ARNALDO, OR, The Injured Lover.  
An Excellent new ROMANCE.  
Written in Italian by the Excellent Pen of GIROLAMO BRUSONI.  
Made English by T. S.  
LONDON, Printed for Thomas Dring, and are to be sold at the George in Fleetstreet, near St Dunstan's Church. 1660.   

To the Noble young BARONET Sr. JOHN SALUSBURY OF LLVENNY.  
Most Honoured Sir,  
THE High Ascendent, of your so Juvenile and Early accomplishments, as they attract the Admiration of all, so they advertise your Friends in particular, what Calculation their Hopes may make, of the Generous Influences your Meridian-Perfections, will one day impart to your Country and Family, in the Happy Conjunction of Experience with your present Eminent Qualities.  
But this is not the only Auspicious Prognostic of your Growing Excellencies, to such as have any Acquaintance with your Illustrious Family, and remember either the assiduous Education you have received from your most Excellent Lady-Mother; or the Hereditary Virtue, to which by a long Descent from your Brave Ancestors (as Sr. John the Strong, Sr. John the Loyal, and Sr. Thomas (as your Honoured Father's Works speak him) the Learned) you are Heir Apparent, and Tenant en le Taile.  
But, Brave Sir, to overpasse, in this Place, that Just Tribute, which I can never sufficiently render to your Merits, much less when confined to the brevity of an Epistle; It is your Fame, that hath brought the Injured Lover (after his Travels, through Italy, France, and Spain,) to implore from your Generosity that Protection, wherewith you may at once change both his Name and Fortune.  
And be pleads that his Address is most properly Directed to you, Sir, in that the Subject of this Story, is a Seasonable Lecture to such Young Gentlemen, upon the many Malignant Influxes, evil Women have upon the Honour and Happiness of such, who incautelously converse with them.  
Now, to conclude, Honoured Sir, The vouchsafe of your Patrociny, and Courteous Reception of this, will encourage me to expedite my intended Translation, of the Life and Labours of your Honourable and Learned Ancester, the Famous John Salusbury, Lord Bishop of Chartres, and Minister of State to Henry the Second. Whose Discourse judiciously treating of the Vanities of the Court, is almost ready to be Pressed for your Service; A work, which will be more suitable to your Improving Gravity, and more proportionate to the extraordinary obligations of,  
Worthy Sir, Your most humble Admirer T. S.   

To the Most Illustrious, and Most Excellent Lord, the Lord Don GASPARE DIEGO TEVES And GUSMAN.  
marquis of Fuentes, Lord of Lerena, Venazuza, Arrucas, of the Isles of Montelion, and Guadalupe; Perpetual Patron of Victory, Commandador di Colos, in the Order of St. Jago, Perpetual Chief Justice, and Grand Secretary of the City of Sivil; Gentleman of the Chamber to his Catholic Majesty; His great Master of Horse for the Field, one of his Council, his Ambassador Extraordinary to the Princes of Italy, and Ordinary to the most Renowned Republic of Venice.  
Most Illustrious, and most Excellent Lord;  
IT is now a good space since that I found myself engaged to publish to the world, the Obligations, which I own to the Merits of your Excellency: And I began a few years past, to confess in part, this my engagement in the Dedication of my Mercury's Grove to your Excellency: But that Work having encountered a gale of adverse Fortune, which detained it in the Press until now; I have been presented with an occasion of publishing, out of Complacency to others, this little Piece, a birth of the more happy years of my youth; and being unwilling to let it escape, without satisfaction in this also to my obligation, I have made it to bear in its Front, as it's Tutelar Numen, the most renowned Name of your Excellency. Nor ought this work, because it contains the calamities of a Lover, equally injured by Love, and Fortune, to be therefore though unworthy of your excellency's perusal; for the Loves of this Knight being made Legitimate, by Virtue and Constancy, they merit the Reading, and withal the Compassion of all Noble and Generous Souls, that know, and knowing can tell how to manage so Noble and Generous a Passion, in terms of Honour and Fidelity. And to whom more properly doth this Romance belong, fraught with the Passages and Adventures of Love, and Fortune; of Courtesy, and Honesty; of Magnanimity and Generosity; than to your Excellency, Mirror of all the Noble Virtues, and Endowments, that render your Excellency Honourable, and Considerable to any, that have attained the least knowledge of, or acquaintance with them? Be pleased to accept the Loyalty and the Love of this Knight, which with Reverence consecrates to the Immortality of his Glory, that Fidelity and Obsequy which constitutes me,  
Your Excellency's most humble and most obliged Servant Girolamo Brusoni.   

A BRIEF ACCOUNT Of the Book and Author.  
THe Injured Lover, or Arnaldo, (whose Story is here presented) in part of Compensation for the hard usage he found from the Frailer Sex, hath met with a more kind entertainment with all the Nations, whose Languages have since spoke his Adventures.  
He was for Country and Quality a Grecian of Regal Extraction; and having as he conceived been more hardly dealt with by Women than his innocence deserved, and experimenting the dangers that result from Converse with that Sex, yea even from the most virtuous of them, though not always through their fault; He, in charity to bold and unheedy Youth, who are most obnoxious to their Malignity, desired his friend Philiternus to commit his Life to Writing, and commend it to their Observation.  
Which Injunction Philiternus faithfully discharged by Penning this Relation in the Greek Tongue, from whence the Gravity of some Spaniard condescended to teach it that stately Language, wherewith Mr. Herberai, an excellent Personage was so well pleased that he converted it into French, which Translation being approved of by Bartol. Marassis, a Florentine, he made it Italian; and from his Copy Claud. Holiband above threescore years since turned it into English. But the Story being as yet but two Books; and, as we may suppose, much castrated in its undergoing so many Transmutations, our Worthy Author Girolamo Brusoni, a most Ingenious Italian, lighting upon the French Translate, and thinking so excellent a Subject aught to be improved to a greater height, it being of so universal benefit, and being thereto pressed by Signior Michiele, a great Wit of his Acquaintants, he set upon the Augmentation, and perfecting of the same. Which being done many years since, was lost, together with sundry his other youthful Composures of the like nature, in some troubles wherein this our Author was embroiled.  
But about six years since, not hearing by any means of his lost papers, (as if all conspired to make this work absolute) he, in his Maturer years, again reassumed his Resolution of pursuing this design; and, as he obtained leisure from more urgent Affairs, out of the few Notes he had left, completed this Discourse; wherein yet, according to his own words, He hath made a Spigot of a Lance.  
So that this Work having encountered so universal an Acceptation, whilst imperfect (in comparison); and being now Ornifyed by the Polite Pen of one of the most refined Wits of Italy, it cannot miss of a Correspondent welcome, as it is now a second time completed for English Perusal.  
But this by the way, from him that hath been at the pains of this last Translation; That it is against both his Opinion and Custom to multiply this kind of Reading, which ought to be used moderately, as Sauce, not substantial food, the end of Romantic Poetry, being 1. Either to attract the Curious and Careless Eyes of such, who can be no otherways induced to cultivate their wits, and inform their Minds; or 2. To Recreate (not without some profit) the over-intense Spirits after more serious Reading; or 3. To Reprove Powerful Vice without danger to the Mythologist; or 4. Lastly, to Affect those with Virtue thus set off by Fable, whose Luxuriant Fancies cannot descend to the looking on more plain Morality.  
This, from the Authority of my Honoured Lord Broghill, and the Apologies of the two Renowned Knights, Sir Philip Sidney, and Sir John Harington, is the substance of what can be said in behalf of this kind of Poetry. Which Rules being observed, the pains I have been at may be admitted this Publication, and the Reader's perusual with equal safety and delight.  
I could tell thee, what Affinity this Fiction hath to our present Revolutions in State, and instance in the Maxims here and there scattered for thy search; but that were to Anticipate thy Curiosity, and pervert the primary design of  
Thy Friend T. S.   

ARNALDO; OR THE Injured Lover.  
BOOK I.  
THe day had already began to dawn upon the Mountain's tops, when getting out of the poor Lodging wherein I had past the precedent night with reasonable tranquillity, I began my journey; and the Sun had not increased so far as to make a full disclosure of his face to mortals, when finding myself at the entrance of a very spacious Forest, into which my Horse thrust himself, and through abstruse and disconsolate tracks, penetrated into its most secret retirements, I set myself in the heat of that illustrious Planet's Meridian-rayes, under the leavey-shade of a lofty Platan, to repose me near the pleasant murmur of a little rivelet, which, dilated into sundry wind, sought to empty itself into a River, with which the Forest was in a manner wholly environed. It was not long that I had there sat, before the pleasant whisper of the Air and Brook had reconciled my eyes to sleep, and that I made my head to lean on the Root of that Platan; and scarce had I given up my brows to a languid slumber, when sleep represented to me the appearance of a young Lady. I fancied, that with a behaviour sufficiently obleiging, she enquired of me my name, quality, and the occasion of my journey: But I not having (oppressed by an unusual lethargy) knowledge, or power to find words to satisfy her demand; the Apparition, offended at my fatal taciturnity, smote me on the breast with a Serpent: Thus, saith she shall I be sure to know who thou art; and suddenly disappeared. I by this time awaking with a loud cry, found my heart perplexed by a cruel passion, and my face no less covered with tears than with sweat. Having therefore deposed the muddiness of my face in the clearness of the water, and forded the delightful rivulet, I felt my passions augmented to that height, that they oppressed my spirit, and equally set at liberty the reins of my Horse, and those of my Reason; nor took I any other food then what my griefs administered, to whose mercy fortune had abandoned me. Thence, just at the time that Sol, leaving the lowness of the Valleys, retreated his rays to the tops of the Hills, I came into a place that had an Ascent; from which there represented itself to my eye the prospect of a great Plain, in form of an artificial Theatre, which, encircled on every side by the Forest, dignified its Centre with a stately Palace, berounded with a well proportioned front of little Cypresses, which expected the favour of time, to increase with their umbrage the melancholiness of that Seat; which, covered with black Marble, made a fair but mournful disclosure of its Grandeur. I therefore fixed my eye full of admiration upon that strange Edifice; and whilst the curiosity to know the inhabitants of so lugubrious a place, led me out of my former tract; I saw issue out of the opposite part of the wood, a Troup of men, which in the sadness of their habits, and langour of their deportment, declared themselves very much grieved. There went before this company a Knight, who by his own appearance, and by the Garb of his followers might be presumed Lord of the rest, as, with his sighs, and the abundance of his tears he made himself believed more than all others afflicted. He breathed from his pale and meager face a most lamentable pensiveness, which tormented the hearts of the beholders, so much the more forcibly, by how much the more unsuitable so mournful a look appeared to so courteous an air. In the mean time the melancholy Knight, drawing near to the place where I, for the unexpectedness of the encounter, had made a halt, and raising his eyes to steal a look; he discovered me: although at the first accost he appeared somewhat moved, yet with a graceful smile he cleared up the tempest of his face, constraining me with a sweet violence, to take, in his Heremetical habitation, a short repose. Thereupon, taking me by the hand, he conducted me with a very slow pace towards the gates of his house; over which I, who being a stranger made curious observations of the things of the place, saw a gilded scroul, in which with black Characters was engraven these words: 
O man! that chance, or curiosity,  
Hath drawn this most unhappy lodge to view,  
Know 'tis owned by such who only death pursue,  
And, (dying every moment,) cannot die.   
Having with mine eyes run over, and with my mind lightly considered these Verses, we entered into that disconsolate Mansion, wherein all things represented objects of heaviness and grief; since the Hall and Chambers, hung only with black furniture, wrought in the heart a sad melancholy, which almost bereaving a man of himself, in despite of all he could do did constrain him to shed tears. Over the Nieces of the doors of each room, there hung after the use of Italy several goodly pictures, but in as much as the representation that they made of Tragical Loves, did in a great measure impair their delightfulness; the eye might not be fixed on them, without the prejudice of the mind, offended by the strange sight of those miserable occurrences. Being left for a little space by the courteous Knight, to repose my body in a Chamber lesse-sadly furnished, he returned himself in person to invite me to Supper, which by reason of the hot season I found was prepared with real Magnificence in a very spacious Hall; where no sooner arrived, but carually casting my eyes on the Walls I there observed, covered by a thin Veil, a Magnificent picture, in which I discovered depainted a young Lady, whose face seemed to be descended to inform the Graces with all the proportions requisite to render it a breathing picture of beauty. Her complexion did only mourn with dolorous appearance: a Vermilion stream of blood, which trickling from her breast, transfixed by a little Dagger, ran to slain with mournful drops her Attire. I was just about to vent by my mouth in words the curiosity of my mind to know what this picture did signify, when it entered suddenly into my thoughts, that perhaps from her took birth the deplorable cause, which held that house buried in so profound a silence. Yet by that modest respect which ought to regulate the actions of men well-descended, in another man's house, I refrained for that time to satisfy my curiosity, and sat down at Table with the Knight, where, besides the singularity and abundance of the cheer, I admired the marvellous order of the service, proper to a great Prince.  
Supper being ended, and finding the time convenient, I introduced a modest discourse tending to the satisfaction of my desires; with which I so moved the Knight, that he gave me no answer but in these few words. Pacify you first the Ghost of Belisa with acquainting me Who you be, and the occasion of your journey; and then I will likewise to morrow (it being now time that you retire to your repose) satisfy your curiosity. I obeyed him, but not without occasioning in him strange astonishment at so unwonted adventures. And the Knight asserting a fatal necessity in his request, entertained me a short space in superfluous Compliments of excuse, but not with superfluous Testimonies of his incomparable generosity.  
Performing therefore the injunction of the Knight, he withdrew with a discomposed countenance into his Lodging, and I also was, with treatments of singular courtesy, attended and served, in the apartment prepared for me. There at last being left alone, I went to bed, assaulted by various thoughts, occasioned in me partly by the things I had heard, and partly by those which I did expect to hear the next day: and that which did not a little foment my inquietude, was, the reverberated memory of my absence from that person, which being more dear to me then my own life, I shall sooner want a Soul in my breast, then suffer my love to diminish in the least. Yet in the end wearied with long watching, I lightly accommodated my eyes to repose: but scarce had sleep distended his pleasant wings over my senses, when, first by a soft murmur gently struck and warbled, and after by a lamentable Music, I was so awakened, that it was impossible for me in all that dismal night to receive the sweetnesses of Lethe. Thereupon I gave myself to hearken if I could know what so lugubrious a song might intent, in so late an hour; and knew in the end that the Knight my Host was the unhappy occasion of that lachtimous ditty; afflicting himself in renewing the rueful memory of his misfortunes, accompanied in this sad office by his servants, who, too tender in the affects of their Master, did increase with their vain plaints that grief, which they ought rather with mature prudence to have tempered. So long was the mournful harmony of those nocturnal sacrifices, that I at last more moved by wearinesses than pity, desired nothing else but only that the Sun, dissipator of vain phantasms, which in the night obnubilate the fancies of mortals, would rise and illuminate the hemisphere; and already it (become compassionate of my wailing) almost began to dart the Horizon with his rays: When the Knight entering in suddenly and domestically into my Room, invited me to be a spectator of the Divine Ceremonies, which in a little Temple adjoining to his Palace he did celebrate. Being come thither, I rested no less stupefied with the richness of that edifice, which in the conciseness of its Gyre emulated the sumptuosity of the most renowned Temples of the World; than with the singularity of its Architecture, which seemed to have dis-embowelled itself to render it a miracle of Art. This admirable Chapel was, in the exterior circuit, of a spherical figure, berounded with Columns of black Marble, upon Pedestals of brass, and with Chapters, and Arches of the same matter marvellously wrought. In the spaces between the Columns, and over the Arches, which supported a front of double Cornishes, there was placed, in proportionate distances, sundry Statues, Historical and Fabulous, some of Porphyr, others of Alabaster and Brass: but the summity of the roof, wrought with Marquetry into little foliages of Marble, enclosed a great Statue which by its aged face, by its wings disjointed from the shoulders, and by a dyal put in his right hand, represented an Image of the Temple. On the Westside, was situate the Magnificent and lofty Gate by which men enter to Worship; in whose prospect towards the East, did glitter an eminent Altar of purest Marble, inchased with most precious Jemms; and such, and so much was the splendour, which from the Carbuncles, Chrysolytes, and Crystals did beam forth, that without the help of windows, which might impart the rays of the Sun, it sufficiently illuminated that religious dwelling of the Divinity. On the other parts South and North, hung in equal proportion two exceeding large pictures, less rich indeed in Jewels than the Altar; but frauded perhaps with greater cunning, since it seemed (to who intentively beheld them) that the Painter and the Carver had striven in formalities to give the World a marvellous excess of Art; so excellently were discovered the draughts of the pencil, in giving life to the tele; and so rarely were impressed the touches of the chizel in inliuning the Marbles, that they served as an Ornament to the tele. The Walls were covered with exceeding black & splendid jet, and the pavements did even shine with the black Marbles which were laid upon them. In this noble Chapel was erected, more than two foot above the floor, a Sepulchre of polite Alabaster finely historified with divers impresses of Love, bordered and guarded with little leaves of Myrtle and Cypress: about which with Greek Letters, which did seem just then dictated by a pensive Amorist, his Pen being placed upon the last Character, with a grace able to inchant Souls; was read these verses.  
This Sepulchre upon the Theban shore,  
(Since it to th' bones he could not consecrate  
Of fair Lucinda, whom he did adore)  
Arnaldo r●i●'d unto her Ghost ingrate.  
Now, whilst the Priests went about with Sacred Rites, and pious Oblations to appease the anger of the offended Divinity; I sometimes suffered the curiosity of my eyes to wander after the guidance of fancy about the things, which there within did offer themselves to the mind to be considered: and with so much the more inquietude, by how much, through the small knowledge I drew from thence, the desire of beholding them came to foment. The Divine functions ended, the Knight, after having augurated to me that day to be happy, took me by the hand and led me out of the Temple, dismissing the people which did follow him, and carried me all alone through a narrow path into the Forest; just where a little Mountain dividing itself into three equal parts, did form with natural pleasures the prospect of a delightful Theatre. There did issue from its foot a transparent rivulet; but so scant at that time of water, that it did reveal to the negligence of the eye, all the secrets of its bottom. There were seen through those fresh streams little fishes to sport themselves among the candid pebbles. But about the moistened banks did grow as in well ordered knots, a hundred varieties of odoriferous Herbs, embroidered with a thousand sorts of flowers, which opening as it were their breasts to the ruddy morning, did emit the air of so delicate a perfume, that it had power to efface in great part from my heart the annoyance, which through the past waking, and through the dolefulness of the things which I saw, was there so deeply rooted. The backside of the Tripartite hill overspread with Oaks and Pines, by nature dispersed and disposed with a negligent art, did overshadow some very green Meadows, which in the middle of the Forest, haply through the benefit of the neighbouring Brook, renouncing to the commerce of the plants, did conserve in their pleasant largeness the roots of the flowers inviolate. In one of these the Knight sat down, and I placing myself over against him, after many sighs in a languishing and sad tone, he gave beginning to his Narration after this manner. From the first Original, which it may be you will not believe, I must derive to you, most dear guest, the dolorous relation of my uncomfortable disadventures: and though the mind abhorreth the remembrance of past griefs; yet because notwithstanding custom hath converted grief into nature, I shall fully make relation of as much as I shall think necessary, that you may be able another day to manifest to the World the cruelty of a woman, and the dysasters of a Lover abused. I was born (Philiternus) in the famous City of Thebes, Queen of Boetia, of a stock both generous, and nearly-allied to the Royal family, with replicated bonds of consanguinity; and from my birth had given me the name of Arnaldo (for thus my father was called himself: a Knight no less renowned in the Counsels of State then in the matters of War). Being grown to boy's estate, the puissant King Agenor my Uncle would have me dwell in his Court, to be brought up in the noble Company of his sons, whence I learned in a little space the qualities convenient to a Knight of great birth; nor did I endure much labour to attain to the highest Dignities of the Court and Kingdom; nor was I envied (if it be lawful for me to say it) by any; having preobliged the affections of all hearts, with the affability of my manners, with the complacency of my conditions, and the profuseness of my riches: I obtained in gift from Heaven a Wit, greater than my Fortune. Now it befell for my fatal disease that I being with the Court in Thebes, there passed from this life to a better Osiander, a principal Knight and well deserving from the Crown; whose obsequies the King himself was pleased to honour with his presence, with all the flower of the Nobility of his Kingdom. Oh that dolorous Dagger wounded me to the very heart, with the mournful remembrance of that most unfortunate day! Among the other friends of the defunct Cavalier, which assisted at his Funeral, there was a young Lady his daughter, which besides her being very beautiful of face, and complacential of deportment, with so pitiful a dejectedness did bewail the death of her father, that each circumstance in the Ocean of those tears made shipwreck of a heart. She had disordered with her tender hands her silver tresses, whence one part of them descending on her shoulders, in precious Rings did incatenate the mind of the Spectators in stupor of her extreme beauty: the other but ill retained by her hair-laces ran to bathe themselves in the doleful flood of sorrow, which overran the face, ambitious peradventure to enrich with Pearls the nudity of their Gold. Thence her amiable face appeared a Sun which arose from the Sea with locks moistened with celestial Dew, and even had usurped the property of the rising Sun, whilst that fair face obfuscated by the Clouds of perplexity suffered itself to be seen without offence of the beholders, whereas in the noon-tide of cheerfulness there was no eye so firm as to be able to sustain without peril of blindness the reflection of its splendours. As soon as on this prodigious Creature I fixed my looks, I presently felt a fatal shivering to seize my Soul, which calling my blood to the succour of my heart, left my face overcast with a mortal paleness. And well might it be that he seemed dead, from whom one only look of Lucinda had ravished his Soul: Fair Lucinda was she called, who was the happy cause of all my deplorable unhappiness. I desired really to fly from that perilous sight; my mind being desirous to avoid the mortal danger which I foresaw; but Pity, a chaste companion that never separates from Love, recalled me to compassionate the grief of the weeping Damsel, by little and little introducing into my mind, and impressing in my heart those languishing beauties of which they finally became an Idolater, though they be now reduced to ashes; the sparks of my love live notwithstanding, and shall live perpetually buried in those Cinders.  
That magnificent Funeral being ended, and having waited upon the King back to his lodging, I incontinent returned to that Temple, in which I had left my Soul deposited under the credit of Lucinda's beauty; and Love was for my misfortune so courteous, that I had an opportunity of encountering her, whilst among the sad troup of her Allies she returned to the forsaken house of her father; into which being entered she carried with her, and included between those blessed Walls, my perplexed spirit: whereupon remaining almost an exanimate Carcase, I withdrew myself with a slow pace to my house, without knowing where I was, or whither I went: but only that the privation of my spirit, transmigrated into the object beloved, made me with reiterated stingings to know, that yet I remained without a Soul in the World of the living. Being come there, I withdrew, with the violent companion of my new thoughts, from the conversation of my familiars; conceiting (unexperienced that I was) to find in solitude a comfort for my pain: but it did the more foment it; and I perceived in the end, that retiredness from the commerce of people, wrought no other in me than a perplexing multitude of torments. Sleep & Appetite to food forthwith left me; and seeing myself lost in a Love upon my own advice, without hope, I began wholly to abandon the care of my health: So that in a few days I seemed wholly altered from myself in the eyes of the world. I sometimes attempted to suppress that fervent amorous passion, which did afflict me; but the more I forced myself to conceal it, the more invigorating itself, did it blaze out with greater impetuosity: whence, my malady continually increasing I saw myself in a little space reduced miserably to perish in the arms of melancholy and desperation. But Necessity, the discreet inventor of healthful contrivances, would have me live for my hurt, suggesting to me that I ought not utterly despair of my health: since that, though the sight of and speech to Lucinda was not by fortune permitted me; I might notwithstanding easily be able to penetrate her meaning, finding among my Pages a youth which by being formerly a servant to her father, had access to the house with much liberty, and without suspicion. Whereupon I made known to him more with tears, which unawares betrayed my constancy, then with words, the internal grief of my heart, and I desired him he would follow his wont visits more frequently; and report to me what he could discover of the person and wit of Lucinda. The Page obeyed me with sufficient discretion and modesty; and observing for some time what seemed to him opportune to my interests, he thrust me on finally with his persuasions, to write a Letter to my fair Enemy in this manner.  
I had rather most lovely Lucinda that you should draw the truth of those griefs which environ my Soul from the sight of me; than, in the dead Letters of this Paper, you should discover their appearances: But although the black lines of the ink cannot sufficiently express the abundance of the tears, which the bitterness of my dysasters distil from my heart; I shall at least attempt thereby to manifest to you in some part the cruel passions of my Soul, which, heretofore transfused into your beautiful breast, stands expecting from your goodness some gale of grace, which may suffice to keep it alive. Be therefore pleased to know Madam, that from that day, which you celebrated in the Temple the exequys of your most worthy father, I remained in such manner fettered by the enchantments of your Divine beauty, that when you returned to your house to consummate with floods of tears the paternal funerals, I retired to my Chamber to commence with the deluge of my plaints the celebration of the grief of my heart, which I had left enclosed in the radiant Sepulchre of your fair eyes. I will not deny Madam, but that I have striven to force myself to cast off the yoke of servitude, which the Sovereign Majesty of your looks hath imposed by virtue of Love upon the liberty of my spirit: but in sum the insuperable power of your beauty binding my Reason with Adamantine cords would have me follow chained, the Chariot of its triumphs. I set myself therefore to love you, because destiny hath commanded it; and will love you eternally because my Inclination imposeth it. I request no other of you Madam, but only that you would please to accept the sacrifice of my affections, which all contracted in one sigh of Love I offer to the Idol of your super-humane beauty; and that you would not at least deny me the happiness of your presence, that I may in the consolation of your celestial remembrance sweeten the bitterness of my sufferings, and that you may discover in my mortified looks the lively pledges of my fidelity.  
ARNALDO.  
Having written this Letter & consigned it to Diffilus the Page, and instructed him in the manner with which he should transact the message to Lucinda, I retired into the solitude of my Closet, strongly assaulted by fear and hope to expect the issue. Diffilus went, and by good fortune observed that Lucinda accompanied by a Girl her slave, was busied about her feminine employments; he suddenly accosted her, giving her my Letter, entreating her to receive it. But she presently clouded her face, to which the mind imparted the sudden motions of its displeasure; and beholding him with a fierce look commanded him presently to get himself out of her sight, and never dare to do the like to her, as he tendered his life. But the cunning Groom that knew the anger of a beautiful woman to be just like the stop of a Noble Courser, not a jot affrighted by those angry appearances, multiplied his entreaties with no less affection than discretion: whereupon Lucinda seeing herself importuned with so much prudence, and being unwilling to yield to so affectionate an assault, arose to retire into some more private room, where it was not permitted Diffilus to follow her. Whence he perceiving of her intention, just as she was rising up to departed, cast the Letter into her bosom with so civil a behaviour, that she was necessitated to take it. An unhappy necessity for me; since as if it had been a Viper she presently tore it, reducing it to smoke and ashes.  
This unhappy accident, related to me by the Page, gave me easily to understand what I might expect from this my unfortunate Love. My torments therefore did in such manner increase, that I esteemed nothing but death able to deliver me. Thence I became so much an Enemy to myself, that my pain, become familiar to me, left me to fall irrecoverably into a Gulf of desperate thoughts; among which miserably consuming my days, there came to me one morning Diffilus, a curious observer of the actions of Lucinda, to tell me she would be the following night in an adjacent Temple, to celebrate the rites of a grand solemnity: It ran in my mind that I might peradventure be able (hid amongst the nocturnal umbrages, and covered with woman's apparel) to wove a pleasant snare for my proud enemy; from which if I should get no other, I should at least with discourse in some part vent my grief, and perhaps that Love would second with greater success the lively force of my words, than he had done the dead Characters of my Letter. This proposition being resolved on, and the night desired being come, I dressed myself in a suit of Belisa my sister, and with the only attendance of Diffilus, who in like manner habited did conduct me into the Temple; and just in the place where he knew Lucinda would sit, he placed me. And though the tenderness of my age, which then scarce passing the eighteenth year, had not yet covered my face with the first down; and the uncertain twilight, which in the nocturnal darkresse the burning Tapers form, did exceedingly favour our design: I kept nevertheless with pretext of the coldness of the winter-season my face covered with a Veil, to avoid the curiosity of the eyes of them, who frequent the Temple for no other end, than with their looks to lay siege to Ladies. Scarce was I settled in that place, when Lucinda appeared accompanied with so numerous a train of servants, that I esteemed it a thing almost hopeless to get any occasion to speak to her. Now while she was approaching to my seat, me-thought that my heart skipping within me, would have leapt out of my breast; and they that at that time had observed my face would have judged me mortally wounded; it was at that instant overspread with so strange a paleness. Yet in the end Lucinda was come close to me, and by the singularity of my dress and deportment, believing me to be a Lady of great quality; courteously saluting me, she sat down close by me: But what I answered to her civil Salute, I cannot remember; my spirits being at that time lost in consideration of the presence of her, who was the sole cause of all my enthusiasms, so that they were disabled to all external functions. Yet recollecting by little and little my banished forces, more by the benefit of the night's obscurity than by any violence I knew how to offer on myself; being assisted also by the solitude in which Lucinda remained (the crowd of her servants being withdrawn into several parts of the Temple) I began plainly in this manner to express my mind.  
Dear Lucinda, if Fortune shall but grant me as much ability to express my torments, as you have power to make me feel them; I should repute myself no less fortunate than you be fair. It will therefore concern your affability not to regard the confusion of my speeches, but to consider the afflictions of my heart, that compels me to pronounce them. I know not, courteous Madam, what profit you can expect from my ruin; nor what good you can extract from my evil. The tearing of my Letter was truly an impetuous motion of an offended mind: but the continual rending of my heart can be imputed to no less than an excess of cruelty. If this agree to a beautiful Lady, I leave you yourself to judge. And what excuse can you find that may stand you instead to defend the severity of your treatment towards him, who loves you above his own life, or rather that as to his Terrene Goddess, consecrateth upon the Altar of his fidelity, his heart in a perpetual Holocaust? You might easily, Madam, openly discover in my languishing looks what be the torments occasioned no less by your beauty then by your rigour: and yet the suffering them grieves me not a jot, I am only displeased that you are not pleased to accept my sufference; Sweeten, I implore you, with the drop of some favour the bitterness of such severity: for that Lady spots not the candour of her honesty, which with a single syllable of courtesy favours the affects of a noble Cavalier her Adorer. Other favour, Madam, I request not of you than verbal. It sufficeth me you be still served by honouring me with the Title of your Slave, and some declaration that my services are not indifferent to you; blessing me now and then with a compassionate look. It's but a poor word, it's but a transient glance to one, whom it may recall from death to life.  
Thus proceeded I with a languishing voice, intermingling my prayers with my tears: But Lucinda (I believe that indignation would not permit her before, to reply) when she perceived me thus run on, with a trembling and discomposed voice (a sign of great agitation of spirit) thus interrupted me.  
Arnaldo, I answer at this time to your propositions to the end you deceive not yourself in the judgement you may pass upon my intentions, and lest perhaps presuming upon my silence, you may not nourish some fallacious hope to your prejudice and my own dishonour. I shall know of a truth that you love me, if with desisting from your unadvised enterprise you will cease to trouble me. It is not for me to teach you what means you should use to cure this amorous infirmity: but if you be but as discreet in your desires, as with your sighs you pretend to make me believe you are passionate; you would be able of yourself to investigate the same.  
I use not to you that tigour which I ought, because I reverence your birth; but provoke me not in coming in this form, for you shall draw with security little satisfaction from your boldness. Consider therefore, and remember that deceivers are wont to fall into the Nets of the deceits they intended for others.  
This answer of Lucinda was like Oil, which, poured upon my burning heart, made the flame of my dolours to foment the more, since the more her words diminished my hope, the more they increased my desire of possessing her. Thence by considering the Divine beauty of her countenance, and by harkening to the grace of her celestial discourse, ravished out of myself, I retained not in me any part of life, but only Memory, which attentively waited if it might be able to draw any thing of benefit from that congression. But she nevertheless having done speaking, and making as if she would be gone, if immediately I did not obey her, I retired most disconsolate out of the Temple, and being returned to my house, I shut myself into my Closet, and there reasoned to myself.  
Miserable Arnaldo! What hope can be able still to flatter thy disconsolate heart to misled thy tormented spirit? Perceivest thou not, O wretch, that thy unbridled desire having led thee too high, menaceth thee with some miserable precipice? And canst thou with open eyes behold this ruin, without procuring to thyself at lest that assistance which reason offers thee, of freeing thyself from the snares of this perfidious Love, which only to render thee unhappy is come to disturb thy peace with his importunate furies? Alas! Alas, too vain are my thoughts, and too rash my purposes. It's impossible that I can ever heal this amorous infirmity, if beauty it self, which bred it in my breast do not cure it, But not daring to hope that; what remains but that I miserably perish? My disconsolate spirit! wherefore stayest thou any longer in this thy miserable abode, now that it is become a ruthless Hell of uncomfortable afflictions? Unfortunate Arnaldo! When thou beginnest to want strength, thou beginst to augment thy torments; and instead of seeking a Salve to thy evils by the constancy of a generous Cavalier, thou losest thyself in the weakness of vulgar Lovers! And how long hast thou served Lucinda, that she ought to give thee her Love? With the price then of a few months of servitude wouldst thou go about to purchase the reward of her favour? The gifts of Love are not obtained with so little labour. And again: Ladies desire to try the fidelity of their servants with slighting them: but after the Tempest of contempts, follows the serenity of favours, which they concede to their faithful Lovers. Love therefore thy Lucinda; and since thy passions are not of a kind that do offend the Laws of the World or of Heaven, hope that the World and Heaven ought to assist thee in pursuing the end of thy servid and honest Love.  
Thus, agitated betwixt divers purposes, and lacerated by various skirmishes of different affects, I knew not to which part, either of hope, or of desperation, to betake myself: but like a ship in the main Ocean tossed by the winds, and assaulted by the Waves, I lived encloistered in the solitude of my Lodgings, without ever going out of the storm of my sadness, grief, and sorrow: I obscured by the Clouds of sundry perturbations, all light of the knowledge of my unhappy state, and bereft myself of all the directions of reason to arrive to the Port of Consolations, by the unsafe complacency I took in my enemy's beauty.   

Arnaldo; or, the Injured Lover.  
Book II.  
FOr as much as the King saw me not to appear any more in Court, and understanding in part my new affliction; thinking perhaps to please me, he elected me maintainer of a just which he had proclaimed for the approaching feast of the Spring. And though I was at that time more disposed to retiredness then to the company of Gallants; yet because I would not displease the King, I accepted of it. Thereupon, my Soul flattered with I know not what gale of alacrity, I not only prepared myself to the designed enterprise▪ but communicated my resolutions to a certain number of youthful Knights, and we agreed upon a most capricious Mask to present at the feast which, the night following the Tournament should be celebrated in the Royal Hall. But for as much as the desire of glory did not ease my heart so much of the weight of its afflictions, that they did not still press me down to the centre of melancholy; being got up with the Aurora of that fatal day; I would have the sadness of my habit accompany into the field the sorrow of my mind. So mounted on a Thracian Courser, I appeared in a military posture, armed with black Arms, with a Cassock of black Velvet embroidered with studs of Pearl: an emblem of my tears. The creft of my Helm was dignified with no other ensign, than a mournful Plume of sable feathers. But in my shield I had caused to be depainted a Limbeck from which did drop-in divers parts of the distilled water with this Motto: And within burneth. Now whilst the elected Knights prepared to the course, I vaulted upon my Horse before the Scaffold of the Queen, and raising my eyes by chance, I saw my fair Lucinda, which upon an adjoining Scaffold wrapped in her mournful Mantle (in those Countries they wear the mourning for their Parents a complete year) darted through those Clouds the luminous rays of her Divine face, and menaced with death, who ever through too much boldness should have attempted to fix their looks, on the immortal Sun of that glittering beauty. What befell me upon so unexpected and astonishing a sight, if ever you have been a Lover, you are able to judge. I think I should never have remembered the affair that had called me into that place (I was so besides myself), if Lucinda taking notice of my stupefaction, with a sudden fiction of talking with another Lady of her acquaintance, had not, in depriving me of the serenity of her face, made me to foresee the tempest, which began to rise in my heart, which, calmed in part by the consideration of my duty in so great an occurrence, I in the end gave beginning to the Tilting; of which as the encounters and accidents were various, so it would be necessary I should expatiate in a superfluous discourse if I should recount them all: It shall suffice to tell you, that my success in that adventure was such, as I was not able to desire more with my vows to Fortune for the increasement of my glory: if love of glory had been able at that time to open a way in that breast which knew no other affect then the love of Lucinda.  
The Tournament being concluded with the day, and accompanied with the applause of all people to my house, I disarmed, and masked myself with the rest of the Knights my companions; and came into the Hall appointed for the Ball, where, in the presence of the King, the dances were begun. My consorts each of them having took out his Lady to dance, I withdrew myself apart, more than ever troubled with my fears, and distracted by my griefs to see myself poor in that good of which I had so much need, and rich in that evil which I did so much abhor. Yet finally, (thrust forward by that desire, which, enkindling in my Soul, did set me all on fire) I drew near also with trembling feet to my fair Lucinda to invite her to dance, with almost a certain credence of being refused. And truly the suspension of that Lady confirmed my belief: But yet in the end constrained by generosity, and by the accustomed frequency of such passages, she courteously gave me her hand. But what passions did not torment my wretched heart, seeing my felicity so nigh me, and the remedy of my infelicity so remote? The dance being ended, which made me with its turns to experiment in my Soul, the turning of Ixion's wheel to torment me; Lucinda, (perhaps annoyed with my presence), sat herself down so near the Queen, that it was impossible for me to speak a word to her: wherefore withdrawing (almost in desperation) into a Wardrobe of the Kings, I assumed a resolution to try my Fortune again by writing. And thus amidst the confusions of my spirit I indicted upon the Paper these confused words.  
Arnaldo to Lucinda.  
LUcinda, If I was granted as well the means to redressing my misfortunes, as I have occasion of expressing them; I am certain I should be more contented, than now I find myself aggrieved: But seeing you have bereft from my heart all feeling of consolation, though not from my mind all sense of good judgement; have patience also, I beseech you, if I writ to you that which doth not please you. But what can I write, since I have written and said so much already of my passions and miseries? Let it suffice you to know, that except you be in the end moved with commiseration of my passion and sufferings, you shall in a short time see the date of my life terminated in my death. And yet, alas, you might with more ease, if you so pleased, collect the infinity of my sufferings, from my words and from my tears, which abound in my eyes, the speaking mirrors of enamoured and languishing minds. I am truly miserable, since the more constant my fidelity is, the more remiss you are in vouchsafing it a recompense. And whereas you think, that by giving peace to my life you must proclaim War against your virtue; I will not desire you to do any thing, nor will I speak any thing that may offend you. It shall content me, if you but only vouchsafe sometimes to cast your eye on my torments, so that the sweetness of your looks may allay the sharpness of my sorrow: for by this slight favour you may easily obtain pardon for the many injuries you have so often done me. For this only, be not I beseech you so mortal an Enemy; for if you desire I should die, I also will not much desire to live; and so we may with little labour both receive satisfaction: where as on the other side denying me this, the memory of your cruelty and my death would be eternalized. I verily believe, that if you would but follow for a little the impulse of reason, you should see how that it's an act unworthy of a noble, and courteous Lady, to torment those that offend you not; unless you can call offence my constancy in loving you, and the resolution I have taken of always serving you. But if you continue in the same opinion which you have formerly expressed, remember a little, remember, Lucinda, the sufferings that I undergo: I am confident that if my torments were but considered by you according to what they are; you would rather repent them, then perpetuallize them with so much severity. And really it's a strange thing and almost incredible, that you had rather be cruel to those that love you, than be served by those that adore you. For, did you but condescend to consider the sorrow you return me in recompense of the services I tender to you, I assure myself, that you would plainly see how in glorious it is to insult in my ruin. I conclude this my passionate discourse, words being superfluous after that my presence hath presented you with so many demonstrations of my torments. Look upon me only, look upon me, O beautiful occasion of all my dysasters: lest otherwise, deprived of the blessed gales of your serene looks, the desperation which I have of my life, provoke me to solicit the death so much desired by  
ARNALDO.  
THis Letter being written and sealed, I returned into the Hall, where coming in a certain throng near to Lucinda, I put it in the slieve of her upper Garment; and withdrew to observe how she would entertain it. But for a long time that I had watched her, I could observe nothing: Whereupon I flattered myself with the hope of some prosperous success to my attempt. I was therefore so distracted with this perplexity of thoughts, that I either answered nothing, or else besides the purpose to those who entertained me with some discourse of the present Occurrences, either of the Ball, or Court. And he that in that instant had touched my breast, might easily have felt the palpitations of my heart caused by desire, and perplexing fear, the daughters of a desperate Love.  
The time being come at last, that (the Ball being ended) every one retired to their own house, observing that Lucinda would take leave of the Queen, I waited on her, disguised in an unknown Garb, not only home to her house, but into her Chamber, without being able to observe any thing in her that contributed so much as an atom to my hope. Hence being little inclined to rest for that night, I dispatched Diffilus thither at the same time, to bring me back some news of the fortune of that Paper, which I had adventured in the slieve of Lucinda: but he could hear nothing good or bad. Whereupon my natural vigour diminishing by this fixed application, and my grief increasing, continually scalding my heart in the inextinguishable flames of sighs, I became wholly melancholy and solitary, never desiring to see the face of the Sun more, out of my Chamber.  
Hereupon Belisa my sister, moved to compassion of my misery, as one who felt a great part of it herself; sitting down close by me one day, she weeping said. Ah! my dear brother, I, entreat thee to acquaint me with the fatal cause of this grief, which so much afflicts thee. Seest thou not that thy affliction is my torment; and that the love I bear thee, makes me to live for thy sorrow a most unhappy life? Thou hast many times confessed thyself to be my debtor, and that thou wouldst recompense my love with a reciprocal affection; But you deny me that with your actions, which you confirm to me with your words. You know very well, that such like dissimulation ought not to have place near me: make therefore my breast the depository of thy passions. And to whom wilt thou commit them, if thou wilt not intrust them to me? Do but think that if thou desirest death, I will not wish for life; If thou hatest pleasure, I will love sorrow; If thou delightest in trouble, I will be displeased with repose: so that thy malady and my torment are one and the same thing to excruciate my heart. If therefore you desire to ventilate your passion, with whom better can you do it then with me, that am never sparing in wishing your good? I am sure that discharging one part of it upon me, we shall together be the better able to bear it. For if thou hast a desire to weep, I will weep: if you will comfort yourself in your grief, I will expedite my consolation: and if you desire to conceal and nourish it, we two can be better able than thou alone to hid and feed it. Show not, I pray thee, so little confidence in her which hath nothing in all the world that is not thine; and make it believed in the end, that thy dissimulation cannot falsify my judgement; whilst thy tears and thy sighs, thy sadness, and thy solitude accuse me, and too plainly discover, that which you seek with such care to hid and conceal. It's certain, death ought to be less powerful than brotherly love; and that therefore death itself shall be most welcome to me, when by it thou shalt come to acquire a joyful life, since that I see thee arrived to that pass, that thou canst not long continue alive. But I had rather you would assume the spirits of your generosity, and cheer up yourself, considering that fortune is always an Enemy of the happy, and favourable to the afflicted: and therefore she being by nature fickle and inconstant, whereas it befits the fortunate to fear, I would have thee accustom thyself to hope in her vicissitude. She ever causeth new actions for the trial of our minds, because her puissance is better known by the prosperous, then by the calamitous. Reserve not therefore thy anxious solitude to thyself alone: for, if greater is the evil that's hid, than the evil that is manifest, thy communicating of it to me may afford thee some succour. I entreat thee, dear brother, I entreat thee, let the Key of my counsel open for thee the Door of thy comfort and health; the peril that's concealed being always greater in every occurrence, then that which is discovered. Speak to me therefore, if you love me, and love that we should live together, whether it be dolefully or cheerfully.  
Here Belisa sighing, held her peace: I replied. Thou hast so afflicted me (dear sister) with thy passion, that in some measure to comfort thee, I must be forced to tell thee what I am unwilling to disclose. I pray you, before I reveal my condition to you any farther, not to trouble yourself with any superfluous care, because I shall see an end of my days, before you shall see a beginning of the remedy to my dysasters. Know therefore (sister) that, more by impulse of strange Fortune, then by any act of my own will, I was compelled to stoop to the Laws of Love, by which Fortune hath desired to make me acquire so much with the merit of my service, that to my torment I have felt the ingratitude of her I served. My misfortunes have already taken so deep impression in my heart, that Fortune in vain forceth herself with her slow revolutions to bring any Medicine of comfort: so that if death in the end do not secure me, relief will come too late from other parts. I will not then despair of life, even in a continual death; and therefore I pray thee, dear sister, rather to comfort then afflict thyself, that thou hast● a brother, which knows how, and is able to undergo (conquering himself) so many troubles. For if yet you desire I should be comforted, and you would do me a good office; let me never see thy face so deluged in tears: for if tears could mitigate my passion, mine alone would be sufficient; whereas thine do but increase my torments instead of contributing relief. In brief, I was born to languish, thou to rejoice: and therefore attend to thy Jollities, which better suit to the feebleness of thy Sex and to the tenderness of thy years; and leave this sorrow to me, as more corresponding to virile fortitude, and to the proof of my constancy. For if you will deport yourself otherwise, I shall believe that you love me but little whilst you persist to afflict me with your sadness, redoubling the grief which is of itself but too heavy to be supported. Comfort thyself yet, comfort thyself Belisa, for thy consolation will be a great part of my redress, when I shall receive thy joy as a sign of the love thou bearest to me.  
Belisa, seeing she could not get any thing out of me of what she desired, determined to let me alone, and inform herself better by other means. But, I having already imparted this my misadventure (without acquainting him with the occasion) to a Knight my friend; (not so much because I held any great confidence in his fidelity, as because of the vicinity of his house to that of my fair Enemy: considering that from every part my pains increased, I resolved to vent my passion to him afresh, fancying the encounter at least of some occasion of comforting myself sometimes in the sight of her, who though I did not see, yet had stuck so many darts of grief in my breast. I caused him to be sent for to my Chamber, and seeing him so compassionate of my adversities, as that he made a show he would subvert the world to relieve me; I, as one who easily believed what I desired, said unto him.  
Friend Jersus, If I go about now to discover to thee that, which I have so long concealed, of my afflictions; yet believe that I am constrained to it by the high confidence I hold of thy loyalty, and the love thou bearest me. Besides, if hitherto it hath been a virtue to bury my griefs in silence, at the present it is a vice; since, after so long a siege of torments, I must yield to the assaults of Love and Death. And from what may I better request succour in such anguish to the distraction of my tormented heart, than from thy fidelity, and from thy courtesy, whilst that death pursues me, and that life rather offends than helps me? This cruel assault began (dear friend) from that day on which the father of Lucinda died, for then died in me all light of content; never knowing what truce or peace was to an anxious mind. For, Love seeing me so free, and disengaged from his Laws, that I derided his power, resolved to assault me with all the force of his Empire; and though vigorous and great was my defence, he had fought with such sharpness and assiduity, that I was deprived of all succour of reason, or of desperation, and I saw myself come to that pass that I was forced to render myself to the discretion of his tyrannical indiscretion. And if thou thinkest (dear Jersus) that I talking thus, am out of my right senses, believe me, friend, it would be the greatest of my felicities to be deprived of judgement; as the greatest of my infelicities comes from the knowledge of, and inability to redress, my dysasters: Whereas if I were deprived of understanding, as I could hope no good, so I would fear no evil; but being free from the tumults of passion, and the Wars of the senses, I would live full of inward tranquillity. Behold me therefore reduced to so miserable a state, that I know not whither to have recourse for succour in these last minutes of my life, unless to the candour of our friendship, which, with the Arms of thy counsels, and thy courtesy, are able to raise from about my Soul the tedious Leaguer of my living death, and dying hopes; The adjacency of thy house to that of my fair and inflexible Enemy, may at leastwise stand me in so much stead, as to open to me a door of escape, either by means of hope or despair. The reality of thy Amity (which in necessity is best-experimented and known) may be able with the prudence of thy advice and endeavours, wholly to set me free: for I know very well that thou hast more desire to gratify me herein, than I have to entreat thee to it.  
Having thus said, I held my peace, and Jersus promptly replied; Friend Arnaldo, I might justly be offended at the diffidence, which thou showest to have so long had of my Loyalty, concealing thy troubles from me, and revealing them just now, when by the Laws of Love thou wast bound to suppress them. What hast thou got by thy silence, which hath deprived thee of the benefit thou mightest have acquired, and drawn upon thee that mischief thou didst not merit? I shall nevertheless forbear to aggravate thy grief with superfluous loquacity, being myself but too much troubled for thy afflictions, which the sense of Pity and the bond of Amity hath made common to me. Thou sayest, The beauty of Lucinda destroys thy life, and she it is doth also ruin my health; for as much then, as I know no difference between my will and thine: since that thou requirest my counsel in such an exigent, assure thyself that if my advice might but as much avail thee, as thy malady torments me; thou wouldst immediately be free, from all sense of either perplexity, or pain. Yet to tell thee my thoughts plainly, it doth astonish and grieve me to think, that thou shouldest voluntarily consent, that the greatness of thy courage should be foiled and overcome by a thing so weak and contemptible; and that thou which wert wont to bear the victory from the bravest Cavaliers in the world, shouldst be overcome by a Feminine feebleness. And for the further increase of my disgusts, I see that thy Soul is that which falsifieth thy faith, and tenders thee in a manner a rebel to reason: for thou makest thyself the minister to thy own servitude and calamity. Fly therefore such extremes of Love, which transport thee to an extreme unworthiness: not that I would have thee banish it wholly from thy knowledge (there being no less peril in too much solicitude to avoid it, then in too much assiduity to pursue it) but that thou esteem it, fear it, seek it, and contemn it with a generosity and liberty worthy of thy noble blood, and of thy great Soul. For if Love be of itself a deceitful affect, do thou also deceive him; his Laws being such, that he, who loveth least, obtaineth the greatest recompense; and who serveth most, receiveth the greatest ingratitude. In sum, I consent that thou shalt follow Love, but not make thyself his Slave; and that thou despise him not, but much less that thou trust him at any hand. Consider that hope in easy things deceiveth, in difficult betrayeth; and that Fortune gives an unexpected issue to all humane affairs: and therefore seeing it's the cause of thy sorrow, do thou also deceive it in making it the means of thy joy. For I assure thee, if thou wouldst follow my counsel (now that I request thee) thou shalt easily by this means obtain that, which thou shalt certainly lose by going to my house; in which nevertheless thou art absolute master, when, and how thou pleasest. And certainly thou hast done thyself great wrong to delay so long to contribute to thy comfort: knowing that thou art more lord of my will, than I am of my own house: and for that cause I am obliged to serve thee in all occurrences wherein I may be useful. I shall say no more, for words are fruitless, where my thought is only of comforting thee, and not to perplex thee with talk. And therefore now, if you so please, let us go to make a trial of my Wit, and of thy Fortune.  
Thus said Jersus, but whilst I heard him talk so sinisterly of Lucinda, I felt my heart equally to boil with disdain, and my mind to freeze with suspicion and jealousy: Yet with dissembling speeches he sought to make me believe that superfluity of Love would make me rave in my thoughts. So I partly disinherited him, & partly assured myself that in regard of our ancient friendship he would observe that which he promised. Seeing therefore that he had so freely offered me his house, I resolved to go live there for some days: but I soon found myself frustrated in my hopes, for with all the diligence I could possibly use, I could not in all the time I stayed there, come so much as once to the sight of her, for whose sake I had removed unto that Lodging. Hereupon Belisa, afflicted in my present peril, by the consideration of my future pain, at last investigating the cause of my malady, she changed her course of life, and without making me in the least privy to her design, began to frequent the house of Lucinda, with whom she had before upon some other account contracted friendship; so that one day she being entered into discourse with her, finding her in a good humour, she thus spoke to her.  
I entreat thee, my friend, that using thy prudence thou will not blame me for that, which I am about to tell thee, presuming rather to merit applause then reprehension; whilst my compassion of another's misery excuseth my shame. Dear Lucinda, my deplorable brother Arnaldo, for his great affection to thee daily increaseth his affliction, impaireth his health, impoisoning even those remedies which should restore him to it. Not that I have the least intimation from him of his Love, having always denied the true cause of his torments: but yet I have been so solicitous to sift out the truth, that I have come to know, that thou only art the cause of his misery, and mayest become the restorer of his life. I have for this reason resolved to strain modesty, to provide (if I can possible) for his safety and my sorrow. And I profess, that if I did not see his life in danger, thou shouldest not have known the least hint of my trouble. Moved therefore by a compassionate zeal for his conservation, and to redress my own calamity, (because wanting him, who in the quality of an only brother supplieth the place of my deceased Parents, I should be left solitary and disconsolate): I come to entreat thee, that thou wouldst not at once with his life, annihilate my consolation, & decollate our family; acquiring to thyself instead of a perpetual glory, an eternal infamy for thy cruelty and his death: for certain I am, he cannot, so ill treated as he is, prolong his life beyond the date of a few months. O consider, I beseech thee, consider, how much thou art obliged to him, whilst the more thou slightest him, the more he loves thee: and only desireth death, because thou art displeased with his life. Herein, while he for love of thee joys in his torments, and none know that thou art she which so much afflictest him, thou art doubly engaged to him; and therefore at last relent into commiseration of his so great endurance, and permit not his fidelity to perish by thy ingratitude. What though thou art not pleased to receive him to the honour of thy conversation, wilt not thou therefore gratify him at least with an answer to his Letter? And if yet thou wilt not do it, by instinct of a grateful mind towards him, yet do it, dear Luc●nda, for courtesy towards me: who, in so doing, of a faithful friend that I am, thou shalt oblige me to become thy perpetual slave. Let it content thee that it's now two years, that I have languished under these sufferings, and restore me, since thou mayst do it without trouble.  
Lucinda presently replied: My dear friend and companion; Thou hast no ground to fear that thou hast in any kind prejudiced thy Modesty, whilst the pity of a Brother and the confidence of a Friend absolves thee of all suspicion, and frees thee from all aspersion. For though thou hast in part offended me with thy propositions, thou hast also satisfied me with thy honest innocence: there being more cause thou shouldest grieve at thy brother's misfortunes, than for any fault thou mightest commit against my person. It exceedingly grieves me that I cannot give thee the satisfaction which thou desirest, for although the misery of thy brother afflicts me, yet I cannot apply myself to give him a remedy; that being a thing would reflect upon my reputation, to which I ought to have greater regard than to his health. And thou art not ignorant, how much the honour of a woman is diminished, when to secure Lovers they forget themselves. Request me not therefore to do that, which thou canst not do thyself: and I would it had pleased God, that thou didst not desire of me a thing impossible for my power to effect, and thou shouldest soon see how much I love thee by my removing thy trouble. Heaven knows how oft it hath grieved me, that this my beauty hath been the occasion of so much mischief to Arnaldo: How oft I have condoled his tears when I considered, he importuned me to a thing I could not grant. Believe me, friend; that I have a greater desire to acquit him of his maladies, than thou hast to request me. And if by any other means, than that of my honour, I might give him ease; believe me, I would more freely offer it, than he should desire it. But because his acquist cannot be, but with my loss; he ought to content himself with the goodwill I conserve towards him (of which I desire thee to give him assurance,) as also the grief I suffer for the pain he endureth. Do thou also excuse me, beloved Belisa, if I concede not to all that thou wishest; because I am not permitted, with a Salvo to my honour, to grant thee any advantage; and rest secure that in all other occurrences, thou shalt always find me most ready at thy beck.  
After some other such like passages, Belisa returned to me, and to comfort me said, that she came from visiting Lucinda: but hiding from me her fatal answer, she wisely endeavoured to make me hope that which she had been denied. But perfectly perceiving by her silence, how ill she had succeeded in her attempt, it came into my mind to penetrate yet farther into the breast of Lucinda. I feigned therefore that I had no desire to think more of her life, since she cared so little for my duty; and prayed Belisa, that the next time she saw her, she would give her to understand this my resolution, of seeking for the time to come to learn to be myself, that I might not do so much to my prejudice in the love of a person, that was to me so ingrateful. And Belisa having promised to content me, I proceeded to instruct her, punctually to observe that Lady's countenance and behaviour upon the reception of my message; because I could better from this then from her words, be able to comprehend the truth of her intentions: And above all, that she should note well the change of colours in her face; for by them commonly the affects of the mind, and impressions of the heart do manifest themselves. From the manner also of her speech, either deliberate, or hasty, I would have been able to draw some observations of her thoughts; (for from speaking with leisure or liberty, with anxiety or celerity, much may be collected of another's purposes;) which may but ill be dissembled by the external appearance. Belisa writ these advertisements in her memory, against she should see a convenient occasion to meet with Lucinda; and finding her on a time alone, she bespoke her in this manner.  
Lucinda, if my propositions shall as much offend thee, as they make me blush, impute to the inconstancy of humane desires this my importunity, occasioned for thy service, rather than the relief of my brother: who, in short, seeing that he reaped no profit of his services, and that they increased thy contempt of him, hath resolved to put himself upon an impossible enterprise, which is, to cease farther to incommode thee with his amorous Passions: yet, impossible as it is, he will attempt it, making his absence a medicine for thy homicide, and his death; for he hopes to obtain that by this voluntary exile, which thy presence permits him not to find. But, if even thou also shalt consent to this resolution, I assure thee, friend, that I shall procure my death rather than survive this misfortune. And thus I shall come to be betrayed by you both, whom I so much love, like mortal enemies; dying not for having offended you, but for having too much affected you. Can it be possible, dear Lucinda, that thou wilt be so cruel to such a fidelity as my brother professeth to thee, and so ingrateful to such an Amity as I bear to thee? And how canst thou ever possess her Will entire, whose Life thou rendest in pieces? How canst thou nourish a legitimate correspondence of friendship with her, thou so inhumanely transfixest? Oh reform at length with new Laws such thy implacable obdurateness, which thou falsely callest zeal of honour, when as that Lady doth not in the least offend her virtue, who correspondeth to the legitimate Affection of a Knight, which loves, and serves her according to the established Laws of Heaven, and Nature. I hope I pretend not to have thee decline the least punctilio of thy virtue; but I verily believe, that if thou wouldst grant me what I ask, thou mightest glory in having, with a small benevolence, restored to life, two persons otherwise dead. There is nothing doubtless lost of thy reputation, whilst thou dost but prevent the perdition of a Knight that adores thee, and salve the misery of a Dame that loves thee. Make them therefore but only to understand in two words, that thou art not pleased with his departure, and that thou art displeased with her despair. It is but a small matter I beg, the writing of two lines of compliment, for the reprieve of two lives, without prejudicing thyself.  
Here Belisa concluded her discourse by the commencing of her tears, giving Lucinda time to reply in this manner. I entreat thee to cease these tears, and sweeten the bitterness of thy grief; for I shall do all I can for thy satisfaction and comfort. But I would to God I were for the present without a tongue, that I might not speak for love of thee a thing so opposite to reason. Thou oughtest not to glory in the power that thou hast over my heart; for if in this particular I shall commit any error, thou only art to be blamed; having with thy loving importunity forced me to do what I would not. I suspend therefore my resentments, that I may content thee, desiring thee only to accept my good will, and not to slight my gifts after thou hast once received them: it being an ordinary custom of men, highly to esteem things difficult to attain, and despise them when gotten. I will write to Arnaldo, but look to it, that he hereafter adventures not to desire any thing farther of me; for I assure thee, that by seeking to make greater acquists, he will lose what he hath acquired. For I confess unto thee, that I repent already of my promise, which yet, since it pleaseth thee, I cannot retract. Writ I will, but I had rather the earth had opened to swallow me, than it should have entered into my mind, in this to have gratified thee. This said, Lucinda took her pen, and with great discomposure of mind, writ to me in these words.  
Lucinda to Arnaldo.  
I Believe, Arnaldo, that my letter will find you more merry than it hath left me sad: But thou wouldst not have an occasion to complain of me, if now when I moved this hand to write, it had been dried up, rather than render its liberty at another's persuasion to give thee, not being in the least indebted to thee, too precious a pledge. Yet notwithstanding, I would not have thee presume, upon my present writing to thee, that it is because thou hast been offended at my past silence. Receive this my letter therefore with moderate resentments: wisely dissembling thy joy at this thy good fortune; as thou hast done the vehemence of thy Love. And above all, remember Arnaldo that when men go about to publish such like Victories over women, they make a sacrifice of their honours, exposing them to the calumnies of contumelious tongues. For if thou knowest what thou standest in need of, thou shouldest also remember, what is fit for me to do; having always in thy eye, that to comply with thee, I am become of a Lady a Slave, or rather an enemy to myself; for when thou shalt sing of thy glory, I shall be condoling of my faults. O how many times have I took my hand off from this paper with a resolution not to write to thee! But alas! what should she do, that cannot defend herself from thy importunities? Go to, rest at last from thy troubles, take a resolution of thy doubts, and glory in that thou hast no more occasion of contrast. I have understood by thy sister, that thou wilt travel into some other Country, at which I am greatly displeased; for who cannot be instrumental to the good of another, should avoid all occasions of doing them harm. I yet (to confess the truth) have judged that this thy invention, is rather feigned then real: so that if thou intendest to deceive me, Lo now thou hast done it. But I must tell thee, that in deceiving me thou hast cozened thyself: and that thou shalt not be a jot the better for the tricks you Lovers make use of, that you may triumph in deceiving the constancy of those infortunate maids, that trust you. Boast not therefore in thy subtlety, and believe me not to be such a fool, as I think thee in this particular. In short, I would have thee know, that its more out of compassion of thy sufferings, then for any fear of thy departure, that I am persuaded to write to thee: or rather for pity of thy Sister, whose sorrows, as evidences of the torments she suffers for thy sake, I have been no longer able to endure. Of all this I thought good to advertise thee by this my letter, with which I desire you to rest content, without pretending to any further advantage: otherwise thou mayst chance to lose that, which for the merits of thy Sister thou hast acquired. Comfort thyself therefore within thyself, and suffer me in peace; for although thy departure would displease me, I intent not nevertheless that thy stay shall turn to my prejudice: and especially have a care it enter not into thy thoughts to desire to see, or speak with me, that so thy importunity impose not upon me a necessity of displeasing thee afresh by my denials. Use thy discretion and live happily.  
LUCINDA.  
THis letter being writ and delivered to my sister, Lucinda withdrew, and Belisa run to seek me, to give it to me. I received it with the same joy, a Miser would have entertained a Treasure; or the Mortally-sick-patient, a healthful Medicine; not being able almost to suffer myself to understand this good Fortune. At last, I awaking out of my stupor, Belisa recounted to me the discourses held with this Fair one; the which having understood, I set myself with a high attention to the reading this letter: but he that should have then seen my face shining with a new colour of pleasantness, might thereby have collected how much virtue and vivacity those inanimate characters had infused into my dead soul. Yet this my joy was of no long durance, for I did presently prove in myself how true it was, that high soaring flights are near the most precipitous falls, I being passed from a supreme content, to an extreme desperation. Thus I stood a good space, fight between joy and grief, without knowing to which part to betake me; for when I thought to take heart, the little hope I had did not permit me; and if I thought of afflicting myself, the good will I seemed to see in Lucinda, did not suffer me. Wanting therefore the counsel of others, I resolved to answer her Letter in these words.  
Arnaldo to Lucinda.  
LUcinda, your Letter brought in its first appearance an inexplicable pleasure. But the joy I took in seeing it, is vanished in reading it, by the return of a greater confusion of sadness. Thus that Paper which [sealed] promised me remedy, [open] confirmed me in my misery: so that judging by it of your intention, I saw my ruin nearer than my relief. But if, Lucinda, you writ to me, how that you compassionate my misfortunes, wherefore do you all you can to afflict me? your words correspond not with your actions; but as crafty as you are, you at the same time thrust me away with your heart, and flatter me with hope; and bespeak yourself resolved never to put an end to my torments, but with my death. Wherefore use you such dissimulation with him that adores you? Ah! Lucinda, I had far rather that you were doubtful of my sufferings, then that believing them you should not seek to remove them. And what am I the better for your advice, To use your favours moderately, if you yourself cancel and provoke them, in the same instant you bestow them? If you were but as willing to cure my maladies, as I have been patiented to undergo them, my Passion would not have any thing in it wherewith to torment me: I having always veiled my flames with a perpetual silence; whereas your favours come so difficultly from you, that almost as soon as they are born they languish to my greater prejudice. If therefore it be true that you desire my satisfaction, depose your severity: if you would that I should believe you, lay aside this dissimulation. Content yourself that you have rob me of the better part of my life, and that I am now running upon my own accord to death, without desiring me by these fallacious hopes to prolong my life, to endure every minute a centuplicated death. In short, since the more my faithfulness shows itself, the further I am from my reward, and you have resolved that I die; die I will. And because that in this place, seeing myself so afflicted by your cruelty, I cannot behold others jollity without a multiplied and Tantalising torment; I will go die in a place so remote from all humane conversation, that the name of Arnaldo shall never arrive to the notice of any man. Yet before I depart, I beg of you this only favour to see you; and because you shall not think that I request any thing of you, unbefitting my Honour and your Reputation; I entreat you to do it in so open a place that malice itself can find no occasion to censure you: and this also more for your own service then for my satisfaction; that so in my discoloured complexion you may read the power of your beauty; of which I am a perpetual Idolater: consecrating myself an eternal Slave of Love, vowing to reverence and adore you to the last minute of my life. Yet I herein deny not the Deities to be adored and supplicated. Condescend you therefore to vouchsafe me a favour, which shall redound more to your glory than to my content: Till than I render you most humble thanks, for the honour done me with your Letter, and, prostrate at your feet, I humbly kiss your hand.  
ARNALDO.  
I Returned this answer to the fair Lucinda, but never received the least counter-sign, either of repulse, or acceptation of my request. I had therefore recourse anew to the help of Belisa, to the end she might obtain me a favour so passionately desired. She went to her, though with some blush; and after many words forced her to be content to let me see her in a certain place of great resort, where as if talking with my sister I might meet her, without suspicion of any correspondency.  
The day and hour appointed being come, what I said, and did, in that encounter may be more easily imagined then expressed. I am sure, I felt all the time of that expectation so great a contentment, that my misery changed into felicity, for so much desired, and so little hoped for a victory. In sum, so jocund apprehensions did at that time rejoice my mind, that although I had nothing, I did not desire a more advantageous Fortune. Now judge you, dearest Stranger, what joy I found, and felt then in speaking to Lucinda of my pains, and by supplicating her to have pity on me, and to give me at last some honest recompense for my constant fidelity. Our discourses though they were not long were many, and we came to this conclusion; That I should not stir from thence, and much less that I should let any one know my interest in her person. Alas! I see now that this was a plot of her wont Feminine dissimulation, that she always desired secrecy in Love; and in vain did I comfort myself in it: and yet it was no other than a mark of her unfaithful mind, that being not yet arrived to the end she designed for my ultimate destruction; she would not have my departure deprive her of the friendship of my sister, whom she used, to deceive me; nor that the publication of my pledge, should discredit the baseness of her intentions, whilst slighting a personage of Regal Extract, she set her affections upon a Knight of vulgar Birth and Fortune. Such malice lodged in the heart of a young Lady, To deceive him that loved her, to betray him that adored her.   

Arnaldo; or, the Injured Lover.  
Book III.  
THus saying, the Knight sighed from the bottom of his Soul, and holding his peace some space, he continued his discourse in this manner. Dearest Guest! already the Sun hath ascended half of his Carrier above the Horizon; it would be therefore good counsel, for this time not to weary you with the Narration of my sinister adventures, but that in the umbrage of these meadows we do a little refresh languishing nature. Having scarce so said, he with a little silver-whistle gave intimation to his people of what he desired, and that Forrest was in a short space peopled by the noble attendants of the Knight. Where, near a Fountain by him made in that part, (it being his own ground) with black marbles, sadned by the representation of tragical occurrences, the Table was prepared. Here Arnaldo having by the mirth of the banquet, and by the pleasantness of the place given way to some sentiments of delight, began to ask me of the news of the world, and of the principal Courts of the Grecian Kingdoms. And the first that appeared on the scene of our discourse was the Duke of Sparta, with whom having had some familiarity in the quality of Senators, he admired to hear him risen by the help of his Enemies to such a Grandeur. It is not to be wondered at, said I, because when Heaven will punish men for their faults, it is so ordered, that the instruments of the offence are changed to them into instruments of chastisement. The impieties of former Princes have been so high, that they mixed the Antidotes with the poison of their Crimes. Woe be to the world, said Arnaldo, if the like measure should succeed in all Principalities. And yet (added I) it seems the passages of these ages do authorize this verity with a manifest proof. Behold Thrace, with its King murdered & strangled! Behold Macedon without legitimate Heirs, with Migdonia, & Thessaly revolted from the Crown. Consider Ep rus, turned upside down with the ambition of those which the interests of State, and the obstinacy of the late King, made to be engrafted (injustly, as being Bastards) into the stem of the blood Royal. Turn your eyes to the Princes of Illyrium; who being exiled, depressed, & extinct in the prime flower of their greatnesses, all that vast Province is desolate, and burnt up by the fiercest flames of War. And, crossing the Seas, behold Cyprus with its Princes exterminated, (a barbarism unused through all ages) even by the hand of the infamous Hangman: and, thence running through all the Provinces of our Climate, ye will find but-too-Authentick to the detriment of many people, this Maxim, That the instruments of evils, are turned by the justice of heaven into instruments of chastisements to Delinquents. The Knight stood some time suspended at this my Discourse; but I, that against my will had set my thoughts and Discourse upon such à Subject; took occasion from thence to divert my talk, and commended the goodly fountain (which did spout out of the Horn of an Actaeon, transformed into a Stag) its sparkling Crystals, saying: Now that we treat of the mischiefs, which so much at present scourge our Kingdoms; I know not courteous Sir, whether you have ever made reflection on this other truth, That all the evils of men ordinarily take rise from women, nor so much from the bad as from the good; whence, with reason, a noble Wit w●it, 
From chaste Penelope as oft doth rise  
War, famine, and all sad calamities;  
As from the Spattan-whore's adulteries.   
Yea, verily, I have considered (answered Arnaldo) that almost all the evils, which at present pester our Kingdoms, if they be well regarded will be found to take their birth from women. It's a high consideration, said I, and worthy of the sublimeness of your Ingenuity. But, with your leave, let us only observe what is represented to us, in the graceful Statue which dignifieth this regal Forest: and it is, that the major part of the calamities of men take their birth as did that of Actaeon, from the curiosity of looking on other men's wives, and from the wickedness withal of those Females, that Metamorphize their husbands into Actaeon's. It is very right, said the Knight; Nor hath the Justice of Heaven a heavier scourge for mortals then that of Feminine wickedness: while men in the mean time on the other side, by no other way so headstrongly rebel against Heaven, as by the Love of women. Of which, though from a divers cause, I can render you most ample testimony, since that having with so much fidelity Idolised my unfaithful Lucinda, in all that time I lived in such a dotage, I never remembered either heaven, or myself; and I am now reduced by her means after a thousand deaths of intolerable dysasters, to live a life more painful than death.  
Thus said the Knight; when, upon the instant, hearing a mighty noise in the Forest, we all set ourselves to guests what might occasion it. The servants of the Cavalier had already catched up their Arms for our defence, when we beheld to rouse on the left side of the Fountain a goodly Stag, of an extraordinary bigness, which in a full carrier fled the eminent peril, threatened him from the persecutions of a Huntress. But stumbling upon some Vessels for the service of the Table, which stood in the entrance of that Track, he happened to fall precipitously into a little pit of the Meadow, where the Huntress over-took him, and stuck two mortal darts into his flank and head, with such a dexterity that like lightning at the drawing of the Bow they vanished. Having made the blow, the beautiful Lass cast her eyes on the Table, and congeed with a gentle smile, dying the face of the Knight with a noble blush; and began to proceed on her way. But Arnaldo, rising to answer her courteous Salute, with great affability entreated her to sit down, to take with us a short repast, after that her victorious chase. The Damsel turned about, smiling with a grace able to inchant Souls with Love, and said; Some great prodigy is happened in the world, now that the Enemy of conversation invites Strangers to his Table. But I cannot receive the honour you exhibit to me, being expected by my company on the other side the River to Dinner. Arnaldo interrupted her. You will arrive too late, it being above three miles off; but if you will please to favour us with a short stay, we will also wait upon you thither. I give you humbly thanks, replied the sprightly Virago; but that would be too much trouble for you, to pass beyond the confines which enclose you in this savage habitation. But it's a good prediction, that seeing guests now with you in strange garbs, I may think, that you will at last put an end to this inhuman solitude, which deprives the world of the glory of your person. This saying, with expressions equally free and generous, she bore us company at dinner, and out of temperance scarce tasted any of the dishes, taking a little cup of water from the fountain, to show how little our nature is content with, and how the worth of women is enhanced by their abstinence. This done, she took her leave, and would not by any means suffer either the Knight or his servants to accompany her, only saying, She recommended the prey to him; for being taken in his jurisdiction. The fair Huntress being gone, I was even dead with desire to know her Quality: for the air of her looks, and the freeness of her deportment, made me plainly perceive, she was more than a mere Denizon of the forest; but the Knight foreseeing my curiosity, which peradventure he read in my eyes, he obligingly said; Behold, most dear guest, our discourse confirmed with a new proof, that from women, and from good women, are occasioned all the calamities of men; since for so courteous, virtuous, and innocent a Maid, many persons are at this instant endangered, and many families ruined.  
This fair youngone was born in the Isle of Negroponte, of a very noble family, and conjoined by kindred to the Royal blood. Being grown to fourteen years of age, her parents died, and she remained with three sisters more, under the tyrannical government of her brethren; who having designed her against her will, and contrary to all reason, to a manner of life little pleasing to her, as being a lover of Liberty, did thereby occasion to themselves extreme misfortunes. She was for her singular beauty loved and desired, by the most accomplished Gallants, and noblest Knights of that Court: but she, (yet nevertheless with a soul truly generous in so young a Lady) did not scornfully despise, but courteously refuse the service of all the other Cavaliers; declaring herself to like only the Services of calisthenes, a young Gallant, noble of blood, and more noble for ingenuity; but of so slender a Fortune, that he could scarce sustain in any splendour, the Nobility transmitted him from his Ancestors. This application of the Damsel, highly displeased the Brothers; for having already advantageously married the eldest sister, they designed to bury her, together with these younger, according to the use of those parts, in the perpetual solitude of a secluse life in the Country, with a title incapable of the marriage-freedoms. Nor did they long defer this their tyrannical resolution, having confined the fair Argosthenia and the other innocent creatures, in a house built upon the top of a mountain, in a situation almost inaccessible, being encircled on every side with forests and mountains of their own jurisdiction. Hither Argosthenia being come, instead of attending the employments abhorred by her genius, she began, like a new Diana of those woods, with her bow and boar-spear, to disturb the peace of the wild beasts, which in great abundance sheltered themselves in that solitary and desert place: being content, though absent from her beloved calisthenes, with that manner of life, in which yet at least she satisfied the natural inclinations of her generous freedom, being far from idleness the fomenter of vain thoughts, in the tender youth of Maids. And this her life also displeased her brothers, which would have her in every thing conformed to their capriccio's, to remove from her all hopes of marriage: The young Virago seeing herself persecuted also in that honest liberty, and not brooking upon any terms to be deprived of that freedom of mind the heavens had granted her, conceited, inexpert as she was, that the only flying into some other part, would instate her into such a benefit. So having before in her hunting acquainted herself with the tracks of those forests, she got away one day with an old shepherdess from her other sisters, and, disguised in the habit of a young shepherd, made towards the seashore; where, in a little fisherboat, she crossed the Straits, disembarking in Boeotia, and accidentally met upon the coasts a company of Ladies, which there entertained the time in disports: And she arrived in so fortunate an hour, that, liking well the deportment of Olympia, an ancient Lady, and free also from all the Laws of Matrimony, she discovered to her the secret of her quality, entreating her privacy and assistance. Olympia, being taken with the noble confidence of the Maid, carried her to Thebes, the place of her abode, and took her into the place of a daughter: and the greatest part of her Dowry, lying within the circumference of this my Forest, she often cometh hither with Argosthenia, delighting much, to see her with such a freedom and courage to war with the wild-beasts.  
But the Brothers missed their Sister, just at the instant that calisthenes, either for desperation of seeing his Princess condemned to that solitude, or for the interest of his study, and chief by the impulse of his destiny, was gone to Athens; they judged falsely, that she was fled with him, and which was yet worse, for to marry herself, according to her inclinations. Hereupon, of three that were there, they commiting to Aristheus the second of them, the care of revenging upon the innocent Calisthenes the pretended injury, he passed immediately to Athens; and seeking of Calisthenes, he happened to his ill fortune, to encounter him just as he was entering into the house of the Ambassador of Macedonia, where he, and his three Assassinates fell upon him in the dark to murder him. Calisthenes, which would have expected any thing in the world, rather than to see his enemy Aristheus, being taken unprovided, he recommended his safety to his flight, but in vain; for being struck by the ruffians with two stabbs, one in the side, another in the head, he fell upon the threshold of the house; where in a short space he expired, an innocent Victim of the guiltless Argosthenia. In the interim the whole family of the Ambassador making thither at that noise, and seeing the Law of Nations violated, which held the persons and houses of public Ministers in sacred veneration, they fell upon Aristheus and his confederates, with such resolution, that though they long defended themselves, they also became a sacrifice to the betrayed Calisthenes. The news of this Tragedy passing into Negroponte, the Father and Faction of Calisthenes, though far inferior to that of the Brethren of Argosthenia, raised against them notwithstanding so fierce a tempest of civil war, that they proceeded almost to the subduing that great City; but at last the families of Calisthenes, and the confederates with their parents were extirpated, and her younger brother also slain; a great part of whom, have been ever since banished and dispersed over all Greece. And these so deplorable miseries, took beginning from this one prodigious Creature, she having not any way contributed to it, unless by a necessary flight to conserve the liberty of her mind.  
Here the Knight held his peace, and I replied; But if an innocent Damsel be the occasion of so many mischiefs, Of what ruins may not a lewd woman make herself the instrument? Lucinda may in part testify it, added Arnaldo: Though yet (Heaven be praised) she hath been more unwise than unfaithful; for if she had been only ungrateful to me, I had had no cause of complaint, Ingratitude being a Dowry inseparable from her Sex in such a degree, That women always love those that slight them, and abhor those that adore them. But she desiring for her own designs to add subtlety to her infidelity; she happened to plot a miserable ruin, not so much to the prejudice of me, as to the detriment of Herself, and her Lover. Here the dinner ended: The Knight arose from the table; and with a gentle pace took a walk under the shades of the Forest, through the same tract which was made just before by Argosthenia: and I seeing him taken up, would not with my curiosity interrupt his contemplations, but left him; when he himself was pleased to continue the Tragical narration of his amorous adventures. Proceeding thus.  
After I had parted from Lucinda, with having for a supreme favour kissed her hand, I was in so jocund an humour, as that if I had at that instant the Empire of the whole Universe, (and, I know, perfect Lovers will believe me) offered me in lieu of my contentment, I would have parted with it for the one half of my satisfaction. Whereupon Belisa also taking comfort in my contentment, for the better continuing it, she entreated me to go, for some days, to a Countryseat of hers, but a league distant from the City of Thebes: whither, because the place was very convenient for hunting and hawking, she sent many Falcons, to try if this new exercise, joined with the favour received from Lucinda, had been able to restore me to my former health and strength. I entertained the time a few days in this retirement, beyond measure satisfied with the courtesy shown me by Belisa, who investigated all the means possible to make me merry; but it was for no long time, in regard the Fates ordained the moments of my joy to be short, and the continuance of my misery to be lasting. It happened therefore, that I being to go out one morning very early a Hunting; whilst I prepared myself to mount my Horse, some sinister Auguries would have predicted to me the vicinity of my misfortune: for the morning, of clear and serene became on a sudden cloudy and dark; and a Grey hound which I loved exceedingly run between my Legs, and began a dreadful howling. But I, that was now all jocund, and frolic for the favours received from Lucinda, valued not a straw all these presages, but would pursue my enterprise: and took a Falcon on my fist, and rid abroad into the fields: And here I was suddenly surprised with a strange shivering at the remembrance, that from the time of my being in the house of Jerson till then, he had fled my company, and looked strangely on me. And as I did think that the melancholy life I led, might have estranged him from my familiarity, I yet felt some confused impressions of terror in my Soul, which pointed at some thing of more sinister adventure.  
Now while I stood musing in this conceit, my poor Falcon fell dead from my hand to the ground and now I was certain that this Omen foretold me some great evil touching this my friend; remembering at the same time, with more than ordinary compassion, the yelling my Greyhound made in the morning. And hereupon I desired to return back to the house; when, (I know not how) I lost my way, and, casually lighting upon a little hillet, I discovered a rural habitation of Lucinda's, from whence I thought I heard a murmuring noise of Musical Instruments, which reverberating in the concave of those Mountains, sent forth different Echoes: Which thing seemed very strange to me in the house of a maiden-Lady, especially in that season, and in such a place. Thereupon, with my Soul more than ever clouded by the passion of sorrow which afflicted me, I came back at the shutting in of night to the house of my sister. Who using at other times to meet me at the inner porch, was not now any any where to be seen. I hereupon went to seek her in her Chamber, where I found her so dejected and sad that she could not utter a word. And I, in like manner, seeing her in that state, durst not ask her any thing, being fearful of understanding some displeasing news. Yet at last, forced by Love, and my obligements, I entreated her to acquaint me with the occasion of so unaccustomed, and profound a melancholy. At which she began so vehemently to weep, that it was not possible for her of a long time to speak distinctly. But yet the extremity of her grief being in part diminished, by the vent she gave it in her tears, in the end she said; My dearest brother, Jerson and Lucinda have assassinated us both, Jerson having long served me, with pretext of obtaining me, (for other way he knew he had none) through the merit of thy friendship and of Love to marry him; hath betrayed me to espouse Lucinda: And Lucinda, now when she seemed most complacent to thee, hath most perfidiously deceived thee to marry Jerson. And so we are both wounded in the most sensible part of our reputation; without possibility of pretending to a satisfaction equivalent to such an injury. When I understood this news, Belisa being able no longer to continue her discourse, I interrupted her with so profound sighs & shrieks, that I thought thereby to breathe out my dolorous Soul. And I verily believe, that 'tis impossible for a man to die of sorrow, since I am able to live under the afflictions of such disgraces. Yet indeed I was wounded with what resembled death. Anon after I returned to myself, and rend the Letter sent me by the inflexible Lucinda into a thousand bits, entering into such desperation, that even to the tearing my hair from my head, I committed the most indecent acts of womanish weakness: it being but too true, That a Soul overpassionate in the love of a woman, changeth his manly courage into effeminate cowardice. I forbore for some days to efface this grief out of my breast, till I might assure myself of some constant resolution. Then clothing all my family in mourning, I sent Jerson a Chartel of Defiance in these terms.  
Arnaldo to Jerson.  
JErson: To the end the world may know how lying and deceitful the professions have been that thou hast passed to me in private, I am resolved to publish them; that thy punishment may serve for an example to other Traitors like thyself, not to abuse with such enormities the name and faith of friendship. Remember therefore that among the other things of importance which I trusted to thy fidelity, one was that of my Love to Lucinda; in which thou hast many times made such offers to transact to my satisfaction, that though thou thyself didst serve her, thou oughtest to have renounced her for love of me; finally, under the confidence of a friend, thou hast robbed me, fraudulently bearing away the prize due to my services, transgressing the Laws of Friendship and Knighthood; and, constituting thyself infamous, and a Traitor, thou art become a blemish to the Nobility of thy blood, and a reproach to the glory of thy Ancestors, when as the scope of thy actions should have always been Honour and Virtue. Now, that thou mayest receive the condign correction due unto thy sordid actions, I would have thee know, that with such Arms as thou shalt choose, I am ready to give thee thy death, or to compel thee at least to confess that thou hast committed the greatest villainy and infidelity, that could fall into the thought of man. Therefore choose Arms at thy pleasure, and when I receive thy Answer, I will appoint thee the field, and day of Decision.  
ARNALDO.  
Jerson received this Defiance, and pausing upon it some time, in the end he answered me in this form.  
Jerson to Arnaldo.  
ARnaldo: I have seen thy Chartel, and if thy deeds shall correspond to the vaunt of thy words, I hold myself already for overcome, and stoop to thee as my Conqueror: But I hope, that this Affair will succeed otherwise, and thou shalt find more of strength in my Arm, than I have found infamy in thy Paper. Thou biddest me remember our past friendship, and I, through my overmuch remembering of it, have married Lucinda: for, knowing how averse she is to thee, and knowing thee to be reduced to extremity, I resolved to ease thee by cutting off all thy hope of ever enjoying her. And if, before thou hadst proceeded to defame me, thou hadst harkened to my reasons, I am confident that thou thyself wouldst have commended my resolution, undertaken for thy safety. But, because that my words, now that thou art passed to the publication of these secrets by taxing of my honour therewith, might be falsely ascribed to the fear of thy sword; know, that I pretend not to excuse myself in the least; and that I am ready to quell thy haughtiness, and to defend my right, by Arms: It being my custom with such as thou, to say little, and do as I ought. The choice therefore I am to make of Arms, to force thee to recede from thy false opinion, shall be thus: We will be, on Horseback, Armed at all points, except the right arm, which shall be bare; the Lances shall be equal, and each wear two swords. The Horses likewise shall be barded, and have their Testerns and Guards for their necks. Choose thou as thou pleasest the time and place, for I will meet thee with assured hope to tame thy pride, and make thee swallow thy lies, as there is reason I should.  
JERSON.  
WHen Arms had been thus denounced against me, I went to the King, to whom having related my cause, and the treachery of Jerson, he freely granted me the field. The day destined to the battle being come, we both presented ourselves before the King, and took the wont Oath, and our Arms being viewed by the Judges, we entered into the List: where we encountered in our Carrier with such impetuosity, that we easily knew the little advantage we should get of each other. Jerson therefore, being no less dextrous than skilful in horsemanship, assaulted me on the arm that was naked, giving me a dangerous wound I must needs say, I struck him only on the Visor of his Cask without doing him any hurt. Yet nevertheless the Lances flew in pieces: then we presently took our swords, and began to assault one another with such resolution, and our fight endured so long, that the eyes of the Spectators were as weary of beholding us, as we were with fight. Yet in the end the lot fell in favour of the right, and Jerson was dismounted and slain: and so Lucinda's infidelity came to be known, and my cause approved. Yet nevertheless, esteeming his own honour, and that of his house, more than life, he would not in any case confess his default, but preferred a valiant death before a shameful and dishonourable life. Thus Lucinda in the space of a month after her marriage, made in my contempt, and to the betraying of my sister, became a Widow, Jerson was chastised, I a Conqueror, right was vindicated, and infidelity punished.  
Here the Knight having stayed his discourse, I congratulated with him so glorious a victory obtained over so perfidious, together with so valiant, an Enemy. Then the Cavalier sighed from the bottom of his heart, and said. Too dear I paid, Noble Stranger, for so famous a victory; for in acquiring to myself the applause of valour, I came to procure an infinite deal of sorrow: having eternally lost her whom I hoped to win in so great a field of courage and fidelity. For, not being yet cured of my infirmity, I made overtures by divers friends & kinsfolks (so was I enamoured on her) to Lucinda, that entreating she would pardon the offence done her upon the necessity of honour against my will, she would consent (though now she was not worthy of my bed and company) to receive me in the room of her deceased Consort. To which being always averse, she shut her ears, settling herself in this cruel approbation, not only of not gratifying me with marriage, but of not surviving her beloved Jerson. Seeing therefore that I spent all my attempts in vain, I would for my last proof, and ultimate disgrace, make use of the person of Belisa: Who, though she was very unwilling, yet knew not how to deny at my request to seek to so illbeloved a woman, but tried to see if at her entreaty she would receive me into favour; which, besides blood, and fortune, having also made myself a known Superior in valour to her deceased husband, I was not doubtless unworthy in a second place to possess her affections. Lucinda understanding by the mouth of Belisa such like remonstrances, she disturbedly said to her: My friend, follow me, and I will give you the answer you require of me: So they went together to a building of the Ladies, separated from the common offices of life, and, entering the same according to the freedom of our Countries, they came just into that part, where Jerson lay interred in the hereditary Sepulchre of her greatest Ancestors, founders of that structure. Wither being come with her Governess, and other Ladies of her acquaintance, Lucinda first steadfastly beheld the Sepulchre, and after turning to Belisa, tartly said.  
See the nuptials prepared me by your brother! And that saying, with a sharp Dagger which she carried hid in her slieve, she barbarously stabbed herself in the breast, to tranfix in her life my Soul, and the comfort of all my hopes. She did not die presently, yet did not survive many hours, so desperate was her resolution to be a perpetual companion in death of him, whose company she had enjoyed but few hours in life. The horror of such a spectacle, put such affliction and terror into the mind of Belisa, that it being accompanied with the fear of seeing me also fall in her, as not desiring to survive this her death, she fell into a deep swound, in which she long continued, like one really dead; & being not able to resist so great a dysaster, she also ended the course of her days with a short sickness, in the most goodly flower of her youth, and hath left me Heir of a perpetual death; few nights passing me in which she comes not to disquiet my sleep with horrid apparitions and discourses of death. I think therefore that the end of my calamity is not far off; for but yesterday she appeared to me about break of day, telling me, that there would arrive at my house, (and you are the dearest Guest) from the Western parts a Stranger, which would one day transmit to the memory of Posterity the Tragical History of our miserable adventures; And bring me withal a change of my fortune, which I am certain cannot be but by changing this turmoiled life into the tranquil repose of death.   

Arnaldo; or, The injured Lover.  
BOOK IU.  
HEre stopped the Knight, and I subjoined. I would have you hope for more fortunate Auguries, which not my arrival in these parts, but the benignity of destiny shall present you with, gentle Sir; which is that which the information you have given me, hath just now infused into my mind of the beautiful Huntress, through whose tracks we now direct our steps. For if I deceive not myself in the little knowledge I have taken, more from the experience of Mundane revolutions, than the study of any abstruse sciences; I see not only in your looks, but read also in the internal tablet of your heart a marvellous correspondency of Genius between your noble person, and that of Argosthenia. And, Who knoweth but that Heaven, which by the means of women hath effected the greatest benefits in the World; hath sent this fair Stranger out of Negropont into Boeotia, for no other end but by the assistance of her person to terminate your sufferings; taking you from this doleful solitude wherein you are unprofitable to others, and a burden to yourself, to transport you to a place, and estate worthy of the dignity of your blood, and the grandeur of your mind?  
Here the Knight steadfastly beheld me with silent seriousness, letting lose unawares many profound things; whereupon I prosecuted my discourse, saying. Negropont already bewails the ruin of the stock of its Princes, reduced into the sole person of Doricinia: Periander, elder brother of Argosthenia, to whom by primogeniture that inheritance doth belong, hath given the final period to that family: For, rebelling in an amorous disdain against the Duchess, who either to conserve herself free and independent, would not marry; or for that she knew Periander to be of too turbulent a Genius, and two tyrannical a disposition, had refused to make him her husband; he hath for the same merited exile from Negropont, as a reward of his insurrections; and according to the report, which goes of him is dead in the Isle of Andros, whither he had betook himself with the deplorable Relics of his Rebellion. The eldest sister likewise of Argosthenia is without any of the fruits of her Matrimony: so that if Heaven permit that also the Duchess should run the great Carrier of death without legitimate issue; the government of that Noble principality would descend directly to Argosthenia: And what would you say, gentle Sir, if you, changing your fortune with the mutation of your life, should pass, by the means of so prodigious a Lady, from the deserts of Boeotid to the Throne of Calcides? And whereas now you lie buried an unprofitable burden to the world in the Sepulchre of a Forest, you would return to live in public, to the glory of our age? What pretend ye to with such anxiety, for an extinguished Beauty, that you so much love her? Is it haply with hopes to revive her, that she may again return to torment you? That's an enterprise wholly unworthy of your prudence; For Lucinda shall never return more to the earth. And although the Fables of antiquity might be renewed, and she should rise again, Do you presume, peradventure, that she with her nature changed, would rise favourable and faithful? It would be a folly to imagine it. For a person dead, therefore, which first with betraying you for another person, and after with dying, hath thereby confessed herself unworthy of you, would you cast away yourself by leading a life, no better than a perpetual death; depriving your illustrious family, this Kingdom, and yourself, of the glory of your prowess, to the good of mankind? Such gifts of Heaven so prodigally showered down upon your gentle person, ought these, I say, to be so miserably abused by a vain passion, to the unexpressible detriment of your renowned blood, of the age, and of yourself? Ah Sir, reassume at last, reassume those generous spirits, which your birth instilled into your breast, and by your birth, Heaven; and if so miserable a loss of your high honours, hath been overpast by a weak enamoured youthfulness; let the glorious reparation of a maturer age, dart out of these shadows into the noble serenity of brave enterprises: For if in youth it's a less shame to err; more glorious also will the redress of those errors appear, which would environ your temples with the crown of a most noble principality. To this mutation of life and fortune, the benign Ghost of your sister counsels you; and to this, by the aid of Argosthenia, Destiny inviteth you; which, for no other cause, permitted that you should be deprived of Lucinda by her own Infidelity, but for to open you the way, which she would perpetually have shut up to you, of passing from the deserts of Boeotia to the Throne of Negropont.  
Arnaldo seemed whilst I was speaking, by his deep sighs, and by the admiration, expressed in his face, partly to approve my say; whereupon, when he saw me silent, he added, Friend, In a short compass you have comprised things very different, and worthy of greatest consideration. In that part therefore which pertains to the invalidity of my griefs for an exanimate and faithless beauty, the cause of so many miseries to me; I should easily be brought to acknowledge my simplicity occasioned by a false opinion fixed in my head by youthful Vanity, and a melancholy constitution that took root in my birth, and is now almost converted into Nature, by the infelicity of my tragical adventures. But of the novelties succeeded in the Principality of Negroponte, of the exile and death of Periander, and his sister, and of the right of Argosthenia to that Crown, as also of the pretention I might nourish towards her person, it's not necessary we should discourse with such confusion, and haste; but rather let us find out a time and place to inform ourselves of necessary contingences: For though we should suppose that I did propound, and that Argosthenia should not reject this match; yet it would be good to know, if the Duchess would consent, that a Lady, who is not known so much as to be in the World, should succeed her in the Principality. And, were we certain she would acknowledge her, and consent that she succeed her, yet is it a question whether she would permit her to match herself into the house of a strange Knight; which may pretend by right of blood, to the succession of the Kingdom of Thebes.  
Here Arnaldo held his peace, and I replied: Sir, He who too critically distinguisheth in grand erterprises, doth frustrate them before they be half effected. It's good therefore that prudence take place, but yet it's necessary to leave something to the arbitrement of Fortune.  
Argosthenia already holds by birth a right to aspire, after the Duchess, to the Crown of Calcides, nor can all the violence in the World deprive her of this right of nature. She liveth not at present at the Dutchess' disposal, which as yet doth not know in what part of the world she is concealed; or rather hath forgot all thoughts of her person, as if she had never been born. Let us say nothing to the young Lady of this secret, and let us only with the help of Olympia, drive on your marriage with her; for, this done, we shall have time enough afterwards, of disclosing so grand a secret, and of imparting the truth to the Duchess; who when she shall hear that she is already espoused to a Cavalier so well accomplished, will have no occasion for which to repute her unworthy of Succession to the Principality, through the suspicions which their flight might beget in the minds of the people, as if that, for actions unworthy of her, she had fled from Negropont. Then, as to the right of birth which you also pretend to the Crown of Thebes; the interests of State will declare in your favour: giving you a ground to hope one day by means of this match, if not in your person, in that of your descendants, to unite all these Provinces under one only Crown; For although, by reason the Kingdom of Thebes is far greater than the Dukdom of Negropont, there might some obstacle arise from the fear of becoming of a Sovereign State, a subsidinate Province, there would not want opportune means to adjust such differences by assuring the Calcidonians that they should never be commanded by Theban Ministers as subjects, but should be always governed as a free State, by persons of the Royal Family. But such like considerations are at present unseasonable; and it shall suffice to know, that there never want evasions and pretexts for Sovereigns, wherewith they may satisfy the pretensions of the people. The point on which your prudence ought to insist, is, to rouse yourself out of this unprofitable obscurity; and to procure the alliance of Argosthenia, before that the news from Calcides of her family do arrive to her notice. Leave the rest to the care of Heaven, of Fortune, and of your own Valour.  
Arnaldo hearing this, replied: Friend, He that adviseth to any enterprise, should know, above all things, how to investigate the means requisite to execute it.  
If you think a Marriage with Argosthenia, to be a good act in me; I will confess that she already is possessed with some inclinations in favour of my person; and that Olympia being my Mother's sister, may promise us all good success. To you I refer myself, and because we are just at the bounds of my Forest, and upon the passing into that of Olympia, I will return to my house, and you may, as Conductor of my people, who carry Argosthenia her prey, introduce yourself into the acquaintance of that Lady. That will suffice, and this will serve you for a Token of security with Olympia, that you treat with her by my consent about such a proposition: And so saying, he took a Diamond from his finger, and put it upon mine.  
I received it, and taking my leave of the Knight, forded the Brook, with the conduct of four servants, which carried to Argosthenia, upon a rural Barrow of sticks, the Stagg that she had slain.  
As soon as I had set foot upon the champain, I thought that the liberty of the open air did replenish my soul with unusual resentments of joy, in such manner, that they wholly removed the remembrances of all past dysasters, fixing me only in the thoughts of my present occasions, giving me a certain proof of the bounty of Heaven, being so far separated from my Native Country; in that, though my heart was not, yet at least my fortune was changed by the altetation of the Climate.  
I came by Sunset to the house of Olympia, a proud Structure, which would better have ennobled a great City, than such a savage habitation; I found her buried in an abyss of grief and tears, for the wanting, the joy of her eyes, the fair Argosthenia; which losing her way (as was supposed) after the chase of that Stagg, which we brought lifeless to her house, was no more seen of all that day. Whereupon dispatching all her people in search of her, she sat alone with her women to condole the suspicion of some unexpected dysaster. I was so much surprised at this spectacle, that I lost in the very entrance of my design the thread, by which I was to wove the web, recommended me by the Injured Lover; for that was the name, which out of those woods was born by Arnaldo. Yet I complemented with the Lady in terms befitting her nobility and my duty, endeavouring to comfort her, but in vain: for night had already enrobed its self in gloomy shades, and her domestics were returned from the quest of the Lady, without any news of her person, which precipitated her into such grief, and drew from her so great lamentation, that it would have moved to pity the insensible hardness of stones. Whereupon, being grown desperate at this encounter, because the summer season permitted me to travel in the night, the servants of Arnaldo being dismissed, I disposed myself never to return thither without having first learned some tidings of the lost Lady. I had observed in my walk with the Knight, the hollow of barbarous voices in certain parts of the Forest; but, transported by the current of our discourse, I took no great notice of it for that time; seeing that none of the Cavaliers followers were in the least moved at it, or expressed the least alteration: So it came into my thought to repass thither. And though I wanted the clue of Ariadne to guide me, in the night, through the Labyrinth of such thickets: yet I made use of some observations I had made in some groves of Italy, to know the tracks of men and beasts, and I resolved presently to departed. But I had scarce set foot in the Forest, when me-thought I heard the murmur of passengers; whence, not certain whether they might be men or beasts, I laid hold of my sword, and securing my head with my Helmet, I withdrew myself behind the root of a vast Oak, encompassed by a little thicket of young Oaks, newly grown, to observe the passages of this encounter; it being a piece of folly, rather than valour, to run into perils and dangers, without any reason or necessity. And scarce was I provided with that sanctuary of security, when I perceived, more by the sound of the ear, than by the discernment of the eye, that they were men that passed that way, and I fancied to hear one of them say: We have made a good booty, but it will be necessary we get out of these Purly's before day, otherwise we run a hazard of being discovered. Hearing this, I began presently to imagine, that this prey was no other than Argosthenia. Hereupon letting them scarce pass so far as not to discover me, I put myself into the path they took, to follow them.  
But scarce had I gone three hundred paces, when they stopped at the mouth of a Grott, where they endeavoured to take away some impediments of logs and stones, which barricadoed it; the which while they were intent to do, one of them felt himself wounded with so sound a blow, that crying he was slain, he fell goaning to the earth. And whilst another of the knot would require of him, What was the matter, I saw him also ran through the breast with a boar-spear, and tumbled close by the other. There remained two others, the which stepped back, and drew their swords, putting themselves upon their defence, ask, What Devil was descended down there, in the little space they had been gone? Then Argosthenia skipped out of that Cave with a spear in her hand, exclaiming: Ah Traitors! It's the Justice of Heaven that smites you. Now I have untied those hands your villainy bound. And that saying, made at them, and hurt one of them in the face: and after that, leaping over those obstacles of blocks and stones, betook herself to flight, through those tracks, wherewith she was very well acquainted; The two Assassinats seeing that, ran after her to stay her: hereupon, seeing that now was the time to discover myself in relief of that Lady; I pursued them, reproaching them with that barbarism. Argosthenia heard me before the Assassinates, and, animated by that unexpected succour, she turned head against them with admirable undauntedness; so that the two ruffians being engaged betwixt the lady's spear and my sword, they could not escape their deserved deaths. Howbeit they did not die unrevenged; for I received a blow upon the forehead, upon the border of my murrion, and a deep stab in the left arm, and hand. Argosthenia in like manner, had a reverse so great upon the head, that if it had fallen edgewise, as it did flat, all the hope of Arnaldo had fallen to the earth, with that blow. Yet did she fall in a swound; whereupon, I not knowing in so great a destitution of all things, with what other argument to provide for her, whispered some charms softly to her, and made her come to herself; but so ill she was, that she had no apprehension of herself. Yet in the end reassuming her proper knowledge, she requested me to tell her, Who I was: and having told her, she expressed an inconceivable satisfaction, and courteously presenting me her hand, arose from the ground, saying; Let us walk Sir, for I being very well accustomed in the ways, will bring you in less than an hour to the house of Arnaldo; for to that of Olympia I will return by myself as soon as day breaks. No, Madam, answered I, It is convenient that we go first to that of Olympia, for she is submerged in an ocean of perplexities for fear of you. After you have obliged me for my life, you would also overcome me in Civility, answered the Lady. But that you shall not do; for you had need to have your wounds dressed, if you well observe your left arm, and I feel nothing but a slight blow on the head, which amounts to nothing; so that it's requisite, that we go to the nearest house. And beside, I would not that the family of Olympia should see you with me, whilst the air of your face, and the fashion of your deportment falsify the modesty, which otherwise I see in your countenance, & observe in your manners. I than interrupted her: These considerations are of no effect, now that I am just come from the house of Olympia to seek you, and must treat with her about some affairs, which I hope will succeed to your satisfaction also. Here the Lady leaping with a sudden alacrity, said; And what is it? Perhaps you bring me some news from Negroponte? Is it happily that the Tyrant my brother is dead? I would have you, Madam, retain more comfortable thoughts, answered I; Be to your brother what will, you shall not want a fortune, if you know how to entertain it.  
Calamities I conceive I may expect (replied the young Lady) in this my miserable life, only made tolerable by my Genius, which will not give place in any respect to fortune, and as the misadventure even now happened to me may give some proof: but of fortunate adventures I neither apprehend them, nor do I hope for them. And how then (said I) came you into this danger? I know not very well (said the youthful Lady) how to relate it, yet I shall acquaint you in brief, with that which befell me: and (by the way I must tell you) I have ever observed hitherto, that I am most merry when I am accosted with some unexpected dysaster. Departing therefore from your Company somewhat joyed, for having found the Cavalier Arnaldo in a manner of carriage and looks, unusual to his lugubrious melancholy, I forgot my way: but I had not gone above a thousand paces, when I saw these villains start out of certain craggy places; and before I perceived myself assaulted, I found I was bound, and carried to the Grot, whence I am now escaped. Which, having served heretofore either for an habitation of people, or for some religious Rites, within is very commodious, and capacious enough for eight or ten persons. Here, I had, just before I came to you, left this my Hunting spear, and one of my upper Garments, recommending them to a shepherd which accompanied me, to run the faster with my Bow after the Stag, which I slew at your feet. Here also these men tied me faster than before, that I might not make use of my hands, blocking me up in such a manner as you might have easily observed, getting together a great number of logs and stones, to fill up the mouth of the cave. With what intention they did this, they would not tell me. Only I collected, that they would expect the night to take me hence unobserved, and carry me to Thebes; for as much as I suspected this Crime of Treason was descended from Diambres, a principal Cavalier among the Theban Nobility; who having long served and solicited me in vain, seeing the ugliness of his face and the rudeness of his disposition could not dispose me to affect him; he would have ravished me, to obtain that from me with violence, which he could never possess himself of, by Love.  
Seeing myself therefore included in this Cavern, Necessity, the wise Schoolmistresse of our safety, taught me the manner how to break my bonds; for I drew near the edge and points of some stones, and I endeavoured in such sort to fret the cords and strings (that bound my arms to my sides) against them, that so getting these lose first, I might break also those that tied together my hands. Seeing myself at liberty, and with my spear, I skipped with such joy, that I thought every minute a thousand years, that the Ruffians delayed to clear the entrance of the Grotto, which work I often attempted myself, but I found it altogether impossible, by reason of the too great bulk, and heaviness of that Barricado of Trees and Stones accumulated by the strength of four men, which a weak woman was not able to remove. Now, praised be the Heavens, that by their benignity and your succour, I am again in possession of my liberty, for I would certainly far rather die a thousand times, than see myself in the power of the deformed Diambres, whom I hate more than death. I would not for that time multiply Compliments to ascribe her liberty to her own valour, more than my slow succour; but seeing her pause at these words: But Madam, said I, all are not Diamrbes', so that you should desite to live always single. And even this peril which you have just now run through, aught to advertise you to provide for the security of your person; (which being so beautiful will be ever obnoxious to treacheries) by choosing a husband worthy of you. Here the sprightful Lass with an inconsiderate gesture of pure freedom, void of all deceit, said; Sir Knight, if you peradventure be he, which by believing to have obliged me, shall desire me for your wife; content yourself, that I tell you, that I shall ever confess my obligation; nor do your qualities a jot displease me: but having already dedicated my Soul to another, it is not convenient I bestow on you this miserable part of myself, which though fair that it is, may by a light indisposition be soon deformed, and changed into ugliness. Hereupon I rejoiced exceedingly at the so ingenuous freedom of the Lady, and added; Madam, I assure you, I have not spoke for myself so much, because my destiny hath already bound me in other Chains, as because I am conscious of my incapacity of such a favour, exceeding the slenderness of my fortune; but I have spoke to other ends more worthy of the Nobility of your birth, and the generosity of your spirit. You wrong yourself said the Lady, and withal offend my modesty; for had I my Soul at liberty, and you should then nourish such pretensions, I would not a jot respect Fortune, but would consider your accomplishments, and my obligements: for other than yourself, I am sure you treat not for; being a Stranger, newly arrived in this Country, & having never known me before to day, I am confident you speak for none but yourself. Let us turn our discourse to some other matter, and content yourself, that there pass between us only a bare correspondence of sincere friendship, and pure endearments.  
You honour me too much, gentle Madam, said I! And in so short a space of time, as I have known you; I am presented with an occasion to entreat your favour in behalf of another. And what is he, said Argosthenia? One that perhaps will not displease you, added I. But I would first treat with Olympia. The Lady sighed, and said, Olympia is my Lady, but I am Lady of myself in this particular. Therefore tell me what you are to say to Olympia; for besides that your suit concerns none but myself, I pretend nothing from Olympia, and may pretend much from my own family. I added, The Knight my Host is he that desires you for yourself, and that will show you the reason also of that which he expects from you. The young Lady sighed, and gave a sudden start, saying to me, Arnaldo? Yes, Madam, said I: At my persuasion he desires you to succeed with a more propitious fortune in the place of his ingrateful Lucinda. So then, subjoined Argosthenia, I am doubly obliged; in my life, and in my contentment: without having done any thing to oblige you to so generous, and endearing favours. It's the duty of all highborn Souls (said I) to procure the benefit of another, especially of Ladies of your quality. When you please therefore Arnaldo shall be your husband, and I a servant to you both: Brother rather, said Argosthenia; for to a Gentleman of so noble, and generous qualities, a title so ignoble & vile as that of servant doth not agree. But how may I believe you (excuse my indiscretion being transported beyond myself) that Arnaldo commissionated you to such a treaty? I suddenly replied, Behold here, Madam, this Ring (and presented it to her) which you have often seen on his finger, and this he presents you as the pledge of his passion. The Lady took it with a smile, saying; Now my obligements to you are so incomparable, that I want a conceit to apprehend them, and language to thank you for them. Tell Arnaldo that Argosthenia was born either to be enjoyed by Arnaldo, or else only by death. Choose he what he pleaseth, for I am content, whether it be with him, or with it.  
You shall do me the favour to carry back to him this Collanet (and pulled it from her neck) with my Picture, that he may keep it so much the nearer his heart, as he is the heart of my breast, the spirit of my Soul. Then, in giving it to me, she stayed her hand on mine, adding, Sir, Argosthenia cannot give you a greater proof of the obligations she professeth to owe you.  
I than kissed that hand of this courteous and ingenious Creature, acknowledging such honours to be infinite favours: assuring her, to the utmost of so inconsiderable a fortune and ability, a perpetual observance and fidelity to her person, and to the Knight her Spouse.  
Whether it was the obscurity of the night, (become greater by a little misling shower which began to bedew the tracks of the Forest); or else the apprehension of the things we discoursed of I know not, but so it happened, that Argosthenia led us out of the way, nor did she perceive it, till that being tired by the walk, she took notice she was nigh to the murmur of a Brook, which begird the Forest about; whereat being surprised with a chillness she said, Sir, by my carelessness, we are so wandered out of our way, that we are above seven miles from the house of Olympia, and four from that of Arnaldo. To return at this hour, and from this place, into the Forest would be an exposing ourselves to a manifest peril of our lives, being we must pass through some great Valleys inhabited only by Wolves; and if we would cross the Brook, and walk towards the house of Olympia, we must also wander three miles in the Forest along the Banks of this River, before we can find a place to ford it; it being very large as you see, and full of quick Sands and Rocks in these parts. Pardon me, I entreat you, this error committed casually against my will; and do me the favour to lend me something to cover my head, that the rain may not ulcerate my wound, which I find to be already much swelled. Hearing her say so, I pulled from under my Coat a large Taffeta Scarf, and presented her with it, and also a Handkerchief, expressing my grief not to be so much at the missing of the way, as at the pains which thereby she was put to. Upon which the Lady replied: Yet cannot I do any thing to show the sense your obligements impress in me; though I would willingly dedicate the better half of my days to return part of that acknowledgement, which the Laws of gratitude doth with justice exact for so supreme a favour, and so high a content, as your presence hath possessed me of. But that which adds to my grief, is, that you, having need of repose, and remedy to your wounds, do by this foggy air of the night exasperated them afresh.  
Whilst she was talking thus, and her hands were employed about the binding up and covering her head, her foot slid by reason of the slipperiness of the ground, occasioned through the excessive rain that had fallen, and so she tumbled into a deep plash of water, made by the rising of the Current in that part. It was the goodness of Heaven that she should fall directly upon her feet, otherwise she had ran the danger of bruising herself, on certain splinters of the stump of a tree, cut down upon the bank of that river. And it was also a happy turn, that the charity of the neighbouring stream did reflect some little duskish light in the air, that I might thereby find out the way to recover her from that precipice: The which I finally did, though with great difficulty; for she through the fright of the fall was so bereft of force, that she was altogether unable to walk. Being forced therefore by necessity, as if she had been a little Child, I took her in my arms; and she, weeping with tenderness, for her faster-sitting put her left arm about my neck, saying to me; Sir, Necessity violates all Laws. I am in your arms, but I am Arnaldo's spouse; Let it please you therefore that this embracement be of a sister to her brother, to whom she confesses to owe her life a thousand times. I being moved with pity, and the generosity together of the young Lady, was almost ready to weep, replying; I know very well Madam what a Gentleman's duty is towards a Lady of your merit; and to a friend, of the quality of Arnaldo. Make the same account of me, as if I were truly that which you please to term me, your brother; since age consents not that I call you daughter. So I will, I asssure you answered she; and resting for feebleness one cheek upon my head, made me think her so light, that I scarce felt the weight of her body.  
Walking in this manner, about half a mile, my ear was alarmed with a slow murmur of humane voices; whereupon harkening towards that part I perceived they were fishermen, which casting baits to the fishes stood silently expecting, that they would run to the same to swallow them. Making therefore to the brink of the Brook, I called them to waft me over to the Champain. They, like rude and simple people, very unwillingly consented to it, as loath to deprive themselves of the sorry prey which they expected in their Nets. Whereupon perceiving this their wretched avidity, I invited them by a promise of rewarding them with a benefit more worth than a hundred such fish. They hearing that, turned their Boat to the place where we were, & to our misfortune landed us on the other side. To our misfortune, I say: for having with the dawn of the newborn day discovered at a little distance from us, the Towers of a Castle founded upon a little Hill, just when that Argosthenia having received part of her strength, might be able to walk, we directed our steps towards that place with hope to find harbour and relief; I for my wounds, Argosthenia for her weakness. But scarce had we begun to mount the rise of the Hill, when on the instant there came towards us out of the Gate of the Castle, a tumultuous Troop of persons, some on Horseback, and some on foot: among which Argosthenia having discovered Diambres, with a look betwixt furious and disdainful, she betook herself to frightful and trembling shrieks. Ah! Sir Knight, said she to me, We are lost. And why, said I? Argosthenia would have answered, but what through fear, & what through anger, she could not pronounce a word. The behaviour of the Damsel put the people into a suspicion, so that they descended towards us: but on the other side she was, by watching, and by travail, and by the things that bond her head so transformed, that it would have been no easy matter to know her. By this time she knew this to be the Jurisdiction of Diambres, which removing thither to effect her rape, had just at that instant received advice of her taking, and of her flight (with the death of his assassins') by a Woodman, which passing through the Forest at midnight, to provide some Wood for his occasions, had found one of them, yet-half-living upon the ground. He suddenly hereupon took horse with his people, intending to pass over into the Forest, and cause the dead bodies to be buried, that his attempt might not come to light: since the fact being committed in the Territories of Arnaldo, a Knight of the blood Royal (besides his fear of that Cavalier, which would defend his right with Arms) he might thereupon come to be accused as guilty of High-Treason in the blood of the Princess. Discovering me therefore, together with her; he presently imagined the truth, for we being fled we knew not whither, were taken in the Net we sought to avoid. Hereupon he commanded his servants suddenly to surround us and take us; I seeing the enterprising of an escape to be desperate, being alone, wounded, and unprovided against a hundred persons, and being unwilling to forsake the young Lady: only said to her, that she should not fear, but dissemble that she knew any thing that he had been the contriver of her ravishment; and meet the misfortunes of that imprisonment with a smiling face. Diambres knowing the Lady though thus disguised, was transported with an inconceivable joy; commanding his Steward to execute what was to be done in the Forest: and he returned himself into the Castle, and caused us both to be put in Chambers apart, but yet near to one another, coming first to examine me to know who I was, and whence I came, and what interest I had in Argosthenia. I replied with an unmoved countenance, telling him the truth of my condition, and as to the Lady, I said, I held no other relation to her person then what the duty of a Knight exacted of succouring her, finding her pursued by two assassins' to abuse her, as I passed through the neighbouring Forest towards Thebes. Diambres rested satisfied with my freedom, nor would he take notice of the villains, for fear of discovering himself, but left me with a doubtful brow, going to Argosthenia; whereupon perceiving already that there was but a Wall between us, I set my eyes and ears on work, to find out some crevice, whereat to hear that which passed about Argosthenia. And fortune was pleased so successfully to assist me, that I found under the Tapestry that the Wall was cleft, for that there had been a door which was now made up: I began with a Rowel of a Spur to scrat away the Lime, to make a hole. Which done, I found that the carelessness of the workmen in stopping up that door, had thrown in some bits of stones, and rubbish, covering them over with only one layer of bricks. I was at this transported with joy, and seemed to leap into Heaven, promising myself now a correspondency with the young Lady, and to observe all the proceed of Diambres. Yet notwithstanding, I could not for that time, without making myself heard, learn the least intelligence of his treaty with her; but in the silence of the ensuing night, I opened a breach by the remove of 2 stones amongst the rest of that rubbish, and called Argosthenia to me; who told me very good news, that Diambres, though otherwise rude and bestial, being civilised and instructed by Love, and, as he said, by my Modesty and Generosity, had behaved himself in very civil manner towards her, hoping to reduce her by courtesy to admit him for her husband. Yet he had conceived a great jealousy of me, for having observed on her finger the Ring of Arnaldo, he feared that there had passed some kind of contract between us. I comforted, and counselled the Lady according to that, which I judged opportune to her present condition, and so left her with a mind, full of tranquillity, to take her repose, for whose consideration more than for any other reason, I then became exceeding pensive.   

Arnaldo; or, the Injured Lover.  
Book V.  
THe morning ensuing my departure, news arrived to the ear of Arnaldo, that Argosthenia was lost, and that the Cavalier his Guest could not be found in any place, whereupon he dispatched all his servants to seek for them through all the Forest. Who having in vain all that day traversed those Labyrinths, could learn no other tidings of them, than that they had found upon the place where fell out the bloody Conflict, the Mantle and Bow of the Lady, the earth stained with blood, and the grass so trampled round about the place, that it was an easy matter to suspect, there had happened some hot encounter of persons that had sharply contended for her sake. The Knight was at this relation seized with a strange shivering; and though the night began to approach, he took with him his Arms, and four men appointed in Garbs between courtly and martial, to go himself out of the Forest to trace out farther intelligence of those things, which were reported to him by his domestics.  
Getting therefore out of the Forest at the time when night began, taking advantage by the Sun's absence to usurp upon the day's serenity, he came to understand upon passing the River, that which the Fishermen had related to divers persons, how that they had about break of day, ferried over to the other shore, a strange Gentleman with a young Lady in his arms. He hereupon went in person to that place, and finding the fishermen, he strictly examined them, demanding of them the marks of the persons: And perceived they could be no other than Argosthenia and Philiterus. The Knight remained at this intelligence very sad; nor did he know what to think of me; for Argosthenia being in my arms, put strange apprehensions of suspicion in his head of some default, whereas in all reason, it was most probable, that either I was retired with her to the house of Olympia, or gone away from him without her. On the other side, understanding that we were both wounded, he comforted himself, how that yet we could not be very far off.  
Next being informed, that we were gone towards the Castle of Diambres, and that many of the people of the place were that day seen to go into the Forest, fording and refording of the Brook; he imagined the very truth touching that Knight. And resolving in his mind to be revenged, he went about midnight towards the Castle, to observe the actions of th'inhabitants, and gather something whereby to satisfy his suspicion. The Palace of that Knight was founded above the wall of the Castle, with four Towers, in one of which that did jet out over the Mote, that was but narrow and dry, Argosthenia and I were confined. But I, that in those finister encounters had passed two nights without sleep, was then buried in a profound slumber; whereas Argosthenia, kept awake by her amorous cares, heardsome little noise of horses and men, which surrounded the outside of the Castle-ditch. Thereupon, ravished either by curiosity, or by the impetuosity of a Lover's Soul, which felt itself near its proper seat; she ran to the window, and though the night wanted the light of the Moon and most of the Stars, as being overcast with gloomy clouds; yet she thought she knew Arnaldo, by his mourning habit. But behold, just as she was ready to cry out, to let him know of her being there, Diambres entered into her Chamber, only with one woman, which lighted him; whereupon, she being called that way by the noise, and by the light, she became the most ashamed Lady in the world: because covered only by a pure fine smock, she discovered from head to foot the delicate proportions of her most beautiful body. Diambres beholding, in that her confusion, the goodliest piece that ever Nature framed, he forgot his honest purposes, and already breathed with thoughts of the pleasures of Love: whereupon demanding, not knowing what he said, What she did at that hour at the window; she observing by the dejectednesse of his looks, and by the sighs he sent forth, his intentions, courageously replied, I looked on my husband, Where? said Diambres. Where he was, said Argosthenia. And, Who is he? added Diambres. One, said Argosthenia, that can make thee tremble from head to foot; and when he shall know where I am, and the wrongs thou dost me, he will make thee and this Castle fly into the air as a sacrifice to his revenge. Is this thy husband that sleeps so near thee (said Diambres with a disdainful smile) haply a Monarch of some vast Empire? This is not my spouse, (subjoined Argosthenia) he is my brother by honour and fortune. Shall Mars or Mercury then be thy husband (replied Diambres) that you stand at this time of night looking on the Stars in Heaven? Be he who he will (said Argosthenia,) know, that if you, forgetting the duty of a Knight, should use any violence to me, my spouse will revenge me of you, to the last drop of your blood. And therefore leave me in peace, for these are not hours seasonable to be in a maiden's chamber. Diambres knew not how to behave himself, now hurried on by his lust, now retained by his duty; so that for fear of sometimes one thing, sometimes another, he could not resolve on any thing, believing that the Lady spoke in that manner, not because she was really espoused, but in a womanish flourish; and that if so be she were married, that fortune could befall none but me. Here his sensual appetite being overcome by the encounter of such beaut yes, he laid hands on the innocent Lady, whereupon she, provoked by a rage full of real generosity, suddenly snatched the Candlestick out of the woman's hand, and fling it in the face of Diambres, with such a force, that it made him stagger, and thus being freed from his hands she flew out of the chamber, and ran wandering up and down the house, till she finding a hollow place under a staircase, leapt in, and there concealed herself, to expect with the day some opportunity of fortune, either to escape, or at least to die with a boldness worthy of her birth and courage. But Diambres finding himself in so ill a plight, and not daring for shame to cry out, returned to his own chamber to have his wound searched, giving orders, that without his express command none should open the gate of his Palace, or of the Castle.  
The morning following, there was a very accurate search made in every place, but Argosthenia could not be found: which so displeased Diambres, that blaspheming, he threatened to reduce that house to ashes, to burn her in it, being most assuredly confident, that she could not be gone from thence. The night being come, at the time when all were buried in silence, Argosthenia came forth of her concealment, returning upon her own accord to her prison, and shutting herself in, she came to call me. I having past that day among a thousand perplexed thoughts of her loss, ran to hear her, and understood what had befallen her; but whilst I stood musing of some plot, to save her from eminent ruin, and all in vain: She said to me, Sir, confiding in your faithfulness; I will sincerely tell you what I think. If you shall like it, well: if not, I am prepared to die, as I have lived, nobly. I desire you would study to open a hole so big in this wall, that I may get through into your prison. The meat they bring you, will suffice us both; and for your bed, I will content myself with a small corner at your feet. As for the rest, I will assure myself of your ingenuity, that you will treat me as the spouse of Arnaldo, and your sister. In the mean time, who knows, but that Arnaldo may have some hint of our imprisonment. I having seen him last night to surround this Castle? Which if it be so, rest assured that he will not be wanting in his duty to his Spouse, and to a Cavalier to whom he is so much obliged. When I saw there was no other way for her safety, but this, I sighing, said, She should be obeyed, putting myself also in peril of death for her safety: for as to the preserving her secret and honest, I knew well enough what I was to do. This said, I strove to break the wall without making a noise, which I easily did: this done, and she having on her side gathered all the rubbish of that breach, she crept thorough into my chamber; where being entered and got upon her feet, she threw her arms about my neck, and weeping, said, Dear Brother, If I should die for you a thousand times, I could not pay the thousandth part of the obligements I own you. I innocently kissed her forehead, entreating her to favour me with the continuance of the same excessive confidence, for the regard of her own and my repose. I already know, said she, both who you are, and what I do: Speak no more of it; nor trouble me; for I know you would sooner die than fail in your fidelity to Arnaldo, or in your respects to Argosthenia. Here ending our discourse; we made up that breach in the wall the best we could, and tempering the lime in water, so daubed up those bricks on my part, that the fraud was very hard to be discovered. Which done because the Lady was half dead with famine, and I was slightly served by reason of my wounds, she was constrained for that time to content herself with a few slices of Cytron and a little water. By which being reasonably refreshed, she lay down to sleep with a wonderful Modesty and honesty on one side of the bed, and seeing me about to rest myself on the contrary part, she would by no means permit me to do it, protesting to me, that if I did, she would perpetually stand upon her fear. Hereupon, not to contend with her, I also took a part of the bed; confining myself between the bounds of modesty and honour, not so much as to look towards that fide which she had made choice of for her repose.  
We passed away eight days in this manner, with much felicity; for Diambres necessitated by his wound, not only to keep himself retired but also free from the air there resorted none to my chamber, but only a Page at the hours of dinner and supper, and a Chirurgeon once a day. In which time, which I ordered to be very short, Argosthenia lay hid in a chest, or under the bed. Withal, I had so wholly endeared the Page, a boy of fifteen years, of good extraction, of a facetious Genius, and great Soul, that he used me with all the civility that I could desire. He delighted above measure to hear me relate the singularities of strange places, and had an ardent desire to travel for some time into Italy; And because I on the other side extolled, for merit, not for adulation, his Composures in Verse and Prose, he could have been content, to have been continually talking with me. But I excused myself by the necessity of rest, to which I pretended my wounds obliged me, and I kept him, for Argosthenia's consideration, at the greatest distance I could. I omitted not nevertheless for those few moments, which he stayed with me, to ask him of the news of the place, and came to know, that (I could not tell how) news was carried to Arnalod's ear, that the Lady he sought, could nowhere be found, he not being able to learn the Tyranny of Diambres, and that he accused me of her rape; and was gone to Athens; whither Diambres to cover his own villainy had caused it to be given out, that I was gone. This blow of injurious calumny, striking at my faithfulness, and the honour of Argosthenia, transfixed my Soul with great anxiety; whereupon to clear my innocence, and comfort Arnaldo with the possession of his Mistress, I resolved to bestir my wit, to free me from that in just and wretched captivity. I began, in order thereunto, to under-feel the Page, if when Diambres should restore me to liberty, he would accept of my company to transport himself into Italy. I would it would please Heaven, replied he, I might be so happy. And were it so (subjoined I) that Diambres for his own interests, would not free me from this misery, would you find in your heart to see me always thus unhappy? Euristhus sighed, and said; When there may be found any way, that without prejudice to my reputation, I may leave this service, there should not be that thing in the World, which I would not do for you. I will content myself with little enough (answered I) and I will so dispose of things, that you shall not only departed with a Salvo to your reputation, but also with a considerable augmentation in your honour and fortune. And to omit, that the being instrumental in delivering an innocent Cavalier, unjustly oppressed by a barbarous Tyranny, might acquire you the commendation of a more than vulgar generosity; I am able to participate to you the glory of an act, of such a grandeur, that you yourself will confess your incapacity of such a felicity. But, because I love not to use many words, where works of valour and fidelity are expected, resolve with yourself to be my companion, in a grand Enterprise, which though it should succeed unhappily, will have you heir of an immortal renown; and then let us consult of the manner to effect it. Sir, said Euristhus, I am at your devotion, Command and you shall be obeyed. Than said I, it would be necessary you provide me some deaf files, to file the bars of a window, and silk enough to make a ladder, to reach to the Mote of the Castle: stick not at the cost, for I can re pay you to your full satisfaction. Here the youth rejoined, Sir, My condition of a Page in another man's house, permits me little ability of serving you, according to the generosity of my spirit, receiving so poor a stipend from my Father and Master, that it hardly sufficeth to buy me clothes. I will receive therefore what you please to consign me, with assurance of a faithful disbursement. What need more words? Before three days past, with the help of Euristhus, and of our coin, we were furnished with tools, and silk, sufficient for our design. The files we sawed the grates with, and, of the silk, by the help of Argosthenia, we composed the ladder for our escape; Euristhus I instructed to go forth of the Castle, without any alteration in his deportment, and to expect me about midnight on the bank of the Mote. Which he most punctually obeyed. And seeing, that although the gates were shut, yet there was neither guard no centinel in that Castle; when about the fourth hour of the night, we heard the signal of his arrival, we absolutely removed the bars of the window. Then fastening the ladder to a hook, and instructing Euristhus in holding of it steadfast to the earth: Argosthenia was the first which descended, howbeit she courteously contested with me, to have had me gone down first. She successfully descended to the middle of the ladder; but lighting there upon a beam, accidentally jetting out from a window, she so entangled her person and garments, that she could not possibly go up nor down. Seeing so unlooked-for a dysaster, I was almost in despair of saving her; for if there should any rumour be raised in that part, she could not have been able to escape in such a conjuncture, from a second and more grievous captivity, to the endangering of her life: To call and instruct Euristhus how to assist her, I might not, for fear of being overheard. Where upon, I resolved to venture myself, to relieve her. So that tying my Arms, which Euristhus had privately conveyed into my chamber, to a long string of silk, I let them down to the ground, to be ready at hand, upon any occasion; then I nimbly made another rope of the sheets, towel, and any other thing that came to hand, and fastened it to the bars of the window, yet remaining, letting myself down; stopping at one knot after other, till I came at Argosthenia, now more dead than living, with grief and fear; and disintangled her, cutting and losing her garments and hair from those impediments; and accompanied and sustained her, till she got to the bottom. Wither being come, and having put on my Arms, we embraced in a most endearing manner, for mutual joy of each other's escape; and rendering Euristhus the merited applauds of his Fidelity, we made by large paces towards the Forest; for though it were our intent, to take the way to Athens, yet, on the contrary, considering the faintness of Argosthenia, and how that when our escape was known, we should be infallibly pursued, in danger of being overtaken; we determined to secure ourselves in the intricateness of the Forrest's Labyrinths, and to go from thence straight to the house of Arnaldo, as well to know some thing of his person, as also to provide ourselves with Horses; for I had a particular desire to recover mine, which I intended not to leave at any rate in those woods, having traveled with him above six hundred miles. It was our fortune, that the Brook, through the dryness of the season, was very shallow, and that Euristhus, by long practice, was acquainted with the easiest and securest fords. Euristhus went through barefoot first, and I followed him, bearing that dear and sweet burden, the beautiful Argosthenia in my arms. When we arrived on the other side, Euristhus was ravished to see the maid I carried to be Argosthenia, I having told him at the first breaking of the business to him, that she was a young lass of the Castle, that taken with my person, had desired to follow me in that escape: And desiring to say very much, he could speak just nothing through the stupefaction the strangeness of that adventure had reduced him to. So travelling gently, because we were unwilling to engage ourselves by night in Valleys inhabited by Wolves, we approached by break of day to the melancholy Mansion of Arnaldo, which now by the departure of its Lord was become the fit seat of a Forest; there not being left behind of so many people, more than the Priest that officiated in the Temple, and those inferior servants which ordered the Orchards, and dressed the Stables under the supervision of a Bailiff. Here I found it confirmed that Arnaldo, deceived in the false report of my flight, was gone to Athens to seek me: therefore I desired only thus much, that they would furnish us with necessaries for that voyage, and to dispatch news to Olympia of our deliverance, with an account of the accidents befallen us with Diambres. I desired that Argosthenia for her greater decency, and convenience, would take along with her some grave woman; but she would not agree to it, saying; that for the matter of her own person she alone sufficed, for other things the diligence, and assiduity of Euristhus was more then enough; for indeed he served her with profound affection, celerity, promptness, and reverence. So making Euristhus to Arm himself, and taking a good Guide, we travailed successfully by small journeys towards Athens, till such time as coming to the Bank of the River Asopos, we met with an unlucky accident prepared us by malicious fortune.  
Diambres being informed of my flight, and that of Euristhus, and, which seemed yet more strange, of Argosthenia's, who by the marks left behind, was known to have been the Guest of my prison; he determined to be revenged at any rate, not so much for any impulse of hatred and passion, as for self-interest, to the end we should not divulge the excesses of his barbarous incivilities; with representing them moreover to the King of Thebes, to the extreme endangering of his Exile, and the confiscation of his goods. Understanding therefore, either by conjecture, or report that we had taken our way towards Athens, and confident, that in respect of the delicacy of Argosthenia, which he presumed to be my consort, we would go but slowly, he conceited he might overtake, and retake us unexpectedly in the confines of the Dominion of Attica. He selected for this purpose eight, or ten, of his bravest servants and swashes; and went (not as yet healed of the blow on his face) with all possible velocity to that place; and had (for his, and our misfortune) chance so propitious to him, that he came upon us when we least expected. In the place, where we came to ferry over it, the stream was exceeding large with many whirlepits, and shelves very dangerous to the Passengers, so that there was no passing from one side to another, but only with a little Boat that was there, scarce capable of a man and a horse. Seeing this necessity, for to make way for the others, I entered first with my horse. I would have had Argosthenia to have been wafted over with me, instead of my horse, but the Ferryman would not permit it, affirming that it was a dangerous thing to pass over horses without the custody of their masters. I went over therefore alone, and the Wherry was returned to fetch the young Lady and her Palfry; but she was scarce come to the middle of the River, when, behold Diambres, with his face, and those of his followers covered, arrived upon the same shore: and having a sight of that which he went in search of, he cried to the Boat-man, that upon pain of death he should return back with the charge he conducted. Euristhus, by his voice & deportment knowing his master, being all this while on foot, and by that means unobserved, leapt into the water to swim: and I also perceiving that the Ferryman amused with the menaces of Diambres, turned the Vessel to make towards him, pricked forward my horse into the River to impede his intention; and Argosthenia on the other side, presented a Dagger to his breast, threatening him with death, if he did not perform the work he had begun of wafting her over: In the same instant Euristhus also got up to the Boat, and attempting to leap into it, he had almost like to have submerged it with his weight. But it being held to rights by the Art of the Steersman; I came to grapple with him, and drawing my sword, forced him to direct the Boat not to the shore, but along the stream of the River, letting it drive at the pleasure of the current, till it came to touch at an Islet, which I had discovered, distant about half a mile, where I promised myself secure refuge. He obeyed, notwithstanding the cries and protests of Diambres; and I perceiving my horse began to want ground under his feet, spurred him back to shore, giving first to Euristhus the end of a string that I had about me, that the Ferryman should not deceive me, by turning as I stood on land the Vessel to another part.  
Thus we walked about three hundred paces, being followed on the opposite Bank by Diambres. I had a thought, that the Bark should take the right arm of the Channel, which was very broad in that place, to the end Argosthenia, defended and hid by the Isle, might land with security, and free herself from the eminent peril, without Diambres his being able to pursue us in our journey; but the young Lady spying by chance a youth behind me, that carried a bow and quiver like a huntsman, she began to call out: To land, to land! Stay the boy, stay the boy! I obeyed her, and stopped him, making him to stay with me; and the Waterman, against his will, brought his Boat to shore. Here the fair Argosthenia came out of the Boat, and with the help of Euristhus (because he would not lend her them) took the bow and quiver from the youth, and looking pleasantly upon me with a smiling aspect, said: Dear friend, the River is so broad in this place, that scarce discovering my enemy, I cannot shoot at any certainty: yet I will try my fortune. I, interrupting her, said: I beseech you Madam, be pleased not to tempt blind fortune with any advantage; Content yourself, you are safe, and that before our enemies can get their passage over, we shall be in a place where they cannot hurt us, the confines of Attica being hard by: That we may do: however, said she, give me leave to let fly one Arrow. I told her, she might do as she pleased: and she presently drew the Bow to shoot. When just at the instant we were diverted with a nearer danger, by the appearance of a Knight which came out of a Track, made dark by the umbrage of Trees, and leading to the River side: he was attended by two other persons on horseback; which discovering us busied in that confusion, ran upon me with his sword drawn, crying, Ah, Traitor! It was the goodness of heaven, that the horse I road on should hear that noise, and that voice; so that I leapt aside that I might avoid that blow, which threatened me with death, Argosthenia hereat lost not a with of time, but let fly at my unknown enemy the Dart prepared for Diambres: yet the confusion and haste with which she shot it, made her miss the mark, and instead of the Knight, to hit his horse in the head over the left eye; wherewith, what by the smart, and what by the fright, he was put into such a fury, that running his crupper against a Tree he tumbled himself, and the Knight into a Ditch, which separated the road from the fields.  
His Companions precipitously leapt from their horses to help him, amongst whom I discovered the face of Cadmus, Page to Arnaldo, and by him guessing that the fallen Knight must needs be his master, (which by means of his grey , and his concealed face half-hid with his Murrain, was wholly unknowable at the first sight) I alighted also to his assistance. Argosthenia cried, Kill the Traitor; but I, that was of an opinion very different from that of hers, seeing him buried in mire, in danger of a speedy surrender of his life; assured his servants that I came to help, not kill him, and putting ourselves upon an attempt to draw him out of that misery, we did effect it; but he was so bruised, and in so bad plight, that he scarce knew in what part of the World he was.  
I was at this spectacle so moved with lively resentments, of Pity, Grief, and Love, that I could not hinder the escape of some tears through my eyes.  
But, who can aptly describe the sorrow of Argosthenia, now that she knew her espoused husband, and saw him in so deplorable estate, after so cruel an attempt upon my person, and a hazard of his being slain by her own hand: She knew (and perceived by my looks) that he had been deceived, whereupon flinging herself upon him, and with tears embracing him, she said. Oh! unfortunate Knight; what Devil hath bereft you of judgement, that you go about to kill him, to whom you are obliged for your life, safety, and honour? Do you thus pay your engagements to this Gentleman? Wretched Arnaldo, miserable, even in your felicicy. The Cavalier, more dead than alive by so grievous a fall, knew not what to say, seeing Argosthenia upon him, and me so near in a posture, that without words did accuse him of his crime, committed through too precipitate pievishnesse, and superfluous jealousy. The first words that he could distinctly pronounce, was to dissuade Argosthenia from so open demonstrations of her affection: afterwards reassuming by little and little his enfeebled forces, (though he had his body miserably macerated) he strove to get upon his feet, to walk towards the houses of the Island, where there was a retirement destined to the use of Travellers: but when I acquainted him with the peril he ran into of meeting with Diambres, the occasioner of all those misadventures which we now suffered; he boiled with such resentments of indignation and fury, that almost forgetting his pain he said: Withdraw Argosthenia a little, that I may in this river wash off the smears of the dirt, and change my , and then we will resolve upon the course we shall steer in our voyage.  
We did so; And it chanced that the water was very warm, for that the Sun had but just then began to decline its Meridian; so that he found some ease of the smart, which the fall had strangely caused in the nervous part of his hips. Refreshing, and re-apparelling himself, he would have begged a needless pardon for his mistakes of me, and a brief Narrative of all our adventures. But expecting every minute Diambres at our backs, I called him back to other apprehensions, telling him; That but for the thoughts of Argosthenia's preservation, which for that time was more opportune, I would give my advice, to go (notwithstanding the disequality of number and disadvantages of strength) to meet Diambres, and chastise him for his barbarous Tyranny: but because I will not put it to the hazard of leaving her alone in an unknown Country, at the discretion of sickle Fortune; it behoves us with the frost of prudence to allay the ardour of generosity, and betake ourselves to counsels more cautelous than courageous. Therefore let him divert, though not for ever avert, his merited chastisement. As near as I can judge, he is not now far off, and perhaps by this time is landed in the Island, and ready to recover this shore: now if we on the contrary go over to the otherside, swimming upon our horses (since the Ferryman is stipt away) we shall disappoint his diligence with a journey contrary to his expectation by turning towards Thebes. And since you be destitute of a horse, and Eur●sthus hath likewise abandoned his upon the opposite side; I will take him up behind me; and for you and the Lady Argosthenia, her horse may serve both. Having so resolved, Arnaldo commanded Cadmus to attempt to ford the River in the safest place.  
The courageous Youth spurred his horse into the water, and having gone a little way with great ease, he began to feel no bottom; whereupon leaving him to swim, yet guided by Bit and Spur, that he might not make a stop in the water, he immediately began to set foot on land, and successfully attained the other Bank. Arnaldo did nor like that ford, fearing that either his beast, or mine, might yield in swimming to the labour of so great a weight: and on the other side Argosthenia cried that we had better, to avoid a certain danger, expose ourselves to an uncertain fortune. And I added: I know what I say, Madam; Diambres will over take us within this half hour. For me, I but meanly prize the endangering my life in your service, against such inequality of power and people. But you, what would you do? My horse hath forded other manner of Rivers than Asopos, and with other manner of weights, than now he is like to carry. I would freely offer him you; but I know that he will not well be ruled (where I am) by the guidance of any other hand. Sir, said Euristhus take you Argosthenia behind you, and I will swim over, for my  are not yet dry.  
To that Argosthenia would by no means consent, being unwilling so much to incommode the generous Youth, to whom his former services spoke her so much obliged; but Arnaldo desiring her to be advised by us, she obeyed. I presently entered the stream, and Euristhus cast himself in after me to swim, and after him entered Arnaldo, followed by his Squire My horse seemed to sport with the stream, with such volubility did he cut and trample that water under foot; insomuch that I was almost come to the other shore before Arnaldo had scarce waded the third part of the way.  
In the mean time the curiosity and love of Argosthenia, made her ever and anon to look back towards the Knight her spouse: thereupon hearing him once, angrily rating his horse, that peradventure was affrighted by the swelling of the Torrent, which imperuously assaulted him in the midst of the stream; she turned herself with such haste, and carelessness towards him, that she slipped from her horse into the water, sinking to the bottom without any stay. Providence, which would not permit her to be the food of that Element, had provided her of a help before the danger, by placing Euristhus to swim behind us; for he diving presently after her, drew her out of that dangerous current, as yet half-alive. I also at the same instant feeling bottom, leapt from my horse to help, and take her, as being far taller, and stronger than Euristhus, into my arms, and carried her . But Arnaldo in seeing her fall, and knowing himself far from relieving her, was ready to throw himself for desperation into the middle of the Torrent to drown himself; but coming to land, and seeing her in my arms, he was ready to die of jealousy, renewing his former suspicion of our Amorous correspondence. Yet dissembling the same, he stood without giving us a word: nor spoke I at all to him, though I perceived his suspicion.  
By this time Argosthenia coming to herself with reversing all the water her stomach was oppressed with, she began to say to me: Certainly heaven hath some wonderful thing to do in our persons: Sir, My having received life so often from your hands, and the series of dangers, through which I pass every moment, makes me think, that either some very great good, or great ill, is portended to us by this encounter of fatality. I only calling Arnaldo to hearken to what I said, replied; Madam! Heaven is pleased sometimes to work its wonders, not only unknown to, but despised by, the world. It hath designed you to a fortune above your hopes. Be pleased therefore to condescend to take Arnaldo for your Spouse and Husband. Here she interupted me. Is this a time (said she) for such an affair? Will not my word suffice, which I have already past to you? No, Madam, said I: but it is requisite the business pass farther: Contract yourselves to each other, and then we will talk with you. This they did, with the assistance of myself and of Euristhus; and I desiring to discharge myself wholly of the things I was entrusted with by the Lady, presently presented the Neck-chain, with her picture to Arnaldo; which she had commanded me to present him with all. Arnaldo earnestly beholding it, said; Since that this Medal may be divided, you would oblige me, Madam, if you would please to keep my picture, which is inchased therein, and I take yours. And here he related to us, that he had formerly made that necklace to present Lucinda with: and lost it upon the very same day, the tilting was celebrated at Thebes. And I (added Argosthenia,) found it upon the Seashore, at my first Landing in the Boeotian dominions, and having made the picture of Lucinda to be changed for that of mine, I have always worn it in my breast, for the Love of Arnaldo, till such time as it pleaseth Heaven, instead of his picture, to make me possess his person. Arnaldo therefore took only her picture, hanging it in another chain, restoring his own to her, to wear it for his sake. Then I, interupting this their amorous contention, said; Sirs: the night is already near at hand, and it's necessary we provide some lodging where to refresh you, being both in equal need of it.  
Whilst I thus spoke, I discovered a Bark, that scouring along those coasts, ran a swift course down the stream of the River. She had, at a place a little distant, discharged her merchandise, and was returning to the mouth of the River, for new freight. There came at that instant into my mind, a new conceit, upon which I addressed myself to them, saying; Sirs, (said I) Our interests and your destiny calls us to Negropont. This Bark may waft us over for this little distance with security and commodiousness: and though yet there were no other benefit to be acquired hence, this would be no little one, of avoiding the incommodity of a journey by Land, at this time of night, and in this necessity which you have of repast, to your bodies, and repose to your wounds. My counsel was approved by the contracted couple: And the Bark was made immediately to stay: which we hired to the River's mouth, with great content to the Mariners, to whom, in regard they were discharged of their Lading, and bound to the same place, the money seemed easily got. Being entered therein, and the Lady having supped slightly with such viands, as they gave her, and did provide at a Peasant's cottage, as we passed by; but yet merrily enough, save only that Arnaldo was exceedingly troubled at Argosthenia's relation of the passages under the Tyranny of Diambres: and I after supper imparted to Argosthenia, the news of Negropont, putting her in expectation of things above her hope. The morning following, leaving Argosthenia with the Pages in the Bark: Arnaldo and myself, to enjoy the pleasure of the fields, would take Horse, ordering the Pilot so to steer the Vessel, that it might be near at hand for us to retire to at our pleasure.  
Thus we walked about a league, talking and discoursing upon the expected adventure, in the revolt of Calcidonia; till we came to a little Forest of water-Poplers, which were casually sprung up on those shores, by reason the River, inclining in its course towards the contrary banks, wearing away the earth on that side, had left this side dry, out of which was grown up this little Wood of Willows and Poplers. Being entered into it, and having gone scarce fifty paces, we were presently surrounded by about thirty Ruffians, some on foot, and some on horseback, with their faces masked, one appearing before all the rest, showing himself to be the leader of that rout, who directed a dart at Arnaldo to lay him dead on the grass: yet the blow failed the Assassin's expectation; for it passed between the side, and the arm, of the Knight, doing him no other harm, but gliding along his  gave a little race to his skin: But Arnaldo's blow, did not in that manner fail him; for presently laying hand on his sword, he threw himself with such an impetuosity upon the Assassin, that running him through and through, he fell dead to the ground. On the otherside, being unwilling to die unrevenged, I did what I could; and if the hour of my death had been by Heaven decreed to have been then, I certainly deserved it, by what I then did. But what could three persons alone do against thirty Villains? Arnaldo's Squire was slain, and he and I were so sorely wounded in many parts of our bodies, that we fell half dead, and as they thought wholly lifeless, upon the ground.  
Yet I, as being less hurt, presently reassumed my spirits that were fled, and opened my eyes, soon again grown sad by the sight of six dead bodies (for of that number as yet Arnaldo appeared:) but seeing my horse close by me, as if he had been condoling me; I gathered thence, that it was not to rob, but to murder us, that they had so rudely handled us. Raising up myself therefore the best I might, and searching my wounds, I found myself hurt in the thigh, and the left side; in the arm, and right shoulder; and in the middle of my belly; of all which wounds, only this last seemed mortal. I bond it up therefore before the rest, and would go visit the dead body of Arnaldo, and finding him still breathing, I comforted myself; and, bringing him better to himself, he slowly and heavily opened his eyes, and scarce knowing me closed them up again, as if at that instant he had breathed out his Soul. Seeing him in so miserable a condition, I strove to get upon my Horse, to seek out some better means for his succour: but in vain. For the Mariners hearing the noise of the fight, and seeing perhaps some of the Rogues along the shore, had (notwithstanding the cries of Argosthenia) with sails and oars so hastened the voyage, that they were gone above two leagues from that place in an hour.  
Being unwilling therefore to abandon the Knight in those miserable extremit yes, I returned into the wood, and found by chance two Peasants passing that way, with intention to rob the dead bodies, whom (though at my coming they began to run away) I so far engaged with my carriage and language, promising them a rich reward for that service, that they stayed: and understanding that they were sons to two labouring men of those parts, I desired one of them, which I thought more discreet than the other, to go and call them, to carry that Gentleman into some convenient place, where to cure or bury him. The young man ran, encouraged by the reward, and returned expeditiously with his father, and a girl, who went for the goodman's daughter; which being suddenly come to us, she fling herself upon the face of the Cavalier, and muttered I know not what charms, so that he presently returned again to himself. Afterwards she told me, she would ask no more, but only that she might be permitted to try her secrets, to cure that almost-dead body, being oppressed with six mortal wounds. I saw she spoke with discretion, and that the Knight grew worse every moment, therefore I told her, She should do her pleasure. So she searched his wounds, but would let none see how she would cure him; for she would not accept of any assistance; as in like manner she refused all help in dressing me, though in a different manner, having suddenly secured our lives, without giving us the least occasion to learn those secets. What shall I say? In four and twenty hours I beheld Arnaldo, whom I had bemoaned as dead, healed: and I, that was likely to live kept my bed a month, almost in despair of recovery. But the Cavalier, though he was extremely loath to leave me alone in that Village, yet in the end, constrained by his duty, and by my entreaties, he went towards the Mouth of the River in search of Argosthenia; and I remained, though so sorely diseased, to enjoy the pleasing conversation of the young Damsel, my Doctress and Keeper.   

Arnaldo; or, The injured Lover.  
BOOK VI.  
THe Leader of the Assassins' slain by the hand of Arnaldo, was the Tyrant Diambres; who in the passage which we made along the little Island, where he had for that night took up his lodging, knew by my Horse, which with those others of our company, stood upon the fore-deck of the Ship, who was his master, and learned something also of the arrival and successes of Arnaldo; whilst we stayed to sup, and whilst the Mariners were at supper (which took up three hours' time) he got before us with his attendants, to wove some new treachery: supposing that Arnaldo would go attended splendidly, according to his quality. So he gave notice to some vile people of those parts, that we were exiled from Thebes, and were flying to Negropont: he moreover encouraged them to slay us, to gain a great sum, which as he affirmed, was set upon our heads. But he being the first that was slain, in attempting of this execrable enterprise, and after him three of his best Soldiers, it occasioned that the Villains, (advertised by the flight of the other retainers to Diambres, that that affair would succeed very contrary to what he had told them▪) for our good fortune left us all, some alive, some dead upon the ground, every one retireing to his own house, lest they should be accused of such a murder. Arnaldo being healed as I told you, and departed in quest of his Mistress, I kept my bed still, under the amorous and dear charge of the fair Orsina. And because her garb, her looks, and her virtues, spoke her to be more than the daughter of a Farmer, I desired one day to know from her supposed mother Serena, the truth of matters, concerning her; and she with a deportment, savouring not a jot of rural, thus spoke to me.  
Sir, Since I see that this noble, and virtuous Girl, delighted by your courteous carriage, and by the grace of your countenance and expressions, hath conceived an infinite affection for you, and desires exceedingly to cease this pastoral life, and to go to live in an other place and employment, more conformable to her birth, and inclinations; I will discover to you that concerning her, which none else knows, except my husband and I; and leave you to do as you shall please.  
There went, now sixteen years ago, to Corinth, upon occasions of his studies, an English Gentleman, of great birth, but greater virtue: he put himself to lodge, according to the custom of Scholars, in the house of a young and comely woman, a Citizen, which being left a Widow in the flower of her years, with some Fortune, in movable goods, had applied herself to this Calling, very profitable in that City, of boarding Trans-mountanian and Transmarine Scholars, which were wont to become the most modest, and most studious, of all those about our parts; whereas ours commonly abandoned themselves to all dissoluteness. Now, as it should happen, these two, being both alike young, and fair, they were mutually enamoured of one another; their names were Rosmond and Camilla, and making use of their liberty and familiarity, there was both of them this goodly child Orsina. The love of the daughter, no less than that of the mother, detained Rosmond at Corinth some five or six years; whence at last being necessitato depart about urgent affairs, he left about three thousand Ducats, in assignment of Portion to Orsina, and precious gifts moreover and above to her Mother. She notwithstanding, continued to lodge Gentlemen of such like quality: & Orsina came by that means to learn, not only foreign Languages, but also the Principles of the Sciences, especially physic & Chirurgery: in which professions, she is able to do strange things with only two or three words, as what she hath experimented in Arnaldo, whom she hath raised from death to life, may easily persuade you. It happened in this mean time, that certain contests arose among the Scholars, her guests; which breaking into blows, some of them were slain at the table, mingling their blood with their victuals and wine. Whereat, Camilla being affrighted, and fearing to be cited before the Judges, she packed up all her richest moveables, with what money she could presently get together, and embarked herself for Athens: where not holding herself for all that secure enough, she would go into Negropont, as being a disjunct Jurisdiction from the Dominion of Attica, and stayed her voyage in this place, and in the end, died in this house; first leaving, and recommending to my charge, this her daughter, now twelve years of age. I have not been wanting on my part, for the bringing of her up, for this three years, that she hath been here, with the best decorum my rusticity would permit; having myself learned some thing in my younger days, in the service of a Lady of Athens, which in the end married me to this Husbandman, with more regard to her convenience, than my satisfaction, though I confess myself well enough pleased with this manner of life, which though rude and toilsome, is yet simple, and quiet. Now Orsina having often entreated me to carry her to Corinth, to procure for her the Dowry, left her by her Father, and to marry her; I could never prevail with my husband to content her; for having never gone out of the bounds of these Villages, he fears the world will fall on his head, if he hear but any strange Country named. If you shall please therefore, gentle Sir, to favour this maid with your assistance, & protection, though my husband gainsay it, yet being informed by Arnaldo of your noble qualities, I will consign to you that little Coin, and such Jewels as I have left in my hands by her Mother; assuring myself, that she cannot but arrive safely to the end of her desires. She is already pleased with it; and tells me, She would account herself happy, in being able to serve you. Do you resolve therefore, for we are ready to execute what you shall command us.  
I was well pleased with the conversation and the Virtue of Orsina, but the taking such troubles upon myself, was a thing wholly contrary to my Genius and inclinations: And the business of Argosthenia, had made me to know by proof, what I might expect from travelling up and down the world with Women, especially young and handsome. Yet the entreaties of the child being added to the persuasions of the woman, and knowing myself obliged to her for my health, I promised, that so soon as I was dis-engaged from the company of Arnaldo, I would conduct her to Corinth, to her Parent's house: and it fell out sooner than I thought for: For, Euristus coming to see me with Letters from Arnaldo; I knew not how to reward him for my liberty, which I obtained by his means, better than by giving him Orsina in marriage, under the notion of my Daughter, with all that deposited by her Father, as the Inheritance of her Mother, with a considerable rise to his fortune.  
The advice brought me by Euristus, was, that Arnaldo, having found Argosthenia at the mouth of Asopos, expecting of him, they had determined to return together to that Village, to assist me in my distemper, till I was recovered: But having deferred it, by reason of Cadmus being indisposed, and withal, to understand my pleasure; I, that already was ware, that Arnaldo, for all his generosity, languished with a jealousy of me, and that this resolution, of coming back, was a motion of Argosthenia; as it was on the other side an invention of Arnaldo, to remit it to my disposal: and being desirous withal to see myself at liberty, to travel the world according to my purposed intent, I immediately dispatched back Euristhus, to entreat them both, that they would not incommode themselves for my sake, but pursue the course of their own fortune, and go to Calcides, to celebrate with solemnity their Nuptials, by consent of the Duchess, from whose pleasure did depend their felicity, and advancement: For that when I was rid of my infirmity, I would wait upon them in person, at a time, when my urgent affairs would better permit. Yet I should, wherever I came, and in all conditions, of estate, and fortune, ever bear in mind the obligations received from them both, to preserve them fresh in my memory, to the last moment of my life.  
Euristhus' returned with new Letters from Arnaldo and Argosthenia, who by all means desired me to be at Calcides, before the disclosing of themselves, being willing to have me present at the opening of that Scene. But I resolved to travel to Corinth, to settle Euristhus and Orsina, and free myself from this new suggestion. And it was the goodness of destiny, so to dispose of it; for if new accidents of adverse fortune should cross their design, I should be also inevitably much concerned in it, without any other fruit, but only that of a miserable constancy of fidelity, and an infortunate amity.  
They therefore hired a Bark, to transport them to Calcides: and scarce had they put out of the Port, but they were taken by a Pinnace of Pirates, belonging to Rhodes, who presently fettered Arnaldo, and reserved Argosthenia, upon account of her extreme beauty, for a mighty ransom; passing to unlade their wealthy booty at Scarpanto; where they sold Arnaldo (though he promised them great ransoms, and let them know his quality) to a very covetous and churlish Merchant, who notwithstanding the comeliness of his person, and the offers made by him of vast sums, sent him to work in certain Vineyards of his, in a Village in the Country. Arnaldo being assaulted, but not vanquished by so strong gusts of fortune, enured himself to this course of life, in hope of speedy redemption, having found out a way to dispatch Letters to Thebes, letting his friends know his misery, that so he might be set at liberty, with force of gold, and the interposition of the regal power. Yet he was in continual apprehensions of sorrow in behalf of the unfortunate Argosthenia his Spouse, which for her singular beauty, might be presumed subject to a thousand accidents of adverse fortune: verifying in his person, but too much, the title which he bore of the Injured Lover.  
But from the selfsame consideration that troubled him, did arise the cause of his security; those barbarous villains, having for their more profit till then preserved her incontaminated. She yet never ceased weeping in that her captivity, wherein she was deprived of all comforts: and were it not that she was loath to wish him so much unhappiness, she could in that calamity have desired the conversation of Philiternus. After a time, the Pirates set sail for Rhodes, and there exposed to sale that precious merchandise, the admirable Argosthenia, as a thing desired by many, though but few were found, who durst buy her at so excessive a price, as the Pirates set upon her, which was no less than twenty thousand Ducats; there being none would venture so much money on a Jewel, which, though lovely in extremity, might in an hour, change and lose all its beauty.  
But that which one alone could not do, three young Gallants together, (to their own ruin) attempted: who being otherwise intimate friends, agreed to buy her jointly, to possess her also together by turns. Fools that they were, not to consider, That women were made to part, not to unite the Wills of men: and, That the Throne and Bed detest competition. The money being disbursed, their agreement being for eighteen thousand Ducats, they conducted the innocent prize to the house of Antiochus, the principal of the Purchasers, where the other two, Hermogenes and Arbant fell into a contest with him, Who should enjoy her the first night: He treating them with very unworthy terms, said; that all reason required, that for nobility and fortune being their better, the precedency in that Love was his of right. Arbant, by this time grown all into a fury, told him, that having equally dispended his money as well as he, he knew not how to yield to him in this matter. Hermogenes, of a more tranquil mind, was content to remit the decision of it to Lot: but not being harkened to by the other two, they broke out into such terms of rage, that Arbant challenged Antiochus out of his house, and after an obstinate Combat Antiochus was slain, and Arbant so ill handled, that he did not survive him many days. Hermogenes as the third buyer, challenged the possession of the fair Captive, but he was jointly denied her by the Heirs of Antiochus and Arbant, till he had repaid them the sums contributed by the defunct parties to that mournful purchase.  
But Argosthenia cut off this contention: for, engaging to her the women of Antiochus his house, with the discovery of her quality and misfortunes, they were moved with such a compassion of her calamities, that they helped her to escape, being disguised in boy's apparel; having first something shortened her hair, and discoloured her face.  
Argosthenia being gone, & the strife at an end, she, who found nothing about her but her Wedding Necklace with Arnaldo's Picture, & two, or three pieces of Gold, preserved from the rapine of the Pirates, which had been so modest with her, as not to search, and ransack her in her under Garments; knew not how to get out of that Isle, and return to her own Country, so lonely and forlorn as she was, but went wand'ring up and down the Villages adjacent, as if she begged Alms, fearing lest if she should show her Gold to any to work her return, she should be either stopped, or robbed. Till in the end lighting upon a poor old woman, but of a hearty constitution, which also went ranging up and down the Isle, she consorted herself with her, taking a resolution at last to disclose herself, promising any recompense she should ask, if she would assist her in getting from thence to the Isles of Scarpanto, or Negropont.  
The good old woman was content, and took her in place of her son, travelling together to the Western Coasts, and there finding a Fisherboat, of the largest size that furrow the Seas on such employments; She offered them ten Ducats upon her disembarking on the Isle of Scarpanto. The Fishermen at first thought themselves mocked: but the Damsel assuring them that there was those in that Isle, who would presently pay them, and considering that they were to go to Sea to fish, they agreed, and with a prosperous voyage arrived there the same night. Here Argosthenia landed in the morning, leaving the old woman in the Bark for security, and went to the house where Arnaldo was sold. But learning he was gone to his master's Countryhouse to work, she was exceeding glad. And because it was but three miles off, she went thither upon the wings of Love, and of desire, in a short space; and seeking of him, she was brought to the place with much courtesy by a certain honest woman. She found him with his Fetters at his heels, and his Mattock and Spade going to work, and was so moved in mind at so deplorable a spectacle, that not able to keep upon her feet, she sunk down with sorrow and regret.  
Arnaldo and the woman ran to help her, amazed with the strangeness of the accident. But their words nothing availing, the woman ran to her house to fetch some Vinegar, Water, and Wine, and the like, to bring her again to herself; and in the mean time the confusion of Arnaldo much increased, thinking he knew the features of that beautiful visage; howbeit, that her short hair, and Olive-coloured face, and man's apparel, made Argosthenia unknowable. But she returning to herself, and taking an opportunity when the woman was returned with her implements to her house, she said to the Knight. Arnaldo, a person of your acquaintance sent me to salute you from her. Here is a Bark of certain Fishermen of Rhodes, in which I come to find you, promising them ten Ducats upon my word; if you please to lend them me, I will leave you a pawn shall countervail them a hundred times.  
Arnaldo answered, that for money he had none, but yet he would procure some by that woman's means to serve her upon a Chain, which he wore at his breast. And I also, said Argosthenia, have Gold to make money of; and so saying, drew forth her Necklace: when Arnaldo saw that, growing pale, he asked her, Who gave her it? Yourself, said she. And is it possible that through this disguise you should not perceive Argosthenia? Arnaldo trembled and sighed with fear and joy at those words, and if he had not perceived the woman returning, he would have embraced her in his arms. But, disguising the matter, he turned his speech to the woman, and desired to procure (not on the Necklace, but) upon a Bracelet that Argosthenia gave him, twenty Ducats for that young man to employ in his service.  
The woman mistrusting nothing, but thinking to receive some benefit to herself, went presently about it, in which mean time Argosthenia gave Arnaldo relation of her adventures, and of her intent to get him thence by one means or another; for if he would but return with her in that Fisherboat to Rhodes, he should be sure under her conduct to find more easily some way to transport themselves for Negropont. Arnaldo wept extremely to hear her strange fortunes, in being born for the death of so many persons; but in particular as to the getting out of that slavery, he could not upon a sudden contrive a way to effect it; there being no other way to the Haven, but through the City: where in the daytime he would be stayed, and in the night he could not get out, in regard he was loaded with Chains. Argosthenia signed, and pausing awhile, she said. When the Western Knight freed me from the thraldom of Diambres, we filled asunder in two hours the Iron-bars of a Window; and, Is there no way to break the Chains that are about your feet? But where shall we find (said Arnaldo) such a kind of file, in so forlorn a place? Think not of that, said Argosthenia, here's that will do the work: And pulled forth a little flat Glass Vial, about the bigness of a Nut, saying. Before the Cavalier cut the bars, he put some of this water on them, of which he gave me this Cruse. But in the using it, you must have a care you touch it not with your finger, lest its malevolent nature should hurt you. Hereupon Arnaldo pulled a little Cotton out of the quilting of his Doublet, and, just dipping it in the water, bathed the Lock that fettered his feet, according to the direction of Argosthenia, and he presently saw the admirable effect; for, being made of pure Iron without the help of a file, it flew open; whereas in the grate of Diambres, the Iron being Steeled the help of files was also requisite.  
Arnaldo seeing himself at liberty, My dear Soul (said he) let's not stay any longer here, where we can expect no advantage: but let us leave the Bracelet to this woman, in reward of her civilities to me. I am certain she cannot return this hour: and by that time she doth come back, the Gates will be shut; so that we cannot enter without being seen. And this business likewise would be done presently, in regard all the people of these parts are gone into the Mountains to vintage, upon which occasion not so much as the little Children are left at home, it being, at this time of vintage, permitted to every one to eat as much as they please. And again, we shall come to the City in an hour, wherein we shall be unobserved, for it will be about nine of the Clock. And afterwards we will follow the counsel of Philiternus, who adviseth that, in all Enterprises, We must still give place to Fortune, who is always a friend of resolute Souls Let us go Madam. Argosthenia thought it an Age, till she saw her Spouse freed from that captivity, and therefore would not contradict him, but made use of Fortune's favour.  
What need more words? They came by happy providence safe to the Port, the City being open, and without Guards in that hour of retirement: But yet there they met with another accident to cross them; for Argosthenia having, instead of the promised money, brought the Fishermen a man, in Garb very suspicious, they would take neither of them into the Bark. Arnaldo a good while patiently endured their impertinencies; but at last, seeing there was no other way to persuade them, he plucked out another Bracelet of Argosthenia's, and offered it them for satisfaction of that their service. Then the Fishermen had so much the more suspicion of his person: and were beginning to put off from the shore, being unwilling to receive persons that were to be suspected, either of Flight, or of Theft. Arnaldo by this time, being enraged by necessity with an extraordinary passion, and not usual in him, leapt into the Bark, and snatching up an Oar, menaced with an austere, and terrible look, presently to dispatch him that offered to oppose him; whereupon not having the courage to defend themselves, too (of five that they were) leapt, for fear, upon the shore. Arnaldo being hereby the better secured, took into his custody two Spears, two Bows, and all the Arms and Swords he found; and helping Argosthenia aboard, commanded him that sat at Stern to turn the Prow towards Candia, promising him the recompense due to his good service, and also to chastise his villainy, if he deceived him. The Fishermen seeing their cross fortune, reentered their Bark: for Argosthenia had also bend a Bow, and was ready to shoot any that should refuse; determining to obey that cross necessity, which had yet succeeded more favourably than they hoped for: seeing that having made Candia, where Arnaldo held correspondence of consanguinity and friendship, he gave them fifty Ducats, and so sent them home pleased, who came out so unwillingly.  
Here, because the Cavalier would not make himself known in that condition, he bought with the Jewels of Argosthenia honourable habits for both: and took with him a Page, and the old woman that still followed them, sailing along the Coasts of the Isle, till he came to Sidonia, where report went, that some Vessels lay ready to set sail for Athens. And finding it just as he desired, he embarked in a Western Vessel, wherein sailing prosperously as far as the Coasts of Peloponnesus, the wind, which hitherto had favoured them with benign gales, now became treacherous, amassing Clouds in the air, and rolling the Sea upside down, with a Tempest the more sad and dangerous, by how much the less it was expected and feared. This storm continued three days and three nights in its fury, during which time, what they got of their voyage by advancing forward, they lost again by driving backward. On the fourth day, when as the weather began to calm, they could no longer steer their Vessel, that was grown old already with many years continual scuffling with the waves: they split her upon a Rock right against the Province of Argos; but with so good fortune to the Passengers and Mariners, that it endangered no man's life, and the damage of very little of the lading. Unfortunate Argosthenia did very ill resent this adventure, and fell with impatience and anger into an extreme distemper. And yet there was not wanting some, who leapt on shore to free her from that danger, which they had run in the tempestuousness of the Sea.  
The Captain of the ship had cast his eye on this miraculous Creature: but respect to Arnaldo, who seemed to be of a quality not to be touched without danger; and the turbulence of the Sea had put a stop to the licentious thoughts of this man; who, although enured from his Cradle to that sordid kind of life, was too flexible of heart to withstand the Amorous Darts, sparkling in the lively eyes of incomparable Argosthenia. But being run upon the Rock through the necessity of the shipwreck; while Arnaldo having accommodated his dear Spouse the best he could, at the foot of a Grot under the custody of her old servant; and taking his Page with him, was gone to seek if there were any Harbour in that desert, or any people to give them relief; There came the strangest capriccio into the head of the villainous Captain that could be imagined: and it was, to ravish away the young Lady, and clap her aboard the skiff, so to fly to the next shore, before Arnaldo should return. The conception of so vituperious an enterprise was instantly seconded with the execution. Thus, in despite of the remonstrance made by the Master of the ship, which for his own interests would not consent upon any terms to his departure; drawing to him some Soldiers and Mariners, he mounted the Schiff with the ravished Lady, who was senseless through excessive grief, and plying the Oars disimbarqued in four hours' space upon the Coasts of Epidaurus. But what a transport was Arnaldo in, when, returning from his fruitless quest to shelter, he found not the pupil of his eye, which was so dear unto him; but so strange a Tyranny of fortune, ever constant in abusing him? I verily believe that if Methrodorus, the Master of the ship, and other people that stayed with him, had not prevented him by main strength, he would either have buried his sword in his own breast, or would have fling himself with a more inevitable wrack, than that he had escaped, into the Sea. But first restrained by violence, and afterwards recomforted in part by the persuasion of Methrodorus, which promised him to put him on shore, and to overtake that fugitive Traitor before the infirmity of Argosthenia would suffer him to arrive to the abominated end of his designs; he desisted from his desperate determination. Thereupon, Methrodorus collecting all the goods, both his own and others, that having not taken wet might best be saved; he hide them in that cave, to return, and fetch them when forrune should be more favourable, and set to build with his company (Arnaldo himself putting his hand to the work) of the relics of the ship another schiff, & in less than twenty four hours equipped it out, with all necessary rigging, putting themselves in chase of the Captain, dis-imbarquing the same evening in Epidaurus.  
Three months were already spent before that, being impeded by the wounds I had received, and by the Nuptials of Orsina and Euristhus, I could begin my journey to Corinth. In the mean time seeing neither Messenger, nor Express from the Injured Lover, or his Mistress, I touched upon the Coasts of Attica towards Negropont, to know something of their voyage undertaken for Calcides; where, hearing a flying rumour of their Captivity, I was ready to die of grief. Yet not knowing whither to go, or what to do in their relief; I determined to pass by the way of Athens to Corinth. Wither being arrived, and having left the young couple among their friends, I had a desire before my return into my own Country, to see some of the most famed Cities of Peloponnesus. I made choice in this business (for Comrades) of Hercules and Alexander, two young Gentlemen of Messenia, which having ended their studies, were returning home; we went first from Corinth to Argos, where spending but two days, we travelled towards Epidaurus. But being over-taken by night at a Village, six miles distant from the City, towards the Seacoasts, whilst that we were seeking amongst those Country people for a Lodging, we encountered with a Soldier, who enquired for a Litter, to fetch from a place not above half a mile off, a sick young Lady, which he said was shipwreck in the late Tempest. Alexander my Comrade, was the most capricious man in the world; and always a desirer of rambling adventures: Having therefore heard so much, it was needless to persuade him to go see this Damsel. And because the Soldier said, that she was alone with one only maid, and himself, pretending to be her servant; with a noble freedom, he offered (seeing there was not one of those clowns that would set foot out of doors at that time of night about such a business) himself to serve that Lady, with his own Horse to bring her to some place of accommodation.  
The proffer of our Comrade, obliged us to tender the like courtesy; but being rudely repulsed by the Soldier, directly refusing our civility and generosity, Alexander persisted the the more in his humour of seeing that Lady: And turning to me, laughing; Sir, said he, excuse my indiscretion. Night is already shut in, and this clownish rout show themselves unwilling to entertain us. We have been heretofore accustomed to watching in our wild night-rounds at Corinth, and therefore it will do us no great hurt, to prolong our journey for two or three hours, till we come to some Town, where we may meet with lodgings fit for us, going first to see this Lady, to tender to her in person our service; and, Who knows, but we may find her as courteous, as her servant is rude and uncivil? I, that was born still to make my friend's pleasure my Law, readily proffered myself to wait on him; but Hercules did exceedingly oppose it; were it that, wearied by his journey, he desired to take his rest, or else, that foreseeing in his mind the approaching danger, he would give way to such an impulse.  
Yet Alexander prevailing, and taking along with us, for our guide, one of those Country-fellows, we rid towards that place: where instead of a sick Lady, we found six men of savage aspect, and in a deportment (excepting one of them) liker galley-slaves than Soldiers. Yet we perceived by their posture, that either they stood in doubt of themselves, or kept some secret they desired not to have known. And we were confirmed in our opinion, in that at our appearing, they had either put out or hide two torches, which they carried to illuminate the darkness of the night, which, by this time, had wholly overspread the great face of Heaven; yet it's obscurity began to diminish, by reason of the exceeding clarity of the Moon, than rising.  
Hercules by this time half angry, said to Alexander: See here the young Lady, which you expected to compliment: Alexander laughed, and replied; Even from the ancient Sileni, arose matters of wonder, and who knows but these Cyplops faces, may wait on some Venus? Yea, replied I, but there being no fire in this Forge, we go in some danger, and instead of a Venus that we would conduct to a logding, we may find some Vulcan, that may throw a hammer at our heads. We had, at our first coming, dismissed our Guide, and, to give no suspicion of our intent, we freely road on in our way: Being at last come so near as to discern them; and, discoursing in a tone, only understood by our selves, one of them undertook to tell us, that we road out of the way towards the Sea side, and not the direct way to Epidaurus. Alexander laughing, Thus (said he) they are served, that in a dark night follow a blind leader. We thought to have found a Lady, but we have miss our intentions, and in a fancy lost our way. It matters not much, said I: for however this Lady have slighted us, the Moon shall serve as a guide to light us. Whilst we were thus talking, we heard the languishing voice of a weak woman crying; Ah, Sir Knight! And while we were harkening from whence the sound came, she sighing, rehearsed the same words: Ah, Sir Knight, help the betrayed Argosthenia. These lamentable words pierced my heart as so many darts, and presently calling to mind the loss of that Lady, I concluded, that these must needs be Pirates, that had ravished her. Yet because I would not rashly conclude of things, before I knew the truth; I entreated him (and it was the Captain himself, her ravisher) that seemed to be the Commander of the rest, to tell me Who that Lady was, that implored my succour: and wherefore? His answer was, in putting his hand to his sword, and buckler, to defend his Rape.  
We were three, Six our Adversaries; and I thought, I heard some noise from the Seaward, which were two Seamen his Accomplices, who hearing of our coming, made towards us. I rid up full carrier at the Captain assuring myself, that, the head being once suppressed, the members would of themselves abandon the enterprise. But I was deceived; for although he soon paid the penalty of his villainy, falling mortally wounded under my Horse's feet, who dispatched him with the fury of his kicks; his Companions so stoutly persisted in his revenge, that, after a long contest, there was slain besides himself, another of the enemies; and Hercules; Alexander dangerously wounded, and his horse distended upon the earth. For my part, I knew not what I did in that night-scuffle, but this I am certain, that I never escaped any peril with so little hurt in my person, as in this, though so hot and long, conflict. And happily it was the bountiful disposure of Heaven, which would not in such necessity, deprive the unfortunate Argosthenia of my assistance.   

Arnaldo; or, the Injured Lover.  
Book VII.  
BEing, as I told you, left with only Alexander, (who to say the truth, deported himself like an Alexander indeed, having laid for dead two of his enemies, and put the rest to flight) masters of the field, where there lay dead five Carcases; I stepped aside to the place where Argosthenia lay, more dead than living, through sickness, grief, and fear; with her old woman by her, little more sensible, I am sure more terrified. The young Lady seeing me draw near, and knowing me more by my deportment, than visage, had a desire to get up to receive me, and to give me her hand, but could not: Whereat, beholding a Lady of that nobility, virtue, and gentleness, in so sad a condition; I stood a good space transported by the considerations of the rigours of Fortune, exercised over the lives of Mortals, permitted by divine Providence, for our correction and instruction. But returning to myself, I did my best endeavour to comfort the Lady, and enquired of her, how her affairs stood, and of Arnaldo: she briefly related all that had befallen her, from her departure from me, to that instant in which the Captain had stolen her away. Understanding by her relation, that the Skiff was left tied to that shore, I desired Alexander to ride and see if happily there were any of the Mariners left; for there being no other way to secure Argosthenia, than by conducting her that way to Epidaurus (moreover, it was requisite, to take care for the body of our unfortunate Comrade, and for his own safety) thinking to win them with good treatment, and by taking no notice of their default in that detestable enterprise. He went, but found only the Bark: whereupon despairing of help, any other way, I resumed my former familiarity with Argosthenia, and carried her in my arms unto that place: where we found some small commodity of meat, and of a bed for the Lady. I made a fire and served her for Nurse, Physician, and keeper, whereat she was so affected, that she continually wept for tenderness. Next, I made use of a Secret, taught me by the fair Orfina, in order to the cure of Alexander; And making him also to take a little rest, I returned with the old woman to the fields, and laying the body of Hercules upon his horse, I got him also aboard the boat, and hide him in a private place of the same, to the end he should not with his sight trouble the mind of my patients; and last of all closed my eyes for a little while, to essay the dulcity of sleep, close by my horse, which that night, instead of hay and provender, fed on biscuit and powdered beef, like a Mariner.  
Day appearing, and my company awaking, we discovered a new scene of wonder upon that shore; for Argosthenia, in the apprehensions of joy, for seeing herself delivered from the injurious hands of the barbarous Captain, and being again in my protection; having taken a long sleep, she feigned herself so very much amended, that raising herself up in her bed, she darred from her face a profusion of rays of singular beauty, as if she had never had the least indisposition, or trouble. And Alexander on the other side, perceived himself reasonable well of his wounds; but I desired him before he stirred to expect the operation of the receipt, and with the woman's help prepared our repast, between merry and sad; merry, for the recovery of Argosthenia, and hope of restoring her presently to Arnaldo: sad, for the death of Hercules, a Gentleman, for his worthy qualities, deserving a longer life. This done, and having procured from the places adjacent, with much trouble, and large promises, two Fishermen, that undertook to carry us in that Schiff to Epidaurus; whilst we were making ready dinner, there came thither-ward a Judge in matters Criminal, with his Court, that were come from the City, upon the information of the Peasants there abouts, to take cognizance of the passages the night before, and to visit the dead bodies, which still lay in the field. This pleased not me a jot; for although right was on my side, yet having learned, to my great cost, what I might expect (though secured by my innocence,) among such kind of people; I took a resolution not to embroil myself with them. Thereupon, making my horse to be brought into the Vessel, and turning lose that of Hercules; I bid the Fishermen to put off from shore, and to steer towards the rock where Argosthenia hinted we should find her shipwrackt Arnaldo. The Fishermen would by no means obey, saying, They were only engaged to land us at Epidaurus: besides, there was no security to pass with but two Oars, and such a burden, through the main Sea. When Alexander heard this, starting up from the place where he lay, and overcoming with his terribleness my complacency, which would have appeased them with entreaties and rewards, he threatened to kill them presently, if they did not forthwith fall to their Oars. They seeing so troublesome a tempest to arise, turned their course the way, that against their wills he made them steer; but whether it were their villainy or their ignorance, after that we had spent the residue of that day, in tossing to and fro in the Sea, about three hours within night, we arrived at the rock, whence Arnaldo was departed six hours before, for Epidaurus.  
Meeting therefore with nothing but the fragments of the split Vessel, and the chips made about the new Schiff, I was thereat excessively vexed and confounded; not knowing which way to go to find Arnaldo, and deliver him his Spouse; for as yet she was not his Wife. But Alexander fell into so great a fury, that if Argosthenia and I, had not put a stop to his frenzy, he would have thrown the Fishermen into the Sea, to whose crime he attributed our tarriance. Being unwilling therefore, to put to Sea in a new Voyage in the night, with so unfaithful guides, and in so small a Boat, we acommodated ourselves the best we could in that place. And lest that, whilst we were asleep, the Fishers should deceive us, we so bound the Bark with chains, and cables to the shore, that we were sure it could not stir thence, without our consent. But this prevention was to no purpose, for they expected when we should be asleep, having learned already, that in those grotts there were hid some goods after the ship wrack; and softly getting a shore, they robbed some chests, upon which they did swim back to their own shore. The first that waked upon break of day, was Argosthenia, and, without looking on any thing else, she also landed about her own affairs, and there found scattered on the ground, divers farthels of goods and writings, either fallen by chance, or slung there on purpose by the Fishermen, as being things that might impeach them. Whereupon, being a Lady of a vivacious and nimble ingenuity, she gathered up the papers, and untying the bundles, found a box of Oriental Turchoises, worth about two thousand Ducats, and some five hundred Ducats in ready money. She laid them up in safety, for her own use against any misfortune that might happen, and so returned into the Schiff. And by this time, the Day having assumed it's proper splendour, she was much troubled to miss the Fishermen; & instantly awaking me, she shown me what she had found, and advertised me of their flight. But by reason I was unwilling to humour Fortune so far, as to express any alteration at so great an act of her Tyranny; I put a smile upon the matter, and looking on the Stones, and restoring them to the Lady, to dispose of them at her pleasure; I had a curiosity to turn over those Papers. By the rustling whereof Alexander being awakened, I with a smiling action, told him, Comrade: If fortune hath for some dayas confined us to this cliff, she hath also provided us matter of entertainment. We have here biscuit, and wine; flesh, and fish, for above a month: Wood we shall not want; either for fuel, or to defend us, if need require, from the incommodity of the season, which was in the latter end of Autumn, towards the beginning of Winter. Courage yet, that, let the worst come that can, we shall live even in this Desert.  
Alexander smiled, & said; You have a brave time on●, Sir, & you have good reason so to esteem it; for in the company of so noble and virtuous a Lady, you might style yourself Happy, though reduced to greater hardships. But I, what shall I do, in so desolate a place? Dear Alexander, said I you make too bad a construction of my heart, since the service I own to this Lady, is the only thing that troubleth me in this solitude; not, but that I esteem it a glory to be able to serve her; but because I cannot see her in so much misery without a sensible affliction, nor call to mind the Knight her Spouse without apprehensive disgusts. But these are only words: the business is, that we must think upon our safety. Here we cannot hold ourselves secure; for ships never sail this way, except that of our unfortunate friends: and were it so, that some should by chance come, we should be still uncertain of our lives. To think to get to land of ourselves, having never in all our lives touched Oars, or Sails, would be a piece of solemn folly. I have already computed that we have provision to serve us for five, or six weeks. This considered, let us dispose ourselves to pass away the time, since it cannot be with much joy, yet with the least annoy that prudence will permit; and accustom ourselves every day to manage these Maritime Pens, that we may learn upon this great Book of the water to Write ourselves an immortal name. Sir, said Alexander command what you please, for I will make you free and absolute master of my will.  
Having thus concluded of things, my first thought was to make a Coffin, to bury there the body of Hercules; and there was no great difficulty in it, for there was relics of Wood, Iron, and Pitch, sufficient to have raised an ample structure. This done, and leaving the old woman to dress Dinner, and look to my horse, we walked till Dinner time to view the Rock; and Argosthenia making a Bow of green wood, and some rustic Arrows of dry splinters, found herself an excellent divertisement, by shooting such Birds as flew thither, from the adjoining continent. Having dined, we spent the rest of that day, part in merriment, and part in raising a  to lie in a-nights. The day following we spent also in those, and such like other new recreations, having learned of the woman how to angle with the hook and line; who was therein most dextrous. On the sixth day of this our Hermetical course of life, about noon we discovered a Flyboat making towards us; whereupon drawing our Bark ashore, we fortified ourselves so, that we could have defended ourselves with ease, from a greater number in that Mountainous and impenetrable Fort; especially with the assistance of Argosthenia, who being perfect in Archery, could have sent death at a good distance to our Enemies.  
They of the ship perceiving our design, put forth a white flag in token of peace and friendship; Alexander, for all this, as being always a Lover of blows and quarrels, would not agree that we should trust them to approach us; but Argosthenia having discovered amongst them the Master of the shipwreck Vessel, she took occasion to treat him courteously to get some news of Arnaldo: We made therefore to understand at a good distance, that we intended to let none land but only himself and one companion. He readily accorded to our pleasure, being the Commander of all the rest; but coming on shore, he stood like one half dead to see Argosthenia, with a countenance more resembling a Goddess then a Mortal; and, but that he saw her ravished, and carried away with his own eyes, he would have sworn she had never stirred thence. The first word we asked him was, What was become of Arnaldo, and he told us, that having learned by the Process form by the Criminal Court, the death of the Captain her Ravisher, and that she was put to Sea for some other place with two young Cavaliers in her Company; whereas before he was comforted with the death of that Traitor, he now received a greater affliction in this new separation; having a conceit that one of those young Gentlemen was the same Knight who, said he, was destinated by heaven, perpetually to oblige him, so that he could never live in quiet within himself for him; having therefore now three days since departed towards Corinth, in hope to find him there together with his Spouse. But three days after his departure, he the said Methrodorus had heard some rumour, that we were upon that Rock; for two Fishermen of those Coasts being accused of having sold goods that were prohibited, and being apprehended by Justice, and having confessed against themselves, where they had done that robbery, they were likewise accused of their error in abandoning us in that manner. And that he was come thither to fetch away the residue of the goods hid in those caves, and to see withal if he might meet with the happiness of being able in any measure to serve us. I knew what construction Arnaldo's turbulent nature would put upon my actions, but I reserved my thoughts to myself, thanking Methrodorus for his courtesy, and saying, that we would only trouble him once more so far as to borrow some of his Mariners to go as far as Argos, or Corinth; for that we intended to go thither in search of Arnaldo.  
Methrodorus presently made a voluntary offer to wait upon us himself to that Port with two of his Mariners, which attended him in that Flyboat. Then Argosthenia with a Soul truly generous took him aside, and shown him what she had found in Money and Jewels, ask him, If they were his. He answered, they were; but that he presented her with them: and because she should not think that he was so liberal of things that were lost, giving her that which was not in his power, he took his other riches out of the Cave, and made her an exceeding noble Present of , both Silk and Gold, of Oriental workmanship very beautiful and costly. Then lading his Bark, he kept with himself only some of the preciousest things, and he sent her under conduct of his Mate towards Athens, whither he before was bound, that he might stay himself with us to guide his Skiffe.  
Then I complemented Alexander, entreating him to acquaint me with his intention, for I thought it not civil longer to impede his return into his Country. But he being offended by my Courtesy, said, He knew not in honour how to desert us, till he saw us in a place of security. So we both mounted the Skiff, which was excellent well provided for all occurrences, steering with a prosperous wind towards Corinth; and coming to fall upon a discourse about the writings found by Argosthenia we came to know, that Methrodorus was not what he appeared to be, a Master of a Cretan ship, but a Knight of Calcides, father of Calisthenes, formerly spoken of as the Lover of Argosthenia, treacherously slain by her brother Aristheus in Athens. Whereupon the insurrections of Calcides ensuing, which had almost put the whole Isle into a revolt, he was forced to departed thence with the confiscation of his goods, and went to Candia, where he built the ship that was cast away, and had so good success in the management of that employment, that he was at that present worth little less than twenty thousand Ducats, which he had in Athens. Argosthenia wept exceedingly at the dolorous remembrance of her betrayed Calisthenes; nor was Methrodorus less moved when knowing her for the innocent cause of all his losses and misfortunes, he understood, moreover, that she was already contracted to Arnaldo, a Knight of the blood Royal of Thebes; and might one day ascend the Throne of Negropont. He respected her therefore thenceforward as his Lady and Mistress, and he entreated her, that at her return to her own Country, whither he offered to carry her, she would please to think upon his ruined family, and restore it by some act of beneficence. Argosthenia promised that when it should be in her power she would remember him, not so much for being the father of Calisthenes, and injuriously persecuted, as for the Courtesies shown her in that her necessity. In such kind of recognitions, remonstrances, and promises, it grew towards the evening, when Methrodorus advised us to land at a little Castle between the confines of Argos and Corinth, where he assured us we should find good accommodations. Here therefore we landed, and rested that night, when upon the next morning going out of my Chamber to visit Argosthenia, I met the Host, which attended to present me with a Letter. I knew it presently to be from Alexander, and opening it with exceeding great commotion of spirit, I found that it said,  
Alexander to Philiternus.  
SIR,  
I Account it my happy fortune to have had an occasion to serve you, together with the Princess Argosthenia; for the adventures that accosted me within this few days have given me advice, what I may hope from the World, and of that which I ought to procure to myself in Heaven. Argosthenia being born to be the innocent occasion of ruin to many, I will make use of it as a just motive to provide for my own safety. I confess, Sir, that her prodigious beauty hath made a deep impression in my heart; but were it so that she had not been espoused to Arnaldo, her being in your company would have taught me to behold her with a mortified eye, that so I might not offend, so much as in the least thought, either her reputation, or my own fidelity. Yet I would have esteemed it my great happiness to have served her, though with this necessity of looking upon myself as dead; had not the relations of Methrodorus, and our late accidents opened my eyes, and let me see, that by this way I took, together with the troop of a thousand other Wretches, I precipitated myself, for her sake, into the exteamest abyss of Calamity. I determined therefore to cease following her, not through cowardice, but discretion, it being a manifest madness to die in a compliment. Amongst the Papers of Methrodorus, I read a relation, that in the coasts of Marmarica, there is a solitary Society of men, separated in customs from the confines of humanity, for to live according to the use of Heaven. Thither I go to be buried alive, with the body of Hercules, which shall serve me for a profound Lecture of celestial Philosophy. Pardon me, Sir, if I depart thus abruptly; since I did not conceive it good, to confront my debility to your most friendly conversation, which would have detained me in the shackles of a content, too sensible for me to have disengaged myself from, without an insupportable resentment. I carry the Skiff of Methrodorus away with me, and one of his Mariners, which is willing to follow me in so generous a resolution till death; and I will make use of my own hands, in the voluntary labour of the Oar, learned for the necessity of our bodily safety, to acquire to myself the precious reward of a celestial life. I reverence the Lady Princess, dearly embrace Methrodorus, and confirm myself, Sir  
Your Perpetual Vassal ALEXANDER.  
THe sense of friendship rendered this deprivation of Alexander, inconceivably grievous; but Prudence lessened my affliction, thinking that he had chosen the better part, and I began to desire, to visit myself one day, the Deserts of Marmarica. I imparted this passage to Argosthenia, and Methrodorus; and they seemed rather to blame, than commend it. And Argosthenia said, that, Cavaliers of Alexander's quality, born into the World for the profit of Mortals, ought not to deprive themselves of the means to employ those Talents, to the common benefit, which Heaven had lent them, for this very end, to serve to mankind in general: I defended the resolution of my friend, alleging, that all those who had obtained from Heaven the rare qualities of Wit and Valour, were not obliged to employ them to the benefits of others, with a manifest peril to themselves. For, Heaven is also wont, to deprive men of the favours conceded them, as a punishment of their ingratitude and unworthiness, seeing Virtue is for the most part rather persecuted than acknowledged. Again, the resolution of Alexander well considered, his retiredness, may prove to the World a greater benefit than his commerce with men, whilst that, in conversation, by reason of his capriccio's and adolescentiall vanities, he was injurious and prejudicial to many, and in sequestrative solitariness, he may be able with this integrity of his life and conversation, to come forth for an universal benefit into the World.  
Well, said Methrodorus, Who knows, but that even this resolution may arise from a fantastical humour, and not from the invitation of Heaven? It concerns not us, replied I, to penetrate into these secrets; in the mean time, we know, that Heaven sometimes makes use of such like means, to extract a generous Virtue out of a constrained necessity. We ought always to censure well of those things, which ever appear good in themselves. For although the iniquity of man convert these into the worst, yet it doth not follow, that the good is not still good in itself; although the perversity of some, do sinisterly use it. Certainly Alexander hath done well, to prefer his own safety to others benefit, for so exercising his proper goodness, he shall live without injury, yea, rather with commodity to others: whereas in a Knightly life, although he might have profited some, that could hardly ever be without the prejudice of many. For although he merited sometimes in defence of Innocence, and in chastisement of Villainy; yet it more frequently came to pass, that he undid himself and others, in a vanity, in a humour, or in a compliment.  
Thus I argued: but I saw that this Philosophy little liked Methrodorus, immerged in the thoughts of recovering his House from the dysasters, occasioned by the Loves of Calisthenes and Argosthenia; and it did as much displease Argosthenia, fearing that I also intended to desert her, to follow the tract of Alexander: and therefore I changed discourse, desiring Methrodorus to advise us, concerning the manner of our Voyage; for that being as yet uncerrain of finding Arnaldo at Corinth, and being loath to disturb Argosthenia with a journey by Land, I judged she might transport herself commodiously by Sea to Athens, and stay there in a house which I kept there till such time as I had overtaken Arnaldo, which by making long journeys over land I might soon do.  
Methrodorus was pleased with my design, but Argosthenia would not agree to it, fearing still that I contrived pretexts to abandon her. But having promised, (whether I found Arnaldo or not) to be at Athens, within the space of fifteen days, to wait upon her, she condescended, though in my judgement it was still very unwillingly.  
This being resolved on, we proceeded to act it; Methrodorus hiring a Bark, and putting out instantly to Sea; and I began at the same instant, by Land, my journey towards Corinth. And just as I entered the house of Euristhus, I met full of sorrow and sadness the fair Orsina; and after many throbs and sighs, she related to me, that the Injured Lover had been at that City to inquire of me and Argosthenia, and Euristhus had entertained him at his house, where hearing how much I took to heart his dysasters, and what diligence I had used to learn his captivity, to set him at liberty, it partly mitigated, if not wholly deposed the malign suspicions of his Jealousy, that held him in a continual torment, to attend a while among those, to whom I was continually writing some thing or other of news, concerning me. But seeing that, contrary to my custom, I had now let pass ten days, without writing to them, or sending any message, he went thence that day, upon a certain rumour, that, sailing towards the Island of Aegina, I was cast away with a Knight and a Lady in my company; and fell into such a passion, that incontinently leaving Corinth, he swore he would not survive the death of his unfortunate Spouse. Wherewith Euristhus being also extremely affected, he went presently to the haven and hired a Feluca for Epidaurus, to inform himself of the truth of that Adventure. Understanding this, and being glutted and sated with so many rigours and errors of Fortune and Love, I comforted Orsina the best I could, in such an intervenience of affairs; yet she would not let me departed (at least, till Euristhus his return;) but because I would not fail in my word to Argosthenia, nor omit any thing on my part, to satisfy my debt of Amity with Arnaldo, I presently left that City, and having gone about six miles, I was thinking to turn my course towards the Province of Megara, when, behold, I saw a Currier and his guide, coming full speed down a hill before me, to whom I advanced, and demanded, From whence he came posting with so much haste. He gave me no answer, but still put on in his way. But, I, know not by what spirit instigated, crossing the way before him with my Horse, worth twenty of his; I renewed my request. He answered, that such Queries and Affronts ought not to be offered to public Ministers; and I replied that I had not in the least offended the public liberty, with a request of mere compliment; besides that, being the road to Boeotia, I was so concerned in those quarters, that I was interested in the knowledge of such novelties as Fortune might there have plotted. He looked steadfastly on me, ask, If I were not a foreign Gentleman, dwelling in Attica, and accustomed to be sometimes at Thebes: And understanding that I was; he proceeded to beg my name: with which being satisfied, he added; It is you Sir, that I am in search of; for by the King's Commission, Olympia, the Aunt of Arnaldo, hath sent me to you, with these Letters, directed to Corinth, to the house of Euristhus and Orsina. Now Heaven be praised, that I have shortened my journey by many miles. I took the packet, opened it, and there found Letters to Arnaldo and Argosthenia, both without any seal, together with this, directed to myself.  
Olympia to Philiternus.  
SIR.  
HAving understood by yours, and Argosthenia 's Letters, the accidents befallen you, with the Traitor Diambres; and, afterwards by that of Euristhus to his friends, the contract of Argosthenia and Arnaldo; and lastly, by that of Arnaldo, the captivity of both: I have been so long suspended with these apprehensions, that I verily believed I should have died of grief. But I have had some respite of comfort, within this few days, by the news come hither from Peloponnesus, that Arnaldo was seen at liberty with Argosthenia in Candia, and that you was with Euristhus and Orsina at Corinth. So that imparting the news to the King, his Majesty hath commanded me to write to them both, and consign the Letters to your care, knowing you to be a real friend of Arnaldo, with whom it was to be supposed you held a continual correspondence. By the enclosed Letters you may see, Sir, what we have thought fit to write to my Nephew, and his Consort, and I entreat you, by the Love you bear them both, and by your native courtesy, to interpose your interests with Arnaldo and Argosthenia, that being now disengaged from their misadventures, which have so long oppressed them, they would apply their minds to those hopes, to which their births and divine Providence hath called them. If you gain no more hereby, yet you may rest assured, that by your service and satisfaction herein, I shall for ever be engaged to be more than all others, generous Sir,  
Your most particular Servant OLYMPIA.  
Arnaldo's Letter spoke thus.  
Olympia to Arnaldo.  
Worthy Nephew, and dear Son.  
YOur Letters from Scarpantum, came to our hands, later than we could have wished, with the unwelcome advice of your Captivity, and that of Argosthenia. Yet I imparted the affair to his Majesty, who instantly gave order, that all means should be used for your deliverance. Now we are exceeding glad to hear, that before we could effect any thing, you had the Fortune to get free, together with your Spouse. Upon this advertisement, the King hath commanded me to write to you, that notwithstanding Argosthenia 's pretention to the Crown of Negropont, you should come hither with all speed: and that his Majesty would lend you all possible assistance to maintain her right, now that that Isle was in such combustions; for the Duchess Doricinia, refusing to marry the Count of Litharre, the most potent Lord of that State, he had raised against her so hot a rebellion, that having chased the Duchess from Calcides, he proceeded to subdue to his obedience, the most considerable places of the Isle. So much shall suffice to have hinted, to make you resolved to come forthwith unto us; entreating you above all, to procure, if it be possible, the company of that Cavalier, from whom you ought entirely to acknowledge all your happiness,  
Your most affectionate Aunt, rather Mother, OLYMPIA.  
BUt the Letter to Argosthenia, was only full of feminine tenderness, condoling, and congratulating, with referring her in the conclusion, to what she had writ to Arnaldo and Philiternus, as to the business of her return to that house, which was now doubly hers. This news, though it came not to me altogether unexpected, yet I was thereat greatly perplexed, for it bereft me of my rest, and greatly troubled me; in which I was constrained to Combat more with domestic than foreign Enemies; for it seeming impossible to me that the fraternal confidence Argosthenia had in me, should not always retain a continual apprehension of suspicion the ever jealous, and ever amorous spirit of Arnaldo, threatening to break out one day into some great disorder; as also on the other side loving that gentle Cavalier with a most cordial affection, and being by him truly rebeloved: for I knew very well that to such suspicious spirits even the Atoms in the Air are wont to occasion trouble and inquietude. Yet I forbore this thought for that time, and dismissed the guide that accompanied this messenger, taking him with me towards the City of Eulixis, where I held some interest and correspondence, gathering of him as I went, perfect information of the news of Boeotia and Negropont. Being come to Eleuxis, I was encountered with a strange accident of Euristhus being condemned to death, and Arnaldo's being a prisoner with that Governor.  
Furisthus having gone to Egina, and finding no intelligence of what he desired about my person, he was persuaded by an Eleuxin Lady, that had means lay in that Isle, to serve her with his Feluca to Eleuxis; Euristhus knew nothing how that she was confined thither by the Governor, upon occasion of her husbands being slain by one of her Lovers. He came therefore with all security by midnight (the very time elected by Liviana, that she might not be known) to the City, where walking freely up and down, he casually met Arnaldo the next morning, as he was just departing for Athens, in the same desperate condition as we have said, for the presumed shipwreck of Argosthenia and Philiternus. He walked with such distraction and astonishment, that although he met Euristhus, he so little regarded him that he did not know him. But Euristhus awaking him by his civility out of that profound trance, and imparting to him something of what Fame muttered in our prejudice, he invited him to stay awhile in the house of that Lady, with an intention of waiting upon him with his Feluca to Athens, whither he designed to go the better to inform himself of my proceed in my own house. The Lady made great entertainment for the Knight, and perceiving him to be notwithstanding his trouble and melancholy (that had so injured him) the goodliest person in the World, in a flourishing age of twenty five years, and again having dedicated herself to sensuality, she took a conceit to allay her dissoluteness in this her familiarity. She invited him therefore to Dinner; an occasion, proper, by the intervention of Bacchus, to introduce the interests of Venus; and began with her procacious glances, and gestures, and licentious and lascivious words, to instil into the mind of the Cavalier the incentives of her lust. Arnaldo, who had always loved more like a contemplative Philosopher than a carnal Amorist, not yet knowing what the malice of women was, smiled to himself at such pretensions, and preserving in his external actions a modest affability, he with a marvellous sweetness deluded her. The woman hereat not a jot discouraged, or deterred from giving her designs a birth by the Midwifery of some better machinations, prevailed so far, with the help of Euristhus, that she got the Knight to stay there a night longer. Which come, she deposed all feminine modesty, and went to find him in his own bed, to throw herself naked into his embraces. But not being entertained, but rather disdained by the generous Arnaldo, which would conserve the faith of Matrimony immaculate to his spouse; she was moved with such scorn, that, like a dissolute woman, she converted her lascivious desire into inveterate hatred, contriving for revenge of her repulse, the strangest villainy that could possibly enter into the heart of woman. She made it be signified to the Governor, that when he had revoked her banishment, she would put into his power her husband's murderer.  
The Governor accepted the offer, desiring to get that Traitor into his hands; and she detained Arnaldo with sundry inventions, hiding his horse's furniture in her house: but yet at last being offended with such entertainment, & preparing to be gone, the Provost of the City at the same instant broke into the house with the greatest fury in the World with all his Officers, and beset the Knight to carry him to prison: Generous Euristhus seeing this, put himself upon a daring, but imprudent Enterprise; bearing away no prize of honour by contracting with such a rout of Catchpoles, from whom only to fly was honourable; and ran his sword through the breast of the Provost with such a resolution that he fell senseless at his fear. But all this audacity could not prevent Arnaldo from going to prison: and he himself was also stayed and carried by force to the Magistrates: To whom the fact being attested, they condemned him, as guilty of Treason in the person of a public Officer, to lose his head upon a Scaffold.  
In this state of things I arrived in Eleuxis, and understanding the passages by a Gentleman my friend, at whose house I had lain; without taking great thought for Arnaldo, knowing assuredly that the Injured Lover could not be guilty of such a Crime: I was extremely surprised, and confused at the name of Euristhus; because my friend representing his case to me as of a very comely, and courageous young man, I immediately suspected him to be my dear Euristhus, husband to Orsina. I rid therefore strait to the Palace, where the young man was preparing himself to his last departure, and at my request, I was permitted to see him: but I was so transported, that I was nearer death than he, finding him in so wretched a condition, upon which the last minutes of his life depended. On the other side, Euristhus rejoiced to see me, and was beyond measure ashamed, that I should find him in that condition so unworthy of his generosity: Yet having not lost the brisk spirit which was so natural to him, I apprehended the quality of his Crime, and that of a certain the Injured Lover was the imprisoned Knight, with the presumptive stain of the murderer of Liviana's husband. I ran in all haste with Euridamas, the Cavalier my friend, to the Governor, to whom having disclosed the quality of Arnaldo, I entreated him also to suspend the execution of the sentence of Euristhus, for having done this in the company of a Knight of so high birth, and innocence, his own reputation would suffer, both in the imprisonment, and death of his Comrade.  
The Governor remained exceedingly suspended at the discovery of Arnaldo, nor would he (at least as he feigned) give credit to my testimony; whereupon that I might not lose a minute of time to Euristhus' prejudice, I shown the Letters just before received from Olympia, and produced the Currier himself that brought them me, plainly to prove the truth of my depositions. And here arose a new mountain of difficulty, for the Governor (having begun to fear, lest Arnaldo once got out of prison, and gone to Boeotia, might plot some revenge for that injury) would not set him at liberty till he had first acquainted the Senate of Athens with these proceed. I perceiving this fear of the Governor, took upon me, (having something to lose in the Dominion of Attica) to assure him of the person of Arnaldo, for that all the punishment of his affronts falling upon his false accusers; he could not with any reason be aggrieved with the public justice. This difficulty being overcome, I must of necessity press yet a little farther, to defer also the sentence of Euristhus, for the getting him out of all danger was almost impossible without a miracle. But seeing my prayers and remonstrances profited little, I ran to the governor's wife, a comely and discreet Lady, with the whom I had some years before past some services in Athens; and so importunately entreated her, that she interposed her own authority with her husband, and obtained three day's time of respite for his reprieve; for so much served for my design; which was to get an order (though there was no need) from the Supreme Magistrates of Athens to inhibit all proceed in that cause, and to adjourn the judging of it to the same Tribunal. Which done, and Euristhus being returned to prison, I went with the Judge Criminal to the prison of Arnaldo, where the Cavalier being examined upon my depositions, and sound innocent; the Governor commanded that he should be entertained in the Palace, desiring at his wife's instigation to satisfy with courteous treatment, that oversight of a constrained imprudence towards him.   

Arnaldo; or, The injured Lover.  
BOOK VIII.  
BUt, Who can recount the transports of Arnaldo, when knowing of his liberty, he knew also by the Judge, that it was I that had obtained the Reprieve of Euristhus, and procured his freedom? And, Who can express his raptures when as he saw me, and heard that his Argosthenia was gone to Athens some days before with M throdorus, to stay at my house, and was not ●a●● away nor dead, but merry and in health? He had a desire to interchange with me many endearments of condolings, congratulation, information, excuse, gratitude, and offers of service; but could not, having abundantly supplied all with tender Caresses of friendship. The Governor in the mean time gave order for the apprehension of Liviana, as a violater of his edicts, and as a calumniator of an innocent person in so heinous a Crime; but she being pre-advised that a Gentleman was come to Town, that procured the liberty of Arnaldo, fled away with the Boat of Euristhus.  
This advice came to the Palace, whilst we were complementing Isabel the governor's wife; who himself also, the more to vindicate himself and to agrade us, was present at that Visit. She took occasion to request of Arnaldo, Wherein he had angered that woman, that she should plot so enormous a treachery? To which he having modestly given satisfaction with the honest blushes of Isabel, we passed next to discourse of Argosthenia, and of the news of Negropont. Whereupon Isabel, who desired to be at Athens, for the celebration of some feasts, with pretence of seeing Argosthenia, offered us with unspeakable courtesy the same Feluca which she had made to be prepared to do us the honour to permit us to wait on her in that voyage. Having returned the acknowledgements due to so grand a favour, whilst the Governor had withdrawn to give orders for the entertainment of Arnaldo: Madam, said I to her, the civilities we receive from you are truly worthy of an Isabel, there is only wanting the freedom of Euristhus. You know Sir, said Isabel, and sighed, that I have a desire upon all occasions to repay you the Obligations I own you: but this is a difficult case, the Crime being against the person of a public Minister; therefore I fear that it lieth not in my power to get him out of prison. Alas, Madam, said I, it is very easy for you to do. Two words of yours to the Keeper, to charge him not to hinder me from visiting him at my pleasure, shall suffice to carry him in your Feluca to Athens. You will do some of your miracles, said she, and laughed; but have a care, The Pitcher goeth so oft to the Fountain that at last it comes broken home. Madame, said I, my times are past: let others do what they can, for I can work no miracle. You are not to be trusted, said she, for your eyes betray you; But rell me a little, What course of life have you led since you left Athens? For I have heard divers relations of it; and it's reported that being enamoured of a handsome creature of Anaplistum, you have renounced the profession which you made of a Platonic Lover, out of complacency to her corporeal beauty. I confess, I gave no credit to it, having experimented your modesty to be greater; but yet length of time, and variety of occurrences often changeth opinions; and it is often seen that he that is not frolic in youth, raves in old age. I laughed, and replied. Fair and softly, Madam! though there's a few false witnesses here on my head that accuse me, I am not so old yet. This very thing (said she) testifieth against you; for if you count age an injury, you thereby let us know, that you are come from being a spiritual, to be a sensual Lover: for we know very well, that Lovers of this nature, make themselves seem young, lest they should be rejected. For else, measuring my age with yours, from my first acquaintance with you to this hour, I know you cannot be old, not having haply seen thirty. But this is nothing. Tell me, I entreat you, How this news of the Gentlewoman of Anaplistum came up: for I have had no good success in defending you against some Ladies, who abused me when I celebrated the miracles of your modesty.  
Isabel was silent, and I rejoined; Madam, It was only a novelty that fame spread abroad by an Ignorant Amourist, that breaking open the seals of some Lets which he understood not, interpreted them according to his ignorance, and published them conformable to his malice. That Gentlewoman is married, and by this time a Mother; and I never knew her farther than to have done her some slight services. Isabel smiled, with a grace peculiar to herself, and said: You tell me she is Married, and a Mother, (and so saying▪ she called for her woman:) See, said she, that Gentlewoman now in a widow's habit. I sighed, and she fell on weeping at that encounter: and I extremely desired to know, what cross wind of Fortune had disturbed the tranquillity of her state: But because that was not a time for such matters, I suddenly had a conceit, how I might save Euristhus, by her means. I therefore entreated Isabel to grant her me for two hours, before her departure, and I obtained her without reply: Arnaldo, and I, were invited to dinner by the Governor; Isabel exempting herself, that she might make ready all things for her departure, and to take care about what we had agreed upon, for the safety of Euristhus. Here it was, we understood by public information, that the Count of Lithar, uniting the Army of the Rebels, was gone to lay siege to Caristum, to beleaguer the Duchess therein, and that she had for that cause dispatched one of her Gentlemen to Athens, to demand assistance of that Republic, whereupon the General at Sea was commanded to set sail for that place forthwith: we took a resolution, not to lose that opportunity of serving Arnaldo, by transporting ourselves in the same Armado to Negropont. And in the interim he had an opportunity of sending to Boeotia, Olympia's messenger, with advice of his resolutions, and to petition the King, to let his succours on the other hand march to that Isle. This being dispatched, we returned to the Governess, to impart these things to her, entreating that she would so favour us, as to accept of our service. She made a civil return to our compliment, saying, that if we would dis-imbroyl Euristhus, she would be presently ready in the Bark, to expect us. So I took with me Lisander the young widow, and retreated to the house of Euridimas, and made her to put, under her woman's habit, man's apparel, and provided myself of a long mourning garment, and in this manner we came to the Prison of Eu●●st●●●; and leaving Arnaldo, Euridamas, and other friends, to stand Sentinel at the Gates, I passed only with Lisander, being assisted by his Keeper, who having been pre-advertised by Isabel of that visit, he attended me with great civility: Euristhus and Lisander were so alike in age, in looks, and in deportment, that when I saw her, thinking I beheld another Euristhus, the contrivance of this conceit came into my head. And because I might freely dispose of Lisander, as having brought her up, and given her in marriage, and again being a woman of a great soul, and of very resolute courage, she was easily induced to second this enterprise. Being come into the Prison, I dismissed the Keeper with a formal compliment, and bid her to put off her woman's weeds; with which having dressed Euristhus, and advised them both of my design; I held discourse with a Comrade of his, to whom I promised (and did observe it,) to prevail in reward of that service, that Isabel should manumit him: Euristhus went out in woman's apparel, with a countenance, that in the darkness of such obscure dwellings, would have deceived curiouser eyes than those of a rude and simple guard: and assisted by his Companion to the Gate, I took Lisander up under my mantle, for she was so little, that we passed almost un-discerned, and I went out in the obscurity of those walks very happily: But being got to the principal Gate, in the open light, and under other Sentinels, they saw that I walked slowly, and with some luggage under my long mantle, and began to suspect some fraud: but not daring to open their mouths, because Arnaldo and the other Cavaliers, stood in a posture able to terrify more daring souls; they opened the Gate, out at which Euristhus suddenly leapt, sans compliment, I followed her, seconded by Arnaldo, and our other friends, with so much alacrity, that Lisander putting back one of her feet, falsified the secrecy of the Mantle. Now the Keepers plainly perceived our design, and having neither courage to cry out, against persons of such quality, nor to stay an hazard of being questioned for that escape; they fling away the keys, and betook themselves to their heels; and ran faster than we into some other place: For we mounting upon the Carroche of Euridamas, passed happily to the Feluca of the Governess, which attended us ready to weigh Anchor.  
So Euristhus being delivered, and every one falling to some discourse or other, I would have had Lisander took her woman's  again; but she with a comely smile said, If that the Lady Isabel so please, since my Fortune hath brought me whither my election formerly led me, be you content, Sir, that I continue as I am, to accompany you to see the war of Negropont. And you shall not need to fear I shall want the company of women, for I will wait upon the Princess Argosthenia. Your company, said I, since the Lady Governess is so content, shall be very welcome to us, provided it be in an appearance and garb, becoming your quality and my reputation. Do what you please, said Isabel, for that: I took her to be near me for the Love of you, and to you I consign her, now that she is at liberty. I thanked Isabel for her courtesy, and added;  
But, How came Antonello to die so soon, said I, being so sprightly, and lusty? She may better tell you, (answered Isabel, laughing) than I, as better acquainted with it. Yet for the present, know that Antonello is dead, because he was not worthy of the company of so handsome a maid. He was become so infinitely Jealous of her, that she could not stir out of doors, to go to the Temple, nor so much as see the air at her window, without his grumbling, and beating her. You know what is wont to happen to such Animals; but the goodness of Lisander, hath never desired (though she might) to pay him in the Coin he deserved: howbeit not being able to live in so miserable a slavery, she found out a way to free herself by placing herself in the Palace near my person. Whereat Antonello took such distaste, and fell into so furious a rage, that meeting me one day at a feast, he had the sauciness, to vent his resentments publicly treating me with unworthy names. Whereby those Cavaliers, at whose house the feast was celebrated, were so moved, that under pretence of communicating something to him, they drew him aside and slew him, having learned, by his death, all such rash fellows, to observe the respect due to Ladies of my quality. In sum, Antonello is dead, and Lisander lives ever at your dispose; I having no longer any desire of this charge, to keep her for you. Dispose of her therefore at your pleasure, she being yours; but look well to it, that you provide her no more Jealous husbands, for I know not whether she may be always so good as not to deal with them according to their deserts. The rest of the company laughed, but Arnaldo sighed at these words of Isabel, though it was only observed by myself, that sat next him, and knew the peccant humour of his profound melancholy. He asked me, Who that fair young creature was? And I satisfied him, that being a Noble Lady of Anaplistum, which fell, by the death of her Parents, into a miserable condition, I had took her into my house, and married her to a young man, well descended, of Eleuxis, who perished in the misfortune recounted by Isabel: whereupon, he expressed a desire to have her go along with Argosthenia, that so he might repay to her part of the obligations, which he acknowledged to my person. Perceiving whereat he did drive, I complied with him, seeing that together with freeing him, in a great measure, from the inquietude of his jealousy, I came also to ease myself of the burden of farther caring for her. Answering, that he was her Master, always provided that she was satisfied; because I was always far from offering Violence to the liberty of another's will. In this kind of entertainment we came with a felicitous voyage to Athens; where Fortune had prepared for us a new vexation. After we had waited upon Isabel to her house, we took our way towards my own; where instead of Argosthenia and Methrodorus, we came to encounter with the perfidious Liviana, who, without knowing who I was, had landed there with the Feluca, and with a Page of Euristhus. Which Page, being brought up in my house, by reason of his new Master's misfortune, was fled thither. Argosthenia and Methrodorus, hearing by the boy of Arnaldo's imprisonment, and the condemnation of Euristhus, yet knowing nothing of the cause, but only of the death of the Provost; they instantly went for Eleuxis, to provide the best they could, for that occurrence. But, how amazed was Arnaldo and Euristhus, when they saw Liviana? and how confounded was Liviana, to behold Euristhus and Arnaldo; I leave for others to imagine. She having reassumed her banished spirits from her sudden fright, betook herself to my Closet, and hastily shutting herself in, fell a plotting her own death, to free herself from the feared ignominy of some scandalous punishment. Whereupon I, not expecting any other from so furious a Female, knowing that Arnaldo and Euristhus, were too generous, to seek to revenge themselves upon a Woman, which, agitated by Love, or by hatred, knew not what she did; entered into the Closet another way, and snatched out of her hands the mortal instruments, which she had prepared to take away her life, and left her at liberty, to go whither she would; assuring her upon my word, that she should not be prejudiced in the least, by her adversaries. She being comforted a little by my words and demeanour, entreated me to let her remain for a few days in that Retreat, being in great danger if she should be seen. But being unwilling to incur such a scandal, I caused a Bark presently to be hired, and sent her (Arnaldo and Euristhus never knowing of it) the same night back to her confinement of Aegina; where, instructed by her misfortune, she reform the lubricity of her Genius, living and dying (O strange alteration of Heaven!) with a fame very different from that of her former life.  
We being in the mean time in great incertitudes, whether to return to Eleuxis, in search of Argosthenia and Methodorus, or else lest we should once again lose our labours, to expect their return, or some advice (for they might easily learn there, that we were come with the Governess to Athens) supped with much confusion, because also Euristhus was not secure whilst he was in Athens (howbeit he desired to accompany us to the War of Negropont, we resolved that he also should return by Sea to Corinth, to comfort his wife with his presence, who was disconsolate peradventure in regard of the sad news, which might fly thither of his death. He was no sooner departed, but there knocked at my Gates a servant of Isabel, which presenting me with a Note from that Lady, took his leave and went another way. Being troubled at such a novelty, at that time of night, I presently opened the Paper, and found that it said  
Isabel to Philiternus.  
SIR.  
IUst now my Husband is arrived hither from Eleuxis, pretending to be angry with me for having been assistant to the escape of Euristhus: and intended to complain to the Supreme Magistrates against those Cavaliers which have aided him in that Enterprise: but in truth, it is for that he is transported with a jealousy conceived against you, for the past troubles and for my present coming away with you in this manner. I beseech you therefore to provide according to your prudence some expedient to these disorders, lest there arise hence new occasions of vexation to you, and of inquietude to  
ISABEL.  
I Valued not the design the Governor had to disquiet me, and my friends, upon such a quarrel; having power in my hands to make all his attempts that way to vanish into smoke. But that which did extremely trouble me, was, that Isabel might hereby be a sufferer, to whom professing so many singular Obligations, it was my duty to remove from her any thing that might occasion her discontent. I made use therefore of this occasion to leave Athens once again, and participated my designs to Arnaldo, beseeching him to stay in my house with Lisander, to expect Argosthenia and Methrodorus, or some news from them before that he did resolve on any thing. Arnaldo would by no means permit that I should go alone; but I being glad that I had encountered an opportunity convenient for the pursuit of my intent of traversing the World, and compliance with my humour of travail, resolved to leave Athens before morning, being wafted over by a very swift little Bark to Eleuxis; where providing all things necessary for the interests of my friends, and informing myself of Argosthenia and Methrodorus, and having heard that being deceived by a false report, that Arnaldo and I had set sail on our way for Thebes, they were gone thither; I took with me Euridamas being well practised in that course, and put myself in pursuit of them with such speed, that we overtook them upon the Banks of the (to Argosthenia) so fatal Asopos; with what resentments of the Lady, may be easilier imagined than described. She wept a great while for joy, and seeing her to trouble her content with condoling the many malicious fortunes which separated her from Arnaldo, I took occasion to divert her thoughts unto more sublime apprehensions, persuading her to go presently for Calcides. Methrodorus feared such dangerous counsel, for that the City being in the Rebels hands, it would be to precipitate her into the jaws of destruction. But revolving in my head a consideration of State, upon which the fortune of the Lady and of Arnaldo depended, I persisted still in this resolution, alleging, that there was no way so secure, not so facile as this to enstate Argosthenia in that Grandeur, to which her birth and destiny gave her just pretensions. Methrodorus and Euridamas desired me, that, to encourage them to accompany me in so hazardous a service, I would declare to them the secrets of my defigne. But I would not discover myself in a thing that depended more upon events than upon discourse; telling them, that if they thought the enterprise desperate and perilous, they might stay at Arclides to be spectators, and I would go with Argosthenia, her woman, and only one Page, to Calcides. They would not consent to that, alleging that being my companions, in the voyage, and in the service of Argosthenia, they would also partake with me in the hazard, and in the glory of so strange an adventure. This being concluded on, and, giving the name of Erintha to Argosthenia, I called myself Polydamas, a Knight of Corcira, and gave out, that, being banished for a matter of honour by the Prince of Epirus, I was come into those parts to seek my fortune. Euridamas, and Methrodorus put themselves into the disguise, this of Usher to Argosthenia, that of Gentleman of my Chamber; And I sent two servants belonging to those Knights (for that we would not have such mean persons about us in a business of that moment) to wait our pleasures at Arclides: and so we travailed by Land to Calcides: where, learning by the common vogue of the people, that the Count of Lythar, proceeded vigorously in the siege of Caristum to reduce it, before the Athenian Armado should relieve it; and that the Metropolitan City Calcides was left to the Government of the Count of Olorita his brother, or indeed rather to his wife, who, being a Lady of a great Soul, had the greatest share in the management of all Affairs: I took the name of the Countess as an auspicious Omen, and instantly dispatched this Letter to her for the orderly disposal of my designs.  
Polidamas to the Countess of Olorita.  
THe misfortune which persecuted me in my own Country, hath forced me to seek elsewhere for protection to myself and family. For that being desirous to defend my honour in the person of my wife, I was banished from Corsira by the Prince of Epirus my Lord: so that my family having in former times had correspondence, and relation to some in this City of Calcides, I have had thoughts to inhabit here with my wife. To which, I have been very much encouraged by understanding, that it is at present governed by the Lord Count of Olorita, your Worthy Consort with the assistance of your counsel; confident, that both my wife under your Worthy Protection shall have occasion to live contentedly even in exile, and that my Lord Count will accept in my person, the obsequy, and fidelity of one of his most devoted, and most obliged servants. I would have come immediately myself to have received your most welcome commands; but because in the present conjuncture of Affairs it's not permitted to strangers to come to this City without a Passport from the Lord Count, I humbly entreat this favour, for my wife and self only, and four servants of our attendants. And here I resign myself, Illustrious Madam,  
Your ever most humble and most obliged Servant POLYDAMAS. A Cavalier of Corsira.  
HAving written this Letter, and informed Euridamas of my thoughts, I sent him to present it to the Countess, together with a Necklace of Turchoises, wrought in Gold, composed by Argosthenia in her idleness at Athens. The quality of the present, more than the style of my Letter, and the curiosity together of seeing my presumed wife, which Euridamas commended for the most beautiful Creature in the World, easily persuaded the Countess to grant me more than my request, making us an offer of her own Palace, till such time as we were provided with Lodgings. But being unwilling to engage myself, I took the first empty house, which I stumbled upon, and shut myself up in it, and that night went with Argosthenia to the Palace; not only to compliment with the Count and Countess, but to observe their proceed, and the manner and quality of their Attendants. The Caresses which the Countess gave us, (desiring perhaps to get some other present out of us), were indeed without measure, and yet without the least affectation, for that she was a Lady truly sprightly, vivacious, and magnanimous. This foundation being laid, and having for ever captivated the heart of the Countess to favour us; I advertised Methrodorus that he should begin by little and little to discover himself to his Kindred, Friends, and Allies, which he knew disgusted the present Government; ye● declaring he was arrived at Calcides, upon assurance of the fall of the Royal family which had so persecuted them. With this diligence we collected in a few days twelve Cavaliers of the Prime of the Nobility of Negropont: some of which, though dissatisfied with the Duchess and the Princes past; yet would not admit to be governed by persons whom they had conversed with as equals in Fortune, and whom they had treated as inferiors in Nobility. We could easily have mustered a far greater number; but fearing by delay to give fortune an occasion of discovering something of these agitations; and doubting that in a greater number such a secret might be endangered; we summoned them every one to meet at an hour unobserved in my house; and having taken of them a solemn Oath towards the Duchess their legitimate Lady, for whose service I had gathered them together in that assembly, I began in this manner resolutely to speak.  
My Lords, I suppose that you have already understood by Methrodorus your good Friend and Kinsman, to what end you were called hither, which is to consult of the way to eject the Rebels, and Tyrants from this City, and to put it into the hands of the Duchess Doricinia, to whom by right of primogeniture, and by your election, you be obliged in a perpetual obedience and fidelity. I know you think it strange, that I, being a young man, and a stranger, should upon my own motion venture myself, and incite you to an Enterprise of so much difficulty, and danger; But I shall not be the first among men, which although a weak instrument myself, have been able to give a motion to grand machinations. But, though others moved by covetousness, have attempted erterprises above their fortune; I may be thought to be come to this resolution by the only impulse of Justice, Friendship, and Love. She, My Lords, which here you behold with the name of Erintha, and in the appearance of my wife, is Argosthenia, a noble branch of the Royal Stem of your Princes, to whom, after the Duchess your Mistress, descends the inheritance of this most flourishing Principality. Nor is she my wife, but my Lady by merit, and Sister by fortune: and is indeed lawful Spouse of Arnaldo, a noble person of the Royal Line of Thebes, which is ready to come in a few hours with the Armado of the Republic of Athens in relief of the Duchess. There will not be wanting neither, on the other side, the succours of the Theban King, who stays but for our notice, to haste over with his Forces to these parts. But if it be lawful for me freely to declare my thoughts; I do not at all like these Auxiliaries, because I am afraid it is but the taking a Serpent into our bosom, to our suppression, rather than relief. For, if that Commonwealth, and this King, make themselves Masters of the strongest places of this Dukedom, to which they have so ancient and so strong pretensions; I know not when they will be content to resign them willingly; (Princes never wanting pretexts, to usurp, and detain the possession of other States;) And, to compel them by force, we shall be always too weak of ourselves; and to call other Princes to our assistance, would be an opening the sluices to our total inundation, changing this Country into a seat of continual War, for strangers, to consume our wealth, annihilate our families, violate our honours, and to impose reduplicated chains of vassalage, upon this, at yet, free Principality. I would advise therefore, that with Spirits, and Resolutions, worthy of generous Knights, and Loyal Subjects, we do attempt with our own hands, to re-establish the Crown of this Dominion, upon the heads of our legitimate Princes and Masters. Nor is this so difficult a matter to effect, if it be well managed. Resolve therefore to acknowledge for your Princess (with a Salvo always to the right of the Duchess our Mistress) Argost henia, and to unite yourselves for her, in this testimony of fidelity; and hereafter, we shall not want either time or occasion to consult the manner also of turning the Rebels out of the City, to establish her in the possession of her lawful Dominions.  
Those Cavaliers for a good space stood astonished, by the unexpected coming of Argosthenia, and by such an attempt of a young Knight, alone, and surrounded by a City of Enemies. But afterwards certified by Methrodorus, and by their own eyes (which discerned in the face of ArgOsthenia, the features of Doricinia, and her deceased brothers) of the truth of her person; and encouraged also by the rehearsal of the adventures she had happily gone through, under my conduct, and of her Contract with Arnaldo, they ran all to kiss her hand, pronouncing her (after the Duchess) for their Lady; and disposed themselves in every particular, to follow my directions. Hereupon, I lost no time, but desiring some of them to stay in that house, till the contrived Design had taken effect, I thus continued to speak to them.  
My Lords: This is my design; And he that hath any better way, let him speak, and procure the public and private benefit of his Country, of his Prince, and of himself. You shall, if you please, take a rude supper with me, to stay hid till my designs be ripe, to lead you elsewhere. In the interim, I will send Euridamas to entreat the Countess to sup to night with my wife, desiring to impart some matters of concernment to her, out of the noise of the Palace. I am confident she will come presently, out of a desire to get some Present out of us, having an opinion, that we are exceeding rich in Jewels. When she comes, we will secure her attendants, and return with her and Argosthenia to the Palace; of the which having made ourselves Masters, with the imprisonment (if he will not freely surrender himself) of the Count Governor, we will proceed with his Orders and Signals, to seize the Marketplace, and the Port, without noise or blood. And this I assure you, my Lords, on the word of a Gentleman, (which is the only recompense of merit, which myperills and counsels may acquire me) that there shall not be spilt the blood of any Subject, although a Rebel; nor of any Stranger, although an Enemy; except it be in our necessary defence. I only shall ask, that the Count and Countess Governors, may be left to my protection, to whom being otherways obliged, and drawing the Countess to my house, I desire and entreat the Princess Argosthenia to engage, that she will never hereafter on any occasion, or under any pretence, punish them for this default of the Rebellion of the Count of Lythar their brother.  
Having thus said, and having received from the Princess and Lords, their Word and Oath; and having left them in an unobserved place of the house, I immediately dispatched Euridamas to invite the Countess to Supper; who failed not to come a while after, with a very slender retinue. We supped reasonable well; and forasmuch as being discomposed with the plots in my head, I was ever and anon silent and pensive, and sometimes beholding her with much attention, she entered into a suspicion of me, as if I contemplated her out of a liking of her beauty; and began to observe my face, and behaviour, and remained a little suspended and changed. But supper was hardly done, when I was informed by Methrodorus and Euridamas, that they had, in a pretence to entertain them, carried the Attendants of the Countess into a place whence they could not stir, and that the Confederated Lords were in a posture ready to march to the Palace. I started up, and, with a countenance between merry and serious; Gentle Madam (said I) It sensibly agrieves me, to slain the mirth of the Table of hospitality, with a necessitated incivility towards you; but because I am more obliged to Argosthenia your Princess, and my Lady, than to the courtesies received from your urbanity, I beseech you pardon the error, that, with reason, I commit against Reason. Madam, you are my prisoner, and all that I can comply in to your Merits, and my Obligations is, to assure you, in the name of this your Princess, and my Mistress, your life, honour, and estate. Be pleased therefore to change your title of Governess of Calcides, into that of a Subject and Servant of Doricinia and Argosthenia, and to remain in my custody, not stirring a step from me; for if you stir, and receive some affront, I have discharged myself, having already satisfied the debts of Friendship and Honour, not only in advising you, but in preserving all that which you ought in justice to lose, as of course, with your Husband, guilty of a High treason, impardonable upon any other account, unless that of the unparallelled Clemency of this generous Princess.  
That the Countess remained astonished with such a change of Scenes in the Theatre of Fortune, questionless is not to be doubted; She would at first have showed her resentments, and have cried out to her servants; but seeing the confederate Lords to enter the room armed at all points, she now requested, what I had formerly voluntarily proffered, to preserve her honour, estate; and life. Then I lead her, and Argosthenia, into her own Coach, and made some of the Lord's servants, to put on the Liveries of her Pages, and Lackeys, who had already rallyed a great number of friends and Complices, going in this posture quietly, till we came to the Palace; giving her in the mean time, particular information of Argosthenia, and of that affair; that she might Cancel her former crimes, by her present good service, co-operating (herself) to the setlement of the State, in reducing it to the obedience of its legitimate Governors. The Countess (as she said, being obliged with such modesty and courteous treatment,) offered herself to do miracles in this particular, seeing no sinister adventure of Fortune obstructed her.  
Being brought with such like discourse to the Palace, and having deluded the guards, by first dividing them by her order, and then they being made to dis-arm by the Servants of the Lords, we ascended to the uper appartements (possessing ourselves of all the posts as we went) and into her own Chamber, where her Husband was expecting her to go to bed.  
But, seeing me appear with her, and Argosthenia, Methrodorus, Euridamas, and the other Lords, in no peaceable posture, he would have cried out, and have called his Gentlemen and Guards to help him.  
Then the Countess, stepping out before the rest, said, My Lord, you also must acknowledge Argosthenia for your Princess and Lady, and put yourself, as I have done, under the protection of this Knight, or resolve to die presently without any remission. These usurped Grandures, as unfit for us, are soon vanished: It remains that we submit with patience and fidelity, thereby to deserve the favours we have already obtained of pardon for our Crimes; with the safety of our lives, riches, and honours. Surrender therefore to this Lady, who is your Princess Argosthenia, your pretensions of Command, and the Signals for the possession of the Port and Fleet. She is Mistress, and you are no longer Governor of Calcides.  
He being in part satisfied with these Remonstrances of the Countess, the absolute controller of his heart, and regulator of his affections, did all that we desired: and we instantly committed the charge to the Lords our Confederates, recommending to Euridamas the Guard of the Palace to Methrodorus that of the Piazza, or Marketplace; to the Count of Armenum the investing of the Port, to the Count of Lagia of the Fleet, and to other Lords and Knights other Charges, according to their merits and capacities. There were likewise called to the Palace the old servants of the Duchess, which had stayed at Calcides; but I myself stirred not from the Princess' side, not to confound the orders, which depended on my direction, and to look to the persons of the Count and Countess, and get out of them such things as were necessary to be known for the regulating my actions in the present conjunctures.  
The night being thus spent without sleep, the morning following, all that vast City beheld itself recovered out of the hands of the Rebels, without the loss of any man, except one only Captain, and a few Soldiers of a Corpse du guard: which would have refused obedience to the Count of Armenum. Day being come, all the Nobility and Citizens repaired to the Palace to do Homage to Argosthenia, and to demand the death of the Governor and his followers, for an expiation of that Rebellion. And seeing the old Counselors of the Duchess, and the other Ministers of State advised that they should be delivered, notwithstanding the Princess' Oath, that so the people might not be denied that satisfaction, which might be a means to make them the more resolute in defending themselves against the Count of Lytharre, when he should march thither with his Army to revenge them; and being unwilling that my faith should be broken, I carried the Count and Countess with the Princess' permission secretly to my house, and there disguising them in Lackeys apparel, got them safe out of Calcides. Then afterwards leaving the Princess' instructions in writing for the perfecting the design of the work begun, and bidding Adieu to the Cavaliers, my friends, I got incognitò aboard a very expeditious Bark, and hoist sail for Athens, to bring in person the first news of these Revolutions to Arnaldo. Who standing a long while astonished thereat, as at a thing he esteemed impossible; in the end threw himself about my neck with large acknowledgements of infinite Obligations, and would have carried me back to Calcides, with large promises of sharing his fortunes with me. Argosthenia concurred in the same instances with reduplicated Letters, and reiterated Ambassages: but being content in having satisfied my Obligations of friendship to Arnaldo, and of brotherhood with Argosthenia, I would not again leave the doors of my own house, to hazard myself in the Tempests of the Court. And so having recommended to them both, Euridamas, Methrodorus, and Lisander, who merited their esteem, I continued constant in the quietude and tranquillity of my mind and fortune: howbeit, I was very much troubled in the passions of my Soul, for the untimely, and much to be lamented deaths, which a little after happened to Isabel, for whom I had already suffered so much in the Kingdom of Love and Fortune; and likewise of the Count of Olarita, now become my most Cordial friend; which left me heir of a great trouble, with recommending to me in the place of Sister, the fair, and sprightful Countess his Consort.  
How afterwards Arnaldo went to Calcides, how he was acknowledged for husband of Argosthenia, how he rallied a potent Army of faithful subjects, and adventurous Soldiers; How he relieved the Duchess, overthrew in battle the Count of Lytharre, who fled, and ended his days at Byzantium; And how the Duchess being returned to Calcides, confirmed Argosthenia, after a solemn Marriage, in the Dignity of Hereditary Princess, with the other Adventures of these married Princes; Some more fortunate Pen than ours, will perhaps give notice to the World; here being concluded th● dysasters, and afflictions (the subject of Phil●ter nus his relation) of the Injured Lover.  
FINIS.