, her coral lips had attractive power, on so sweet a soil to make his domestical demeur; but at last recalling his senses (though unwilling to depart from so sacred a solace) and sitting her down on a proper bank) which the Lady May had made the more pleasant in bestowing for his recognizance a verdant livery) regarding her very lovingly, and straining her modesty by her Lily hand, at last (though affection a long time had made his tongue silent) with a trembling Rhetorical voice he laid his siege in this sort.  MOst beautiful Mersilva! My humane eyes no sooner reflected their aspects upon the dainty soil of your divine beauty, but I immediately felt my breast inspired with the sudden flames of lovely Cytherea; the which in respect my abrupt Epistle can hardly relate, I am now on purpose come to present my faithful service to your sacred benignity protesting that in heart I alone adore your exquisite self, as the Celestial Image to whom I bind and consecrate my earthly devotions: therefore, fair Mersilva, I beseech you to return my Love affection, my Courtesy kindness, and my Suit acceptance, that triumphing over fortune, I may give despair a farewell, & so again cherish my afflicted hope, with the joy which your delectable self shall engender in my more than joyful imaginations. 
Mersilva well noting with what zealous affection he pronounced his speeches, could instantly have found in her heart to condescend to his so reasonable request, but (though transported with Love) thinking so soon to yield, were in her sex a point of imprudency, she at last framed him this answer.  PLIVIO! The fairest flowers do commonly harbour the foulest wasps; and where the stream seemeth most delectable, it is often most dangerous; sweet words are but counterfeit shadows for deceit; and when the sky seemeth clear, it commonly presageth a storm, Men in these days resemble the pictures of janus, which can fit a colour for every countenance, and a fancy for every favour; therefore as I will trust none, so I mean not to try any; lest reposing confidence unadvisedly, I buy repentance too dear, and so discretion coming too late, cry peccavi out of season. Diana's maxims in my capacity are not so soon evaporated, neither will I so prejudice my quality as to account Venus my patroness; in the mirror of experience I daily see the downfall of divers, in respect whereof, by others harms I mean to beware. Therefore, Plivio, if thou leavest thy suit, I will perchance love thee as a friend; or, if the contrary, assuredly hate thee as an enemy. 
Plivio perceiving his Saint to fight always under the Banner of cruelty, (as also that she held his fidelity in suspect) Having his tosticated Mus● ingulph'd in the Ocean of perplexity, did a long time remain silent; but again reflecting his regards upon the daintiness of her (excelling) beauty, he rousing his spirits, answered her as followeth.  WHy fair Mersilva, one Swallow makes not a Summer, nor doth forepast matters include future maxims: Affection cometh by destiny, not by device; and is therefore natural, not artificial; it is hard to censure of my qualities by others conditions, and very difficult to judge of my affections by others infidelity; therefore because you mistrust that many circumstances overvaile inconstancy, I will cease only with this sincere protestation; That my Love to Mersilva is firm, not fickle; faithful, not feigned; and so grounded upon the rock of immovable, entire amity, that as my days shall demonstrate my perpetual affection, so my death shall testify my immortal Fidelity▪ 
Mersilva understanding this his constant resolution, (as being penetrated to the quick with the dart of Cupid) immediately blushed in such amorous sort, that she could scarce refrain from condescending to his demand; but at last danting her Vermilion complexion with a modest countenance, she briefly returned him this sharp Reply.  WHy Plivio, it is high time to impose a conclusion to our conference, since the theme whereon you descant proceedeth from folly; for if you conjecture that my conceits will stoop to the (alluring) bait of Love, you dec●ive your Hope with a vain absurd imagination, and only with the Mastiffs of Cirum bark against the Moon. What I outwardly speak, I in heart inwardly presuppose; therefore ground the Anchors of your speech in the sands of silence; and presume not to present her with the Pills of your Love, which esteems not any way of your affection. 
Here perplexed Plivio was on the point to answer her Poetry. But Mersilva perceiving by the mutability of his countenance, to what harbour he still directed his course; very suddenly without taking Congee, departed; where leaving him to his perplexities, and her to her passions, we will for a while err from their proceedings, and a little entreat of Prince Medor's adventures.  
PRince Maedor, as before you have heard, having gotten the good will of the Princess Florina, and settled his affection in the soils of her memory, was in the prime of his hope and entrance of his expectation frustrated by King Agenor her Father, because he utterly denied to match his Daughter with him, in respect of an ancient quarrel between Maedors' Father and himself. So that Maedor seeing he could not obtain his purpose, nor so much as confer with his desired Florina, (because the King her Father had to that effect conveyed her secretly to the Country, he immediately (perwiging his Capacity with Honour) resolved for a while to travel, hoping that the influence of time would raze out the residence of the King's indignation: So as assummoning his wits to appear before the Theatre of Discretion, he at last determined by Sea to voyage to the Isle of Madagasear, there to remain with his Uncle Duke Alphonso. But yet, if departing without Congee of his Saint, she might meritoriously rebuke him of ingratitude, he determined to send her a Letter: and so taking ink and paper, the tears standing in his eyes, he wrote to this effect. 
To the most fair Princess FLORINA, Eternal Contentation.  
SWeet Lady! Destiny resolving to metamorphose our pleasant Nectar into bitter Aconitum, hath doubtless instigated the King your Father, to bind his invective malice against our innocency: So that dear Florina) I must depart, and being constrained to lose the paradise of thy angelical personage, live, I know not where in the Acheron of exact Hell; Oh Chameleon Fortune! not faithful in any thing, but in absurd infidelity! How can I live without fixing mine eyes upon the Beauty of fair Florina? and losing her sight, how can I demeure upon this vain earth, without drowning myself in the brinish tears which distil from the Conduit of mine eyes? But such (fair Princess!) is my fortune, nay unfortunate fortune, because the Gods in the Synod of their resolutions have imposed it for a period to commence my misery; nay more than so, I think, ratified it for a plague to impale me within the circumference of endless disconsolation. But sweet (Florina!) in what desolate place soever I erect my residence, my contemplations shall range upon the Idea of your Beauty, and my Capacity ruminate upon the Phisnomy of your perfections: For in the Closet of my distempered breast I will establish the Image of your sweet Personage; and daily upon the Altar of Love sacrifice scalding sighs, in testimonial of my immovable affection; Therefore, heavenly Paragon of my Capacity, and earthly Queen of my imaginations, pluck up your courage from the profundity of sorrow, and resolve, that maugre the treachery of fortune, or the cruelty of the fates, I will shortly return, and despite destiny crown our amity with the triumph of contentation, Therefore, sweet Florina, till again I am blest by enjoying the celestial substance of your sacred presence, I will rest as I am (and till death mean to be) that is, ever constant to Florina, or always faithless to myself.  
Your vowed and devoted Servant Maedor,  Which having ended, he forthwith delivered to a Gentleman of his to convey; and so at Galathio finding a ship ready to s●t sail for Madagascar, he immediately therein departed; where being a long time floating upon the back of Nereus, and having past the Isle of Maio Cape Verd, and Cape bone fortune, he was, at last betwixt the Bay St. Anne and Isle Fernando, overtaken by a cruel tempestuous storm; which continuing a long time, forced them to stop at L' Golpho Delfei in Africa; where getting the shore, and finding himself weak by reason of his sea-sickness, he instantly vowed there to make his demeur, and so taking leave of his shipmaster, and bestowing his liberality upon the Company, he there betook himself (as aforesaid) to erect his residence; till at last being advertised by a Merchant of Tormano, that the Court of Zanfara was the Rendezvouz of the flower of Chivalry, he determined thither to travel: In which journey, some ten Leagues from the Court, by chance straying into a Forest, and arriving to a solitary Cottage, ●hose situation in all things corresponded with his distasteful passions, he (all prepositions to the contrary) resolved there to make his abode; the better to delude the doleful time whiles he was absent from his fair Florina, (For to a lover separated from his Saint, there is nothing so agreeable, as solitariness, which always prsents him opportunity to record his amorous passions apart.) And the better to mask his secrecy from the sight of neighbouring spectators, he shrouded himself in a Hermit's weed, seeming outwardly to all passengers, the chief inhabitant of that vastell Grove; where forgetting his former dignity, and solacing himself with the remembrance of his fair Florina, he a long time lived as a man which had forsaken the alluring jollities of this fickle world, devoted his soul to the only enjoying of celestial felicities. But love which still pierced him to the quick (with the beauty of his Mistress) would not so abandon this her amorous favourite, but so tyrannously intosticated his conceits with ardent flames of affection, that thinking to sleep, Cupid would permit Morpheus no entertainment; but enforced him divers times to arise, and portray forth his passions in affirmation of his fidelity: where amongst many Sonnets and Eulogies which he penned in memory of his absent Florina, I will not omit to relate these three following; because they are partly incident to the accomplishing of this our History.  
The first he framed in an arboury adjoining to his Hermitage, which displays the Beauty of his Saint, to this effect following: 

The picture of Florina fair,  
Within my breast doth finely spring  
Her lovely self and beauty rare  
Unto my senses joys doth bring.   

Her sweet delightful colour pure,  
Unto my throbbed thoughts doth send  
Some hope of constant love secure,  
Which dainty Love I still attend.   

Her constant Eyes like Stars most bright,  
Doth always shine within my mind.  
Her Lily hew and lovely sight  
Printed within my breast I find.   

Her cherry-Cheeks of taint most fair,  
In snow white fields doth lurk and lie;  
Her coral-Lips like pastures rare,  
Doth force me there for food to fly.   

Her azured Veins like Rivers pure  
Through dainty soils doth fleet and run,  
Her slender Waste did soon procure  
My steadfast love long since begun.   

Her speech most sweet unto my mind  
At all times ease for grief doth send;  
Her pretty pace, behaviour kind,  
Likewise some show of love doth lend.   

Her modest grace, Vermilion hue,  
Like Claret-colour fair doth show;  
Herself, her sight, and smiles most true,  
In love with her did make me grow.   

Her Beauty fair at first espy  
Enforced my mind herself to love:  
Therefore Florina, till I die,  
Most constant to yourself I'll prove.    
The second, approving his Constancy, he coined in his Closet, which was as followeth: 

You little Birds, fly swiftly to my Dear,  
And there unfold my faithful constancy:  
Tell her, my loyal Love shall firm appear,  
And whiles I live, all others I defy:  
Unfold my mind, and make her know for sure,  
Her Grace and Beauty did my Love procure.   

You whistling Winds, go tell my Mistress fair,  
That still till death her Beauteous self I love;  
Disclose to her, that first her taint most rare  
To Cupid's lure my tender Breast did move:  
Vow, swear and plead by right of reason's law,  
That first her sight my Breast to love did draw.   

You Sunbright Beams of Phoebus' splendent light,  
When with your golden Hair through azured Skie●  
You wipe the Dew from dainty flowers bright;  
Go tell my Mistress, that her piercing Eyes  
At first prospect did so my heart inchain,  
That constant to her still I must remain.   

You pleasant Flowers which in fair Gardens spring,  
Relate unto my sweetest Saint most fair,  
That still her absence doth annoys me bring,  
And always doth my joy with grief impair:  
Go plainly tell that when I lose her sight,  
My Sun is soon obscured with darksome night.   

You stately Woods, inform my Phoenix fair,  
That on your lofty verdant trees most tall,  
I have with faithful Pen, as well elsewhere,  
Engraved her name which first did work my thrall,  
And written for her sake full many a rhyme,  
In dainty morn of lady May's chief prime.   

You Valleys fair, in midst whereof doth run  
Sweet silver streams of dainty water pure:  
Go tell my goddess, that my love begun,  
Till death, and after death must needs endure,  
Run swiftly, run, and swear, till final end,  
A thousand sighs for her sweet sake I send.    
The third is the description of a Dream, which he in his sleep conceived to this effect: 

When darksome night began to vest apace  
Her Vlie Mantle on the Sunbright day;  
When Clouds obscure resolved to run their race,  
And with the pale-fac'd-Moon to sport and play;  
Lo then, even then as slumbering on my Bed,  
A lovely Dream overwhelmed my drowsy head.   

Me thought I saw my Florina fair  
Sitting alone in princely modest sort,  
Within the circuit of a golden Chair;  
Where with her tears her heavenly hair did sport,  
In night attire, a Co●f of Holland pure,  
Whereas she sighed, and sometimes slept secure.   

A Cloak of milk-white Damask did she bear  
All lined with azured Satin end for end;  
And likewise under that, a robe did wear  
Of blushing scarlet, which did to me send  
The sight (fair sight) of Velvet Slippers pure,  
Wherein her naked Feet did rest endure.   

Her Colour pale, and yet as Crystal clear,  
Did freshly shine within her Angel face;  
Her cherry Lips whereon delight did pear,  
Again did deck her hue with lovely grace,  
Grace so complete, as Art can never blame,  
Nor once the like Dame nature may not frame.   

And yet amidst her Lily Cheeks did spring  
A bloomy Rose of Crimson sanguine hue;  
Which sight unto my gladsome breast did bring  
Celestial joy●, which did my hea●t subdue.  
Her splendent Eyes like Stars divinely bright,  
Did shine most fair, within my fancy's sight;   

Sight which did force my trembling self to trace  
Unto the presence of my beauteous Dear,  
Where when she saw me with a princely grace  
She roused her spirits, yet fraughted with some fear▪  
Began to sigh, i'th' midst her sighs did say,  
Oh, welcome Maedor! Fear fly now away.   

And then me thought, Oh! I with arms outspread  
Did softly take my fair Florina kind,  
And laid her on her dainty maiden Bed  
Whereto in honest sort I always lined,  
And gave her many a time a chaste sweet kiss,  
Which then was sole contentment of my bliss;   

Whereas she soon with lovely tears did pray,  
And praying blushed, and blushing prayed again,  
That I would then Dame Honours hests obey,  
And from all Venus-toyes myself refrain:  
Whereto at first, I soon did condescend,  
And so in talk we both the time did spend.   

At last in trembling sort, she faltering said,  
Since (Parma) now thou hast performed my will,  
And instantly my dear command obeyed,  
No doubt hereafter thou shalt joy thy fill:  
For Jove will grant, where men aright require,  
In honest sort their chiefest hearts desire.   

Which having said, away she clean did fade,  
Quite from my sight in twinkling of an eye,  
And so from slumbering sleep mine eyes soon made  
The fresh Aurora quickly to espy:  
When day was come, I knew 'twas but a Dream,  
Whereof the thought doth breed me woes extreme.    
IT were too tedious to relate from point to point the austere life which Prince Maedor in this solitary Grove led. Therefore let this suffice: Tha● being pestered with ardent affection, he finally vowed to devote the pilgrimage of his days to Florina ●● service, & protested to adore her as the sacred Deity to whom he dedicated the generality of his terrestrial devotions. Therefore leaving him to hi● disconsolate living, and his tormented Conceits to be solaced by patience; We will again entreat wha● befell Prince Thalmo, and his fair Athelia.  
THALMO, as you have heard, perceiving his Athelia to be always devoted to cruelty, and conjecturing with himself that she triumphed of his martyrdom, being overcome with Love, and fraughted with affection, could reap no rest of his Conceits, until he was made fortunate by prospecting the object of her singular Beauty. So that resolving to speak with her, and knowing her in the next adjoining Arbour, he boldly advancing his pace, saluted her in this sort.  
MOst fair Athelia! the nature of Planets is to have each his Influence: and therefore I am of purpose come, to know whether you are diverted from your accustomed cruelty.  
Athelia blushing to see Thalmo present; yet shadowing her love under the mask of coyness, very soon returned him this sharp Answer: FOnd Thalmo! If Planets have power to transform manners, than I hope your old Folly is metamorphosed to new Discretion. For my part, ● remain as I was accustomed; and if you the like, ●hen as you came unlooked for, you may depart ●hen you please.  
Thalmo seeing he was so peremptorily answered, prosecuted his purpose in this sort following: WHy fair Athelia, should I which from the birth of your first aspect have been to you faithful▪ bec●me now to your Deity inconstant▪ Or woul● you counsel me to divert my forepast affection into future hatred?  
Whereunto Athelia replied: THalmo, thy hatred doth more please me then thy affection, and yet I care little for both, and for thyself less.  
Thalmo being ready to answer her, was instantly by Levina her Gentlewoman prevented, who came of purpose to attend her Mistress; the which no sooner espied, but vailing his Bonnet with a sorrowful resolution he departed, raging against Cupid in respect he had predestinated him to serve so cruel a Mistress: when walking apart in a private place there next adjoining, he espied his Saint Athelia to direct her course to the Court: by virtue whereof re-entering the Arbour, and liying himself to the Bower, he there espied A Nosegay which Athelia had left behind her; whereunto very often smeling, he at last, at so fantastical ● Subject, indicted this ensuing Ditty.  

Say Crimson-Rose and dainty Daffadil,  
With Violet blew;  
Since you have seen the Beauty of my Saint,  
And eke her view:  
Did not her sight (fair sight) you lovely fill  
With sweet delight  
Of Goddess grace and Angels sacred taint  
In fine most bright?   

Say, golden Primrose, sanguine Cowslip fair,  
With Pink most fine;  
Since you beheld he Visage of my Dear,  
And Eyes divine:  
Did not her globy Front, and glistering Hair,  
With Cheeks most sweet,  
So gloriously like Damask flowers appear,  
The gods to greet?   

Say, snow white Lily, speckled Gillyflower,  
With Daisy gay;  
Since you have viewed the Queen of my desire,  
In brave array:  
Did not her Ivory Paps, fair Venus' Bower,  
With heavenly glee  
Of Juno's grace, conjure you to require  
Her face to see?   

Say Rose, say Daffadil, and Violet blew,  
With Primrose fair;  
Since you have seen my Nymphs sweet dainty-face,  
And gesture rare:  
Did not, bright Cowslip, bloomy Pink, her view  
White Lily, shine,  
Ah Gilly flowers, and Daisy, with a grace!  
Like Stars divine?   
Having thus breathed out his Passion upon the fragrant Nosegay, and yet therewith nothing applaused, continually burning in conceit, to see his ●●ire Athelia absent, he at last, resolved to find her secretly in her Closet: where very pensively entering, and not seeing her there, finding her Standish on the Table directly open; he on a fair Paper, which of purpose he brought with him, indicted this ensuing Sonnet: 

Earth's only Phoenix, Map of Modesty,  
Angel of grace, pure Paragon of praise:  
Ah, from your breast now banish cruelty,  
That yet in fine, some hope I may eraise!   

Fair Saint, bright sovereign of my tender breast,  
Sweet Nymph, dear darling of heaven's Deity,  
How may my Muse with endless grief oprrest  
Display the pourtract of my misery!   

Ah sure, my Muse, nor yet Parnassus' tr●in  
Cannot relate my burning hearts desire;  
Beceause in Beauty's fire I do remain▪  
Fire, which I fear will life and breast destroy.   

Will lovely fire destroy both life and all?  
Then welcome death sweet actor of my ease:  
Ah on thy sacred influence I call,  
Because thy tortures best my mind doth please.   

Come Death! else, Dear, invest my suit with Love;  
With Love which of yourself I do implore,  
That so your bashful sweet consent may move  
Jove's Deity my life for to restore.   

Else minion of my thoughts, fair Saint, farewel,  
Farewell my joy, my breasts sweet ecstasy,  
And Cupid to the world now weeping tell,  
That firm and constant to my Nymph I die.    
The which having ended, he very zealously kissed▪ and doubting whether she would for that night have occasion to use her Standish, took the Sonnet, and laid it fairly on her milk-white Pillow; where falling on his knees, and praying that his service might be accepted, he ex tempore (as having his Muse bedewed with the Chrystaline water of Aganippe) to himself uttered these Verses.  
Imperial Cupid! on whose shrine  
I do present my Passions rage,  
And to whose Altar I resign  
My faithful love, which I engage  
Here on my knees I thee require,  
That my Athelia now may find  
This bashful Sonnet, whose desire  
Is to enjoy an answer kind:  
And let his sight have perfect leave  
Her cruel Breast to mollify;  
That my pretence may once receive  
Some sacred sign of amity.  
Which words pronounced, he (giving her dainty Chamber a solemn Congee) immediately directed his course to the Court; where he was no sooner arrived, but a superbious Page apparelled in crimson, with a lofty resolution, delivered him these proved speeches. Sir, Prince Almion my master, being certified of the love thou bearest the Princess Athelia (affecting her beauty more firmly than thyself) protesteth his Valour thy Rival; and to the intent thou shalt know his courageous determination, he hath by me sent thee this resolute defiance, which I here deliver thee. The which Thalmo opening found to this effect therein contained:  
THou proud Arabian! Being by the wind of a true report informed of thy aspiring affections; and seeing thou takest the Lady Athelia, to be thy Saint, which the world knoweth I have (with honour) so long served: My courage disdaining to digest so unpleasant a disgrace, hath by virtue thereof sent thee this defiance, commanding thee, that as thou pretendest thy l●ve to Athelia faithful thou alone in the Castle trench after Dinner (with thy Rapier drawn) meet me, where I will teach thy lewdness to cross my Love, and make thee know, that in all things, thou hast abused thy superior: And so expecting thy answer, together with thy acceptance, I rest,  
Thy mortal Foe, Almion Prince of Calexi●.  
Thalmo wondering to hear such unexpected news, and yet disdaining to be outbraved by any Zanfarian Signior, boldly by his own Page returned him this answer:  
Understanding (Almion) by the tenor of thy defiance that for my Love to Athelia, thou profferest me Combat▪ Know that my nature is such, that I disdain, for her sake to refuse any; and so in token of acceptance, I herewith send thee my Gauntlet; assuring thee that if I live, I will at the time and place assigned meet thee, To demonstrate that my affection is such to Athelia, that whilst I live, I will dedicate my love to her Service; and neither thy valour (nor fear of death) shall raze her resemblance out of my memory: and so charging thee not to fail to accomplish thy Promise; I in hope thereof remain,  
Thy professd En●my, Thalmo.  
The Combat (as you have heard) being appointed, and the hour come, Thalmo according to his promise failed not to present himself; where, instead of meeting his Rival Almion, he was (there) very treacherously encountered by a crew of desperate Ruffians, which (of purpose) were there by Almion placed in an Ambuscado to destroy him; who seeing th●y so fiercely approached him, instantly began to fit himself to defend their fury: where with a magnanimous courage he dealt such gallant blows amongst them, that at first, not able to endure his manhood, they were generally forced to retire: but after stretching their Veins, and redoubling their strength, they very valourously (as being desperate servants) flew upon him, where they so manfully behaved themselves that Thalmo not able to withstand their force, was glad to retire, and take the Castle wall for his defence; where he so valiantly behaved himself, that for recompense of their treachery, he made many of them b●ar the badge of his Cicilian Blade: but in fine, their force bearing sway, and their number masterdom, he unfortunately received many dangerous wounds; from whence such abundance of his Vermil-blood distilled, that finding his body weak, and feeling his senses fail him, thinking there was no way but death, falling to the ground, and gasping as he thought his last, he in memory of his dear Athelia breathed out these speeches: 
Lo now my blood shall testify  
To sweet Athelia's amity,  
How constant Thalmo did remain,  
When death his life almost did gain.   
But now remark how fortune never faileth to assist fidelity! For Thalmo had no sooner uttered these his speeches, But Prince Plivio being there in a slumber behind a Bank next adjoining, hearing the name of Thalmo repeated, immediately started up; and seeing the Prince his Cousin to be in danger amongst these rageful Ruffians, very suddenly (as having his breast inspired with part of his Associates calamities) stepped to his assistance: where making way with his sword, he again lifted him on his feet, and so praying his Cousin to be of courage, stepped to his Adversaries, where he distributed such valorous payment amongst them, that in fine they being some fled, and the rest vanquished, he triumphantly remained Conqueror: which no sooner he had finished, but with his best art binding up his Cousin's wounds, he immediately conveyed him to a skilful Chirurgeon there next adjoining, commanding him to dress him with all care and industry; And so recovering a gallant Courser, he speedily post●d to the Court, and advertising Athelia of these sorrowful news, she thereat (as being in conceit slain) immediately fell to the ground in a trance. Plivio seeing the arrival of this unexpected tragical accident, bethought himself what was ●●tt●st to be done; and so at last calling his Lunatic senses before the throne of Discretion, he employed his best diligence for the recovery of the Lady which very soon he ●ffected, praying her to be of good comfort, for that there was no doubt to be made of Thalmo's health, The Princess being therewith a little qualified, for a whiles appeased herself; y●t continually weeping to see him suffer such (painful) misery for her sake (and knowing it was her affection Which induced him to endure so desperate a hazard) bethinking how to comport herself in so tragical an enterprise, at last (shedding full many a tear in his memory) she resolved by his friend Plivio to send him a kind Letter, which as a Preservative-Mediatrix should consolate him in his malady; and so calling for pen and paper she wrote to this effect:  
To desolate THALMO Salutations.  
THalmo! If thou marvel to see the appearance of this my Letter; why, resolve, it was the news of thy misfortune which hath caused my affection to put pen to paper; the which hath so replenished my senses with sorrow, that I may even rightwell say, there are almost no words herein contained, but hath been washed with a tear, nor no yllable but hath been saluted with a sigh. Before mine eyes, methinks, Parasius doth naturally present me with the physiognomy of thy misfortune; and in the Closet of my conceit, Apelles proffereth me the Idea of thy agg●ivation▪ which untimely tragical prospect doth so pierce to the profundity of my senses sorrowful imagination's, that I almost melt into tears, in that my obsurd occasion should be the Administer of thy prejudicial Accident. Yet, valorous Thalmo! since it is none but Athelia that is the original Actress of thy misfortune▪ why, in courtesy, know that to the Confines of my power I will research the means to recompense thy affections with such friendly applausible amity, as either thou in right canst with honour ask, or I in reason may with honesty afford. In which mean time, till experience demonstrate thee what a dent ze●le I have to congratulate thy valorous (and virtuous) affections, I abruptly end, continually upon the Altar of Love sacrificing many millions of penitential Orisons f●r thy speedy Recovery: And so in hope thereof, recommending my sorrows to your favourable censure, I unfaignedly ●est,  
Yours as her own, ATHELIA.  
This Letter being conveyed by Plivio, and received of Thalmo, did instantly infuse such encouragement to his despairful malady, that in few day's he recovered: And contemplating in his breast on the courteous Epistle which his dear Athelia had sent him, thought she would (or at least well might) condemn him of impudent ingratitude, if he vouchsafed not to return her a correspondent Answer: whereupon enforcing himself to sit up, he indicted this ensuing Letter:  
MOst fair Athelia, (and therefore fair, because Athelia!) Being fortunately presented with the essence of your (sacred) Epistle, I instantly felt my tosticated senses to be ravished within the Lists of exquisite contentation: But at last in trembling wise unripping the seals, and perusing thereof the sweet Nectar-substance; I not only deemed my Conceits, but likewise myself to be in an ecstasy, tracing within the divine Eden of Elysium: so as administering that sovereign Antidote to my green wounds, I find the virtue thereof so pleasant, and the nature so delectable, that f●om a sickly Patient I am become a sound Personage, and from a dead Man in show a living Saint in substance. Therefore▪ fair Athelia upon the shrine of Love and altar of your absence▪ I not only thank thee for the reestablishing of my liberty, but also for the restoring of my life: Which benign (nay blissful) Courtesy, my sense in this world shall be always mindful to requite, and my soul in the Celestial paradise to come, never forgetful, to congratulate. The fervency of my faithful love, and the Idea of your fair perfections, doth hath my Muse in the streams of distempered contemplations: Therefore what I omit with silence, countervail with a favourable censure; or let ●asse unpolished, rectify with a smiling conceit: So shall my Muse have a meritorious subject to acknowledge your benignity; myself a deserved instance to eternize your courtesy; and both a delectable motive unfeignedly to remain  
Yours now and ever, THALMO.  
Athelia perceiving by this Letter, that he had for that time made the Bark of his courage double the point of death, being thereof exceedingly glad, could find no rest in the Chaos of her joyful conceits, until she had fixed her eyes upon the (desired) Object of his Personage, within whose incirculets remained her chiefest solace: So that at last finding a fit opportunity, when both the King and Queen her Parents were absent, (taking with her only Levina) she hied her to the Lodge where she was advertised Thalmo was resident; and so being by the Lady of the house conducted to his Chamber, she very modestly opening the door, entered. Which Thalmo being pensively there alone walking, (having his Arm bound up with a Lavender-scarf, betokening hope) no sooner espied, but he forthwith (as doubting whether waking or in a dream) went and embraced her: where upon her Coral-lips, the sympathy of th●ir affection was of each part so celestially united, that their eyes attractively reflecting piercing aspects upon each others sight, did (as ambassadors of Love) in the Closet of their breast seek to confirm a mutual alliance: the contemplation whereof forced their breath to bereave their tongues of the use of parlying; till at last when an amorous blush had given Congee to that so pleasing encounter, Athelia (the tears standing in her eyes) began in this sort: AH Thalmo! The news of thy misfortune hath invited me hither; and therefore marvel not at my unexpected arrival: I am now of purpose come to display before thine eyes the model of my love, and to make thy sight a prospector of my chaste fidelity, which albeit the appearance thereof hath been hitherto hidden under the mask of secrecy, yet know (dear Thalmo) tha● thy forcible Virtue hath long since made breach of my maiden affections, and as the Avant Coureur of Cupid, hath built his Tent in the proudest situation of my amorous breast.  
Thalmo having his ears repleated with this blissful news, and perceiving by the fervency of her method, that she spoke no more than Love did induce her; very instantly, as being ravished with overmuch joy, giving her the impression of a second kiss, and softly straining her by her Lilyhand, very kindly returned her this courteous Answer.  AH fair Athelia! thy divine speeches hath breathed life in my despairful personage; and likewise caused my breast to triumph over my sickness, which I heretofore conjectured would not only have conquered my conceits, but also with Atropos cut off the vital thread of my life: Therefore welcome sweet Athelia to thy sorrowful Thalmo; and millions of thanks to gracious Fortune, for investing mine Eyes with the sweet Object of your dainty Personage! But gazing on the rarity of your Beauty, whither wander my conceits to erect Trophies in the Air, or Pyramids in the Sky; that I forget myself so much, as not to grati●●e your Love with reciprocal affection? but pardon me, sweet Athelia, and attribute the defects of my capacity to the distempered contemplations of my imbecility; and, Athelia, resolve that I will both now and ever honour you as the immortal Saint of my Fortunacy; adore you as the ternal goddess of my prosperity, and esteem of you as the sacred image of my felicity. 
Athelia being ravished with the swee● cadence of these his sugared speeches, in lieu of his courtesy returned him this kind reply: WHy Princely Thalmo, where there is no offence committed, the excuse ensueth of custom: therefore thy actions having cleared thee from imputation; fear not, for thy pardon ●s already granted, in respect wherereof, advance in Love, and I will prosecute in Affection; proceed in Amity, and I will correspond in Friendship: The which to approve, take here my heart and hand as the steadfast seal of my immortal constancy; vowing before the Imperial throne of Heaven, to establish only Thalmo as husband within the youthful garden of my tender juvenility.  
Thalmo esteeming himself exceeding fortunate, by the receipt of this angelical reply, In congratulation of her protested Amity, returned her this joyful Answer: THe gift sweet (Princess) of your sincere affection, doth with blissful applause, so replete the influence of my capacity, that in recompense thereof; I vow not only to dedicate my zealous devotions to the shrine of your bright excellency, but also to finish my terrestrial Pilgrimage in enrolling myself a loyal Servant upon the marble-Statue of your maiden contemplations.  
Thus with many amorous ceremonies they firmly (each to other) contracted themselves; and in such affectionate sort, that neither the frowns of Fortune, the treachery of time, or the Sugar of insinuation, should either blast the blossom of their flourishing friendship, or once daunt the appearance of their immovable fidelity: and the more deli●iously to manifest their merriment, they ratified their resolutions with many heavenly kisses. So that having brought this lovely Couple to a sacred atonement, we will for a whiles leave them to the Paradise of their contemplations; and a little discourse of the strange accidents which bef●ll the Lady Florina.  
FLorina (as you have before heard) living very sorrowful in her desolate Castle, was at last by Agenor the King her Father commanded to return to the Court, (all delay to the contrary set apart) whereat being exceedingly discontented (in respect the effecting thereof would prejudice her devotions due to her Dear Maedor) she very peremptorily, as being a faithful Amator of his perfection, utterly refused thereunto to condescend; King Agenor her father, being advertised of her stubborn resolution, instantly sent forth Pursuivants (perforce) to bring her to the Court; but she being before (by some of the Nobility her friends) therewith acquainted, assummoned her wits to a parley how she might avoid her Father's indignation: at last, knowing there was no other means for her to escape than to shroud herself under some Peasant's Cottage; forgetting both her Princely birth, and flourishing dignity, she instantly maugre all contrary oppositions thereunto, addressed herself, so that reaping an exceeding delight, to see the homely Shepherds lead their milk-white flocks to the fragrant fields, as also, to hear divers quires of harmonious Birds (at the sight of Titan to carol forth their madrigals sh● a long time there remained, as well contented as a Damsel in her estate (oppressed with Love) might● till on a day, bearing a Shepherdess company to the Fields, directly in an evenings edge, as Phoeb●● was flying the Zenith of our Horizon to alight th● Antipodes, and silver Cynthia began to point out th● Pilgrims to their desired rest; as these our two love●ly females were returning from solding their flocks, Florina hiding herself under; the Canopy of a sprouting Figtree, drawing out her Pen and Paper (out of her Pocket) in praise of a Country life, indicted this ensuing Sonnet.  
Court harboureth Pride, whilst Country doth retain  
Instead thereof most rich humility;  
In Country's soil Love always doth remain,  
Whilst Court doth nourish vicious enmity  
Ambition still in Court doth pitch his Tent,  
And vows even there to make his sole demeure,  
Whilst in the Country friendly sweet content  
Delighfully in Peace doth rest secure.  
Which she had no sooner ended, but perusing it again and again, and finding no remembrance of her Maedor therein circumferenced, blaming her capacity for so oblivious an offence, she at la●● with as much speed as her tormented conceits and trembling hand could afford, in his memory framed these Verses following.  

Though fortune ' re●●e me of thy wished sight,  
And cross my Love perfore against my desire;  
Making my night seem day, and day seem night,  
Add yet it both still burn in endless fire:  
May though I flame, yet doth my soul pretend  
In honouring thyself my life to end.   

Though time detain thee from my troubled eyes,  
And shroud myself from off my pale aspects;  
Yet in thy thought my wand'ring hope relies▪  
And in thy absence writes loves intellects:  
Therefore despite of time thy Princely hu●  
Shall cause my maiden-Love for to renew.   

Though destiny resolve for to compel  
My sense for to forget thy memory,  
Or ●hink to make my constant breast expel  
The sweet resemblance of thine amity:  
Yet never shall his power me once constrain  
So wavering to my Maedor to remain.   

In fine, though fortune, time, and destiny,  
Would bend their force to make me leave to love,  
Or join in league of rageful unity  
To cause me to my Maedor faithless prove:  
Yet never shall (despite their force) my mind  
To other love than Maedor's ●e inclined.   
The Shepherdess seeing Florina had now ended, entreated her to repair home, whereunto she willingly accorded; so along they go; the Shepherdess being repleated with C●u●try-applause, and fair Florina replenished with (distempered) amorous contemplation: but long th●y tripped not o'er the diapered fields, (wherein remark the infidelity of Fortun●!) but as they were pleasantly conferring together, they might behold a very young Stripling which hastily drew towards them, who being with running almost out of breath, to the Lady Florina uttered these speeches: GEntlewomen, I am of purpose sent to advertise you, that you instantly hide yourselves in some unknown Grove; for that there are arrived to our Cottage some four or five Cavaliers, which with diligence seek you, who have very grievously wounded my Father, in respect he concealeth your residence. Therefore delays set apart, it behoveth you (if you affect your tranquillity) to fly: and, beautiful Lady, since the laws of nature and humanity do bind me generally to aid your Sex, but especially yourself, I will, if you please; through the Woods and Vineyards conduct you; where I doubt not but you may remain in most assured peaceful security.  
Florina storming to see her Father's cruelty, and yet rejoicing to behold this Shepherd's courtesy, ruminating with her senses which way to wander in this dangerous accident, at last resolved to follow his advice, and so praying the Shepherdess to accompany her, along they three high together, directing their course to the Seaside, which in two days they attained without being espied of any: but they were no sooner arrived to— a harbour-Town in the Country of—, but they were instantly informed, that there was likewise search made for her apprehension; whereat being almost overcome with wrath, and vanquished with affection, they immediately without entering the Town ●rost the strand, and tracing upon the borders of ●he Sea, they at last arrived to a little Creek, where ●spying an aged Fisherman in his Cockboat repairing his Nets; they after having saluted him with a good morrow, asked if he would transport them for pleasure a League on the Sea: the Fisherman demanding what recompense he should have for his pains, well-liking their proffer (and seeing his Boat afloat) thereunto agreed; so with a merry gale, which blew the Sail from the bending Mast, to Sea they went, where delighting to see the aged Father take store of Fish, as also to see the Boat dance lavoltas on the azured Seas, they in such fort deluded the time, till night being come, and then again returned. But before Florina resolved to put foot on shore, she to the ancient Fisherman demonstrated her estate, and likewise prayed him (with tears standing in her eyes) to assist her in this her miserable calamity; and for her better assurance to convey her every day on the Sea: the old man pitying her estate, and being authentically instiga●ted by the motives of her liberality, soon to her so reasonable request voluntarily condescended; whic● course they many days observed, with as muc● joy of Florina, as if she had been now triumphing 〈◊〉 her former dignity; till at last, Fortune resolving to add more misery to her calamity, caused he unexpected (and sure unmerited) to fall within th● labyrinth of a greater ensuing misfortune; fo● they so long time daily went to the Sea, till 〈◊〉 length, being some two leagues from the sho●● they were espied by a Pinnace, which ranged 〈◊〉 along by the cliffs to attrap some purchase, 〈◊〉 hoisting their Sails, came directly towards the● and so making speedy way, because the wind b●●gan to fresh, did very soon cut their Boat from the shore, commanding them to the main; which doleful sentence being to this our weak company so dreadful as the sight of the Wolf to the innocent Lambs, made them almost die with grief to think on their disastrous misery; but especially Florina, from whose eyes distilled many fountains of pearled tears, which as the perfect messengers of sorrow, did apparently demonstrate her insupportable grief; but all alas in vain, for there was no remedy to assist her, nor no undaunted Alcides near-hand to rescue her from their cruelty; but perforce, they were very rigorously commanded to come aboard, which with a faint courage and sorrowful resolution they effected, Florina being the last that entered, whom the Turkish Slaves no sooner beheld, but (reflecting their eyes upon the sweet object of her angelical beauty) clapping these hands, and throwing up their Caps, they exceedingly rejoiced in that they had gotten so sumptuous a prize, to present their Sultan: but all this while, the comfortless Florina hanging down her head, and diving into despair, thought she was now on the stage, where the catastrophe of her Tragedy should be acted. But the Captain of this cursed crew (albeit seldom seen in this o●r Age) discreetly viewing her beautiful Visage, did from the influence of her constant eyes and modest aspect immediately conceive that she was some virtuous Damsel, extracted of honourable Parentage; In respect whereof he discharged the rest, and retained only perplexed Florina, which he commanded to be entreated with all benign favour and courtesy possible; And to that effect, forsaking his Cabin, he charged his Page therein to lodge her, and to attend her with as great diligence and vigilant curiosity, as his own personage: So that Florina (to her consolation) might perceive, that as they entertained her courteously, so they likewise honoured her by never presuming to deflower her of her maidenhood (which she a thousand times esteemed more dea●e than her life.) But again, remembering her Maedor, she would instantly weep, as if his absent Idea had a Regal Prerogative to make her water her Plants: Many bitter sighs she likewise thundered forth to the shrine of his Personage; and cursed the unfortunate Fates for investing her with this disastrous misfortune: In her contemplation she delectably ruminated upon his flourishing perfection; but again pondering upon his absence, and her own present misery, she would forthwith burst into public exclamation, cursing the inhuman Destinies for investing the Bulwark of her Breast with such distasteful aggravation. The which the Captain espying, began most debonairly to comfort her dispairful courage, adding moreover with the industrious art of his fluent Tongue, that no disgrace or malefaction should be administered her but such chaste kindness and modest courtesy 〈◊〉 should every way correspond with the title of honour. But alas, sweet Florina, not understanding his language, could reap no applause by the ana●gram of his speeches; but still most bitterly be●wailed her misfortune, lying prostrate in her 〈◊〉 of misery. Where leaving her with the Captain of the Pinnace, which resolved to transport her for Constantinople, we will commit her to the favourable occurrent of fortune, and a little treat of Plivio and Mersilva.  
PLIVIO being certainly advertised of his Cousins proceedings, and being made acquainted with the fortunate success which he had received in his Loves, began instantly to conceive some motion of hope, not doubting but by the means of Athelia he might obtain his desired Mersilva: Upon the foundation of which hope, appareling himself in a white Suit of Satin, cut out upon black Damask, (whose colour in Blazon display Purity and Sorrow) he hied himself to the Court; where enquiring for Mersilva, and being answered, she was in company of the Queen, Athelia, and other Ladies hunting in the Forest, he immediately mounted his Courser, and with a gallant pace posted thither; where he was no sooner arrived, but hearing the shrill cry of the courageous Hounds, and the loud report of the blasting Horns, he thinking the Huntsmen were on the foot of the game, being thereof a desirous spectator, but more zealous to contemplate on the beauty of his Mistress, he with a devout resolution made his Jennet advance; where traversing the Thickets, we will for a while leave them, and a ●ittle treat of the adventures which befell Mersilva.  
Who, as before you have heard, being in the forest with the Queen busily hunting, it so chanced that the Deer which they chased escaped from their sight; in respect whereof, the Troops both of Knights and Ladies again dispersed themselves to attrap him; amongst the rest there was present a young Cavalier named Blithion, which a long time before burned in love with the Princess Mersilva, and could never reap any fit opportunity to disclose her the secrets of his breasts contemplation, who sought by all means possible to sequester her from the company. At last Dame Fortune (though of Mersilva undeserved) determining with her Beauty to administer a treacherous accident, did by her Chamelion-influence cause the harmless Princess to stray from the sight of her Associates, where ranging discontentedly, as if her courage had been already vanquished by despair, was at last most unfortunately met by this tormented Blithion, who being more than exceeding joyful of this (unexpected) news, giving spurs to his horse, and speed to his courage, in a short space overtook her, where with these unchaste speeches he impudently saluted her as followeth: MOst fair Princess! I have long since in my conceits endured many millions of perplexed tortures, which the alone sight of your sacred beauty hath engendered in my tormented contemplation: Therefore, fair Lady, since Destiny seemeth so favourable as to present mine eyes with the sweet object of your excellency, I beseech you to grant my affection the Comble of my ardent desire, that is, To let my breast enjoy those heavenly pleasures of your delicate Virginity, the want whereof hath well-neer already acted the accomplishment of my untimely martyrdom.  
Mersilva smiling at these his fond speeches, immediately dying the centre of her Lily-cheeks with a Vermilion-blush, (being altogether ashamed at his immodest conference) very sharply (as having anger seated in the furrows of her brow) returned him this bitter Answer.  SIR! If thy vicious self had been ever trained up in the School of Virtue, thou wouldst have tempered the Praeludium of thy speeches with more discretion, and not so lavishly presumed to salute a chaste Lady in such lewd sort: But seeing thy sottish tongue hath already uttered that which may not be recalled, Know (impudent Villain) that I disdain thy suit, as the utter prejudice of my unspotted Honour, and detest thyself as the (pretended) inhuman Actor of my immortal disgrace. Therefore with speed depart, and instantly give a Congee to thy abrupt folly; otherwise I will advertise the King of thy lascivious enterprise, and instigate him authentically to reward thy offence with the deserved execution of thy demerits. 
Blithian, nothing dismayed at this thundering Answer, but rather more increasing the flames of his lascivious desire, instantly prosecuted his suit in this ●ort following: WHy Mersilva, stand not so much on your points of disdain; but rather consider with yourself, where you now are; for at present you are destitute from the Court, and exempt of assistance; so that your Virginity and life lieth in my disposition: and to advertise you of my resolution, I may not be denied with refusals, nor deluded with delays; for despite of fortune, I must satisfy my Love, and now reap the enjoyance of my long desired contentation: therefore consent to my will, and replete your tongue with no more coyness, otherwise you will enforce me, after possessed of my pleasure, to use you with such inhuman rigour as my nature would scarce proffer to your lovely sex, much less to you, whom in heart I have ever adored as the divine Image of my breasts delectation.  
Mersilva greatly astonished at his pretence, began exceedingly to weep, because the sequel thereof with sorrow touched her to the quick; still sighing and raging, as if the Coffin of her breast would immediately rend in sunder with imminent aggravation, always calling on the goddess Diana, whom sincerely she prayed to revenge her quarrel, and to shelter her from the rapine of this imodest Knight: but at last considering that silence was a show of consent; disdaining ever to slain the purity of her fame with deformity, or the Noble descent from whence she was extract, with disgrace; making a muster of her angry Muses, in the valley of her cerebrosities indignation, she very resolutely with an undaunted audacity returned him this sharp Reply.  Inhuman Knight, since thou wilt not be contented with Reason, because reasonless, nor vouchsafe to permit me to depart in patience without blemishing mine honour with the spot of infamy; know, that rather than I will once consent to thy lascivious demand, or ever agree to thy lustful desire I will voluntarily be the administer of mine own untimely martyrdom. 
And therewith unsheathing an enameled knife, which she had pending to her golden girdle, (as a second Lucretia) with a fatal stroke she resolved to destroy herself: but the devilish Knight suspecting some such accident, very soon wrestling the knife from her hand, prevented her purpose; the which having done (setting hold of the bridle) he immediately alighted her from her horse, whereat being overcome with fear, she in a dangerous trance fell to the ground, where metamorphising her cherry taint to a Cynthian complexion, she there lay speechless, as much trembling as an Infant-prisoner hearing the sentence of death pronounced against him; the which to arouse, Blithion spoke to her in this sort.  Fair Mersilva, 'tis in vain to resist, where there is none to rescue you, & yet were Hercules himself present, he should not hinder me of my purpose; for my sensual ardour cannot be extinguished without accumulating the Rose of your (divine) Virginity. 
Which having ended, Mersilva arising on her knees most sorrowfully (with fountains of tears distilling down the soils of her Vermilion cheeks) interrupted him in this manner: AH Blithion! pity the estate of an innocent damsel, and rather pierce the Citadel of my Maiden breast with thy Rapior, then ravish me of that which I esteem far more precious than my life; Erect not, I beseech thee, thy Trophies of pleasure in the defloration of my Virginity, nor build thy golden mountains of solace, in depriving the inward treasure of my unspotted chastity. But here again the doleful confluence of her disastrous tears imbathed her faltering tongue in the Acheron stream of silence, so that the courage of her exterior audacity not permitting her to depaint the Physiognomy of her inward aggravations, she (overvailing the instinct of her eyes with the Curtains of perplexity) lay for a while senseless, as if the valour of her conceits had been smothered up in the antipathy of disconsolations; when arousing her sorrowful capacity with the contemplation of imminent fear, she suddenly started up, and most inhumanely tore the sparkling tresses of her golden hair, wherewith dame Nature had most gloriously embellished her; which tragical object, might (Blithion excepted) have made the most bloody inhuman Scythian to pity her estate; nay, have caused the senseless obdurate Rocks themselves to weep, and sorrowfully to ●ake compassion upon the spectacle of her miserable calamity.  
But Blithion not passing for her exclamation, but rather burning with inordinate desire to extenuate the embers of his unsatiable lust, esteemed every Court-minute a complete month, before (though to her immortal infamy) he had made proof of his superdiabolical enterprise; so that accepting of no Reason for satisfaction, nor accounting of any Imploration for payment, taking her by her trembling hand, he most viciously began to embrace her. When being on the point to make shipwreck of her Honesty, and to set her Maidenhood to sale, lo thitherward unexpected came Plivio galloping amain; the which Mersilva (to her Nectar-comfort) espying, to him very loudly cried out in this sort: Ah Plivio! as thou tenderest my Love, and desirest mine Honour, assist thy distressed Mersilva, and revenge the devilish pretence of this unmerciful Tiger with the merited guerdon of condign punishment!  
Plivio perceiving it to be his sweet Mersilva, instantly (as being inflamed with revenge) made his Courser more swiftly advance then the Jennets of jupiter: when leaping from his horse, he with his Rapier drawn approaching his thrice mortal Enemy, very furiously uttered these words: Ah wretched Villain! make ready thy sword; for if there were no more men living, thou immediately diest. Which words he no sooner pronounced, but in the twinkling of an eye he lodged his Rapier in his Rival's breast; where receiving his demerit, and falling gasping on the ground, Plivio first cut off his perfidious tongue which had so lasciviously prattled and then without prolixity sent his servile soul to the Republic of Pluto, to tell Tereus and Tarquin, that he went near to commit a lustful Rape.  
The which Mersilva with fearful joy perceiving, ran to Plivio, falling first to his feet, and then again ●rfing embraced and kissed him; when after having given him many volleys of hearty thanks (seconded by many millions of penitential tears) she from point to point recounted him the manner of the Accident; the which when Plivio understood, he esteemed himself more than exceeding joyful, in that the Fates appointed him to arrive in so fortunate an hour. And so having comforted his now even comfortless Mersilva, remounting her on her milk-white Courser, (posting together) resolved to find out the Queen; to whose presence being arrived, sitting with her Ladies like Venus with her Nymphs, closely banqueting under the umbrage of Figtrees, (whose spacious leaves kept them from the power of Titan's influence) he to them depainted the manner of the Adventure, which mournful Mersilva testified to be of truth, by again on fresh shedding many pearled tears, which (like the clarent Dew on Damask-flowers) destilled on her sorrowful cheeks. Which when the Queen, together with her daughter Athelia and the rest of the Ladies understood, they all praising the Almighty, gave likewise incessant thanks to Plivio for his undaunted magnanimity; and exceedingly rejoiced in that the Princess Mersilva was so fortunately preserved: when rising, they left the Forest, and instantly returned all to the Court; where they were no sooner arrived, but the Queen immediately made the King her Husband therewith acquainted; Who greatly rejoicing that Plivio the Arabian Knight had so valoursly behaved himself, did after in consideration thereof much advance him to honourable Dignities, in such sort, that both the name of Thalmo & Plivio (like the Sun of Renown) only flourished in the Court of Zanfara: which adding more hope to Plivio's desired enterprise, made him not a littl● glad of the accidental event of such fortunate fortunacie: For first he perceived that the King and Queen much favoured him, The Princess Athelia (likewise) far the more, in respect of her best beloved Thalmo; And again, he beheld his dear Mersilva to reap exceeding contentation in enjoying the Eden of his desired presence. Whereupon remaining continually in the Court, he at last in tract of time, found Mersilva solitary in her Closet; to whom boldly entering, he very amorously saluted her in this sort: What, fair Mersilva, all alone! Why, a kiss for your thoughts! To whom instantly she replied, Not alone (Plivio) for myself and I am together; And for my Conceits, I think on nothing, therefore I conjecture that less than a kiss may purchase them.  
Plivio almost ravished with joy to see her in so pleasant a humour, thought it now wisdom to strike the Iron being hot; and so by virtue of his supposed discretion, continued his conference in this sort following: WHy fair Mersilva, less than a kiss is in effect nothing; and if I deceive not my thoughts; Maidens will scarce content themselves with the like payment. To whom Mersilva again replied; I'll prove the contrary; For if I fail not, my Muse tells me, one may kiss in conceit. ay, but quoth Plivio, th●se are shows without substance▪ for there is difference betwixt pretence and performance: for the one in reason is the others contrary, as absolute as a shrewish Wife is a quiet Husbands. Whereat she very pleasantly smiling, again replied:  
Why Plivio, you err from your matter; for Wives and Husbands are not incident to our Themes. Plivio seeing her merrily disposed, framed her this pleasing answer:  
Surely, Princess Mersilva, you herein prove yourself a discreet disputant, in that you have put me in mind (or at least) in the plain pathway of our former purpose; for I now remember, a Kiss was our sentence; the which, by your leave, I mean to prosecute.  
And so embracing her slender waste, he gave her (Nectar) lips the impression of a dainty kiss: whereat she blushing, returned him this sharp answer:  
Why Plivio, I little thought you would have proceeded so peremtorily; for had I but once thereof deemed, my exact absence should have given you a precise gainsays Plivio seeing her patience a little moved, thought to countervail the offence with a courteous answer▪ And so encouraging his Muse with many amorous contemplations, he continued his speech as followeth:  
Why Princess Mersilva, moved in a manner! or can the fuel of your wrath be so soon illuminated with a blast of Sunshining! had I thought my enterprise would have so soon incurred your displeasure, I would (assuredly) have prevented that which is now happened.  
Whereunto Mersilva answered; Nay, I now see this my kindness, which is the occasion of this distasteful accident. Therefore to avoid the like scandal, I pray, as you are come, depart; and being departed, arrive when you are sent for. Whereunto Plivio replied, Fair Mersilva, If the demonstration of my love have engendered your displeasure, I pray you excuse affection, which was thereof the chief occasion: and if you please, for reward of my crime, inflict on me what punishment you think shall be sufficient for the offence. Mersilva hereat again blushed, but in such amorous sort, as it seemed that both love & disdain sat in the model of her cherry cheeks striving for supremacy: yet at last considering she had advanced her speeches so far without his affable merits, & seeing the subject so small wherein she had grounded the foundation of her wrath, she, to avoid the humour of future aggravation, instantly (without bidding Adieu) departed: where poor Plivio, oppressed with love, remained so much tormented in thought, as that it seemed he had with the Greeks already seen the like of Capharia, and so the Bark of his hope was on the point to tear against the flinty-rocks of devouring Charybdis: For sometimes he would in her Chamber walk, and with his threatening hands menace the gods with revenge, and likewise reproach dissembling Cupid for ingratefulness; then immediately slumber, and in his drowsy capacity dream of Mersilva's cruelty: When rising, and premeditating upon the Chaos of his amorous contemplations, he would forthwith tear his beard for meritorious anger: In which, or the like fantastical humour he so long remained, till at last Mersilva (little thinking of him, or at least of his there being) returned; who astonished to see Plivio there present, forgetting her former wrath, asked him merrily, what wind blew him thither? Whereat he striving to abolish disconsolation, (fetching from the concavity of his heart a volley of distempered sighs) very mildly returned her this tractable answer: AH fair Mersilva! It is your (alone) cruelty which hath engendered my sorrows; and only your coyness which hath caused my aggravation: For since your departure, I have here remained in such discontented sort, as, if you triumph not of my misery, you would condignly pity my malady. Therefore delude my suit, I beseech you, no longer with delays; nor contemn not my love, in laughing to my constancy: but resolve, fair Mersilva, that Plivio would willingly die to demonstrate his fidelity, so far forth as the tragedy of his misfortunes might make Mersilva tractable: Therefore, fair Princess, attribute my sincere love some affection, and rejoice not to martyr him with denial, which is ready to sacrifice his life before the shrine of your beauteous Deity.  
Mersilva perfectly noting with what fervent zeal he pleaded for favour, did instantly as being inspired with affection, return him this applausible answer: PLivio, thy valour and virtue having combined their charming force in the band of unity, hath long since in the Closet of my breast made way for thy affection, in such amiable sort, that being conquered by the aspect of thy blissful magnanimity, I in all honour (in lieu of thy kindness) remain thy attendant handmaid: and albeit I have hitherto refrained my tongue in depainting you the fervency of my affection; yet impute it not to the defect of good will, but rather to the superaboundant zeal which I have had, to make proof of thy constancy: the event whereof hath fallen out so fortunate, that I now from my heart protest. I adore only the essential portrait of Plivio, as the bright morning Star of my day's felicity.  
Plivio well noting the fervency of her affectionate zeal, and perceiving into what strait of love Cupid had now brought her; being in conceit half ravished with the joyful alarum-bel of this unlooked for news, thinking his tongue deferred to ●ong time in not congratulating her kindness with ●ome reciprocal courtesy, very familiarly, at last, returned her this amiable answer.  MOst divine Mersilva! If my tongue could disclose, or my Muse discover the flourishing (& never dying) fidelity which in heart I have devoted to your sacred self; I should acknowledge my capacity bound to nature for permitting me such good fortune, and account myself indebted to art, for enduing me with such blessedness. But since, sweet Mersilva, that the coiner of my deliverance cannot sufficiently stamp the interior characters of my cogitations, nor the discoveror of my secrets enough worthily depaint the Physiognomy o● my affection: yet Mersilva, I beseech you believe tha● I have grounded my constancy upon so sure a foundation, and imprinted my fidelity upon so firm 〈◊〉 resolution, that neither the alluring events of pro●sperity, nor the terrifying threats of misfortune can either extenuate by flattering shows, or extin●guish by frowing substance. And whereas I perceive that though long, yet at last you have banished cru●elty from your breast, and (embracing benignity● accepted me for your Servant; know sweet Me●●s●●va, that in recompense of your amity, I prese●● you with the Comble of my constancy, and 〈◊〉 that in the Closet of Plivio's cogitations Mersil●● shall only sit as triumphant governess, whe● my affection shall serve her, my fidelity enterta●● her, my love attend her, and my never wavering constancy pay her the sweet bien venue of terrestr●●● blissfulness. 
Mersilva understanding his friendly answer, 〈◊〉 solacing her senses with the assurance of his affec●●●on, typping her tongue with the phrase of favour very mildly returned him this sweet answer.  AH Plivio! being hereretofore a prisoner, I am now by the sequel of thy conference set at liberty, and made free from subjection in swallowing down the vitality of thy speeches: yet when I remember the estate of King Samor my father, I weep, in that I should so unadvisedly bereave him of a daughter; but yet the unity of our love hath linked me to thy affection, and in ruminating on thy virtues, I infuse his memory in the twists of oblivion: so that sweet Plivio, condemn me not of disobedience, in being obedient to thyself, nor impute not the title of inhuman ignorance to my charge, in respect it is only the image of thy virtue which unites my fancies unto thy affection. 
And with that, she from the influence of her eyes reigned showers of tears upon the Alabaster soil of her Lily cheeks, which Plivio perceiving, interrupted her in this sort: WEep not, fair Mersilva, but let now the radiant aspect of our amours evacuate the residence of sorrow; let the memory of our tender affections submerge the waves of discontent, and let the novelty of our friendship triumph over insinuating disconsolation. What? resolve it is the gods which seek to sympathise our amity, and fortune herself, which d●li●hteth to crown our friendship with contentation; Fair Mersilva, despair is the pathway to destruction, therefore pluck up your spirits, and let a joyful countenance give sorrow the overthrow: and conjecture not that my acquaintance shall prejudice your estate, or diminish your dignity, for than were my suit dissimulation, and my affections folly; for the purity of my pretence, and the event of time, shall inform you the contrary: therefore imprint your resolutions upon the foundation of hope, and resolve that Plivio will live and die, only to adore sweet Mersilva, as the divine Image of my felicity, to whom I consecreate the generality of my devotions.  
Mersilva sweetly pondering upon his firm fidelity, having almost her amorous conceits smoothed up in the Lists of applausible contemplation, very affectionately returned him this gracious Reply.  
WEll Plivio, having a confident hope that you will perform no less than you now promise, I in consideration thereof vow, that none but Plivio shall possess my person, and only Plivio will I account as the delightful Titan of my conceit● from whose radiant brightness I extract the splendent Zephyr of my soul's contentation.  
THanks, dear Mersilva, quoth Plivio; And to cor●respond your affection, here take my hear● and hand in pledge of my immortal constancy vowing before the Imperial Throne of Heaven, tha● my soul shall be first diverted into cinders, ere withdraw my zeal from serving and honouring Mersilva.  
Thus having plighted their troths each to other they a long time remained so lacing their cerebr●●sities within the Nectar Eden of applause; so that that the night approaching, it was more than time for Plivio to depart, when taking his Angelical Saint by the Alabaster hand, and fixing his aspects upon the divine mirror of her heavenly beauty, he with a sighing voice gave her this friendly farewell: DEar Mersilva, (and therefore dear because Mersilva) I must now depart and leave thee to the Chaos of thy ruminating contemplations: Thereore sweet Minion of my breast, and Mistress of my capacity, I will high me to my Closet, and there invent the means for the establishing of our future tranquillity; so that till I am again made (triple) fortunate by enjoying the excellency of your divine personage, I in all sympathy of faithful affection take my sorrowful Congee.  
Mersilva hereat painting her countenance with a Cynthian complexion (the tears standing in her eyes) answered him as followeth: SWeet Plivio! as thou tenderest my love, let thy return be shortly, for fear lest wanting the image of thy personage, I immediately die in contemplating on thy absent perfection; therefore, at my sincere request, satisfy my ardent expectation; and in recompense thereof as I mean to live in thy gracious favour, so I resolve to die in thy virtuous ●ffection. Thus, as the ordinance of their conceits ●ad thundered forth many volleys of sighs at their farewel, Mersilva (erecting Trophies in her breast) hied herself to her Closet; and Plivio (framing triumphs in his contemplation) betook himself to converse with his Cousin Thalmo, to whom he recounted the event of his fortunate proceedings; and the prosperous conclusions of his amorous enterprises; who being thereof exceedingly satisfied, asked if his Lady were contented to leave the Court and travail with him? whereunto he answered, that to the same effect he had already motioned; whose reply was, she would follow him in weal and woe, in mirth and misery, in sorrow and sympathy, as far as the confines of the world would permit, or I desire. Why then, quoth Thalmo, my Athelia's fancies, & Mersilvas' affections are incident to the Idea of one formosity; and hath vowed no more than Athelia could desire to effect. To remain here were folly, in respect we are absent from our native home; and to acquaint any with the model of our affections were unfit: Therefore let us with the ingenious Bee return home in safety, and with the skilful Pilot redirect our course to the Port of our residence: for peradventure, tract of time may disclose the secrets of our pretence, and so the prime of our hopes may be by envy crossed in the bloomy blossoms of their maturity, which to avoid (as before I have demonstrated) let us with haste return, and so through the woods and Forests convey our Ladies from the sight of any; for if the report of ou● departure did but arrive to the Port of King Brilion● understanding, doubtless he would so rigourous●ly entreat us, and so severely handle us, that per●●hance our lives, or at least our liberties should remain as hostages for our misdemeanour.  
Plivio attentively listening to his Cousin's exhortations, and sounding the depth of his counsel by the profundity of his own conceits; allowed well of the Plot which Thalmo had compacted for their retirement; the which, the better to accomplish, he willed his Cousin to make his Athelia therewith acquainted, as he prote●ted to do the like to his Mersilva, to the end that when the hour of departure should be assigned, they might make themselves ready, and fit such necessaries as might be needful for their journey: upon which resolution, each departed to his Saint, to whom in the confluence of many amorous terms they dilated their purposes, and not only discovered the Picture of their noble births, but also the Portrait of their direct names; the wind of which novelty, they no sooner understood, but being (as it were) smoothed up in the ecstasy of many delicious contemplations, (the which seemed far the more pleasant in respect of their innovation) they being completely therewith more then diviney contented, to their sweet demand (after many hearty congratulations) very soon condescended.  
By this time our two young Princes Plivio and Thalmeno, having apparent proof of each others affectionate resolutions, and burning with desire to set forwards their enterprises, instantly appointed that the next night following (at the outward Gate, betwixt twelve and one) they would attend the thrice happy arrivals of their sweet Saints; which warning, though short, yet seemed so sweet to their Lady's imaginations, that (applause building trophies of content in their trembling resolutions) they very pleasantly deluded the time in familiar dalliance; till at last, the hour (as they thought) being come, and their Princes absent, metamorphosing their mirth to melancholiness, and their joy to discontent, they began to blame them for to much (unmerited) constancy; sometimes condemning them of ingratitude, and then again instantly with a sigh recalling their speeches, fearing lest the influence thereof might by some uncustomed accident be transported to their favourites understanding: sometimes exclaiming on their own fortunes, in that they saw fortune herself began to temper the praeludium of their loves with distasteful misfortune. But alas, these amorous Ladies were both deceived! for the Dial of their cerebrosities told the hour of assignation before the horologe sounded, and the clock of their conceits struck twelve and one, ere the essence of ten, far less eleven, was in election to be finished; yet in such sorrowful sort they passed the time, till at last (and not unlooked for) their two Princes arrived, giving a shrill hola, which between this amorous troop served for a watch word; the which the Ladies to their delight no sooner heard, but instantly (as understanding the sentence of freedom pronounced to their imprisoned contemplations) giving courage to their thoughts, and dying their milk-white cheeks with a vermilion blush, they in their night-apparel descended; the glimpse of whose glorious appearance our two young Princes no sooner espied, but advancing their pace with exquisite delectation, they went and saluted them, where so joyful a meeting of divine sympathy was betwixt them demonstrated, that forgetting their senses, and almost themselves, I thought they would for that night have made their amorous demeure upon the Lily incarnate soil of their coralline lips; no words could they utter, because their tongues were (by love) devoted to silence, and such as past, were clamorous volleys of sorrowful sighs, which redoubling each on other, strove which should first unite each others heart with the sympathy of superabundant affection. But in fine, yea, and in the twinkling of an eye they heard in the palace a fierce and terrible noise, as if in a manner the whole Court had been in a seditious uproar, which repleating their senses with fear, and replenishing their conceit with timerosity, drove them all into a very effeminate humour of exact despair; in such sort, that they knew not how to save themselves, nor where to convey their Majestical Ladies from the gurmandizing jaws of ruthful distress; till at last, Thalmeno knowing their estate fickle, and perceiving it now stood upon him desperately to cast at all, (I mean either to lose his own life, or his dear Athelia, which he esteemed far more precious) refetching the courage of his undaunted magnanimity from the confines of fear, and arming the interior lincaments of his valorous capacity with animosity, he to his rembling associates pronounced these speeches.  PRince Palma, it behoveth us now to be frolic; therefore with a martial courage lead forth thy Lady, & if any (though Hercules himself) presume to stop thy passage, sheath instantly thy Amazon Bracamard in his perfidious breast, and so without prolixity send his servile soul to the Commonwealth of Pluto for a more than meritorious sacrifice: And you illustrious Ladies, fear nothing, for the Physiognomy of our persons shall be a sufficient Bulwark for your preservation. 
Which said, arm in arm (like Apollo and Diana) along they go, without finding any to resist them; and seeing the Porter in his Pavilion asleep, very cunningly took from him his keys of the Palace; when unbolting the outer gate, they without making any noise issued forth, where they were no sooner come, but they found their Pages each with their Jennets attending them: glad of this news they (taking their Ladies behind them) mounted on horseback, and so as fast as the Steeds of jupiter galloped through the streets, where in a shoit time, having past both Town and Suburbs, (the obscure night still seeming to condescend to their pretence) they at last (having cherished their Ladies with many comfortable speeches) began to consider what course to take: So that assuring themselves, the King finding the Princess lacking, would with all possible celerity make speed for their apprehension, they finally resolved to gallop through the woods ●nd Forests, the better to shelter them from the sight of avant-Coureurs (if any such there were which presumed to follow them) by virtue of which predicted resolution, they m●de that night such speedy way, that before the morning (or at least ere golden Titan domineered in the silver element) they found themselves very near twenty leagues from the Court. Now to make any long discourse of the sorrows which the Court of Zanfara received, or any ample relation of the Troops of magnanimous Knights sent to seek the●, I think it needless, at least I omit it, because in my capacity my Muse terms it superfluous. But howsoever, our Troop of lovers were so far, that they now knew themselves out of confines of danger: And therefore to proceed with their future adventures, the next morning as they were swiftly riding by a Forests side, they through the branches (which were apparelled with a Summer's vesture) might espy a very pleasant Cottage; which both Athelia & Mersilva desirous to enter, requested their Princes to alight, and accompany th●m, who glad in any thing that might procure their Lady's delectation, thereunto condescended; so leaving their Pages with their Horses, they enter the Forest, directing th●ir course to the Cottage; whereto they were no sooner arrived, but thinking to find some shepherdess, instead thereof beheld a very beautiful young man. (which seeming to be overcome with sorrow, shadowed the vivacity of his countenance under the wrinkled ma●k of a discontented visage) sitting very sorrowfully slumbering on a verdant bank, having a Book, Pen, Ink and Paper close by him; which hearing the sound of their voices, rousing up his spirits, came, and in this sort saluted them  FAir Knights and Ladies! (for so by the Physiognomy of your faces you seem to be) admire not at my sorrows, nor wonder not at my disconsolation; for it is powerful fortune which hath invested me with this miserable calamity: in respect whereof, to evacuate his tyranny, and to triumph over his usurpation, I have here solitarily withdrawn myself into this Grove, of purpose to live though not so well contented as I could wish, yet so well Pleased as man in my estate may: my Rural Cottage affords no Cates, but poverty; yet as it is, if you please thereof to accept, I will account m● self most fortunate, assuring you that what there wanteth, good will shall countervail. 
Our Princes and Ladies perceiving the humour of his benignity, and the nature of his kind proffers, thinking their capacities far indebted to his bountifulness, very friendly by the tongue of Prince Palma, returned him this amorous answer.  KInd Sir, the apparitions of friendship which in our travels it hath pleased you to afford us, & the displays of amity which you have now demonstrated us, doth so make the Idea of our gratulatio●s run into instant admire, that we find ourselves so far engaged in the bonds of arrears, as we absolutely hold our imbecilities such, as our tongues cannot at present repay you with a condign recompense for your unmerited courtesy; nevertheless, according to the actions of Reason, and rules of amity (albeit a guerdon far insufficient to countervail the motives of your benignity) we return you very hearty thanks for your proffered courtesy, assuring you that if ever any favourable subject presents, wherein (in honour) we may partly requite your kindness, you shall find us generally willing, and so willing, as the effects thereof shall term us to be no amators of ingratitude, but rather favourers of debonaironesse. 
Which no sooner was pronounced, but the stranger taking the two Ladies by the hands, requested them, as also the two Princes, to enter his hermitage: where in the best manner he could, he presented them with a dainty collation of dry Figs, Dates, and Apricocks, with other such fruits as the soil of that Country did afford; which being ended, he to show the Ladies the more pleasure, demanded if they pleased to recreate themselves in the Arbour, whereof being surpassing joyful, they very willingly agreed; and so hand in hand with the Princes the stranger showing the way, forth they went; where passing through a fragrant Ally beset with Fir-trees they at last attained the entrance of the garden where they were no sooner arrived, but the two Princesses after having viewed the treasure of the odoriferous flowers, and perused the wealth of the fragrant herbs, they to avoid the bright ardour of the splendent Sun (because a professed enemy to their Angelical beauties) with as much celerity as modesty could permit, betook themselves to the ●owers, where their beloved Cavaliers with triplicity of divine kisses failed not (chastely) to pay them their courteous welcome: the stranger viewing their amorous familiarity, suddenly wept, as if the object thereof had some Regal prerogative to make him water his plants; in respect whereof, to smooth up his contemplative sorrows under the Mask of a merry countenance, he instantly hied him to the Cottage, and returning speedily, brought with him a dainty harmonical Lute; the which after having tuned, (thinking to delight their curiosity with the rurity of his melodious music) he divinely warbled out a ravishing Lesson, and thereunto contracting his clarent ●oyce▪ he sweetly uttered this ensuing Sonnet.  

Might I but die (Ah!) in this mournful state,  
Then were my death the Actor of my ease;  
For than my death would to the world relate  
What Saint was subject to my Breasts disease.   

Should death relate (Ah!) no, death must conceal  
The dainty Mistress of my earthly joy.  
Live then in peace; yet fear still to reveal  
The heavenly Actress of thy Heart's annoy.   

Ah! Yet not actress of thy endless pain,  
But the sweet Angel of thy Breasts desire;  
Therefore with Love immortally remain,  
Within the fuel of her beauty's fire.   
No sooner had he ended his Sonnet, but he in●stantly began afresh to weep, and so determining to assuage his sorrows (vailing his Bonnet) he presently departed, walking aloof from them in a fair Summer-house; the which our amorous troop perceiving, began immediately to conjecture that he was in love with some cruel Lady, and so her rigorous repulse was the motive of his distempered passion; whereat, weighing his grief by their own malady, and his disconsolation by their own sickness, they all bewailed his (tragical) misfortune, & pitied the accident of his distasteful calamity; lamenting that ever their arrival was the occasion to refresh his (amorous) uncured wound, and sorrowing that their presence in his capacity engendered prejudicial contemplation. Yet at last to bring with Ariadne's thread our history out the Garden, Athelia and Mersilva rose up, determining to depart▪ which Thalmeno and Palma no sooner perceived, but they immediately hied them to the knots, to gather each for his Mistress a dainty Nosegay, whose beauty, scent and savour might best delight the humour of their fancies; the which Athelia & Mersilva remarking, began once more to make the round of the Garden, and so as fortune would, passing along by a stately Pinetree, they upon the Bark thereof might espy the Characters of some Verses to be very curiously incarved, which desirous to see, thereunto approaching, found this or the like fancy therein contained.  
First Fish shall fly within the Element,  
And Ai●ry-Birds live in the Ocean Sea,  
Fair Phoebus shall forsake the Firmament,  
And scorn to grace the cincture of the Day;  
Thetis shall Wander o'er proud Altas top,  
And Nilus cease to water Egypt's land;  
The Earth into the Skies shall fountains drop,  
And Neptune's Face refuse to kiss the strand:  
All Ships shall sail upon the massy main,  
And Aetna frieze at splendour of the Sun;  
Dame Cytherea quite shall lose her train,  
And Elepants like Clouds in air shall run:  
Lebanus-Cedars shall like thistles spring,  
And Hysop-tops aspire into the sky;  
From Thule to Gange the Dormouse voice shall ring,  
And Gnats shall drink all Brooks and Rivers dry,  
Before th' Idea of Florina's sight  
Shall once have power from me to take his flight.  
Which Sonnet perusing, and pondering what this Lady therein mentioned might be; They immediately went, and thereof advertised Thalmeno & Palma, who not a little admiring to see the name of Florina there charactered, began to conjecture that he might be Prince Maedor: in respect whereof to satisfy their ardent desire, they with their Ladies went towards him, where being entered the Bower, Thalmeno boarded him as followeth.  PAssionate Gentleman! for so your gracious (yet sorrowful) aspect induceth me to term● you: I beseech you in friendship to certify me whether you are acquainted with the Princess Florina Daughter unto the King of Numidia; and also whether you know Prince Maedor Son unto the King of Biafard? 
The stranger no sooner heard pronouned the sacred Name of Florina, but he instantly as being conquered with too many divine cogitation, (in fainting sort) fell to the ground; when closing his eyes, one would have thought he resolved as then to take his last definitive Congee of this Caitiff-world. The which our amorous Crew no sooner beheld, but (pitying this sorrowful accident) they so employed their best skill for his assistance, that in short time he recovered; and elevating himself upon his (as yet) weak legs, banishng silence from his faltering tongue, he in sighing sort breathed out these speeches: AH Florina! whose Nectar-name infuseth vitality to my weak senses! And so fetching a deep sigh, again continued as followeth. Know (courteous Knights, and beautiful Ladies) that I have been acquainted with the Princess Florina; and to be plain, am that unfortunate Maedor which you inquire for▪ Unfortunate Maedor, I may well say, in being absent from Florina, the memory of whose divine beauty hath this forty months been the goddess of my devotions. Therefore, gracious Knights, if you know any news of the aforesaid Princess, I beseech you in kindness to make my ●reast therewith acquainted; and to congratulate ●our courtesies: I will in lieu thereof remain your affectionate Servant.  
The which speech he had no sooner uttered, but Prince Thalmeno thinking it more than time to administer some sovereign dictamnum to his tormented Patient, instantly returned him this applausible Reply.  THen know, Prince Maedor, that I am Thalmeno Son and heir to Druino King of Cicilia, and this prince my cousin, Son to— King of Egypt; who some two years since, resolving to travel, having united our resolutions with the league of amity, departed from my Father's Court, directing our course to overview Africa, and so landing at— and journeying three days alone, being destitute of a guide, and unskilful of the Country, by misfortune strayed into an unknown desert; but fortune willing to intermix our bitter sorrows with some delicious pleasures, conducted us fortunately to a beautiful Castle, which entering, we found the princess Florina thereof the desolate inhabitant who having forsaken her Father's Court, vowe● there to remain until the joyful return of you● princely self; therefore valorous Maedor, if you plea●● to accompany us, we are bound for Cicilia, and im●mediately upon our arrvials, God willing, we wi●● conduct you to the melancholy place of her solitary retirement. 
Maedor having his capacity repleated with 〈◊〉 Zephyr wind of this fortunate news, very kind (accepting of their proffer) past his word to accompany them; nay, and with so cheerful countenance, that in his dead conceit it seemed the absent idea of Florina had infused exact vitality; but at last fixing his humane eyes upon the sweet object of the Lady's beauty, and so pondering upon the rarity of his sweet Florina, he boldly demanded of Thalmeno what those Ladies were, and what private occasion induced them to travel? who relating him from point to point the history of their amorous proceedings, and advertising him likewise how they were desirous to be transported for Cicilia, he thereupon after having saluted them with a Princely grace, and made his fluent tongue by an eloquent Oration display the dexterity of his ingenious capacity, very voluntarily proffered through the Vineyards and Champion Country to conduct them to the Seaside; for quoth he, I have traveled these parts, and know the direct course to Golpho-Del-Rey, where I once Landed. Our Amorous Troop being divinely pleased with this applausible news, very instantly prepared to depart, where they were no sooner arrived, but Maedor very fortunately met with a ship of war of Madagascar, which belonging to Duke Alphonso his Uncle, was by tempestuous weather and contrary winds forced ●here to take harbour; glad of this unexpected ●ewes, and triumphing in that they saw fortune so smilingly assist their fidelities, they forthwith swapped bargain with the Master to transport them, and ●o a favourable wind clearing them from the coast, ●n a sweet sympathy of heavenly amity, hence they ●ile for Cicilia, where on the Sea they so long re●ained, that after many tempestuous storms, having past the Isles of Fenando, the Bay of St. Anne, the Coast of Guenhie, Cape Verd, and the Isles of Teneriffa, they at last safely attained Gibraltar the entrance of the Mediterranean straits; & so with joy keeping on their course for the desired Island of Cicilia being opposite of Marsertis, they were towards the night, at the appearance of Cynthia, very quietly becalmed, in such sort that their ship made no way, but only floated upon the face of Neptune, according as the slackness of the current drove her: so that at last keeping good watch, as the third glas● was in election to be finished, the Mr. in his Russet Cap, walking aloft upon the Spare-deck, very apparently heard the noise of Oars ploughing in the entrails of Thetis; whereat astonished, resolving to prevent the worst, he mounted the main shrews directing still his linced eyes, by his attentive eared so long, till at last (right a head in their Fore-foot● he might empie a very stout Galley, using all possibl● speed with Oars and Sails, swiftly made to●wards them; at which unlooked for accident (wit● a magnanimous courage) rousing his spiritr, 〈◊〉 with his silver Whistle thundered forth afresh ala●rum, whereat the whole Toop of Sea-striplings (a● if they had been at unawares surprised) with a ga●●lant courage (quitting their course pavilions mounted the upper Deck, admiring exceeding●● what this unaccustomed accident meant; the whi●● no sooner they had done, but the Mr. showing the● the cause, and they seeing the subject before th● eyes, very instantly with heroical resolution fetched forth their Muskets, and provided ● hangs which might be any way needful for a co●●bat; amongst the rest the Mr. Gunner burning with desire to approve some experience of his praisworthy Art, requested the Captain that he might make some shot or two towards them; whereat condi●cending, a couple of Demi-Culverings (which lay directly forth in the Prow) were immediately provided, whereunto giving fire (all the company saying Amen) forth went the shot, with a devilish fury; which being well aimed, so happily arrived to the desired mark, that it not only made a massacre amongst the miserable slave●, but also at so sudden a motione made the Commanders themselves tremble, in such sort, that finding their welcome not so pleasant as they expected, in went their Oars, down their Sails, ea●h betook themselves to their guard, not once presuming to approach more near till the morning; which our Master no sooner perceived, but knowing that they would linger till the next day, having appointed each his place, and in his absence given the chief Commanders thereof the obstrict charge, down goes he to the Cabin to comfort our almost comfortless troop of Lovers, who alas, lay in a mere exact humour of despair; For they no sooner heard the thundering report of the Cast-peece, but they genarally resolved it came from some neere-harbouring enemy: There might you have seen Thalmeno morn, to see his Athelia lament; Palma sigh, to see his Mersiva shed tears; & Maedor weep, to see them all so disconsolate: there might you have heard Athelia almost sighed out her heart, thinking to lose her Thalmeno; have seen Mersilva on the point to melt into tears, to depart from her Palma, have perceived Maedor afresh with threats to menace the gods for the loss of his Florina; and in fine, to have seen all to exclaim of their miseries, in that the fatal Atrapo● of misfortune began so soon to cut the thread of their future contentation. Which the Mr. perceiving, having his breast penetrated with the clangor of their dolorous exclamations, very froliquely in the best sort he could, bade them be all of good cheer, adding moreover that there was no fear in the matter, for that he doubted not but in the morning to remain conqueror; whereupon our three courageous Princes fell afresh to comfort their two sorrowful Ladies, within the influence of whose eyes for that night Morpheus could receive no entertainment; for diving into the conceit of the master's speeches, and conjecturing they should the next morning enjoy a hot breakfast, they began to doubt of their own safeties, and to imagine what bloody stratagem might befall their Princely favourites, the which again and again imprinting within the Cabinet of their memory's cerebrosity, they could not refrain from bewatering their Damask cheeks with crystalline tears which distilled from the conduits of their sorrowful eyes: the which our Princes perceiving, and seeing that no persuasive arguments or soliciting entreaties might prevail, o● once evaporat their sighs with the wind of courage, knowing that it now stood upon them (in so dangerous a cause) to demonstrate their valours, as well to prevent their own captivity from the Pirates, as also to free their Ladies, within whose breasts their affectionate loves, nay lives lay imprisoned) very resolutely without taking leave, departed the Cabin, & so thrust themselves amongst the soldiers and mariners, which were already in using of audacity to their valour, and of valour to their resolutions; whom most courageously they amated with such undaunted applausible exhortations, that immediately the soldiers, generally protested to sacrifice their lives for the establishing of their tranquilities. So that when the limits of night was expired, and that the dawn drew near, Aurora in her silver apparel no sooner began to look through the Casements of heaven, but our masters and Princes so ordered the matter, that their flags and streamers were abroad playing with the wind, their Ordnance and Muskets aranged and laden, their waste-cloaths unloosed, their Nettings laced up, their Yards slinged, their Companies divided, their Linstocks lighted, the Master upon the poop with his silver Sword to whease them to the Lee-ward, and the Trumpets ready at a beck to sound the first onset: On the contrary part, the Galley dighted herself in the pride of her warlike jollity, and with a valorous resolution came towards them, making such terrible clamours and out-cries, as if they meant to affight jupiter himself in the citadel of his impregnable monarchy: when instantly, the wind beginning to fresh, our Master by the condescent of the three Princes edged very near; and so being come within Cannon shot, brought themselves by their short sails, resolving to attend her coming, and with honour to fight it out; the which the Galleyslaves espying, began to cry victoria, conjecturing, that they had already yielded: but alas, they were deceived of their hope; for thinking to board them, the Ship in a moment poured in their small shot as thick as hail, and therewithal let fly her whole broadside, which in the Galley made such a rattling thunder, that their rails, penets, yea hatches and all began (superbiously) to band with the sky; there might you have seen some dangerously wounded, which lay gasping their last; some already slain, imbruing themselves in their fellows blood; and some, whose heads flying from their bodies went to advertise their friends of their woeful Tragedies. Whereat the Captain and Commanders of the Galley fuming with rage, in that so unexpected they received such hot entertainment, disdaining to die in their debts, bade their Gunners give fire, where betwixt them was so furious a Combat, that it was hard to judge on which side victory would incline: But leaving the event thereof, to the inconstancy of Fortune, we will a little err from the fight, and take a second survey of our Lady's lamentations, who being destitute of their Lovers, and looking every minute for unmerited death, making their eyes gush forth fountains, of tears, and their Breasts volley forth millions of sights, for sorrow tearing their gorgeous apparel, and the tresses of their tanslucent hair, lay imbathing their conceits in the flood of despair, as comfortless as innocent Lambs in the paw of the Lion: their tongues could utter no speech, but t●e n●me of th●ir Princes, whereupon continually ruminating, they infused their courage within the labyrinth of perplexity. Ah, quoth Athelia, would my breast might be a Bulwark for Thalmo's preservation! and quoth Mersilva, would my body might be a countermure for Palma's safety! else, quoth Athelia, I might die in Thalmeno's arm, to demonstrate my constancy! or quoth Mersilva, I end my days at Palma's feet, to manifest my fidelity In which doleful manner, they mournfully remained, as if Thanatos had already assummoned their senses to pay nature her due.  
But again to our Combatants; who eagerly seeking, did so valorously behave themselves, that it was impossible yet to judge, which side Fortune did most favour. But to conclude: as time gives a full period to all terrestrical accidents; when the fatal day was almost finished, wherein many had their lives catostrohies most famously signed with the signet of death, the Galley most dangerously (between wind and water) received despairful shot, in such pitiful manner, that they all within-board made a pitiful cry: the which our Prince's understanding, instantly conceived some hope of victory; whereupon they afresh let fly their roaring Canon, whose fiery bullets wrapped in terror, made such spacious breaches in the side of the Galley, that they seeing no apparition of hope whereon to rely amaining their sail, immediately yielded, rendering themselves to the mercy of their mortal enemies: the which our Princes an company perceiving, for sudden joy shouted amain, triumphing in the conquest of so famous a Victory; when instantly they hoist out their Shallop to avoid the prize: but now when she was replenished sufficiently with men and munition, if any repulse peradventure should have been offered, our Princes were in a difficult difference which of themselves should therein go Commander. Thalmeno he willingly offered his service, and Palma he vowed not to stay behind; but princely Maedor, whose magnanimous, breast did likewise in harbour a Hector's courage, seeing his associates in contention, which should first be admitted, stepped in and furiously protested that they should both stay with their Laides, and he only would go Master of the Ships: they likewise hearing of his voluntary resolution, allowed best of his reason, and so gave sentence he should. Whereupon with a noise of harmonical trumpets, away goes Maedor, and down goes Thalmeno and Palma to the Cabin. Their even now comfortless Ladies, being by the Herald of report advertised of the victory, came reciprocally to embrace them with congratulation of their undaunted magnanimities, where so joyful a meeting was betwixt them demonstrated, that their conceits which right then swimmed in the Ocean of despair, did now float upon the blissful waves of pleasant delectation; for their Cynthian complexions were metamorphosed to cherry countenances; and their mournful eyes which were almost submerged with brinish tears, did now reflect their beams of splendent vivacity, as glorious Phoebe being free from the cloudy prison of sable obscurity, each joyfully joyed in each others presence; either reaped more than exquisite applause, and (in fine) all received such delectable contentation, that to be plain, my abrupt pen can no way display thereof the exquisiteness, because my peevish capacity was never acquainted with the labyrinth of the like amorous encounters. In respect whereof, leaving their secrecy to themselves, and the censure thereof to the in dustrious Readers, I will make a brief apostrophie from their melodious parling, and a little entreat of Prince Maedors' proceedings; who by this time being near the Galley, at last very resolutely entered his men without finding any to resist them, who seeing they were all hidden, by sound of trumpet commanded them to make their appearance: when immediately in trembling sort, out came the prisoners, who seeing their enemies with their swords drawn in their hands, instantly fell on their faces, desiring pardon; upon whose submissive prostration Maedor commanded his Soldiers, that upon pain of death none should hurt them, either in body or goods; the which the Captain understanding (conceiving some hope of his liberty) very sorrowfully came forth, desiring his life, which benign Prince Maedor instantly granted: Whereupon after he had informed him from whence the Galley was, & to whom he appertained, he to Maedor continued his speech, as followeth: Albeit it greiveth my Valour (courageous Knight) to be conquered by any; yet since my fortune must needs (because predestinated) endure the frown of Bellona, I again rejoice in that it was my blissfulness to become tributary to so benign a Commander, therefore kind Knight, in respect that with such heroical voluntariness you have afforded us our lives, Know that within this next adjoining Cabin, there is resident a virtuous Lady, whom fortune hath predestinated to be our prisoner: Her parentage I know not; but if outward gestures may depaint inward qualities, I presume she is some Lady of noble decent; her behaviour (though in adversity) is such, that as she carrieth her perplexity with a modest countenance, so she disdaineth to render herself tributary to the infidelity of Fortune.  
Maedor no sooner understood this (unexpected) news, but burning with desire to know what this Lady might be; very friendly commanded the Captain to bring him to her presence; where he was no sooner arrived, but he might perceive this doleful Lady as it were imbathing herself in the stream of her tears; having prostrated her person one the floor, and overvailed her Visage with an obscure skarf, lying as it were in a Cyatical Lethargy, thinking that the first that entered was the Harbinger of death, or to be plain, the inhuman administer of her untimely martyrdom: but lo, it fell out otherwise; for when she thought he was lodging his Rapier in the cytadel of her innocent breast, why even then he took seizure of her lily hand, and with an amiable voice uttered these speeches.  
Arise fair Lady; for your life and liberty is granted you! Whereat very instantly, as being acquainted with the voice, she with a commendable grace started up; and pereeiving (as indeed she thought) that it was her Princely Maedor which pronounced that melodious sentence; at the hearing thereof, as being ravished with too many divine cogitations, in a dangerous swound she ●ell to his feet. Maedor perceiving this tragical unexpected accident, having his heart penetrated with the Chaos of passionate fancies, failed not to employ his best endeavour for her recovery; and so thinking to elevate her on her feeble legs, by chance ruffling the Scarf from her beautiful visage, perceived it to be his (gracious) Florina; whereat arousing the sincerity of his eyes, and the vivacity of his contemplations, and making his doubtful conceits run to the confines of astonishment, he at first preambulated with his curiosity, whether it were she which so well resembled the phisnomy of her beauty; but lastly having diligently sent the influence of his aspects to make surview of her personage, and finding her to be essentially his unlooked for Florina, with a trembleing resolution advancing his space, he with out-spread arms most amorously went and embraced her, where so delightful a meeting was betwixt them demonstrated, that me thought from so pleasing a solace it was mere sacrilege to separate them: For if Maedor outwardly rejoiced to possess high affectionate Florina, Florina reciprocally in heart smiled to enjoy the presence of her heroical Maedor. Both sent for't disconsolate sighs in witness of their undaunted loves; and fair Florina having her conceits tosticated with too many applausible imaginations, could not (being transported with affection) refrain from bewatering the crimson roses of her angelical visage with many pearled tears, which descended the soil of her alabaster cheeks. But in fine, Maedor giving courage to his faltering tongue, thought to encamp the vanguard of his speeches; but again reflecting his partial aspects upon the divine object of Florina's beauty, he so found his conceits devoted to silence, that the review of her chery-countenance smoothing up his senses in an ecstasy of contentation, forced him instantly to fall into a despairful trance; the which sorrowful Florina perceiving, melting as it were into tears for imminent aggravation, with her Lily-fingers began to corroborate the organs of his temples, so that the Nectar-balm of her sovereign breath infusing vitality to his sickly senses, made him again refetch his accustmed courage, when inviting his wandering tongue to display the secrets of his wavering capacity, taking Florina by the alabaster-hand, he from the profundity of his conceits, and cabinet of his affections, pronounced her these speeches following. AH fair Florina! if I might finish the period of my days in the cincture of thy embracements, or now sacrifice the remainder of my life before the aspect of thy divine deity, I should not only account myself favoured of the Sts. in affording me such good fortune, but also esteem my enterprises more than blissful, in being ratified by the Synod of the gods themselves: but sweet Florina, (and therefore sweet because Florina) since the angelical map of thy personage, and the sacred Zephir of thy Nectar speeches have so freed me from the chains of bondage, and unloosed me from the setters of despair, that now before the shrine of your beauteous benignity, fair Mistress of my thoughts, and goddess of my conceits! I present you with the gift of my service, the donation of my constancy, & the consecration of my fidelity, assuring you that as I have long since remained in the prison of your celestial beauty, so I resolve to die in being accouted your ever faithful (and never wavering) Servant to the end; that when the fatal sisters determine to finish the catastrophe of my days, unpartial Charon may testify that in the Elysian plains, my penitential soul only vowed to adore the beautiful image of Florina, as the bright Cynosure of eternal comfort, to whom I dedicated the generality of my terrestrial devotions. Which heavenly speeches Florina no sooner understood, but over-shadowing the centre of her lily cheeks with the damask canopy of a crimson vail; having imbathed the Imps of her tender capacity in the stream of Love, and the conceits of her maiden resolutions in the flood of affection, being as it were in a very delectable ecstasy (albeit sudden conceited joys made her senses, yea self to tremble) she in her Ivory hand taking her snow-white handkerchiff, and evacuating the pearled tears from her crystalline countenance, with a lovely (ye● sorrowful) voice, she returned him this pleasant reply: AH Princely Maedor! If my capacity were acquainted with that friendly god which ratified thy freedom, or with that favourable Saint which reconducted thee to my presence: my sincere congratulation should before their sight display with what faithful constancy I attended thy coming, and now with what sympathy of entire amity, I honour thy arrival: therefore welcome, (nay more than welcome) sweet Maedor to thy sorrowful Florina, and millions of thanks to gracious Mars, for investing me captive to so fortunate a conqueror: fortunate I may well say, because in the essence of thy personage, my absolute (nay only (solace lay imprisoned; and if more may be, more than fortunate, in being by the enjoyance of thy prospect deprived from the residence of my accustomable disconsolations. Ah dear Maedor, since thy sorrowful departure, I have lived mo●● comfortless; yet in enjoying the felicity of thy visage, I now wreathe up the memory of aggravation in the cinders of oblivion; love (yea love) because invincible affection hath so captivated my conceits, and conquered my senses, that only 〈◊〉 now live to serve sweet Maedor; and maugre the effects of Fortune, resolve to die in the amorous league of his desired friendship.  
Maedor pondering upon this kind answer, and perceiving his conceits were exceedingly obliged to her courtesy, straining her most affectionately by her Lily fingers, and binding his partial aspects upon the Temple soil of her Ivory incarnate visage, embracing her again within his lovely (nay more than lovely, because most faithful) arms, he from the concavity of his joyful breast, shaped her this friendly answer.  AH dear Florina! whose lively sight infuseth vitality to my dead senses; banish now from thy breast the memory of sorrow, and let only the motives of contentation flourish in the Commonwealth of thy conceits; for now before the shrine of thy sacred self, upon the Altar of fidelity, Maedor presents thee with so complete a portion of undaunted friendship, as you any way can desire, or the gods themselves distribute: And sweet Florina, sinc● by fortune it so falleth out, tha● now contrary to my expectation you are made my blissful prisoner, know Mistress of my imaginations, and Angel of my delights, that in most honourable company I am bound for Cicilia, where as soon as Ae●lus and Neptune shall set me ashore, I will most willingly, if you please, solemnize the Rites of our Nuptials with the contract of Marriage, and ratify my beautiful Florina to be the sole and supreme Empress of my breasts expectation. 
Florina no sooner understood the harmonious ●rymol●gie of these sacred speeches, but in her breast & capacity sweetly ruminating upon the sugared Cadenca of their delectable interpretation, assummoning her Maiden senses in the field of affection, she instantly returned him this kind answer.  THink not, sweet Maedor, that having long since devoted myself thy handmaid, I will now repent me of my enterprise, and so frustrate thy expectations in the Autumn of their hopes, but rather I pray resolve (at least if my prayers may gain acceptance in the front of your amity) that Florina esteems the seal of our Nuptials to be the preamble of her fortunacy, and the uniting of our affections the very quintessence of her felicity; therefore I beseech you delay no time, but rather advance thy enterprise, to the end that Maedor receiving the chief solace of his breast, Florina may reciprocally enjoy the desired Prince of her immortal delectation. 
Maedor infusing her applausible resolution within the affectionate profundity of his competent censure, having his breast penetrated with more exquisite amity than he ever thought Venus presented to her wanton Adonis, or Dido to her wavering Aenaeas, sending again the influence of his aspects to ratify a mutual combination with her Angelical beauty, he kindly embracing her slender waste, and courteously giving her coral lips the impress of a Nectar kiss, with a gracious familiar resolution, framed her this amorous answer.  WHy then, my fair Florina, make ready for your departure; to the end that I may advertise my Princely Associates of our blissfulness, and so prosecute our voyage to Cicilia. To Cicilia! quoth Florina: and therewithal the pearled tears trickled down her Vermilion cheeks; which Maedor perceiving, and admiring at her sudden sorowfulness, courageously demanded her the occasion of her disconsolation. Oh! quoth Florina, since I first heard you repeat the name of Cicilia, my present joys doth afresh put me in mind of my forepast miseries: for, lovely Maedor, having for thy sake sequestered myself from all company, and built up my residence in a desolate Castle, thereunto unexpectly arrived two foreign Knights from Cicilia, who in reward of some small benignity I afforded them, protested very solemnly to research thee out (at lest if the confines of Africa did contain thy personage.) Well quoth Maedor, & have you ●ot since heard of their adventurous proceedings? No, replied Florina, whereat I much sorrow, in respect ●hey were amators of my passions, & favourites of thy affection's. Thus with most pleasant prattle in amorous alliance they deluded the time; till at last Prince Maedor shaking himself out of his delicious dumps, ●nd arousing his senses from their amorous plaudite, very secretly in his breast stamped this resolution; Why Maedor, are thy humane affections so de●●ted to love, that now in entertaining Cupid, thou ●●vest Mars a farewell, or in courting Cytherea, thou ravest Bellona desolate? what, hath the fair aspects Florina (with Circe's) so charmed the fuel of thy ●●sire, that in contemplating on her beauty, thou intombest thy military actions in the shrine of oblivion? No, no, Maedor: Affections are but fancies, ●nd love doth best resemble the flowers of Syria, which no sooner flourish with the splendantnesse of Titan, but fade with the obscurity of Cynthia: therefore let passionate fictions give place to fame, and let amorous conceits stoop to magnanimity. 
Which aspiring speeches he no sooner pronounced, but instantly his fair Florina, in the jollity of he● best attire, rushed from out her Cabinet; at the sudde● sight whereof, forgetting his former inhuman conclusions, and now devoting his future orisons to the Altar of her excellency, having lost his Martia● courage in the Physiognomy of her effeminate countenance, and drowned the motives of War in th● crystalline Vermilion of her beauty, he resolv● to direct his pace towards her; but she perceiving his presence, determined to prevent his purpose and so meeting him half ways, delivered him th●● lovely salutation.  COme sweet Maedor, let us here-hence depart, 〈◊〉 crown our miseries with the triumphs of coextent; Fortune you know is variable, therefore 〈◊〉 sl●p no time (in effecting our Nuptials) while op●portunity doth present; Only this before we dispart, I entreat you that these miserable slave's 〈◊〉 your conquering valour made captives, may (without prejudice of their substance or selves) have 〈◊〉 permission to dep●rt safely. 
Prince Maedor well liking her benign nature, and commending her capacity for projecting so charitable a virtue, very willingly thereunto condescended, and so taking congee of his prisoners, and commanding his Shallops to be made ready, (embracing his goddess Florina in his Princely arms) with his noise of clarent Trumpets most cheerfully departed; but long he floated not on the surges of Thetis, till a favourable Zephyr gale reconducted him in safety to his ship, where courageously entering, and demanding for the Princes, answer was instantly made him, that they were in the Cabin, playing on the Lute to delight their Ladies; whereupon leaving Florina (for a while) at the door, down goes he to participate of their exquisite melody; the which Thalmeno and Palma no sooner perceived, but laying their instruments apart, each particularly with his Lady went and saluted him, ask what news? why none quoth Maedor, but ●nly this, that instead of a rich prize, I have found ●n inestimable Gem, the valuation whereof, in my conceit, may not sufficiently be numbered by the ●hole industrious characters of Arithmetiques' faculty. No, quoth Athelia and Mersilva, why then it appears you have lighted upon the Mint of Mexico, or ●lse fallen foul of the Minerals of Peru. Neither have 〈◊〉 replied Maedor, and yet I divinely rejoice in possessing the tenuity of so sacred a present. Whereunto Palma and Thalmeno answered, It is then like ●rince Maedor, that you have understood some novelty ●●om your Princess Florina, or at least seen the resemblant Idea of her beautiful excellency. Maedor hearing the divine name of his Florina repeated, could not refrain from producing secret smiles, because the syllables of her sacred Anagram ravished his senses in an ecstasy of delectation; whereat Florina advancing her pace, presented herself before the complete view of the company; at which beautiful object, Thalmeno and Palma reflecting their linced regards upon the superlative daintiness of her Angelical Physiognomy, presently conjectured her (as indeed she was) to be the perfect personage of admired Florina; but again, not able to ratify their suspected assurance with certainty, still contemplating on the rarity of such exquisite perfection, looking one on the other, durst not presume in adventuring to salute her; on the other side, Florina binding the influence of her speculation upon the mirror of their countenances immediately (by the Architect of their complexions) deemed them to be Thalmeno and Palma; but at last after many amorous regards sent from the influence of their eyes were evacuted, Thalmeno refetching the sensibility of his conceits, began to esteem that it was absolutely fair Florina upon the soil of which applausible resolution, definitely erecting an assured foundation, he very joyfully stepped, and with ● lovely kiss saluted her in this sort.  AH sweet Florina! thrice welcome to joyful Thalmeno, and millions of thanks to debonair fortune for investing mine eyes with the object o● such unexpected blissfulness! Florina hereat blush●ing in the Lily soil of her alabaster cheeks (to th● spectators sight) produced the apparition of crimson Roses; and so (after having glanced upon Maedors' excellency) addressing her speech to Princely Thalmeno, she very gallantly with a modest grace, returned him this dulcet reply: 
Thanks, courteous Prince, for your heroical benignity; & more than fortunate am I, to be the essential subject of your delectable contentation. But here Prince Palma interrupting her speeches, went majestically, and likewise saluted her; where betwixt these three majesticks of affection, such joyful plaudities of exquisite amity was repeated, that Athelia and Mersilva, (of Florina unseen) sitting attentively in a corner admired what this unlooked for prospect betokened; for first investing the habilement of a jealous conjecture, they thought this minion of beauty was of purpose come to frustrate their hopes of expected contentation: but instantly poizing the fidelity to their Princes by their own affections, and their undaunted loves by their absolute like, (repenting themselves for the conceit of such unmerited inconstancy) they both resolved in familiar amity very kindly to salute them: but Prince Maedor standing aloof from their presence, and conjecturing by the mutability of their countenances, that their imaginations were tosticated in the surges of perplexity, finding a lovely remorse in his affectionate breast, with a gallent (heroical) resolution went and in this sort, saluted them:  FAir Princesses, (and therefore fair, because embellished by supreme deity) This beauteous Nymph (if speaking without partiality) which here presents herself before the influence of your contemplation, is (only) the sweet substance of my (admired) Florina; Florina I say, whose exquisite portrait and dainty personage I adore as the unique goddess of my capacities felicity. 
Athelia and Mersilva swallowing down the Ambrosian sweetness of these sugared speeches, and infusing in their cerebrosities the unlooked for event of this applausible accident, demonstrating by the plaudity of their smiling aspects, that their conceits were raked up in the embers of delectation, with the sympathising unity of one melodious voice returned him this harmonical answer:  
Nay then, Prince Maedor, we tightly rejoice in that Celestial deity hath Coronized the trinary of our affections with the Garland of content; and much solace in that the fancies of our conceits are so blissfully confirmed by the fortunate arrival of your divine Florina! Whereupon Prince Maedor gratifying their courtesies with thanks, and their curiosities with affection, taking each by the Lily hand, determined to go and salute his Saint; but on the contrary part, Prince Thalmeno and Palma conceiving their determination, thought to prevent their purpose, and so embracing the Lady Florina in their arms, went reciprocally likewise to meet them, yea, and in such amorous sort, that each lovely Band advancing there pace, they at last, very affectionately approached one the other; where on both sides was demonstrated such super-ceremonious courtesy, that for instant joy me thought my Muse stood silent, as being ravished with pleasure in the labyrinth of delectable admiration.  
To relate therefore the lovely-smiles, affectionate sighs, piercing countenances, and pleasant prattle which were banded and sent between this amorous army, were but a meritorious subject to make this my (abrupt) Pamphet swell into an ample story. Therefore to avoid prolixity, and yet in such mediocrity, as hoping not to incur the Readers indignation, I will leave to consider with what fervent desire each wished themselves landed upon the (esteemed Pactolus) shores of golden Cicilia, the which the Master of the Ship perceiving (having his breast penetrated with the consideration of their tormented amities) failed not to the utmoste of his power to shorten their Seafaring Voyage; so that hoisting on more Sail, and ploughing through the liquid entrails of Nereus, they at last in a radiant day (when Titan in his Meridian throne began with his splendent locks to visit the Western Plains) very fortunately espied the desired coast of Cicilia; which at first they could not well make until the Aetna Promontory decided their doubt: which the master perceiving (throwing up his Cap for joy) went and immediately advertised our Cyprine troop of this fortunate news; which no sooner was by the Herald of report bruited amongst them, but instantly leaving their amorous (yet chaste) dalliance, they very cheerfully (being desirous to replete the influence of their eyes with so wished for an object) most courageously mounted the upper Deck, by which time the wind continually freshing, they were almost approaching the shore: the prospect whereof so revived their sickly senses, that Prince Thalmeno at last seeing the Ship at an Anchor, very courageously commanded the Boatsen to set them aland.  
In which mean time the three Princesses hying to their cabinets, did so gorgeously dight themselves in the pride of their glistering jollity, that they rather resembled heavenly Nymphs, then humane Paragons, and Sacred Queens, then Terrestrial Personages: For their Angelical cheeks, which their golden hair delighted to sport withal; their globy fronts, within whose Alabaster circumference the Graces range in; their piercing eyes of power, to obscure the brightness of Olympus; and their Ivory paps, wherein their azured veins make their Nectar Ampythrite display such a delicate apparition of Paphian allurement, that I absolutely conjectured Ulysses would have stooped to contemplate on the soil of their countenance; and jupiter himself, at their delicate sight, to be invested their favourite, would have left fair Ganymede desolate upon the Downs of Ida. So now the blissful hour of their departure being come, arm in arm, like Saints of Felicity they rushed forth, presenting themselves to their Princes; who attending their arrival, received them with more than exquisite applause; where amongst them past so many millions of Amazon speeches, that the motives thereof, would have daunted the proudest enemy of (Angelical) Cytherea: But in fine, they generally taking leave of the Company, (and the Shallop ready) in most exquisite Heroical manner they most gallently departed: At whose Ultimum vale, the Master gave such a thundering volley of Ordnance, that the rebounding Echo thereof drove the Harbouring Sicilians into the affrighting humour of Timerositie; upon which unexpected Accident, presupposing that some Foreign Enemy was come to invade them, they in swarms of Martial Troops directed their course to the Seaside; upon whose obdurate Sands with Drums courageously sounding, and Ensigns sumptuously displayed, they very valorously attended their Landing. Our Princes perceiving this unexpected Warlike Assembly, began immediately to doubt the issue of their Martialll determinations; so that grounding their resolutions upon the Rock of discretion, and their imaginations upon the Bulwark of Tranquillity, they afar off commanded a Banner of Truce to be demonstrated; and so evapourating fear from their courage, and timerosity from their Countenances, they very audaciously drew near the shore; Which the Sicilians espying, being desirous to know of what Countery they were, and what this unaccustomed Alarm meant, in swarms of Martial Troops with magnanimous resolutions, they advanced, to prevent their landing: But Prince Thalmeno with the rest of his amorous Associates, not passing for their flourishing bravadoes, commanded the Boatien to row them ashore; which no sooner was effected, but presenting their Ladies with many sugared kisses (for their Bien Venue) each conducting his own beautiful Saint, they very valiantly marched forwards: The Sicilians conjecturing to have fought some hot skirmish, being only instead thereof met by this weak company, dragged their Ensigns with laughter in the dust, whereas heretofore they superbiously displayed them in the air with doughtiness. In fine, the chief Commanders of the Regiments, burning with desire to know what this Martial effeminate, Tragi-Coemedy meant, with courageous resolutions advanced their spaces to parley with them: whom no sooner they approached, but first glancing their aspects upon the beautiful countenances of the Angelical Ladies, they at last making an Apostrophe from their Beauties, settled their rights upon the bold Complexions of the admired Knights; so that their (Lynceus) eyes ranging circumspectly upon the valorous Physiognomy of their Heroical visages, they at last very apparently perceived their Sovereign young Prince Thalmeno to be there present: At which applausible (contemplative) Object, having their hearts conquered with instant Trophies of many delectable Triumphs, they casting aside their weapons, went and submissively prostrated themsemselves to his feet: whlch Prince Thalmeno perceiving, after having gratified their loyal affectionate humility with thanks, commanded them to Troop up their Forces, and so to accompany him and his Princely associates to the Palace: Which radiant celestial news was no sooner bruited in the Camp, but very sumptuously in Warlike array, the porches being strewed with Laurel boughs and Roses, they gallantly marched forwards; whereof the ancient King Druino being certainly advertised, (having his heart ravished with the applausible news of his Son Thalmeno's arrival) instantly commanded three superbious rich Coaches to be sent towards them, to convey him with his Princely companions to the Court, which trampling courageous Coursers, like the Steeds of Phoebus, made such speedy celerity, that in short time they drew near the Suburbs of Mesana; which being the capital City of Cicilia, was so proudly dight in the pride of her warlike jollity, that the multitude of roaring Canons, and silk (I●is) Ensigns being planted on the Bulwarks and Towers, rather mad● me conjecture it to be famous Troy, then fair 〈◊〉 The King his father being certified of his 〈…〉 accompanied with his lovely 〈…〉 with a glistering Regiment of 〈…〉 Cavaliers, very Majestically issued 〈…〉 them, where before the Port-Royal● 〈…〉 saluted each other, and in 〈…〉 as was either in right due to 〈…〉 son (correspondent) 〈…〉 likewise with joyful tears 〈…〉 so after having generally saluted as well Prince Thalmeno, as Palma and Maedor, with their beautiful Ladies, they in pompous magnificence road on to the City; at whose joyful entrance, the Loyal-hearted Inhabitants caused such a thundering peal of Ordnance to be discharged, that the terrible rebounding echo thereof not only affrighted jupiter in his Celestial Diadem, but likewise made Mars himself tremble in the (sacred) Bulwark of his impregnable Citadel; the streets also as they passed, were beautified with many sumptuous Pageants, where to demonstrate the Citizens voluntary kindness, this Royal Troop was feasted with many curious banquets, presented by peerless Virgins of superexcellent beauty: Thus passing the streets in bravery, being impaled by the warlike young men of the City, they at last arrived to the dignified Palace; where a double Court of Guard (commanded by the chief Nobles of the Island) most famously received them. To recount therefore the sumptuous Feast, the triumphant Tilt, 〈◊〉 majestical Masques, and the honourable 〈◊〉 wherewith King Druino admiredly celebrated 〈…〉, were (I think) superfluous to this my 〈…〉, and the Readers discreet 〈…〉 conjecture he can more curiously 〈…〉 contemplation, than my Infant-Muse 〈…〉 it; by virtue of which 〈…〉 ●riefly with our history:  
〈…〉 from point to point displayed 〈…〉 the manner of his 〈◊〉 〈…〉 the virtuous (Princely) disposition of the three Angelical Ladies (but especially of his Saint Athelia) he being (upon report thereof) desirous to try if the temple of her senses were adorned with such rare perfections as his Son affirmed, very privately invited her to a secret conference; where wresting her with sundry intricate questions, as well of wit as loyalty, Love as Modesty; he at last found her completely so virtuous, that comparing her ingenious qualities with her Princely descent, he accounted himself happy to be endued with so gracious a Daughter, and his Son most fortunate in being endowed with so peerless a Paragon; the Queen likewise reflecting a partial eye upon her modest gesture, and prying into the concavity of her Princely conditions, found her natural qualities to be so adorned with the affable demonstratives of debonair benignity, that perioding her capacity with this definitive resolution, she thought her not only to be a second Diana for modest chastity, but also a superexcellent Calliope for ingenious curiosity; by virtue whereof, still seriously ruminating upon the measured Cadenca of her Princely educations, as also pondering upon the splendent virtues wherewith they saw the Garden of her glistering cerebrosity to be embellished, she immediately resolved that no greater bliss could accidentally befall her Son, than (for his Nuptial compartner) to be graced with so sweet a Princess; so that the Father being (applausibly) pleased, the Mother more than divinely contented, and both triumphing in the conceits of this delectable sympathy, could enjoy no solace in their estimates, nor pleasure in their contemplation, until they had assigned the day of desire, wherein the two darlings of Love might enjoy the fruition of their ardent affection; which was not long prefixing; for their Princely Parents knowing the frailty of youth, the force of love, the power of beauty, and the efficacy of temptation, thought whiles occasion did present, to let no opportunity slip; and therefore, in the plaudity of a pleasant humour, appointed that the next Festival (which was some twenty days following) their Nuptial Rites should be solemnised; which sacred divine news Thalmeno & Athelia no so sooner understood, but having their hopes elevated upon the wings of contentation, flew as it were aloft, in the Celestial Paradise of eternity; so, as imbathing their curiosities in the Nectar streams of conceived solace, with many millions of amorous applauds they attended the hour wherein their expectations should be crowned with the heavenly Garland of content. But now to our other Princes and their Ladies, who being by the Herald of report advertised of Thalmeno's Fortunate proceedings, burn with desire upon the Stage of Matrimony to be Actors of the like Comedy; the which Thalmeno perceiving, viewing their languishing sickness by his own tormented malady, went to the King his Father, and with a trembling Oration (the tears standing in his eyes) requested that his two Princely companions might likewise under his gracious favour enjoy their virtuous desired Paragons; which condign process he so authentically solicited, that the King his Father (with direction) diving into the concavity of his Sons demand, and finding the subject of their desires to be extracted from the pure model of chaste affection, presenting pity before the stage of his eyes, and charity upon the Theatre of his contemplations, (with a debonair aspect) gave sentence, that one day should finish the general triplicities of their marriages. The Zephir wind of which sweet novelty was no sooner by Thalmeno transported to the ears of our amorous regiment, b●t Palma embracing his beautiful Mersilva, and Maedor kissing the coraline lips of his fair Florina, did in the triumphs of love as it were float upon the streams of blissful applause; so that their lovely conceits fetching a course beyond the confines of Cynthia, did (without rest) range upon the Paradise of approaching pleasures. On the other side, whiles these Imps of Venus were with pleasant dalliance beguiling the time, King Druino was not idle in making sumptuous preparations for the celebrating of their weddings: and the more to dignify that day with heroical triumphs, he through the Carrafours of his Island (by Gartian his Herald of Arms) commanded a Tournoy and Joust to be proclaimed; whereunto not only the Nobles of his Dominions should be welcome, but also all Foreign Princes and Cavaliers (whatsoever) might have free access: The heroical thundering report whereof was no sooner (by the silver trump of fame) dispersed through the harbouring Nations, but thither (I mean to Cicilia) came abundantly flocking many valorous Troops of magnanimous Martialists; so that at the time of assignation, as there wanted not swarms of prospectors to behold the triumphs, so there needed not innumerable of Cavaliers to satisfy their expectations. So that the joyful day being come, which as the ingenious Sicilians did illustrate with terrestrial bravery, so the gods themselves in the Synod of their resolutions did determine to stellify with heavenly beauty: for Au●ora no sooner gave the obscure night a valorous overthrow, but splendent Titan in his fiery Coach began with his golden rays to embellish the cincture of the day; when the streets being hung with curious tapestry, the Pageants adorned with glistering ingeny, and the Pavement strewed with Flora's jollity, by many bands of Kings, Queens, Nobles, and Ladies, these our (Idalian) Lovers most majestically were conducted to the Temple; where being by the Ring of matrimony (till the final period of their lives catastrophe) each firmly united to other, They at last in the plaudity of amorous contented imaginations returned to the Palace, where with curious feasts, sumptuous dances, and stately masks, their marriages were so magnificently solemnised, that the description thereof my eaglet Muse (nay all the instinct of Parnassus) cannot sufficiently relate: Therefore we will make an Apostrophe from these dignified braveries, and being overvailed with the Curtains of obscure night, bring each of these our amorous love●s to their (terrestrial Paradise) Bedchambers where the doors being shut, & they entombed within the Ivory shrine of a pair of Lawn-sheets, we wil● likewise leave them to their amorous (divine) pleasures, and (praying Venus to guard them within the lists of her sacred influence) return to the next day, wherein the Heroical feats of Chivalry were to be accomplished. The morn was fair, the skies bright, the wind calm, and Phoebus in his radiant pavilion delighted to grace the cincture of the day with his meridional beauty: therefore the Tilts being built, the Tents erected, the Cavaliers ready, and the Herald prepared; let us for a while give Congee to the Court, and with valour direct our History to the Camp; wherein a Gallery, Theatre-wise, was so industriously built, that the royal Assembly, and sweet Ladies might it their ease prospect all, and in safety stand unprejudiced of any, whose glistering divine beauty so gloriously sparkled admiration to the (astonished) spectators, that the excellent contemplation thereof was not only of complete power to infuse valour to the most courageous, but also of exact force to make a mere Dastard prove a doughty Conqueror. Now to begin with the Articles projected for Til●ing, it was thus ordained, That the Sicilians should answer all comers: Whereupon by the King's command, the Herald sounded to the Combat; when instantly, a Cicilian Knight gallantly mounted, entering the List, was presently met by a warlike Hungarian, who at the first encounter lodging his Lance in his Enemy's breast, very valorously unhorsed him, making him (despite his pride) most humbly greet the ground with his Personage, whereon but even then his horse superbiously trampled: To revenge whose infamy, another Cicilian saluting the King, (fetching his career) galloped within the Lists; which, as the first, was by the Hungarian in a moment vanquished: The King astonished hereat, by his Page-royal sent the Conqueror a Present; and so extolling highly his valour, commanded two fresh Champions to be admitted; which instantly was accomplished. But wavering Fortune resolved (for a time) to smile on the strange Cavaliers, did by the instinct of her Chameleon influence continually afford them victory; so that of twenty Cicilian Champions which ran that day, not one remained Conqueror, but all to their immortal shame, returned vanquished. The whole assembly admiring hereat, could not refrain from (blushing) astonishment: the which the King remarking (instantly) commanded the Triumphs for that day to break off, and so the general assembly departed. But now as the rumour hereof was bruited abroad, and almost in the Court no other news walking; our three young Princes (I mean Thalmeno Palma and Maedor) storming with disgrace to see their associates so defeated, (tickling their conceits with the consideration of honour) & fame likewise in their breasts refreshing the embers of magnanimity, they at last gave this period to their resolutions, that the very next morn (secretly) in person (maugre the effects of Fortune) they would maintain the Combat▪ Upon which resolute determination, they hied to the King's Munition-house, and there chose each of them a green Armour of Velvet, embossed with fixed Stars and Roses of pure beaten gold: But again, the better to bring their purpose to pass, they under the mask of disguise, secretly so wrought with the King, that the next morn, to decide the Combat, there should be of each side elected three chief Champions, whereof, whosoever remained Conqueror, should immortally be invested with the Olympian garland of dignified fame. Whereupon Aurora (having washed her Amber locks in the azured Plain of Thetis) no sooner with her Cynthian complexion appeared in the purpled sky, but the Drums traversing the Streets, advertised all (aswel natives as foreigners) of the King's intended resolution. The Cicilian Knights (not knowing of the three Prince's determination) prepared themselves to the Combat, and so likewise did the strangers, amongst whom, they elected three magnanimous Princes, whose names anon shall be at large related. In fine, King Druino, the Queen, the three Princesses, with the rest of the Nobility, were again seated in the Theatre, inwardly burning with desire to know on whose side (inconstant) Fortune would incline: whiles thus all things was ready, the Herald no sooner sounded to the Combat, but three strange Champions entered the Lists, being gallantly mounted and dight in silver Armour, enameled with Azure, having their Plumes all white and blue, prefiguring hope: on the contrary part, whiles the Sicilians were in contention, which three should enter: Lo, even then three gallant Cavaliers (being Sicilians) unexpectedly arrived, richly mounted upon snow-white Barbarian Coursers, apparelled in green Armour, having their Plumes crimson and white, displaying the beauty of their Ladies; the King and company admiring what these unknown Sicilians (commending their audacious valour and martial dexterity) commanded them to begin. So the two foremost having made obeisance, giving Spurs to their Jennets, very valorously advanced; at which furious encounter, they both so gloriously behaved themselves, that it was difficult to censure whose side victory did most favour, but at last the Cicilian making a short turn (as being expert in those martial actions) planting his Lance in his enemy's Crest, very gallanty bore him of the Saddle, to the no little rejoicing of the whole Assembly, which for ravishing applause shouted amain. The second stranger, not any thing daunted with his fellows misfortune, very courageously set forwards; who being by the next Cicilian as bravely met, were both (at first) very near dismounted: In which triumphant Combat, having broken their Lances (and sent the shivers in the Air to band with Mars) they retired; but no sooner were they furnished by their Pages with fresh Lances, but giving spurs to their Coursers, they again advanced, where the Cicilian so gallantly behaved himself, that at the next encounter he forced both horse and man to the ground, yea and with such a terrible fury, that the whole assembly conjectured he had given the world his (last) fatal farewell; which the third strange Champion perceiving (as having his valorous courage inflamed with honour) with an undaunted resolution gave Spurs to his Jennet; so the last Cicilian Knight perceiving his approach, with a fierce audacity ran to encounter him, where betwixt these warlike h●r●●ical Martialists so many valorous feats of Chivalry were demonstrated, that the whole assembly reaped exact applause by prospecting the object of so rare a Combat ●ut to conclude, as the in●●●ence of time giveth a full period to all terrestrial accidents, so in the twinkling of an eye, this strange Cavalier was by the Cicilian Knight most famously vanquished, to the no little rejoicing of the joyful spectators, and also to the delicious applause of the King himself, who for this fortunate victory (erecting Trophies of contentation in the Centre of his Capacity) came himself in Person to gratify these conquerors with his royal thanks: When (being unarmed) espying them to be his Son Thalmeno, with the other two Princes Palma and Maedor, having his conceits elevated within the Eden of delectation, very courteously went and embraced them, triumphing in the Conquest of their audacious ma●nanimities. The Queen likewise being advertised of this unlooked for news, accompanied with the three Princesses, Athelia, Mersilva, and Florina (together with a glistering troop of Ladies) came likewise to salute them, and so (after many amorous speeches were past) conducted them in a most triumphant manner to the Palace; where they were no sooner arrived, but burning wi●h desire to know what these vanquished Knights were, they so wrought with the King, that he presently dispatched a Nobleman of his (gallantly followed) to request them to the Court; when instantly, those vanquished Cavaliers (nothing daunted with the infidelity of misfortune) accompanied with many Troops of valorous Knights (with a gallant resolution) directed their pace to the Court, where passing the silver Hall and golden Gallery, they were conducted to the dignified Chamber of Presence, where the King, Queen, and Princesses, under a glorious Canopy of purple embossed with Diamonds, attended their arrival; at whose entrance, descending their Thrones of Estate, they advanced to salute them. But now remark the mutability of fortune; for our three beautiful Paragons presenting themselves before their Presence (with intent to salute them) and glancing their eyes upon the physiognomy of their complexion, immediately perceived them to be their (unexpected) natural Fathers; the sudden sight whereof so daunted their contemplations, that betwixt love and fear, they prostrateing themselves to their feet, very instantly fell to the ground, demanding pardon; At which comical accident the Cavaliers prying more seriously upon their bashful complexions, found them absolutely to be their only daughters; so that natural affection constraining them ●o rain fountains of tears from the Conduits of their eyes, being in conceit ravished with the joyful alarum-bell of this unlooked for news, they elevated them again on their feet, and so banding their sight each upon others countenances, they in the plaudity of that heavenly contemplation a long time remained silent; but at last accumulating their wits before the throne of discretion, and steeling their tongues with the phrase of joyful acclamation, they in sighing for breathed out these speeches:  
Welcome sweet Daughters to your (once) sorrowful Fathers, and millions of thanks to celestial deity for investing our eyes with the desired object of your beautiful personages: Which King Druino with his Queen no sooner overheard, but perceiving them to be the happy Parents of these virtuous Ladies, in most affectionatewise graciously went and saluted them, blessing the divine hour which afforded them the honour of their presence, and tightly rejoicing in that by their arrivals they were made so exceedingly fortunate. The three Angelical Princesses all this while having their pleasant countenances metamorphosed to sorrowful complexions, with tears in their eyes stood trembling for timerosity, fearing lest their Fathers would rebuke them for their disobedient audacity. The which their Father's perceiving, (but not supposing that either of them were married) with cheerful countenances demanded the cause of their disconsolations; who having their senses overvailed partly with sorrowful fear, and partly with natural affection, dying their visages with a vermilion-blush, stood merely silent, as trembling to incamp the avantguard of their speeches. The which King Druino remarking, very boldly stepped to their Fathers, and related him, That being married without your Princely condescents, he supposed they doubted to discover it, fearing lest they should (deservedly) incur the livery of your indignation. Married! quoth their Fathers; why, to whom? Surely, quoth Druino, Athelia to Prince Thalmeno my Son and heir apparent to my Crown; Mersilva to Prince Palma Son to Blithgora King of Egypt, and Florina to Prince Maedor son to Orlando King of Biafara. The which these Kingly Parents no sooner understood, but triumphing in that their Daughters were so honourably matched, they amorously went, and most sweetly embraced them: King Druino seeing them herewith divinely contented, determining to add more applause to their ravished conceits, told them likewise that it were those three dignified Gallants (their Sons in Laws) that so valorously had conquered them; which again administering more joy to the plaudity of their pleasant imaginations, did so tickle their conceits with Nectar applauds, that they desired they might fix their eyes upon the object of their Sons personages, which immediately was performed; For our Heroical young Princes no sooner understood the Zephir news of this strange novelty, but instantly posting to their presence, they very obediently saluted them, imploring pardon for their audacious enterprises, which with a gracious benign reply was soon granted them, and so embracing them (in their daughter's sights) with a sweet affectionate sympathy, they in public view generally from their hearts, ratified that which before was solemnly solemnised. King Druino perceiving this unexpected Heroical meeting, remarking how these sweet Martialists of affection were with their sweet Paragons fortunately united, failed not in most triumphant order to embellish this dignified Assembly with sumptuous bravery: So as banqueting these foreign Kings with such Princely entertainment as was befitting their Majestical personages, ●e a long time retained them in his Cicilian Kingdom, to the no less applause of his faithful Subjects, than admiration of all foreign spectators; many days were expired in solemnising these sumptuous Triumphs, the dignified honour whereof mounting the skies, will till eternity redound to the Sicilians immortal fame. The three renowned Kings seeing it now high time to draw homewards, (because they knew the public affairs of their Kingdoms required their presence) repaired themselves to depart; and so gratifying King Druino for their Royal entertainment (as also taking their gracious Congee of the Queen and the Nobility of Cicilia) they at last (with their Princely Sons and Daughters) most sumptuously embarked themselves: when a favourable Zephir gale blowing them from the Cicilian coast, did most pleasantly reconduct them in safety to their own Kingdoms: so as Thalmeno being with his fair Athelia arrived in the Territories of Zanfara, Palma wi●h his sweet Mersilva in the Country of Bohemia, & Maedor with his dear Florina in the confines of Numidia, they all very contentedly there lived in the height of most amorous affection: till at last death (by the Dart of Thanatos) as summoning the aged Parents to pay nature her due, and being deprived from the vanity of this earthly Kingdom, to be invested Saints in the Celestial Monarchy, Our young Princely Martialists of love were in their stead most triumphantly Crowned, where living in delectable tranquillity, they along time reigned to their hearts continual comfort, their souls eternal contentation.  
FINIS.   

The Author's conclusitive Epistle to the (Gentlemen) Readers.  
GEntlemen, having finished the essence of this my peevish Pamphlet, and given (for a while) my Rustical Muse exact Congee (securely) to repose in the vastal grave of silence; I began to excogitate with my capacity, whether I should produce this my abortive Else before the Theatre of the world's contemplation, or else (with the Midwives of Egypt) make the joyful hour of his projection, the (untimely) sepulchre of his fatal catastrophe, so that premeditating seriously in so Tragi-comical a conflict, how to circumference my conceits within the (desired) Lists of (amiable) unity; I at last in the Chaos of my distempered cerebrosity, felt the citadel of my thoughts to be very dangerously assaulted by two martial and mortal Rivals, the one was called Discretion, the other Nature; which with authentical motives (before the Bar of my capacity) artificially pleaded for a definitive sentence: first began Discretion, who with the physiognomy of a cheerful countenance, solicited, that in this golden age of Poetry (wherein Invention hath pierced the Air, and is long since Charactered in the Sky) I should not presume to attribute wings to my Eagled Muse, but rather nip her audacious Plumes, and so compel her to observe a lower Climate, ●hich might best correspond with the influence of 〈◊〉 imbecility: An ardent desire I had to allow of ●is exhortation; but Nature instantly (with tears 〈◊〉 her eyes, and her sorrowful hair dandling about 〈◊〉 ruthful cheeks) began with penitential sigh● 〈◊〉 plead for audience, and so submissively prostrating herself to my feet, spoke as followeth: Imbrue 〈◊〉 thy (Cynthian) hands in the innocent blood of 〈◊〉 Pamphlet; but rather cherish him with care, project him to the world, and commit him to his ●ortune. Which having pronounced, they both in 〈◊〉 moment vanished, and so left me desolate to the contemplation of a Legion of restless encumbrances. Being thus tostica●ed in the surges of perplexity, and almost ingulph'd in the brinish ocean of my ●ears, I began to ponder on some speedy invention which might free me from accustomed aggravation: but continually finding my mirth diverted to misery, and my exhileration to dolefulness, I again (from Scylla to Charybdis) fell into the dedale of effeminate despair: but at last delicious consolation (presenting me with the (Ariadne's) thread of comfort) brought me out of the labyrinth of perplexity, by falling to this (peremptory) resolution, to betake my Elf to the world, thereby to enjoy the Nectar of a future peaceable tranquillity. So now Gentlemen, by virtue of the premises, I here send you my Pamphlet, not apparelled in Arcadian suits, nor embellished in Fairy ornaments, but rather wrapped in a threadbare mantle of Simplicity, stitched with Ignorance, lined with Illiterature, and faced with Folly; wherein you shall find nothing (by the 〈…〉 polished, but 〈…〉 Aphranius) imperfect, and to 〈◊〉 every Line wanting the dulcet (stillified) meth●● of (these our times) ingenius (Parnassus) curio●●●ty; nevertheless my poor unsavoury Poem was ●●●●destinated to be seen; and therefore, what the 〈◊〉 impose for a period, I have not presumed to contr●●dict with denial: Now Gentlemen, having peruse (at your leisures) the harsh (discordant) phra●●● of my Pamphlet, and with unpartial contemplati●on waded through the Briars of my imbecility▪ do stand as a trembling offendor before the benig●● Bar of your favours, fearing lest meritoriously 〈◊〉 have incur●d your (choleric) indignation, in pr●●suming to consecrate my peevish Labours to 〈◊〉 stately Press; but pardon Gentlemen I beseech 〈◊〉 my audacious resolution, and at the sincere impl●●ration of my Juvenility excuse my fondling 〈◊〉 for not Charactering finer invention: mean while ●f I understand you give my Flower of Fidelity 〈◊〉 the least show of a gracious acceptance, I will 〈◊〉 Winter enforce myself to be conversant with 〈◊〉 Muses, and compel my quill to quaff a (Nectar dram at the sacred font of Castalia, to the 〈◊〉 that the next ensuing Summer I may present yo●● capacities with some fine conceited Pamphlet greater demerit.  
JOHN REYNOLDS