The Loves OF AMANDUS AND SOPHRONIA, Historically Narrated.  
A Piece of rare Contexture, Enriched with many pleasing Odes and Sonnets, occasioned by the Jocular, or Tragical occurrences, happening in the progress of the HISTORY.  
Disposed into three Books, or Tracts By Samuel Sheppard.  
Horace,  
— Quod fi meliora novisti,  
Candidus Imparti, si non, his utere mecum.  
LONDON, Printed by G. D. for john Hardestie, to be sold at the Black Spread-eagle in Ducklane, 1650.   

LEt the Reader be pleased to Censure mildly of the Printer, by whose oversight, are these Erratas.  
Pag. 2. for Permitias read Premitias.  
Pag. 9 for Lunary read Luminary.  
Pag. 25. for Uronea read Pronea.  
Pag. 73. for desert read Dissect. for Rapide r. Rabbide.   

CANDIDO ET CORDATO  
Amico foelici Genio, perspicaci, Ingenio, johan. Mane De (—) Baronetto Eoque titulo, vere digno  
SAMUEL SHEPPARD, hosce extremos Amatorum Amplexus Animi permitias, Solennique officio perfunctas humil  
i'm.  
Dedit, Dicavit, Dedicavit.  
Cloth-Faire, August 20. 1650.   

To the Author on his Excellent Romantic Piece.  
THe Privilege that pens do find  
'Mongst men, comes short unto the mind,  
For mental Cabinets do yield  
No jot unto the Critics shield:  
If thoughts might crown deserts, I dare  
Give to my Pen the largest share.  
But when our Vultures begin to gnaw,  
I'll cease for fear, and say 'tis Law;  
It's better fail of debt, then be  
Honest, in terms, of flattery;  
I hate the thought, I'll freely give  
My Verdict, which perhaps may live  
'Gainst Calumny. If Learning may  
With Wit, win Fame, thou hast the day.  
Crowned be thy brows with lasting Bays,  
Who giv'st a Form to future days:  
If witness may be lawful, then  
I'll swear it shall fear no Vote of men;  
But to thy evershining Glory,  
The times to come shall hug thy Story.  
J. BOURNE.   

To my much honoured Friend, the Author, on his History of Amandus and Sophronia. In a Dialogue, between Menander and Museus.  Menan. 
MUseus, how dost brook to be  
Thus rivalled?  Mus. 
Fate doth find I see  
'Tis fit, all Glory should not die  
Entailed unto our memory,  
Where's thy Aglaia?  Men. 
Where is laid  
Thy much renowned Sestian Maid?  Mus. 
Beneath a myrtle.  Men. 
So is mine  
Prattling, with Queen Proserpina.  
Mine laughs.  Mus. 
Mine weeps.  Men. 
Mine joys to find  
Another of as rich a mind.  Mus. 
But Venus' Priestesse is in grief,  
She now no longer shall be Chief,  
But with Leander must give way  
T' Amandus, and Sophronia.  
JOHN HALL. Collegij Regnalis Canta. in Artibus Magistro.   

In Authorem Amicissimum suum, Encomiasticon.  
LAdies, you that hug the Quill  
Of Renowned Astrophil  
Here, behold a second Birth,  
Tasting of Sydnean worth.  
For Pyrocles, here, you may  
Find an Amandus, every way  
His Rival; in Clodomer view  
Basilius, and his humour too:  
This is so like in every limb  
To Sidney, that 'twas got by him  
I' de swear, but I should injure then  
One of our noblest Shepherds Pen.  
See how the Learned shades do meet,  
And like Aerial shadows fleet,  
More in number than were spied  
To flock 'bout the Dulichian Guide.  
The first, Museus, then Catullus,  
Then Naso, Flaccus, and Tibullus;  
Then Petrarch, Sidney, none can move  
Shakespeare out of Adonis' Grove,  
There sullenly he sits; but these  
Admire thy novel Rhapsodies.  
Dear Friend, which ever shall subsist,  
Spite of Oblivion's hiding-mist.  
ANTHONY DAVENPORT.   

THE LOVES OF AMANDUS AND SOPHRONIA.  

The First Book.  

CHAP. I.  
Ambassadors (from divers parts of Europe) arrive at Verona, the occasion thereof. Rhoxenor courts Sophronia. Her Reply. He resolves her Ruin.  
ANciently there Reigned a very Potent King over the Kingdom of Lombardie, named Clodomer, who, by his Queen (Lucinda) had one only Son, called Rhoxenor, a Prince of Exquisite Feature, who, as he attained years, became Splendidly Eminent, for his Inclination to, and his unparalleled Industry in, the Study of the Sciences; to which, (that nothing might be wanting, to make him more than a mere mortal) his Deportment commanded an expectation of Majestic Magnanimity, and Magnanimous Majesty, to the envy of neighbouring Kings, and to the ineffable joy of his Princely Parents.  
Coming unto years of maturity (so that now without prejudice to Truth he might write himself, Man) he seemed, some golden Casket  with Diamonds: the eyes of all men were fixed on him, as ordained by Heaven, for a Superexcellent Mirror, whose very reflection should dim the Splendour of all Former, and Future Kings: Their expectations, labouring with an ardent desire, to see their young Prince fettered, in the pleasing Bands of Matrimony, the main Remora (in their apprehensions) being his high Descent, and innate Worth, which seated him on so proud a Pinnacle, that nothing, save a continuance in his single Capacity, could preserve his Splendour unsullied, and his Glory un-eclipsed, they could have been content, that their Phoenix should have made himself his own Mate, and his own Heir, save that they were sensible, another Rhoxenor would not spring out of his ashes.  
But what Mortality had ever yet a durable existence of itself? What more virtuous Prince then Nero, the first five years? The Father of us all, retained his pristine purity for some hours in the Garden. The Effigy of Byancha, Daughter to the King of Hungary: The Resemblance of Leonora, Heir apparent to the King of Poland; and the lively Portraiture of Dulciana, (whose living substance was courted by the most famous Princes of Europe) Daughter to the Emperor of Almain, brought by several Ambassadors, sent from the aforesaid Kings, all using their utmost Oratory to win Rhoxenors' assent, in the behalf of their several Masters, bringing with them (as Advocates) many rich presents, were frustrated of their hopes, by his peremptory negation, to their exceeding grief and astonishment,  
Now, if you demand the reason of this strange averseness in Rhoxenor, I shall tell you, that Lust, outrageous, injurious, destructive Lust, was the impediment that hindered his compliance, which had taken such sure hold on his heart, that it was impossible for the hand of Temperance to dislocate the Usurper, without pulling the panting lump from its strings; nor was Rhoxenor able (though he indefagitably endeavoured it) to conjure down this Fiend, that his own indiscreet passions had raised, so that he was every way surrounded with inevitable dangers, Scylla on the right hand, and Charybdis on the left; Aetna on the left hand, and Avernus on the right; (with Maedea) he saw, and knew the horror of his Crime, and yet (thrust forward by unavoidable destiny) he could not but proceed in the perpetration thereof.  
And that, though he knew this would occasion his own loss of former Honour; his Royal Parents Rage and Grief; Amandus (once his alter idem, having been bred up with him from his Cradle, now upon his return from castigating the Girpideses, the Soldiers unanimously and cordially affecting him) his assured hate and vengeance, besides the ugliness of the Act, in wronging so noble a friend, together with the hazard of the Nobilities, Gentry's, and People's revolt; yet to enjoy (indeed force) Sophronia (already affianced to Amandus) he is content to lose all, and to make himself wretched, for the fruition of that (which if forced) is (in truth) the worst of misery.  
Long (during Amandus' absence) he conversed with the chaste Sophronia (whom the King for Amandus' sake had appointed a residence near his own lodgings) rather like a Brother then a Lover. [So the Wolf, and the Lamb, converse in amity, till maturity divulge how differently Nature hath allotted them] Love, (if I may call it Love) by degrees (like supplanting Ivy) wound about his heart, till at last it mastered his Senses, over-topping and triumphing over all his Powers; so that [after many apparent signs of his inward Ardour, more than ever Naso prescribed in his Art of Love, which Sophronia did, but would not seem to apprehend] he burst out into a plain language, thus uttering his desires.  
Madam,  
I Have endeavoured (with a more than masculine resolve) to suppress those passions, and to extinguish those flames, which have a long time hovered about my heart, but find it beyond my force, not to write, when Nature herself dictates. (Lady) I love you, love you above Heaven, or Honour (both which [in all probabilities] I am like to forfeit for your sake) I am not ignorant of your affiancing to Amandus, but (dear Mistress) consider my Birth with his Fortunes, and my Estate with his Wealth, and you cannot (sure) relinquish the gold, and desire the brass; this heavenly beauty was not ordained for less than a Throne, and it were an injury to Divinity itself, to have these Temples adorned, with aught save a Diadem; it is in you (excellent Mistress) to make Rhoxenor, more than man, or to uncreate him, (which alone your denial can do) and to precipitate him, from an Heaven of content and happiness, to an Hell of distraction and misery.  
You may imagine, how this unlooked for narration, amazed poor Sophronia, (a Lady excellently virtuous) and whose heart was as immovably fixed on Amandus, as ever the Sestian Heros on her adventurous Leander, or the unfortunate Thysbes, on her hapless Pyramus, whose blood gave the first tincture to the Mulberry, her cheeks died in more perfect Purple, than Monarches put on when they mourn, she returned him this answer:  
Sir,  
Your language (which I wish I had been deaf to) gives me cause to suspect, that some saucy Devil (to be thought an Angel of light) hath cheated Rhoxenor, of his form; for sure, Prince Rhoxenor (I mean King Clodomers' Son) whom Fame canonizeth, for the store-house of Virtue, and the mirror of mankind, cannot be such a Traitor to his own fame, and his friend's honour, or imagine Sophronia, so light of soul, as to prove false to her faith, to be the greatest Princess in the world.  
Having thus said, (the vehemency of her expression, well denoting the perplexity of her mind) she fling from him, in a (sober) rage, and the Garden door being open (for Rhoxenor the more opportunely to discover himself, had invited her into the privy Garden, adjoning to the Palace) she forsook the Prince, and retired to her Chamber.  
He, as much astonished at her stern reply, as she grieved, for his dangerous solicitation, stood a while, like one Planet struck; you would have taken him (had your eyes visited him in that agony) for some shaped Statue, carved by some cunning Dedalus: but at length, his lost senses (like truant Servants) returning to their obliged exercises, smiting his hand on his breast (quoth he) I perceive, I may sooner catch a falling Star, or make a bonfire in the Seas bottom, then win the favour of this icy piece; and therefore (for the future) I shall (with Aesop's Fox) despise the fruition of that, which in affecting, I cannot attain; yet shall she know, that Princes must of necessity, either love affectionately, or hate deadly; and since myself must not enjoy her, I will so contrive, that Amandus shall not: having uttered this, in a great rage, he left the Garden, and departed towards the Palace, in so moody a manner, that none of his Attendance, durst speak to him; and to those Lords that saluted him, he returned no answer, to the exceeding amazement of the Court, who wonder at (but cannot guess) the cause of his change of cheer; the people whispering variously, but nothing truly, according to the wildness of their fancies.  
Thus he, who not many months since, seemed to rival that Prince of Planets, the Sun, for translucency, and clearness, will now scarce serve for a Lunary in Archimedes Sphere, So great is the folly, that cometh of Wisdom, and so dreadful is the wickedness, that ariseth out of the ashes of a dead virtue.   

CHAP. TWO  
Rhoxenor exceedingly perplexed, Cheribrert discovers the cause of his dolour; his wicked counsel, he undertakes the business about Sophronia.  
SO great was Rhoxenors' anguish, conceived, for the late repulse offered him by Sophronia, aggravated by his innate assurance, that his hopes were for ever buried in the Lathe of her chaste Love to Amandus, that he scarce refrained to offer violence to his own Person; and though Cheribrert his creature (though his Father's Counsellor) and to whom he had hitherto unboweled himself upon all occasions, was importunately solicitous, to gain from him the least part of that which occasioned his sorrow; yet it seemed he had exchanged tongues with some Fish, no answer was returned to any of his demands: so that it was all one, as if he had entered into dialogue with a Statue, or expected a responsion, from the painted mouth of a Picture on the wall, to the great grief of Clodimer, and Lucinda, who mourned for their Son as he were now to be inhumed, or were already sleeping in a sheet of Lead.  
In this dolorous distracted condition, he abode the space of eight days, eating little, and sleeping less, till one day (as he was tossing himself on his Couch) Cheribrert, unawares entering in, and standing a while at the door, to listen if he could hear the Prince pronounce the least particle, that might give him an hint of that which afflicted him, he heard him use these words to himself;  
Ah Sophronia, thus thy unkindness, will procure the certain ruin of thyself, and me, and endanger the devastation of a flourishing Kingdom.  
Cheribrert, glad of this Intelligence, as if he had heard nothing, enters in, after his wont manner, and (as his usual custom was) besought him, now at last to discover his grief; for (quoth he) be confident (Sir) of cure, if it be in the power of Heaven, Earth, or Hell to afford it: But finding him still wedded to his wont taciturnity; (quoth he) my Lord, you are conscious (I am sure) of the knowledge I am famous for in Astrology; and having calculated your Nativity, and otherwise used my Art to the utmost, I find that you are in Love; Rhoxenor, starting from his Couch, at that word, stood upon his feet, (quoth he) but though (perhaps) by thy Art, thou hast found out the cause, it is not in the power of gods, or men to prescribe the cure: My Lord (quoth Cheribrert) (having ever born a deadly hate to Amandus.)  
Trees, that will not bend, are as easily broken; 'tis at your discretion, though you cannot take in the Town by Siege, to shake it to dust, with your battery; by all that's sacred, and the bright Genius of this place, I vow to sacrifice soul and body to purchase your content, though your commands extended to the kill of my Father.  
Quoth Rhoxenor) and therewith fetched a deep sigh, grating his teeth) Take then the dreadful secret into thy bosom, I love Sophronia (Amandus betrothed wife) but her Person I must never expect to enjoy, which though I am content to believe; yet such is the rigour of my temper, that the damned endure not more unexpressable torments in hell, than I, when I but entertain a thought, that Amandus, or any else, shall have the fruition of that Paradise, from entering into which, a Cherubin (with a flaming Sword) is my Remora; I would fain work the coy Sophronia, some deep disgrace, and so contrive, that Amandus may be made incapable of her embraces.  
To this Cheribrert (laughing aloud) answered; And hath this sleight business (my Lord) occasione● all this ado, to the dishonour of yourself, the grief of Clodomer, and Lucinda, and the general discourse, and distraction of the whole Realm? by the Soul of the world (my Lord) you have most indiscreetly fooled yourself.  
Why (quoth Rhoxenor) dost thou make so slight of it?  
Yes, (quoth Cheribrert) for is it not in you, to dispose of Sophronia, and Amandus, as you shall think fit? are they not your Subjects, and Servants, are not (or ought not) their lives and estates, to be at your appointment, as other your Father's Subjects, whose Heir aparent you are? Depute me (my Lord) for the managing of this business, and if I act not like another Mercury, wittily, yet like another Saturn, malevolently, decapitate me, and fix this head on the chief Gate of the City.  
I ever (quoth Rhoxenor) have found thee cordially fidelious, do but do as thou hast indented, and expect what wealth, or honour thou canst covet, while Clodomer lives, and when his death, puts the Diadem upon my head, to be my only favourite.  
I (quoth Cheribrert) shall esteem the fulfilling of your commands, rewards sufficient. I joy that Fate hath found out away for me, to express the loyal duty I own to your Highness.  
And so for that time they departed one from another, the Prince to the Court, and Cheribrert to his own mansion.   

CHAP. III.  
Cheribrert (by the aid of Flavia, Sophronias' Woman) betrays Sophronia to the censure of the Law, the manner thereof.  
Wonderful it is to consider, how great an influence the interior parts of man, have on his exterior; Rhoxenor had almost vexed himself to a Skelleton, but now [relying on Cheribrerts' ability, for the accomplishment of his wicked designs] his mind being calmed, his whole Microcosm resumed its wont vigour.  
[So the vegetables of the earth, when the frosty hand of Hiems hath despoiled them of their verdant garments, remain (for a time) as it were, sapless; but when Hyperion brings on the spring, they are again adorned in their summer glory] Rhoxenor hath the same health (though not the same purity) he formerly enjoyed, to the general rejoicing of all men.  
But now was Cheribrert devizing how to express himself a faithful Servant, to his ignoble Master, sometime he resolves on this, but then another consideration proves it abortive: now he proposeth that, as the surest, and most facile way; but cogitating how it may prove in the Catastrophe, he waveth it, as suggested by the Fiends to his own ruin; at length he concluded on a way, most probable, for the effecting of his designs, which was this:  
The virtuous Sophronio had an Handmaid, whom she peculiarly reflected on, named Flavia; her he had a long time endeavoured to win to his lascivious embraces, with all manner of rich gifts, and fair promises, but had still failed in his hopes; the Virgin's breast being Armour of proof, against all the fiery assaults of this Fiend; yet in case he could affect her honourably, in the way of marriage, she denied not, to meet his love with equal Fervour: By this Virgin's means, he doubted not (though one would think he had cause enough to be diffident) to fulfil his engagement to Rhoxenor, and attain his proposed ends.  
With all speed therefore he resorts to Flavia, (who was hardly drawn to accompany him, imagining he yet came to demand that which she never meant to give) and having declared unto her his (seeming) noble intents (to make her his Wife, and sharer with him, in all he could call his) she looked upon him with a more pleasing aspect then hitherto she had done; her gesture proclaiming, she applauded his intents, and with him would cheerfully accord to sing Paeans to Hymen.  
Having assured her his reality, with many oaths and imprecations, calling the immortal Gods to witness the Integrity of his heart (quoth he)  
My dear, since now nothing wants, save some few ceremonious Forms, to make us one flesh, Heaven forbidden we should deny to accomplish any thing one for another, not beyond our ability to perform. So it is, that the Prince Rhoxenor (upon thy life, wear the secret next thy heart) is deeply enamoured on thy Mistress, who he hath solicited in as acquaint Oratory, as ever Demosthenes, Quintilian, or Tully were masters of, yet neither his words, presents, or promises, have proved of force enough to thaw her frosty chastity: Now, it is in thee, to gain him the fruition of his desires, and to make me (thy Husband) great in Riches and Honours; I know, she permits none to have nature's best benefit by her save thee; too morrow night therefore, the Prince Rhoxenor, adorned with these very garments thou hast on, shall slip into thy Mistress bed, which happiness, when he hath once attained, if he lose the fruition of his bliss by Cowardice, let Cupid break his head with his Bow, or Venus strangle him with her Ceston.  
Flavia, stood a while in a Dilemma, not knowing what answer to return, yet at length (Oh the frailty of woman kind, who, if they resist the assault the one way, are easily surprised by the other) she consented to act according to his prescription.  
Thus she whose chastity could not be undermined by lust, or gain, had her fidelity blown up by the hope of conjugal Wealth, and matrimonial Honour.  
Night now drew her Curtain o'er the World, and the chaste Sophronia preparing for Bed, was enforced to use the aid of some other Handmaid, Flavia (by Cheribrerts' advice) keeping out of the way on purpose. Sophronia entering her Bed, seemed like Bow-armed Diana, stripping herself of her ornaments, intending to bathe her Deified body in some Crystal Fountain, she was (indeed) an Adornment to that which Adorned her; the Arts, which other Ladies use to add to the Lustre of their Beauties, would have dimmed her natural exquisite Splendour: So great were her outward Perfections, that, not Paetrarch, or Sidney, (were they alive) could find pertinent Elocution, suitable to her Eulogy: So glorious were her inward endowments, that none save Apollo himself, or rather the tongue of some Cherub, can speak them.  
By this time pernicious Cheribrert had so dealt with a servant of his (not worse Officer than the Groom of his Stable) whom he had decked (with the Jay recorded by Aesop) in Flavia's Plumes, and with fair words, and rich promises, had so fortified his courage, that he resolutely entered Sophronia's Chamber, (having received the key of the door from Flavia, in whom Sophronia reposed so great confidence, that she made her [as it were] the Guardianess of her person) the fellow being entered, found the Excellent Lady fast asleep (so fatal was her chance, and so direful her destiny) rejoicing thereat, he beckoned to Rhoxenor and Cheribret (who stood at the stair-foot) to come up, who did so, and with easy motion planted themselves in a corner of the room, behind the Arras, while the fellow went to bed; no sooner in, but Cheribrert and the Prince left their station, and with loud cries, awaked the  Lady, who, amazed at the suddenness of the thing, and wondering to behold Cheribrert, and Rhoxenor, by her bed's side, also perceiving the door of her Chamber wide open, but looking upon the slave that had adventured into her bed, and finding him not to be Flavia, with a loud shreitch she leapt out of the bed, and was entertained by the Prince, into his Arms, though not with a Lovers embraces  
O horror (quoth Cheribrert) calling his man by his name) what saucy Fiend prompted thee to this villainy, to the never to be obliterated infamy of our Noble General, Amandus, the deep disgrace of all Ladies in this Kingdom; Heaven knows how often she hath sated her salt lust with this stallion, and therewithal, he thrust a poniard to the fellow's heart.  
Thou mayst report it in the other World (quoth he) but never in this, that thou hast had to do with so beauteous a Lady▪  
O Heaven (quoth Rhoxener) is this your love to Amandus (Lady) what woman may be trusted? We give our Souls to the Devil for a little Lechery, and a woman makes the Contract. Was this the occasion I appeared so despicable in your eyes, an horse-heel-rubber your Paramour; by all the Gods, I tremble to think of your degenerate dotage, and had not mine eyes been witnesses of this horror, I should not have credited the Narration, had Apollo pronounced it: But be your sin to yourself, your Lecher hath paid for his wharfage already, and is now entering into Charon's boat: For your part (though your life be forfeit by the Law) both trial, and execution shall be adjourned, till Amandus have resigned his Wreath at the feet of Fame, and shall have opportune leisure to hear the History of his own shame.  
The betrayed Sophronia, was so vassalized to terror, that she could not speak one word, but swooned away, so that they were forced to show her some small courtesy against their wills, (such as the Spanish Inquisitors extend to those they put to the Rack, give them some respite to recover their limbs anew, and more fiercely to torment them) and to put her into her bed, for her recovery.  
Cheribrert, uncasing his dead Hireling, left him on the floor, throwing his own habit (which he beware under his woman's weed) over him, and putting Flavia's gown under his cloak, departed, with Rhoxenor to the Palace, of whom, read more in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. IU.  
Sophronia (by the King's command) carried Prisoner to Castle Angellina: Her Deportment there.  
THe Prince, having finished this unprincely work (by the help of his wretched Instrument, Cheribrert, to whom he promised great rewards for this service) resorts to the King his Father, to whom he declares the debauchery of Sophronia, Cheribrert seconding the same, and adding, that he was so exasperated, and vassalized to passion at the knowledge thereof, that he had justly (though unadvisedly) slain his own Servant (her Paramour) with his poniard. Clodomer (who little suspected the treachery of Rhoxenor, and Cheribrert) after some dispute with those about him, concluded to commit her prisoner to Castle Angellina, there to remain, till time should further their intents for her trial, and punishment.  
Unfortunate Sophronia was hardly reconciled to her gadding Senses, when the Captain of the Guard (furnished with plenary power to apprehend, and seclude her person) came to convey her to the place appointed; to whose power, she willingly submitted, like some innocent Lamb, environed by a crew of ravenous Wolves, her Innocence, was her Shield; her Purity, her Defence; her Chastity, her Solace; and her Sanctity, her Sanctuary.  
Being come to the Castle, (or rather Casket, appointed to retain so inestimable a Jewel) she was received by the Keeper thereof, whose wife, an old Crone, more deformed of mind, than body, took upon her to provide for her, lodging her in a chamber on the North-side of the Castle, so near the Sea, that sometimes Neptune watered the very windows thereof, where, taking a coal from the hearth, she wrote these verses on the wall.  

Ye fair Nereids, who love to sweep  
(In sedgy Chariots drawn) the foaming deep;  
Thou chaste Actea, and Uronea sage,  
Cymodoce, that Neptune canst assuage,  
Themiste, Nemertea, Spio, all  
Ye seed of Doris, harken to my call.  
I am Sophronia, by base lust betrayed  
By Prince Rhoxenor, in a dungeon laid:  
Chant you my name aloud in Thetis Court,  
And wealthy Rhea, she will thank you for't;  
Or else convey the Story of my woe  
To my Amandus (oh) did he but know  
My Innocence occasions me this ill,  
Clodomer, and Rhoxenor both, he'd kill;  
But do not as I wish, I speak in passion,  
Clodomer is the Father of my Nation,  
His Son our Hope and Prop, here let me die;  
Yet if I hap to have an Obsequy,  
This Epitaph insculp upon my Tomb.  

Here by the destinies injurious doom  
Hapless Sophronia lies, killed in her prime  
For to be truly chaste was all her crime.    
After she had finished these Verses, she sat her down, resolved to bear patiently whatsoever the will of Heaven should appoint, with as little repining, as her causeless sufferance, and womanish frailty would permit; where for a while I must leave her, for it is high time we visited Amandus, and accompanied him into his own Country.   

CHAP. V.  
Amandus (having conquered the Girpids) returns Victorious to Verona. His Solemn Entertainment.  
WHile Rhoxenor and Cheribrert were applauding their fortunate success in the late business, managed against Sophronia; Rhoxenor pleasing himself with the thought of Sophronia's dolour, and Cheribrert promising himself that this would prove the praeludium to Amandus' downfall, knowing how strongly he was persuaded of his Mistress Chastity. Amandus (having approved himself the Master of Mavors, and taught the Girpids, who, being tributary to the Lombard's, had rebelled, that the Lombard's merited the Supremacy, excelling them both in Wisdom, and Valour) with his chief Captains, Venantius, Palladius, Pallante, and others (after 11 months' absence) returned towards his own Country, with many Prisoners, and rich Spoil, the people strowing Flowers, and presenting him with Gifts all the way, calling him their PRESERVER, his COUNTRY'S CHAMPION, and the WARS GLORY; all which, he accepted with such a Deportment, as neither manifested he was proud of their Applause, or scorned their Kindness.  
In this manner, he marched towards Verona, not far from whence, the King Clodomer, Queen Lucinda, Prince Rhoxenor, Cheribrert, and all of the Council, with infinite numbers of the Gentry on Horseback, and an innumerable number of the Vulgar on foot, came out to meet him, in this manner.  
First came the King Clodomer, wrapped in Ermines skins, on his head, the Diadem of Lombardie, on a stately Jennet, trapped with Gold, a Canopy of Tyrian Silk, with Gold Fringe, borne above his Head, by four Noble men of especial note, on each side of him (for he was a lover of learning, and learned men) a venerable Bishop, the one named Otho, the other Othello, in their pontifical Attire, mounted on red Horses (to signify, that by them the Almighty power dispenseth his Judgements and mercies.)  
Then followed all the Nobility of that Kingdom (according to their several Gradations) clothed and mounted like petty Princes, as you see in a sharp winter night, when the lesser Luminaries of Heaven are congregated [as if met in counsel, to contrive the ruin of their Sovereign Lady Phoebe] one fare exceedeth another in lustre; so was it amongst this Noble train, all strove for precedency, so that there could not be a parity: after these, came five Troops of Celestial Choristers on foot, habited in black, with Palms in their hands, singing Paeans all the way, and playing on several sorts of Instruments, to which their tuneable voices, so admirably accented, that some would needs conceit, they were now taking their journey to Elysium, with their King and his Council.  
After these, came the Prince Rhoxenor, with Cheribrert and two more, all clad (like himself) in black, their Horses of the same colour, to the exceeding wonder of all men.  
After whom, came the Queen Lucinda, mounted on an Unicorn (a woman though in years, of exceeding comeliness, tall of stature, majestic of countenance, having the work Queen, written in her forehead) with all her train of Ladies following her, decked in all the spoils of nature.  
Like so many Constellations, convened in the upper Region of the Air, their contracted lustre forced the Sun (that greedily gazed upon them, to confess, that his own Climine was rivalled by the meanest there) to muffle his glorious head in a Cloud, so that Lucinda, attended by these, seemed another Latona, gliding o'er the Spartan Tageytus, with all her train of Nymphs.  
Amandus, with Pallante, Venantius, Palladius, and the chiefest of his Commanders, drawing near the King, deserted their Horses, and standing on foot, were honoured with Clodomers' hand, which they affectionately laid their lips to; the two Churchmen, Otho, and Othello, congratulating Amandus' arrival, briefly, but pithily.  
Then came the Prince Rhoxenor, who salluted Amandus at so great distance, as (considering their affectionate intimacy formerly, beyond that of Pylades, and Orestes, or Damon, and Pythias) much amazed him; Cheribrert seemed so much ravished with joy, that the Organs of his speech, were quite damned up, yet he made many humble and obsequious congees. Amandus' found it no fit time, now, to enter into dialogue with Rhoxenor, or to inquire the cause, that had so incredibly estranged him, and therefore he refrained himself, and counterfeited a mirthful cheer, and the rather (for that the Prince having joined himself to his Father) seeing Lucinda came on, with all her beauteous train, (in the principal rank of whom, he assuredly expected to have blest his eyes, with the sight of his divine Lady Sophronia) who likewise offered Amandus, and his associate Friends, the same honour that Clodomer before had done, which they submissively accepted.  
But Amandus (none blame him for it) was in great anxiety of mind (as the oddnesse of his gesture well denoted) at the strange carriage of things, he perceived the King beheld him, but with half a face, seeming more to reflect upon his Officers (Venantius, and Palladius) than himself; then, the Prince to meet him (at such a time) in swarthy weeds, salluting him at more distance, than a country Gentlewoman would view the Lions at first time; and what was more horrible than Hell, not to have the sight of Saphronia his soul's life (whom he had left to Clodomers' tuition, and protection) these several ill boding Omens: his jealous Fancy contracted into one ominous apparancy, which prompted him to prognosticate some strange Revolution had happened during his nonresidency from Verona, yet such was the noble temper of his soul, so great his Magnanimity [emboldened by his Innocency] that heresolved, not so much as tacitly to repine, but to wait patiently, and (to humane view) contentedly, till time should make a discovery, to the clearing of all doubts, and so fortified with this (truly heroic) resolution, he set forward to the City.   

CHAP. VI  
Venantius, and Palladius, having bargained with an English Courtesan, etc. are very Scurvily handled.  
NOW for that the Reader will have enough of dolorous discourse, ere the History be brought to a period; it will not be amiss, if I recite one pleasant passage, that happened to the two Colonels, Venantius, and Palladius.  
The Girpids thus subdued, by the blessing of heaven, upon Amandus' prowess, it was thought fit, no longer to keep the Army in pay (the maintenance of which, must needs prove an intolerable burden to the Subject, especially the Kingdom not needing a visible force) and therefore Clodomer having bestowed great gratuities, and rich gifts (befitting his own magnificence, and their merits) upon the several Commanders of the Army; with a largesse to be distributed amongst the common Soldiers, commanded them Immediately to be disbanded, with a Proclamation of thanks, for their good service.  
Venantius, Palladius, Paradine, and Anselmus, the four principal Commanders under Amandus (I mention not Pallante, for he kept close to the General, entirely loving, and entirely beloved of him) these Disciples of Mars, who subsisted by blood and sweat, having now no further employment, in this Kingdom, resolved to put themselves, under the governance of the Duke Medina, General of a potent (Spanish) Army, for the invasion of Fertile France, but ere they left Verona, they swore to make trial, what Wine and Women the City afforded.  
Being much of the mind of too many martialists, managing the Army of the late King of England, whose vinall and venereal appetites have ruined the glory of all former and future Princes.  
In order to this resolution, they resort to the sign of the Goddess Venus, situate on the east side of the City, (it seems, that Pest houses, and Bawdy houses there, have equal appointment) a Tavern, kept by one Antonio Ronsardo, a Venetian, who had to wife an English woman (a Renegado from her first Mate, of comely feature) named Mariana (one, who when in England, was more afraid of a Shrove-tuesdays Battery, than a guilty Wretch to view the face of an angry Judge) here being arrived, they were soon conducted into a tippling Tenement, where they began to drink like Dutch men, Clodomers, Lucinda's, Rhoxenors', and Amandus healths were deeply cellebrated, and now being well heated with Wine, they knocked for Mariana the Mistress of the house, who came simpering into their company, like some nice Sister of the new edition; and yet ere she parted, received her Salary, to make the Beast with two backs, with one and t'other that night.  
Having received her Coin, viz. forty Crowns, she left them to their mirth, who began to roar and sing, no English Roister beyond them; Venantius (as well as his new conceived hyccup would permit) began to sing this Catch:  

Let the Camp stay,  
and the Knapsack-bearers want their pay  
till to morrow;   

We all are agreed  
that Bacchus shall bleed,  
till drinking hath drowned our sorrow.   

What gained Phillip's Son, such Conquest and Fame,  
And great Julius Caesar so glorious a Name,  
But tippling in Triumph, sans limit or aim.   
Pewh (quoth Palladius) there is no melody in these Madrigals, no Songs please me, save those that are dedicated at least by a Cupid; hear mine, and with that he began to sing this.  

Song.  
Why so coy and nice dear Lady,  
Pray you, why so nice?  
You long to make your Lord a Daddy,  
Is kissing then a vice,  
pray you, why so nice  
Why those Pearls fetched from the Ocean  
And those Gems of price?  
You know we men have heat and motian.  
These must needs entice  
maugre all advice.  
Why this Tire with care contorted,  
Why this Silkworms toil,  
And why these hairs curiously sorted  
Bedewed with sacred Oil  
save our bloods to boil?  
If Resolution arm your heart  
'Tis horrid Tyranny,  
For to transluce us with Love's Dart  
And yet no cure apply  
you are our malady.   
By this time they had sufficiently fuddled themselves; the vapourous steam of both elements, I mean, the fumosity of Wine, and the reaking scent of that Indian Weed, now so common in use, began to foment a civil war in their crazed noddles, to the infinite prejudice of their feeble brains, who now no longer able to stand upon their guard, yielded themselves captive, to the disposal of their merciless Conquerors; Paradine and Anselmus (the only moderate men of the four) made a shift to grope the way to their lodgings, but Venantius and Palladius, resolved not to give their money for nothing, although they were very diffident of some imbecility already seized on their nether nerves.  
Well, it now grew late, Mariana comes up to give them notice, that it was high time, to betake them to their rest.  
Sweet beauty (quoth Venantius) we shall not tantalise long, in expectation of your society.  
Do you doubt me (quoth Mariana) be confident, I will be better than my word to you; and so departed. They imagining, by the word Better, she intimated, that she would be with them sooner than perhaps they thought, not imagining what after happened, and doubting nothing, went to bed together.  
Now you must understand, that Mariana perceiving Venantius and Palladius, to be Commanders of the Army under Amandus (by whose Proclamation, it was death for any Officer, or Soldier, to solicit another man's wife) and well knowing, that they durst not attempt any thing afterward, should she use them for the present never so coursely, had resolved to receive their money, but not to yield them the Commodity they bargained for; and therefore had told them, that though her husband Ronsardo was out of town, yet there were so many Lodgers in the house, (who took strict notice of her actions) that she could by no means wait upon them in their own Chamber; yet (said she) if you dare run a little hazard, for the thing you seem so to affect, all my Lodgers being in bed, the lodging where you are to rest to night, stands just over my Chamber, where is a Trap-door, of which I have the key; and when I perceive all quiet, will steal up, and open it myself (but take heed you preserve no Candlle unextinguished) descending with you into mine own Chamber, where you may enjoy your wishes till morning.  
This they were so foolish to believe, and waited her approach accordingly.  
Venantius was the better Servant to Venus of the two, and therefore he enforced himself to watchfulness, but Palladius (having drank hard) was no sooner in bed, but he fell fast asleep, when not long after, up comes Mariana in the dark and finding no Candle in the Chamber.  
Oh (quoth she) this is well done, to put out the light: (quoth Venantius) although I could have wished a view of that ground I am to till, yet (for your sake Lady) I am content to act all things in tenebris: come (quoth she) all things are prepared below, there we may enjoy the reflection of a Taper without fear, which that we might do, I have on purpose planted one, in a dark lantern under the table.  
Excellent creature (quoth Venantius) this shall for ever bind me to thee, body, and soul, let us descend: then perceiving Palladius snoring by him, he endeavoured to rowz him, with pushing, and pinching, and at last, with much ado, did so.  
You are a sure card (quoth Mariana) I perceive, and in a fit capacity to cut capers.  
Hang him dullard (quoth Venantius) let him even snore till morning, I'll warrant you (Lady) you will find enough of me.  
By no means (quoth Mariana) for so we may be betrayed; the Gentleman may perhaps wake, and finding himself alone, make a clamour.  
Palladius, half drunk, half sober, between sleeping and waking, leaping out of the bed, would needs be the first that descended, which he did, departing so silently (as Venantius imagined) down the stairs, that he much marveiled thereat.  
(Quoth he) sure Palladius is acquainted with those steps, and is not so drunk as I thought him to be.  
May be so (quoth Mariana) now (Sir) take your progress, I must go last, because of locking the door, that nothing may be discerned in the morning.  
Venantius, hastily putting one of his feet forward to find a stair, was cheated of his expectation, and violently precipitated into a Jakes, adjacent to the common shore, where he found Palladius swearing and cursing, as he were mad.  
Mariana having lodged her Lovers, departed (laughing) to her bed.  
But Venantius and Palladius were in a very stinking condition, and almost suffocated with the norsome steam, evapourating from that heap of dung with which they were environed, almost up to the chins, so that the fear they were in, quite expelled their drunkenness, and they began now to cogitate how they might find delivery out of that dirty labyrinth, which with much ado they attained, wand'ring so long till at last they came to the head of a clear river, where they bestowed some time to cleanse themselves, and then joined noddles, to consider which way to take (naked as they were.) But that which was the greatest corasive to their minds, they concluded it impossible to recover any damages of Mariana, or to plague her for their punishment; and therefore resolving to make the best of a bad matter, they set forward very fairly towards Paradine's lodging, of whom (after some dispute) they gained admittance, where I leave them.    

THE LOVES OF SOPHRONIA AND AMANDUS The Second Book.  

CHAP. I.  
Great Revelling, and a Masque at Court, its Presentation: Amandus, in great sorrow for his Mistress.  
ARrived at Verona, Amandus gave thanks to the people for their forward zeal, who with loud Acclamations, (so that the Earth rang again) praying the Heavens to shower down their choicest blessings upon him, departed to their homes.  
This popular Applause, as it no whit contented Clodomer, so it put Rhoxenor, and Cheribrert, into a cold sweat: The King seemed highly to honour Amandus, whom the Nobles and Courtiers (who, as in a clock, are the lesser wheels, all pliable to the circular motion of the great one) generally imitated. Amandus was lodged the next Chamber to the King, who feasted him with all variety of Cates, and curious Wines: The Earth, the Sea, and Air, were all plundered of their eatable Inhabitants, so that Lucullus (had he been there) would have repined at such expensive prodigality; so that for sumptuous, and luxurious fare, not Ninus Successors; nor Cleopatra when she feasted Julius Caesar; or Mark Anthony, was comparable. Without, was continually heard the sound of Cornets, Shagbots, and Flutes: Within, the pleasing melody of Lutes, Vials, and Virginals; yet all this while no speech of Sophronia. The Prince associated Amandus, ('tis true) but so, as if he had come on Embassage to denounce war, and not as his (sometime) dear and bosom friend.  
This, Amandus seemed to take no notice of, knowing things could not long hang in suspense: This was the twelfth day that Amandus had been a Courtier, when the King commanded Linus, his chief Poet, to devise a Masque, suitable to the present occasion (to be presented on the morrow, in the golden Theatre) which Linus accordingly performed: And the King, with Rhoxenor on his Right hand, and Amandus on his Left, with all his Nobility at distance: And Lucinda, with all her Train of Ladies at her feet, all things in readiness,  
There was discovered  
The Nymph Parthenope appearing, laid along on the brink of a calm Sea, and there awaked by the noise of Trumpets and Drums; after her regreet (upon her former repose, and present miseries) Courage, and Fidelity, appeared to comfort her, who, having made a fair promise for the time to come, departed, and,  
Jupiter appeared from above, in a calm and Serene Sky, sending her, for the more assurance of his word, his Messenger, Mercury, who descended from Heaven in a Cloud, bringing with him, Peace, and Public Tranquillity, and joining with Parthenope in a dance,  
The Scene closed.  
This Device was exceedingly applauded by the King, and all there present. Amandus (though he seemed attentive) could give but a very slender account of what he had seen, and heard, the reflection of his eyes being reversed inward, and his thoughts wholly busied about Sophronia, so that (to him it appeared) he beheld a Matachin, and not a Masque.  
Yet though Poison, and Poniards, and all Instruments of ruin, were obvious to the eye of his mind, he cries, rarely plotted, and excellently presented. Sol then giving place to Diana, put his horses to pasture, in Neptune's watery Meadows.   

CHAP. II.  
The King's Discourse with Amandus in private. A Discovery of his Father's wrongs. The Prince, and Cheribrert, justify his Mistress lewdness. His distemper.  
THE King perceiving by Amandus' countenance (however embellished with feigned smiles) and his gesture, (however modellized into a pliant Garb) that he was much troubled about somewhat, that he would be glad to hear, and yet w●s afraid to ask, carrying him with him one day alone into the Privy Garden, (commanding that none whatsoever should dare to interrupt him for an hour) he entered with him into a pleasant Arbour, situate beneath a Mulberry tree, whose Fabric was fashioned of creeping Vines, intermingled with blushing Roses; sitting him down (willing Amandus to accompany him, since they were alone) he began thus to express himself.  
Amandus,  
YOu cannot be ignorant (I am sure) what a tender regard I have ever discovered towards you, from your infancy, even unto this present; I need not mention how I found you at first, with what Indulgence I have nurtured you, and to what an height of honour my smiles have raised you; though I could say your Father (I confess a Peer of great Magnanimity, and of a vast Estate) left you, a desolate Orphan (his prodigality having reduced him to such penury, that I was forced to support him out of my own Revenue▪ and I could say, that I have given you education, no whit inferior to my Son Rhoxenor; and for your capacity at present, I think I need not tell you; you cannot but find yourself to move in the Apogaeum of Honour.  
The King would have proceeded farther; but Amandus (who could no longer keep silence) thus interrupted him.  
Royal Sir,  
I Know not to what Port the wind of your praeludium may design you, nor am I greatly timorous to stand the shock of that thunder this lightning portends: But I must tell you (Sir) it is not Kingly in you, to upraid him (whom I have hitherto thought) your virtuous Candour prompted you to pitch upon, with those benefits, which you voluntarily were pleased to think him worthy of. My Father Sir, you did ill, and (were you not my King, I would tell you) basely beneath yourself, to mention, yourself occasioning his ruin, first by Banishment (so fearful were you of his growing greatness) and next by a State project, procuring a forfeiture of his goods; then indeed, having made him a Beggar, you made it your charity to afford him honourable relief, while the virtuous Euphrania, my Mother, and my fair Sister, Eudoxia, were forced to rely on an Annual Pension, stated upon them by my Uncle, than Duke of Fridland. For me, I acknowledge myself obliged in all the bonds of Gratitude, to your Princely care: But give me leave to be sensible, that my Father's Inheritance, (though it equalled not the extent of an Imperial Monarchy in limits) had he enjoyed it, had been a Dowry sufficient (in all respects) to have afforded me the same qualifications that you have bestowed: And for the Sphere wherein I now move, I know I enjoy it altogether by your suffrage, but I should injure Heaven's ordination, if I should make myself ignorant, that my actions have merited more than hath hitherto been conferred upon me.  
How often (Sir) have I been your Bulwark, and Brazen wall, suppressing Intestine Commotions, and repelling foreign Invasions; how often have I thrust my person betwixt you and danger? the very scars, (the memorial of those once gaping wounds) which in sundry mortal Battles I have received for your sake, may plead my deserts to be far above your rewards: Have I not (now lately) vanquished, and vassalized, your ancient irreconcilable enemies, the Girpids, proffering to undertake so desperate a service, when all your paper Hero's, and curtain Champions, were devising how to abscond themselves, like timorous hares, and not to meet their enemies, like undaunted Lions? Have not I— Hold (quoth the King) I perceive thou wilt soon shoot up (by the help of thine own fancy) from a pigmy, to a Pyramid.  
All thou hast done, hath been but a subjects duty, but I would have told you (Amandus) had not your passion been too predominant, over the reverence due to my person, that Sophronia, your Mistress, (at this Amandus started) is [since your absence] grown a foul lose whore.  
At this, Amandus stood like another Phineas, having viewed the head of some Gorgon, which the King perceiving, (quoth he)  
I say (Amandus) that your Mistress, Sophronia, is a traitress to your love, and her own honour.  
You would have thought Amandus had been transelemented (had you beheld him at that instant) but at length, recollecting himself a little, he answered in a distracted tone.  
But dares Clodomer report this, and not fear a Thunderbolt (with saucy Salmoneus) should pound him (as Anacharsis once in a mortar) to pieces? You are my King (Sir) I know you bear Divinity about you, which is your protection, else by the wronged innocence of that abused Lady, were you engird with circular flames, and managed oaks, with as much facility as children wield bulrushes, the hilts of this sword should kiss your heart. Sophronia falls, I will sooner believe a Panther may be made to fetch and carry like a Spaniel; the Moon drawn down by the beating on a kettle; or conceit with a Perspective Glass to peep into Heaven, as once harbour a thought, that Sophronia can be perfidious.  
The King seeing him in such a rage, began to doubt, that his Person might be endangered, and therefore thought it best to expostulate in a calm Dialect: (quoth he)  
I now see the old Proverb verified; facile credimus, quod volumus, but let not Amandus' fool himself, into a faith of that which is not, if I bring thee not apparent proof, such strong evidence, that thyself (unless madness make thee incredulous) shalt acknowledge, thou hast to long been an Heritick.  
Proof (quoth Amandus) for Heaven's sake (Sir) delight not to torture him, that honours you; why the Angels retain not more immaculate purity, than that excellent Lady lays claim to.  
I see (quoth the King) it will be hard to dis-inchaunt thee, if thou darest not give credit to my Allegation, my Son Rhoxenor, and honest Cheribrert, shall give thee more ample Testimony.  
He had no sooner uttered this, but Rhoxenor, and Cheribrert came into the Garden, the King beckoning to them to approach, which they did; Amandus not having patience, to wait the leisure of time, went to meet them, with so ireful a countenance, that they might easily guess the horror he had within, meeting them half way (quoth he) to Rhoxenor,  
Sir,  
I expect to find mercy at your hands, as you are noble, and have ever entertained a pleasing thought of Amandus, tell me plainly, and positively, is it in your knowledge, that my Sophronia is lost to that goodness, which once diefide her humid substance.  
Yes (quoth Rhoxenor) these eyes have seen that libidinous Strumpet, folded in the Arms of Cheribrerts' Groom.  
Too true my Lord (quoth Cheribrert) I must needs acknowledge, her Lecher was my Servant, a tall steel chinned fellow (the reason perhaps, why she affected him) but such was the devotion I bore to your name and honour (whose love I knew to be grounded on the firm foundation of real worth) that I slew the Caitiff with my own hands.  
Peace Screitchowle (quoth Amandus) I know thee to be Serquilinium mendaciorum, what woman may be trusted, if Sophronia be false?  
Come (quoth Clodomer) let us departed to the Palace, and there discourse further of this business.  
No (quoth Amandus) the constitution of my Soul agrees not with that Climate, the Palace is situate in a very noisome pestilential Air, the Lake Avernus is Paradise to it.  
And so (with a distracted look, without taking leave of any) he fla●g away from them, departing to his Chamber, (where he found his friend Pallante;) the King, Rhoxenor, and Cheribrert (not knowing how to construe his words at parting) departed to the Palace, concluding (all the way they went) that Amandus must be sent to his grave, or themselves expect to lie in the Dust.   

CHAP. III.  
Sophronias' complaint in prison; her Mother's Ghost appearing, forewarns her, of future events.  
I Fear I have too long forgotten to mention the unfortunate Sophronia, and therefore (if the Reader please to visit a Prison with me) we will walk to Castle Angellina, and make enquiry, how that excellent Lady brooks her restriction.  
Who having been under the power of Janitorius (for so was her Keeper called) his Keys, almost the space of twenty days, began (like some caged Philomela) to be in love with Solitude.  
Sorrow sat in so lovely a shape upon her brow, that he that had seen her sit in that solemn posture, would have been enamoured on Adversity, and (contrary to the practice of all mankind hitherto) have courted affliction with more affectionate desire, then young Virgin's haste to meet their beloved Paramours; she belched not forth execrations against Rhoxenor, or Cheribrert, nor taxed the Celestial Powers of Tyranny, and Partiality, Invoking Demogorgon, or Proserpina, but bore her Injuries like some captive Saint, with so resolved and mild a Sufferance, that the most Inoxerable Phalaris, or Esilino himself, would have been moved with compassion to have seen her.  
One day, weary with walking to and fro in her Chamber, she laid herself down on her Bed, which she abundantly watered with her tears, numerously distilling from the Lymbecks of her bright and heavenly eyes.  
Which as they fell, Juno gave command to Cupid (by the power of his Godhead) to thread on a part of that string, which loving Ariadne gave to the faithless Theseus (which conducted him out of the Cretan Labyrinth) which she wound about her Arm, tucking up her sleeves, to show her gaudy Wrists.  
I say, casting her delicate Body on her homely Bed, she began thus to complain.  
Ah my dear Amandus, little dost thou know, to what misery thy faithful Sophronia (for thy sake) is exposed; O let the whispering Winds convey the story of my woe into thy ears, or some heavenly Cherub instruct thy intellect (for certainly, without a miracle thou canst not have notice) of my abode, in this dreadful ominous Den; ah Rhoxenor, canst thou imagine the Olympic Deities, will ever remain deaf to my complaints, and not (at length in vindication of my innocency) rain Sodoms destruction, on thine, and that Villain Cheribrerts head; for if such wickedness scape unpunished, then let no man tremble (for the future) to provoke the vengeance of Heaven, by all manner of vile, and impious Acts.  
Having thus said, she forsook the bed, and departed to that window, opening towards the Sea; she had not been there long, beholding the billows dance quarrelling lavaltoes, but up comes (the Kepers' wife) the old Crone that attended her, (named Morpa) with a nosegay in her hand, a bottle of wine, and a dish of fruit, (for Rhoxenor had commanded she should have all civil respect) and setting them down, making a curtsy, departed.  
Sophronia looking behind her, and viewing the bunch of flowers, (after she had smelled to them) took pen, ink, and paper, and wrote this  

ODE  
For to perfume our burying,  
All the flowers of the Spring  
Do meet; man flourishes a time,  
And these have but their growing prime.  
we're set, we grow, we turn to earth,  
Such is our progress from our birth.  
Adieu all sensual appetites,  
Adieu ye Courts, and all delights;  
The sweetest breath, and clearest eye,  
Have no perpetuity.  
As shadows wait upon the Sun,  
This is consequently done.  
Who'd seek by Trophis, and dead things,  
(Like some vain, ambitious Kings)  
To leave a living name behind?  
Hoping in bags to catch the wind.   
Having finished these verses, she threw away the paper, and in a very pensive manner sat her down in a chair, leaning her Alabaster Face on her Ivory Hand, on one side of the Table, finding herself much disposed to sleep.  
Morpheus had scarce seized on his leaden Mace, with an intent to make prize of her senses, when she heard the noise of many instruments, conspiring in one concord, to make a Celestial harmony, to her great admiration, which caused her to listen very attentively, when on a sudden, the perfect shape and similitude of her deceased mother, the (sometime) excellent Euphrania, appeared to her view, apparralled all in white, her countenance the same when living, but more bright and polished, who spoke to her after this manner.  

From high Olympus I am come,  
Ever blest Elysium,  
For to forewarn thee what shall be  
Thy Fate, for the futurity.  
Amandus (thy espoused Lord)  
Hath quelled the Girpids by his sword;  
Now's in Verona, feels much smart,  
And woe, not knowing where thou art.  
Rhoxenor triumphs in his ill;  
Cheribrert laughs, to have his will:  
But all the heavenly powers agree  
Punishment for their treachery.  
Lucinda shall, forfeit her breath,  
While she bewails Rhoxenors' death:  
And then, if thou applaud the thing,  
Thou shalt be partner with a King.  
When many sorrows thou hast passed,  
Expect triumphant joy at last.   
Having said this, Euphranea's Genius departed from her (so shadows glide, and clouds vanish) leaving her in a very pleasing Rapture; where also I am compelled to let her remain a while without notice, for Amandus' deeds call upon me for divulgement.   

CHAP. IU.  
Amandus (believing Sophronia to be false) is very invective against women. Pallante defends them. Flavia (poisoned by Cheribrert) ere she dies, discovers the villainy of Rhoxenor and Cheribrert, to Amandus. His Resolution thereupon.  
YOU heard before, that Amandus had left the King, the Prince, and Cheribrert, in the Privy Garden, and was returned to his chamber in great perplexity.  
Where being arrived, he found his friend Pallante busy in making verses, (for he was an indifferent good Poet, affecting the Muses more than (perhaps) they affected him) who, seeing him approach in so distracted a manner, looking as he had been affrighted with some hellish Fiends, he began to enter into dialogue with him, imploring him to discover, what uncouth accident had so amazed his Senses, but not one word did Amandus retribute, but throwing himself upon the bed, he tore his hair, and smote his breast, in so ruthful a manner, that Pallante could not forbear to shed store of tears, to behold his friend in such anguish.  
After he had a long time wrought his own distemperature, he burst forth into these expressions.  
Oh wretched Sophronia, thy faithless heart hath wrought my temporal and eternal ruin; I might have been forewarned, by the Example of King Philip and Olympia; Paris and Helena; Alexander and Rosana; Hercules and Dejanira; Hannibal and Tamyra; Anthony and Cleopatra; Nero and Agrippina; how I reposed confidence in so weak a piece, as Sophronia: who would give credit to the protestations of so frail, and foul a thing, as woman?  
Whose lives are filthy; whose persons without shame: false in their words; doubtful in their acts; in whom, wise men ever found peril, and fools suffer injury.  
I now am content to credit that fond legend of the Egyptians, amongst whom it is a received opinion; That the River Nilus breaking forth, overrun the Earth, and that certain pieces thereof, cleaving together, the Sunbeams fervently reflecting thereon, produced many wild beasts, and amongst them, was found the first woman.  
Fie for shame (said Pallante) are you not ashamed to vent forth such execrable blasphemy, against that Divine, and more than Angelical Sex.  
Oh (quoth Amandus) couldst thou be capable (friend) of the misery that I suffer, (exceeding that of Ixion, or Titius) thou wouldst say I had cause to be Satirical. Can hell contrive a more superlative mischief, then that she, whom I affected dearer than my own life, a Lady of such high Birth, and (ere this) of such superior Eminency, that Princes have contested for her favour, glad to purchase her smiles with the forfeiture of their Crowns, should prostitute her silken limbs to the sordid use of a dirty droyle, whose living sprung out of the horse-dung? Horror, horror.  
Having thus said, he began anew to practise violence upon his own person, raving, and foaming so, that Pallante began to fear the loss of his senses; and therefore sitting down by his bed's side, he began thus to speak.  
My Lord (quoth he) I beseech you, be not so much the Author of your own dolour; how know you, but your Sophronia is guiltlessly calumniated, and abused?  
(Quoth Amandus) Hell, and Furies, the Prince Rhoxenor, and Lord Cheribrert, surprised her in the very act of shame.  
My Lord (quoth Pallante) because they say it, therefore will you credit it? Observe the circumstances, and you will find you have great cause, maturely to deliberate, and strictly to scrutinize, ere you give your censure. I cannot, nor dare not suspect the Prince, as conscious of any ignoble Act: But for Cheribrert, I dare call him villain to his face; (you know that he hath ever hated you) and who knows whether that malicious Caca-daemon hath not contrived this complot? I am sure you have not yet seen Sophronia, since your return to Verona; what injustice then is it, for you to denounce your doom, ere you have heard the party accused speak.  
Thou speakest very well, and notably to the purpose, my excellent Friend, (quoth Amandus) I confess I was too rash, although (I fear) not too confident. Having said this, he deserted the bed, calling for wine, and drinking freely with his friend, both sitting down by a Table, where Amandus found Pallante's paper of Verses, in which (themselves now being in Love) he had made Aericina's armed Son, to give this Invitation, to all Lovers, within a flight shot of him.  

CUPIDS Invitation to his BOWER.  
ODE.  
LOve expels all cares and fears,  
With music that outvies the Spheres;  
And with Soule-melting Lullabies,  
Doth calm all passions that arise;  
Which give a motion to the Stones,  
With their sweet alluring Tones.  
Hands, and lips, and eyes invite,  
See the snowy Virgins white.  
Here's many Alexander's brave,  
As many Helen's fair I have,  
Only for to wait on me,  
They attired richly be.  
You shall have her in plenty, lavish  
Whatsoever the Sense can ravish.  
The Dryads have stolen by theft  
To me, and their green Groves have left;  
And in this my Bower green,  
Sol, Neptune, Thetis, have been seen.  
I can give you Tagus' Sand,  
Never sail out of the Land.  
I have golden Fleeces store,  
Never go to Cholchos shore.  
The Elysian Fields are in my plain,  
Therefore the shades you haunt in vain.  
Jove to me his Court doth bring,  
With his Ganimeds' to sing.  
Careless of Argus hundred eyes,  
Or of jealous Juno's Spies.  
For nothing else the Gods made night,  
But for to screen Eovers delight.   
Amandus' having read these Verses, (quoth he) I find (friend Pallante) that you are very amorously inclined, and write with a Quill, plucked even from Cupid's wing. My Genius ever led me to (that with which my present condition best suits) Solid and Grave Subjects, dressed in Prose: But that you may see I have sipped off Helicon, and slept some minutes on Parnassus; I will endeavour, (by the help of the nine) to write some few numbers. I have now to do with Tombs, and Deathbeds; Funerals, and Tears; so fetching a Death's head, which he always gave a residence (nocturnally) by him, he set it down before him on the Table, and wrote these Verses;  

Though here on earth men differ, in the grave  
There's no distinction; all alike they have.  
Then must the Conqueror, with the captive spread,  
On one bare earth, as in the common bed  
The all commanding General hath no span  
Of ground allowed, more than a common man.  
Folly with Wisdom hath an equal share,  
The foul, and fair, to like dust changed are.  
This is, of all mortality, the end:  
Thersites now with Nereus dares contend;  
And with Achilles he hath equal place,  
That living, durst not look him in the face.  
The servant with his Master, and the maid,  
Stretched by her Mistress; both their heads are laid  
Upon an equal pillow; subjects keep  
Courts, with King's equal, & as soft they sleep,  
Lodging their heads upon a turf of grass,  
As they on Marble, or on figured brass.   
He had scarce finished these Verses, when Flavia, (Sophronia's quondam waiting woman) came in, in great haste, and falling down at his feet, besought him to hear her a few words, and to give credit to her last breath, for (quoth she) I feel the poison powerfully to opperate. Speak (quoth Amandus) ere thou catch an everlasting cold, and shalt be heard no more, what important matter doth thy tongue labour with.  
(Quoth she) it is not unknown to you, that I once served your virtuous Sophronia (I must be brief in my discovery) as became her, in whom she reposed so great confidence, and had still continued her loyal Servitrex, had not the black Soul'd Cheribrert deluded me, to my destruction and her ruin; who knowing himself not able to win me to satiate his lust (and knowing I would not deny him lawful love) persuaded me he meant to make me his Wife, enjoining me (as the first trial of my love) to aid him in the prosecution of a business; for the fulfilling whereof, he had strongly engaged himself, which was, (O Sir, pardon my trercherous Levity) to admit Prince Rhoxenor [who, he said, was greatly enamoured on Sophronia] to her Bed; this I was won to, but the devilish Cheribrert, did but feign this device to me; for he so ordered it, that his Groom (whom he afterwards slew with his own hands, for fear his villainy might be detected) entered the Chamber, and the Innocent Sophronia.  
She would have proceeded, but the venomous potion had by this time so enfeebled her facculties, that she fell down all along, and (with a feeble tone, using these words; My Lord, be assured, that Sophronia is the most virtuous Lady in the world. I would discover more, but the Poison hath dispersed itself all over my heart; I am the occasion of all this ill, and go, I know not whether) with a grievous groan died.  
What pen can express, or what heart think, the extreme astonishment that happened to Amandus, to hear these dying words of Flavia.  
Oh ye Immortal Powers (quoth he) what fatal end have ye reserved me for, have I escaped the Girpids' fury, and swum a Sea of blood (like another Caesar, with one hand cutting my passage through the Waves, and holding in the other, a Proclamation of Peace and Tranquillity) to my native Country, to be put upon the defiance of my Sovereign's Son, whom to challenge I dare not [the Law making such a proposal, the highest Treason] was this Rhoxenors' revenge for Sophronias' denial, to prostitute her immaculate Chastity, to his rapide Luxury, conspiring with that Hell hound Cheribrert, to ruin her life and fame, and in her, my name and honour.  
This I Prognosticated (quoth Pallante) and durst have divulged it, though I could not desert the several circumstances, according as you have heard them narrated.  
Oh (quoth Amandus) can Rhoxenor be so treacherous, he that was once so excellently good, now so diabollically vicious; Heaven knows where they have disposed my souls life, and the glory of her Sex, the virtuous Sophronia; but I procrastinate the time too long, dares Pallante swear to join with his friend, in a noble and just revenge.  
Dares (quoth Pallante) you wrong your own judgement and my fidelity; if you are master of one anxious thought, were I to follow thee (like another Theseus with his Hercules) to the black and dismal shades of Dis; or (with Orestes and his other self) to give and receive Death, we falling by mutual wounds, to put a period to our terrestrial terrors, Amandus should find me every way pliable to his own wish.  
Spoke like a true friend (quoth Amandus) and then kneeling down (Pallante accompanying him) he drew forth his Sword, and laying their hands upon the Weapon [like another Brutus, and Collatine] they jointly Swore.  
Never to permit the closure of their eyes, till they had wiped away Sophronias' stain, with Sponges, made of the hearts of Rhoxenor and Cheribrert.  
So kissing the Hilts, they arose, of whom read more in the following Chapter.   

CHAP. V  
Amandus kills Rhoxenor, the manner thereof; he and Pallante escape.  
IT was somewhat late in the evening, when Flavia made her escape to Amandus, and therefore it was unknown, whither she had conveyed herself, though Cheribrert had sent Inquisitors all about the City; and being conscious of his own guilt, and timorous, that Flavia had discovered all she knew, he resolved to steal forth the City that night, only himself and one Servant, on horseback, taking with him, store of Gold and Treasure (the occasion of his after ruin,) where I leave him to the horror of his own thoughts, and return to Amandus and Pallante.  
Who imagining (as indeed it was) that (perhaps) Flavia was not noted (because of the darkness of the night) to take her journey to them, they resolved to bury her privately (which they did, throwing her into a deep Well, near adjacent to the house) and to take no notice (for the present) of her discovery, till they should find opportune admittance to Rhoxenors' person.  
That night they passed away, discoursing on various Subjects, sometimes wondering at Rhoxenors' pravation, another time plottiug, how they might infranchise Sopbronia; but Aurora appearing [in the Horizon, with her purple hair hanging about her ears, which she was soon forced to seclude, under an azure cawl, for fear Sol should findge them with his beams] they both armed themselves; Amandus commanding his Caroche to be fitted (with his friend) entered therein, commanding the Chariot driver, to direct his way towards the Palace.  
There arrived, they disburdened the Caroche of their persons, and walking on foot to the Palace Gate, the Guard (knowing them to be Personages eminently gracious in the King's eye) gave them free admittance.  
So they passed forwards, towards Rhoxenors' lodgings with like facility, all offering them conduct, till they came even to Rhoxenors' Chamber, who the day before (O the fatality, that governs some men's actions) had been guilty of that, which he never before was noted for, viz. excessive tippling, which he had so profoundly plied, that he was conveyed to his Palace (the night before) in a drunken dream, to which stupidity, he was yet vassalized; Amandus (presuming on his own eminent familiarity with the Prince) comes to the Chamber door, demanding entrance, the Chamberlain wondered at such an unwonted demand (more Ceremonies usually observed, ere the Prince was to be spoke withal) demanded who was there.  
'Tis I (quoth Amandus) and my friend Pallante, who desire permission to speak with the Prince, about important business.  
The Chamberlain (knowing Amandus' voice) opened the door, and Amandus and Pallante entering in, the Chamberlain (to show himself too obsequiously officious, as not daring to pry into their privicies) left the room, and so (as it happened) said his life.  
Amandus (perceiving Rhoxenor asleep) at his entrance used these words to Pallante.  
See (quoth he) how supinely this perfidious Prince sleeps, who could imagine this beautiful Image, included such an ugly Fiend within it? I will kill him thus sleeping, and send his leprous soul to Hell, ere Pluto expect it.  
By no means (quoth Pallante) let his own tongue first doom him, ere you give him his pass for the other world.  
With that Amandus endeavoured to awake him, crying, my Lord, my Lord, the Prince.  
Rhoxenor opening his eyes, and beholding Amandus, and Pallante, by his Bed's side, a strange & unwonted fear seized on him (as if by instinct he had known their intents) but he would not seem to be amazed, and therefore replied.  
Noble Amandus, worthy Pallante, welcome, what business more than ordinary, hath brought you hither, so early in the morning?  
Your highness (quoth Amandus) errs in the computation of time, for the Sun hath already measured almost a thousand leagues; the reason of my abrupt approach, is occasioned by a Dream I had this night, concerning Sophronia.  
Sophronia (quoth Rhoxenor) let the name of that Purple Strumpet be lost to your memory; I wonder you are so slow to bring her to condign punishment.  
Oh the Devil (quoth Amandus) dost thou hear this Pallante, and with that word pulling a Dagger out of his pocket, thou stain to the Stock of Kings (quoth he) the hand of Truth hath pulled of thy Vizard, I am acquainted with thy clandestine projections, with that villain Cheribrert, I know thy attempting Sophronias' Chastity, her denial, and thy ignoble revenge.  
And with that word he stabbed the Ponniard up the hilts in his short ribs, which wounded him greiviously but not deadly.  
Oh hold thy hand (quoth Rhoxenor) I confess I have been (as thou thyself art at present) to much a slave to my passions, and have endeavoured the ruin of the most noble Lady in the world.  
For which (quoth Amandus) I thus sacrifice thee on the Altar of revenge (no other way vissible suiting with my intents) and therewith again stabbed him with his Ponniard, through the throat, which occasioned an egression of all the breath in his body, so that after a little struggling, he became soullesse.  
By this time the Chamberlain was returning▪ to know the Prince's pleasure, in order to his Apparel for that day, coming to the door, & perceiving Amundus, his face besprinkled, and his hands bedewed with blood, he took a large leap backward, more than twenty paces, crying, Treason, Treason, Treason, the Prince is murdered, the Prince is murdered: whereat the King's Guard, in great astonishment, drawing their swords, came towards Rhoxenors' lodgings, and were encountered half way by Amandus, and Pallante, with their weapons drawn, the Guard not doubting to make prize of their persons, cried out to them to yield themselves, but were soon taught to know, that Desperate men, go doubly Armed: Some had their hands, others their legs, and some their noses pared away; others lay vomiting out their heart bloods; none, but either disabled by wounds, or by death.  
So that Amandus and Pallante, had time to make their escape into the City, where arrived, Amandus cried all the way, Those that love me, follow me. The people, (who entirely affected him) arming themselves, followed him in heaps. Venantius, and Palladius, (as luck was, not having yet made riddance of their lately received Arrears) were tippling in a Tavern, and hearing the noise of the people, and espying Amandus (all bloody) with his sword drawn, waited on by an armed multitude, they began to sing paeans to the blind Goddess, Fortune, and the great Swordman, Mars, that once again they were like to have employment in the heart of their native Country; and thrusting themselves into the midst of the press, they proffered their service to Amandus, who kindly accepted them; with whom I leave them, and return to the body of dead Rhoxenor.   

CHAP. VI  
The Confusion of the Court and City, upon the Rumour of Rhoxenors' Death. Lucinda dies (with grief) over her dead Son. The City being divided, the one part for Amandus; the other for Clodomer; there happeneth a sour Skirmish. Amandus, and Pallante, taking an Arm of the Sea, recover the Kingdom of Polonia.  
SUch a confused clamour as men make when eager fire hath fallen upon many Fabrics at once, in some populous City, Mulciber challenging the Heavens; or such a Tragic tone, as the Inhabitants of some besieged Town accord in, when their Furious Enemies are already entered their Chief Fort; Slaughter, and Rapine, Revelling in each corner: Such, and no other, was the wild Alarm given throughout the Court, and City, men mingled together in multitudes, but the more part knew not wherefore they were met together, the Courtiers being afraid every man of his fellow, and the Citizens expecting every minute to be buried in their own ruins.  
News being brought to Clodomer and Lucinda, of the murder of their Son, (by their General Amandus' hand) Grief, and Wonder (like two contrary winds striving for Sovereignty) a long time maintained a Civil War within them; but at length, Grief got the upper hand, and so prevailed over their Senses, that for some minutes, their tongues wanted the use of their Creation; but at length, recovering themselves, (like another distressed Priam, with his forlorn Hecuba) they set forward, to visit their dead Son, whom when they beheld, what gripping pangs their hearts endured, only those can imagine, whom Fate hath exposed to the like affliction. Clodomer could not speak for weeping; but Lucinda, falling upon her dead Son, tore her hair, bathing his bloody wounds, with briny drops, making this pitiful complaint over him.  
Ah my dear Son (said she) is this the fulfilling of that expectation, myself, thy Father, and all Lombardy had cause to have of thee? Can the cruel Destinies find no other subject whereon to practise their Tyranny, save thee? Poor Lucinda! why did Lucina (pitying thy pangs) propitiously aid thee, for the production of a Son, predestinated to so direful an exit?  
She would have said more, but the greatness of her grief, at once bereft her, both of speech, and life, so that she fell down dead by her murdered Son.  
This to behold, so exasperated the King Clodomer, that like one bereft of his wits, he ran raving up and down the City, beseeching his subjects to take pity on their distessed Sovereign, and unanimously to aid him, in the discovery of Amandus and Pallante, who had at once bereft them of a most hopeful Prince, and a gracious Queen.  
It was not long ere he had levied a Power, which he put under the command of Lucius, and Pamelius, (sometimes renowned Captains, though now by reason of their Age, they affected privacy) who marshalling his Forces, marched towards Amandus, and Pallante; who, with their handful of men, had entrenched themselves on a plain, three Leagues distant from the City: The King himself (resolving to fight in person leading them on as their chief Guide, and Captain.  
Amandus' perceiving their approach, resolved to give them Battle, and disposed his Forces accordingly.  
Both Armies being now so near one another, that they might easily hear the disputes passing on both sides; the King choosing a piece of ground, by nature elevated above the rest of the continent, so that he might see (and be seen) of his whole Army, began to say as followeth.  I Dare be confident, that none of my loyal Subjects here, who (according to their duties) are congregated with me, for the captivating, and punishing the treacherous, bloody-minded Amandus, and his traitorous Associate, Pallante, but are able and willing to attest, with what Gentleness, and Paternal care (as becometh the Father of his Country) I have hitherto governed them: As also, what an hopeful Prince, and what promising Virtues were obvious in my Son Rhoxenor; and that my Queen, Lucinda, excelled all former Queens, for the Love, and affectionate Zeal she demonstrated to me, her King, and Husband, and to the Subjects of this Nation; both which, are made away by means of the  Traitors. Therefore, I shall not endeavour with elaborate orarory (my loyal Subjects) to kindle courage in your hearts, or to make you sensible, that (besides the loss) great, and infinite shame, not to be expiated by any after performances, will brand us all with the deepest tincture of infamy, unless we take just (but severe vengeance) on these sanguine homicides. Not doubting therefore of your courage in so good a cause, go on, and may Heaven crown your attempts with Victory. 
Neither was Amandus slack to encourage his men, but standing in the midst of them, made this Oration.  
My fellow Subjects,  
Whom Love to wronged Amandus, (and in him to Justice, and Honour) hath invited to hazard your Lives and Fortunes; be confident, that I desire not War, or have requested your Aid, for the Vindication of any private grudge, or sinister ends of mine own, but merely for the preservation of my own Person, and your Rights; both which (unless defensive arms prevent it) are like to be swallowed up, in that bottomless gulf of Kingly Prerogative, and Arbitrary Power. It is not unknown to you (I am sure) with what faithfulness I have ever served this faithless King; how often I have brought him home conquest, putting the necks of his enemies under his feet: And is it my reward, to have her, whom I love dearer than my life, (whose Virtues are so splendid, that envy itself cannot fully them) thrown into a nasty Gaol, and branded with the ignominious Epithets of Whore, and Strumpet, and all, because she denied to satiate Rhoxenors' beastly Lust, whom Justice, and not my hand, hath sent to the other World. If this be tolerated, not one of you here present, shall claim the least propriety in her whom he affecteth. Time will not permit me to dilate myself, suffice, you fight with me in a just and righteous cause; the truth whereof, I hope your swords will prove, (though your enemies triple you in number) On then courageously in the name of Heaven.  
Having finished this Oration, he led on his Army to join Battle with the Kings, dividing them (being all foot) into four Battles: The first, himself guided; the second, Pallante took charge of; and the third, and fourth, followed Venantius, and Palladius.  
Clodomer ordered his Army (after the old Roman manner) in the fashion of an half-moone; the horns whereof, were managed by Lucius, and Pamelius, and the main Body, by himself.  
Both Armies joining, it was Amandus' hap to encounter Lucius; and Pallante, Pamelius; all (save the King, being on foot on both sides, for the suddenness of the action would not permit the mounting of men, or to observe the method of Martial Discipline.) Amandus had soon made an end of Lucius, cleaving his head, that his brains dropped out at his feet; and Pallante had given Pamelius so deadly a blow on the face, that he cut his jaws clean in sunder. The King Clodomer shown himself very valiant, with his own hands having killed Venantius, and Palladius, and massacred above an hundred of the vulgar sort, white Amandus, and Pallante, mowed down all before them, so that their hands were weary of the work of death, their weapons were drunk with blood, and their bodies were burdened with blood and sweat; so that, notwithstanding their forces were clean cut in pieces, (being raw, unexperienced soldiers, mere Citizens, who till now had never been accustomed to the rigour of War) they had, by their single valours, vanquished the King's forces, and taken himself Prisoner, had not an huge multitude (from the City) appeared to his relief, armed with prongs, pitchforks, and bills, who come on so furiously, that it was impossible, (and had been madness) to oppose them: And therefore (overpowred with numbers) Amandus having even then encountered Clodomer on foot, and forced him to forsake his horse (who was presently protected by those about him) leapt into the Saddle, taking Pallante up behind him, being forced (on a desperate adventure) to take an Arm of the Sea, and swum over, to a part of that continent belonging to the King of Polonia; and Clodomer having gained this bloody Victory, returned (with those of his Army, whom the late conflict had spared, to the City.    

THE LOVES OF AMANDUS AND SOPHRONIA. The Third Book.  

CHAP. 1.  
Rhoxenor, and Lucinda, are sumptuously Interred. Alphonsus (King of Poland) refuseth to deliver up the persons of Amandus, and Pallante. Sophronia, brought to her Trial, is acquitted. Clodomer loves her.  
CLodomer, having thus vanquished, but (to his great vexation) not captivated his enemies, cladding himself in purple, (as the manner of Kings is to mourn) and commanding his whole Court to put on Sables, caused his Son, and Queen, to be embalmed, by the Skill of his ablest Physicians, who involved them in lead, the King causing two Stately Tombs to be erected (of the purest Pharian Stone) framed by the hands of cunning Architectors, who adorned them so sumptuously, that either of them equalled Mausoleus' his Sepulchre, (reputed one of the wonders of the World) in the Cathedral Church, dedicated to the memory of St. Sebastiona, and Albovino, (two ancient famous Kings of that Country) which having finished, he dispatched Ambassadors to Alphonsus, King of Poland, to let him know, that he harboured his deep enemies, viz. Amandus, and Pallante, Traitors to his Crown and Dignity, whose persons (as he tendered the perpetuity of the Amity betwixt the two Crowns of Lombardie, and Poland) he willed him to deliver up to condign punishment.  
But Alphonsus, retaining a noble temper, (knowing Amandus to be a man every way accomplished) and sensible of the wrongs offered by Rhoxenor, (the perpetration whereof, had occasioned his death, and Amandus' Infortunity) permitted Amandus, and Pallante lest the protecting of their persons might draw a war upon him) to departed his Kingdom without molestation, furnishing them with horses, and Arms, and all things befitting the use of such Knights of Fame.  
But Clodomer, finding he could not get their persons into his hands, resolved (like another savage Neoptolemus, who Sacrificed an Innocent Princess on his Father's grave) to be revenged on Sophronia, (Amandus' Mistress, and for his sake imprisoned) for his Son's death; and therefore he appointed a day, when (accompanied with all his Nobles) he would cause her to be brought as a Delinquent, and proceeded against as a Strumpet, to public censure.  
And therefore he caused many Scaffolds to be erected in the Palace yard, with a Seat of Judicature for himself, and his Peers; where coming (with those whom he had nominated for her Judges) he commanded her to be guarded from prison, thither, as the place appointed for her trial.  
The most virtuous Sophronia, having news brought her the night before, that she was to prepare herself against the morrow, to plead before the King, and Council, was not a whit daunted thereat, (so great courage doth Innocence inject, and so strongly are those fortified against mundane calamities, whose souls assure them they are falsely calumniated) but attired herself all in black, with a veil of the same colour cast over her head, which habit was so far from eclipsing, that it added to her excellent Splendour; as Diamonds set in Jet, are not a whit darkened; nor doth the Topaz lose its Lustre, though set in lead.  
In this manner, she set forward with her Guard, (never was so sweet a prisoner brought to the Bar, a thousand Cupids (though unseen) waited on her all the way; Venus herself wept, and the Graces, condoled her afflictions, in sanguine tears; the people thronging in heaps to see her, yet amongst that multitude, not a dry eye: Such a silent mourning as the Grecians practised, when they beheld Agamemnon's daughter, fair Iphigenia, in funeral attire, standing at the Altar, ready to be Sacrificed to Aeolus, was heard amongst this people; every one assoiling her Innocence, and bewailing her misery.  
Coming to the place appointed, she was placed at the Bar, where turning up her veil, and discovering her rare Beauty, which was so celestially splendid, that it cast a light round about her, (all men's eyes being fixed upon her, as if some shaghaired Comet had thrust forth his head in the Hemisphere.) The King was exceedingly ravished to behold her, the fire of love burnt about his heart, by degrees corroborating more and more, till it became one flaming lump of flesh; his colour went and came, a kind of trembling seized upon all his body: But disguising his passions as well as he could, he commanded her Charge to be read, which contained these two Heads;  
1. That she had been guilty of Incontinency with Lord Cheribrerts' Groom, being taken in the very act of shame.  
2. That she had plotted, and conspired with Amandus, and Pallante, (Capital Traitors and guilty of the horrid murder (positively) of Prince Rhoxenor, (consequently) of the Queen Lucinda, and (probably) of Lord Cheribrert) for the perpetration and performance, of the aforesaid treasonable, devilish, and unparelled crimes.  
To this, after a little pause (making obeisance to the King and Counsel) she answered.  
That I may not be condemned as a Mute, and because the Party silent, is thought to assent to what ever is proposed; I will briefly, though sincerely, make my defence in the presence of the high Immortal Truth, and this Assembly, else I could have been contented to have suffered in silence, assuring myself, that before the Judge of Souls I appear immaculately Innocent.  
My conversation from my Infancy, till of late months (assure myself) is not unknown to many here; I have endeavoured always, to accrue an unspotted Fame, and (I doubt not) had retained the same, to this very minute, had it not thus happened.  
Here she surveyed the Counsel (and being ignorant of what had lately happened) not seeing Rhoxenor there, demanded that he might be brought before her, face to face.  
To which the King▪ though his thoughts told him she was innocent) returned answer.  
That her policy could not wipe away her guilt, she knew, that Rhoxenor (as she had plotted with the cursed Traitor Amandus) was cruelly murdered.  
To which (with a sober smile) she answered.  
Be it known unto all here, that Lord Amandus, being absent in the wars, against the Girpids, in the defence of his Country (unto whom I acknowledge myself affianced) the Prince Rhoxenor, finding that all his persuasive allurements were to weak, to remove my firm fixed constancy (conspiring with Lord Cheribrert, a man superlatively wicked) by a treacherous wile [having corrupted the faith of my waiting-womon Flavia] hath wrought the present ruin of my fame and honour (by Flavia's aid) they one night entered my Chamber (my self fast asleep) bringing with them, a fellow (whom they had subborned for that purpose) who entered my Bed, which he had no sooner done, but Rhoxenor and Cheribrert (as before they had plotted) with loud cries awaked me, upbraiding me with lewdness, and terming me the blot, and slain of all Ladies in the world.  
And lest the fellow (moved with remorse or otherwise) should reveal their cursed complot, Cheribrert with his own hands, immediately stabbed his hireling to the heart.  
Rhoxenor having wrought this villainy, so wrought, that I was committed (as a vile person) to Castle Angellina, where I have ever since resided.  
For the murder of Rhoxenor, Lucinda, and Cheribrert (if it be so, which Heaven forbidden) the straightness of my restraint, none having been suffered to come near me, save my Keeper, since my restriction, may plead my innocency in that matter.  
This Sophronia uttered with a very audible voice, and having finished, the people gave a shout, crying, She is innocent, she is innocent; which also was the sense of the whole Counsel, Clodomer himself (though he seemed otherwise) being glad of it, for he was extremely in love with her.  
The Court rising, Sophronia (by the King's command) was conducted to the Palace, of whom more hereafter.   

CHAP. TWO  
The dreadful end of Cheribrert. Amandus and Pallante, leaving Poland [being bound for Venice] by an angry Storm, are forced on the coasts of Grecia (the Ship and all else swallowed in the Waves) they save themselves by swimming, and arrive on the Flowery Island.  
NOw it is high time that I made mention, what became of Cheribrert, after his deserting Verona (as you have heard) by night, accompanied only with one Servant.  
He had not travailed many miles, intending to take his journey, to the uttermost borders of the Kingdom of Lombardy, and so take shipping for Spain, but a crew of Robbers, who subsisted by spoil and rapine, set upon him (imagining to find, as indeed they did, a good booty) plundering him of all his Gold and Treasure, and stripping him, and his Servitor (who making some resistance was slain) to the bare Skins.  
Being brought to this miserable exegency (inflicted upon him by divine vengeance) he began to think of his many damnable crimes (yet so, as he not repent of them) and to curse the hour, that ever he engaged himself (with Rhoxenor) to injure the virtuous Sophronia; he would have cast his eyes up to heaven, and have implored the remission of his charnel contrivances, but he dispaired of attaining audience, at the ears of the incensed Deity, and therefore sitting him down upon the earth, he began to wish, that a thurderbold from Heaven might pash him in pieces, or the earth open and receive him, when he might hear an hollow murmuring voice, sing him this summons.  

Orcus' yawns, the furies yell,  
Descend accursed Soul to Hell;  
Earth hates, thy loathed Trunk to have,  
The Wombs of Wolves shall be thy Grave.  
Let all take warning, by thy Fate,  
How they thy crimes, do perpetrate.   
This infernal Invitation, so much amazed him, that he would fain have slain himself, but wanted fit means to accomplish it, and therefore the reprobate wretch, with his own nails, began to tear, and rend the ground, intending to dig his own grave; when (as if sent by some avenging Deity) a crew of ravenous Wolves came running upon him, and tearing him all in pieces, buried his loathed body in their hungry maws: a dreadful end, worthy so devilish a wretch.  
And now since we have rambled so fare from Verona, let us speak a little of the noble Knights, Amandus and Pallante, who having left the Kingdom of Poland, embarked themselves in a Ship bound for Venice (where Pallante had an Uncle, named D' Francisco Mendoza, a famous Sennatour of that renowned City) intending to reside there for a time in private (though they would not have found it easy, so to have done, Amandus acts having made him so renownedly famous, throughout Europe) and to wait with patience a while, to see what end, Fortune would put to her own pranks.  
They had not sailed fare from the Port, but the Winds began to blow very eagerly, the Mariners hoist all their Sails a trip, imagining to have found certainty, amidst the uncertain Waves, when the Skies on a sudden, were obscured, with black and pitchy Clouds; Eurus whispering sad tales in the Seaman's ears; from the Altantick Ocean came Notus, bringing with him Thunder and Lightning, when to encounter him, out flies Boreas, bearing Storms, and Tempests on his wings, the high wrought Seas, fronted the Skies, wrapping their liequid curls in the clouds, no Sun, nor Moon, or Stars appearing, so that had Palinurus self been Pilot, he could not have steered aright; the furious waves, rushing together with embattled power, plough large furrows in the sides of the Ship; the boisterous billows, invade, and pass over her hatches, dashing her against the Rocks; nor could all their pumping prevail, but that each man stood up to the knees in water, the passengers all crying to heaven for help, in such doleful manner, that it would have compelled an heart of flint to compassionate them, while the Ship (droven by furious winds many thousand leagues) was forced on the Coast of Grecia.  
But Amandus found not so great toil without, as he found terror within; his heart beat louder Alarms than the angry Seas, when he thought upon his dear Sophronia, imagining this punishment was sent from Heaven for his sake, for that he forsook Verona, ere he attempted to infranchise the person of his dearly loved Lady.  
Oh Sophronia (said he) who knows what misery thou endurest for my sake! Clodomer will not fail to shed thy innocent blood, in revenge of his wicked Son, whom I justly slew. Ah, unfortunate Lovers! thou (I fear) art snatched away already, by the hand of violence, upon the Land; and I (by destiny droven) must, ere long, perish in this barbarous element.  
Pallante endeavoured all he could to comfort him. But (quoth he) it is no time now, to practise a lover's passion, when we expect every minute to become a prey to the devouring waves.  
By this time the waves came in so fast, hat the Ship began to sink; and the Master, and Pilot, seeing there was no hope, let down the cockboat into the Seas, intending (with Amandus and Pallante only) to trust to the mercy of the watery element, in that dimunitive vessel: But so numerous and eager, were those perishing passengers in the finking Ship, (every one desirous to preserve his life) that though they endeavoured to hinder their approach with their swords drawn, they could not, but that the little Skiffe, being overcharged with numbers, chose rather to be choked with the salt Seas, then harbour such merciless oppressors.  
But Amandus, and Pallante, (being well skilled in swimming) perished not amongst the rest, but bore up above water, making way with their hands and feet, (while Neptune with all his Tritons gazed upon them, imagining, another Melicerta, with Saron accompanied, had divided the dusky waves) not ceasing to brush the blue billows, till at length they espied a very fair harbour, situate between two Rocks, near adjacent to a very pleasant Island, where grew (in seemly ranks) great store of pleasant trees, laden with fruit, the ground being garnished (like another Tempe) with all sorts of fragrant flowers, Zephir seeming continually to breath upon them; but no house, or humane substance could they view: To this delectable Paradise they directed themselves, coming on shore exceeding faint, and weary, of whom more hereafter.   

CHAP. III.  
The King (being exceedingly enamoured on Sophronia: would feign seem youthful, making himself monstrously ridiculous. His courting of Sophronia. He invites her (hoping to enjoy her) to Ziva. She kills him there, and escapeth.  
YOu heard before, that King Clodomer was become a subject to Cupid's Sovereignty, (notwithstanding his late loss) to whose Deity he was now so obsequiously devoted, that (hoping thereby to appear amiable in Sophronia's eyes) he cast off all former gravity, befitting the estate, and Majesty of a King, appareling himself in youthful habit, shaving away his beard to the very stumps, and powdering those hoary hairs on his Scalp abundantly, that they might seem whitened by Art, and not by Nature; moreover, he put a silver hilted rapier by his side, and to his bandstrings he annexed rings of several forms, decored with stones of various hues; and (that nothing might be wanting to make him every way extraordinary) he often exercised his Genius, in ruthful Rhymes, melancholy Madrigals, and doleful Ditties, bewailing the cruelty of Cupid; that fit over, he compiled many horrible Hymns, in the praise of his Mistress Celestial Feature.  
The brightness of her Hair, the highness of her Forehead, the neatnsse of her Nose, the handsomeness of her Hand, the fineness of her Foot, and the gravity of her gesture.  
But this fantastic dotage of Clodomer, was no whit pleasing to his Lords, nor was it well resented by the vulgar (who are ever for the most part, glad of all occasions, that may warrant them to think meanly of their Superiors) some saying he was mad; others, that he was a fool; others, that he was no longer fit to govern.  
But Clodomer, (though he were sufficiently sensible of the various whisper, and repine against him) was so wedded to his fancy, that he could as easily cease to be mortal, as cease to be a Lover, yet all this while he made no discovery to Sophronia, only some amorous glances often banqueting with her, and sometimes gripping her moist palm; appointing her lodgings near his own, where she was attended, as she had been the greatest Princess in the World.  
Sophronia perceived (well enough) what wind filled the King's Sails, but took not the least notice thereof, ever appearing disconsolate, pensive, and desirous of solitude. Clodomer would fain have had men to have thought that he afforded Sophronia such accommodation, merely out of love to her inherent virtues, and eminent worth, and not as desirous to win her to his embraces: But now, being resolved to languish no longer, but to break the matter unto her (after banqueting, as was his usual manner) he led her alone with him into the Privy Garden, where he thus solicited her.  
Madam,  
I Am sensible, it cannot but seem more strange to you, than an Africa monster, hat I, who (by reason of my wrongs) am an implacable enemy to Amandus, whose mandate hath imprisoned you so many weeks, and whose rage would have bereft you of life, should implore your smiles [aged as I am] and be solicitous to win your love; but such is the all-commanding power of Venus' Son, that except I may enjoy your sweet society, (though a King) I am the most miserable wretch under the Cope; nor can I despair, but the softness of your temper, (considering the worth of my proffer) will prompt you to embrace that candidly, which is by me proposed fervently.  
Sophronia having heard him, burst forth into a great laughter.  
I see (quoth she) that Lechery (like the plague) takes in a blood; though Rhoxenors' Sire (Sir) you are his heir (I mean to his affections) the truth is (speaking far from heart) I am obliged, Royal (Sir) to you, in all the bonds of love, and gratitude; and (since I see Amandus slights me) shall prostrate all is mine to be disposed of at your pleasure.  
Clodomer was so overjoyed to hear this, that (sure if he had not lost them long before▪ he had now forfeited his wits; but taking her about the waste, he so embraced her, and beslavered her, that the penance she endured then, was worse than the imprisonment she lately suffered. Clodomer imagined all Cocksure now, and after many assurances of his fidelity, and entire affection, he besought her, that they two, with one Castril, his creature, (a slave that for pence would have prostituted his own mother, or wife) might take their journey in a close Chariot, to a Village some five leagues from Verona, named Ziva, and there (quoth he) we may have opportune occasion, to take the full fruition of our loves.  
Sophronia, though she hated his person, more than poison; and his love, worse than Lucifer; yet consented to accompany him, which was performed the next morning accordingly.  
The chaste Lady being put upon this peril, (which she accepted, knowing it was in vain for her to withstand Clodomers' power) who, in case she had given him a denial, [would have procured her certain ruin] had conveyed that morning into her tresses, her bodkin, which (to avoid suspicion) she had folded up in her curls, over which she cast a white veil.  
Arrived at Ziva, they were received at a Country Farmer's house (whom Castril had prepared before hand for that purpose) where entering the best chamber that grange afforded, after a repast with wine, and junkets, so hasty was Clodomer to have his bane, that he would needs anticipate the approaching night, (like another Heliogablibus, who made day his night, and night his day) the Sun having yet scarce attained his altitude.  
The chaste Sophronia (whose heart hung heavy on its strings) (seeming) [willingly to yield her assent] the King [having sent Castril to Verona, with a command to wait on him towards night] entered the baleful bed, Sophronia accompanying him, where he soon began to show himself very active; but Sophronia (pulling the bodkin out of her hair) with a ghastly look, and a troubled voice, rising up, uttered these words.  
Canst thou think, thou foolish Tyrant, that what I denied thy wicked Son, I will afford thy villainous self, and that I dare yield up that Fort to thy feeble use, which all the Warriors in the World (Amandus excepted) can never conquer.  
[Clodomer would have called out for help, but he was so amazed at the suddenness of this unexpected carriage from his Mistress, that he became lost to speech] and having said this, also adding;  
Bear witness, thou Supreme everliving Power, that I am forced to this outrageous Act, for the preservation of my chaste Honour, she stabbed him to the heart, who struggling to arise, she again lodged her bodkin in his breast, which prevented his arisall, and dismissed his soul.  
Having done this dreadful deed, she threw the bed  clean over him, and locking the door, and taking the key with her, she departed; of whom more ere long.  
Sol driving his Car towards the Antipodes, and night arising in sullen mists, Castril, (according to the King's command) arriving where he left his Master, finding the door locked, imagined the King had not yet enough of sport, and therefore he went and walked for the space of two hours, in a neighbouring Grove; returning again, and finding the door as he left it, he began to call, saying, My Lord, My Lord, but receiving no answer, he grew extremely perplexed, and began to doubt some danger, and therefore he resolved to force open the door, which he did; entering, and approaching the bed, seeing the curtains decently drawn, and the  stretched at full length, he began to think, the King, and his Mistress, being tired with active recreation, might be both sound asleep, and began to curse his hasty intrusion; but drawing nearer, he perceived the King's countenance very much altered, of a pale, ashy, and bloodless hue, and turning down the , he beheld him almost covered in his own gore, having two wounds, the one on his side, the other betwixt his paps; whereat he fling out of the room (like a man distracted) tearing his hair, and scratching his face, crying, Treason, Treason.  
But of the issue of this, read more hereafter, for I must now return to Amandus, and Pallante, whom we left in the Flowery Island.   

CHAP. IU.  
The description of the Flowery Island. Amandus and Pallante (having resolved Agenor's Riddle) are received, and entertained by him, in his Castle.  
I Have informed you, that the noble Knights, Amandus, and Pallante (by miraculous supportance) escaped the danger of drowning, and that (with great difficulty) they at length arrived on a very fertile Continent.  
The Species of things appeared so glorious round about them, that they were warranted to think they had lighted upon that Eden which Adam lost, but they wondered they found no Inhabitants, assuring themselves, that so happy a place could not be devoid of those who were appointed to enjoy those benefits, that nature (who doth nothing in vain) had there prodigally bestowed.  
Having gathered some grapes, dates, oranges, and pomegranates, (plenteously produced in that plat of ground) they sat them down under an Almond tree, and (aswell as their weakness would permit) began to refresh themselves with those excellent fruits.  
It was now twilight, neither day, nor night; they had not sat long, but they might espy a comely Knight, mounted upon a stately Steed, clad in the habit of a Grecian, (for indeed that Island was part of Grecia) a great company following him, on horseback, (all seeming men of worth and quality) who with Agenor, (for so was the Knight called) had been hunting of the Badger, who espying two men naked (with fruits before them) under a tree, imagined (as indeed it was) that they were shipwrecked on that Coast.  
Amandus, was tall of Stature, big of limbs, of a stern (yet pleasing) countenance.  
Pallante, something lower, not so well set, yet of a more feminine aspect.  
Their persons (though naked) gave Agenor cause to think, that they were above the degree of common men, and pitying their calamitous condition, he alone road up to them, enquiring of Amandus (who understood the Greek tongue very well, being a man excellently learned) what accident had exposed him (and his associate) to such a direful distress; Amandus returned him answer.  
That they were Knights of the Kingdom of Polonia, (for he would not discover his capacity, and condition) and being bound for Spain, by the wilfulness of the winds, had their Ship swallowed in the merciless waves, and themselves forced (swimming for their lives) upon that Continent; adding, that he had a hope, they were thrown among a people, who were acquainted with Civility, and knew how to be hospitable.  
Fear not (said Agenor) but I will so provide, that you shall have entertainment, be fitting Knights of worth, (such as in my esteem you are) only I fear I shall not be able to afford you the courtesy I would, for that by a Law, ratified by my Predecessors, none may have the entertainment due to adventurous Knights, in my Castle, but such as can unfold the Riddle that shall be proposed to them.  
At this, Amandus, and Pallante, greatly wondered, Amandus desiring him to propose his Riddle, for (quoth he) I doubt not but to explain it.  
Apollo and Mercury aid you (quoth Agenor) and so calling his company unto him, he pulled a Schedule out of his pocket (included in a silken bag on which (in capital letters of gold) was engraven this;  

RIDDLE.  
What's that a fair Lady most of all likes,  
Tet ever makes show she least of all seeks:  
That's ever embraced, and affected by her,  
Yet is never seen to please, or come nigh her:  
But a poor man's thing, yet doth richly adorn her,  
Most served in her nightweeds, does her good in a corner:  
Most cheap, and most dear, above all worldly pelf,  
Is hard to get in, but comes out of itself.   
To this, Amandus (after a little pause) answered;  
Good Fame, is that which a virtuous Lady most of all desires.  
Yet makes it not known that she affects to accrue it.  
It is ever embraced and affected by her.  
For she must persevere in virtue, or her Glory dies.  
Served in her nightweeds.  
For Ladies that wear their nightweeds come least abroad.  
But a poor man's thing.  
For many of mean fortune attain to honest Fame.  
Richly adorns her.  
For nothing is more excellent in a woman then virtuous chastity.  
Is hard to get in, and comes out of itself.  
'Tis no easy thing, for a Lady so to demean herself, that she shall be esteemed virtuous; but being attained, whether she will or not, she shall be well spoken of.  
You are witnesses (quoth Agenor to his Associates) that this Knight, in the behalf of himself, and his friend, hath resolved the Riddle. All replying they were.  
You are nobly welcome (quoth Agenor) to the Flowery Island; then dispatched he one of his Train to his Castle, commanding him to bring two suits of Apparel, with their appurtenances, with two horses, the one for Amandus, the other for Pallante; which being performed, they having clothed themselves, and being mounted, departed with Agenor to his Castle.   

CHAP. V.  
Sophronia, entertained by the Shepherd Crates, and his wife Phillida. The description of his Cottage. Sophronia becoming a Shepherdess, sings the praise of the Country life.  
SOphronia (as you heard) having made riddance of her Royal Remora (in great fear) travailed so long as her tender limbs were able to bear her delicate body, till at length she arrived near a large overgrown Wood, whose aspiring branches almost kissed the Clouds; towards which, directing her way, she saw where a shepherd was making melody to his fleecy Flock, on his oaten reed, singing this song.  

Thus work we Fortunes discontent,  
To behold our merriment.  
We harmless Shepherds do despise  
The anger of the Destinies.  
That which makes the Gown man pine,  
The Soldier curse Wars discipline,  
Begets our solace, no austere  
Phalarian Tyrant is our fear;  
Secure content, and quiet rest,  
No groans, or cries of men oppressed;  
Age is no trouble, Death but sleep,  
And we till Death, our vigour keep.   
Sophronia, with great delight, listened unto the Shepherd's Song, and approaching near him, the good old man thought that some Deity, masked in a humane form, was making towards him.  
Hail gentle Shepherd (quoth Sophronia) Silvanus, Priapus, Pan, Pales, and all the Sylvan deities (and indeed, in naming one, I name all) be propitious unto thee and thy fair flock; and heaven (said Crates) for so was the Shepherd called, give thee (fair Lady) the full fruition of all thy desires: My present condition (quoth Sophronia) will not permit me (gentle Sir) to be tedious in my orratory, for that I expect every minute to be surprised, by a barbarous Earl of this Country, from whose hands I have this day escaped (for the preservation of my chaste honour) be pleased therefore, to afford me an homely russet Coat, in exchange, for these gaudy Garments, together with shelter for some few days in thy Cottage, till this storm be blown over, and to gratify thy love, take these Jewels (of sufficient value, to make thee Lord of all this champion Country) as my gift.  
For your Jewels (quoth Crates) I must not, dare not accept of them, they are the Plague and Poison of honest minds, but if my homely Cottage, may be worthy of the acceptance of so divine a creature; command it (Lady) as myself, and all I am master of.  
Away went Sophronia with Crates to his Cottage, which was builded by a bank side, at the root of a Sycamore Tree, whose broad branches quite overshadowed his shallow roof; the Cottage itself was erected of grass Turfs, so curiously contrived, that it seemed rather framed by Nature then by Art, being all over of a verdant hue. Entered therein, she espied many shelves of Cheeses, and pans of Milk, with large flitches of Bacon; Phillida (Crates wife) was exceedingly abashed, to behold a creature of such bright beauty, so gloriously apparelled, enter her homely habitation, imagining that Juno, or Latona, had descended from Heaven (as of old, when the Innocency of Shepherds, made them worthy the society of the deathless Deities) to visit their humble dwelling: but Crates soon took off her wonder, informing her the occasion of her arrival; then Phillida hearty welcomed her, and spreading a homespun cloth upon an unpolished Table, she adorned it with Cream, with Butter, with her choicest Cheese, and finest Bread, and taking a brown Bowl (borrowed out of the body of an Almond Tree) repleated it brimful of healthful Cider, Crates and Phillida (with many congees and ducks) proclaiming her welcome.  
Having refreshed herself with these rural Cates, she put off her gorgeous habit, and attired herself in a Coat of russet-gray, binding up her golden hair in a packthread Cawl, and putting homely Buskins upon her feet, taking a hook in her hand, she led forth her Sheep day by day, folding them each night, in as seemly a manner, as if she had been Crates, not Almonios' Daughter.  
Exceedingly pleased with this rustic life, sitting one day, upon a bank of Flowers, her Flock grazing by her, she sang these verses, in the praise of the country life.  

While I the glad and smiling ground do strew,  
In these most pleasant Groves, whose verdant hue,  
Allure great Pan and Pales here to sport,  
Forgetting quite the pleasures of the Court;  
Resting securely, void of ghastly fear,  
How well were I, were my Amandus here  
No Soldier here doth wipe his Sanguine Blade,  
Made drunk with blood, no Lording doth invade  
The poor man's House, or Land; no foul Sedition,  
No Edict, Remora, or Inhibition,  
Vexeth my quiet peace, my Flocks I keep  
Secure, and dreadless of all danger sleep.  
The fruitful Vine the Poplar tall doth clip,  
Who bows his head, sweet Nectar for to sip.  
The lowing Herds, far off I do behold,  
Feeding on Meadows all off burnished Gold.  
My head with mellow Apples I adorn,  
And Pears more ruddy than the blushing morn.  
When Jove forceth his Thunder through the Sky,  
To empt the store of his Artillery,  
Into a Grove of Bay I do retire,  
And reverence (not fear) his noise and fire.  
O happy country life, thrice blest they are,  
Who are contented with their household Lare.  
And wrapped in Goats skins, as securely rest,  
As those that do on Tyrian Tapstery feast,  
And sleep on quilted Down Beds, all the Pride  
Of Norimberge, or Turkey sought to hid,  
Their glorious nakedness; oh happy Fate,  
That still attends the humble Shepherd's state.  
Crowns are composed of cares, and Honours be,  
But the ensnaring Gins of Destiny;  
The purblind Goddess takes delight to wrong,  
None save the rich, the haughty, and the strong:  
Here without show of fear, securely I  
Do rob the earth of her Embroidery.  
The Primrose, Lilly, Calaminth are here,  
The Violet, Paunsy, Pagle, and Kings-Speare,  
Smooth Ladies Smocks, with Hare hells, and the Flower,  
That chiefly springeth in Adonis' Bower;  
The Myrtle, spikenard, Gowlands, and the Rose,  
Sops dipped in Wine, Ox eye, the lips of Cows;  
This is the life that's free from cares, and fear,  
Oh that my sweet Amandus were but here.   
Here leave we Sophronia, and look back to Verona, and see how the rumour of Clodomers' death is resented.  
Castrill having declared the time when, the place where, and by whom Clodomer was made away, the Nobles were so fare from deploring that heavy Accident (being now grown weary and ashamed, of Clodomers absurd unkingly deportment) that they lift up their hands to heaven, thanking the great power, that had benignly bereft them of so besotted a Prince; and the common people (who are ever delighted with change) sang Paeans to Providence, that had taken off their burdensome Head, without hurt to the Body politic; but neither the one nor the other, had any true cause of rejoicing (though Clodomer had forfeited the essence of a King, by giving too much scope to his fond loving Lunacy) for the Girpids being assured that Amandus was wand'ring about the world, and that King Clodomer was dead, resolved to break in pieces the yoke of bondage, that Amandus had put upon them, and to invade those that had vassalized them.   

CHAP. VI  
The description of Agenor's Castle; he declareth to Amandus, the reason, why he proposed the Riddle, as also, that no Women inhabited there, containing the History of Sinoris, and Eugenia, Agenor's Kinsman arriving from Spain, declares news very pleasing to Amandus; he and Pallante (furnished with a Ship, and all other necessaries) set sail for Verona; the Lombard's receive him triumphantly as King. Sophronia (having been much sought after by Amandus) at length discovers herself; the mutual joy of the two Lovers; the celebration of their Nuptials, and Cororonation.  
NOw if my compass, and my card be true, I shall ere long, put in at the wished Port.  
You have heard before, of the strange entertainment that Amandus and Pallante, found in the Flowery Island, and that Agenor (the Lord of that Country) courteously conducted them to his Castle; which was situated on an high promontory, surrounded with all sorts of Trees, set in seemly ranks, in the midst whereof, ran a demi-River, watering those pleasant plants. The Castle was framed all of Median stone, of Oval form, yet so vast of extent, that it seemed a petty City; it was surrounded with a Wall of Marble, on which at equal distance, and of just proportion, were an hundred Towers: before the Castle lay a Pond (environed with a living Wall of Eglantine, fed by a Crystalline Spring)  with all sorts of Fish; in it (most lively carved in stone, by the skill of some cunning Dedalus) sat the Rector of the Seas (according to the Poets) earth shaking Neptune, on a Sea Horse, his Trident in his hand, all his Tritons (bestriding several Fishes) about him, who (by wondrous Art) sounded their silver Trumpets, as they had been living substrnces, to their great admiration.  
Being entered the Castle, they found it exceeding glorious; the walls were hung round with cloth of gold, in which were represented many famous ancient Stories; the destruction of Troy; the renowned intercourse of the Loves of Hero, and Leander; to the exceeding delight of all that beheld them; they were brought by Agenor, into a large Hall, paved with Agates, and most richly garnished, where entreating them to sit down, he began to say as followeth.  
I assure myself (my noble guests) that you much admire the reason that occasioned my proposal of the Riddle, as also, (that in so happy an Island as this) what is the cause, your eyes have hitherto not visited one Female; the Origen of both these, I shall declare to you, briefly, and truly.  
About an hundred years since, there ruled as Governor over this Island, a Lord of great Fame (my Father's Father) named Sinoris, who had to wife, a Lady nobly descended, of great Beauty, and passing Wit, named Eugenia.  
Now it happened, that Sinoris became exceedingly intimate with a Lord (of a neighbouring Isle) called Alsatia, [himself nominated Ariaspes] they mutually feasted each other, nothing of note being acted in either Isle, without the joint assent one of another, their Friendship being knit so strongly, that it seemed impossible for the hand of Fate to dissolve it.  
Long time they maintained this Amity, till it happened, that Ariaspes became greatly enamoured on Eugenia, who, at first seemed to abhor his lewd desires, but at length was won to let him enjoy that, which she had sworn to preserve only to the use of Sinoris; yet carried they the matter a long time so clandestinely, that Argus could not have discovered their private compliance.  
Now it happened, that a Lady of this Island, of excellent Feature (a great Enchantress) was no less taken with Sinoris, then Ariaspes with Eugenia, and by Letters, and otherwise, manifested the same; but Sinoris so entirely loved his Wife, (whom he esteemed superlatively virtuous) that he could not be won to hearken to her allurements. Cassandra, (for so was the Enchantress called) perceiving her endeavours were fruitless, on a time appearing to Sinoris (sitting alone in study) told him, that he neglected her love, to dote upon one that was false as a falling Star, or glowwornes fire, who secretly (yet frequently) cornuted him, by the help of Ariaspes, Lord of Alsatia.  
You may imagine how exceedingly Sinoris was amazed to hear this, neither did he give credit to her words, yet with much entreaty, was won to make trial thereof: Cassandra (by the power of her Spells) having transformed him at all points like Ariaspes, he was easily admitted to ride in his own Saddle, which he had no sooner attempted to do, but Cassandra restored him to his own shape.  
What tongue, or pen, can express how exceedingly Eugenia was astonished at this accident: She would have fled away from the presence of her incensed husband, but he laying hold on her, shut her up in prison for some days, and then (with the assent of all about him) caused her to be torn in pieces by wild horses; the rage he conceived for her abuse, being so great, that he immediately banished all women out of the Island, ordaining for the future, that none of that Sex should inhabit here; he also devised the Riddle that you lately resolved, commanding, that none save those who could give the meaning thereof, should have entertainment in this Castle, but to be lodged else where in the Island.  
Amandus, and Pallante, could not choose but smile, to hear of this strange Law, and that the execution thereof should be so strictly observed: But (quoth Amandus) how then is this Island replenished with Inhabitants, (women being excommunitated from among you?) Our women (like us) said he, have an Island of their own (surrounded by the Sea) whom once every year we accompany, and if man-children be brought forth, we receive them; but if females, they abide with their mothers.  
But (quoth Amandus) were it not better that this absurd Law were abrogated.  
No (quoth Agenor) that we dare not do; for our forefather's being sworn to it by the virtue of the same oath, (we believe) all their posterity are engaged, and obliged successively.  
And besides (quoth he) we have experimentally found, that Heaven is exceedingly pleased with the observation of this Law; for before this was decreed by Sinoris, this Island was but indifferently fertile, but now it exceedeth all the Islands in the World, for fatness, and richness of soil.  
Fie (quoth Amandus) that you should be so grossly superstitious, to imagine, that the absence of women, occasioneth you bliss; by the immortal power, I admire, that your fruits are not blasted, and your Land cursed to a barrenness, that is destitute of such celestial creatures, as women are.  
While they were thus discoursing, the Tables were furnished with all manner of curious, and luscious wines, and choicest cates; which while they were feasting with, behold Agenor's Kinsman, a young man, of rare beauty, and gallant deportment, was newly arrived from Spain, (his Ship laden with very rich commodities) whom Agenor, bringing in by the hand, presented to Amandus, and Pallante, who saluting him (as Agenor's Kinsman) and understanding he came from Spain, besought him to afford them his presence a while, and to relate what Intelligence he had received in those parts; who presently told them, that while he resided in that Kingdom, Ambassadors arrived there from Lombardy, (Emissaries being dispatched for the same purpose into all parts of the world).  
To make enquiry for one Lord Amandus, sometime General to Clodomer, King of that Country (who was dead) for that they resolved, to make the said Amandus, their King; which they were the rather induced to do, for that the Girpids had rebelled, and were now upon the borders of that Kingdom.  
This News made Amandus, and Pallante, look one upon another, like men dropped from the Clouds. Dear Sir (quoth Amandus to Agenor) I am that Amandus, so greatly sought after, now if my Sophronia be but safe, I am every way happy.  
Agenor (starting to hear this) and are you that Amandus (quoth he) whose name, Fame so delighteth to celebrate; give me your pardon (Sir) that I have yielded you no greater respect, and let my ignorance plead my excuse.  
Oh (quoth Amandus) you excel in all nobleness: what thinkest thou, (quoth Amandus to Pallante) may not Fortune yet make us amends, for all her unkindness.  
I doubt it not (quoth Pallante) I beseech you (Sir) make all the haste you can into your native Country, you know not (despairing to find you) but they may otherwise determine than you have heard.  
But how (quoth Amandus) may we find Transportation? Take no care for that (quoth Agenor) I will furnish you with a winged Vessel, able Mariners, and all things requisite for your voyage.  
You heap favours upon me (quoth Amandus) which if I fail to retribute, my strength, and sense, forsake me at once; but dear friend, let all things be in readiness by to morrow morning.  
They shall (quoth Agenor) and having so said, (after he had accompanied them some few minutes) he departed to prepare all things in readiness for their journey, which he punctually performed, appointing them a strong, but nimble Vessel, and Seamen, lusty of body, and well skilled in marine Affairs.  
Amandus and Pallante, were lodged that night in a rich chamber, but took little rest, their thoughts were so busied, in devising how to manage affairs for the future; rising early in the morning, Agenor had prepared a stately Banquet for them, (himself honouring Amandus, as if he had been the greatest Prince in the World) after which, he (with a chosen Train) brought them on Shipboard, where they again, were richly feasted; and then with tears in his eyes (so great was Agenor's love to Amandus, who could hardly forbear, as also Pallante, to afford him the like womanish Responsion) he committed them to the mercy of the Winds, and Seas, returning to his Castle.  
So calm were the Waves, and so favourable the Winds, (as if, with the Dulichian Guide, Amandus had them in a bag) that within three days, they had sight of their native Country: Amandus, all the way (as indeed he had reason) highly extolled the Noble disposition of Agenor.  
Doth Fame Record (quoth he to Pallante) greater Hospitality ever extented hitherto, by any stranger, to unknown Guests, than Agenor hath manifested to us?  
I should blaspheme truth (quoth Pallante) should I not confess it, and strenuously endeavour (at least in some part) to compensate it.  
The Winds, and Seas proving so favourable, that they arrived (without least preturbance) at the Famous City Verona, putting in at the Harbour called Neptune's Cave. No sooner was their approach bruited abroad, but the Inhabitants of the City ran unanimously to meet him, saluting him their Lord and King, the Peers and Nobles of that Kingdom resorting to him with great Joy, of their own accords, swore fealty and homage unto him, conducting him (and Pallante) in great Pomp and State, to the Palace of the late King Clodomer.  
But Amandus (though exalted from the dunghill of Affliction, to a Throne of happiness) found no content within; nor could he have conceived any comfort, had he been made the Sole Monarch of the World, without the society of his dear Sophronia; whom enquiring for, answer was made, that (in the defence of her chastity) having slain King Clodomer, she had ever since absconded herself, none knew where; which caused Amandus to send Inquisitors all about the Kingdom, to make strict search for her, but all their labour proved to no purpose, to Amandus exceeding discontent.  
Sophronia perceiving by the discourse of Crates, and Phillida, that Amandus was returned, and received as King, and had sent Messengers into all parts of the Kingdom to make discovery of her, was so overcome with joy, that she swooned away, and became dead, but was soon recovered by Crates, and his wife, who laying her upon an heap of wool, so chafed her temples, plying her with warm , that they quickly restored her to 〈◊〉 wont strength; which she was no … oner Mistress of, but she besought th● Shepherd Crates, to afford her his company to the City, to the which he willingly assented: Sophronia having deserted her gown of grey, and put on her own apparel, made Crates her Guide to Verona.  
Arrived there, she directed her way towards the Palace; some of the Courtiers knowing her, strove, which first should be the Messenger of such happy news; but Amandus hardly credited their words: But ophronia being brought unto him, (who was sitting very pensive under a Canop●●f State) he no sooner had sight of her, but leaping from his chair, (letting fall his mantle for haste) he ran unto … r, and embraced her in his arms, (nei … o of them able to speak a long time for ●eeping) for, as the greatest grief, so no … ubt the greatest joy, hath the least utterance; breathing their souls into each other, and enjoying such mutual happiness, that none, save those that have proved the 〈◊〉 passion's, are able to express, they ag … ●…o consummate their long disturbed … ptials, the morrow.  
Whimbly … as accordingly performed, in great Pomp, and State, befitting the dignity of a King and Queen. And here, out of the affection I bear to their memories, I cannot but afford them this Nuptial Song.  

EPITHALAMIUM  
HEavenly fair Urania's Son,  
Thou that dwellest on Helicon;  
Hymen, o thy brows impale  
To the Bride, the Bridegroom 〈◊〉  
Take thy Saffron Robe, and c …  
With sweet flowered Marjorum  
Yellow socks of woollen wear,  
With a smiling look appear:  
Shrill Epithalamiums sing,  
Let this day with pleasure spring:  
Nimbly dance the flaming 
* the Pi●…  Tree,  
Only dedicated to thee.  
Take in that fair hand of thine,  
Let good Auguries combine,  
For the pair that now are Wed,  
Let their joys be nourished,  
Like a Myrtle, ever green,  
Owned by the Cyprian Queen,  
Who fosters it with Rosy dew,  
Where her Nymphs their Sports pursue.  
Leave th' Aonian Cave behind,  
(Come, o come with willing mind)  
And the Thespian Rocks, whence drill  
Aganippe watens still.  
Chastest Virgins, you that are  
Either for to make, or mar,  
Make the Air with Hymen ring,  
Hymen, Hymenaeus sing.   
Amandus and Sophronia, being thus incorporated by holy Church, to the General Joy of the whole Realm, all Hymns mixing in one concord. Shortly after, they were in Solemn manner, Crowned King and Queen of Lombardy, Reigning long, and happily.    
FINIS.