IN Greece, there dwelt a mighty King called Aegeus, who had raigned fiftie yeeres; fortunate and successiue in all his warlike affayres: that through the puissance of his force to his foes, and bountifull courtesie to his friends; he was feared in hate, and imbraced in loue. This Aegeus had one onely Sonne, whose name was Theseus, who was by birth Royall, learned by education, by Nature va­lorous, and by Vertues famous: insomuch that it was hard to iudge whether his valour, Fortune, or Vertue wonne the greatest praise.

This young Prince, being so richly adorned with she rare feats and accomplishments of Chiualry that he did not onely enioy his Fathers loue, but also wonne his Subiects hearts: at that instant, there liued Meleagar, King of Achaia, not farre distant from the Court of Aegeus, who had a Daugh­ter, a faire young Virgin, whose name was Titana, her ver­tuous dispositions were such, as might iustly challenge more loue than the world could yéeld her: for her beauty was such, as it tainted Venus chéekes, her vertue shadowed Diana's Altars, her learning stayned sacred Pallas, & her loyalty was [Page] such as if quite surpast Penelope: how can the world then ex­toll these excellent gifts of Nature, to the high spheare of their deserts, being so exquisitly limitted, and so louingly applauded by their Subiects reports, but by committing them to those glittring creatures, inclosed within the spangled s [...]ies, where wéele leaue them to the Heauens disposing, and turne to Meleagar her father: who in his youth, had béene brought vp with Aegeus, and was his Schoolefellow; so as they had béene Schoole fellowes in their youth, they remained louing Neighbours in their age, maintaining course and recourse, to and fro each others Courts, vpholding golden amity, with the pillars of brotherly loue, which did not onely reioyce the Achaians, but also augment the Grecians loue, with such in­ordinate and extreame passions, that euery yeare, vpon the Kings Coronation day, the people throughout all Greece, and Achaia, held a generall feast, for the space of forty dayes, with Iusts and Turnies, with Running, Wrestling, Lea­ping and dancing, with Bonfires, ringing of Bells, and such like pleasant pastimes: not onely to honour their two Kings, but also to shew their inward ioy, by their outward actions: as well to shew their Kings, their royall deserts, as their loyalty, being Subiects. When this solemne Tri­umph was quite ended, the people returned vnto their for­mer labour, and wonted course of life, where wéele leaue them and turne to Theseus: who though but yong in yeares, yet old in experience, though valorous with Hercules, yet not too venturous with Phaëton; though vpheld with the wings of Fortune, yet not rash in flying with Icarus, but kéeping lower bounds with Daedalus; hee feared not the Thunder­bolts of Jove, nor yet the raging waues of Neptune: well (to be briefe:)

Theseus, who had euer since hée was able to harbour, or conceiue one amorous thought, mark'd the excellency of Ti­tana's behauiour, and the exquisitie of her beauty, perswaded himselfe that she was matchlesse on earth: in so much, that at [Page] last he fell into passionate affections with Titana; and burst out his passions in these tearmes, being alone in a garden, sit­ting vnder an Orenge Trée:

Ah Theseus thou art a Kings sonne, and art applauded by the Greekes, to be the only champion of this climat, and wilt thou liue a slaue to Venus, confin'd and bard of libertie? no, no, cast off these foolish affections; for Theseus, surely thou dost not loue, these are but instant conceits, swéetned with hony, or fire made with straw, they are not Amors of perfection.

Ah Theseus, flatter not thy selfe, thy heart doth féele she deadly wound of Cupids Dart: Oh, that blinde boy hath pierst it cleane through, like an Indian pearle: yet be cheareful Theseus, what néedst thou feare, thou knowest the salue to cure thy amorous corrasiue: Titana, is a Kings Daughter, and she is by birth Royall, learned by education, faire by Na­ture, by vertues famous and by possessions rich: why then what néedst thou feare, cast off these despairing follies, and put on assuring fancies, for Cupid neuer throwes his Dart, but Venus séekes the wound: why then Theseus, art thou a Prince, a valiant Souldier, and wilt liue thus perplexed with foolish loue, or a wound giuen by a Boy? expell such capi­tall follies, as would include thee with ignominious conceits, when he had thus sufficiently explained his passions, & searcht the deepnesse of his still bleeding wound, he takes his farwell of the Orenge Trée, that shaddowed him from the beames of Phoebus, and returnes to his chamber, where weele leaue him ruminating on his loue, and turne to Titana: Who all this while euen from her infancie, had noted the princely gesture of Theseus, & seeing his face so perfectly featured, and viewing each limb▪ the portraiture of his body so well limited, that she greatly commended Dame Natures art, and excellencie in shaddowing such perfection vnder her Fortunes lot: perswa­ding herselfe, that none but Theseus should reape the harnest of her affection: being thus perplexed with inordinate passi­ons, & possest with amorous affection, it wrought like a pur­gation [Page] with her, in so much that at last she brake her passions in these tearmes.

Ah Titana, (thou art in loue) (I) with whom? with The­seus, (with Theseus) hee is a Kings sonne, why so art thou a Kings Daughter; he is famous in birth; thou art vertuous, and faire by Nature; he is a Prince, why thou art a Prin­cesse: thou euery way art equiualent with him: why then, if thou lonest Theseus, Theseus cannot chuse but loue Ti­tana: Ah Titana, thou fond foole, sigh, sob, and lament thee of thy follies, art thou so fond to thinke that Theseus being a va­liant warrier, the Grecians champion, and heire apparent to that inuincible King Aegeus, will looke on thee? no, thou art not an obiect fitting for his expectiue eye, though thy vertuous qualities be opposite to his valorous accomplishments, yet he cannot loue Titana: why? Titana is beautifull, vertuous, and rich, I, and after her Fathers decease heire to the Crowne of rich Achaia: why then Titana, suppresse these franticke passions, and incline to louely affections, for doe thou but smile, hee cannot chuse but loue: well when she had thus at large playd and displayd her passionate affection, she returnes to her chamber, to be melancholy, where wéele leaue her.

Theseus, who had receiued such a deadly wound, thought it long vntill he had some remedy for it, starts him vp from the imbracements of his restlesse bed, and walkes towards the Court of Meleagar: euen at his approach within the Court gates, she clocke strucke eight: quoth Theseus, it is too earely dayes to séeke to speake with Titana yet; Ile goe walke a course or two about the Gorden, till the clocke strikes againe, and that I thinke will be about the time of Titana's rising: he immediately turnes on the backe side of the Court, to enter into the Garden, but when he came he found the doore fast lockt: yet Fortune willing to fauour his presence, would not suffer him to returne, but caused him to knocke, the which hée did, and immediatly it was opened by a Groome of Titana's chamber: quoth Theseus, where is your Lady and mistris, [Page] stirring yet? quoth the Groome, and shall please your Highnes shee sits alone at the further end of the Garden, a reading, with that Theseus cast vp his eye, and espied his louely Para­mour: walking in the Garden vnséene of Titana, he stept into a gréene Arbour, which stood directly opposite against her, and not farre distant from her, where he first viewed each limit, or proportraiture of her body: and then beganne hée to breake his passions: Ah Theseus: (ecce) sée how her crim­son lips stand like two Pilgrimes, to adorne those vermilli­on chéekes of hers, which like as the Adamant drawes the stéele, so they draw thee to loue: Nay behold her chrystall eies, how like to vnestimable Diamonds, they glitter and giue light to the out chanted Cynthia: now last of all, sée how farre her twined lookes doe surpasse the Arabian gold, in golden beauty: when he had thus breathed out his passions in these passionate tearmes; he stands a while commenting in this dull perplexity, yet at last beginnes to prosecute his passions with these tearmes.

Theseus, thou séest her excellency, perfection and beautie, why then make a mixture with those, and thy intire loue, and drinke them as a physicke potion, either to cure, or kill, and so shalt thou be sure to be eased by death, else cured to life, for in loue there is life, in hate there is death, but Titana's face, re­sembles an Adamants vertue, to draw loue by affection, and not kill loue with reiecting (and more) it is impossible, that she should couer a flinty heart with a smiling face, for I know the vertue of Venus mollifies the heart of Titana: why then Theseus, what néedest thou feare, shew thy selfe as valiant a Prince to Titana, as thou hast done in former time to Mars, and returned victor of the field, when thou wast beset with millions of foes, and wilt thou now feare the repulse of a wo­man, and being thy loue too? no thou shalt scale the walles, and lay battery to the fairest: and with that he stepts out of the Arbour with a modest behauiour, and full resolution, takes her by the hand, and withall dimples her cheekes with a loue­lie [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] smile, as loue giues louers direction (and thus beginnes.) Faire Titana, euer since I could conceiue one Amorous thought, or cast a wanton eye on beauties perfection, I haue remained imburthened with the essence of your beauty, and wounded with the vlcerous sore of your loue: therefore, faire Lady reiect me not with disdaine, because I approach with courtesie: and as our two aged Fathers liue in peacefull ami­ty, so let vs combine a matrimoniall vnity, it will not onely be a comfort to them, but also an eternall ioy to vs: Titana resting, and meditating a while, at last be paints her chéekes with a maiden blush, and thus replies.

Prince Theseus, this is very strange to mee, that such in­ordinate passions of loue, should so farre ouerflow her shores on the sudden, being no storme nor spring to be the causer: therefore Theseus, surely this is not loue, these are but faigned fictions to try simplicity: inluring baites, to catch fond folly in wantons snares: for Demophoon was faire by nature, but prooued false to Phyllis: Aeneas was a braue man, but as false as Almider: yet were their protested vowes, greater than common hearts can conceiue: Therefore Theseus suppresse thy passions, and leaue to loue Titana, for she cannot loue thee againe, shee is like the starre Artophylax, that is beauti­ous to the eye, but fit for no vse: euen so is Titana, iust opposite against nature: well still she keepes him at the staffes length, and sits her still on the gréene banke where hee found her: shadowing her yéelding passions with denying frownes.

Theseus, who all this while had mark'd, and viewed each limit of her body, and the feature of her face, thought it very strange, that Nature should endow so faire a face, with so hard a heart, such comely limmits with such peruerse conditions? at last thus beganne to prosecute his cause againe in these tearmes.

Faire Titana, be not proud of beauties painting, for it is but a Summers flower, the Winter séedes it, and those which disdaine in youth, are despised in age: therefore faire Lady, [Page] make not a Goddesse of beauty, but yéeld me loue, for loue; and let not the destinies cause me to despaire, now in the ver­dency of my blooming youth. Titana sitting still on the banke, (as it were) not regarding him, thus beginnes. Theseus I commend thine excéeding wit, but in this case, I pitty thy distresse, and for thy extremity of loue thou bearest to mée, I vow thee recompence, but with contract I dare not promise, therefore good Theseus, suppresse those passions, which now thy minde is perplexed with.

Theseus standing a while, commenting of his dull per­plexity, scarcely dared vouchsafe to giue an answere, or de­mand a remedie, yet sayd hee, opportunities neglected are signes of follie, therefore hée beganne againe in these tearmes.

Titana, the fatall doubts of cruell death, is not so feared of me, but I dare extend my life with fortunes sate, to enioy thy loue: why then faire Lady, sith I am so wounded with your loue, yéeld to my request, which is within the bounds of modestie desired: If I were lasciuious, demanding vnchast desires to vse thee as a Concubine, then mightest thou iustly be peruerse, & say me nay: or were I a begger, or a base borne vassall of no desert, or for reputation vile, then would I hold it wisedome: or came I like a Scythian Shepheard, with my shéepe-hooke on my neck: but comming like a Grecian Prince, with my Scepter in my hand, demanding loue with a chast deuotion, me thinkes you should not be so peruerse to deny so kind a demand. Quoth Titana, good Theseus be not so tedi­ous, for to be short in tearmes, I will not grant thee loue; for loue is the only thing [...] hate, therfore trouble me no more with such friuolous spéeches, if you please to accompany mee, as in former time you haue done, you shall be the welcomest man in Greece: but if you reply with such like speeches as loue, I rather desire your a sence, than your presence.

Theseus hearing her still in that froward denying veine, quite expel'd hope, and included despaire: and thus beganne [Page] hee, which scarcely found beginning. O wicked and despai­ring wretch, forlorne, and of Titana forsaken, worse than the seruilst slaue in Achaia, more base than the stimie earth vnder­neath thy féete, more in bondage than Tunisian gally slaues, more vacant on earth, than Indians in Arabia, and more wret­ched than Progne in her transformation: why how camest thou thus metamorphosed being a Kings sonne? (oh with loue) with loue of that ingratefull Titana, for had I not loued Titana, she had not caused my vntimely death, but measuring my adverse fortune, with thy peruerse obstinacy, Ile end my life: and with that hee unsheashed his fatall Engine, and sayd thus: Faire Lady, as like the Camelion, I haue liued by the Airy essence of thy loue: so like faithfull Theseus by thy hate Ile die: He sets the point of his sword to his brest. Titana sée­ing him so desperate, lightly skipt from off the banke where­on she sate, and suddenly takes him by the hand which held his sword, and thus beganne.

Theseus, art thou a Prince, and a Kings sonne, a warriour, and Grecians Champion: and wilt at a wenches frowne ruine thy body, and bring thy aged Fathers gray haires with griefe vnto his graue, and his carefull head on a restlesse pillow? remember this, thou art Heire apparent vnto thy Fathers Crowne and kingdome; and by thy well liuing, thy Fathers daies are prolonged on earth, but by thy ill dying, with griefe they are soone ended: why then know this braue Theseus, wenches will most deny the thing they most desire; and séeme most peruerse, where most they loue; and proue most con­stant, where they séeme most wauering (and so will I) I loue, although I faigned a frowne, yet detested I to hate, and though my tongue sayd no, my heart protested I. There­fore swéet Theseus, impute me not peruerse, for the heauens know, I shame to expresse, how proud I haue beene of Theseus loue, yet would I not say, Theseus I loue thee, because then thou mightst repute me immodest being a Lady, but the Gods doe know, I haue honoured Theseus with a [Page] zealous deuotion, and I loued Theseus with as dutifull af­fection, as Titana could performe, or Theseus desire: there­fore swéet loue, thinke not I yéeld with vrgent prayers: but with the force of Loue.

Theseus noting her behauiour, and hearing such vnexpected tearmes, and snared allurements of Titana, which made such pleasing harmony in his halfe dead eares, was halfe rauished, & wholly reuiued to his former senses sheathed his fatall blade againe, imbracing her in his armes, layd battery to her skar­let lips, with many a sugred kisse he giues assault and winnes the Fort: In briefe▪ they suddenly combind, and fully accom­plish'd a matrimoniall contract, so that after many louely im­bracings, and pleasing-wanton toyes, (as loue hath many) they parted for the time, so fraught with inordinate ioy, that it is impossible for the capacity of man to looke so high as their ioy did raise rebounds.

Fortune now enuying their good acts, turnes her Whéele, and as she had dimpled her cheekes, so now she wrinkled her forehead, and vnréeled the destinies, for in Achaia there dwelt Oenie, which euery yéere did sacrifice the firstlings of his store: the which he first assigned of his corne, and fruits to Ce­res: to Bacchus the first pressing of his wine: and vnto Pal­las Oliue oyle▪ and thus honouring the gods of Graine, and fruit, hee offered frankincense, but at Diana's Altars none was offered, hee ouer slipt them, the which Diana tooke in high disdaine, and sayd, he shall not scape vnpunished, though he past mine Altars vnworshipped, nor vaunt of his escape vnreuenged, if I be a Goddesse ile plague him and his fruits, and with that away she flies: and on the next morne, she sent a huge ouer growne Beare to Oenies ground, such as the like had neuer yet beene séene. This gréedy Boare deuoured the Corne and grasse, and rent his [...]ines vnto the ground: and not so sufficed but beganne to ouer-runne, and deuoure his Countrey of Ach [...]ia; insomuch that the husbandmen had laboured in vaine, he ouer ranne their Lambs, shéepe▪ and [Page] Hearvs of Kie, nay men, women, and children went daily in danger of this orped swines dreadfull Tuskes.

In so much, that the people of Achaia preferred supplica­tions to Aegeus, Meleagar and Theseus, and many other Kings, Dukes, Lords and Knights, to desire their ayde to conquer this mercilesse Hogge: the which they all were very willing and affable, but Theseus: yet he said I, although he could haue wisht it no: for the reason that moued him rather to haue stayed at home, than haue gone, was this: he was newly returned from his loue Titana, and they had both a­gréed to make their Fathers acquainted with their loues on the next day following, which was the day appointed, that this Princely knot should méete and accompany each o­ther, to the face of the Achaians foe: Theseus very much discontent with this newes, could haue faigned himselfe sicke, and stayed at home, but his heart was so enobled with valour, that it would suffer excuse to take no place: he seeing no re­medie, but goe he must, being that renowned King Melea­gar, with his royall troopes of valiant Knights, accompanied with his Father A [...]geus were come, he like Jason when he ventured for Media, or Hercules for Deianita, or like Tur­nus, before he went to his bloudy fight, armed and enobled himselfe with valour: which done, hée accompanied this Princely knot of noble Knights, euen to the very brincke of his owne aduerse Fortune, where wéele leaue him vnréeling the destinies, and turne to Meleagar the causer of his griefe: who being vpholden with the wings of Fortune, reaped the plenteous Hauest of a renowned encounter, by the winning a famous victory. Meleagar with the rest of the valiant knights, threw his lucky Dart against this orped swine, who being more potent with Fortunes fauour, then impotent with Dia­na's frowne, gaue this Beare his deadly wound: this being done, though old in yeares yet young in conceit, for with pride méerely of his fortunate stroake, he presently fell into amo­rous feakes, with Atalant, Schoenies Daughter of Tegea: [Page] and suddenly stepping to the Swine, said thus:

And with that gave her the head of the Swine.

THis Lady for the giuers sake was as glad in heart, as for the gift, and receiued it very thankfully: but the rest re­pinde that shee such honour had, and armes displayd, that all the field might easily sée, and heare, their murmuring dis­content: Plexippus and Toxey cryed: Dame, lay downe this geare, doe we take the toyle, and thou the honour of our Game? no nor let that faire face smooth of thine beguile thee, least he that being doted in thy loue, and giuing thee our sée, be ouer-farre to rescue thee: and with that word they tooke the gift away from her, and right of gift from him.

Quoth Meleagar, with a sterne and sterce looking counte­nance, you Thesties race, learne this from me, and doe not other folkes dispoyle of honour giuen; for Princes gifts are frée, and none to be reiected: and Princes wills are lawes, of none to be vsurped. Therefore Plexippus, what difference is betwixt your threats and deeds, ile with this weapon trie: & with that he suddenly strikes him through the brest with his Boare speare. Toxey seeing his brother slame, stood doubting what way to take, desiring to reuenge his brothers bloud, yet fearing to be murthered as his Brother was before, stood a­mazedly commenting: Meleagar, to dispatch his doubtfull muzes, drew his fatall sword and slew him for company of his Brother Plexippus, whose blood was hardly cold as yet.

This bloudy prospect, bred such a mutiny amongst them, that their armes displayd on both sides, insomuch that the two houses, Meleagar and Aegeus, fell into ciuill discension, and much bloud was spilt on both sides: and not onely these two [Page] houses of Meleagar, and Aegeus, but almost all Greece, A­chaia, and Calidon was in an vproare, for each tooke armes a­gainst other, and being renowned and famous Princes, friends tooke partes, and they beganne to bandie, and ouer-runne each others Dominions.

This disagréement betwéene the parents, although it was a heart breaking to these two louers, Titana, and Theseus, yet did it not at all disparage their affection, but the greater the mutinie, the deeper was the impression of their mindes, and by this meanes their libertie was confin'd, and meeting places quite debard; yet loue being a priuie searcher of secrets sound a time and opportunitie which gaue them place, time, and leaue to parle, to play, and display each others mindes: when these two louers came together, they were in feare, and danger to be espied, which caused them one while, to sigh, sodde, lament, and greiue; another while, kisse, smile laugh, and ioy: and thus they spent the time as pleasantly as distress'd louers could doe yet they sweare to each other, y^• their Fathes dissention should neuer separate their loues, nor ad­uerse. Fortune should dimini [...]h their affections, but would re­maine ioyfull vnto death, in despite of the hatefull destinies: hauing thus recounted each others loue to their hearts con­tent, yet séeing they could not enioy the full fruition of their [...]o [...]les in Greece, nor Achaia. Theseus determined assoone as time and opportunitie gaue him leaue, to prouide a masse of money and Iewels for the easier cariage: and so transport themselues into Spaine, to Tunis: and there to liue a conten­ted life, not knowne, but as a Grecian Knight, vntill he heard of some vnited peace betwixt their Fathers, else by succession to enioy their Kingdomes: Titana hearing his determinate course, commended highly his wittie deuice, and sayd thus, Faire loue, if thy father Aegeus should take me within his precinct, it were death, or at least perpetuall imprisonment, and againe on the other side, if my father Meleagar, should take thée to his Dominions, it were the like danger for thoe to [Page] come into. But if my Father should heare of this contract, his fury would be such, that y^e tortorous death were too easie for vs both, first you for presumption, then, I for simplicitie, and so we shal bite both on the destinies bridle. Therefore sweete Theseus, make hast with all expedition, & prouide all things fitting for our Voyage, for delay breeds danger, and false For­tune despite. Theseus being fraught with boundlesse ioy and prickt forward with loues desire, did protest vnto her assoone as opportunitie gaue him leaue, he would prouide soch neces­saries as were fitting for their Voyage, so resting vpon this resolution, and night beginning to listen to their comple­ment, after many imbracings, payed and repayed kisses, they parted, Theseus hauing taken leaue of his best beloued Titana, returnes him backe againe to his fathers Court: and being there arriued, calld vnto him, an ancient Seruant of his fathers, whose name was Iunia: this Iunia being a faithfull Seruant, and Theseus approoued friend, he thought him not lesse then fitting to imploy about this his secret pre­tence. Theseus reposing confident trust in him, declared the whole volume of his mind vnto him, from the beginning to the end: Iunia, hearing him so fully bent, and determinately resolued on this imperfect course: began to diswade, or di­uert him to the contrarie, alledging diuers instant inconueni­encies: Theseus being to determinate in his pretence beganne to reiect Iunia for his folly in diswading him, and told him he did not call nor disclose his mind vnto him, to aske his advice, or to be intercepted by him, but the cause he had him there present, was this, he did depose trust vnto him, and impose this secret busines on him to prouide a small barke or Pinnace to transport them into Spaine, with moneys and certaine Ie­wells and such like cōmodities for the easier carriage: which if he could prouide and make readie against such a time, hee would reward him royally for his paines.

Iunia hearing this, that there was no perswasion would take effect, or instant examples to the contrarie diuert him, [Page] and withall respecting the Princes bountfull promise began to yéeld vnto him, I, and in the end promised him to prouide all things ready for their Voyage within the space of forty dayes at the farthest. Theseus hearing this direct answere and yro­mise of Junia, was exceedingly fraught with ioy: insomuch, that to shew his bounty, and bind him vnto his promise, hée sent him away very richly rewarded, where wéele leaue him prouiding for their Voyage, and turne to Meleagar.

Fortaine, who had already layd her traine, so destinated, that it vtterly brake the vnited bands of these two Louers Fa­thers combinde League, and almost to the separating of their loue, with heart breaking: yet not so content, intending as she had giuen them a slender checke, so now shee should giue them a cruell blow; and to bring her pretence to be managed with perfection, she layd her plot in his wise.

Meleagar walking priuately in his Garden, commenting on his Daughter Titana, brake out his passions in these tearmes; Meleagar, thou hast but one onely Daughter, and she is now about the yéeres of 23. and she is a Prince so rich­ly deckt, and adorned with the gifts of Nature, so fraught with beauty and vertuous qualities, that she is not onely a comfort to thee, but also a ioy to thy poore Commons: why then, place all thy ioy in her perfection, and fith she is now marriageable, prouide her a husband that is equiualent with her: when he had thus passioned a while, he sate him downe vnder a Poomsisherne Trée, to meditate on whom he might bestow his Daughter Titana: till at last, he called to minde great Ambrosia King of Portugall, who in former time had bin brought vp togeither for the space of seuen yéeres in Schoole: and knowing this Ambrosia to haue a Sonne, whose name was Pirismus, who was faire by Natures, royall by birth, by vertues famous, and by possessions rich: presently sends Em­bassadors to the King of Portugall, to intreate a marriage be­twéene his Daughter Titana, and his Sonne Pirismus. Ambrosia hearing this, was excéedingly fraught with ioy, and [Page] told the Embassadors, it was his decrée before they came, to haue sent to their King Meleagar, concerning the same mat­ter, but sith they were so hapily come, he told them his nauy was ready, and his Sonne Pirismus should along with them to Calidon, and if God did permit him, he would be there with them within forty dayes. The Embassadors hauing receiued their answere, and the Prince borded his Fléet, the Marri­ners hoisted their maine sailes, weighed anchors, and halled into the déepe.

Fortune fauouring Theseus destinie, opens the windowes of Aeolus, and giues them a full wind, which in a short space arriued them on the shores of Achaia, being so fortunately arriued, they instantly retired to the Court with the young Prince Pirismus, and made report to Meleagar of Am­brosia's answere, and how he had sent his Sonne as a pledge in the meane while. When Meleagar heard that was Ambro­sia's Son, hee séemed very angry they did not send him word of their comming, that he might haue receiued him in a more Prince like manner: but séeing it was now too late, to recall what was past, he saluted him very submissiuely, and told him he was very sorry he knew not of his comming, for if he had, he would haue met him by the way. Well after these, and such like words, Meleagar takes him about the middle, and leades him into the priuy Chamber, causing the Nobles to attend them, whereas Titana sate a sowing. Quoth Melea­gar, young Prince Pirismus, behold there sits mine onely Daughter Titana, my chiefest ioy, and the originall cause of your Voyage hither, and if you please to acquaint your selfe with her you may. Quoth Pirismus, my noble Leige, with your leaue▪ else not▪ Quoth Meleagar, yong Prince, you haue our leaue to vse your pleasure, Quoth Pirismus with a low obeysance, thankes my noble Leige, and with that steps vnto Titana, takes her by the hand, and thus beginnes: Faire Lady if a [...] Prince, may vouchsafe so bold to be, as to preferre a rough vnpolish'd touch vnto those soft lips of [Page] yours without offence, my desire is accomplisht, otherwise my suit is cold. Titana séeing him a stranger, and hearing such inordinate tearmes procéede from him, was halfe in a mis­doubt that her father had brought him to be a suter in a cause that was already ouerthrowne, and dammages recouered, yet hoping the best, though fearing the worst with a low cur­tisie, she thus replies, noble Knight, as your request is small, it is the easier granted; againe, if I should by dentall refuse it, you might iustly appeach me foolish: with that he giues her a kisse, which she very thankfully receiued, and accompanied him vnto her father, the which did greatly reioyce the King, her father: by this time there was a table furnished with such cates, and dainties, as could at so small a warning be proui­ded. Meleagar sitting downe, caused Pirismus to sit on the same side which he sate on, and Titana to sit on the other side, right opposite against him, because they should take a ful veiw of each other, the which Pirismus did; in so much, that her per­fection dighted so déepe an impression in his heart, that none but Titana could satisfie the Amor of Pirismus eye: when he was thus solemnely, and sumptuously feasted, and royally entertained; and so entertained that if Ambrosia had béene there himselfe in person, hauing so small warning, they could not receiue him with more triumphant royaltie. After they had thus sufficiently past the daye in sumptuous feasts, and banquets; the King gaue command he should be attended on to his lodging, and all his Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, and their followers appointed their lodgings, and attended also: which being done and all departed, Meleagar calls for Titana, and thus brake his mind vnto her.

Titana, my gray haires sounds an alarum, and calls mee to my graue: therefore actions measured by time are seldome bitten with repentance? thou art young, and I am old, my white haires are fading blossomes, and thy fresh colors bloo­ming flowers, mine preparing to die, and thine repairing to liue: therefore (Titana) I take care, and tell thee as a father [Page] hoping thou wilt giue care, and obey as a Childe. The chiefe thing I haue taken care for, and desired, hath béene to sée thee happily married before I die, or thou grow old.

Titana, hearing her fathers counsaile, and marking well his words, beganne to féele which way the winde sate, and at last perswaded her selfe in her opinion, as this, that her father had chosen this young Prince Pirismus to be her spouse: fearing to displease her father, yet swearing and vowing not to for­sake Theseus, made him this answer.

May it please your Grace, to giue me leaue to speake? Quoth Meleagar, we giue you free leaue. Quoth Titana, Sir, there is no greater bond than dutie, nor stricter law than Na­ture: for often disobedient youth are despised in age, and Pa­rents wills are lawes; therefore, rather than by deniall I should be appeached of disobedience, ile rest content to loue, although it be the onely thing I hate; I fit may please your Highnesse to appoint whom I shall loue.

Meleagar hearing this vnexpected answer of his Daughter, and séeing how light she accounted of Loue, began to be very hot, and chollericke, and with a frowning countenance, made her this hasty answer.

What Titana, canst thou not loue? why, doth the cynicall passion of prone desires ouercome thee with franticke fro­wardnesse, or péeuish peruersenesse? or dost thou thinke thy selfe a young Phoenix, that there is none to equall shee? Ah Titana, take héed, left high Pride, bring low pouerty, and young disobedience, aged repentance: the Trée Alpia wasteth not with fire, but withereth with deaw, and that which loue nourisheth not, hate perisheth.

Well, yéeld Titana to thy Fathers perswasions, which may preuent all after-perills; thou séest I am old, and full of gray haires, daily walking on the brincke of my graue, ready to fall in euery houre, and thou heire apparant to my Crown, after my decease shalt succéed in my Kingdome, in more tri­umphant Throne, then ere thy Father Meleagar did in his youngest yéeres: knowing this, thou being young in yeares, [Page] and scarce gouernesse of thine owne dispositions, it would be a greater trouble, & a heauier burthen, to be so ouer prest with the charge of a whole Kingdome, to gouerne and looke to: with ioy, I haue chosen thee a husband [...]e, the Prince Piris­mus, thou sawest here [...]ore whi [...]e; he is a Prince, faire by nature, royall by birth, by vertues famous, and by possessions rich: therefore if thou like Pirismus, thou bréedst my content, and in louing him, thou shalt haue my loue, otherwise an e­uerlasting hate.

Titana standing a while, called to minde that Theseus did purpose to take his Voyage to Tunis very shortly, where she determined to arriue with him, and therefore she thought it was as good for her to say she loued him, and kéepe her fathers good will, as say she could not loue him, and haue his ill will▪ and againe, she thought this, if she should be peruerse, and say him nay, it might be a meanes in her fathers anger, to make him suspect, and misdoubt some other matters, and so looke more nearer vnto her, and so be a hindrance to her departure with Theseus: therefore she determined to yéeld with words vnto her Fathers desire, and thus bespake him, with a low courtesie:

Father, I obey your command as a child, hoping to enioy your loue as a Father: and if Pirismus can loue Titana, Ti­tana will loue Pirismus; but pray father thinke not, but that I yéeld with loue, and not with your perswasions: and please you to appoint the nuptiall day, I will be ready to accomplish what you please to impose on me.

Quoth Mel [...]agar, now hast thou wonne my heart, and shalt enioy my loue, Ile make thee rich by possessions, and happy by marriage, Ile indow thee with wealth, and Pirismus with loue, I ioy to sée thee toward, and hate to sée thee peruerse: now shall my gray-haires enioy a rest, which long hath béene dis­turbed with eare▪ so after these, and many other such like spée­ches, hee appointed her the nuptiall day, which should be at Ambrosia's comming: Titana, being mindfull of her true loue [Page] Theseus, was fore troubled in mind, because her father had appointed the time within so short a space, she was feare­full that Theseus could not prouide all things for their Voy­age so soone: yet bearing it out with a good countenance, shée lookt pleasantly in the sight of her father, and determined, if things were not ready soone enough, shee would faigne some excuse to prorogue the time; well for that time they departed, and betooke them to their rest: on the morrow morning, Me­leagar was stirring very early, and calls to him his chiefe Admirall, and commands him to prouide a Fleet of his chiefest Ships, and furnish them with men and Ordinance, and all things else fitting to receiue a Prince; he being no lesse then willing to fulfill the Kings ioyfull determination, very speedily prepared all things fitting for their Voyage, tooke his Embassage of the King, and suddenly boarded the Nauie, hoysted maine Sailes, weighed anchors, and away they cut through the déepe, where wéele leaue them to the fauour of the wind, and the Seas.

Meleagar, hauing sent his Embassadours for the King of Portugall, ralls his Nobles, and chiefe officers together, and told them, that the tenth day of that present month should be the Nuptiall day: and bade them proclaime a feast, Iusts, and Turnies, and inuite all their neighbour Princes, with the chiefe of his owne dominions; and that it was Meleagars command and will, the Court gates should stand open, and receiue all commers for the space of twenty dayes; as well for the royall entertainement of Ambrosia, as for honour of his Country: his Nobles being no lesse than willing to fur­ther his pretence, very diligently according to the Kings com­mand, prepared all things in readinesse: where wéele leaue them attending Ambrosia's comming, and turne to Titana, who in sight of her new loue Pirismus, séemed no lesse then fraught with the wanton feakes of loue, to lead that toyish foole into a purblind paradise, where in the end shee meant to leaue him champing of Cupids bridle: and in her fathers sight she séemed so abundant in her loue, that she almost made [Page] his gray haires begin afresh to bud, and to bloome forth youth­full blossomes againe, in so much that it is impossible to con­ceiue the inward ioy, that he receiued by their outward ioy­ing; and though she forc'd herselfe to be ioyous and pleasant in her fathers and Pirismus presence, yet was she forc'd to batefull melancholly, and hatefull griefe in their absence: well it hapned that in few dayes after, there came newes to Me­leagars Court, that Ambrosia was come within two dayes sailing to Calidon, and by contrary winds forc'd to cast an­chor, and lie there for the winds returne. Meleagar hearing this newes, caused a Fléet of his best ships to bée made rea­dy; which being done, he himselfe, and Pirismus with others boarded the Fléet, and Titana should haue gone too, but the Seas vnwilling to crosse her submissiue Loue, with aduerse hate, caused a tempestuous storme to rise, insomuch that the very sight of Neptunes crownes cast her into a despairing feare, the which her father séeing, caused her to returne to the Court againe, and they tooke their Voyage towards Am­brosia, where weele leaue them to their fortune, and turne to Titana againe.

Who being so long absented from her loue Theseus, and too often presented with her hated Pirismus, like a true Louer discontented, desired to walke and sit alone to meditate: on the back side of her fathers Pallace, there was a very large Gar­den, which had diuers doores to enter in at; this Garden was the place where Theseus did vse to méete her, which place shee held most conuenient, and fit for her to passion out her griefes: when the afternoone came, she walked all alone into the Garden with the wonted place where Theseus was wont full often to imbrace her, with many louely kisses, ho­ping that the Gods séeing her distresse, would relieue her want, and as they had bin witnesses to her vowes, so she hop'd they would be fauourers to her pretence: and thus walkt thée a while commenting in these dull perplexities, till at last, her passions were so vrgent with her, shee could no longer sup­presse them, but safe her down on a gréene banke, and burst out [Page] her passions in these tearmes.

Ah Titana, thou vnfortunate wretch, art thou a Kings Daughter, and liue thus a slaue to Cupid? better wert thou a country wench, to enioy their louely pleasure▪ than a court­ly mistresse, thus wrapt in troward miserie: now maist thou sée the destinies plague thee for thy disobedience. Ah sigh Titana, draw dry those two chrystall fountaines from whence these pearled streames descend, to ouerflow these tender cheekes of thine: loue Pirismus, and in louing him thou louest thy selfe. Ah no, I dare not; Pirismus, no: 'tis Theseus, and none but Theseus shall haue my true loue: Ah foole that thou art, to fix so fondly; thou knowest Theseus is a Grecian, and Greekes thy fathers foes: then sticke to thy fathers Election, and loue Pirismus, for in louing him thou shalt enioy the worlds content. Ah no, I haue made my solemne vowes to Theseus, and will kéepe them, 'tis not worldly content alone that I desire, but Theseus loue, the patron of my meditating thoughts, the Couch of my weary ioyntures rest, and the Crowne of my earthly glory.

When shee had thus breathed forth her solitary passions, from the gray Morne, to the red Euen, Zephyr beganne to draw the melancholy curtaines of portendous night, which caused Titana to depart, who hauing taken her leaue of the Orenge and Lemmon Trées, which onely did accompany her all that day, returnes to her chamber againe, where shée immures her selfe in contemplation.

At hapned that in two dayes after, her father Ambrosia, Pirismus, and all their followers arriued on Calidon shores: and Pageants, Drums and Trumpets were prouided, with swéet persumes, and Frankincense the stréets were swéetned for their passage, which greatly pleased Ambrosia: so that they suddenly arriued at Meleagars Court, where they were most sumptuously entertained with banquets, and feasting: which being done, Meleagar willing to make knowne by outward shewes, how hee was possest within ward ioyes: leapt from his chaire of state, and fetcht his Daughter Tita­na, [Page] leading her into Ambrosia's presence by the middle: Ti­tana, séeing her supposed sire, faigned on him a smile, and with­all to grace the dimples of her chéekes▪ she giues them a come­ly and modest blush, and with a low and reuerent courtesie, the old obeysance to King Ambrosia, the which he séeing, sud­denly stept to her, took her in his armes, and louingly imbrac'd her with many courteous and royall spéeches. Pirismus who had all this while markd her behauiour, blest his Fortune, and thank'd the gods for his good accesse: when he had so done, hée thought himselfe to haue most right to her, tooke her aside to the further side of the Roome where hee sported his blind folly, and catcht at shaddowes, yet to his hearts content, and both their Fathers increased ioy: but alasse to poore Titana's heart breaking, though she faigned a smile in her fathers presence, yet was she forc'd to wéepe in his absence: Meleagar was so fraught with ioy, that hee thought euery day a yéere that his Daughter went vnmarried, yet past he six dayes more in kée­ping Ambrosia company, and shewing him the Pastimes and pleasures that hee chiefely tooke delight in: the meane time he called to him his chiefe Officers and Nobles, and demands if all things were ready for the Nuptiall; the which they all answered, I. When Meleagar heard that, he was very ioy­full, and presently makes Ambrosia, Pirismus and Titana ac­quainted with his pretence (which was this) that on the se­uenth day following being the sixtéene day of the month, he did purpose to accomplish the marriage betwixt Pirismus and Ti­tana, the which they all séemed to be very ioyfull & glad of, saue onely Titana, yet shee séemed no lesse than ioyfull in the sight of her Father, but in her chamber she passioned whole riuers of teares from her christall eies, where weel leaue her to the fauour of the gods, and turne to Theseus.

Who all this while, hath béene very busie, and laborious in his carefull affaires, and hauing accomplish'd his busines, finish'd his purpose, and layd the ship ready in the Hauen, is very desirous to speake with his loue Titana, but his father being present, he could find no opportunity fitting to make [Page] escape forth, which bred hatefull melancholly; in so much that he immured vp himself in his chamber, to sollicite sadnes. Fortune smiling at his folly, dandled him once again on her in­dulgent knée: It hapned at that instant, a Noble man of Ae­geus Court, riding through a Forrest, that was some eight miles distant from Athens, espyed a wilde Boare, and knowing the King loued the sport of hunting, as well as the one halfe of his kingdome, came riding post to the King, and made report of his busines: the king hearing him, caused sud­den preparation to be made, he hauing a very faire Pallace standing in the midst of the Forrest, determined to go thither to bed that night, the which preparation being made, and all things ready he calls for Theseus, but he had heard some ink­ling of his fathers hunting progresse, and how he was vpon going, faigned himselfe sicke, and tooke phisicke: when word was brought to the King that Theseus could not goe, he de­manded the occasion, they answered hée was not well, hée tooke phisicke. The King hearing that newes and loth to delay time, and so lose his sport, called his Nobles about him, where they mounted their Stéeds and rode towards the Forrest, where weele leaue them to their sport, and turne to Titana.

Who now hath little hope to enioy Theseus loue, for the six dayes are al most expired, and the seuenth is the Nuptiall day appointed, which was the next day following, yet being the last day of her hope, she went one morning to walk in the Garden to séeke her Theseus, bearing a sharpe Engine in her hand, determining with her selfe, that as she had made her vowes to Theseus, none should enioy her loue but Theseus: and where she did protest those vowes to Theseus, there she meant to sacrifice her blond to the Gods for Theseus sake, where wéele leaue her.

Theseus hearing his father was gone, puts on a disguised suite of apparell, and secretly conueyes himselfe forth at the Court gates by Junia's meanes, determining neuer to come in againe, sends Junia to the Hauen, where the ship lay, and [Page] caused him to attend his comming there; which done, his walkes towards the Court of Meleagar, which was at that time neare adioyning to the City of Atheus: hee being arri­ued at the Court, suddenly makes meanes to enter the gar­den: which being entred, hee walkt to the farther side, where hee was wont to méete his Loue Titana: he was no sooner approacht, but he spied her where she sate, leaning her head on her hand, as though she had béene asléepe: he no lesse then glad to see her, began to step hastily to her, but euen as he was ready to touch her, he perceiued that she was wéeping and la­menting very grieuously to her selfe: breathing out her passi­ons in these tearmes.

Ah infortunate Titana, and therefore infortunate wretch, borne vnder the destinies displeasure, and therefore crost with Fortunes frownes, bound to Theseus by loue, therefore pincht with care by fate: yet Theseus, Ah swéet Theseus, is dearer farre than my selfe is to my selfe, and none shall deflowre mee of his Virgins Rose, except this fatall Engin; sith protestati­ons, vowes, and bonds are made, and sealed with the wax of Loues swéet lips, it's Theseus, and none but Theseus shall en­ioy my Loue.

Theseus, séeing her in that dull perplexity, and so meta­morphosed, stand astonished at that sight, and had not the power to goe backward nor forward, he was driuen to such an exi­gent: faine he would goe backe to lose the sight of so grieuous a prospect, and fainer goe to her to know the cause, and séeke redresse, yet could he do neither, but stood still in a dull extasie, halfe dead with griefe: till at the last shee remou'd her head, and lookt vp after a mournfull fashion, as Phillis lookt for De­mophoon; and casting aside her blubbered eyes, she espied her Theseus: she rose off the banke whereon she sate making her complaints: threw away her Fatall Engine, tooke him; about the necke and kist him, smiled, and thus bespake him; Ah Theseus, art thou come to prosecute my weale or woe? (Quoth Theseus) thy weale I hope, with hearts content swéet Loue: but I pray thee sweet-heart what's the occasion of these [Page] thy preambling passions, thus sob'd with sourcing feares? Oh said Titana, sinister Fortune hath cast me into aduerse per­plexities: for since thou departedst from these sweet imbrace­ments of mine, Fortune hath frowned on our pretence: quoth Theseus, how swéet Loue? Titana faigned to smile, yet for­ced to wéepe, thus began:

Oh Theseus, my Father sent Ambassadours to Ambrosia King of Portugall, to intreat a marriage betweene his Sonne Pirismus, and thy loue Titana; his father being as willing to yéeld, as my father to demand, presently sends ouer his son Pirismus, as a pledge of his promise, by the returne of my Fa­thers Embassadors, and now is come himselfe to accomplish the match: when my father heard the returne of his Embas­sage, and saw Pirismus, he called me to him, where he opened the whole volume of his pretence, perswading me of the Prin­ces intire loue, his rare accomplishments, and how happie I was to enioy the loue of so rich a friend, with many such capi­tall perswasions; in so much that in the end, I did reply this obstinate answer: I could not loue, it was the onely thing that I did hate, with such like words, that at last he fell from kind perswasions, and fell into thundring threats, and in such franticke manner, that I durst no longer withstand him, but gaue consent, and promised to be ready whensoeuer he plea­sed to appoint the time, the which he was very ioyfull to heare, and appointed the Nuptiall to bee the sixteenth day of this moneth, which is the next day following: yet good Theseus account not my behauiour light, though I haue promised loue to two men at once: but know this deare loue, it is the one is stedfastly to abide, the other but falsly to delude: for if I should haue stood obstinate and peruerse, denying him; then should I haue had his perpetuall hate, and in hauing his hate like poore Jove with Argus should still be watcht and lookt after, that I the harder should finde opportunity to depart with thee to Tunis: therefore to auoyde suspition, I made him a faigned promise, but still braue Theseus resting at thy com­mand, and obeying as thy hand-maide, ile liue and die with [Page] thee; and with that takes him about the necke, and doth so pay and repay him with kisses, that shée halfe smothers him. Theseus heard her politicke answere; hearing her witty re­ply, and seeing her loue so constant, much commended her wit, but more pittied her griefe, desired her to patience, and wishing her not to be so passionate, promised her that euery teare that she had for him spent, should from him returne ten thousand ioyes againe: and quoth Theseus I haue prouided a ship, and all things necessary for our passage, which lyee ready in the hauen, and if you are ready and willing, now there is a fit gate of Winde to transport vs from the Grecian shores to Tunis. Quoth Titana, my deare loue, it is the onely thing I desire, through fire and water to follow thee swéet Theseus. Quoth Theseus, faire Titana, this night about the houre of twelue, I will come and meet thee héere, for then I hold it the best time to depart without suspition of any, there­fore swéet heart make no delayes, neither for Iewels, or rich array, lest that wee omitting this opportunity, may stay long for she like againe, for I haue all things néedfull already prouided. Titana hearing these ioyfull tidings, was excéeding­ly fraught with boundlesse ioy, thinking that euery houre be­fore night came would proue a yéere, insomuch that the time being appointed, and fearefull to bee espied in their priuate parley, after many louely enterchanges, and swéet eclipsed lips, they parted, where wée'l leaue them a while ruminating on their ensuing fortune, and turne to Pirismus.

Who now is prouiding Robes for the Nuptiall, which I doubt will proue his funerall, yet loue being so vrgent with him, it casts a mist before the eyes of his folly, in so much, that he thinkes euery smile that Titana lends him, is a promise of perfection: but alasse poore foole, that such infancy should rest in such experienced yéeres: but tis not to be maruelled at, for Cupid doth greater miracles than this sometimes, for hée forceth the bondslaue to loue, and blinds the eies with folly: he makes the yong old, and the old become yong againe; hée cleares the ageds eyes, and make the youthfull dim: therfore [Page] blame I not Pirismus, nor yet cōmend him, but as he deserues, so let fortune attribute her fauours vnto him, where weele leaue him a spectator to his aduerse hopes, & turne to Titana.

Who being mindfull of her promise to Theseus, assoone as the Court was quiet, and euery man betooke him to his rest, Titana very carefully had respect that none might sée, nor heare her, staied till the dead time of the night, which was much about the houre that Theseus had appointed her to come: she hearing no noise, nor séeing no light throughout all the Court, hauing a doore that opened into the Garden, she se­cretly vnlocks it, and away shee goes to the wonted place, where she findes Theseus attending her comming, and with­out any great circumstance tooke her by the arme, and led her forth at a backe gate that Titana had giuen him the key of before, where his man Junia stayed his comming with his Gelding: he suddenly mounted on his horses back, tooke Ti­tana vp behind him, and rode to the hauen where the ship lay, which was about a mile distant from that place; he no sooner came there, but the Mariners were ready with their Cock­boate to receiue them aboard: where being coucht together in a Cabin, they past away the time in recounting their old loues, till their man Junia came: he had no sooner boarded the ship, but the Mariners hoysting their mainsailes, weighed an­chors and halled into the déepe, where weele leaue them to the fauour of the winde and the Seas, and returne to Meleagar, and the Bridegroome Pirismus.

The morne being come, and Phoebus saluted the day with his glorious Beames: Pirismus starts him from the imbrace­ments of his bed, to rouse Titana from her nightly couth; hee being entred her chamber, and saw shee was stirring before him, and forsaken her chamber, he thus began:

What hungry fiend or croaking night worme, durst be so bold as to disturbe my Titana from her rest, till I Pirismus gaue her the Bon Jour.

What louing Beast, or bleating Lamb-kin, durst attempt my Loue. Titanaes vnrest, before that I bestowed the. [Page] Mornings salutation on her?

What Scythian shepheard durst be so bold, with his hoopes and cries to fright my Titana from her natiue sléepe, before I enterchanged a kisse with her, to embrace this Nuptiall morne?

What Indian Rauens, and Grecian Larkes, what Canary-Finch, or siluer Swans durst with their harmoniall tunes intice my loue from forth her bed before I came?

But yet me thinkes, I féele no hate procéed from forth their chirping blasts, therefore surely thou dost misconceiue them: for thy loue is gone to recreate her selfe in the garden this fresh morne: and is espied by these louing creatures; and to adorne her and her Nuptiall, they all accord, striking the swéet rela­ces of their consorted tunes, to giue the Heauens an Eccho of their ioy, and thy Titana the harmonie of so happy a ioy.

When hee had thus passioned a while, he was returning forth of her chamber againe, euen as he was parting, comes Meleagar, calling hastily, for his Daughter Titana, and mée­ting Pirismus, asked him for Titana, who answered, she was not in her chamber: Meleagar returning againe enquired, and sent about the Court & Garden to seeke her, but no newes could be heard of her, in so much that in the end Meleagar be­ganne to feare some ill was betided her, and that she had béene walking late, and so was taken by some of Aegeus men and kept prisoner: well this conceit tooke such effect, that he sends Embassadors to Aegeus Court, to demand the question, if Titana were taken prisoner by any of his Souldiers, who had an answere no: returning againe, told Meleagar their answer: they had no sooner deliuered their message, but there comes a post from Aegeus Court, to demand if they had not taken Theseus prisoner, the which had his answere deli­uered him in the same manner, no: which done, he returnes againe, Meleagar; who thought to haue feasted, and made a triumphant Nuptiall; now casts oft his sumptuous Robes, and put on mourning wéedes, and instéed of delicious feasting, imbraceth mournefull fasting: Pirismus, who fed on the beau­tie [Page] of Titana, as the Camelion féedes on the aire, was fran­ticke at this sudden extasie. Ambrosia, from his aged eies shed many teares, to sée Meleagar so grieued, and his Sonne so impatient: the guests that were inuited, at this sudden change were cast into dumps and dull perplexities, in so much that you might haue past through the Court to and fro, and hard­ly haue heard a word spoken, but haue séene many a wéeping eye, which held for the space of foure dayes; the fift day he cau­sed proclamation to be made, that whosoeuer could but bring tidings where Titana is, or what is become of her, he would bestow a liuing on him worth an hundred pound a yéere, during his life: this being proclaimed, at that time there was a Sailer that should haue gone in the ship with them, but hee had some hindrance, he being forth of the ship when Theseus and Titana boarded it, hee stayed something long, and The­seus and his loue thought it seuen yéere till they were put from the shore, lest fortune should chance to bewray their pretence, he would stay no longer, but commanded them to put off and lanch into the déepe: So that this Sailer was left behind, and hearing this great promise of the King, determi­ned to goe instantly, and informe the King of her departure: but you must note this, hee did it more for the benefit of the Liuing, than to certifie the King: hee being arriued at the Court, made meanes to come to the spéech of the King, hée being in presence, did his duty, and as farre as hee could he vnfoulded the matter in euery point: the King hearing how it was, and that she was gone with Theseus, beganne to be in an excéeding great rage, in so much that the Sayler wisht himselfe forth of his presence, though he neuer had his gift: yet the King being a noble Prince, bestowed his promise on him, and sent him away a ioyfull man.

Meleager, though hee heard tidings of his Daughter, yet could it no whit perswade him to patience, but rather kindled the hot fire of war against Aegeus for a reuenge, because hee had but one only daughter, and she to be carried away by an enemies sonne. Aegeus missing his sonne Theseus, and hea­ring [Page] that he was gone with Meleagars daughter Titana, hée sware a bloudy reuenge on Meleagar: and thus the two fathers fell into bloudy passions, in so much that all Achaia, Calidon, and Greece were vp in armes against each other, where wéele leaue them a while, and turne to Pirismus.

Who hearing of the vngratefull departure of Titana, pre­sently betakes him to his chamber, where he sat [...] ruminating on her, and her departure with Theseus, in so much that hée perswaded himselfe neuer to returne to Portugall againe, sith Titana had deceiued him: well, he being as it were halfe fran­tick, grew carelesse what became of himselfe, and in this dis­contented humour sitting alone in his chamber, thus breathed out his passions:

VVHen he had thus passioned a while; hee drawes his fatall Engine, and stabs himselfe: when Meleagar and Ambrosia were sitting at dinner, Pirismus was called for, but hee could not be found, in the end they lookt in his chamber, where they found him most grieuously murdered: newes was presently carried to the Kings table, who hearing of this pitious tidings, caused him to bee brought into the presence, and sent for Doctors and Surgeons, but all in vaine, for hee was quite gone, and past recouery: they séeing no helpe, caused preparation for the funerall, which, all things be­ing in a readinesse, those neighbour Princes which were in­uited to the Nuptiall, were now intreated to his funerall: these solemne obsequies and funerall being ended euery man tooke his leaue, and departed: but Ambrosia stayed till the be­ginning of the next moneth, and when the time came, he de­parted towards Portugall, with a heauier heart than he came [Page] towards Greece withall, when he had taken his leaue of Me­leagar, he boarded the Fleet, weighed anchors, and away they c [...]t through the déepe, where wéele leaue him and turne to Ti­tana and Theseus.

Whom fortune begins to sport her selfe with in their aduer­sities, for as she had smiled on them a while, and giuen them a full winde fitting to transport them to the hauen of their de­sire: so now shee meant to frowne on them, and giue them a Calme; when as they lay thus becalmed, fortune who loues to sport herselfe in the variable accidents of loue, brought it thus to passe: certaine Gallies that were Robbers vnder the French King, espied this Grecian ship, and thinking to haue some rich prize, made out, and gaue onset, commanding them to yéeld: the Grecians being calme could not make away from them, yet although too weake, Theseus stoutly denied to be boarded, and fought it out to the vtmost: yet in the end they boarded the ship, and bestowed Titana and Theseus vnder the hatches amongst the Sailers, and then rifled the ship of all their rich Iewels: which done, they tooke the Saylers and carried them into their Gallies, and chained them fast, and made Gallislaues of them, when they had so done, they tooke Thesues into one of the Gallies, but the chiefe commanded that they should offer no rigor at all vnto him, for hée saw by his behauiour, that hee was of good birth and parentage which made him the more fauourable vnto him. Theseus de­sired of the generall that he would entertaine, or suffer Titana to come into the Gallie to him, and fare as he fared, they both desired and intreated, but it could not be granted, which cau­sed poore Titanaes eyes all blubbred with teares, and almost dead for feare and griefe, but all would not preuaile: the chiefe generall sent halfe a dozen shake rags with the ship and her to Roane, where they stript her out of her Princely Robes and put her into beggers Ragges, and when they came to the shore, they gaue her thrée duckats, and turned her off there in a strange Country that she neither knew their language, nor had she any friends there: but sith her fortune was so allotted [Page] vnto her, for her owne part shée-tooke it very patiently, but when she called to minde her Theseus she wept bitterly, but sith there was no remedy, she meant to passe and spend her life in Pilgrimage, where weele leaue her trauelling towards Italy, and turne to Theseus.

Whose chiefe solliciter is carefull griefe, for his poore loue Titana, and is forc'd to liue as a rouing Pirate on the Seas: it hapned about sixe monthes after they chanc'd to méete with some Merchants of Ʋenice, on whom these Pirats gaue on­set, these merchants being well prouided, breathed defiance on them, at which these Pirates tooke great disdaine and dis­charged vpon them, the Merchants seeing that, beganne to play vpon them, Peece after Peece, so long that in the end they ouercame them, and tooke two of their Gallies: in which two, Theseus, and Junia were Prisoners, fortune fauour­ing Theseus for Titanaes sake, bare her Target of defence before him, that hee escapt with life, but Junia was slaine: when the Merchants had thus rifled the Gallies, being néere the coast of Bohemia, sent the Gallie-slaues, and others that were prisoners in the Gallies, to the shore side, and set them a land to shift for themselues; then had Theseus but halfe a Ducket to buy him meate and drinke, and his clothes were but simple Ragges God knowes, yet glad he was that hée was so happily landed, but yet poore Titana, the very thought of her strake him halfe dead, he determined neuer to returne vnlesse he met with his loue Titana, but would spend his life in Pilgrimage till death claimed his right: where wée'l leaue him trauelling in Germany, and turne to Meleagar.

Who is in the field with Troupes of Souldiers, wa­ging warre against Aegeus: but his mother enuying him, for killing her two Brothers, Plexipus and Toxie, had sworne on him to be reuenged, yet studied she a long time, and knew not how to be cruell enough in her reuenge, till in the end, shée call'd to mind a brand that the destinies put into the fire, when she lay in child-bed of Meleagar: which brand was of this mercilesse force and power, by the destinies charmes, that [Page] when this brand was in the fire burnt, Meleagar should con­sume & burne to ashes for the destinies spun his fatall thread at his birth day, and did put this brand in the fire, to take him the first day of his birth▪ but Althoea, to preuent it, tooke it forth againe, and layd it vp very charily, till now she meant to make vse of it, as thus.

Meleager being in the field against Aegeus in fierce and cruell battell, and hauing giuen an ouerthrow to Aegeus, there was great reioycing, and Bonfires made thorowout all Cali­don, with ringing Bells, and such like. Thesties Daughter séeing so much laid on the fire for Meleagar, and to shew the loue they bare to the King her Son: shee thought whilst the fire was burning to bestow one slicke on him, to shew the hate she bare to him, although she died for company with him herselfe, she cared not so she might be reuenged on him: af­ter she be thought her selfe, she steps to a chest where she safe­ly had layd this brand, and takes it forth, and with a zeale to mischiefe, stretcht out her fatall arme, and threw it in the fire, which being done, she thus began:

MEleager being absent, and busied about his warlike af­faires, thinkes not of his mothers crueltie, but follow­ing his vrgent occasions with very attentiue care, it hapned not long after as he was walking alone to recreate himselfe, vpon a sudden he felt an extreame paine in his belly, it wart more and more, in so much, that he did plainely perceiue that his bowells burnt with flames of secret fire, but yet denied he to die, but bare it out with a Princely courage, for it grie­ued him to die so cowardly without shedding his bloud: yet death being so predominant, and potent ouer him, he began to yéeld, and with sighing sobs, called on his aged Father, which with age lay bed rid seuen yeeres before, and then with griefe departed; then called he on his brother, and his sisters, and lastly on his mother: by this time his paine increased so ex­treame with the fire, that hee sell therewith againe, and at that selfe same instant quite extinguisht were they both: and as his body burnt to ashes, the glowing coales his spirit from him drew? Then drooped stately Calidon, both young and old did mourne, the Lords and Commons did lament, and married wiues their haire like franticks rent from off their heads, for griefe of king Meleagars death.

The folke of Calidon not so sufficed, gathers the ashes of his consumed body, and entombs them vp, and makes a solemne Funerall; nay, the blackest dismall day that ere was known in Calidon or Achaia, and on his Tombe engraues an Epi­taph to this effect.

HAuing thus done, euery man returnes againe to his abiding place. Aegeus hearing that Melea­gar was dead, prouided a great host of men, and marcheth towards Calidon, and ouer-runs their Camps, and puts their Souldiers to the sword, so that in a short space he gets the chiefe part of Calidon, and still inuades further into the Country, and much blood hath béene spilt, and a great deale more is like to be, but the winter being come, they haue left the field, and lie now in Garison till the next spring, where weel leaue them and turne to Titana.

Who now hath spent full some yeeres in Pilgrimage, from Country to Country in very poore manner, and now it was her fortune to come into Germany, and as she was trauelling vp into the Country, she chanc'd to come to Fuesen, where be­ing late the purpos'd to lye there all that night, yet knowing not how to get a lodging, for she had no mony, sate down and wept bitterly: as she thus sate washing her tender chéekes with salt bring teares, the high Constable of Fuesen was passing by and saw a young Maide sit lamenting, and wrin­ging her hanes in such grieuous manner, pittied her, and de­manded of her what she was, and whence; shee answered shee was a Gentlemans daughter of Athens: he demanded what shee made so farre from home then, and how she came there? the which she answered, that there was a young Gen­tleman of the same City that was in loue with her▪ and shée with him, but their parents would not giue consent, where­upon we determined to transport our selues into Spaine, where we both haue friends, and there to enioy the fruition of [Page] our loues: as we were passing from Greece to Spaine, we met with pirats that rifled and robbed vs of all we had, set me on land in France, and carried my loue away, I know not whi­ther: and these, all these griefes am I possest withall. The high Constable pittied her very much, asked her if she could write & reade, she answered I, he demanded if she could sow: me sayd I: quoth the high Constable, wilt thou be content to dwel with me, & teach my children for a yeare or two or long­er as thou shalt thinke good? Titana being weary of trauell­ing, and was ashamed to goe beg, thought she could not doe better than to serue him, till she had gotten money & clothes to her backe, answered him she was very well consent, if it pleased him to accept of her seruice; the which be answered very willingly with all his heart, so he caused her to follow him home, where he instantly strips her out of rags, and put her on good apparell, which done, she settles herselfe very close­ly to her néedle, and teacheth his children, that in short time, she grew famous for her womanship, ciuill, modest & Gentle­woman like behauiour, in so much that she might haue had di­uers wealthy and rich marriages, onely vpon the good report that was spread abroad of her, but still she refused all▪ & would accept of none, yet all this time she neuer made it knowne, that she was a Kings daughter, but kept it close, neuer mean­ing to reueale it, but still following her busines with carefull diligence, where weele leaue her, and turne to Theseus.

Who being in very poore estate, is entertained by the Lands-grave of Heffen: and seruing him for the space of three yéeres, greatly grew in credit with him, in so much that he would doe nothing without the aduice of his man Peregrino, (for so he fained his name to be) the Lands-grave taking such on extraordinary liking vnto him, (as truly to say the truth, he deserued the loue of all:) neuer had any Iusts & Turnies but his Peregrino should be one, I, and still did put them to the foile, whatsoeuer they were that waged against him, insomuch that in few yéeres he began to be admired of all; not onely for his rare seats at armes, but also for his Gentleman like ac­complishments, [Page] ciuill, and modest behauiour: that in the end, the Lands-grave began to misdoubt that he came of some noble descent, and by some discontent parted with his Country and went as a Pilgrime to séeke his fortune: well, it hapned not long after, he tooke an occasion to walke after supper, in a gar­den that stand on the backe side of his Pallace, with a mean­ing to demand of his man, what Countri man he was, and of what Parentage; calls for his Peregrino, and charged him to tell him the truth of a question he meant to askt him. Peregrino maruelling at this sudden charge, answered thus: My dread Soueraigne, as néere as I can I will certifie you with the truth (quoth the Grave) but this then, tell of what Parentage thou cōmest on, and what was the occasion of thy comming into this Country? for thou toldest me thou wast a Grecian borne: (quoth Peregrino) my Soueraigne Lord truely so I am, and my father was a poore Gentleman, and the occasion that I came hither was this: there was a gentle­woman dwelling in Athens whom I dearely loued, and so did she me, I being a younger Brother, and had but small meanes to maintaine her, her friends being rich, would not giue consent at all; we hauing but little hope to enioy the fru­ition of our loues in Greece, prouided a little Barke to tran­sport our selues into Spaine, which being done, as we were passing the Ocean, there came certaine Pirates that were running on the Sea, and tooke vs, and robbed vs of all that we had; this done, they sent my loue away towards the coast of France, and clapt me into a Galley, where I was forc'd to mannage an Oare, till I was releas [...]d by a Venetian Mer­chant, who landed me on the coast of Bohemia, and I purposing to spend my life in pilgrimage, w [...]ndring vp and down, it was my fortune to come hither, where I fortunately hapned into your seruice; he thus ending his spéech wept very bitterly: the Lands-grave being very sorry to sée him wéepe and lament so bitterly demanded the occasion of his passions, who answered the losse of my loue. Quoth the Lands-grave, come leaue off this womanish wéeping, & remaine with me, & thou shalt neuer [Page] want for any thing so long as I am able to giue thee: well after these and such like words, they departed to their rest.

At that instant, there was attendant in the house of Alphon­sus the Lands-grave, a young Gentlewoman whose name was Impio, this Gentlewoman came of very good Paren­tage, the wishtly viewing, noting the excellency of Peregri­noes face, presently fell in loue with him; but hauing but small acquaintance, could not tell how to vnfold her minde vnto him, but thus she past the time for the space of halfe a yéere, and could find no time nor place fitting for to disclose her loue: till at last she watcht him when he went to walke in the Garden alone, and lightly skips after him, he espying her comming after him, returnes againe and met her, giuing her the time of the day, and she the like to him againe, so that in the end there past and repast many questions betweene them: in so much that at last my young Gentlewoman mistris Im­pio, grew so impudent with loue, that shee could bridle her passionate affection no longer but desired him to sit downe on a gréene banke that was by them, for she told him that she had good newes to tell him: he being no lesse then willing to heare good newes, according to her desire he sate downe, where suddenly she sate downe by him, where she declares the whole volume of her mind vnto him. Peregrino hearing her so passi­onate in her tearmes, wondred much at these sudden acci­dents or what should be the occasion that should prouoke her to such inordinate feakes, which in his conceit ouerflowed the bounds of modesty, yet would hee not seeme to reiect her for her folly, but mildly perswaded her to be content and paci­fie her selfe with patience, for he was already prouided, yet did he humbly thanke her for her good will, but grant her marri­age he could not: yet she would not be so answered, but began to prosecute it a fresh againe, and like Venus, when she wooed Adonis, stroue with him for a kisse, in so much that he asha­med of her folly, flung away from her; Impio séeing him gone, meant not to let him goe so, but on the next morning, she goes to his chamber, and in the like manner begins againe. Pere­grino [Page] séeing her, and hearing her in her old tune, would not stay, but flings from her in an angry fume; yet she would not giue him ouer nor let him rest, but still would be troubling and molesting him, in so much that in the end, he told her of her immodesty very sharply, and told her, that if she came any more troubling him with the like matter againe, he would de­clare her name to his Lord Alphonsus. Impio hearing this ha­stie checke and rebuke of Peregrino whom she loued so deare­ly, turned now her loue to hate, and as in former time she had sought meanes to get his loue, so now ten times more busie she was, to séeke meanes to destroy his life: Pirigrino whom fortune had turn'd on her whéele so oft with frowns & smiles, meant once more, to cast him into aduerse perplexities, and for the better conuoyance of it, she brought it thus to passe.

At that instant there lay in Fueson one of the Emperors of Germany, who had to his Daughter a very faire and proper young gentle woman: this Virgin being known to the Duke of Brunswicke, and he hauing but one only Sonne thought it a good match for him: being resolued in this opinion, very spée­dily sends Embassadors to this Emperour, to entreat a mar­riage betwéene his Son & his Daughter; to which the Em­peror being very willing, told them, with all his heart, and had them pray him to come and accomplish it assoone as he could, for his busines would be so vrgent with him shortly, that he should hardly attiend their comming else: they receiued their unswere, and hasted barke to tha Duke their Master, where they made report of their Embassage: when the Duke heard each ioyfull tidings, with all expedition he caused preparation for the Nuptiall, which being all finisht, and all things ready, they tooke their iourney to the Emperors Court, being then in Fueson. The Emperour hearing they were comming [...], inui­ted diuers of the chiefe of Germany to the Nuptiall: whereof Alphonsus, the Lands-grave of Hessen amongst the rest was one: well, within few dayes after the Duke of Brunswicke arriued at the Emperours Court in Fueson, this Nuptiall day being past, and their royalty ended, euery man taking hir [Page] leaue of the Emperor departed, onely the Duke of Brunswick, the Lands-grave of Hessen, and their followers.

It hapned in a short time after, Peregrino being chiefe at­tendant on Alphonsus; and Impio on his faire Lady: fortune began to turne her whéele, and raise an aduerse fate on poore submissiue Peregrino in this manner this wicked lust sulphe­ring Impio, whose heart was fraught with burning hate, had long studied how she might bring him to disgrace, or take his life from him, because hee did reiect her for her folly: in so much that in the end, she agréed thus; for to inuite him to her chamber to Dinner, where if she could obtaine loue at his hands, it was as much as she desired, otherwise she meant to cry out, and say he would rauish her, and so by that meanes be reuenged on him: she being profoundly grounded on this hellish pretence, thought it long ere she were acting it: yet she considered this, that if she should doe so hauing no witnesse of it, it was but her I and his no: and she saw that he was so in fauour, that he should be beléeued before her, therefore to bring her matter the better to passe, she hires a young man. and giues him fifty crownes to come and sweare against him: when she was thus prouided of a witnes, she inuites Peregri­no to come the next day to dinner: He thinking no hurt, nor imagining the mischiefe she pretended to him, very courte­ously thanked her, and sayd hee would make bold to trouble her: with this answer the returned, and called this yongman to her, and told him where he should stand to heare her, when she called him; and what he should say: well, this being done, on the next day according to his promise, Peregrino came to dinner, where they sate all alone, and were very merry all the dinner time: when they had sufficiently allayed the hunger of their stomacks, she tooke away the table her selfe, and had none to attend her at all, which made Peregrino muse much thereat, when she had thus taken away, & set things in order she came to Peregrino, and began her wonted tune againe and againe, but still he denied her; yet would she take it for no answer, but still importuned him for loue, in so much that he began to be [Page] very angry with her, and beganne to goe forth of her chamber: the séeing no hope to obtaine loue of him, she sware she would haue his life: she steps to him againe, and thus besets him. Thou faire faced Peregrino, canst thou deny a Wench that comes of gentle bloud, no vassall nor runnagate, but bred & borne in gen­tility? therefore reade the margent of my browes, and thou shalt sée that thy birth is not equiualent with mine; thou know­est how my Lord and Master entertained thee the other day, as a Pilgrime that meant to spend his life in Pilgrimage, and wilt y^u reiect, mee that am a Gentlewoman of good account? no no, Pirigrino; remember thy selfe what thou wert when thou camst hither; and yéeld Impio loue. Pirigrino hearing her so insatiable in this vaine attempt, began to wrest away from her, whereupon she cried out, helpe, helpe, he will rauish me: with that steps in the yong man that she had appointed to beare false witnesse against him, and cries out for helpe too; and suddenly came running in diuers of the Court, and layd hands on him, and news was carried to the Lands-grave, and the Emperour, of Pirigrino's fact: Alphonsus very sorry to heare this tidings, yet would not séeke to excuse him, but suffered him to goe to pri­son, where he lay for the space of six daies, the seuenth, according to the order of their law, he was had in examination; and for the loue Alphonsus bare him, he would heare the triall of the mat­ter himselfe, that he should haue no wrong: but when he heard how euidently the matter was proued against him, by this rong fellowes meanes, that came in, and sware directly against him, it was a fact y^t was so hainous, & not to be forgiuen, their lawes were so strict against it, when he had thus consider'd with him­selfe, the greatnes of the offence, & the seuerenesse of their Law, he held his tongue and suffered the Law to passe on him, which ouerthrew him, & the sentence of death was pronounc'd against him, that the next market day, there should be in the midst of the market place, a stake erected; to which stake, he must be bound fast with Iron chaines, and so done, fire kindled about him, and so burne to death: the law hauing thus past on him, and the sen­tence of death pronounc'd against him, they carried him back to [Page] the prison, vntill the next market day: in the meane while they made ready the stake, and set it in the midst of the market, and when the day came, according to their order, they brought him to the place of execution, where was gathered together two or thrée hundred to sée him executed; he was so beloued that there was many a wéeping eie for him, and cried out to the Sheriffes, saying, it was a great pitty so braue a man should die for so small an offence: yet they could not doe withall, but caused him to be tied to the stake; which done, they layed straw & faggots about him, and were kindling the fire about him; yet did he smile and laugh on the people, and prayed them to pray for him, the which they did all very heartily he prouided himselfe to die: euen as the fire was kindling, there came riding by a Knight of Athens by chance, as he was trauelling into France, espying a multitude of people, gathered together, turnes his horse-head, and rides to the place to sée the occasion: when he came néere to the place, and séeing a man bound fast to the stake, he began to looke very earnestly on him, in so much that in the end, hee be­ganne to perswade himselfe that it was Theseus: thrusts in a­mongst the people & thus spake (Prince Theseus) Theseus sud­denly look'd vp, maruelling who it was that knew his name so perfectly, looking on this knight called him to mind, and answered, Horatio. Quoth the Knight Horatio, for so was his name: my Noble Liege, what make you here thus bound with chaines so neere your death? Quoth Theseus I haue béen falsely accused, and now condemned to die. Horatio intreated the Sheriffes to hold backe the fire a little, whilest he went to the Emperor, to certifie him what he was, for he is a kings son, and falsely accused. The Sheriffes, although they were to haue done the execution by an houre, yet for that loue they bore to him▪ they pul'd backe the fire: Horatio gallopt to the Emperour, and told him in few words that hee knew not what, to put a Kings Son to death vpon a false accusation; with such & such like words, he roughly bespake the Emperor, without all feare or reuerence: in so much that the Emperour sent some of his chiefe attendants with his priuy Signet to fetch him againe, to [Page] heare the matter more plainely proued: the whilst they went to fetch him, Horatio declared what he was, & the occasion of his departure from his owne Countrey. Quoth Alphonsus, he told me that was the occasion of his departure, but hee told me be was a Gentleman and a yonger brother: by this time, the Em­perors men came to the place of execution, where they declared his will, and shewed the Sheriffes the Emperors signet: when they saw the Signet they knew it was the Emperors will hée should be brought, thē they caused him to be vntied which when the people heard, there was such casting vp of hats, hooting and reioycing, as though heauen & earth would haue gon together: when he came to the court he was examined againe of this mat­ter, the which he vtterly denied, wherupon the fellow was cal­led againe, that came in against him, and demanded if this man were guilty or no; he answered, I. The Emperour would not beléeue him so, but would make a farther triall of it, sends pre­sently for a racke, to racke him, till he told the truth: assoone as the racke came, the very feare & sight of the racke, made him fall on his knées, & confesse all: telling how Impio did hire him to doe it, I gaue him fifty Crownes. The Emperor and the Lands-grave hearing this, sends for Impio, who hearing her knauery was com out, gets her into her chāber, where she suddenly stran­gles her selfe with a Towell: she being found there dead in this manner, they were all very sorry, and desired Theseus to pardon their hasty & rash iudgement, the which he fréely pardoned: this being past, the Emperor & the Landsgrave intended to accōpany Theseus into Greece: & command a Fléet of ships to be prepared for this voyage: this news being bruted about, Perigrino was a Kings Son & of Greece: so that in the end it came too Ti­tana's eare, who was halfe perswaded it was her Theseus: well she could not be quiet in min [...] till she saw him: the next day she made an excuse to go forth & goe to the Emperors court, & as she was entring y^e court gates she met her Theseus, yet not know­ing him directly, but stood stil & look'd on him, & he did the like on her, til at last Theseus said, Titana: when she heard him say so, she st [...]t to him, and with ioy she wept, and the like did he, like two Turtle Doues they sweetly bild each other, when they had thus [Page] don, they made it knowne to the Emperor & Alphonsus, that she was K. Meleagars daughter, & she was she, y^t the pirats took from him: this news bred more admiration, and more in Fuesen: this being past, the ships ready & all things prouided; the Emperor clothes them in very rich array, & causeth them to board the Na­uy, there did accompany them the Emperor, the Duke of Brans­wicke, the Lands-grave of Hessen; and diuers other knights, and Gentlemen of good account and reckoning, which being a full wind suddenly arriued in Athens. K. Aegeus séeing such a Fléet of goodly ships cōming began to misdoubt the worst, & sent out a Pinnace to sée what they wore, and to what intent they came: which returned him this answer: & shall please your Highnes, there is the Emperour of Germany, the Duke of Brunswicke, the Lands-grave of Hessen, & your yong Prince Theseus. Aegeus hea­ring that, ne're stai [...]d to call any to attend him, neither to put on his cloake, but [...] t [...] méet them without hat or cloak. His Son Theseus cōming for most in the troop, when he saw his Father, fell downe on his knées: the aged king stooped & tooke him vp in his armes and wept bitterly for ioy, hauing so done, he salutes Titana, & the rest in the courteousest maner he could deuise. The Citizens hearing of their cōming againe, to shew their ioy, made Bonfires, & showes, with Bells ringing throughout all the Ci­ty: the Court [...]s & knights appointed Iusts and Turnies, to signifie their [...], gratifying the Kings fortunate hap. Aegeus hearing of his Sonne Theseus aduerse haps since he de­parted from him, thought now to accōplish his ioy, caused pre­paration for the Nuptiall, which being done▪ and twenty dayes fully expired in solemne feasting: the Emperor, the Duke, & the Lands-grave with their followers, took their leaue and departed. Aegeus sent for his men that were in the field against the Achai­ans, & Calidons, proclaimed a finall peace, and crowned Theseus king of those thrée kingdomes, hauing this done, and finish'd all things as he could wish, he gaue his Son charge of the well go­uerning his estate, to kéepe the hearts of his cōmons; after these and such liue, words he died, euen with ouer ioying himselfe at Theseus return: his father being dead, he caused his funeral to be made, which done his father intombed, & his solemne obsequies being past, Titana & Theseus ended their vales in quiet rest,