WHat time Manpelious raigned king in Numedia, as their ancient annuals record, Thelarchus likewise swayed the Diademe in Thrace, a Prince so highlie renowmed for all honourable actions, as few such in his time liued. This Thelarchus, in the blooming of his Princelie yeares, desirous to leaue issue to his Noble house, ioyned in marriage with Alinda, daughter and sole heire to Constantius, Emperour of Ger­manie, by whome in short time after their Nuptials, he had issue one daughter, who was named Nutania, (This prin­cesse) as in comelinesse of person shee exceeded, so for her beautie, wisdome and other good graces, there liued none her equall: the reporte of whose excellence, as Fame ad­uanceth with her loudest trump the honorable (especially) such péerelesse creatures, as this Princesse (yea) so highlie stood-shee graced in the Gods fauour, that none but Nu­tanias beautie was remembred in most Princes Courts, both Christian and heathen.

The renowme of whose peerelesse beautie, so often bla­zed, came to the hearing of Dionicus, son and heir apparant of the Numidian King, who vpon the surpassing praises by [Page] euery one giuen of this Lady, begun more and more vp­on hearing such seuerall reportes, to conceiue an inwarde ioy of her, diligently hearkening to each stranger which should recount her vertues, and honour by vertue gayned. Long had not this humour followed the louely Prince Dionicus, but loue the soueraign guide of mens thoughts, had so enthralled him, that all his delight was in contem­plating of this Princesse beautie, yea so was he ouertaken in loues snare, that nothing was pleasing vnto him, but the swéete remembrance of Nutania: so much was his de­light in her▪ that oftentimes, in the midst of his pastimes, calling the Princesse to minde, he would as one past him­selfe, altogether ouercome with melancholy, abandon the cōpany of his most familiars, séeking frō their pleasing pa­stimes some solitary place, where he might vnheard or séen recount w^t large amplificatiōs the Princesse beauty, whose seruant in mind he was wholly vowed. Thus dallied Dio­nicus so long with beauties flame, that ouertaken with the vehemency therof, he fell into an extreame feuer, which in such strange maner assayled him, as the learnedst Physiti­ons could not find any reason of the disease, much lesse pro­cure his health, who lāquished in loue, not daring to disclose his grief to any, or acquaint his trustiest cōpanion with his loue. This sudden alteration of the Prince, in whose wel­fare the comfort not onlie of his companions in Court, but generally of the commons consisted, mooued them al to such excéeding griefe, that in short time their louely countenan­ces were so much altered, that neither pleasing looke, nor chearfull word, was to be obtained from them.

The King, whose aged life depended on the happinesse of his son, as fathers how base soeuer, delight in vertuous offsprings, much more the Noble, whose honors are to bee mainteined by their progeny: the aged king, whose grea­test felicity was in the prince, was with such infinit griefs oppressed, that in short time his body was so weakened, that rather he desired to accompany the dead, then liue in such [Page] discontent, the mother Quéene, with ouer much care and watching néere pined, and few which felt not some part of the Princes griefe, such was their faithful loues vnto him whereof the father gloried not a little, and the mother (if women may be proud) was not a litle spiced with y^• disease. But neither the heauines of the father, the extreame griefe of the mother, the daylie lamenting of the Courtiers, nor the complaints of the Commons might any way auail the Prince, who smothering his own sorrowe, could not by al art (Physicke allowed for mens reliefe) be any way comfor­ted. The ouer grieued burthen of whose miseries the Quéene with his kinglie father séeking to ease, and coulde not as he desired accomplish, such extremity likewise assai­led them, that the learnedst coulde not iudge the diffe­rence betwéene them, (so that by their ill) suppose the sub­iectes griefe, which reuerently honoured them, and could willinglie haue offered their owne liues for their reliefe and ease.

But in vaine striue they, that séeke helpe for him whome none but the beautifull Nutania could release, who was the Load-starre of his life: and the loue of her, the speciall Physicke which muste restore him, or dye hee would past all recouery, but by Nutania, that Paragone of fame, Dianaes glorie, Natures onely darling, and de­light.

Weake and féeble, past recure of Physicke, became the King and Quéen, voyd of hope euer to see their Prince­ly sonnes recouerye: wherefore, forgetting all worldly pleasure and Princely delightes, such as become Princes ofso high estéeme, quyte abolishing all the vanities of the worlde, they minde wholly the euerlasting comfort, and ioye in nothing, but his death, that from death, by his blood redéemed them.

In this extremity, when all hopes wer past help of men, behold the mercy of him that preserueth and destroyeth at his pleasure, who mooued no doubt, at the intercession of [Page] some their vertuous subiectes, or taking pittie of their di­stresse, as wee read in holie writ, testimony of our soules comfort, how Abraham beloued of God, mooued his diuine Deitie for those Cities for sinne by his iust iudgment con­sumed, if fiue godlie people▪ had bene founde within their walles, they had bene preserued: so either for the vertues of the King, or the intercession of those sorrowing subiects, the giuer of all comfort sent them comforte, as you shall heare.

The Numedian King, whose prime of youth was spent in manie honourable actions, holding in great regard the loue of his neighbour Princes, liued in such tranquility, that he was honoured of all that heard of his gouernment. The report of whose long sicknesse and weake estate, mo­ued the Kings of diuers regions, by their embassage, to comfort them, and to bee aduertized of the trueth of their estates. Amongst which those honorable Princes that held his health in such regard, Thelarchus King of Thrace dispatched his Ambassadour. Who for the more honour of their King, was accompanied with diuers Gentlemen, both of honour and great worship.

These Ambassadors ariuing at the Court of Numedia, their cause of comming vnknowne, many matters were of the commons supposed (who will entermeddle with Prin­ces affairs) so that amongst them diuers things were ima­gined, and sundrie dangers suspected, but no assurance of anie, vntill their day of hearing, which the king appoin­ted to be as sodaine as they could require.

Against which time royall preparation was made, with all the pompe could be deuised, where for feasting there wanted no daintie, how rare soeuer, nor diuersitie of Vy­andes to please the appetite, with many pleasing showes, and pastimes, the better to giue them occasion of welcome: all which, notwithstanding the Kings weaknesse, was so exquisitlie performed, that it was admirable.

The day of hearing come (as time stayeth not) Manpe­lious [Page] hauing summoned his councell and chiefest Nobilitie, against that time to attende his pleasure: these seuerall Ambassadors were brought to his presence, where with more shewe of hartie welcome, then his weak bodie could deliuer, hee gaue them such honourable entertainment, as beséemed the messengers of such Princes, and highly con­tented them, whose curtesie the strangers Nobles applau­ded, and gréeued the more at his extremity, by how much the more they saw his debilitie.

After some talke passed betwéen the King and these No­bles, and that hee had enquired with all kindnesse of the health of their Princes, and welfare of their countries, and receiued their Letters with diuers Princelie presentes, they were dismissed, but yet not suffered to depart, without gracious thanks to their kinges, and kind shew of good ac­ceptance of their paines, leauing them to their repose, with great charge to his Nobles and those in authoritie, to sée their entertainment such, as if their soueraigne Lordes were present: which charge was not forgotten of those which prized their Princes honours as dear as their liues, but with such pompe and coste accomplished each seuerall commaunde of his Highnesse: as the Strangers might wel admire to beholde it. Their diets so diuerse and so aboun­dant, as they had neuer séene the like, furnished with so much sundrie musicke, and so cunningy vsed, as might well delight the Goddes. To acquaint you with other pa­stimes, for recreation, as Playes, Maskes, Tilting, Tur­neying, Barriours, and other Courtly pastimes, besides, their hunting of Tygers, wilde Bores, and Lyons, which mooued suche delight, as other sportes pleasure vnto them. Thus in vsing dayly those pleasures, when the Nobles had spent some time in the Court, euerie one con­tent with his royall entertainment, hearing amongst the Nobles of the countrie such generall honour of the Prince Dionicus, whome they had not yet seene, an especiall desire mooued them to visite the Prince, bewayling greatly that mooued [Page] such aduerse chances, should nip so braue and honorable a Prince, in the blooming time of his princely yeares.

The Prince Dionicus, albeit the imbecility of his body denied those nobles his presēce at their pastimes, in which seueral sport he much delighted, yet that they might not de­part of him vnséen, he commanded a sumptuous banquet in his lodging to be ordained: [...]o which he inuited the strāger Nobles & their companies: who wishing to sée the Prince, were as glad to accompany him, as hee desirous of their companie, and graciously with many humble thankes, ac­cepted the Princes good wil. The youthfull Nobles atten­dant on the Prince, carefull to sée each thing ordered, for the honour of his Maiestie, wanted nothing that might bée desired, only exspected the comming of their guestes, who not vnmindful of their promise, as dinner time drew nigh, prepared themselues towards the Prince, vnto whome by his Nobility in most gorgious maner, they were conduc­ted: no sooner entred they his presence, but Dionicus, whose curtesie was such as gained the loue of his subiects, and all strangers that had séen his demeanor, yet at this time had better knowledge how to entertaine them, then abilitie to performe what he would, stretching himselfe in his bed, as his weake limbes would suffer him, hee gaue them such harty welcoms, as highly contented them, & beséemed their estates. These Nobles when they had made their eies wit­nesses, of what report had so often bruted, rather accused re­port of great wrong, in not giuing him such due as hée de­serued, then of ouer much praise: for that the fame bruted of him, was not to be valued with his woorthinesse. The time of dinner passed they, with many glaunces on the Prince, noting his curtesie, but euer lamenting his griefe, & wishing his health, framing them selues to pleasant dis­courses, to put him from those melancholie thoughtes, wherewith hée was ouer much burthened. Thus with much diuersitie of table talke, consumed the time, the gra­uer sort, of matters for benefite of the state: the gréener [Page] heades whose yeares required no other cares of their plea­sing pastimes and pleasure, the managing their horses, commending the statelinesse of their bodies, their sinenesse in careyring their brauerie in their Coruet, and excellent swiftnesse in their gallop, their readines in hand, and their courage in the face of the enemie: not omitting the gallant cryes of their hounds, nor forgetting, by which and which, such a bucke was slaine, and such a Stag puld down, passing not, without high commending the soring of their hawkes, nor forgetting their statelinesse in flight, with their fearce seazing on their game. And then for variety, as occasion is ministred, Carowse a health to their Mistresse and Loues, in their country.

The Prince as louely as the best, & in his health as wel able to performe whatsoeuer, had his greatest comfort in listening to the talke of Cariolus and Octauius, two noble men of Thrace, which accompanied of pleasure Atlautus, the chiefe in commission for their king. Dionicus earnestlie noting these two Nobles of Thrace, as most delighted with their persons and pleasant parlie, heard Cariolus carowse a health to the Princesse Nutania: whose name the distressed Prince no sooner heard vttered, but the remembrance of that swéet obiect, his liues sole health, and mistresse of his fancies, so reuiued his dying spirits, that suddenly the behol­ders might wel perceiue his wan cullour, which argued a troubled shirit, to vanish, and those vermilion died roses, the woonted badges, & ornaments of his swéet face, challenge their former intrest, and for a time possesse them, restoring vnto Nature her due, making his louelie countenance as chearfull to the beholders, as the glorious Sun to the cap­tiued, whose liberty being depriued, haue long bin debarred of al worldly delights, & seldom receiued comfort from that heauenlie essence. This chearful alteration in the Prince was noted of diuers, whose eares, albeit busied in listening to the discourses of these strangers; yet the eies of his own attendants, with dutiful care, gaue héede vnto the Prince.

[Page]Amongst those vnto whose gouernmēt the care of y^e prin­ces health was committed, Barnardine, a man for his arte famous, and learned in his profession (which was physick) who somtime was tutor vnto him, noting this sudden chāge in the Prince, supposing verily by his countenance, that some of their speeches did mooue him to content, comming suddenly to him, and grasping his arme, felt his pulses beat so fiercely, as in long time they had not done the like; which made him more consideratly search, to find the cause of this motion, enquire it he durst not, doubting to mooue him to melancholie, hauing so often bene denyed, but resting by him a while, continuing with his arme grasped, hee felt the pulse more and more to worke, which gaue him the more cause, to finde if hee might, the originall from whence it came, and noting diligentlie vnto which of the companie he most inclined his eyes, hee might perceiue Cariolus and his Octauius earnestlie bufied in their former talke, which was, I dare say, neither of religion, nor of gouernment of the State, yet was it such as Barnardine perceiued, hightie contented the Prince, and desired it might long continue, so it were for his Lords good. Manie pretie questions pas­sed betweene them, and much varietie, in whose prattle many a faire Ladie was commended by one, and for argu­ment as highly of the other discommended, in which hu­mour were diuers of the Nobilitie of the countrie, and La­dies of woorth by name questioned of, and many a youthfull pra [...]ke by themselues committed, yet all in friendship, and kindly taken, though harsh frumpes passed somtimes be­tweene them, which mooued them to much myrth. But when in earnest Octauius forgetting himself, falling from one matter to another, and that there should be a iudgment giuen, who for beautie was the onlie paragon, Octauius for affection commended Brionella, daughter and sole heire of Constantine, king of Boheme, in whose fathers court, he had long bene trayned vp, giuing the prize from their owne country Ladies: Whereat Cariolus, as if hee had bene the [Page] sworne Champion of their Land, mooued at his rash cen­sure, forgetting the reuerence of the place, tolde him flatly his iudgement was false, and that he would auow: offering his gloue in combate, to maintaine that the Princesse Nu­tania, and none but she, deserued y^e name of beautiful: whose wisedome, and other good graces, in any one, was not to be found in the circuit of the earth: and therefore Octauius, (quoth he,) thou hast done ouer much wrong, to derogate the honour due to Thracian Dames, especially our péerlesse Nutania, whose face it beauteous Helena liued, for whome so many thousands lost their liues, shée might well resigne that title of the onely faire, to her, and none but shee: whose like liueth not.

Octauius, who was wise and well demeaned, perceiuing this parlie begun in iest, likely to end in quarrell, noting likewise, how the rest of the company ceased their serious talk, to attend them, with a smiling countenance, as one not possest with choller, brake off his talke thus.

Why (my Lord) shall matter of so small moment cause friends to iarre? What is beauty, whereof we haue so long disputed, and so highly of vs regarded? nothing but a fading pleasure, an ornament of the face which maketh the heart proud, and draweth the mind from euery good motion, to manie odious offences, whereby the honorable in commit­ting dishonourable actions, are so blemished, that they be­come a common by-word to the veriest drudge that Nature hath framed. Helena was faire, and accounted the onely of her time, yet who so much scorned? Cressida beautiful, yet who more false? If beautie be attended on with such shame as these two famous women gained, why should wee care who is beautifull? My swéet Cariolus mistake me not, if I haue passed my iudgement rashly, for neither care I whose fame in that case is estéemed or defamed, but passe them by as things of no regard; onely for argument I haue spoken more then either I regard or account of: therefore let not this be any breach of our friendship, for I protest, if thou [Page] shouldst say, the white Swanne were as blacke as the ra­uen, the Ocean drie, and shippes floting on the maine, I would affirme it, rather than our friendship should bee for such a matter discontinued.

Well Octauius (quoth Cariolus) I finde your kindnesse great, & wil thank you for it, but trust mee, this gloze may not serue your turn, for as you haue spoken heresie against Beauty, and maintained a strāger before your home-born Ladies, you shal either recant your Iudgment, before our soueraigne Princesie Nutania, or receiue such penance, by your quest assigned, which I promise thée shall be all hono­rable Ladies. Oh my Lord (answered Octauius) I hope I shal find your H. more kinde, then for so small an offence to deliuer your friend prisoner at the bar, where the parties shal be Iudges, & my Iurie such, as all lawes allowe me to appeal from, if you should, & my fault such, as if my life were in their trial depending, I might wel make my testament, & dispose of what I possesse, hartily desiring God to receiue my soul, for sure I am, my body shuld not long inioy breath; for no greater corrasiue can be offered that Ser, then to at­tribute the honor of such a prize to any one particular, they all standing on tearmes of beauty, as the Crowe which thinks her owne birds fairest: so women how ill-faced and wrinkled soeuer they be, may not endure to hear any com­mended, if happily they shuld hear it spoken by such as they dare not in speech displease, yet wil their countenance shew their hearts discontent, by scrowling of y^e browes, hanging the lip, or setting a swéet face, as sugred as the galle, or by some such outward action or other, shal you find where that nipt her, for which offence looked she neuer so highly, with Bell, Booke and Candle, you shall bée curssed, and neuer more come in Paternoster, how déepe soeuer you haue bene in her Creed.

Hold, hold, Octauius, quoth Cariolus, too much of one thing is good for nothing: Thou hast plaid the excellent Orator. Who had thought your Lordships experience had bin such, [Page] for thereon I know you ground all your authority: Author I am sure in schooles you neuer read any, which haue so highlie abused that sacred Sex, sacred I may wel cal them my Octauius, who are not honoured of mortall creatures, but of the goddes, and therfore in the higher account, and the more in regarde, the greater thy offence, and the more grieuous thy punishment.

To this pleasant discourse the whole assembly gaue ear, and were greatly therwith delighted, yet to put them from it, and to end as pleasantly, Atlantus said:

My Lord Cariolus; what, is your honor become Beauties Champion? Farre was it from my thought, that euer you woulde with such earnestnesse haue defended our faire La­dies, but since I sée you are so great an Aduocate, I will cause you to haue thanks for it at our return, other reward I dare promise none. And you my Lord Octauius, that so clarkly haue depraued them, would I might be your schol­ler, whose experience is so great, Tully, Ouid, or Marcus Aurelius, that wrote most in their disgrace, neuer writ so largelie, I must néeds say, as my Lord Cariolus, our ladies are litle beholding vnto you, for the daunger committed in the same, the least is heresie, and how heresie is to be puni­shed your honor knoweth: yet my Lord, as I would gladly become a peacemaker, and that friendes may not grow at ods, whereby any daunger might happen to your person, albeit the offence be not pardonable, yet the fault made in a forrain countrey ought there to haue his triall. If it shall stand with your good liking, no ladies present to heare your hard censure, your fauor may be the more: & since I haue by patiēce of this honorable cōpany, intruded my self to speak in our ladies cause, not being a feed Counceller for them, I wil entreat these noble Gentlemen to giue me leaue, & let me censure of y^• same, so it stand with your L. good pleasure.

Now truly quoth Octauius, I find your L. kind, and more kind then I can either desire or deserue, when I shall néed your fauour in matter of more importe, I will make bold: [Page] til when, I put you down with Cariolus for one of my smal friends, for this matter I shal néed small friendship, vnlesse to bring your cause to better effect, you doe as manie craf­ty people now a dayes vse, to make small conscience, in sel­ling mens soules to the deuill for mony, to sweare what he shall commaund them, how false soeuer, to the impoueri­shing of many, whose good hospitality, and other good neigh­bourhood, was more then euer such base villaines coulde reach vnto, if such a companiō you mate me with, or search out some subtil lawyer that can by his querkes and quidi­ties in lawe, make a bad matter good, and annointing the Iudge with vnguentum aurum, cause him to incline to the same, my cake is dough, if by such subornation, forswearing and false iudgement, my speach be wrested to your aduan­tage.

Cease my Octauius, this dread, heauens forfend, for this offence thy punishment should bée as thou deseruest, much lesse that anie sinister meanes should be vsed to bring thée to open penance, yet good Octauius let me entreat thée, as in this assemblie thou hast vniustly giuen the prize of beauty to Brionella, and therein hast wronged highly the onely of the world, by thy partiall iudgement, in derogating from her the title of most excellent, which is most honourable, & no more than her worth requireth: confesse but thy fault and errour in the same, and an end, if thou louest thy owne good, refuse not this offer, least worse befall thée then Acte­on, or to Paris for his rash iudgment. Thou hast learned vs in thine owne Exordium, that women are inspired with mindes of reuenge. Be therefore by thy friendes entreated before the punishment come vpon thée, so maist thou kéepe thée from much sorrowe, for if no greater mischiefe fal vpon thée, thou shalt be sure of more curses, then thy weake car­case can beare: for my Octauius, in friendship I say this, and warne thée as one that loueth thée, knowing their inclina­tions, which as thy selfe confesseth, is bent to reuenge: if so, as many as shall heare of this blasphemie, if they do thée no [Page] other ill, their cursing thou shalt be sure of, and womens curses, are as bad as the curse of holy saint Gillian: which is said to be ten times worse then the diuels.

Treason, treason, my Lords, quoth Octauius, if I haue spoken heresie, this questionlesse is no better then treason, and the comparison so odious as may not be endured, (the diuell and a woman ioyned in one) as fit a match as may be made. Well my Lord, since in my errour I haue found you kinde in fauouring my fault, let vs do as all bribing Offi­cers vse, beare with me, and ile hold with thée: so by con­sealing my fault, the lesse dangers shall happen vnto you; if you refuse my kind offer, I come vpon you with an old pro­uerbe (ka me) (ka thée) or as children play, (tell of me, Ile tell of thée). Well watcht my Lord Octauius, quoth the whole company, but my Lords, let the further hearing of this matter rest, till better opportunitie, least your tedious­nesse, bréed trouble to my Lord the Prince, whose quiet, I would not willingly offend.

My honorable Lords answered the Prince, if these dis­courses of those noble men be pleasing to your honours, as­sure you, they are no way offensiue vnto me, I haue trou­bled you from your better cheare, to accept of a sicke mans pittance, whereunto you are all so heartily welcome as to your owne Pallaces, (and welcome) saith our Countrey housholders, is the best dish, at their feasts: if therefore my Lords you accept my welcome, I am the more honoured by you, which haue so graciously vouchsafed me your compa­nies.

Then turning to the Lord Cariolus, he said, for you my good Lord, how much I acknowledge my selfe indebted to you, I omit, and yéeld you as many thousands thankes for your pleasing spéech, as there were sillibles in your words▪ you haue like your selfe defended the weaker sexe, for the which, were I the Princes Nutania, your challendge made in my cause, should be bountifully rewarded: I am sory my good Lord, my bad hap was such, that I knew you no sooner. [Page] But if it shall stand with your Lordships pleasure, that du­ring the time of your abode here, to vouchsafe me your com­pany, so it may be no disparagement to your serious affairs: perswade your selfe, your welcome▪ shall be no better in anyplace, then vnto me, for which kindnesse, you should hinde me vnto your friendship.

Gratious Prince answered the Noble Cariolus, thanks for your Princely fauour, and gracing me thus, which am not any way to do your maiestie seruice, but wherein your highnesse shall commaund, I shall be readie with all duti­fulnesse to accomplish.

Leaue these spéeches good my Lord, quoth the Prince, and offering dutie where friendship is requested, and gran­ting my sute, let me enioy thy companie, so shalt thou com­mand Dionicus, for euer as a friend.

The grauer sort of those Noble strangers, whom mat­ters of more importance called away, after humble thanks giuen for their royall entertainment, wishing health and all happinesse vnto his excellence, they commit him to his rest.

Barnardine, which had endured the end of all these prat­tles; and perceiuing that this talke was altogither friue­lous; and not worthie the hearing, moued him to delight: he began diligently to enter into each perticular discourse of Cariolus and Octauius, and considerately to note each seueral passion of the Prince▪ so farre searched this skilfull phisition into euerie particular, that ca [...]asing it through­ly, he noted his speciall iesture, and how his colour came (and vanished) yea how much his heart was possessed with ioy, when he heard the Princesse Nutania named▪ the wor­king of his p [...]ces, made Barnardine imagine▪ the cause of his disease, yet had no assurance thereof, and to enquire it of the Prince was in vaine, for that he had so often denied the same: wherefore he consealing his thoughts, in hope to worke meanes for his recouerie, And finding those cynders which were like to com [...]e him, (and the rather) [Page] if he could procure Cariolus to accompany him. Thus lea­uing the Prince to his quiit, and Barnardine to his care, for recouering his health, returne we so the aged weake King.

The King whose long sicknesse, and care of his wife and sonnes health, whome he loued most zealously, being extreemly vexed, and greatly weakened of his [...], when Phisicke had done what was possible, and small hope to re­couer him, in the midst▪ of his passions when all hopes was past, but onely the comfort of him who by his word ray­seth the dead from the graue, so this (Manpelius) recei­ued comfort by his kingly neighbours friends, whose let­ters when he had by his Councell perused, and with re­gard and aduise, noted each kinde offer, with their persua­ding reasons, (albeit) he could hardly [...]g [...]st the [...]ame: yet considering how fraile men are, and that our cares of Ter­raine ioyes, are to be fa [...]d to that Celestiall comman­der, which reléeueth all those that seeke him, he reuiued himselfe, and like a faithfull souldier, taking holde of the promise in holie writ so often repeated, he cast care of w [...] childe, and kingdome, vppon him, that first gaue it him, and by whole prouidence he so long enioyed the [...] ▪ [...]aking his chiefest care to gra [...] tho [...]e his friends, by who [...] [...] ­sell he was vrged to the heauenly comfort. And those ho­nourable Nobles for their paines, who wishing to be with their friends in their owne Countries, attend his high­nesse pleasure for answere▪ which hée tooke order▪ should with such spéede be dispatched, as possibly might [...] way be vsed.

Dionicus, whose heart was on his halfpennie, vowing his loue whollie to the Princesse Nutania, was so deligh­ted in recounting hee praise, as nothing could be so plea­sing, but as all sorts of men infected with that ag [...]e (i [...] their loue be faithfull) are enclined to some iealousie, so this monstrous Basalicke, whose poyson infecteth the vai [...]es, and consumeth the heart, without wisedome go­uerne [Page] the minde, as by this Prince notably appeared: who in his idle thoughtes, calling to minde the praises of Cariolus, and the challenge made in defence of the Prin­cesse Nutania, as loue endureth no arriual, so Dionicus stri­ken wtih the sting of ielousie, began to conceiue manie vn­honourable thoughtes of Cariolus, supposing Nutania was was his Loue, and that by Cariolus his ioyes in her loue, and hope of fauour, should bee frustrate and of no ac­count: with much matter more, then euer was by Ca­riolus imagined▪ how largely so euer his spéech was vsed in the Princes behalfe, to procure their delights, and mooue Octauius to chollor: notwithstanding no reason might per­swade, where iealousie had giuen iudgemēt, for the Prince in this ielousie, fought no meane, but reuenge of him that neuer committed the least thought of euill against him. When reuenge in this Princes heart was thus imprin­ted, and rage and ielousie set downe his death, an honoura­ble motion, more befitting his grace then rigor, moued by the inspiration of the eternal God, withdrew him from this base attempt, he called to mind, the honour of his house, the loue of those Princes their bordering neighbors, by whose command, Cariolus came into his Country, the Scandall so bloodie a fact deserued, & what continuall ignomy would redownd vnto him and his progeny for euer: accusing him­selfe of great impietie, he exclaimed on his follies in this maner.

Blush Dionicus, at thy base thoughts, and so much sor­row for thy pretended mischiefe, against this noble straun­ger, as if thou hadst shed the bloud of a thousand innocents: hast thou from thy Cradle disdained to offer wrong to the most inferiour, and wilt now begin with murther of a no­ble man? Knowest thou not, that to adde to his head one haire, is more then the greatest Prince can doo? And wilt thou séeke his life that neuer had thought of il against thée? Hath thy father liued so many yeares honourably reputed amōgst them, euer in tranquilitie, and by thy cruel slaugh­tering [Page] thy friend, shall their peace be broken? Was it not for his comfort and thy good, these strangers came into this country? and for their kindnesse, canst thou reward them with such despight? Thou enuiest the happinesse of a to­ward gentleman, for thou knowest not what, (say he loued the Princesse) what is that to thée, intrest hast thou none, to debarre him from it. Nutania thou knowest not but by hearesay, hée a Noble man of her country, a toward Gen­tleman, and woorthily may obtaine her. Nature hath made him of the mould of the earth, whereof thou art framed, the begger is as subiect to amorous passions as the prince. Nutania is beautifull, wise, faire, and in the principall time of her flourishing estate, louely as the dewe on the swéete Roses. Cariolus valiant, well featured, wise and toward, in all honorable actions; all which are load-starres to draw ladies to loue: and Nutania is but a woman though a prin­cesse. If then thou hast neither feare of God, or lawe of hu­manity to perswade thée from so great a mischiefe, yet let his kindnesse offered thée, which hath bene as much as e­uer thou requiredst, be of some regarde. The fiercest beast seldome harmeth those whose societie they vse, and wilt thou be found more cruel then vnnreasonable creatures: No, no, Dionicus, let die thy malice to Cariolus, who is in­nocent, and far from any thought of pretended euill against thée, for so much the more shall his blood with extremitie be reuenged, by how much the more, thou vniustlie iniu­riest him, yea rather choose to die a thousand deaths, if eue­rie life were a legion of liues, then holde so base a minde. Thou hast long (though to thy great griefe) and much sor­row concealed thy loue to Nutania, & now wilt thou mur­ther him that wisheth thée wel: for her loue.

No, no, Dionicus, let honor be the marke whereat thou aimest, account death more precious then life with igno­minie, honour by murther blemished, is such a staine as can neuer be raced out, but the continuall ignomine there­of, will remaine while there is any being: Yea, and what [Page] is more to bee regarded, the welfare of thy subiectes on whom the bloud of so noble a man wil be with great effusi­on reuenged, & thy country like those ruinous monuments of Troy laid waste and desolate, which was spoyled for a fact nothing so odious.

Sithence thou hast all these reasons to reduce thée from this vile thought, dally no longer with thy shadowe, as in the tale of Esope thou maist read, of y^• dog; who mooued with enuie, of anothers welfare, not only hazarded his life, but what els he had in possession. Though the comparison bée ridiculous, yet the example may mooue thee to feare thine owne fall. For if the goddes be so iust in punishing such of­fences in vnreasonable creatures, howe much more shalt thou bée plagued, whom God hath not onley endued with reason, but inuested with titles of maiestie and honour; whose life should shine on the earth, as the glorious Sun, and by thy vertues drawe such as liue vnder thy gouern­mēt, from their desire to commit euil; for such as is the Pa­stor, such will be the flocke: if the Prince bee vertuous, the Subiect will feare to offende, if hée bee vicious, who will care to liue in obedience of him, or his lawes. Thou séest Dionicus, the peril, surcease therfore thy base thoughts (and as Cariolus is Noble,) where thou hast without de­sert bene iealous, become zealous from enuying him, that no way wished thée euill; admit him to thy friendship, to him thy kindnesse may be acceptable, and in vsing such fa­uours, maist thou in time learne the trueth of what thou now supposest. If Cariolus loue Nutania, he cannot be so se­crete, but in some sort or other, thou shalt attaine to the knowledge thereof: and as thou shalt in conuersing with him, finde his Honourable dealinges, so maist thou ei­ther trust him or refuse him: If Nutania haue vowed her loue vnto him, séeke to master thy affection, and wish them ioy, if not, his friendshippe may the sooner bring thée to thy desires, by acquainting the Princesse with thy loue, in ex­plaining the passions for her thou hast indured.

[Page] Nutania (saith the wrolds report) is beautifull, wise, and honorablie demeaned, and therfore cannot be cruell: her fa­ther a king beloued of all y^• haue heard of him, whose kind­nes hath bin such to thy father & thée, as thou canst not de­serue: if such loue remain in the parents, the children shuld not hate: then fondling, if thou hast wronged thy selfe in concealing thy grief, accuse thy owne follies; and condemne not thy friends of euil, nor let thy iealosie blame Cariolus, who neuer had thought of pretēded euil against thée; if thou faile in thy loue, blame none but thy selfe, spare to speake, spare to spéed; Cowards neuer were Loues champions, nor faint-hearted swad obtained Ladies loue: women though neuer so base, wil be sued, sought, and courted, with manie deuises allured to win them, and their loues obtained, as sundry means sought to continue it.

A Nouice art thou Dionicus, and neuer came to knowe what many a hardy man at armes hath endured, histories are diuers, which shewe the extreames of Princes and fa­mous Conquerors, that they endured through loue, yet hast thou neuer read of any that euer wooed by silence, courted their mistresses with imaginations, or obtained their loue being mute: Longer maist thou smother thy griefe, which may cureles, consume thée: fire suppressed, burneth w^t more vehemencie, and loue concealed, consumeth the intrals, and slayeth remedilesse. How long may thy shoo wring thy foot, before any that looke thée in the face can tell where it pin­cheth thée. Many of meane birth haue obtained the loue of Princes, and ladies of great woorth, & by daring to attempt wedded and bedded them. If the ignoble haue had such suc­cesse in loue, Rouse thée dastard from this loathsome cabi­net, arme thée with hopes of thy Mistresse fauour, and with courage séek to obtaine it: let griefe no longer oppresse thée, but like the sonne of thy renowned father, shew thy self; let not daring loue, which by many good motions may bée van­quished, ouerthrow thée by subiecting thy selfe ouermuch vnto it, but in the face of the enemie shewe thy selfe, and [Page] there by prowesse purchase such renowne, as the report of thy valour may gaine thée the loue of her thou most desi­rest. Womens loues for the most are setled on the valiant and such as aduenture, holding in rgarde such as by their valour, can and will maintaine their honours, bearing in triumph their fauours in the field, and gaining honour in their titles. I, thus Dionicus should be thy thoughts, holde thée there, and no doubt of good successe: Nutania is but a woman though a Princesse, thou sonne to a King, and no way her inferiour. Then continue this resolution and Nu­tania may in time, aswell séeke thy fauour, as the noble A­mozonia, Alexanders loue.

Scantly had hée ended this his tedious premeditation, when worde was brought vnto him by one of his Pa­ges, that the Lorde Cariolus was come to visite him, which did put him from all further imaginations at that time.

Cariolus no sooner come to his presence, but Dionicus with a blushing countenance bad him welcome, ashamed of his rash suspition; yet concealing the same as he might, framed such kinde spéech as he best coulde, the better to assure his welcome, not sparing oftentimes to render great and hartie thankes for his kindnesse in comming to visite him: and more to shewe how glad hée was of his compa­nie, hée called to rise, which he had not done long before, but for necessitie making his bed. Thus when long time was spent betweene them, discoursing of manie matters, to both their contentes, Dionicus called for meat; where to accompanie Cariolus, he receiued more sustenance than he had in manie dayes before, to the great ioy of his atten­dant Barnardine, who by messengers certified the King and Quéene thereof, who ioyed, and were not a little comfor­ted at this report.

Dinner ended, & Cariolus with the Prince deuising to be­guild y^e time, loth suddenly to leaue him, called for a Chésse boord, wherwith they sported a while, Dionicus, whō griefe [Page] of minde procured soone to melancholy, loosing two or thrée faire games, became verie impacient, to agrauate whose chollor, and make his furie the more, Cariolus playing for cunning, to make game, tooke his quéene, and gaue checke to his king, whereat the Prince forgetting both himselfe and other those motions so lately by him minded, first vio­lently striking him with the board, ranne fiercely on him: and taking him by the throate, cried mainly out thus; Vil­laine quoth he, shamest thou not to robbe me of my Ladie, my Loue, my life, and soules comfort, but to my téeth must check me therewith in my owne Country, (base fugitiue) thou shalt beard me no more therewith, for by thy misera­ble death, will I recouer to mine owne possession, my loue, my Ladie, my Quéene, yea in despight of thy head, Nutania shall be my mistresse, swéete Princesse, the onely soueraign of my thoughts.

Barnardine, and his Noble attendants, séeing this friend­ship lately profest, so suddeinly forgotten, taking him with much adoo from Cariolus, were not a little perplexed, but as men past themselues, hauing neuer séene the like, could imagine no cause, greatly doubting that suddeinly he was growne lunaticke.

Cariolus vexed at this hard vsage of the Prince, was no sooner freed from him, but in great chollor would haue departed; Protesting to be reuenged for this discur­tesie offered him. Affrming, that his entising spéeches, in cullour of kindnesse, was to no end, but to draw him from his honorable friends to murther him.

Barnardine carefull what might ensue hereof, weigh­ing each occasion which might hereat be taken, besought Cariolus, of that loue he beare the King his maister, which had vsed them honourablie, of his loue to his owne King, and all that might be imagined, to conceiue of this wrong offered, as of no such pretended matter, as he supposed: but rather with patience to consider the long extreame sicknes of the Prince, and how subiect by reason of his infirmitie he [Page] was vnto melancholy, vndertaking on his faith and honest reputation, how euer the occasion grew, it was not in mal­lice: assuring him, the Prince when he should call to mind this vnkind action, would with griefe lament it, and sor­rowing for the same, submit himselfe, crauing hearty for­giuenesse for his rashnesse.

Barnardine vexed at the heart, for this vnkind dealings of the Prince, entreating his associates, to perswade Cari­olus, went himselfe to the prince, and after dutiful speach to his grace, recounted vnto him, in what euill part Cariolus tooke this abuse by him offered: humbly beséeching him, as he estéemed the loue of his Princely father, and the honour & reputation of his country, to acknowledge in some curte­ous maner the wrong committed, and so reconcile himself.

Dionicus, whose passion had not it left him, albeit in his health none might more perswade him then Barnardine, yet hearing him preach repentance, being in this humour, forgate their passed friendship, and moued with his talke, albeit it was vsed for his good, with a looke as gastly, as a ghoast risen from the graue, drew neare Barnardine, and laying hands on him, had like to haue mischieued him, had he not made the more spéed away.

Cariolus vnderstanding what had bene offred the aged man, and hearing in what regard the Prince held his loue, passing by his chollor, began with great heauinesse to la­ment the Prince his agonie, and sorrowing for him, be­sought the heauens creature so to comfort the Prince as himselfe would wish in the like extreame. And so leauing Barnardine and the Nobles to their charge, departed.

The Nobles whose griefe was not little, with hearts ouer charged with sorrow, thinking it not conuenient to leaue him alone, doubting som worse matter shuld happen vnto him, went to visit the Prince chéerfully, enquiring of his welfare, which with so good countenances as he could vse, was kindly answered of the Prince: who hauing past the extremitie of his fury, calling to minde those notable [Page] abuses offred his friends, greatly lamenting his folly ther­in, he said:

Where, where, my honourable friends, may I hide my head, to shelter me from the worlds reproach, who voyd of all reason, more brutish then the sauage beast, haue sought to murder my dearest friends. Oh, how might (I blush with shame,) and ashamed of my euill committed, neuer behold the faces of those whom I haue so euill entreated: what fu­ry bewitched me to this mischiefe? Or what diuellish sor­cery enchanted my spirits, and captiuated my sences, so to offend thée Lord Cariolus? who of thy zealous affection and curtesie, came to visit me, delighting so greatly in thy com­pany as I did. And thou the father of grauitie, my greatest hope in the world, Barnardine, thou whose honest care and loue to me, hath bene euer showne from my Cradle. Oh Barnardine, how vngratefull haue I bene, rewarding thy good, with the hazard of thy blood. Woe is me vnhappie, and thrise vnhappie, that I haue liued to behold the light of this day, wherein past my self, I haue so highly offended. Pardon, pardon, my Lord Cariolus, as thou art honorable, and thou Barnardine, whose aged yeares I haue so highly offended: Forgiue my misse, and remit that euill I haue committed against thée, or let me neuer behold the dayes light againe. Why should I liue, whom mine owne con­science so highly accuseth of such impietie? Will not the fowles of the aire, soaring ouer thy head as thou walkest, cry out, (vngrateful Dionicus) that wouldest haue murdred thy frends: each creature that God hath made, wil exclaime against thée, for this euill, following thée with cries of hor­ror, to thy euerlasting reproach. Therefore vnhappie Dio­nius, since by thy owne doings this reproach is happened vpon thée, whereby for euer thou art dishonoured, and no man hereafter will dare to vse any familiaritie with thée, no not one, from the Prince to the begger, (liue not, liue not thou Dionicus,) but let that hand that committed the euill, finish thy life, which liuing, can neuer be vnremem­bred. [Page] In this furie, resoluing to haue mischiefed himselfe, his Nobles taking him in their Armes, with such comfor­table spéeches as they could, pacified him, who séeing his so­rowfulnesse, were partakers of his grief, and much lamen­ted his extremitie, as men might for their Soueraign. Yet casting of care, seeking the best for their quiet they could, they laid him in his bed, where, with solemne musicke they procured him to sléepe. Where for a time I leaue him.

Time that finisheth all things, hath now wrought an end of the Kings affaires, for the dispatch of the Embassa­dors, whome the King with great entertainment and Ie­wels of high estéeme, so rewarded, as they all had cause to speake of his royall bountie. The Embassadors receiuing their Letters, and the time appointed for their departure, their ships with victuals at the Kings cost replenished, and all other necessaries, Cariolus who had bene often solicited by Barnardine, to visit the Prince, and by his report whose word was of account with all that had knowledge of his simple dealings, was perswaded of the Princes sorrow, for the wrong offered him. Wherefore that it might ap­peare vnto Dionicus, he departed not in displeasure, but that he had forgotten all wrongs offered, kindly, before his departure, came to take his leaue. Where, vpon the curte­ous demeanour of the Prince, who manifested his griefe by the aboundance of sighes which he powred foorth, they were reconciled, and an inuiolably league of friendship vowed betwéene them: which with solemne oathes they protested, should neuer quaile in either of them.

The hast of the noble Embassadors who desired to be with their Loues at home, is more now then Cariolus wished: But what must be, shall be, how loth soeuer. Wherefore after many friendly gratulations betwéene them, and great gifts of the Prince, on his new (Amico) bestowed, they take leaue each of other, Cariolus solemnely praying for the Princes health, and Dionicus wishing him all happinesse.

Thus all thinges fitted by the King commaund, they [Page] were honourably conducted vnto the Porte, where their shippes readie furnished, attended their comming: where they had not long stayed, but a faire winde to serue their turnes, God sent them; and they embarqued themselues, each one for his seuerall country, and the Nobles returned to the Court; where to their carefull regard of their king, Countries benefite, we leaue them, to let you knowe fur­ther of the Prince; whose is troubled, as you shall heare.

The Prince, whom Nature had formed so exquisite in lineaments of body, as could be required, hauing wisdome and valour enferiour to none, when he had considered with great wisdome from poynt to point, the extremitie of his e­state, and found that his disease was grieuous, and so great, that he rather desired death, than life, in that agonie to bée continued; weying all dangers which might befall him, in séeking secretly for such helpe, as by his owne industrie he could procure: with the pleasures and hearts content, the obtaining of his loues delight, would bring him; resolute­lie determined, as much as he might, to cherish himselfe: and disguising himself in habite of a traueller, vnknowne of any man, so soone as his strength would permit him, hée departed his Countrie towards Thrace, and either gaine his Ladie, or trie in shorte time the ficklenesse of fortune: hazarding all on this rest, he secretely procureth all his Iewels, and such summes of money as hée coulde: and by little and little recouering himselfe, vsed his woonted familiarity amongst the Nobles, and Courtiours; which did cause no small content and heartes ioye in the King, Quéene and Commons; yea, such was the generall reioy­cing of the whole people in the Realme, for his recouery, that there▪ was not one, which shewed not some signe of gladnes by his outward appearance.

As there is not the clearest day which is not ouerwhel­med with some cloud, so lasted this ioy amongst these lo­uing subiects not long: for Dionicus continuing his deter­mination, cōueyed his summes of mony and Iewels into a [Page] groue within the Parke neare the Court, at such seuerall times as he would chuse to be solitarie, wrought so close, and with such discretion, that he was altogither vnpercei­ued of any man.

Each thing wrought to his content, secretly in the eue­ning, his companions by him appointed to kéep the Cour­tiers from idlenesse, by such pastimes as he had deuised, as Masking, Barriors, Dycing, and other recreations, whom he refused to accompanie, alleaging that he might not be long absent from the King, and that his sport determined, was to recreate the Quéene, who since her sicknesse was verie melancholie, which coyned excuse passed for currant, as what was it they would not credit which hée should re­port.

Hauing thus politikely fitted all things, supper ended, and euerie one attending the beginning of the sportes and pastimes, Dionicus who had more stringes to his Harpe then one, had no care but how to conuey himselfe from their presence, which hée tooke opportunitie to doo, tel­ling the Quéene mother hée had giuen his word to be one of the Maskers, which shée being glad of, as reioycing to remooue his melancholy by anie meanes, suffered him to depart.

But too soone alas, gaue shée credite to his feined spée­ches, which turned them all to great sorrow and heaui­nesse: for Dionicus minding least what they supposed he most ioyed in, conueyed himselfe with all the hast he pos­sibly could into the Parke, where his footeman attended his comming with his horse, on which hée was no sooner mounted, to driue suspition or iealous thoughts of his late trauaile from his man, hée commaunded him pre­sently, to spéede him with all the haste he might, vnto the house of a Knight dwelling not farre off, with a deuised message, pretending the businesse to be of great waight and importaunce, and straightly charging him not to de­part from thence before his comming, which should be the [Page] next night. With this commaundement the seruaunt de­parted, least suspecting the losse of so bountifull a maister was so neare. But the Prince whose chiefest content was in beholding the Idia of that Paragon whom Fame had so extolled, had his heart fired with desire, that he thought euerie day a yeare, and euerie minute a moneth, vntill hée beheld the excellencie of Natures worke, the onely per­formed worke of Bewtie, and the soueraigne goddesse of his thoughts: of which Dionicus hauing no small regard, doubting to be missed of the King, and loth to lose that op­portunitie, poasteth with all spéed vnto the groue where his coyne and Iewels laie, where the better to escape the suspition of Officers in his passage, crossing the seas, he at­tired himselfe in the habit of a marchant, which he had rea­die prouided for that purpose: and so making small staie, he ceaseth not his coriours pace, nor spareth any hors flesh, vn­til he came to the port where he pretended to imbarke him selfe. No sooner arriued he at that so long desired place, but Fortune who had bent his thoughts to trauaile, entending after her many crosses to sauce his sowre with some swéets, and like a comfortable Phisition, after many bitter Pilles ministred for cloying the stomacke of his Patient, comfor­teth him with some consarue or other more pleasing his appetite, so the Prince now in the beginning of his for­tunes, found this fauour, to arme him with the better hope of ensuing good: for at his first comming to the Citie, after enquiry made for some ship bound for Thrace, he had intel­ligence of a Barke alreadie haled out of the harbourgh in­to the roade, her yardes crossed, and her Marriners ex­specting the comming a boord of the maister and her mar­chaunts, and so to depart. Which newes how pleasing it was to the prince, suppose you gentils, that haue your harts so full fraught with desire as this noble Dionicus, who no sooner was informed hereof, but diligently went himselfe to search the maister & marchants of this ship, whō he found in an Ostria, carowsing healthes to their good voyage, and [Page] taking leaue of their friends in the citie: to whose company the Prince being come; albeit nothing acquainted with the conditions of those people, yet he so framed his behauiour to his habit, that it might haue bene admired amongst the Courtiers, his quaint behauiour, had they bene beholders thereof; pleasing so well these humorous companions with his carowsing, curtesie, and bountifull expences, that no­thing he could require was denyed him. A woonder it were to tell you, whē he required passage, with what willingnes they graunted it, and what large proffers were made him of their cabbins, and other sea curtesies: all which he accep­ted with such kindnesse, and none more welcome than Dio­nicus; who standing on thornes to be cleare of his land, whō loue enforced without regard of father, crowne, or subiects, to leaue, he hasteneth the rest aboord: of whose company the Mariners were not a litle ioyfull, for y^• the wind serued thē in such pleasing maner, to bring thē to their desired hauen, whither (following the Masters direction for their course, sailing with a faire gale, we leaue them for a time, to tell you of the griefe of Manpelius, the Numedian king, for the losse of his son, of whom no maner of news might be heard.

You haue heard Gentles, with what pollicie the prince wrought, the better to bring his purposed intent to passe, and what seuerall pastimes, were by him deuised: in which seuerall actions, it was supposed by the Courtiers, himself would haue bene a chiefe, or at least, a beholder of their sportes. But hée which had more hammers working in his brains than one; taking that time as fittest for his opportu­nity, gaue them a cause of great sorrow, as you shall heare. Whose sportes ended, and euerie thing with great credite to the actors, and pleasure to the beholders finished, the King and Quéene, whome age nowe called to rest, after kinde countenances, and manie thanks to the Noble men & Gentiles, bad thē good night, who were in all humblenes and heartie loue cōmended to their rests, wher let thē rest, vntil the newes of their sons departure be brought them, [Page] by the wofull Barnardine, whose hearts surcharged with sorrow, could hardly be comforted, but that through the ex­tremitie of his griefe, he had resigned his latest gaspe to him who first gaue him breath.

This wofull newes was two whole dayes and more kept from the king, by that mirrour of fidelitie Barnardine, who by all meanes either Art or trauell could imagine, en­quired after the Prince, but of him could heare no tydings, whereby many supposed hee was slaine: some coniectured one thing, some another. But most of al the King & Quéen, their happinesse was such as may not without great effusi­on of teares be remembred, which caused a generall griefe throughout the whole Regiment. But neither sorrow of the subiects, nor lamentation of their King, might recall him who they all so much desired to sée, which caused the King ouercharged with melancholy, rather desiring death then life, breathe out these spéeches.

Vnhappie (Manpelius) and more vnhappie, in being fa­ther to so gracelesse a childe, (oh Dionicus) why haue I li­ued to sée thée growne a man? tenderly caring to bring thée to that estate? and now my chiefest hope was in thée to haue comfort, thus by thy vnkind demeanour, to cause my grief: how happie be those parents whose children liue in obedi­ence; but thrise accursed those fathers which giueth y^e bridle of youth into their hands, who ought to be held in, as the Colt vntamed, with the hardest bit. Though wisedome presageth lawes of gouernment to fathers, and experience of the Auncient which haue liued in elder times giueth aduise, crying out of such as giueth libertie to yonglings, yet law of nature whereunto we vnhappie parents are too much tyed, forgetting all counsels, are so besotted on those carelesse yonglings, that if they desire any thing, whether it be profitable for their instruction, or haleth them to de­struction, it may not be denied them: how many of high estate by the carelesse regarde of their vntoward children, haue bene brought to great heauinesse? Or who taking [Page] pleasure in his ofspring, can sée him restrained, (I but vn­happie man) hast thou not heard the learned Surgion often tell his tender Patient, that it is better to smart once, then endure griefe euer. And thou that mightest haue kept thy deare sonne vnder his Tutors custodie, wherein he li­ued in obedience, might so haue had him still, if thy owns foolishnesse had not bene so carelesse of him. Then since thou hast bene the cause of thine owne sorrow, blame thy selfe, and sigh to think on thy follies: and as thou hast bene the originall of this mischiefe, not onely robbing thy coun­trey of a towarde braunch to succéede thée, but hast lost to thy selfe the ioy of a father, in wanting thy sonne, thy lifes sole happinesse. Perswade thée, that as many Countries haue bene punished for the Princes offences, so this plague is laide vppon thy subiects for thy misse. Wherefore in sor­rowing for thy sinnes, and that God may shewe his mercy vpon thy kinde Countrey men, sorrow for thy foppery, and abiuring thy▪ selfe from kingdome, wife, and Countrey, betake thée to some vnknowne place, where thou maiest spende the remainder of thy ouer worne yeares, in con­templation for thy sinnes, so may that God of all mercie, which neuer turneth his face from the penitent, receiue thée to his grace, and restore thy sonne, calling him from his youthfull desires, to become a comfort vnto those which with manie fault teares, and hearts full gorged with sor­row, bewayle his absence. Thus powring foorth his griefe with sighes and manie brinish teares, vttering his sor­row, hée resolued to leaue all his earthly possessions, and altogither forsaking the companie of all mankinde, liue sollitarie in some vnfrequented place, vntill it woulde please God some tydings should be sent him of his sonne, or else by death call him to those ioyes which neuer shall haue ende. Thus for this time he ended his sorrowfull spéech, vttered in great griefe of minde, whome carefull for to espie time and opportunitie fit for his departure, we leaue for a time. And shall tell you further of the [Page] Prince Dionicus, who long before this time, is arriued in Thrace.

The Prince whome desire ledde to gaine the loue of Nutania, not otherwise knowne but for a marchant, lan­ded now in safetie, after a friendly welcome giuen to his fellow passengers, the Maister and Owners, with boun­tifull rewardes bestowed on the Marriners, was lodged by the Maister in a Marchants house of great reputation, where vnknowne to be any other then he séemed, he im­ployed his stocke by Brokers, to great benefite, whiche bountifully hée spent, whereby he gained the loue of all men that euer had any acquaintance with him, so that in short time his fame was so bruted throughout the Cittie, that none of anie account, but tooke great pleasure in his company, and ioyed to recount his many vertues. This amorous Prince whose heart was on his halfepenny, loth to acquaint any man with his secret loue to the Princes, doubting some further perill to his person then hée was willing to hazard, would oftentimes intrude himselfe in­to the companie of yoong Courtiers, amongst whome hée so demeaned himselfe, and so Courtly in all thinges, that all men might iudge from what trée such branches sprung. By this often frequenting of the Court, in the companie of those to whome he was most welcome, hée atteined the sight of his Ladie, whose beautie, when he had séene, so amazed him, that if he were before passionate, he was now more perplexed, iudging her excellent perfection to bee without compare, yet not knowing how to make knowne his loue vnto her, smothering in silence his affection, hée daily desired some occasion might be offered, wherein for her safetie, and honour of his beloued, he might shew some act worthie honour, and to deserue her liking, which by Fortunes assistaunce thus happily came to passe.

Mustopha Corienia, yongest sonne to Sutton Corienia, Emperour of Constantinople, burning in loue of this [Page] Princesse, onely by the rare report of her singular perfecti­ons, had by Embassadors from his father, craued the Prin­cesse in marriage, who disdaining his loue being a Pagan, although honourable, might not be wonne by any entrea­tie to fancie him, how great soeuer his offers and protesta­tions of loue were; which refusall, the Prince brooked so ill, being of such might, that determining to gaine her by force for his concubine, which in friendship he had so often required to marry, he leuied a power of one hundred thou­sand, both on horse and foote, and shipping them in warlike maner, in Gallies, Frigattes, Foystes, and Brigandioces, he arriued by the hard labour and painfull bowging of his slaues, before the Citie of Lemonia, where Philarchus kept his Court, landing the greatest part of his men and horse suddeinly, and beleagared the same, both by land and sea: vnto which he gaue many fierce and hote assaults, & were as valiantly resisted, by the courage of those gallant Citti­zens, who fighting in right of their Countrey, feared not the hugenesse of their Armies, nor their force of shipping, yet as the extremes of forrain force causeth many troubles, so did the Army of Mustapha, driue these braue Thracians to many wants, whose courage through the lacke of victu­alls began to quaile: that hauing no meane of reliefe nei­ther by sea nor land, loth to famish, came daily to the court, humbly beséeching the King to take pittie of them, and not with famine to suffer them die. But considering that the Princesse was the marke whereat he aimed, would rather deliuer her, who should be honourably entreated, then suf­fer so many thousands to perish.

Philarchus, vexed in mind, was driuen to a non plus, so diuersly perplexed, he could not suddeinly answer, his child who was his onely comfort and heire, either to be deliue­red him, whose name was odious vnto him, or his subiects who loued him no lesse then their owne soules, must perish in this extreame. Thus doubtfull what to answere, he cra­ued respite for two daies, which they willingly yéelded vn­to, [Page] albeit their want of victualles was so great they might hardly endure.

The report of this dolefull sute of the commons com­ming to the eares of Dionicus, who with his attire, wee change to Pheander, who was not a litle mooued there, and the greater was his heauinesse by how much the more his loue was encreased towards the Princesse, for whose reléef he sought many deuises, eftsoones determining one thing, then another presents it selfe, which seemeth better: at length resoluing least delayes should bréede danger, hée de­termined in that action which was honorable, to shew him selfe, and eyther by his prowesse frée the King and his be­loued from the tyranny of the vsurping Infidell, or yeeld his latest gaspe in their defence.

In this resolution he came to the kings presence, vnto whome doing his humble duty, prrostrating himselfe, he saith.

Most gracious Soueraigne, and liege Lorde, pardon the bold attempt of a rude stranger, whome dutifull zeale hath bound to your seruice, and of your gracious fauour to all men, vouchsafe me that honour in this extreme, wher­in your woorthy citizens stand, distressed by this faithlesse infidell, who doeth séeke your subuersion and their vtter decay: whose presumption, if it please your Excellence to giue me leaue, shall by mée, and such as I can by loue and money drawe vnto me, be chastened, and made to knowe your Highnesse can expell at your pleasure, the power of a more strong and mightier enemie, who though you haue of curtesie suffered, it hath not bene of cowardize, as hée shall well vnderstande. In this request, most gracious and renowmed Soueraigne, if it shall please you to ho­nor me, I doubt not (by the ayd of the highest) of a happie victorie.

The King, which during his long tale, had earnestlie noted the countenance, and his grace in vttering the same, assured himself, that the honour of his house, which shewed [Page] in his courage, or the power of the eternal Deity wrought this motion in him, and therefore without any longer pause, taking him curteouslie from his knées, determining to trie the fortunes of this supposed Merchant, hee saith.

What euer thou be that honor vrgeth to this attempt, thankes for thy loue, wishing my good, and forwardnesse in venturing thy life, yet before I accept thée for my Cham­pion, say (gentle friend) of what countrey art thou? what name and parentage? to the ende that I may giue thée ho­nour as thy desertes and bloud do require: and answering me truely to these demaundes, tell me what mooued thée likewise, being so braue a man, and in thy flourishing e­state, to hazard thy selfe in an action, wherein so many men of honour and great valour haue lost their liues.

Know renowmed Lord (quoth the Prince) Numedia is my countrie, my father a Gentleman professing martiall Discipline, my name Pheander, the youngest of manie of my fathers sonnes, vnto whom my minority denyed such reuenewes and liuinges as might sufficiently maintaine my estate, which caused me to employ my stock in trade of merchandize, by which in time of peace I gained in your countrie wealth sufficient, which with my body I offer in your highnesse seruice, and doubt not but to frée thy prince­ly daughter from this vsurper, whose vertue the worlde so much renowneth for, by that faith which I receiued at the Font-stone, so long as I may breath life, neuer shal vnha­lowed Cur, triumph in your Graces ouerthrow, nor in her dishonor.

The king ouer ioyed at these frank affaires of his cham­pion, expressing by his outward signes, the inward delight of his heart, and the desire he had to accept this yonglings offer, taking great pleasure in his countenance, which was louelie, and no way inferiour to the best in his court for person, wisedome, and other good graces, which with ad­uise considered, he saith.

Pheander, wel doest thou showe thy selfe a Gentleman, [Page] for vnder the habit of a Merchant Gentilitie cannot be hid, no poore estate can blemish the Noble, nor aduerse fortune whatsoeuer; but as golde is soone brought from the baser mettels to his forme by the skilfull finer, so are the Noble knowne by their vertues. Pheander, I haue cause to honor thée for thy loue and forwardnesse, as also for thy countrey; which (without slattering thée, or any ther abiding) I loue for your Kings sake. But to our matter, thou séest (my déer Pheander) the millions of cares heaped vppon my gray head, through the oppression of this heathen Prince, where­by I am made more miserable than the meanest subiect in my dominions; and the more is my miserie, by recounting the wretched estate of my louing subiects, whom I hold as deare as my life, and with that by resigning my life and crowne, I might frée them from bondage, were it nothing els the tyrant required. But toward Gentleman, whose loue (wretch that I am,) I cannot requite, my daughter (oh sorrow worse thā death to recount) Nutania, the only solace of my life, and lines sole good, in whose weal consisteth my good, & by violence offered her, what good can be tide me, she: she, my deare Pheander, it is that drencheth my soul into so déep a hel, that almost forgetting my self, liuing, I dayly dy; only recounting the miseries [...]he should endure, if y^• tyrant triumpht in our ouerthrow: but he that in extreams sendeth comfort, hath reuiued me, & relieued my ouercharged hart by thy kind offer; whose courage and hope of victorie being such, as thou wilt hazard thy déerest blood for my daughters fréedom. Thanks (my good Pheander) is all that I can yet yéeld thée; yet t [...]ad more courage to thy noble mind, fighting for vs & our honor, my daughter, for whose good thou aduen­turest, shall inuest thée with the order of Knighthoode, the first honour that euer she gaue to man of Armes, and shal pray for thy good successe: so calling for the Princesse, who was so discontent that nothing could be pleasing vnto her, who being come before him, after her humble dutie done, desirous to knowe her kingly Fathers will, hée recounted [Page] the zeale of the merchant vnto her, who had not onely offe­red his goods, but also his proper life, to trie in battel his fortunes against their enemie: wherefore Nutania, quoth the king, for that he hath so voluntarily offered the same for thy sake, and I relying on my God, and in his prowes haue accepted him for my Champion, by thy hand he shall receiue the honour of knighthood, his title, The maiden Knight, and so prosper he in his honorable action, and in all others as we wish, and himselfe desireth.

The Princesse, which diuers times had noted the court­lie behauiour of Dionicus, was not a little pleased at her fathers motion, as one that in hartie good wil, wished him better then modestie would suffer her to vtter; yet harke­ning to her fathers speaches, shee behelde him with more gracious countenaunce, and vewing the lineamentes of his person, each grace well regarded, she inwardly bewai­led his hard hap, that the goddes had framed him of no bet­ter reputation than a marchant, who might well deserue the title of a king, put from her memento, by recounting her fathers wordes, pausing thereon sometime, with modest blushing countenance she said.

Kind sir, whose honorable seruice offered for my fathers good, and all our weales, his subiectes; if I yéelde you not such recompence as your desertes doe merit, blame me not of discourtesie, which haue no better knowledge of you, but accept the hartie thanks of a Virgin, vnto whome I holde my selfe so farre indebted, as I can no other way recom­pence, then wishing your good; yet in earnest of better good, refuse not at my hand to receiue the honour of Knighthood, séeing my Lords pleasure is such: and drawing his rapier, the Prince knéeling, shee inuested him with the order, by name of the Maiden Knight, & pulling a iewell of rich price frō her gowne, she tied the same in a most beautiful scarffe, beséeching him to weare it for her sake, wishing all happie fortune in his attempts.

The new adopted Knight, whose heart ouer ioyed for so [Page] great a fauour receiued from the saint his heart wholy ho­noured, with manie thankes dutifully rendered, kissed the Princesse hand, vowing himselfe her humble seruant, and in all places to maintaine her modest bewtie & Prince­ly honour, with his dearest bloud.

The time thus passed, word was brought the King, that dinner was readie, whereby they were interrupted, whome for a time we leaue to their repast, discoursing di­uersly at table, of the valour of the Mayden Knight, whose towardnesse the King admired; which made his hopes the greater: not doubting but his Champion would proue no lesse valiant in Armes then they exspected. At which the Princesse gloried not a litle, and the Nobles pleased at both their comforts, passed the time with more content then ma­ny dayes before, whome we leaue to their mirth, and the Mayden Knight, to the ordering of his affaires.

The Numedian King, exiling himselfe from his Court, in habite of a Pilgrime, trauelled many vncouth places in search for his sonne, of whom he could hear no tidings, nei­ther could Barnardine for all the industrie he could vse, at­taine to any knowledge of him his heart so much desired: through which the heauines both of the Péeres & Comons, were daily increased. And no maruel, when their soueraign the mirror of all princely curtesie, had thus vnknowne, in the declining of his age, when his yeares required rest, ba­nished himselfe his countrey, louing subiects, and what else he enioyed: the griefe of which so oppressed the heart of the Quéene, that nothing might yéeld her any comfort. But pi­ning in continuall sorrow, vtterly abandoning the worlds comfort, to séeke her comforter, whose dwellings are in the highest heauens, she yéelded her due to death, whose fune­rals, with the effusion of many brinish teares of the No­bles, and sorrowfull lamentations of her subiects, was per­formed with such honour as to her estate required: whose obseques finished, Barnardine regarding the benefit of the Common-weale, and the Princes good, of whom their hope [Page] was to learne knowledge, vsed so kinde persuasions to the whole estate, in a parlement holden of purpose, that the re­giment was deliuered by consent, vnto sixe of the chiefest nobles, who were solemnely sworne to maintain the digni­ties of the Crowne, in absence of the king & his sonne, vnto whom, being lawfull heires to the same, they shuld resigne their titles, whensoeuer they should chalenge y^e same. Now Gentiles leaue we these distressed people, lamenting their kings absence & the quéenes death, to tel you of the Maiden Knight.

This gallant Prince, the hope of Thrace, carefull of his honor, & not vnmindful of his new mistres, whose loue was the marke he aimed at, hoping by accomplishing this victo­rie against the Souldane, to gaine that place of reputation with her that hée desired: for the better accomplishing of which, he proclaimed by sound of Trumpet, that all such as would in y^• action aduenture their liues with him, should bountifully be considered, all estates from the Cauileare, to the Mercenary, caused many to offer him their sonnes, so that in short time, he had gathered more able men thē euer in so smal warning were séene; such was the loue his boun­tie had gained among all estates, that of their kindnes ma­ny repaired, more then for of money, although the thought therof is able to draw y^e coward to fight, so highly was this stranger honored. The diligence was such of this Prince, that in short time he had his companies, which were so fur­nished, as he liued not in those territories that euer saw the like. Al things furnished for the field, he became an earnest sutor to the Princesse his mistresse, to procure the king to view his army, which with smal sute she obteined for him, gracing him with all the fauours she might, more deligh­ting in him then in all the men that euer she saw. The time appointed for his muster, after he had giuen directions to all such Leaders & other Officers, what course to take with their seuerall charge, they were conducted to the place ap­pointed by himself, who mounted on a stately Courser, pas­sed [Page] on through the Citie, his Captaines attired in Gascoin coats of watchet veluet, hauing on the breast & back embos­sed with goldsmiths work, a Mayden head, according to his deuise on his armes, with the colour of his mistresse scarfe: euery vnder officer in like sutes of satten, his mercinary men in Iackets, hose and hats coloured alike, which caused the beholders, to admire the stranger more then their prin­ces. When the king beheld this mirror of honor, least thin­king he was sonne to his louing frend the Numedian king, and had with great delight viewed each seueral officer and their charge, with their order of march, and ranging in bat­tell, all accomplished in such warlike maner, as sildome he had séen: and withall noted his person, with his brauery in armor, his gallant sitting a horse, and manuring the same, his charging, running, and other signes of ensuing good, gi­uing him great thanks, he caused him to dismisse his com­panies for that time, to attend his pleasure at the Court, which he caused suddeinly to be done, attending the kings pleasure at the Court, as he was commanded: the newes of his arriuall being brought to the Princesse, who had séen with what cost and rare deuises, each thing by her seruant was performed, iudging likewise his loue to her was some cause, by his cullours and deuises, willing to let him know how graciously the same was accepted, she came into the Presence, where finding her Knight, after she had with a kinde and louing Conge saluted him, calling him to a baye Windowe, with a modest and comely grace shée said:

Syr, how much I finde my selfe indebted vnto you, for your preffered seruice, and forewardnesse in performing the same, I will not say, that in time what wants in me to accomplish, my kingly father wil recompence, who hath séene and well noted your diligence vsed for his safetie, with your cost and great charge, which he wil not forget. In the meane time good seruant, for so I will hencefoorth call you, so you will vouchsafe to accept of the tytle; [Page] I will pray for your good successe and happie victory, wher­by your renowne may passe the farthest parts of the earth, and our Country by your prowesse deliuered from heathen thraldome.

Vertuous Princesse answered the Mayden Knight, might it please your exellence to conceiue of my well mea­ning, as my desire is to deserue, my fortune might be com­pared with the happiest that liueth. For on the faith of a Souldier, and by the Maiestie of that saint my heart most adoreth, there is none breathing life vnder the celestiall globe, that shall commaund the simple seruice of Pheander, but your Maiestie, bound thereunto by your Princely fa­uours. Inough my good seruant, quoth the Princesse, I take your word, hauing great cause to beléeue you, séeing your forwardnesse: But good seruant, if I might vnder Benedi­citie, know the saint vnto whom your deuotions are bent, I would be so bolde to offer a virgines prayer at her shrine for your good successe. The King ouer hearing their talke, brake them off thus.

How now Madame, what haue you that Gentleman at shrift, (if so) and that his confection deserue a sharpe pen­nance, yet be good to him, he may in time amend.

Your grace (quoth the Princesse) mistakes your selfe, your highnesse knoweth I neuer tooke orders, therfore my authoritie is not to absolue, and if by presumption I offend therein, I doubt the Fathers of our Church would reward me thereafter. But to let your maiestie know the truth, perceiuing the desire he hath to do you seruice, I was bold to giue him thankes: further recompence, I leaue to your exellence, who at your pleasure may better reward him.

Thou hast well said daughter, quoth the King, putting me in minde what I should do, least forgetting my honour to such as well deserue, I be reckoned amongst the number of those Princes who with faire words and kind lookes féed their subiects, so long as they haue either Patrimony or o­ther to do them seruice, to the vtter ouerthrow of their po­sterities [Page] for euer, and they so farre in debt they dare not shew their heads, then shall they get (perhaps) some suite worth a hundred pounds a yeare, that haue consumed ma­ny thousands, maintaining a braue port, for his Princes honors. What said I? a hundred pounds a yeare, nay, not that, without the fauour of such as be chéefest in authority, and are néere the prince, whose good will if they can pro­cure (it may be) they shall obtaine some small thing, scarce able to maintaine the porte of a good yoman: for I tel thée, such must be pleased, or els let the princes mind be forward to reward them, and by their bountie reléeue their wantes, their good natures by perswasion of such as thinke all too much which goeth from themselues, & such as they please to bestow it vpon, shall be abused. Thus haue I heard gen­tle Knight, and gréeue, that honour should so vnkindly bée rewarded; or that any subiect, should forget his dutie▪ so much, as for his owne lucre, cause those that spende their bloud in their countries defence, their landes and possessi­ons, with emptie purses and heauie heartes, like men for­lorne to walke the streets: exclaiming on them that should sée their seruice better rewarded to the dishonor of the state they liue in. This my Pheander, I often recount, least in forgetting it, I fall to infamie by committing the like; but he that gaue me reason to know good, and to follow it, wil neuer suffer me to fall into so great folly, nor let me liue, to forget those maimed braue men, that venture for my good and my countries weale: for while I may breath, the soul­dier shall be honored in Thrace, and shall reape the reward of his merites, neither shall these Drones, which in such times of perils, hide their heads, suck the hony off my gar­land. Like mindes I wish all princes, with carefull eies to looke into the doinges of such, who as the moth deuoureth the fine cloth, consumeth their princely reputation, & draw­the commons, who by dutie are bound to loue, from their alleageance. While the king was in this speach, worde was brought him, that a Heralde from the campe attended [Page] his pleasure at the gate, requiring parlie, which he sudden­lie granted, commanding him to be broght to his presence: this vnhallowed pagan, who neuer feared God, nor was endued with any humanity, come vnto the kings presence, with a shameles countenance, vsed this peremptory spéech.

King of Thrace, Mustaffa Cela, great commander of the empire, & general of those royal armies, sendeth thée by me, thy choyce either of wars or peace (peace) if thou deli­uer thy daughter vnto him whom he hath so oftē required, yet wheras his loue vnto her hath bene such, to make her his wife, his noble mind dispiseth her so much, as his high­nes wil neuer so much honor her, but in despite of thée, and to abate the pride of that disdainful dame, he wil vse her as his concubine; & when he shal haue taken the flower of her virginity, giue her to the basest villain in his camp. Thou knowest my embassage: deliuer her, & liue; or by me return thy resolute answere, for it shal not be many dayes ere thy citie shal flame with fire about thyne eares.

The king vexed at this vnexspected message, could not answer him, so mooued was his choller, yet with as much patience as nature would permit, he saide: Pagan, I haue heard, & with great paine endured thy Lordes peremptorie message: and that thou, & that Cur, from whome thou com­mest, shal know the great difference betwéen a Christian & him, & that he vnderstand how honorable we hold the lawe of arms, I pardon thée thy life, which thy presumption doth require sharply to be punished. For answere to thy Lord, this briefly say, his threates I regarde not: for my daugh­ter, as God hath giuen her me, and for she is the onely ioy of my aged life, I wil shield her, & in despite of the Pagan and his greatest power, defend her chastity: therfore depart and say to thy Lord from me, his threates Iwey no more than the words of a child: it is not his multitudes can dant me, were they ten times more then they are, my daughter I wil hold in despite of his beard, proud vsurper that hée is. Thou knowest my wil, make no stay.

[Page]The Herald noting the stern countenāce of y^• king, and hearing his resolution, thought it not good to stay a replie, least his tongue swelling in his mouth, might not be eased without losse of his head; but glad to escape his furie, con­ueyed him from his presence with al speed he could, posting to the pauilion of the prince, vnto whome he deliuered the kinges resolute answere, which hee no sooner heard, but like one besides himselfe, he vowed in three dayes to be re­uenged of y^• old churle, who should fast the bitternes of his youthful furie. Litle knoweth this proud enemie, the pre­paration made to bid him welcome, or that his own destru­ction was so néere as after it prooued. The Maiden Knight, which with no smal grief had endured this proud demaund of the herald, whose whole request was for dishonor of her, he so much honored, awaked from melancholy, as out of a sound sléep, prostrating himself before the king, he saith: re­nowned Soueraigne, with what grief I haue endured the presumption of this vsurper, my heart denieth my tongue to vtter, neither shal I haue ioy of any thing, til I reuenge the wrongs offered your M. & your princely daughter, vpō that dog. Wherefore dread Lord, grant me licence to issue out of the city with my companies, in the silent of y^• night, & I hope ere long to returne his proud challenge, with my sword in his throte. Thanks good knight, quoth the King, I accept thy offer as much as if thou hadst giuē me the whole world in possession, yet would I not so forward a man shuld aduenture himself without my company, whose cause it is, my selfe will accompany thée in the fight, and by my herald bid him battell, in which I doubt not of successe.

The Knight was not a litle mooued, to hear his suit take no better successe, yet not willing to endure any compe­titor in the honour he hoped of, humblie besought his Ma­iestie of the honour he bare to Armes, in this attempt to giue him leaue, & the rather for the reputation of the Prin­cesse, which had geuen him his first honor.

The king which saw by his countenance how malecon­tent, [Page] he rested at this deniall, howe loth so euer he were to graunt the same, yet yéelded to his desire: and taking him from his knée, louingly embracing him, he saith. Braue man at armes, take not in ill part, that I haue denyed, nei­ther thinke that it was in any sort to disparage you, or the hope I haue of your forwardnes, but for maintaining my owne honour; yet séeing your will is to aduenture for mée, goe in Gods name, and he be your defence, that euer com­forteth his distressed: and so pulling his signet from his finger, he gaue it him, willing that it bee deliuered to the Gouernour of the citie, & let him vnderstand, his Highnesse pleasure was, that he with his armie passe at his pleasure: and so taking his humble leaue of the king and gracious mistresse, which affecteth him more then he could conceiue, he departeth, more ioyful of this honor, then to be richlie endowed.

No sooner parted he the kings presence, but slacking as litle time as was possible, he summoned his captaines, and officers, straitly charging thē with al the diligence he could vse, to gather their companies, & to attend him in the mar­ket place: in which charge, no negligence was vsed, so that by shutting in of the euening, ech captaine with his charge both horse and foot, attending the comming of their general; who was not vnmindful of his busines, & after thanks giuē to their leaders, he marched with them to the gate that led them to the camp of the Souldane, & was vpon sight of the kings signet let out. Thus marched the noble Prince, vntil he came halfe way betwéene the campe & the city, where hée called his principall men together, and said.

Friends, and coparteners in armes, you are now to con­sider what we haue taken in hand, for that on our weal de­pendeth y^• whole estate of this common weal; if we preuail, what good it is to be freed from such an enemy, there is not the simplest but can conceiue, hauing tasted the extremity which is incident to warres, and the pleasure of peace. Contrarie, the slauerye and seruile liues which these are [Page] compeld to endure that fall into their hands, you may ima­gine by their opprobious vsage of your gracious Prince, and example of other Christians which haue fallen into their handes. Wherefore now is the time to shewe your selues in this battle, if you shewe your force, no doubt of happie successe, to your eternall commendations, and to the benefit of your Country, and fréedome of your wiues, chil­dren, and families: with these and other such spéeches hée so incouraged the hearts of his followers, as they vowed to follow him with the hazard of their dearest blood.

When the Knight sawe the willingnesse of his men, and that there resolution by outward motions, were as hée expected, after he had giuen them many thankes, he made choyse of fiue hundreth to beare him company. And after he had giuen directions for the Armie to follow, he with his elected company marched on as closely as they might, for descrying of the enemie, who kept a Court of guard not far from thence, vpon whom in the dead of the night they entered, and finding them at aduantage, which litle doub­ted any assault, hauing neuer before bin assailed, were some sléeping, some gaiming, & others as ill imployed, surprized, and not one left to beare tydings of their ill fortune. This first attempt well performed, he passed on with all spéed to­wards the Campe, where the Prince laie, suddeinly ente­red the same, where like a resolute and noble Gentleman, he so behaued himselfe, that it filled the harts of his follow­ers with great courage, who behaued themselues in such maner, that fewe escaped with life, but such as were grée­uously maimed, so that they rather desired death, then lon­ger to liue. The Prince, who was by one of his Bashawes counselled to flie, as the least euill, for auoyding of death, was brauely mounted on a swift running G [...]nnef, of which the Mayden Knight being enformed, leauing the fight, hée poasteth after with so good spéed, as the harmles Hare, from the cruell iawes of the Grey-hounds, such haste made this worthie CConquerour, that in euill time for the Prince, he [Page] ouertooke him, accompanied with twelue of his principall Bashawes, whom he with courage so assailed, that in a moment he had vanquished them all, leauing some breath­lesse, some without armes, others without legges, no one escaped his furie. In which conflict the Prince e­scaped, but all in vaine, the Destenies had determined there to finish the honour of that iourney by the hands of the Mayden Knight.

Who ouertaking him, gaue him so gréeuous a blow with his Curtler betwéene the necke and shoulders, as made him forget his way, saying, staie proude vsurper, and take my Ladie the Princesse with thée: And pul­ling him vehemently by all the force he could by the hel­met, vnhorsed him, that the Knight verily supposed, he had bene slaine: wherefore dismounting himselfe, hée reuiued him againe, vnto whome he sayd, My Lorde, this is not for your honour to braue a King in his owne Dominions and in his Court, by your Heralde, and then to haue so small care of your worde. In faith Pa­gane, for thy sake ile neuer credite anie Heathen on his worde hereafter. Pittie is it a Prince of your extéeme, shoulde after so manie Lectures reade, plaie the Tre­want, (trust mée) were I your father, I should twigge the youth well, to learne him hereafter to be more care­full of his businesse. The Prince hearing himselfe so frumped, was more gréeued there at then all the losse hée had receiued▪ Wherefore with a heart full of carefull hea­uinesse▪ he saith:

Braue man at Armes, what ere thou be to whom for­tune hath made me thrall, ill beséemeth such wordes of disgrace to any one whome the Fates haue ouerthrowne, but cursed my selfe which gaue thée this opportunitie, cur­sed that negligence, which maketh my foe thus to try­umph in my fall. Thou Mahomet, suffer me not as thou art a Prophet, to liue thus disgraced, to beholde the face of anie man surprized by so cowardly a curre, who daring [Page] not to thrust his head out of the cennell but by stealth, hath wrought my vtter ruine and ouerthrow, taking his ad­uantage. But glorie not in this victorie, for it may be, thou shalt haue so great cause to repent thée thereof, as pleasure to behold me now thy prisoner.

Your Lordship is disposed to be pleasaunt quoth the Knight, but it is the vse of Christians, to giue losers leaue to speake, if it so happen, my fortune shall be the worse: In the meane time, your Grace shall be my guest, I haue an hostes prouided, wil bid you welcome, who by this time I doubt not doth heare of your comming, that you néede not feare of your dinner.

The Prince full of heauinesse, could not tell what to answere, wherefore Arming himselfe with all the pati­ence he could to endure it, he was by this Conquerer, com­manded to horse.

Long had they not ridden towards his Armie, but he was encountered by diuers his Captaines, who missing their Generall, at haphazard put themselues in search for him, and happily well they met him, who reioycing for his good fortune, taking the Prince prisoner, they recount vnto him, the ruine and spoyle of the whole Armie; for which their diligent courage and valour shewed, he yéel­deth them moste great and heartie thankes, beséeching them to take charge of his Armie, and diuide the spoyle amongst them: which done, repaire at their pleasures to the Cittie, while he with his prisoner, made haste to the Kings presence.

The tydings of the Knightes successe, was by some such as honoured him, with spéede reported at the Court, in which no parte of his honours was left vnrecounted, whose pollicie and valiantnesse in Armes, the King with al y^• Courtiers admired: Imagining him by these worthie déedes of Chiualrie, to be the onely man at Armes, de­seruing honour, in all that Region: of whom there was no small ioye, and such fame and renowne of his actions, [Page] as both in Citie and Court there was no talke but tended to the honour of the Mayden Knight, which liked not the Princesse Nutania a little, to heare her seruant in these his first attempts, venturing for her to haue such fortunate suc­cesse, so that where she had but begun to like him before, (Cupid) that commandeth the mightiest, began most furi­ously to assaile her, that her tender heart vanquished there­with, was enforced to yéeld her selfe a slaue to his deitie: and giuing ouer other courtlike delightes, bend her whole studie in séeking which way to win her best beloued to her liking, for the accomplishing of which, many waies were deuised, but none thought sufficient; so that resting in a la­borinth of confused thoughts, commanding her attendants from her, she said:

Nutania, what wretch that liueth, enioyeth not more swéet content then thy selfe, who yéelding to follow the fol­lies of thy youthful mind, hast planted thy loue thou know­est not on whome, a straunger, and of no more reputation then a Merchant, a base Trade, and most frawdulent, as I haue heard many Nobles discusse, whereby they obtaine to great wealth: and by their extraordinary meanes, wring such yoong Gentlemen as are forced to haue to doo with them, from their auncient Patrimonies, making of Noble men & Gentiles of great worship, beggers, and their owne base-born brats, to become yoong maisters, which in time, and small time, consumeth that in ryot, which their mise­rable fathers, by extortion, false reckonings, vnsatiable v­sery, and other loose dealings, sold their soules, the precious Image of our Sauiour, to the diuel. But wretched wretch▪ whither wandrest thou: these be no points for thée to stand vpon, thou hast now vied the game, and art bound by such a band as there is no remedie but sée it thou must: therefore leaue to discourse what he was, or hath bene. Thou hea­rest by generall report of all men, he is honorable, in wars valiant, bountifull, and endued with all maner of Gentil­manlike conditions, which argueth him descended of better [Page] parentage, then he will acknowledge: And therefore cease not to loue him, who by all coniectures, if outward shewes procéede of the motion of the heart, regardeth thy honour; then requite his seruice Nutania, and séek in time to quench that flame, which beginneth but yet to warme, lest encrea­sing by litle and litle, it consume thée. In extremes the No­ble mind is best knowne, happie are they accounted, which forewarned can eschue a mischiefe; If thou canst win thy Loue, what creature may be compared with thée for hap­pie content? Be resolute Nutania, feare no colours, thy loue is planted on such a one, who for his vertues may be mated with the greatest Princesse on the earth: then stand not on termes of his being, but determine to loue him, faint hear­ted souldier neuer gained conquest, if he be base, thou maist aduance him. Thou art heire to the Crown of Thrace, and thy fathers sole delight, who then should gainsay thy will herein, (fathers sole delight said I) yea there Nutania lieth a block which thou canst hardly remoue. Thy father, what will he aged King say? when he shall heare of thy loue so basely planted, which hast refused to be wife to two famous Kings, requiring thée with great sute in marriage: Re­fraine fondling from this rash determination, let thy fa­thers loue be a raine to hold thy vnbrideled will, feare his displeasure which gaue thée life, and séeke not by thy folly to bring his head with sorrow to his graue, which if thou persist, will be such a corasiue to his heart, and such a staine to thine honour, as the memorie of Nutanias disobedience will neuer be raced out. With these and such like motions of good, she sought to withdraw her loue from him, that for birth and other noble actions deserued her better, albeit vnknowne to her: but what euer hée be, the more shée sought to suppresse the flame of her loue, the more it en­creased, that without regard of fathers good, or her own ho­nour, she determined to loue him, yea the Mayden Knight with his Prize, was arriued at the Court, whom the King and Nobles welcomed with all curtesie they could shewe, [Page] as ioyfull of his safe returne, who had so honourably borne himselfe in that action, as if he had conquered Europe, which kindnesse to the knight, was recompence sufficient for all his charge and hard aduenture.

The Princesse, who was awaked from her studies by report of the knightes comming, sumptuously attired as she could, as beséemed her estate, accompanied with all her troupe of Ladies and maides of honour, came vnto the Presence, who no sooner approached the place where the knight was, but beholding the exquisite perfection of her bewtie which he so much delighted in, was sodeinly berea­ued of his sences, so that he stood as a mā which had lost him­selfe, yet reuyuing, loath to make manifest what with great griefe hée had consealed so long: humbly on his knées, presented the glorie of his enterprise vnto her, saying, Most gracious Princesse, as by your moste ex­cellent hands I receiued my first steppe to honour, and fighting for your Graces and Kingly fathers sakes, it hath pleased God to prosper me with a happy victorie, for which good, hauing nothing worthie to present your Grace as I desire, yet in knowledge of my dutie to your Exellence, to whom my life and seruice is deuoted, I humbly beséech you, accept this Gentleman my prisoner, and your Noble fathers mortall enemie. The Princesse to whom nothing could be more pleasing, thē the sight of the beloued knight, graciously accepted the prisoner, rendering great thankes for the same, as also for his valour shewed in their defence. And then turning to the captiued Prince, she said:

My Lord, you sée the chaunce of Fortune, and how mu­table she is in all actions, sometimes fawning, sometimes frowning, but whether by your fortune, or cowardise, or both, you are now at their mercy, whose ouerthrow you assured your selfe of, and which you more desired then all territories of the earth, but our God which neuer suffereth his seruants to perish, hath mightily defended vs, it is not your mightie powers can daunt the hearts of Christians, [Page] whose God is their guide: neither regard we them at all as a matter of any trust, your eyes can witnesse, who ha­uing an Army able as you thought to haue vanquished all Christendome, is by a handfull to your multitudes surpri­zed. Yet dismay not my Lord, a Maiden is your Iaylor who wil vse you more honourably then you can imagin, or your hard threats deserueth. The Prince which saw the bew­tie of the Princesse, whom he so earnestly vpon reports had desired, was astonied greatly, holding the fame that was bruted, to be nothing to her worthinesse, therfore accusing himselfe of great impietie, that had borne Armes against the onely Paragon of the earth, and not by curtesie haue continued his loue begun, ashamed of himselfe, he saith.

Renowmed Lady, Fortunes darling, & Bewties chiefe pride, though mishap hath made me of a Prince and heire to the mightiest Potentate of the earth, a captiue, and that by thy champion I am dishonored, and my power vanqui­shed, crosses which may cause the stoutest that euer liued, to cry out on Fortune, & to curse the Destinies, yet am I com­forted in y^• swéetnes of your words, which disdaineth to vse the vtmost cruelty you might, or take his life that had vow­ed to vse you with more extremes, then if by the greatest torments I could haue afflicted you withall, I had caused you die many thousand deaths, if it were possible so many could [...]e incident to one bodie. Had I preuailed of thy cur­tesie famous Princesse, I cannot say what I would, but vow vnto thée by the honour of my fathers Crowne, while I breath to remaine a true liegeman vnto thée vertuous Nutania, whose curtesie hath subdued my chollor, and put my oppressed heart from a million of cares wherewith it was opprest. My Lord quoth the Princesse, your Lordship is merily disposed, indéed women are gods children, wonne with a toy, such fooles they are, yet my Lord, I wold you did know, how litle I estéem the flattery of men, of what estate soeuer, they would spend their friuolous spéech elsewhere: for your Lordship, though you please to iest, I thanke God [Page] you haue such cause so to do, whom I praise for the victorie receiued, and next his dutie, my seruant for his paines im­ployed for our safetie. And with these words, she gaue him so gracious a looke, as well might the standers by sée it was not feined, but that her spéech spoken in his praise, procée­ded of the inward motions of the hart, which of the captiue Prince was not vnperceiued, which caused him to replie thus.

Madame, for auoyding of that odious sinne of flattery, which my heart hath euer contemned, I dare not say what I would, yet séeing the destinies are so pleased to yéeld me a prisoner to my enemie, I reckon my vnhappinesse the lesse, which haue so gracious a Ladie for my kéeper, of whom, expecting no better then death, I am by your com­fort quite depriued of that feare. And for this noble Gen­tleman, how Fortune and the Fates hath fauoured him in this victorie, wherein I am so dishonoured, euery man can­not conceiue. But were the honor therof a million more, yet not to be weighed in the ballance where your Grace doth counterpease the same, which is more to be estéemed then the worlds good: how you hold him in regard I know not, but if an enemies praise may any way honour him, I say; and with my blood wil auouch, that for his valour, none liueth on the confines of the earth his equall; wherefore madame, boast you of his worthinesse which is péerlesse, and worthie for all perfections, to be honoured of the migh­tiest Monarke that liueth.

Thankes my Lord, quoth the Princesse, for your good opinion of my seruant, I doubt not but he will say as much for you, when opportunitie shall serue, who I assure you, is as curteous, as otherwise honourably endued. While they were thus pleasantly discoursing, word was brought the King, that Theophilus Prince of Thessaly, who by the out­rage of a cruell storme, had suffered shipwracke, was found on a raft, driuen a shore vpon the farthest parts of his con­fines: where being vnknowne to any his subiects, but by [Page] his owne report, was by the Gentlemen of his country en­treated, as beséemed his estate: and accompanied with a princely traine, was within halfe a dayes iourney of the Court. The sodaine report whereof, brake their talke, the King commanding his traine presently to be readie horssed to accompany him, who with diligence failed not to obey his commaund: and so orderly marching through the Ci­tie, they ryde easily paced, vntill they méete the straunger King, betwéene whom great curtesie was vsed. The King gaue thankes and louing countenance to the Gentlemen, who had to their great cost so honored him, by enterteining this straunger, whereby his countrey was made famous. Thus with diuerse discourses they passed the time till they came to the Court, where a stately lodging was puruayed for him, and Officers appointed to attend his person, as royally as if he had bene in his owne Pallace, where sola­cing with the King and his Nobles, we leaue him, to re­turn vnto Pheander the Mayden Knight, whose entrailes frying with the scorching flames of his mistresse bewtie, had so much changed his colour, and impaired his strength, that enforced by great griefe and extremitie of his loue, he withdrew him to his chamber, where casting himselfe on his bed with a million of carefull thoughts, eftsoones, deter­mining to séeke the Princes fauour. And then by contrarie motions, fearing the successe of his sute, carrying the report of no better then a Merchant, which might giue cause of great dislike, and disparage his sute, he saith, miserable Dio­nicus, whom the Fates continually causeth by their hard hap daily to complaine, cursing the time of thy natiuitie, and the starres which gouerned thine aspects, which nei­ther time or place can remedie, faint hearted wretch, that séeking thy owne ouerthrow, encreaseth thy griefe by con­sealing the cause. Leftes not thou thy Princely father, to come hither, where thou mightest enioy the presence of thy beloued mistresse, and in doing her seruice, to acquaint her with thy loue? and coward like shamest thou to let hir know [Page] thy zeale, whose curtesie is without compare, and euerie way sheweth in what regarde shée holdeth thee, that hath procured her libertie in aduenturing thy life? a pleasure that of a thankfull minde can neuer be forgotten. What knowest thou whether her loue be as much to thée, whom womanly modestie denieth to reueale, else mightst thou happily knowe it? No, no, fondling, thy fortune is not so happie, which euer hath liued in vnhappinesse, yet dispaire not, nor like a wretch die in thy Cabenet, Rowse thée, and consider what thou art, giue not ouer thy desires to miserable death, without acquainting her with thy loue: spare to speake, and spare to spéede, A Prouerbe not so old as true, which if thou follow, will either giue thée comfort by her curteous grant, or by deniall, hasten thy death, by which thou shalt be freed from these torments; enioying life, and liuing, enioy thy swéete delight, or by death, end [...] these torments. In this resolution, hauing banished dis­paire, arming himself with hope of good successe, stretching his weake limbes, he hasteneth to the Presence, whose ab­sence had bene noted of moste Courtiers attendant there, but especially of the Princesse, who (albeit) found the com­panie vnfurnished, wanting his companie, yet durst not enquire of him, doubting the suspition of iealious eyes: But Fortune who had so long spurned at him with her foote, gaue him this opportunitie to raise him, whome▪ she had like to haue ouerthrowne, chauncing to looke out of a windowe which opened into a Parke belonging to the Court, hée espied the Princesse, pleasantly passing the time with her Traine of Ladies, which opportunitie hée was not willing to lose, but with all such spéede as his fainting legges could make, reuiued by the sight of his swéete chase, with all sayles spread, in short time hée re­couered his wished desire, who was no sooner of the Prin­cesse séene, his humble dutie done, and she hauing requi­ted the same, giuing him the time of the day, with a most pleasant and friendly countenance, she challenged him of [Page] negligence, whom she had not séene in two or thrée daies: and leading him politikely, pretending matter of impor­tance, to impart vnto him, from the companie, she brought him neare the side of a faire Copes, which so ouershadow­ed them, that the Sunne beames could not offend them, where they might both boldly say whatsoeuer it pleased them, without being heard or séene of any, which might in­terrupt them, which caused her take opportunitie to discusse with him thus. Seruant quoth she, I pray thée say, of y^e duty thou hast vowed thy mistresse, and by those swéete thoughts which are best pleasing vnto thée, what is the Lady to whō thy loue is dedicated? for loue doubtlesse thou doest, thy countenance bewraieth it, which I haue noted, with more regard then becommeth a maiden: yet of care to thée, whose health I tender, for thy curtesie & good seruice done, which I wold requite in the best maner I might; and for thy lookes sheweth thy heart craueth to be pitied of thy Ladie, let mée know her, who may chance stand thée in some stéed, for wo­men may preuaile much one with an other. The Knight wrapt into a heauen of ioyes, hearing the goddesse of his deuotion, with such fauour and kindnes to vse him, with a blushing countenance standing at the bar, before her, whose sentence pronounced, was either life or death, he saith: Honorable and gracious mistresse, giue me leaue so to call your highnesse, since you haue dained a captiue the title of your seruant, and pardon my presumption, answering your demand; that I loue I cannot deny, which argueth your skil in phisick great (whom) my tongue is restrained to reueale: but if your highnesse could iudge whose loue I most adore, and long haue, and iudging, ease me, I should haue cause to say, no phisicke proferer on the earth whatsoeuer, might compare with my gracious mistresse for skill; I dare say no more, fearing to offend. The Princesse all this time gazed on the perfection of her seruant, as déeply enamoured on his perfection, as the Knight inueagled with hers, for her eye made a suruey of his excellent feature, which shée founde [Page] more perfit, by how much the more she had bent her liking to loue him. Thus loue which had assailed both their harts, endued them with such a si [...]pathy of ioy, beholding them­selues all alone, that with ouer much ioy they were striken mute, so that how much soeuer their hearts desired, to let each other knowe their loues, they could not reueale the same. In this heauen of happie content they had not long bene, Guenelia a Ladie, that attended the Princes, brought her word, the King her father, with the King of Thessaly, was comming into the Parke, which place they had chosen to recreate themselues: Where passing on by faire Paris, they diligently listen to the swéete recordes of the pritie birds, who skipping from trée to trée, gaue as well the con­tent beholding it, as the eare pleasure in their notes, great was the delight they receiued, viewing the bewtie of the place, which for pleasant walkes, swéete groues, and fruit­full trées of all sortes, was matchlesse, into which manie pleasant brookes had recourse: on the bankes of which, fin­ding the place bewtified with Natures gifts, they sat them downe earnestly beholding the pleasure of the fishes, how pretely they chased one the other, with many a plesant con­ceiued toy, which they noted, censuring of each seuerall ac­tion, as they thought best to encrease their mirth. When some time was spent on this pleasant manner, Philarcus King of Thrace, finding himselfe all alone with the King of Thessaly, hauing neuer questioned of him his vnhappie fortune, began with him thus.

Let it not be displeasing vnto thée famous King, that I intrude my selfe so far into thy familiaritie, to require the cause of your graces trauaile, through which your life was so dangered, if you vouch [...]a [...] me this fauour, you shal com­maund a matter of more import, so please it you, at my hands.

The Thessalian King, attending this vn [...] que­stion, was driuen into such [...] thoughts, that his co­lour showed better his discontent to recount it, then his [Page] tongue ablenesse to answere the kings demand, how wil­ling so euer he was to satisfie him, yet after some pause ta­ken, he saith:

Right curteous, and mirrour of the world for Nobility, though nothing can be more displeasing to my grieued heart, then recounting my aduerse fortune, yet that your Grace shall not find any ingratitude in me, at whose hands I haue receiued such honourable entertainment, attende me.

It is not many yeares since Mantonna my father decei­sed, who left me (vnhappie I) his successour to inherite the crowne, which I did not long enioy, before Donatia King of Egypt, required of me my sister in mariage; who being beautifull, and in the flourishing time of her yeares, ha­uing not yet attained to the full of fiftéene, yong ynough to be bestowed, yet of that wisdome, that I referred y^e choise of her loue to her owne liking, induced▪ thereunto by the many euils happening by such made marriages, wher the children are forced by the couetous desires of their parents, to ioyne wealth to wealth, others for great patrimonies; all for lucre, fewe or none for loue. But whether the beau­ty of my sister Phedera (for so was she called) or the desire of her dowrie, which was great, or either of them, or both, I cannot say, [...]ut my sister being made acquainted with his sute, I craued her answere, for which his Ambassadors at­tended in my Court, with the best entertainment I could giue, whome my sister Phedera with her owne mouth an­swered (woe is me) vnhappy the tongue that pleaded deni­all to his suite, but most of all, vnhappy the houre when first of all hee determined to craue her at my handes, in whose power it was not to graunt: no sooner arriued his Nobles at the Court, and he scarslie had receiued the sum of her answere, but as one bereft of all honour, reason, and gouernment, he vowed reuenge on me and my countrey. And leuying a mighty power both of horse and foot, assailed me in mine owne territories, whome by the mighty pow­er [Page] of the Almightie, I expelled my lande, to their great dishonour, and no small losse to my subiectes: yet how great soeuer his ouerthrowe was, (an honourable minde I must say) were the cause iust, he ordeined a mightie po­wer by seas, whereof being by my espyalles aduertised of the time as neare as they could gesse they would be rea­die, with a power well shipped and furnished, I met him neare his owne Confines, where a mortall fight was be­gunne, and moste valiantly continued, neyther side gi­uing any shewe of fainting. But alasse, too soone commeth that grief which meiteth my hart into thousands of teares, to recount the Admirall of mine owne Squadron, being suncke, and two others forced by the cunning hand of their Gunners, to lye by the Lée, the rest fainted: which béeing perceiued of the enemie, they boorded, and by hundreths en­tered my shippes and gallies, who were valiantly repul­sed. But men can doo no more then God will giue them leaue, so long they continued the fight, that the scupars gushed bloud, as they had often with the water deliuered by the Pompe. And here laye one maimed, and there a number slaine. This pittifull stratageme, when my heart with heauinesse behelde, being so hardly assailed, my selfe, after that I was cleared from the Fléete, the winde fa­uouring mée with a happie gale, and my ship being good of saile, I forsooke the fight, in hope to haue recouered in my owne Countrey, and by a new supply, haue giuen him welcome thither. But my hopes herein deceiued, a boyste­rous storm growing, the sea who is mercilesse, arose in ex­tremitie, swelling with such outrage, that my weak barke no longer able to endure her cruelti [...], was put against our wils on thy coast, my Pylot vnacquainted with the same, and a hoary myst ouer spreading the land, sodeinly the ship stucke, being neare the shore, which draue vs to great ter­ror. To remedy the which, the Mariners did their best, but in vaine striue they that labour against his will that com­maundeth all. (What should I say) the outrage of the [Page] storm was such, as forced the ship vpon the Lée shore, which gaue vs all cause to remember our maker, and with hear­tie prayer to craue his assistance: but our comfort, was comfortlesse, our shyp split, and we all driuen to make what shift we might, my self happening on the main yard, after that I had bene gréeuously beaten at sea, the whole night was driuen a shore on your Confines, I neuer heard of any other that were saued. With this the teares restrai­ned his spéech, that he could not speake, which moued the King to more pittie of his estate, and friendly imbracing him, he sayd; No more my Lord at this time, I am sorie that I haue giuen you such cause of griefe, thus by recoun­ting so lamentable a state, renew your passed griefes. But comfort good King, when tides be at the lowest, they spring againe. If the Egyptian King be so extreame, reason with curtesie will not content him, the cause being no other, but to force the loue of a woman vnto him, of which, perhaps he were better be without: On the word of a King, and by my honor I sweare, I will not leaue you, vntill I sée you setled in your kingdome. Thus the King whome sorrow had ouerburthened, was by the comfort of this noble King his hoast, recomforted, whose whole studie was now in preparing of an Army to ayde him, to which care we leaue them.

Nutania, whose restlesse passions neither time nor place could alter, burning in these remedilesse thoughts, consi­dering the penance her louing heart was like to endure, she fell into this humor.

Nutania, how haue the Fates ordeined to make thée vnhappie? that thou being deliuered from an oppressing e­nemy, then steppes in loue to beginne a new Tragedie. Thou seest her fawnings is but flattery, then séek to eschue them, enter not too far in the forde, least minding but to wet thy shoe, thou plunge ouer head and eares. Thy yeares albeit not many, with the examples of others, whom then [Page] hast read, may learne thée to be wise: if thy fancie be fixed on such vanitie as may bréed thy sorrow, expell it as thou maist, suffer not loue to harbour in thy heart, for harbored, he commonly pleades possession; and once possest, neither force, nor entreatie may remoone him, so ambitious a ty­rant is he, that voyd of pittie, against law and all hostility he holdeth what hée list. Alasse Nutania, if thy enemy be such what auayleth thée; thou maist wish to be fréed from his ty­rannie, but canst neuer auoyd it, so imperious is hée, yet not manly, but as a Coward, making the breach where the wall is weakest: poore women is the marke, whereat most commonly he aymeth, who being by nature pittifull, are easie to beléeue, and by [...]oo light credite, are taken by them they best like of. Thus (poore wench) doest thou nothing but heaue feathers against the winde, which returne into thine owne eies: thy speaches vttered in loues dishonour, will be challenged, and like a traiterous Rebel to his Dei­tie shalt thou be conuicted, arraigned and condemned, for deprauing his Godhead. If it be death (fondling) to speake against the maiestie of a Prince, what is it to contemne the powers aboue? The best remedie thou hast is reconci­liation, wherewith the Gods are pleased; and hartily sor­rowing for thy misse, yéeld thy selfe vanquished, & yéelding, séeke by fauour, to attaine the end of thy desires. Thy loue is matchlesse, and doubtlesse honourable, his countenance sheweth the true badge of Nobilitie, and his valour and bountie doe answere what his other perfections promise: I haue often heard it spoken, that womens helpes in ex­tremitie haue bene great; if that be true proofe Nutania, cal thy wittes together, and so end thy tormentes, by enioying thy heartes content, so much discontent by yéelding to the same.

Thus resolued, without longer stay shée called vnto her Guenela, her chiefe attendant, who from her infancy had bene brought vp with her: In this Guenela, she conceiued her greatest hope, vnto whome she saide: Guenela, since I [Page] had reason to discerne good from euill, thou knowest how I haue tendered thée, and how willing I would be to séeke thy preferment: make triall when thou please, so shalt thou be assured of that, which iustly thou maist hold in suspence. But leauing these coniuring words, I must Guenela, com­mit vnto thy secrets, a matter of import, wheron my honor and reputation dependeth: for I tell thée Guenela, I haue made choyce of thée amongest, all those which I may com­mand, as of her I loue, and haue best cause so to do, hauing had such societie, else should I rather chuse to dye ten thou­sand deaths, then reueale it.

Guenela, which had her whole hope of good from the Princesse, hearing her spéeches, with teares standing in hir eyes, procéeding of ioy, for the honor done her by her Lady, protested vnto her by heauens maker, and what else he fra­med, to be secret in her determinations, and do her best en­deuour to accomplish whatsoeuer she commaunded. The Princesse taking her word for currant, in whom she neuer found deceit, said; Guenela, that it is incident to all crea­tures in their kinde to loue, I know thy wittes be not so simple, but thou canst conceiue, and he that frameth vs, di­recteth our likings as best pleaseth him, be it prince or beg­ger, from the highest to the simplest, and he my Guenela, hath linked my liking to a most braue toward Gentleman (on whom I thinke) if affection which is blind, deceiue me not, is worthie to be mated with the greatest in degrée on the earth. To kéepe thée with friuolous spéech, is no time now, hauing other matter inough to discourse: therefore that thou maiest knowe him to whome my loue is vnited, Pheander the new adopted Knight is hée, (Pheander) fa­mous for his valour, renowmed for his bountie, and admi­red for curtesie, he, he, Guenela, is the ioy of my heart, (and my hearts sole delight) without whom I cannot liue, no, I wil not liue, I, neither may I liue, such is the seruice my heart hath vowed in loue vnto him: therefore if thou loue me as thou hast profest, by thy industrie séeke to [...]aue my [Page] life, which cannot but perish not obteining my desires.

Guenela, listning to her discourse, willing to become second in this Comedie, had her braines beating alreadie in search of the charge committed vnto her, yet would shée not answere any thing sodeinly, considering how displea­sing spéeches spoken out of time, be vnto louers corasiues: yet chearing the Princesse, shée requested vntill the next morning, respite for answer, which the Princesse granted, affying greatly in her which was wise and wel demeaned, many wayes (sometime doubtfull) sometime pleasing, sif­ted her sences to the proofe, whom to her study we leaue.

The Mayden Knight, whose extremes were far more (if more might be) after his abrupt parting with his mis­tresse, that he grew so melancholy, as nothing were it vy­andes to relieue his weake corpse, neither the daintinesse of pleasing sweete Musicke wherewith his friends presen­ted him, might any way delight him, so that in outragious maner, he exclaimed on his misfortune, cursing the tidings bringer of the Kings repaire to the Parke, and his tongue for not reuealing his griefe, his Phisition so readie to hear, that dispairing of his hope to enioy her, he was likely to mischiefe himselfe: yet reason affirming, that the learne­dest Phisition could not discouer the disease of his Patient, without he shew it, how neare soeuer he gesse. Entering further in consideration of her fauourable spéeches, shaking off feare, like a hardie souldier, he determined in writing to let her know his loue, since he had no hope to méete her againe at the like aduantage. Therefore like the condem­ned, hoping of pardon, liueth the Knight, yet desirous to be resolued, either of comfort or dispaire, he calleth for Penne and Inke, and write thus. To [...] [Page] willingly vouchsafe him as partner of her best fortunes, yet making a kinde deniall, she said; Sir, though I could willingly do you more seruice, then modestie will I ac­quaint you with, it is not the part of our Countrey Gen­tlemen, to make peasts of Gentlewomen, hauing Pages fit for the purpose: if I refuse your request, attribute it to no discurtesie in me, which am very loath to offende her highnesse, not knowing whether the sentence of your paper may discontent her or no. That many messengers haue incurred displeasure, yea and losse of life as the cause hath deserued, I hope it is not vnknowne vnto you, yet hath the harmelesse messenger knowne as litle what he carried, as I desirous to know of you.

Swéete Guenela, quoth the Knight, that it is wisedom to beware by others harmes, I deny not, yet is it discurte­sie to deny the request of a Gentleman, which haue euer shewed my selfe a dutifull seruant to his highnesse, and ho­noring him, can I frame my heart to preiudise that Ladie of incomparable vertue? No, no, heauens neuer permit me life, to offend her in the least sort. Therefore doubt no such matter, for on the word of a Gentleman, my life shall be of­fered and fréely giuen, to excuse thy friendship, wherein I am so greatly pleasured by you. Guenela, noting by the of­ten changing colour in telling his tale, his heart was not his owne, but had some more businesse in hand then hée would impart, loath to offend his patience by her deniall, sayd; Sir, perswading my selfe of your loyaltie, I will for this time become your Embassador, although it should im­paire my credite with her Exellence, whose fauour I hold as deare as my life, and that you shall assure your selfe of my trustinesse herein, so please it you to méete me in this place to morrow, by that time the Suns power shall haue drawne the deawe from off the earth, I shall returne you answere as you desire.

Thankes good Guenela, for thy curtesie, assure you I will not dye in thy debt, if euer Pheander may requite it [Page] by any industry. In the meane time quoth he, fauour me so highly as weare this for my sake, and pulling off a Dya­mond of great prise gaue it her, which she was loth to ac­cept, yet giuing thanks for his curtesie, she sayd:

Sir, would you did vnderstand, I prise not my paines, that you shuld reward me with hyre, or do you good in hope of benefit▪ or as it is vnfitting a gentle woman to take gifts bestowed in such maner, so is it discurtesie and no part of a woman like condition, to refuse the gift of a friend: therfore accept my thankes, till I may better deserue it. Thus time passing away, Guenela taking her leaue, departed towards the Princesse, and the Knight to his lodging, where, how many sundry thoughts assailed him, I leaue to them, that haue endured the like.

Guenela, come to the Princesse presence, by her pleasant iesture was of the Princesse perceiued, who was iealous of her being acquainted with her maladie, who calling her to her bed side, she enquired where she had spent the time so long from her, knowing that all her Attendants were com­bersom vnto her, but onely Guenela, with whom she might passe the time in discoursing her loue.

Madame, dutie commands me, answere your demand, yet hauing bene to search some daintie that might yéeld de­light to your weak stomake, and cause better d [...]gesture, by chance prying in y^e garde in for such things, I was encoun­tred by the best skild in the dominions of Thrace who gaue me a receit, which I iudge by my simple skil, wil giue your Maiestie great ease; yet doth the Phisition doubt whether your stomacke wil disgest it. This gracious Ladie▪ quoth Guenela, hath bene the cause of my absence, and no other. (Alas good wench) how am I beholding to thée, that caring to recouer my strength, searchest the depth of thy skill, but Guenela in vaine s [...]ekest thou her health, whom no phisitiā with all his hearbs, drugs, & simples, balmes, emplaisters, or what Art may prouide, can remedy, onely God the great commander must by his grace bring my desires to ende, or [Page] by death, ende my dayes of life.

What Madam, euer in this tune? once alter these discords which maketh your musick iar, & sing y^• beliefe with a chéer­ful voice, so may your mind be a litle eased, and the receit I haue to minister, worke with the more effect: I speak this Madam, of experience, for euery skilfull Phisitian wil pre­pare the bodie of his Patient, before he minister. Therfore Madam, if you wil shake off this melancholy, you shal haue a taste of what I promise, if not, your grace must pardō me, it were great pitie so precious a thing should be cast away.

Well Guenela, quoth the Princesse, thou art disposed to crosse me with thy words, which doth but increase my dis­ease, yéelding small comfort: therefore leauing those Iests, say me my good wench, if thou haue ought will do me good? (if not) vse me no more thus vnkindly, least ouercome with the extreme of my griefe, I chance to say with my tongue▪ what my heart will repent, or vse my hands with such ry­gor, as becommeth not a mayden.

The Gentlewoman séeing the wind blow so warme, fea­ring as much as was promised, séeing the Princesse impa­tience such, thoght not good to tempt her aboue her strength, for women being by nature warme, with a litle f [...]wel will be made hotte, past reason: wherefore, making a preamble to her discourse, like an eloquent Orator began thus.

(Pheander) with that word, making a long pause, to note the Princesse countenance, on the sodain naming her beloued, was interrupted thus; Pheander? Guenela? what franticke humor causeth thée to name him in this manner, with whome thou hadst neuer anything to say? Madame quoth Guenela, attend the rest, before you either condemne me, or commend me. Then procéed quoth the Princesse.

This Pheander, of whom my tale is before your Exel­lence to be told, is that Knight who of your maiestie is cal­led the Mayden Knight, this Knight as it is told me, loueth a Lady, but whō I cannot declare, before I know: but as it is told me by his dear friend which knoweth the secrets of his [Page] heart, so tormented is he in his passions, that the night na­turally made for rest, (restlesse) he consumeth in great dis­content, (the day) wherein all creatures delight, is vnto him loathsome, so that through watching, and refusing his dyet, with other cares which cloyeth his stomake, his loue­ly face is altered from the sanguine, vnto the yealow co­loured Saffrone, (yea Madame) these mine eyes are wit­nesses of it, who this day sawe him passe into the Court, so féeble, that his weake legges might hardly endure the waight of his bodie. No more of this my swéete Guenela, least thy tongue busied too long on this Tragedie, ouer­come with the extremitie of my griefe, I [...]e enforced to seeke an ende of my torments by dispatching my owne life. Oh Guenela, is this thy comfortable confection? Is this the reliefe thou preachest off, which would yéeld me such quiet of minde? Vnhappie Lady, why should I liue to sée another enioy my Loue? Is not Pheander my seruaunt? haue not I made choyse of him? and shall another no way worthie to enioy him, haue that interest which might de­light the Goddesses? Peace Nutania, whither romest thou? let reason subdue rage, let not euery one knowe thy loue to Pheander, but conceale it as thou maist, and séeke some secret deuise to giue thy hart ease, by death which is thy best remedy: yet would I liue to become a succour for the well deseruing Knight, and gaine his hearts desire for him if I might. Cruel were that [...]ame & not worthy to inioy the sim­plest groom, which caus [...]es for loue, consumeth such a man in all perfections and liniaments of body, as Pheander, with­out yéelding him loue. But hearken Guenela, that thou maist in time when my bodie shall be intombed among the dead, report vnto my Loue, (and louing Knight) how deare I held his loue, as my countenance often shewed, (though he) carelesse of loues toyes neuer regarded it, & for he shall well know at my last ende how I wish his welfare, doo but this for me, by his friend to learn the Ladies name whō the Knight is so inthralled. This is all the seruice that I will [Page] euer command thée, that knowing hir, I may become an in­tercessor for him, whom my hart more desireth than all the worlds possessions: with this, teares which trickled downe from her eyes, restrayned her tongue. In which sorrowful passion, her maiden became a partner, and grieued for her follie, committing so haynous a faulte in procuring the same; she excused in this maner.

Most gacious Princesse, how much I grieue to sée your discomfort, I can not say, but hope your Grace will pardon me, which haue bene more bold, (presuming on your fa­uour) then beséemeth mée, neyther what I haue done (gra­cious Lady) was of any intent to offend you, but to acquite my selfe of blame, in a matter which I haue of curtesie vn­dertaken, as the sequele shall manifest, if it shall please your Ladiship to peruse this letter, which will (no doubt) resolue you, without further paines to me, or trouble to your Grace, what she is that is best beloued of the Maiden Knight on the earth. This letter I receiued at his handes, who hearing of your disquiet, desirous (as it should séeme) to acknowledge his dutie to you, coniured mée by many faire words, and proffrrs of good, to deliuer it vnto your hands; which albeit for modesty I did long refuse, thrusting that from me with my finger, which I woulde willingly haue drawne to me with all my force: in the end I consen­ted, & the rather for your Ladiships quiet, which as I sup­pose, will bid it welcome for the maisters sake; who if my iudgment in the Planet Venus deceiue me not, wil prooue shortly a coniunction, or Ile neuer trust my skill again; for Venus being in the signe Leo, hath domination ouer both houses, viz. he and she, or hée and you.

The Princesse at her last shift, when she heard Guenelas tale, voyd of all hope to enioy her beloued Pheander, after shée had a while paused, as one at length awaked from her memento, as from a sléepe, she saith; Now trust me wench, thou hast cunningly gone about the bush, and hast daintily sought to enter into my déepest secretes, yet how cunningly [Page] so euer you haue dealt, there may be a quilitie to deceiue both thée and him: but I pray thée Guenela, tell mée what spéeches vsed the Maiden Knight at the deliuery therof, tell me swéet gyrle in friendship.

The despairing Knight (good Madam) for so I must call him, howe euer his vallour showes it selfe in fielde, as no doubt woorthily; so saith report: yet in loue I sée his dastard­nesse, who loueth, yet dare not reueale the sum of his de­sires, but must commit it to a tell-tale paper; languishing to the death, wanting his delight, and prolonging his sor­rowes by silence, his lookes bewraying more than he can vtter: for be it said, he that had séen not long since his beau­tie and gallant grace, the abilitie of his bodie, and no­ted euery particular lineament, at this time with the de­bility thereof, should sée a metamorphosis, which might mooue the most hardest hart to pittie; the cause to me vn­knowne, but suspected. The assurance I doubt not but your Grace wil soon vndestand, if you vouchsafe to teare the seale and peruse the contents.

The Princesse which thought euery minute a yeare till she had knowledge of the Knights minde, put her maiden from her prattle with a fained message, when being all a­lone, with a number of sorrowfull sighes for the Knights perplexitie, she read, and manie times reade those lines, which gaue her first comfort of enioying her heartes cou­tent: how welcome they were vnto her, it may better bée imagined than explaned; whose head was wholly busied in answering the same, for which the thought it not vnfit to vse the help of Guenela; wherfore resting from her former studies, we leaue her contemplating on her loue, til Gue­nela her returne; who séeing her Ladies callour somwhat reuiued, began to smile. Madame (quoth shee) though I made a fault in detayning so long the physicke that I pro­mised you, yet I hope your Maiestie will pardon that of­fence, considering the good it doth in working; howe you disgest it I know not, but hée that hath least skill in iud­ging [Page] complexions, will say your mariage is mended by twentie in the hundred; if you recouer but so much of your losse euery two dayes, there are few (in one wéeke) wil be­leeue you haue bene sicke. Well wanton, well (answered the Princesse) you haue bene pretily disposed to play your parte, and take your pastime in beholding the follie of both our loues, which I am the more willing to forget, in that thou hast so rightlie iudged of both our griefes. But lea­uing iest, I pray thée say my swéet Guenela, what sayd my seruant when hée deliuered these letters vnto thée? Ma­dame, to say trueth; nothing touching his loue; but impor­ted with such earnestnesse; for the presenting them vnto your handes, as might haue made many proude to doe so charitable a dée [...]e, crauing it with spéech so pitifull, and lookes so ruthfull: for mine owne part, my heart imagi­ning by your affection, that the Goddes which caused your grief, had fettered him, and wel knowing where loue is vnited, the ones weal is the others good; though I were hardly won to the same, I vndertooke the hazard of your good wil, promising to returne to him an answere thereof, wherein I shall breake promise, without you graunt your consent.

Oh Guenela, doubts thou of my consent for answering of his kinde letters, which haue endured so many nights of vnrest, and carefull dayes for his sake? No, heauens neuer graunt me good in this world, if I séeke not his con­tent, & that with so good loue and affection, as hée offereth his loue and seruice to me, vnkind were I els, that louing am beloued, should suffer my dearest loue to languish, who may remedy it. Therefore Guenela, as thou hast plaide the Aduocate, so make I thée my principall and chiefe Se­cretorie: peruse these lines, and in right consider if that his griefe deserue not to be pittied, then let me sée thy skill in enditing, to the which thou shalt haue my helpe. Delay the time no longer, hunger (my Wench) is sharp sawce (as those say which haue good stomackes) and I measuring [Page] his desires by mine owne, imagine that meate cannot bee more pleasing to the hungry, then the vnexspected tydings of consent, from his new acknowledged Loue. Soft fire, Madame, quoth Guenela, makes the swéetest Mault, say our huswiues: your Ladiship is farre wide: what? no sooner at the style, but ouer haste makes waste; looke before you leape, least a blocke vnthought of, chaunce to breake your shins. What if these letters impart his loue, how are you assured thereof? Men are subtil, and can cast many cullours to deceiue women; all is not gold that glistereth, nor al su­gar that hath a swéete taste; vnder the gréenest grasse lur­keth y^• poysoned Adder; the Crocadile sheadeth most tears, when he séeketh most to deceiue: try ere you trust, Madam, repentance comes too late; therefore howsoeuer you affect him, conceale it: Lightly wonne, is as lightly lost. The La­bourer that gayneth his mony by hard labour, is more cha­ry in parting therewith, then the purloyning théefe, or the ryotous youth, which by subtill practises draweth all he can from his kind parents, to maintaine his inordinate expen­ces. Let him bite on the bridle a while, yet gently line his curbe, that he galle: not a litle thing pleaseth a childe, and a good countenance is woorth golde, to him that regardeth it, as he professeth. Weigh your own estate, which are heir to this most famous crowne of Thrace, with the basenesse of his calling, which was no better than a Marchant: con­sider what a corrasiue this loue of yours woulde be to your honorable father, should he know it, and how your Nobles would stomacke him for his birth, grieuing to liue in obe­dience to one so farre their inferiour. The enuious regard not what vertues he is possest with, which I must néedes say, deserue to bée accounted: the man gayning honour by vertue and valour, is more woorthy to gouerne the State then the Noble, which ignobleth his house by his bad de­meanor. How many such there bée in this Court I grieue to sée, who liuing licentiously, abuse themselues in such odi­ous maner, that if your Ladishippe heard the pitifull com­plaints [Page] of the Commons, crying out on the Prince for iu­stice against them, and how by fauour of their friends, ru­ling both the King and the State, they are suborned, clea­red of the cryme, and the poore Complainant, returned with a checke able to breake the heart of a simple man: abuses which may be more lamented, then easily remedied.

But touching the Mayden Knight, from whom I haue digrest, I speake not any thing to disparage his loue, nor to draw your lyking from the Knight, but wish you temper your affection, in such sort, that you may long enioy it with content to you both, and so gouerne your Graces lookes and countenances, that the lightnesse of the one, nor the liberall bestowing of the other, giue iealous heads any cause of su­spition. For Princes be great markes, and haue many eies beholding them, and once perceiued, what peril it may pro­cure to either part, your wisedome can conceiue. Thus in dutie haue I spoken, and deliuered a grosse aduise, which I referre to your Graces better consideration. Well hast thou said, my Guenela, quoth the Princesse, but what auai­leth counsell to a desperate minde, no more then he that sée­king to quench the flame, powreth Oyle to it, I finde thy loue so great towards me, that I cannot requite it, which with such good regard balanceth each perill incident to both our states, if thou canst as well deuise how we may enioy our delight, without which we perplexed, cannot long en­dure, what is it that Nutania shall euer enioy, but Guenela shall command? Then as thou tenderest my good, bethinke thée of some remedie, for my loue to him is such, as nothing may extinquish. Say my swéet Guenela, shall I by writing answere his Letters, or no: In this I wil be ruled by thée, how gladly soeuer I wish his comfort, in whom, of al earth­ly creatures, consisteth my most comfort. Experience is the best wisedome quoth Guenela, who would euer haue be­léeued loues power to be of such effect, how imperious soe­uer he séemed, had they not séene and heard what I doo? through which I am compelled to recant my heresie, and [Page] say Loue is a God, or how is it possible he could command Princes. But to your Graces request, wheras you haue re­ferred the answere of Pheanders Letters to me, I was ne­uer so voyde of reason, nor so desirous to be counsellor to your excellence, to take so great a matter vpon me, yet shal I (so please it you to heare me) deliuer my simple opinion, as I would do my selfe in the like action. The olde wiues say, they that féede with the deuill must haue a long spoone; and they that goe about to master Loue had néed of manie good precepts: disswade your Grace I will not to forget it, for▪ I sée it is vain, neither would I wish you to answere by writing; for a paper is soone lost, and lost, to whose finding it shall come, tis vncertaine; as soone to some enuious ene­mie, as a wel-willer; in which some word simplie meant of you, or me, may be construed by them at their pleasure, whereby your name may be brought in question; and a slaunder raised, is not so easily suppressed; writing is a spe­cialtie, whereof the subtill Lawyer takes no small aduan­tage: to auoyd all which casualties, this may you doe; pre­tend some matter of conference with him, and appoint the time when hée shall attende your pleasure, at your lod­ging, comming secretely vnto you, and at such time as the King your father shall bée employed in serious affaires, so may you vse your spéech at your pleasure; this would Gue­nela doe, your Grace may vse your discretion.

I like thy deuise wel (good wench) and giue thée manie thankes (quoth the Princesse) therefore faile not to méete him for thy promise, what els I refer to thy best indgemēt. Nowe in faith Madame (quoth Guenela) you haue made a good choyce for a solliciter, but take me as I am, this is the first suit that euer I was retained for nor I doubt not (if I spéed well now) of manie elpantes. As they were thus pleasant betwéene themselues, they heard a trumpet sound to horse, which caused the Princesse to sende her Page to enquire the cause, who returned her answer, that the king with his traine, were setting forward to hunt a wilde bore, [Page] which his Forrester had roused: this newes gaue them cause of ioy, hoping that Fortune fauoured them with a happy time, which they were both loth to omit, doubting the like opportunitie; the Princesse especially, who coulde not be quieted in minde, vntill shée heard her Knight aun­swere for himselfe; wherefore a Page was presently com­manded to search for y^e Knight, willing him with such con­uenient spéed as hee could, to meet Guenela in the garden; the Page vsed such diligence, y^e soone he was brought vnto the Knightes presence, whome he found solitary (as a holie father) at his Orizons, whome the Page awaked with his ioyful message, which was welcom vnto him, albeit doubt­full whether of weale or woe, either to augment his sor­rowes, or vtterly to extinguish them. The sudden hearing of which, caused him to pause a while, when hauing deter­mined, curteously returned answere to the Gentlewoman, that he would attend her, he rewarded the Page so bounti­fully, as he had cause to boast him of his wel employed ser­uice. Guenela hauing receiued his answere by the Page, aduertized the Princesse thereof, who commaunded her to haste, least she gaue the Knight cause of discontent by her long stay: but for al her spéed Pheander was long there be­fore, attēding her comming; who was no sooner of him per­ceiued to enter the place, but his heart pr [...]aging some good, was more delighted thereat, thē all the motions that could be imagined, after his curteous salutations done, thus said:

Swéet Guenela, I know not what to imagine of thy sud­den message, yet willing to be resolued, as one that by thy answer exspecteth his doome either of life or death, I attend thy pleasure: say therfore, swéet Lady, what faith the Prin­cesse to my letters? with whom Guenela purposed to be som­thing pleasant, & not to cloy his stomacke with such plesant confections, that he should surfet therewith, and framing a countenance to her spéech, she said:

Sir Knight, of all the Gentlemen in the Courte of Thrace, my good opinion was such of you, that on your [Page] word, I durst haue hazarded my greatest credit, which ex­pectation thou hast farre deceiued: and therefore not wor­thie to be accounted among such honorable men at Armes, which take their principall honor, holding their word with Gentlewomen. At the deliuery of which spéech, he that had tooke regarde to the Knightes countenaunce, might haue thought him past phisickes recure: And withall, standing so mute, it verely perswaded Guenela, that he was readie to deliuer his interest of life, whiche made her alter her rough words, and with a smoother methode new file them; doubting that her Comedie begun in mirth, should prooue a Tragidie, to the great grief of the whole Country, which generally honored him. Wherfore taking him by the hand, she sayd; Sir Knight, I am sorie I haue charged you so far, what cause soeuer I had, but tis womanlike to be slaine with words, and no fit passion for a man of your profession. That you may comfort your selfe, I first pardon the offence against me committed, (and enioyne you) as you tender your credit with the Princesse Nutania, that you faile not to repaire at such conuenient time as you best can, to her lodging; where if you hold your word, you will excuse your messenger.

Oh Guenela, how haue thy spéeches tormented me, fil­ling my entrailes with suche a confusion of comfortlesse thoughts, as haue ouercome my senees. Yet Guenela, if thou be curteous, or haue any sparke of gentilitie abide in thée, Say my good Lady, what countenance gaue the Prin­cesse to my bashfull paper? Vouchsafed she the reading of them? (Or how) to discomfort you good Knight, quoth Gue­nela, it were pittie, being alreadie at so low a datum, which pitieth me to behold. Comfort can I giue none to thy de­sires but this, thy sute is loue, as your Letters import, in which dispaire not, for thy mistresse is a woman, though a Princesse, and how pitifull our sexe is, I will not boast, but wish thée not dispaire: If thy birth were as great as thy vertues, thou mightst boord and bedde, as good as the Prin­cesse [Page] Nutania, vnto whom I wil be a faithfull soliciter. Mi­stake me not Pheander, I speake as a friend, and so leaue thée, vntill thy comming to my Lady, which detract not, for time lost, is such a precious thing as can neuer be recalled. Before whom, when thou shalt come, pleade thine owne cause, and discouer thine owne grie. And so farewell.

Pheander, which had some greater hope by Guenela, her last spéeches, was so ouer ioyed, that he could not bid her farewell: yet after his memento past, he saith, farewell the faithfullest friend in my distresse, that euer I founde. (Oh Guenela) happy maist thou be in thy loues, and highly honored amongst men, by whom my cares are thus com­forted, (faithfull Guenela) the worker of my hearts happie content, by whom past all hope, I am by thy faithfulnesse and trueth in deliuering my message, freed of so heauie a burthen, as was likely to haue torne my poore oppressed heart in a million of péeces. Thus vplawding Guenela, he had almost forgotten his word. Leauing further to descant on this plaine song, returne we to the Princesse, who was aduertised by her woman, what had passed betwéene the Knight and her, not omitting his heauy lookes, and pitifull spéeches. And then againe as glad to please the Princesse, whom she was assured loued the Knight, letted not at large to set out his honors gained, his comelinesse of person, boun­tie, and whatsoeuer the world admired in him, she highly aduanced: to the great content of y^e Princesse, who thought euery minute a yeare vntill she saw him, whome she with hartie desire expected, (long looked for, comes at last.) And Nutania who at a casement wayted diligently his cōming, espied her beloued Knight, what ioy it caused, let them iudge, which better experience haue made perfit in louers delights. The Princesse hauing the sight of her so long de­sired Knight, sent Guenelia to entertaine him, and to bring him to her presence. The Princesse studying to frame her countenance for his welcome, bethought her selfe of sundry meanes, eftsoones, doubting by her too pleasant and kinde [Page] vsage to be thought too forward in loue: then, what discom­fort her heauy lookes might moue to him, whom she most desired to please. In this quandary, fitting on a Pallet, lea­ning her head on her pillowe, Guenela hath brought the Knight to her presence, who doing his dutie, was by the Princesse againe saluted.

Attending like the guiltie condemned, his sentence from her mouth, which was to giue him either life or death, the Knight thus at an nonplus, ouercome with the beholding of the Princesse exellent perfection, was by her the mirror of all honor and curtesie, remoued out of his dumpes, in this maner.

Sir Pheander, whether I should chastice thy presump­tion in writing so boldly vnto me (or no) I am not yet re­solued, but before I acquainted my father therewith, I thought good to heare thée speake, for that I would not so­deinly disgrace thée, whom I haue so often graced: as well to heare thy intent committing so great a follie, as what thou canst say in excuse thereof. Princes are not to be iea­sted with, nor to be attempted in such maner by their infe­riours, and therefore thou hast highly erred in that thou hast done, and encurred the daunger of our strictest lawes, by which thou art already cōdemned, were thy fact known. The Knight standing at the bar, where Bewlie sat chiefe Iudge, was surprized with so many griefes, that he might hardly vtter any word, yet reuiued by hope of those com­fortable and swéete wordes pronounced by Guenela, hée saith;

Gracious Lady, that I haue presumed farre, I cannot but acknowledge, yet that I haue encurred such punish­ment as your highnesse inferreth, I deny, vnlesse death be the guerdon assigned the faithfull; (for dutifull seruice) and entire affection, vrged me to séeke thy fauour in loue, with­out which I may not liue: so déepely is thy vertuous per­fections imprinted in my heart, which if I enioy not, I de­sire no longer to breathe. Therefore Madame, if thou dis­daine [Page] his loue, that liuing, dieth continually for thée: doo but say the word, and this blade so often imbrued in the blood of mine enemies, shall sacrifice his maisters owne true heart before thy face, that thy cruell selfe, (maist witnesse to thy selfe) how faithfully thy seruant hath loued thée.

The Princesse gréeued to heare these spéeches, moued with great ruth, could hardly forbeare sheading of teares, yet modestie the ornament of womankinde, caused her to feine a counterfeit show of displeasure to him, whose teares wroong droppes of blood from her tender heart, yet that she might not too sodeinly confesse her hearts desire, nor giue him cause of vtter dispaire, she saith; Pheander, that thou maist sée, and séeing, report in all places where euer thou shalt become of womens pitie, I grant thée pardon for thy fault, and with my pardon, thy life, which was wholly in me to dispose. For louing me as thy Prince, I heartily thanke thée, but in séeking to obtaine my loue as thy wife, that haue bene denied to diuerse and sundrie Princes, in that thou errest: let each estate frame themselues in loue to their equall, so shall they sooner obtaine their desires, and their loues in more tranquilitie be mainteined. Thou knowest thy birth how base it is, and though for thy ver­tues it pleased my Princely father to aduance thée, who cannot of his Princely nature, but rewarde the d [...]serts of the well deseruing. If for his good to thée, thou séeke to robbe him of his childe, therein thou shewest a verie vngratefull minde, and laiest open to the world thy base condition. Therefore persist to prosecute thy sute, let rea­son vanquish that brain-sicke humor which so afflicts thée; in doing which, thou shalt shewe thy selfe, to be thy selfe: For no greater conquest can be atchieued, then conquering a mans owne effects. Doo this, and thou shalt finde Nu­tania thy faithfull and assured friend, who will be as care­full to aduaunce thée, as I haue found thée readie to plea­sure me.

[Page]Alas good Madame, answered the Knight, I haue often heard, the whole néeds no phisition, it is easier far to giue counsell then to take it. The full gorged Churle litle re­gardeth the staruing creature at his gate, (but madame) could you conceiue the least part of many thousand griefes that afflict me, you would pitie me at least, though you yéel­ded me no farther fauour: If thy heart be not harder then the Adamant, (pittie me) swéete Lady, and yéeld thy grace, to augment my life, or vtterly deny me your fauour for e­uer. I exspect but your answere, for my resolution is no o­ther then I haue profest, (dastards feare to die) but the No­ble minde preferreth death which endeth all sorrowes, be­fore a life to be continued with discontent. The Princesse which was at her wits end as full of griefe, as he of sorow, turned her spéeches from her matter, to question him of his Country, the maner of the Court, and state therof, thinking so to be guilde the time and put him off for that season. But so long dalied she, that she was forced in the end to confesse her loue to be no way inferior to his. Thus as I haue said, demaunding of the Knight many questions, she earnestly entreated him, to resolue her whether the Prince Dioni­cus, were such as the world reported him, who had name to be a Paragon, excelling in all actions required in a No­ble man. The Prince hearing his name called in question by the Princesse, on such a sodaine, beléeued verily that she had some secret knowledge of him, which made him with blushing chéekes to say, what reportes soeuer your Grace hath heard of that Prince Dionicus, I know not, a subiect I was to his father, and ought to speake reuerently of him, (yet what is truth) and not for affection or despighte, to say other then I will with my blood auow. Wherefore Noble Lady, I will truly answere your demaunds.

The Prince whose father was matchlesse, gaining the loue of all men, with care and honor mainteined the repu­tation of his Countrey, which by his carelesse sonne is ble­mished, who neglecting the dutie of a child, without regard [Page] of father, crowne, or kingdome, exiled himselfe, no man knowes where, or whether he rest aliue or no: since which time, the king his father, who loued him too dear (if fathers loue may be too deare) hath likewise absented himselfe, and liueth in exile. The mother Quéen, hath resigned her due to death, leauing (by losse of those honorable persons) their country without a head, and their state by subiectes to bée gouerned, wherby a ruine of the kingdom is like to ensue, all procéeding from the Prince. A miserable country is that (quoth the Princasse) & to be lamented; but more the losse of so noble a race, the father hauing bene such, and the sonne as (report saith) so toward. But say (good Knight) quoth she, was there neuer cause supposed of their departures? nor did not the father through his harsh demeanor, for youth in these times take vnkindly their fathers vnkindnes: & age is froward, which frowardnes might minister great cause of discontent. Madam (quoth the Knight) to my knowledge, this I wil say, my father being a Courtier in some regard, whereby I became familiar with the Prince, and as youth will make choise of some one to participate with, so it plea­sed the Prince, louing my father wel, to vse my company in all his exercises; through which I saw his demeanor, with such reuerent duetie to the king acknowledged, and as kindly requited of the king, as on the earth might not bee found loue more perfect til his speach fayling in his mouth, he could vtter no more. The Princesse giuing héed to each word by him pronounced, albeit she sawe the repeating of the Princes life, was somewhat cumbersome vnto him, yet ceased he not to vrge him, to shew such sorrowe in deliue­ring the storye so of her desired. Ah Madame (quoth the knight) at his departure, began our Countries grief and my sorrow, from whome in life, I could neuer bée sepera­ted, such was my loue to him, which refused himselfe, his Crowne, and dignities. Adolefull tale hast thou deliue­red (quoth the Princesse) which I perceiue mooueth you to impacience, wherefore, one demaund and an ende. The [Page] Prince Dionicus, made choyse of you, for his companion: Then vnder benedicitie let me craue (all law of friendship exempted) did he not acquaint you with his determinati­ons? for me thinkes it is scant credible, that such an vnity should be amongst men, their loues being so perfect, but he should disclose each secret intent whatsoeuer: many rea­sons draweth me to suppose it, which I will omit, for I perceiue I am too tedious. Your Ladiship vrgeth me far, yet will I accomplish your request, who haue power to commaund me. The Gentleman who neuer offended, but in committing of this great offence, long before his depar­ture, hauing belike some motion of desire in his thoughtes, became of a pleasant Gentleman, the most melancholiest that could be found; that quite abolishing all company, hée best contented himselfe with his secrete cogitations; conti­nuing this homour so long, that he fell sicke of an extream Feuer; which so encreased vpon him, as all Physickes re­liefe was quite giuen ouer: so that small was the hope of his recouerie, whose distresse, the kind King, with the mo­ther Quéene, grieued in such wise to beholde, as in shorte time it was hard to be iudged which of the thrée endured most extreames. But God that in aduersity sends comfort, restored the Prince to some strēgth: belike receiuing some comfort in his imaginations, & by his recouery, the King & Quéene were both so comforted, as in short time they were raised from their sicke cabinets, to frolike it amongst their noble subiects, who ioyed in nothing so much as in their healthes. But how soone the Sunshine of their happinesse was ouershadowed with cloudes of comfortlesse care, grie­ueth me to recount; yet dare I not gainsay your Ladiships request. The Prince recouered of his maladie, made sem­blance of such content, that none but himselfe could witnesse vy the least suspition, his hearts discontent, yet oftentimes should I, being seldome from his company, sighing with a number of far fetched sobs, heare him say, Péerlesse Ladie, would my loue were as wel known to thée as to mine own [Page] heart, then doubtles wouldst thou pitie me which lanquish for thée, that art the only Princesse on the earth, excelling in al vertues which beautifie the honourable; the report of which hath fettered my fancies to thée, that I protest to bée thine, or neuer mine owne: then looking with a gastly loook about him, to sée if any ouerheard him, hee woulde fall into some other discourse, euer applauding y^e rare perfections of his mistresse, who was vnknowne to all but only to himself & I, who frō the first he acquainted with y^e same: briefly La­dy, (for I weary you with my discourse) the loue of his La­dy hath drawn him from his country, whose absence caused the kings exile, & the Kings exile the Quéens death.

The Princesse hearing all these extreams to grow from affection, knowing well her owne hearts discontent, with a sigh from the déepest, which wroong tears from her heart, she said; Alasse noble Gentleman, whose ioy so soone ouer­whelmed, hath heaped so many cares vpon me, what folly was there in thée, that wouldest not disclose thy loue which burned so vehementlie: was the dame so base, that thou fea­rest thereby to ignoble thy issue, or of such high estate thou doubtest to obtaine her; if either, by perswasions all griefs might haue bene mittigated: if a Monarch, why thou by re­port deseruest her; if a begger, thou mightest make her no­ble; what ere she were hearing thy distresse, could she for­beare to pitie thée? No, no, were her heart more harder then the Diamond, it could not choose at y^e hearing therof, but re­lent: else, wel woorthy were she to bée scorned of al Ladies, and neuer to bee named amongst the number of women.

The Prince séeing the Princesse in this pitiful humour, thought it good striking whē the iron was hot, & taking the opportunity, answered her thus: Is your Ladiships censure such of hard-hearted Ladies, & wil not be entreated of him, whose loue to you, is no whit inferior to the Pr. Dionicus, as himself wold confesse wer he present, & hard me recount y^e many griefs, wherwith loue hath afflicted me: & might he [...]e Iudge, wold allow me recōpence for my seruice in loue. [Page] But Madame, if without offence I might demaund this; say Nutania, the Princesse of Thrace were the Saint, vnto whome this vnhappie Prince had vowed his deuotions, and that all the passions he hath endured▪ are for your loue, would you vouchsafe him loue in recompence thereof? The Princesse driuen to her shiftes at this demaund, could not tell what to answere, yet sharpening her wittes (as wo­men can doe) she said: Pheander, Loue is not to bée dal­lied with, as I haue heard them say, which speake by ex­perience; therefore I cannot directly answere thy que­stion, but were I the Physitian that could cure his ma­ladie, and had so good iudgement of his affects as of mine owne, charity would I shoulde minister vnto his disease, what effect soeuer the potion would worke; prouided this, that he disclosed his griefe in time: mistake me not Phe­ander, and pardon mée if I conceale what I would vtter, my thoughtes are mine owne. Trueth Ladie (quoth the Knight) neither was y^e same demaunded to vrge any thing more thē standeth with your good liking: yet for the prince; this I say, it were pittie he shoulde die for loue. So say I, (quoth the Princesse) for few men ther be of that condition, and as seldome is such a one séene, as multitudes of blacke Swans. Your errour is great, Madam, (quoth the knight) for many haue bene with loue so ouercome, that Kinges haue bene enforced to stoop to their subiectes, and the grea­test conquerours, whose valour many volumes recorde, by loue compelled to forsake themselues, taking sundrie shapes and many toyles, to gaine the loue of their Ladies. I speake now Madam for the Prince, whom I loue well, and challenge your charity may bee to him continued, for your loue is the only physick that must cure him, or els all other helps are friuolous: in hope wherof, he breaths a lin­gring life, til your gracious consent finish his griefs, yéel­ding to his desires, in whom it resteth, to restore him; bani­shed, to his regal dignities, who is y^• cause of his exile: da­stardnesse hath caused him to conceale it, bearing the extre­mitie [Page] of his passions with intollerable pain, whose flames encreaseth by viewing your exellent perfections; The want of whose grace, haleth him on to desperation, not able any longer to resist loues assaults, which with such hot al­larmes assaileth him, that longer he cannot endure them. The Princesse hearing her Knight pleade for the Prince with such earnestnesse, leauing his owne sute, to draw her to loue him of whom her thoughts were least on, thought it some pollicy of the Knight, which imagined loue had van­quished her, swelling with anger at these new imaginati­ons, he [...] colour changed into so many formes, that the least child which had séene the same, might easily haue gest what small content those last vttered spéeches wrought. But doubting least with silence it should be perceiued, with a heart full fraught with fury, she sayd; Deceitfull wretch, vnworthy the fauour of the simplest drug, that by thy subtil practises hast sought to insinuate thy selfe into my secrets, was it not false varlet, sufficient that I forbeare the puni­shing of thy own bold writings, but to my face in colorable maner, deludest me with tales of I know not what. Haue I euer graced thée since I first sawe thée, and requitest thou my fauour thus, dallying with me as with thy inferiour, or some of thy base Trulles? No, no, vse thy ieast with such that can better disgest them, and from henceforth be war­ned, (and warned) take héed how thou dare either by word or writing, vse any like motions, least I acquaint y^• world with thy impotent dealings, and by death thou receiue the guerdon of thy ill: and so fare as thou maist, for neuer ex­pect farther fauour at my hands.

The Prince hearing this finitiue sentence, from her, whose tongue was to pronounce his life or death, thought it high time to speake for himselfe before she departed, and staying her as she would haue gone, he humbly besought her, not in displeasure to leaue him, but with patience en­dure what he could say: which albeit she might hardly be wonne to grant, yet her former affection banished chollor [Page] in such wise, that he had libertie to speake, saying;

Gracious Lady, that I offended your Exellence, whom of all earthly creatures I most honor, I hartily sory for it, iudge me not so impudēt or senslesse, to moue matter with­out some reason, especially enduced therunto by your exel­lent fauour, and charitable pittie of the wretched estate of that vnhappie Prince, who hath vowed to loue your grace to the death: and by granting him your loue, you shall draw him from death, & thereby not onely restore him, but fill the hearts of many thousands with ioy, which with teares con­tinually lamenteth his losse, which is lost to them for euer, and shortly will be losse to himselfe & the whole world. Vn­happy Prince, why name I him Prince, whose miseries is more thē the most wretched slaue that liueth, who not able to endure the force of loue, hath forsaken himselfe, to follow his own affectiōs, without knowledge of father, kin, or sub­iects. Muse not Madam, at the straungenesse of the Tale I haue to deliuer, nor let it séeme incredible, that I am that vnhappy Dionicus, lawfull heire of the Numedian Crown, that Prince, through whom so many miseries is befallen his country, his fathers care, & cause of his careful mothers vntimely death, who fettred in loues bands, by report of thy péerlesse bewtie & vertues, hath drawne me to take the ha­bit of a merchant, vsurping the name of Pheander, the more vnsuspected to attain the sight of thée whom my heart so de­sired: whom if thou pitie, liueth by thy loue to do thée honor, and without thée, may no longer inioy this life; in pursuit of whose loue, if I die, my ghoast among the rest of louers▪ shal sing hymnes in laude of thy péerlesse bewtie.

The Princesse as one in a trance, could not tel whether she heard him speak, or dreamed, yet noting his countenāce which shewed a troubled spirit, tickled with a sodain ioy, as women be proud in their Loues, that her loue to Pheander, was methamorphosed to Dionicus, the Numedian Prince, of whome her fathers Courtiers reported such honours, she sayd; Pheander, or how I shall call thée I know not, [Page] thou hast filled my sences with a world of cōfused thoghts, in recounting the straungenesse of thy fortunes, which I can hardly be drawne to beléeue, nor is it possible that the Prince Dionicus could liue in the Court of Thrace, so long concealed, without knowledge of some one, if I might by reason be induced to beléeue the same, I would say more▪ Madam quoth the Prince, howsoeuer I haue disguised my selfe heretofore, as loth to be dishonored, yet beléeue me in this, that I said no more then is truth. Therefore if thou couldst not loue Pheander being a merchant, for ignobling thy noble house, yet as I am Prince of Numedia, vouchsafe me thy liking, by whome thy honor can no way be dispara­ged, but by exchanging loue for loue with him, aduance thy honor far higher. Say n [...]w Madame, all nicenesse set apart, can you loue?

The Princesse, whose loue was equall, though willing­ly she would haue coloured the same, yet moued with a pi­tifull desire to ease his griefe, which farre surpassed, as also to ease her owne heart which was not a litle infected with the self disease, their welfares depending both on her grant or deniall. After she had deliberated a while, fixing her hand in his, which she easily grasped, and leaning her head on his shoulder to couer y^e blushing of her face, as ashamed of what she had to say vnto him, in reuealing her owne griefe, she said;

Famous Prince, whome the world applaudeth, and our Courtiers of Thrace, with wonder do admire, that I loued thée being Pheander, I cannot deny, and how many iarres I endured for thée, I omit: each particuler, wringing tears from my heart, which how willing so euer it was to haue made the same knowne, modestie restrained, laying before me many wrongs offred in Ladies loue, by such periured knights, as haue profest with their toongs what their harts neuer ment, wherby diuers Ladies of honor, haue bene dis­honored, & sundry lost their liues, (which considered) blame me not, if I rather chuse to die, then passe the bandes [Page] of modestie so farre, as seeke thy loue, or knowing thy grief, to blame mine, (yéeld) before I heard thée auow on thine honor, what thy letters imported. But gentle Prince, that thou maist better beléeue what I report, how much soeuer my heart hath denied to reueale, perswade thée, if I loued thée being Pheander, and a counterfeyt merchant, assure you, I cannot hate thée for that thou art Dionicus, (the one a Prince) the other an inferiour, of whose loue were I as­sured, and that his tongue and heart agreed in one, Dioni­cus, should be in loue so requited, as neuer any should haue interest in Nutanias heart, but the péerlesse Prince of Nu­media. At vttering of which, teares restrained her spéech, which y^e Prince noted, and perceiuing that she spake what her heart thought, he [...]omforted her thus.

Faint not Madame, neither sorrow for those comforta­ble confections bestowed on a dying creature, whose fauors hath haled him from the graue, whereunto he was like to haue bene swallowed, had not thy comfort reclaimed mée, who liuing, died for thy loue, which grace shall neuer be forgotten. And that you shall assure you my faith and loue is firme and honorable, I protest by that honor that euer the Numedian Prince hath regarded, that my loue to the Princesse Nutania, is no other but honourable, nor neuer none hath had any interest in Dionicus, or euer shall, but the onely bewtifull, and verteous Princesse Nutania: and on that, take here my hand, and with my hand, the heart, loue, and honor of a Prince. Guenela, lending an eare to this prattle, hearing them so earnest, to put them from their melancholy, tooke the word at aduantage, and comming so­deinly to them, said; Madame, at finishing of bargains they shake hands, if there be any exchange betwéene your knight and you, you were best to take witnesse, least disliking the match, he recant his word. Guenela, quoth the Prince, your Lady is beholding to thée for thy care, (and I) your debter, challenge it when you please. Sir, quoth Guenela, I thank you, but wilt please you remember your promise, & excuse [Page] Guenela (quoth the Princesse) without my Lord y^• Prince his further intreaty, I pardon al faults committed against me; for confirmation of which, get your Lawyer to draw an acquittance generall from the beginning of the world, and I will signe it.

Nay Madame (answered Guenela,) it were an euil ser­uant that will not take her mistresse worde for a dozen or two of stripes, which I am sure had bene the most, and if they should light on my ribbes, might well grieue me, slay me they could not, my heart is of more valour then so. But Madame, shal Sir Pheander marie the Princesse Nutania, that you call him your Lord the Prince? if that be the bar­gaine, I feare there is some fire in the strawe. And howe then (quoth the Princesse?) Nay Madame (quoth Guenela) nothing, but I pray God giue you much ioy, and make you happy in your loue. While they were thus pleasant, a page brought word that diuers Ladies were come to visite the Princesse, which caused them, how loth so euer, after manie swéet imbracings and louing kisses, betwéene them enter­changed, to giue each other the farewel, parting better con­tent, then they came together, hauing vnburthened their heartes of much griefes, giuing content to both, by yéelding to loue, which vanquished both, whome to their pleasing imaginations I leaue, to recount the Kinges of Thrace, and Thessalie, their pastimes in hunting. These Kinges following the chace with great pleasure, as pastime they greatly delighted, were so wearied with the same, and toi­led with the extremity of heate, which made them choose some place vnder the shadowe of the spreading trées to re­fresh themselues, where they had not long rested, but they were espied of an ancient woman, the widdow of good ye [...] ­man, and her sonne, who hauing workmen not farre from thence, were carrying them victuals. The poore aged wo­man hauing séene (as she thought vnséene) the kings, doub­ting they were some of those robbers, that haunted those mountains, woulde haue shifted from them another way, [Page] but were interrupted of the King, who suddeinly calling them, draue them both into such a shaking feare, as they which are ouerburthened with a feauer. The King who graciously regarded their timmorousnesse, comforted them with all the fauourable spéeches he could vse, protesting vn­to them, that in their company they should receiue no dis­curtesie, by none, if the King himselfe were present, and therefore willed them to set feare apart, and to tell them what they were, the cause of their feare, and their businesse they had that way? These honorable spéeches of the King mildly vttered, comforted them, wherefore in such blunt manner as her bringing vp required, shée sayd;

Gentlemen, for so you séeme, if your inward conditions, answere your outward habit, (as many in this age doeth) whose garments might become men of great worth, if ap­parell may make a man more worthie, yet diuerse times couer those carkases, voyd either of worship, honestie, or other good condition. Pardon my harsh behauiour, (gentle sir) and blame me not for auoiding the way, experience ha [...] ▪ taught me to eschue harmes, who to my cost haue dearly paid for my learning, hauing my goods spoiled at home, and my self & family, dangered abroad: and without offence may I speak it, by such, whose countenance and attire, might wel haue deceiued them of more iudgement then my selfe.

The King delighted with her plaine spéeches, demanded where she dwelled, and whether she had a husband, or liued a widow? Oh sir, if any gentilnesse abide in you, (quoth she) vrge me not to deliuer a tale of such ruth, as your questi­ons import. The remembrance of my passed pleasant life, when I call to minde, with the cares I now am combred with, many sundry wayes, are so displeasing vnto my grée­ued heart, as I may not without many teares shed, recount the same. These words spoken in heauinesse, noted of the King, made him more importunate to heare the rest, and therfore willed her all feare set apart, to reueale vnto him, what estate she liued in, and if any wrongs were offred hir, [Page] he protested by oathes which might haue bene well belée­ued, to remedie it, yea if it were the King himselfe. The carefull widow encouraged by these comfortable words, al­beit she hoped of small reliefe from him, partly to ease her heart, and a litle to disgrace her aduersary which was migh­tie, all the reuenge she could take, thus said;

[...] that I may not séeme discurtious to you, whose curti­ [...]ed, is more then I can any way deserue, but in [...] your welfare, which pittieth a poore widowes e­ [...]e weale is the good of her poore fatherlesse Or­ [...] with pittie my case, and consider thereof, as [...]ease. Then drying her eyes, which like gut­ters bedeawed her chéeks, she said; Not far from hence (gen­tle sir) is my poore cabinet, where this fiftie winter I haue mainteined y^e port of a poore woman, my husband in his life delighting in hospitality, & on his death bed, gaue me charge to do the like, which I haue obserued, hurting none, nor ne­uer denying anie good to them that sought me; the néedie I [...]bored, whom with my bread & such vyands as God sent, [...]e fed. But now sir, (quoth she) and therwithall a déepe [...]itnesse of her harts heauines, restrained her spéeches, [...] some pause, said; But now sir, such is the oppressi­ [...]couetous in authoritie, that my liuing is taken frō [...]ith my family compelled to séek harbor where we can [...] if God the comfort of the distressed, prouide not within [...]e months for vs, longer we haue not there to a­bide. Tel [...] me woman (quoth the King) what he is that thus iniureth thée, and the maner how? and as I am a true subiect to the king, I wil neuer leaue thée til thou art with iustice reuēged on him. Oh sir (quoth she) vrge me no more to that, for my aduersary being honorable, & of account with y^e king, although y^• wrong I sustain be great, yet wil he reuēge him self so on me & mine, as my life wil be the least & last▪ such is his bloudy mind, who hath neither conscience, nor thought of any good, [...]le after so many yeares of peaceable possession, of this tennement, in name of my husbands auncestry, as [Page] our euidence doth specifie, he wold not thus extréemly deal, with those whome charitie would he should comfort; but such is his crueltie, who ought to be curteous, that his co­uetousnes is neuer satisfied, halling all from the poore, profitting none, but himselfe, his children, or seruantes, who reape the benefite of manie mens labours, for wh [...] suite passeth, but what he must like of? or what w [...] King denie, that he will grant? Lamentable is it [...] the complaints of the commons, of al estates, ho [...] they murmure, nay not onely against him, bu [...] by others reportes, that the Kings name is [...]stion of many, all procéeding of this canka [...] guiding all, abuseth all. The Souldier seruing [...] his countries honour wanteth his pay, which causeth him fall to robbery, and other vnlawfull exercises. The Farmer, Grasier, and such that liue of the benefite of their tillage, féeding cattell, and other hard labours, haue their cattell taken, their corne, and what they enioy, and driuen to séeke their mony by long suites, and in the ende glad to besto [...] the one halfe to be assured of the other, yet dare none [...] plaine how great so euer the oppression be. Thus sir▪ [...] tisfie you, I haue spoken the truth what I haue he [...] partly that I know, which I and many more ma [...] but cannot remedy it. But sir, what I haue spoke [...] you will conceale, for if you be friend to him, w [...] not name, yet you can imagine: If vnder your f [...] words lurke deceit, and that you haue sifted me, to be [...]ay me to his cruelty, such il befall thée as I wish him, whom I haue cause to curse, & others with me, whō he hath likewise wrō ­ged. But had the king knowledge how hée vseth his sub­iects, especially his tenants, who is our good Landlord, and thus many yeares hath bene, he wold redresse it; but he ha­uing y^e charge of al, hath receiued a great fine to thrust me from my right, which God remedy, and grant our king to vnderstand his tyrannie. Amen (quoth the king) May it bée possible that he whom (I know) the King hath loued so déer, and [...] [Page] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [Page] fixed, where their cause should bee heard and restitution made, which in such sort was accomplished, that his lands, leases, plate and Iewels, were distributed to the wronged. The widow who first gaue notice thereof, the King enri­ched with greater possessions to maintaine her hospitality, and Zachary for that his Dania shuld not for want of welth refuse him, he bountifully rewarded, so that euery one was pleased, and returned content to their homes.

Now Gentiles, the History shall shews you how Theo­philus King of Thessaly, expected the ayd of Thrace, for resto­ring him to his kingdom, which promise the King so regar­ded, that in short time, through the diligence of those Cap­tains to whom the charge therof was committed, the num­ber appointed was furnished, with shipping, munition and victualls, for the Army, of whome the Thracian king tooke the Muster, appointing their leaders. The chiefe (by name of Generall) for the seruice, was the Mayden Knight, who was vrged vnto it by the two kings, in such maner, that no excuses nor delaies which he could make, might be accep­ted, vnlesse he should by his too much refusall, purchase the name of coward: this choyse greatly disliked the Knight, whose warres in loue, had but newly begunne to take suc­cesse, who scarcely assured of the Princesse, although her promised faith might put him in comfort, yet weighing the vnstability of their sexe, he doubted least his absence might drawe her to that which he would héedfully regarde being present. The tydings of her fathers election, made of her loue for generall, as nouelties are rife and flieth with swift wings, came vnto the hearing of the Princesse, vnto whom if they were irksome, suppose you, that know how gréeuous the parting of two faithfull louers are, who hauing her on­ly felicitie in contemplating of her beloued Dionicus, their ioyes but now in the blossomes, was so nipt in the spring, as care banished all future happinesse, and sorrow began to claime her w [...]nted place in both, but especially the Prin­cesse who framed of the weaker mould, heauinesse had ta­ken [Page] the more impression in her, so that forsaking all com­pany, her chéefest delight was to be solitary, where shee might with déepe sighes and many brynish teares, vnbur­then her ouercharged heart, cursing bitterly the cause, and causer of seperating her loue. In this melancholy vttering such spéech of dispaire, as though shée sawe the dreadfull messenger Death, alreadie seized vpon the valiant knight. The knight who could take as litle rest, as his Lady plea­sure, could finde content in no place, vntill hée came to the Princesse lodging, whome founde in this passion, which was more gréeuous then all the rest, her blubbred eyes pressyng bloud from his heart, beholdyng her in that plight, whose happy content, was his onely ioy. But how cumbersome so euer it was vnto him, with wisdome hée aduisedly weighed, that cares must be comforted in tyme, least takyng déepe roote, they will consume the heart subiect vnto it. Therefore after many kynde per­swasions vsed, hée layde before her, the honour of the place assigned him, and what infamy woulde redownde vnto him refusing it, with the dishonour of him, and staine to his Proginy for euer, the cause being right, and the ac­tion of her Princely father so charitable, whereon the wel­fare of a whole kingdome consisted.

The Princesse whome gréefe had neare ouercome, hea­ring her beloued speake so honourably, and well conside­ring it was greatly to his infamie, to denye her father, though hardly wonne to patience, yet armed with hope of his valour and fortunate successe in his iourney, reason and wisedome subduing griefe and sorrow, shée graunteth her consent, heartily praying for his safe and suddaine re­turne, to his eternall honour, and encreasing of the hearts content.

Tyme that staieth not, causeth these Princes to part, Pheander, to giue directions for his iourney, his prouision being all to make, but such care had he of the same, as hée was sodeinly prouided of all néedfull things, expsecting a [Page] faire wind for imbarquing his companies, which God sent as they desired, when ech one taking leaue of their friends, with many a loath departing farewell, hée betooke himselfe to the mercy of the waues, who by his goodnesse, that com­maundeth and gouerneth all things, fauoured them with so happie a gale, that in short time they might discry the high lande of Egipt, which being by his skilfull Pylottes knowne, they strooke their sayles to Hull, vntill a gene­rall Councell was called, where euery man had libertie to deliuer his aduise for the benefit of the action. Where af­ter long debating, and eache perill aduisedly weyghed, it was determined, the Fléete should put againe into the Sea, least they being a huge number should be discried, and their intent thereby made frustrate. To bring their pur­pose to better effect, a Frygate was slenderly manned to auoyd suspition, who in the night rowed hard aboord the shoare, with Commission to take what ere hée were they could first lay holde off, that they might be the rather ad­uertised of the state of the Countrey, and where the King was.

This deuise sorted to such effect, thet through the great di­ligence of the Lord Cariolus, who was appointed for the same, as one desirous to gaine honour, by dawning of the day they recouered a Rocke, which opened with one of their principall port, vnder which vnséene, they might shelter themselues, and yet haue sight of eache shallop, whether hée were fisher or other, that came or went. Long had they not laine exspecting their desires. But Fortune, who fauoured their enterprise, discouered vnto them a a Galley bounde for Babylon, fraighted with many passen­gers of honour, and exceeding rich, with plate, money and Iewels. This Galley first discryed, halfe dismayed the company, who feared shée▪ had bene a man of warre sent of purpose to surprise them, so that each one had greater de­sire to be gone againe, then to attempt any thing a­gainst them. But in extreames is the Noble minde [Page] best tried, as the Lord Cariolus in this, who séeing the co­wardise of such base companions, first by faire perswasions encouraged them to the attempt, shewing in his counte­nance his resolution, and arming them with hope of victo­rie, not omitting the reward of so honourable an action, which if they escaped with victorie being the beginning of their enterprise, deserued more to be recompenced then all the rest. To giue you courage my hearts (quoth he,) I say not to you go, but follow me your Leader, who will either winne her, or leaue my life in so good a cause. But these spéeches with those dastards preuailed not at all, who séeing the match vnequall, cryed stil to be gone, but Cariolus, who weighed his honor farre aboue all, moued with great im­patience at their deniall, with his Rapier drawne came a­mongst them, reuiling them with odious spéeches, and pro­testing what ere he were that should in the least sort either by word or countenance, make show to return, should with his own hand be murdered, and so long as he might breath, no faint hearted villaine should dishonor him, who came to gaine honor. Therefore swéete blouds (quoth he,) take cou­rage and feare not, death with honor, is to be valued more then life, with a kingdomes possession, who so followeth me, shall finde me euer his friend, and what ere I possesse, shall haue interest in it. The company how loath so euer they were to be wonne to so hard an aduenture, yet séeing the noble man so resolute, thought it bootlesse to refuse him, or to make semblant of dislike, holding it more wisedome to kéepe his honorable friendship by their forward aduentu­ring, then procure his enuy by their cowardise, and seeing it high time to resolue, the galley approaching them neare, they cried to procéed, and they would all follow him, Cario­lus pleased with their willingnes, had scarce leisure to giue directions for the fight▪ before the galley came within hay­ling, whose force being such and so wel manned as she was, made small account of the Frygat, who although they hal­led many times, yet making as if they heard not, bore vp [Page] with them, and valiantly without words, entered her in the Prow, putting them from their Ordinance, where they within boord with their Pistolles, Semitaries, and other néedfull weapons, valiantly behaued themselues, Cario­lus crying still courage, courage, Thessalie, so long that in short time the Cauileres were all stowed, and his compa­ny leauing his Frygat entered all the Galley, as lawfull Prize to be shared amongst them. The Noble Cariolus ha­uing ended the fight, he kindly with words of fauour and promise of libertie, with great reward to the slaues, vrged them to apply their labor, which with so willing hearts ac­complished his request, that in short time they had sight of their Fléete, and beare with them all they might, which be­ing descried, they could not imagine whether the Galley were friend or no, wherefore the Generall to auoyd perill, as wisedome with valour is requisit, doubting that by fi­ring or other mischiefe, they might annoy them, he called by his flage of Councell, the commanders of each ship, fry­gat and galley, aduising them to take great regarde, how they suffered the galley to boord them. By that time the whole Fléete was prepared in squadrons, rowing fiue and fiue, warlike and braue, Cariolus came vp with them, when the fléete halled them, they espied his owne cullors aduan­ced on the Poope, and an other Ensigne hanging vnder her sterne, which sight gaue them great cause of ioy, to signifie their gladnes for his successe, each ship in the foreward with their Ordinance and small shot, according to the maner of the sea, bad him welcome. In which Tryumph, vnhappily with a scowrer which negligently was shot from a Hargu­b [...]ze, was the Noble Cariolus wounded, to the great griefe of all the Nobles. The Generall hauing vnderstanding therof, in his shalop boorded him withall the spéed he might, carrying with him his owne Surgion, and such as profes­sed phisick, doubting the griefe to be more dangerous then it proued, whereof, albeit the report was first offensiue to him, yet was comforted in this comfort, the wounde not [Page] mortall, they regarding it as nothing, when the Generall had carefully séen the wound searched and drest, enquiring what they were which he had taken, he caused all the chief of them to be called vnto him, who on their examinations would confesse little, which forced the Generall to put one of y^e inferiors, attendant on Phidamia, the Egyptian kings brother, to be tortured, who forced with the crueltie there­of, confessed what they were, and how their going for Ba­bylon, was to intreate a peace with the Emperour, who as they were informed, leuied a power to subuert their coun­trey, in reuenge of the wrong offered Phedera, sister to the Thessalian King, slaine in a battaile fought at sea, by the E­gyptian King. This newes was not sooner reuealed then welcome, for hereby they were assured of an expected frend, yet enquired the Generall, whether their King had mar­ried the Princesse Phedera, or no, and where hée liued? Sir quoth the Egyptian, after the victory obtained, where­in the Noble Theophilus perished, the King my maister, furnished for suche an attempt, without further staie or suffering them to gather head, which he was sure they would doo, hearing of their Kings ill successe: to pre­uent which, he framed his course thither, where they sud­deinly arriued, and by their power and pollicie, subdue the chiefest of the Nobilitie, who hauing them sure, they easily and in short time, ouercame the rest, where he was by generall voyces (though) against their liking, Crow­ned King of Thessaly. How hée punished the Nobilitie, I omit, embacing them, and raising in their places them farre vnworthie such honor and reputation, so that neither Gentleman or other of account, but liueth in great serui­tude and slauery, glad to be reléeued with néedfull vyands and apparrell, at their handes, which themselues haue of­ten fed.

The Princesse, for all the perswasion he can vse, he cannot in loue obtain, yet hath he vsed the good Lady, more cruelly then I would willingly report, the strangenesse of her tor­tures [Page] being such, as fewe but doth greatly pitie. And now as our last Poastes imparted vnto vs, he hath appointed a time wherein she must resolutely answere him to his con­tent, or ende her life in fire. The which crueltie to her vsed, reported by Merchants of Babylon, with the vertues of the Princesse, and comming to the Emperors eares, be­ing now in the prime of his yeares, either of pollicie being mightie, to release her, or whether to make her his Ladie and wife, I cannot say, but hée hath required her in mar­riage, pretending great loue vnto her, which the King will not graunt vnto. But in words of great despight hath an­swered him, in such manner, as hée greatly disliking, hath with fire and sword defied him, who being a Prince of ve­ry great might and force, our nobles of Egipt, haue thought good rather to ioyne with fauourable showes of friendship, then abide the extremitie of his furie. Loe sir, quoth hée, thus haue I satisfied your request, which is all I can doo. And for the same quoth the Knight, receiue thy libertie, with what other fauour I may do thée.

These newes was as pleasing to the Mayden Knight, as if he had bene possessed of the Crowne, and hauing such aduantage, holding it small pollicie to loose any time, com­forting Cariolus, emmitting the charge of his prisoners vnto his good regard, hée hasteth to his owne ship, where, vnto Theophilus King of Thessaly, hée recounted what hée had heard, desiring that order might be presently taken, whereby the enemy might be surprized at vnawares, so might they finish their intents with lesse danger and more honour, on which they agréeing, they summoned their chiefest, vnto whome, the Knight recounted what the E­gyptian had declared, beséeching the King whose cause it was, to speake his minde, then the rest to giue their ad­uise what they thought was best to be done, for accompli­shing their desires, and planting the King in his owne Countries.

These questions propounded, each particular perill, [Page] with each aduantage, and occasion which offered good suc­cesse was throughly debated, when they had each one deli­uered their minde, Pheander, whose honor was now in the Balance, as one that desired no worldly possessions so much as the reputation with his mistresse and the King, saide; Noble Gentlemen, you haue all like resolute, braue & har­die men at Armes, shewed in your spéeches the desire you haue to do this noble King that seruice for which we come, if therfore you wil encline your eares to my opiniō among the rest, I shall acknowledge my selfe greatly fauoured by you. The whole company which by curtesie was drawne to his loue, was easily wonne to this request, and willed him say on, which he did in this maner.

My Noble Lords, and friends in Armes, touching these motions made for our procéedings, it hath bin by the Egyp­tian reported, whom we do credit, the King is in possession of Thessaly, which Crowne, we know all, he doth dishono­rably vsurpe. The Princesse, she, in such extreme, that by his cruell censure is not long to liue, vnlesse against her will she grant to loue him, who is loathsome in her eyes. To preuent which, it behoueth vs to search the best meane that we can, and for that euery one hath giuen his censure, this is my aduise, that hauing these Nobles in our possessi­on, in whome consisteth the strength of his Realme, our company being lustie and strong, we wil raunge their con­fines, where finding place & opportunitie, we may surprize them at vnawares, who being subdued, his force shall be the more impaired. That done, we will with all conueni­ent spéed passe for Thessaly, where I doubt not but to come before the time limited the Princesse for her answere, and to reskew her, deliuering the possession of the Crowne, into the Kinges hand, the Knight hauing said, presently it was confirmed, and each Captain departed to his charge according to directions giuen, entered the confines of E­gipt, where they wrought by such pollicie and directions of the Mayden Knight, that they landed in the dead of y^• night, [Page] the greatest part of their Armies, marching in warlike or­der towards the Citie of Buckelia, where the king kept his chiefe Court, and where their greatest force was. But be­fore they could recouer the walls, or come to view the same for any aduantage, they were descried, and the gates shut, against whom the Citizens made such power as they could for their defence, which vnexspected of the Knight, caused him to staie vntill himselfe went to knowe their pleasures and to deliuer his owne intent. And mounting himselfe, onely accompanied with his Herald and one Trumpet, hée came before the walles, sommoning them to parley, which was answered againe by an other Trumpet, and such of the nobilitie as was within, shewed themselues vnto him, demanding a cause of his comming in Armes to disturbe their dominions, and the subiects to their King.

Nobles of Egypt, answered the Mayden Knight, Theo­philus lawfull King of Thessaly, whose Crowne, your King Donacia, vniustly withholdeth, preserued by heauens pow­er for your scourge, and to reuenge the bloud of those inno­cents slaine by your crueltie, is come with fire and sword to require his right, which if you accept, and will deliuer, hée sendes you by me mercy, if you deny and do not surrender your Crowne of Egypt, with all the regalties, honors, pri­uiledges and customes, thereunto belonging, and become his faithful subiects and liegemen, you shal all perish with the sword, and your Countrey flaming with fire, shall be o­uerthrowne, in such maner, that in time to come, there shal nothing be found but the ruines of your gorgious Palaces, and stately Cities, this hath he vowed by the honour of his name: therefore choose like wary Champions, and let me know your willes, for no detraction may be vsed.

The Egyptian Pheres, which heard the name of Theo­philus, whom they long sithence supposed dead, were sur­prized with a sodaine feare, in such manner as their sences were depriued, and they r [...]s [...]ed like men in extacie, fearing the reuenge of him whom they did all know was by their [Page] King highly wronged, yet shewing the Nobilitie of their mindes, shaking off feare, they sayd; Syr Knight, thy vn­looked for message is such, as we know not sodeinly how to answere, neyther will we lyke faynt hearted peasants, de­rogate from our Noble auncestors, the honour they long mainteined, with cowardise to deliuer that which nature and fidelitie vrgeth vs to defend, our liues we estéeme as they are, vaine, and euery day subiect to casualties & death, nor do we enioy that small time giuen vs, but onely for our Common-weale, and benefit of our Country, being pillers on whom the state dependeth: you haue dastardlyke way­ted opportunitie to take vs at aduantage, our King not present, whose right and interest we are sworne to main­taine. Therefore to Theophilus say; That as we serue our King, and liue by his Grace, we will with our dearest bloud withstand the inuasion of any forraine Prince what­soeuer. If our king as you alleage, haue offered wrong vn­to him, let him reuenge it on him, and séeke his amendes where he may get it, for other entertainment let him not looke for here.

The Mayden Knight, hearing their resolution, greatly commended their valour, and loyaltie to their soueraigne, who séeing their truth, pittied them, and wished all men so faithfull mindes: yet how well so euer he lyked their an­swere, their intents was to be considered, who came with more resolute mindes then to be wonne with faire words, and therefore returned with all hast to the Camp, where to the king, he briefly deliuered the summe of their answere, which the king tooke no pleasure to heare, rather desiring their submission by curtesie, then the effusion of bloud; yet not to pitie them in such maner to giue ouer the aduantage he had, wherefore that they might be assured of his resolu­tion which came to conquere, from his vsurping foe, taking his Army which was ledde by the appoynted Generall, hée brought them before the Citie, vnto whom they gaue ma­ny sharp and fierce allarmes, and were valiantly repulsed, [Page] not without great losse of either part. Thus continued the assault long and dreadfull, till Pheander noting the time of the Princesse Phederaes death to draw neare, when ei­ther she must be rescued, or dye that extreame death assig­ned, he determined to put all on fortune, to sée the ende, and not longer to prolong time. And calling those whose valour he had most assurance off, hée made knowne vnto them his intent, requiring their company, wherunto small perswasions serued, desirous to be a partner with him in his actions, which were in all things very honorable. The knight assured of his friends and followers in this action, gaue directions to all Captaines, at the going downe of the Sunne to be readie furnished with their companies, to bid the enemy battell, doing their best, before that place where their chiefe force was, in the meane time, he with his accomplices would assaile some other part which was of lesse abilitie to defend.

Thus these noble Gentlemen, hauing determined as they say, to winne the horse or lose the saddle, neglected no time, so that against the appointed houre, each man in his place was readily furnished, and most valiantly attempted with all warlike Ensignes to enter the Cittie, battering, scaling, and each seuerall wayes searching, that pollicie or valour would permit, to bring the Citie to ruine, and van­quish y^e enemy, which was most nobly defended with great courage and much losse of either part. While they were at their hardy fight on either part, it is not to be forgottē, how the Mayden Knight with his associates, séeking opportuni­tie, by chance lighted on the side of an old wall, which being somewhat decaied, they by industry of their hands & pain­full toyle, easily made the breach such, that they entered at pleasure, and passyng through the stréetes which ledde to the assaulted gate, molested no man vntill they came thither, where entering the same, slewe the watch and opened the gate, aduancing the Thracian Kings colours on the top therof, crying euer in their way as they passed, [Page] Thessaly, Thessaly. This cry amazed the Citizens, and Ar­med the Thrasians to the hotter attempt, who entered to the rest, & with such courage bare them, that they had soone vanquished the defendants, who to saue their liues, had be­taken themselues to their Churches, as places of Sanc­tuary, from whence they sent their wiues and Infants all disrobed, to search the King, and in their names to require his pardon, such diligence made the modest matrones, that they were brought by Pheander to the King, where pro­strating themselues at his féete, their face bedeawed with teares, they humbly besought him to take compassion on them, their husbands and children, that as he was a Con­querer, so with fauour to vse the glory of his victory, as the poore subiects might not haue cause to complaine them of his crueltie, who had done nothing blame worthie, but as true subiects to their soueraigne the King, whose hart was moued with pittie at their sute, gently tooke them vp, mea­suring their calamitie by his owne misfortunes, and be­thought him of their fidelitie, yet pretending a show of vn­kindnesse, for refusing his mercy proffered them by his no­ble Generall, he would not be entreated sodeinly to grant them life, which the Noble Pheander noted, and like him­selfe, waying their faith to their Prince, and weale of their Countrey, which with their liues they had sought to main­taine, he was content to remit their fault, and not onely to pardon their liues, but restore them to all former liberties, and places of honour, without any disparagement to their royaltie, so that they would acknowledge him their soue­raigne, and be as faithfull to him and his, as they had shew­ed themselues to that vsurper his enemy. This choyse at first séemed hard, yet of two euils the least is to be chosen, as these Nobles of Egypt, who séeing their liues, wiues, chil­dren, and what they possest, to be in the hands of strangers, whom they could not withstand, making a vertue of neces­sitie, were the rather wonne to yéeld themselues vnto the Kings pleasure, at the intercession of their wiues, whose [Page] teares shead in abundance, moued them to ruth, in such wise, that subiecting on these conditions to his Exellence, they proclaimed him king of Thessaly and Egypt, swearing fayaltie vnto him, and deliuering hostages for their loyal­tie. This done, the king with generall consent Crowned, the Commons gan conceiue an especiall hope of his hono­rable loue to them, whose kindnesse was such, that hauing the Citie and whole kingdome at his pleasure, would not suffer his souldiers to imbeasell or purloyne in any sort, but rather made choise to reward the Mercenary men out of his owne treasury, which honourable beginning, gained their especial lyking: when order was taken for the gouernment of the state, Pheander who was mindfull of the Princesse Phedera, hasted the King on for Thessaly, often putting him in mind, what daungers the good Lady was likely to abide, if she consented not to the King, who was more cruell then curteous, wherefore taking their pledges, he left the noble Cariolus his Vizegerent, to take the gouernment vpon him in his absence, and with the next fauourable wind, they set saile for Thessaly, where to their good successe wée leaue them, to tell you more of Mustapha, the Heathen Prince, who was in the Princesse Nutania her custodie.

The mightie Emperour of Constantinople, vnderstan­ding the ill successe of his sonne, with the great slaughter of his men, was moued at the first to such chollor, that he had determined for euer to abandone his sonne, and neuer to haue knowne or regarded him, but being perswaded by his nobilitie which tenderly loued the prince, he was at length by their motions, wonne to conceiue, how vnstable fortunes chances are, and how victories sometimes happen as well to the coward as the valiant, not forgetting to vrge vnto him, how dishonourable it were for a Prince, to leaue the meanest subiect he had at such an exigent, that should aduen­ture his life in his seruice, much more was his Maiestie bound by natures lawes to reléeue his sonne, and not suffer him as one forsaken, to remaine in the handes of his ene­mies, [Page] vpon which motion of his Bashawes, the King cau­sed two Gallies to be rigged and furnished, appointing of his chiefest Nobles too, for that voyage to Thrace, as wel to aduertise him of his sonnes welfare which he fauoured, as also to agrée vpon the summe of his ransom, all things fur­nished for the voyage, the Bashawes hauing taken leaue of the Emperor and the rest of their friends, fauoured with a happy gale, they shortly arriued in Thrace, of whose arri­ual, the king by his messengers was aduertised, who being of nature honourable and curteous in behauiour, caused a sumptious traine of Courtiers, with all the honorable ma­ner they could, to receiue them at their Port of landing, taking lyke order in all lodgings and places of repast, his Officers at his charge to attend them, which in such exqui­sit manner was performed, as the Bashawes with their retinue, admyred their entertainment. Thus by easie iour­nies came they to the court, where the king with the prin­cesse, gaue them many welcomes, enquiring kindly after the good health of the renowmed Emperour their maister, whome hée maligned no whit at all, how hardly so euer he had measured his friendship with him, when the King and these Nobles had spent some time in discoursing, they enquired of the welfare of their Prince Mustaffa, whome the King caused to be sought and brought to their presence, before whome they bowed themselues in all humblenesse, as to the sonne of their soueraigne, whom he againe with all kindnesse imbrased, passyng the time with much plea­sure, ioying in the welfare of his friendes. The King dooing them all the honour that could bee deuised, passing the time with suche recreation and gentle sportes as the Countrey affoorded, at length, a summe of money for the Princesse raunsome was agreed vpon to their content, for that it was reasonable, and the cōditions honorable, which obteined their vittailes by the king was reléeued, & all ne­cessaries at his charge purueyed, in such maner, and with so much bounty, as they had great cause to report honorably of [Page] the kyng. Long had they not tarried, but a winde pleasant and fauourable, presents it selfe, which good time, they neg­lected not, but taking leaue of the king, their prince, & prin­cesse Nutania, who accompanied them onwards to their gal­lies, thrée whole daies iournies, they leaue them to the care of their iourny, who being imbarqued, in short time arriued at Constantinople, where how welcom they were to the Em­perour & his Nobles, I omit, to let you vnderstand of y^• ho­norable reports made of their entertainment in Thrace, and the welfare of the prince, whose company, there were fewe but desired. The strangenes of this report made of Philar­cus, was excéeding admirable in the Emperors eares, who wondered not a little, that a king whome he had so much wronged, should vse such kindnes to his son, and curtesie to his messengers, extolling highly the honourable condition of the king, and much lamenting his owne follyes, so rash­ly without any occasion offered, to iniury him so farre as to spoyle his Countrey, and to robbe him perforce of his onely child, his sole delight & comfort. To recompence all which, and to kéep his friendship, he presently elected other nobles for Thrace, to be employd, which with the princesse ransom, and many rich presents to the king and his daughter were dispatched, with Letters of loue, and desire of amitie, all which, comming to the Thrasian king, were so heartily ac­cepted as they could wish, and in presence of the nobles, and states of both Realmes, was the peace concluded, and a band of euerlasting friendship promised, to all their ioyes. Thus with great delight at the earnest intercession of the king, spent those Turkish nobles sometime in Thrace, till their prefixed time ganne drawe to ende, when receiuing their Prince with great rewardes, and many thankes for their paines they put to Sea, and were not long be­fore they recouered theyr famous Cittie of Constantino­ple, where they were most royally welcommed, but espe­cially the Prince, for whose safetie many pastymes was ordeined, with Iustings, Turneyes, Barriers, and other [Page] pleasing delights, wherein the Prince honorably bare him selfe, to the great ioy of his father, and pleasure of the whole state, who gloried greatly in him, which was likely to proue a most honorable Prince; and their ensuing comfort. But while I digresse, let it be considered, that y^• Mayden Knight, who thirsted to sée the ende of his desires, slept no time, but made all possible meanes he could, as winde and weather would giue leaue, vntil he arriued in Thessaly, which he re­couered in so good time as he could wish, and taking that op­portunitie which was offered, he landed his companies, and neare to the sea side encamped his power, vntill he might be aduertised of what power the King was, and where hée remained, for the atteining of which, many espialls was sent out sundry wayes, and many Ambuscadoes layd, to in­tercept such as trauelled the country: but their landing be­ing discryed, euery one in the haste they could make, hyed them to their cities and places of defence, where they with their store of prouision which they brought, were receiued. The King, who securely passed his time, taking care for nothing, and ioying wholly in the hopes he conceiued of his Ladies graunt, being aduertised of the arriuall of a forrein power, ouercome with sorrow at that instant, as one that neuer tasted aduersitie, was surprized with such sodain hea­uines, as no words, no perswasions, nor any comfort, might mittigate his sorrow, what paines soeuer his Nobles tooke to pacifie him, his guiltie conscience presaging some hard fortune to be at hand: the Nobilitie which had more regard to his welfare and his countrey then he could on the sodain imagine, after they had caused their Rampyers to be shut, and their Fortresses to be made, doubting the worst, desi­rous to be resolued what the enemy was, that thus daring­ly durst boord him in his own country, they caused the Lord Mama Bacha, somtime one of the chiefest in Thessaly, a wise and well gouerned Gentleman, to be sent vnto them, to know whence they were, and their pretence, which against their willes, vnacquainting them with their pretence, had [Page] entered their confines. The Noble man to whose charge this was committed, though he had small care of any mat­ter, liuing dishonoured in his owne Country, where, in his Kings raigne he was the onely honoured, and amongst his Nobles in most account of him, had his wits sundry wayes imployd, and on diuerse matters, yet amongst all imagina­tions, the thought of his owne soueraigne was least, the re­port of his death being so certain, but what so euer he could imagine was vncertaine, wherefore as desirous to be re­solued of his doubts, as the King and Nobles to be thereof certified, onely accompanied with an other of the disgraced Nobilitie, they hyed them towards the Campe, and was by the Ambuscadoes soone surprized and brought to the Paui­lion of the Generall, who saluting them with kind counte­nance, demaunded whence they were, and what occasions led them in such suspitious manner towards their Campe. The Nobles which had small care which ende went fore­ward, after they had well aduised themselues, said; (sir,) if we giue not those tytles your honour deserue, pardon vs which offend not of presumption therein, but of ignorunce: that we come as spyalls to view thy force, and to discouer them, therein you deceiue your selfe, but come as messen­gers from our King, to know thy pretence, and what thou meanest landing thy Armies without his lycence, which is contrary to lawe of Armes? If thou come in peace and not as as enimy, resolue vs this, & thou honorest vs? The prince taking their wordes at aduantage, where they sayd they came from their King, with a counterfeyt shewe of great dislike, sayd; Traytors how dare you to my face vse those colours of simplicitie, when you auer you come from your King, which I know is altogither vntrue? wherefore that you shall warne the rest how they delude me, you shal haue the reward of traytors, and calling for the prouost Mar­shall, commanded him to cut off their heads. The Nobles, thinking he had bene past ieast, séeing their executioner so ready, humbly besought him to credit what they had sayd, [Page] which was true, and pardon their liues, for that lawe of Armes protecteth the messenger of the Prince, from whom they come, therefore it would redowne to his great disho­nour, to violate the hostilitie of all Princes. While they were thus at their shrift, it chanced Theophilus their law­ful King, to enter the Pauilion of his General, whose pre­sence much appalled the Thessalian nobles, who standing as men past themselues, had no thought but in beholding him, which so much resembled their supposed dead king, the long noting of whom, caused them to renue their sorrows, and with remembrance of the times they had past, to shead teares. The King imagining what they thought, knowing them well, put them from their studious thoughts thus.

Men of Thessaly, what meaneth your heauinesse? think you hereby to delude this noble Gentleman, or by your fai­nings, to procure your fauour, if either one or other of these causes, you deceiue your selues, and incurre you more trou­ble? Wherfore to auoyd the perils incident vnto you, if you be right Thessalians, and tender the walfare of your Prin­cesse, in whose rescue we come, briefly declare vnto vs, in what estate she abideth, and where the vsurping king hath his residence? Mama Bacha, hearing that pleasing tongue, wherwith he was acquainted, assured himselfe that it was their king, and without further stay, humbly kissyng his Maiesties féete, his face bedeawed with teares, and his tongue foltering in his mouth, as one with sodaine ioy o­uercome, he saith; My gratious soueraigne, how glad am I that enioy breath, to behold your Maiestie aliue, whom all the world reputeth for dead, the heauy tydings of which, with your ill successe, moued the hearts of your louing sub­iects to such extreame heauinesse, as nothing might com­fort, that past comfort, and al hope of beholding your prince­ly face, we reckoned you amongst the dead. In the extreme of this sorrow, as all euils commonly fall in one, when e­uery heart and eye was deploring the losse of so gratious a Prince, then beganne our further griefes through the [Page] oppression of this vsurping tyrant, whose crueltie to thy subiects hath bene such, as gréeueth me to recount. Thy si­ster he deteineth in prison, from whence he hath vowed she shall neuer be freed, vntil with consent she take him for her king, or by gainsaying his demaundes, receiue that death which he hath doomed her vnto, whose wronges we poore men how much so euer we pittie, yet can we remedy no­thing, our abilitie being litle, and our reputation lesse, A­mongst these cruel Egyptians who hath robbed vs of what we possest, not suffering vs to enioy our auncient patrimo­ny, nor what they might any way dispoile vs of: to reuenge of which, we hope in thée and thy power, who wilt main­taine and defende thy owne lawfull right, rather offe­ring thy life amongst vs that honour and loue thée as our liues, then leaue vs any more. To the accomplishing of which, my selfe, with all thy owne Countrey borne sub­iectes that wée can procure vnto vs, will lende what ayd our weake force will stretch vnto, and thereof assure your Maiestie.

The King hearing the lamentable report of the Lord Mama Bacha, could not forbeare to shewe the heauinesse of his hearts sorrow, by his outward motions, yet to hide it as he might, imbracing them both, hée framed a feined ioy to sée them, how so euer his heart was ouerburthened with grief. Whē they had passed some time in parley about their affaires, and that some offers were made by these Nobles, of their ayde and assistance, a generall Councell was called, where, by consent of such as had gouernment, vnderstanding the power of Donatio the vsurper, was no more but such as guarded his holdes, it was determined, after the army had refreshed themselues two or thrée daies, to martch forewarde to the Cittie, there to beleager the King, and cut off from them all supply of prouision for victualles, whereof they had small store.

In the meane time, the Lordes of Thessaly, to giue notise to all their friends, (with all spéede) as they tendered their [Page] owne liberties, to repaire with such power as they could make vnto the Campe. This deuise was no sooner deter­mined on, but the Noble Mama Bacha, without returning to the King, spared not his paines and all others which hée could command or entreate, proclaiming in euery place as they passed, Theophilus their lawful king, straightly char­ging all naturall subiects of Thessaly, to make repaire vnto the Campe. These tydings at first were hardly beléeued, yet such was the rumour of a forreine power landed, that all which could beare Armes repaired to the King, whome they founde at the assault of the Cittie where the vsurper kept, such was the multitudes of people, which from all countries in his Regions came vnto him, that in short time he had power sufficient to ouerrunne a kingdome. The v­surper Donatio, who had least thought euer to heare or sée the Thessalian King, when the report of his being in the Campe, was brought vnto him, his courage quailed, and his hope of enioying the Crowne, was quite extinguished, so that dispairing, he became lyke a man lunatike, that no­thing (whatsoeuer) might moue him to any mirth or con­tent, so that giuing ouer all, he cared not what became of himselfe or his, y [...]t was he carefully counselled by his No­bles, who regarded both his honour and their owne safetie: but whatsoeuer they might counsell or determine, was ill imployd, at his hands was nothing to be had, wherefore, after they saw his small care, and that he was not to be ad­uised, they determined, either in field with vnappoynted battell to try their fortunes, or by some such composition as might be for their Courtries safetie and their reputation, to giue ouer their tytle pretended to the Crowne of Thessa­ly. Before that any thing was of them resolued, the May­den Knight, which had his minde on his Lady, as well as of other affaires, could not rest in content, vntill he had fini­shed, and either gained what they came for, or séene the e­uent of fortune. Wherefore to auoyd further delaies, hée summoned the Citie to parley, wherein he required their [Page] answere, whether they would receiue their lawfull King or no, if yea, they should suffer him in peace to enter, or o­therwise vpon their answere, to abide the hazard incident to Armes, which he protested should be voyd of all fauour, if he preuailed, and they refused this offer of his. These summons, caused the Nobilitie to looke with better aduise into their estates, and with consideration to wey each par­ticuler perill, which they found to be very many, and daun­gerous, especially séeing the multitude, who were naturall subiects, and did rather affect their owne King, how so euer they professed in outward appearance, then the vsurper, which made them the more earnest with their King, vnto whom they declared the offers made by the Maiden Knight, with y^• doubts they had of his successe, who were nothing in number to the Kings power, which daily increased, and contrary, his decreased: wherfore they aduised him to yéeld vnto such Articles of honour as they would require, which should be both for his honour, and safetie of him and his. The vsurper hearing these perswasions from them, wher­on his chéefest hope consisted, forgetting all former friend­ship and loue to any of them, with most odious words re­uiled them, calling them traytors, dastards, and vpbraiding them with cowardise, which were neuer founde but euer forward in all his actions, onely this excepted, wherin was no hope. These spéeches moued his Nobles to such furie, that departing from him in discontent, they resolued for their owne safetie, to séek what means they could, and not by delaies to incurre his displeasure whose friendship they were by all meanes they could vse, to intreat. Wherfore in name of all the rest, the Lord Philiago, principall Treasu­ror vnto the King, by whose direction the rest would be go­uerned, sent for the Princesse (Phedera) from prison, whom he vsed with honorable spéeches, comforting her with hope of her kingly brother, who liued, and was in person come with a strong power, to deliuer her from that captiuitie which so long she endured, humbly beséeching her grace, to [Page] become a fauourable soliciter to his Highnesse, for them, who were to be commaunded by their soueraigne, whose subiects they were, protesting that neither for enuy to him or his, they vndertooke the action, but at commaundment, and to auoyde the ignomious tytle of cowardize, which all of honorable birth or mind, ought to detest. The good Prin­cesse which could not tell, whether she might giue credit to his words or no, answered him thus.

My Lord Philiago, vnder the gréenest grasse lurketh the most perillous poyson, and experience hath taught me, in my durance, the knowledge of friends, these sodeine offers of loue to my brother, whom you all know, is long sithence dead, causeth me the more to dread, I am going to him, and that your proffered friendship is but to that end to bereaue mée of that which long since I wished to leaue, if it bée so, good my Lorde, hyde not the truth thereof from mée, for therein shall you shewe your charitable minde to a di­stressed Captiue.

Farre be it from my thought, Noble Ladie, quoth Philia­go, that I should any way delude you, or moue you to cre­dit any thing other then truth, whom I haue my greatest hope of good, to assure you of which, so pleaseth your Exel­lence, I will my selfe bring you to his Maiesties presence. When the Princesse heard him make these proffers of fa­uours, and perceiued by his iesture he did not counterfeyt, ouercome with ioy, she was in a traunce, from which, re­uiued by the carefull industry of the Lady Vrania, wife to the Lord Philiago, shée gaue the Noble man great thanks for his tydings, assuring him on her word, that she would so recompence that good, as hée nor his, should haue any cause to complaine of her vngratefulnesse. Vrging him with her curteous spéech, to detract no time but to bring her to the Campe where the King was, which he willing­ly yéelded vnto, and causing a stately Charyot to be ordei­ned, and richly apparrelling the Princesse as befitteth her, accompanied with his Ladie and two daughters of rare [Page] bewtie, himselfe wayting on her disrobed, issued out of the gates, and in short time came neare the Campe, and were by the Sentronelles discouered, and brought to the Kings presence, who séeing the Princesse, whome hée had great doubt the tyrant would haue murthered, so sodaine a ioy surprized him, as he might not speake, yet ouercom­ming his passion, ioyning his face with hers, after many kinde imbrasings, he saith; Phedera, how haue the heauens blessed me, in giuing me life to behold thée, more deare vnto me then a million of liues, whom sithence I possesse, as the onely ioy I conceiued hope of in this world, I account my happines more, then to be possessed of the worlds reuenew. But tell me Phedera, what are these that accompany thée, strangers to me they are, how frendly soeuer they haue vsed thée?

Most gracious soueraign, for these noble persons, I am to intreate, hauing passed my word, to be their safe conduct frō any violence should be offred them, therefore good my Lord, receiue into your fauour, the Lord Philiago, Treasurer to the vsurper, his Ladie and daughters, such as are by them protected, so shalt thou honor me the more, by mainteining my word, which relying on your princely nature, I haue past. The Mayden Knight, willing to hold her honor in re­gard, sayd; Madame, how his Maiestie on the sodaine may be wonne to fauour your sute, I cannot say, hauing had such great cause to reuenge him on their crueltie, but for his life, let him thanke your grace, if he enioy it. The King, whose heart pittie moued to tender the sute of the princesse, comming towards the noble Philiago and his Lady, with great curtesie tooke them from the earth wheron they knée­led, accepting them to his maiestie, vsing them with such honor & curtesie, that they admired him. After he had reui­ued with his kinde confections these sorrowing suters, hée said; Philiago, as I haue pardoned thy life, so faile not to tell me, thy Kings determination, whether he will yéeld, or in battell try the euent of our fortunes?

[Page]Gratious soueraign, quoth Philiago, that he determines to séeke your grace, is more then I can say, for such despe­rate humors assaileth him, that he is not himselfe, & friends faileth him, from the Noble to the peasant, whose wisdoms haue with graue aduise considered, what wrongs hath bin offered your grace, and hath vpon your Princely motions of mercy, solicited him to pittie them, and yéeld vnto your grace, which when he could not be perswaded vnto, we all left him, and I in name of all the Nobilitie, humbly beséech your highnesse of mercy, who onely attendeth but my re­turne, at which time on your gratious word, they will deli­uer the Citie.

My Lord quoth the King, what cause so euer I haue in the most extréemest maner to reuenge me on you all, yea to the very childe that sucketh, that I omit. And that thou and they all shall know I delight not in bloud, nor wish I the life of my mortallest fo [...], returne vnto them, and from mée say, that if in submissiue wise, they issue their gates, and at my féete craue mercy, bring with them their vsurping king, I will accept them, so that thou and they shal sweare your dutifull alleageance to me and mine, shall be hereaf­ter mainteined in such maner as becommeth faithfull sub­iects to their Prince, I will admit them to my grace, and will be vnto them a louing and gratious soueraigne. Phi­liago, which had that he most desired, vttering with many déepe sighes, the ioy his hart conceiued for his good successe, after many humble and heartie praiers for the kings long life in all happines to be mainteined, he besought his grace to giue him leaue with his happy tydings, to make glad the hearts of those sorowfull Nobles which exspected his re­turne, which the king granted, deteining his wife & daugh­ters to attend his sister, whose ioyes excéeded the extremes of her misery, enioying her Noble brother, which she was out of all hope euer to behold againe. To their recreation we leaue them, and passe on with the Lord Philiago, who made no staie vntill he came to the gates, where diuerse of [Page] his friends exspected his comming. No sooner entered hée the Cittie, but sommoning the Nobles and Gonernors of the Citte togither, he deliuered vnto them, what fauour he had receiued of the King, and how willing he was to shew lyke clemencie vnto them all, vpon those conditions speci­fied, whereunto he perswaded them to yéeld, not omitting any thing to make them mindfull of the litle hope they had of the vsurpers successe, for which they had no reason to en­cline vnto him, who had so small regard of them, but rather let him endure the reward of his owne follies, then that so many should perish for one mans wronges. Resolued thus, they hastened vnto the Cou [...]t, at whose sodaine en­tering, the King was greatly appalled, considering in what discontent they parted with him, yet shewing a counte­nance voyd of all feare, he required the cause of their com­ming, whome they soone resolued, letting him know each particuler of their euent, perswading him to patience, for what they had determined should be accomplished. The King hearing his owne doome of misery pronounced, albeit it moued him to great impatience, yet restraining chollor, he with his smooth spéech, besought them of respite for his answere till the next morning, which they willingly con­sented vnto. And so leauing him, they departed each one to his seuerall mantion. But he in whose heart reuenge har­boured, hauing his minde wholly bent on their ruine, after he had conferred with such as were as full of mischiefe, as himselfe of crueltie, and was by them aduertised, what po­wer they were off, he caused them secretly in the night Ar­med, to assemble at the Court, where in very couert man­ner they remained, vntill the time came that the Nobles should come to receiue their answer, who void of all suspect of euill, entred the Pallace, desirous to know his pleasure, touching the matter th [...] betwéene them in question. No sooner c [...] they to t [...] kings presence, but the cruel tyrant / shewing in his cou [...]te [...]nce the pretence of his heart, be­gan in [...]mes of great reproach to exclaime against the [Page] Nobles, whome he accused of treason and vniust dealing, against him and the state of his countrey, that flying from him which was their lawfull soueraigne, sought to sup­plant him, to Crowne another. But Traytors quoth hée, you shall reape such reward as your treachery deserueth, and therewithall giuing the watch-word, his confederates which for the purpose was ambushed, issued vppon them, and sodeinly surprized as many as they could come by, the the rest that fled, entring the Citie, proclaimed the lawfull king, offering in his name frée pardon of life and goods, to as many as folowed them. At which offer of grace, the com­mons, wearied with the oppression of the vsurper, in mul­titudes assembled themselues, and guided by Philiago, they fiercely assailed the king in his Court, fleying as many as they could reach vnto, and reskued their fellowe Nobles, whose death by the Tyrant was determined, had not the valour and policie of this noble Philiago preuailed. In this exployt, many of the company of the vsurper was slain, him selfe with such as escaped, betooke them to the mountaines, where they encamped themselues, exspecting aide of those he had preferred. But they more regarding their owne weale then his honor, and séeing no comfort or hope of re­couery, submitted themselues vnto the kings mercy, and was of him receiued. This canuesado passed, the commons with generall voyce elected Theophilus for their Kyng, Philiago, poasted him with all spéede to the Campe, and to the king deliuered the trecherous pretence of the vsurper, with the euent of all his and their actions, and in the name of the whole state besought him to receiue the Crown, and the faithfull loue of all the commons. Theophilus hearing the mischéeuous pretence of this vsurper, pittying his sub­iects that had so long bene gouerned by a prince so ill con­ditioned, at the earnest intercession of the noble Philiago, guarded with a troupe of his trustiest men at Armes, mar­ched he to the Citie, at the entery rf which, the whole No­bilitie, bare legged and bare footed, receiued him, and to his [Page] highnesse deliuered the keyes of their ports, with presents of rich price, marching before him to the Pallace, crying with a generall voyce Theophilus, Theophilus. The king noting his subiects loues, with heartie thankes requited them all, exhorting them to obedience and loyaltie, which if they faithfully followed, he would be a mercifull prince vnto them. Theophilus, in possession of his Crowne, willyng his friendes should participate with him, dispat­ched a messenger for the Mayden Knight, the Princesse, and her attendants, who all as their dutie, obediently ful­filled his commaundement, the Maiden Knight excepted; who carefull of his charge, and looking into the practises and deuises of the vsurper, besought his grace to pardon his not comming to Court for a time, vntill hée had seene the euent of his affaires, and sending for such guides as hée was enformed to be well acquainted in these desartes, hée put himselfe in search for the vsurper, and his scatte­red crew, whome in short time hée founde, to the num­ber of one thousand, on horse and foote, which hée no sooner espied, but chearing his companies, which were not a­boue fortie, not minding to giue them dayes, he brauely assayled them, and so valiantly behaued himselfe in that conflict, that after two whole houres spent in hardy feates of Chiualry, there was fewe of the companies liuing. The king hée surprized as hée was flying, with whome hée returned to the Cittie, and to the king Theophilus deliuered him, who kindly accepting his Present, retur­ning the knight many thanks for his paines. This brunt past, and all things by the valour and good industry of the Mayden Knight, brought to quiet ende, the king vnwil­lyng to detaine his subiectes from their owne homes, re­compencing euey man for his seruice, dislodged the camp. A worlde of wonder it were, to recount what general ioy was throughout the land for the return of their king, & his good succes, for which great triumphs were ordeined, with Iusts, Barriers & Tilt, wherein the nobles of y^e country in [Page] great brauery behaued themselues, but the best and chie­fest honor in each seuerall action, was giuen the Mayden Knight, who lyke himselfe so behaued himselfe, as there was no talke, throughout Court and Countrey, but tended to the generall commendations of this noble Prince. Thus as all things hath end, so ended these tryumphes, and the King in peace enioyed his kingdome, which through the Thracian Kings assistance, and the valour of this honored knight, he obteined. Al things quieted, the Mayden Knight, after he had a small time reposed himselfe from his trauels, humbly besought his highnesse, to suffer him with his com­panies to depart, which fauour, he could not by any intrea­tie obtaine. Wherefore to satisfie the King with his owne longer staie, he dismissed his Army, whom the King so roy­ally rewarded, as no man had cause to complain of his time spent, but euery one to speake of his honor and bountie. The conduct of whome, after hee had with great care puruaide them victualls, with all things necessary, he committed to Vrelia, a noble man of Thrace, by whom the knight aduer­tised the king of his staie, which was chiefly for the Lorde Cariolus, whom they left Vizeroy in Egipt, recommending also his seruice vnto the Lady Nutania, he presented by this noble Vrelia, the vsurper vnto her, as her prisoner, (and his conquest). Thus all things carefully puruaide, the winde blowing a fauourable gale, they imbarqued themselues, and sayling with a winde as they could wish, they shortly arriued in safetie at their desired Port, where their welcom was such of the king, as they might ioy to receiue it, where friend with friend, ioyed for their returne, onely the Prin­cesse endured the greatest penance, missing the returne of her knight, who could not be perswaded of his welfare, wanting his presence, yet accepted she the vsurper his pri­soner, and through the great protestations of the Lord Vre­lia, had hope to sée him againe, whose heart enioyed small content, wanting his company.

Here Gentiles we leaue the noble Pheander, in com­pany [Page] of the Thessalian King, spending his time in small con­tent, wanting the sight of his desired Lady, and his Lady with teares bewailing him, whom she more desired then the worlds possessions, to shew you what happened the aun­cient Barnardine, who as you haue heard before, left the Numedian Court, with all his possessions, Pilgrimelyke iourneying towards Delphos, there of the Oracle to be ad­uertised of his king and the princes life or death, and com­ming to the sacred Chappell of Apollo, after his Orisons done and his offrings made, before the shrine of Appollo, the pittifull god moued at his intercession, and considering the faithfull loue to his prince and country, which is plea­sing both to gods and men, after he had with teares bewai­led his prince, was thus answered.

Barnardine, thy faithfull loue to thy prince and country, we haue regarded, and moued with pittie of thée and thy common-wealth, whose subiects distressed, desire to haue knowledge of their king and his princely sonne, with what shall befall them, receiue these lines which shall import the euent of all, yet for a time conceale them, and continue thy trauaile.

Barnardine, whose heart was lightened with this com­fortable voyce, looking about him, espied a paper, which ta­king vp, he read in this maner:

When the aged Pilgrime had perused th [...]se lines, mu­sing at the darknesse of the same, which he construed many wayes, yet had no certaintie, wherefore resoluing on the mercifull fauour of the God, which had so pittifully heard his prayer, he passed on his iourney in search for those prin­ces which hée hoped was liuing, whom to his trauaile we leaue, to returne vnto the Princesse Phedera, who hauing the company of the Mayden Knight, had sundry motions of desire to enioy his Loue, euermore applauding his person, curtesie and valoure, which so farre excéeded all mens in her iudgement, that shée honoured him for the Paragon of the world, holding her for the most happiest Lady on the earth, which should enioy his loue, wishing that she were worthy of his loue, and framyng her selfe by all meanes that modestie would permit, to gaine it. But hée whose heart was fixed on his Lady, had no motion of any other, onely wished to bee with her whome hee so much honou­red, whose presence, he more desired, then all the riches the worlde could offoord. Tormented with these restlesse passions, which was of the King and Courtiers noted, espe­cially of the Lady Phedera, many imagined the cause, yet none so good a phisition to finde the truth, or cause thereof; as continuall care weakeneth the bodie and causeth many extreames, so Pheander, féeling in himselfe a weakenesse of nature, and looking for some disease through his melan­choly to ensue, finding the king at conuenient time, he hum­bly besought him of fauour to depart, alleaging that the [Page] aire, and contagiousnesse of those Confines, was nothing agréeing with his body, and that his longer staie, might be by his confusion.

The king which loued him as his owne soule, and ten­dered his welfare more▪ then the wealth of his kingdome, whom he had found so kinde and forward, aduenturing his life for his good in many broyles, though loth to leaue him in whome so much he delighted, yet noting his melancho­like humours, which had much altered his complexion, imagined it was no excuse, and therefore the rather con­descended to his request, appoynting a time as he desired, when if God sent winde and weather, to be readie with their shipping, to conduct him to Egypt, whither the king promised with his sister and nobles to accompany him, for which iourney, a strict commaund was giuen to all Offi­cers to sée each thing necessary puruayde, which with such diligence was performed, as in short time all things was as they could wish or desire furnished, onely attending a faire winde to set sayle, which they stayed not long for. But a gale fitting their purpose, the kyng with his sister, the Mayden Knight, and their train, embarqued themselues for Egipt, where by the good furtherance of him that com­maundeth all, they shortly arriued in safetie, whose com­ming, being knowne vnto the Vizeroy Cariolus, with such prouision as they could make on the suddaine, repaired vnto the place of landing, where the king ioyfull to sée the good recouery of Cariolus, in most kinde maner imbraced him. And so generall welcomes being giuen on all sides by the Nobles, they passe on towards the Pallace of the king, who with a generall loue of his Commons, was to his great delight welcommed, with such shewes of ioy as on the sodaine they could prepare.

Thus after some time spent in banquetting and other pastimes for their welcomes, to beguile the time the better, the Mayden Knight standing on thornes, vntill he might [Page] behold the swéete content of his liues comfort, finding Ca­riolus in place where they might discusse at large theyr mindes. The knight not forgetting his promise made to Cariolus in his own country, and willing to make amends for the wrong he had there, thus said:

My Lord, what I haue to impart vnto you as one that wisheth your good, is such, as becommeth a friend, vowed to do your Lordship what seruice my abilitie can stretch vn­to, onely I beséech you, promise on your honor to conceale what I shall discouer.

Cariolus, who both honored and loued the knight, mu­sing to what these spéeches tended, relying on the fidelitie of him whome he neuer had heard or séene to commit any dishonorable action, gaue him his word and honor, to be as secret in all things as he could desire, which the knight ac­cepting, thus said:

My Lord, first I humbly beséech your fauourable loue, to be continued, and pardon my great offence committed a­gainst you, in Numedia, where not being my selfe, I com­mitted a most hainous offence and dishonorable, for which I am willing to make such satisfaction, as you can require.

Cariolus, hearing the knight vse these spéeches of sub­mission, noting them well, and bethinking himselfe what had fortuned, being in Numedia, could not call to minde any vnkindnesse offered him by any inferiour person, neither did he well remember the princes discurtesie, yet leauing nothing vnsought, calling his wittes togither, bethought him of the prince, whom they forbeare to answeare, vntill he had with earnestnesse noted the phisnomy of the knight, whose face with long sicknesse, wherewith he was at that time possest, was quite altered from the forme it now had, which made him more to admire. But calling to mind the resemblance of the aged king, he conceiued by some signes of his fauour, that it was doubtlesse the prince, yet doubt­full he was, for that being so nobly borne, he came to the Numedian Court, with no better countenance then a Mer­chant. [Page] After many thoughts, not willing to offend through rashnesse, or to offer any vnkindnesse, he humbly besought him in true friendship which he had found, to pardon him, which could not call to minde no wrong done him, nor any familiaritie that euer had bene betwéene them.

Well my Lord, quoth the knight, I sée your minde is frée from reuenge, that know not those that haue endaun­gered your life, and therefore am the more willing to re­ueale my selfe to cleare you of this doubt. Know that I am Dionicus, the vnhappy Prince of Numedia, who in my fa­thers Court so much abused you, whereof I repent me, and haue sorrowed for it. But pardon me good Cariolus, and ac­cept that friendship I vowed vnto you, which wil endeuour to deserue thy loue in all occasions wherein true loue con­sisteth. To giue you some cause to credit what I say, I haue thought good to find this opportunitie, not onely to reueale myselfe to you, whose fauour I desire, but to doo my best indeuour to deserue the same, and to aduance thy estate, if so you can lyke of my offer.

Cariolus, amazed at these spéeches, after he had with more aduised eyes beheld the Prince, was assured it was he, pro­strating himselfe on his knée, humbly besought his grace of pardon, which had so vnreuerently behaued himselfe. But gratious Prince quoth he, faultes vnwillingly com­mitted, deserue the lesse punishment, I speake for my selfe which am ready to make amendes in performing [...]y pe­nance it shall please your highnesse to enioyne me, yéelding many millions of thankes for that fauour you haue vouch­safed, in giuing me that credit to reueale your selfe, to the vnworthiest of many in high estéeme, which desireth your highnesse knowledge, vowing by the honour of my Noble auncestry to be gouerned and directed by the Prince Dioni­cus, and shall so please it your highnesse, follow your grace, where soeuer it shall stand with your good pleasure to con­duct me. The Prince interrupting his spéech, louingly im­braced the Lord Cariolus, giuing him many thanks for his [Page] kinde offers, which he was assured was faithfully spoken. In recompence of which, my Lord (quoth he,) and to make you some satisfaction for my former wrong offered you, I will en [...]uour to aduance your estate, so it stand with your good liking, in this maner.

You sée my Lord, though with some trouble and effusi­on of blood on either part, the King in peace and quiet en­ioyeth his owne Countrey, and with the Crowne of his enemie, is like wise inuested. Alluring baytes are king­domes, and haue caused many Nobles, who not content with their owne estates, to hazard honour, life, and what­soeuer else they enioyed, to attaine vnto them.

But my Cariolus, if thou canst frame thy lyking to my wish, and bend thy minde to the loue of Phedera, the Prin­cesse, my endeuour shall be to obtaine her for thy Ladie, and the Kingdome of Egypt for her dowry, besides, shée is heire to her brother, who dying without issue, shall to higher honours preferre thée. This is all my Noble Ca­riolus, that I haue to say, (and so much I say) for that I wish thy aduancement, if thou lyke the Ladie, and haue not bestowed thy lyking elsewhere. Say thy minde, as to him, which not onely in this, but in all other matters wherein I may doo thée good, commaunde mée as thy selfe.

Cariolus, who was wise and well demeaned, endued with valour and curtesie, as much as might be required, humb [...] returned many thankes for this vnexspected good, moued with a desire of kingly dignitie, well content to en­ioy so braue a princes for his loue, without farther stay, said;

My honored Lord, I cannot frame my tongue to yéelde such thankes as my heart would vtter, onely this good I craue, that your highnesse continue your gracious fauour towards me, whose will shall be euer a lawe to Cariolus, who will euer be directed by your maiesties aduise. And sée­ing most honourable Prince, you haue motion of willing­nesse to do me this good, I humbly beséech you continue it, and binde Cariolus in euerlasting bands of true friendship to your seruice. Here were they interrupted, by the com­ming [Page] of the King, who hearing that the Prince was gone that way, delighting in his company more then in any o­thers, came sodainly on them, yet not in such maner, but he was espied of them. The King which saw them so earnest in their spéech, comming vp with them saide; Sir Knight, were my Lord Cariolus a Lady, as he is a honorable Gen­tleman, I should be very su [...]pitious of you both, that you would find time to stretch a point farther then became you. In faith Gentlemen (quoth he,) as there is brotherly loue betwéene you, which the world well noteth, let be a trini­tie, and accept me for the third person, so shall you honor me more then I will say, and endue me with such happines as I wil not for auoiding of flattry vtter. Your Maiesty quoth the prince, may iest, but would it were knowne vnto your grace, our loues to your highnesse, you might then say, you haue such poore friends of vs, as wil euer be ready to aduen­ture our liues in your honorable seruice. Experience good Knight, answered the King, long sithence hath taught me that, whose eies are witnesses of your loyaltie, which I wil endeuour to requite, as when you please to make triall, you shall finde, especially you my Lord, whose bloud lost in ad­uenturing for me, I can no way requite. Séeing quoth the prince, your highnesse is thus disposed to iest, pardon I be­séech you, what I haue to say, and fauour me so much, as to heare my humble sute, (and hearing) let me obtaine it at your gracious hands, in granting which, your grace shall more honor me then I dare report. Honorable Knight, an­swered the King, among friends, what should néed distrust, my heart gréeueth, that the noble Knight Pheander, should doubt to obtaine, what euer resteth in my power to grant. Wherfore swéet friend say on, for by the honor of the Thessa­lian kingdom, whose crown I enioy through thy good indu­stry, what euer thou requirest shall not be denied. Thankes gracious Lord, not for my self I intreat, but for this gentle­man, whose heart hauing sworne fayaltie to loue, which is the soueraigne guide of all men, hath framed his lyking [Page] vnto the Princesse Phedera, whose seruant he hath vowed himself, if then noble Prince, it shall stand with your high­nesse good leisure to accept of him, whose honourable birth and haughtie déeds of Chiualry, may merit some estéeme with persons of worth, I haue my desire, (by graunting of which,) and obteining the Princesse good lyking, I shall be more honored, then if your grace had inuested me with both the kingdomes of Thessaly and Egipt.

Pheander, quoth the King, if thou hadst required as much for thy selfe as thy friend, thou couldst not haue hono­red me more, whose amitie I desire to participate with, a­boue all men of what account so euer: but séeing thy request is for him whose aduancement I desire, and for thou shalt know in what regard I hold thy loue, I will do my best to procure her loue, women haue fancies, and are headstrong in their affects, whether she haue granted her loue I know not, neither can I force her lyking, if I could, it were not conuenient, for a forced beast is froward, and women wed­ded to their will. If in their loue they should be contraried, were better lost then found, their reuenging mindes are such, as they will not be quiet, vntill for their husbandes safetie they haue armed his head with such proofe, that hée may walfe in safetie amongst the best headed stags in my Forrest. But leauing this iest, (Pheander) that thou maist assure thee of my loue, my industry shall be to gaine her for thy friend, whom I both honour and loue, and for you my Lord, I giue heartie thanks, that will accept of her, whom I (may say) I loue as a brother, who if I can perswade, to your wish, her large dowry shall testifie. Our pleasant par­ley hath procured me a good appetite, my stomacke telleth me it is dinner time, wherefore Gentlemen, leauing this talke which is as much conquest as the greatest of Hercu­les, which did neuer conquere woman, (vnto me) let vs walke, and doubt not but I will play the Orator in such wise as shall procure your content Lord Cariolus, and satis­fie your request. Thanks gracious Prince quoth Cariolus, [Page] which is all I haue to requite so great a benefit, onely your true liegeman shall I euer continue, and be readie at your pleasure to do you seruice.

Here Gentlemen, the story telleth vs, that the Thracian King, (as flesh is mortall) vexed with an extreme sicknes, was so oppressed therewith, that nature failing through weake age, all phisicke helpes were friuolous, so that per­force he must pay his due to death which commandeth all, whose breath failing at the sommon of this tyrant, which may not be intreated, his soule departed this earthly trunk, to sée the ioyes of the euerlasting kingdome, whose death his subiects so with pittious plaintes bewailed, as might haue changed the most hardest heart into a Caos of lamen­ting sorrowes, beholding their teares, whose bodie was most royally intombed amongst his Ancestry. But among those which sorrow ouerwhelmed, and had like to haue drowned in deaths gulph, the Princesse, whom nature for­ced in some sort to lamēt, as a child hauing lost her father, was so weakened with her plaints and hearts sorrow, that long time it was not to be thought she could recouer it, so much was her tender heart touched, eftsoones bewailing her fathers death, and then againe, gréeuing for the want of her Loue and Lord the Mayden Knight, of whose safetie whom she more desired then to be Lady of the whole earth, could not be perswaded. Long did she languish in these ex­treames and could not be comforted, in so much that she ra­ther desired death then to liue. But he that in extreames is our best comfort, preseruing her for the Commons beni­fit, sent her health, who being recouered, the Coronation finished, and the Crown by common consent of the Parlia­ment confirmed vnto her, many offers of marriages were made vnto her, for which, humble sutes of her Counc [...]ll were not omitted, who desired nothing more, then to haue the issue of her noble bodie succeed her. But no perswasions might moue her from the Knight, who had the chiefe inte­rest of her hart, to whom she had vowed her selfe, protesting [Page] likewise, neuer to grant her loue or liking to any one, but onely to him. This resolution so much gréeued her nobles, that nothing could breed more discontent, yet as dutie com­manded, framed themselues to her gouernment, who with such wisedom directed all things for the benefit of her com­mon weale, that it was admirable to behold that wisdome in one of her sexe.

But to return to our matter. The Thessalian King, who minding his honourable word with the noble Pheander, finding opportunitie, ganne question his sister in this ma­ner.

Phedera, since the decease of our deare parence, thou hast bene left vnto my gouernment, for whom, (without boast) or desire of benefit of thée or any, I haue had that care as of mine owne good, and euer will, so thou be ruled by me. And for I sée thy yeares requireth to be linked in mar­riage, that thou maist participate in loue with thy husband, and spend the prime of thy yeares as is fitting thy estate, I haue found a Gentleman of honor and valour, such a one, as on my word loueth thée, and I haue cause for his paines in my seruice imployd to honor. Therefore good sister, if thou loue me as a brother, and hast not bestowed thy loue elsewhere, in this matter be ruled by mée, and in dooing whereof, thou shalt finde mée thy brother, and most assu­red friend, who will euer be as carefull of thy well doing and honor, as of mine good. Say therefore thy minde plain­ly, and let me knowe whether thou doest loue, or canst loue?

The Lady, whose wisedome was such as balanced her honor, not knowing whether her brother were in in iest or earnest, thus modestly said; Gracious Lord, and my dread soueraigne, pardon I humbly beséech you, your subiect, and suffer mée not through my fond answering so friuolous a question, which you vrge but for my triall, to procure your displeasure, or mine owne shame.

Why Phedera, quoth the King, you mistake me, if you [Page] thinke I ieast, for on my honor, I meane what I say, ther­fore dally not with mée, if you hope of my good. But tell me if thou doest loue, or wilt loue my friend?

The Ladie hearing the King in earnest, although shée could be well content to haue enioyed the swéet pleasures of loue in marriage, thus sayd; Dread Lord, and my most gracious soueraigne, sithence it is your pleasure I should answere your demaunde, Know, that as modestie is the ornament of Maydes, and chastitie, the garland that bew­tifieth all our sexe, so haue I carefully weyed mine honor in such manner, that I neither loue, nor as yet euer made choyce of any in loue, but haue eschewed all such friuolous motions of the flesh, to my greatest power, as beséemeth a Lady of such honor. That I may loue, I doubt not, because it is the commandement of our maker, and incident to all creatures, who in their kindes make choyce of some one to participate with: yet shall my loue neuer be such, as may disparage your highnesse loue towards me, but such as shall be to your content. And for your graces pleasure is to be­stow me on a man so honorable, so standeth it with your will to let mée knowe him, I will answere more direct­ly.

God a mercy for that wench, quoth the King, then I doubt not but wée shall haue a match, or else thy wisedome is not such as I wish it were. But tell mée vnfeinedly my Phedera, canst thou loue the Lord Cariolus, a man for birth honorable, for valour, to compare with most ad­uenturing Knightes in the worlde, in person comely, and so dibonire in his behauiour, as for curtesie hée is to bee matched with the best? Hée is the man Madame, whom if you can fancie, thou honourest mée in thy loue, and thou shalt finde mée a brother, nay a father, if fathers loue may excéed the brothers▪ Say therefore thy minde, and let me know thy answere?

The Ladie whose hope was, her brothers sute had [Page] bene for the Mayden Knight, with whose loue she was a little touched, yet modestie mastering such fond motions, would not let affection take such roote but that shée could at her pleasure expell it.

After the Lady had heard her brother, whom she percei­ued by his earnestnesse in vttering his sute, would not wil­lingly be denied, she said; Pardon me my good Lord, if I passe modestie, considering your great praise of the Gentle­man, beléeue me, he is much beholding vnto your Grace, who could haue thought you would haue prooued so good a soliciter? had your studie bene the Lawes of this Realme, no doubt, but you should haue had many Clyants: were the Gentleman here himselfe, he could not haue sayd thus much, and therefore he may thinke himselfe beloued and honored of your highnesse. But for answere, as I would not haue you in your first wooing disgraced, least it discou­rage you in your owne enterprises being a batcheler, so can I say little of my selfe, who is to be gouerned by you, to, whom in all humblenesse I referre me, and shall so you be pleased, be content, if it were with one not so worthie as the Lord Cariolus. (And yet)

Nay Madam, quoth the King, leaue not off so abruptly with an aparentizes, your words are doubtfull. Tell mée therfore, is there any other before me? if there be, and thou hast made choyce, (and you both agreed) I will not gainsay it, nor tye thée to any other then thy owne content in mari­age. Therefore say, what those words (and yet) imported?

Pardon my ouer boldnesse, gracious Lord, answered the Lady, which vnaduisedly ouerpast those spéeches, and credit my word, which haue no loue fixed in my heart, but will endeuour my selfe to the liking of him whom you shall commaund me, yet will I answer your demaund, and mea­ning of those words, taken so by your grace at rebounde, though I must and will, frame me to the loue and liking of the Lord Cariolus. Yet had the noble Generall bene plea­sed, and with that, a déep sigh staid her tongue, in such wise, [Page] as she could go no farther.

The King vnderstanding which way the winde of her desire blew, though he could haue bene better content with her choyce, yet to put her from other thoughts, and to haue his sute take effect, he perswaded her to let slip such fonde imaginations, for that he had placed his loue on a Ladie of his Country, whom he would not leaue for all the world. With these happie tidings for the Lord Cariolus, after some other kinde spéeches to y^• Lady, the King departed, so ioying in his good successe, y^• he could not rest vntill he had comfor­ted the Lord Cariolus with his answer, whose mind egged on by the Mayden Knight, was so fixed on the Lady, that she was become the mistresse of his heart, and he ioyed in no­thing but in contemplating of her loue, thinking euery day a yeare, and euery houre a month, vntil he heard the Kings answere, musing thus on his Loue, tossing with a minde disquietted, from one side the bedde to the other, his Page brought him word, that a Gentleman from the King, at­tended to speake with him, which sodaine newes, reuiued so his spirits, as made his heart more light, then long time before it had bene, hoping to here such happie tidings as his louing sute required. The Messenger hauing deliuered his messuage, iudge you that be louers, whether you could slack any time vntil you heard the doome of your mistresse, which he was assured to do by the King, vnto whom he hasteneth with such spéed as he could. To whose presence being come, the king as ioyful for his good successe and his sisters grant, as the Lorde Cariolus to heare it, with a smiling counte­nance, which shewed the ioy of his heart, said;

My Lord, though my skill in wooing be but small, ha­uing neuer accustomed my selfe to any such practise, yet haue I playd the cunning Aduocate for your Lordship, and will assure you, so you holde your word and promise, the Princesse shall be yours, and thereon take my word of ho­nour.

Cariolus, so ouer ioyed at these tydings, could not well [Page] tell whether he heard the King speake, or dreamed of this happinesse. But standing a while in an extacie, his sences being come againe, with eyes gastly beholding the King, thus said; My honourable and gracious Lord, what may I doo to requite your Princely fauour, who hath vouchsafed me so great honor, not onely to bestowe your onely sister on me, but to become my honorable soliciter, what I would say, modestie compelleth me to conceale. Only this I assure your Maiestie, my loyall seruice shall euer be ready at your commaund, in such dutifull maner, that your Maiesty shall haue no cause to repent you of so great a good done vnto a stranger. Inough my Lord, fewe words doth suffice among friendes, wherefore forbeare these spéeches, loue my si­ster, and for her sake, thinke of me as a friend, which will be euer ready to do you what pleasure I can. To giue you some interest of my faith, appoint the marriage day at your pleasure, and for her dowry, accept this kingdom of Egypt, which shall remaine to you and your heires for euer, onely this homage shall you yearely tender in my Court of Thes­saly, two swift running Coursers of this Countrey, and so God make you happie in your loue, and a ioyfull father of many children. With this the Mayden Knight entered his presence, vnto the King what man so welcome, his dutie done, the King louingly imbracing him, said;

Sir Knight, I haue not long sithence comforted your friend with my happie tydings, and not onely assured him of a wife, which I hope will prooue louing and kinde vn­to him, but haue inuested him with the tytle of King of Egipt, of both which, I wish him so much ioy, as I desire to haue ioy, his wedding day let him appoynt at his plea­sure, which shall with the greatest honour I can be per­formed.

Most gracious and dread Lord quoth the Knight, how this your honourable curtesie haue tyed mee vnto your ser­uice, I omit, that at my request hath thus fauoured my deare friend, whose good I estéeme as mine owne, and e­uer [Page] will be readie with my best endeuour to serue, at all times and places where my force or seruice may do either your Maiestie or my Lord Cariolus good. And séeing it is wrought to his content and your Graces good lyking, let mée intreate this fauoure of you both, that the wedding may sodainly be solemnized, for that my staie may not be long here, such desire I haue to sée my soueraigne Lorde, who I am sure exspecteth my return long before this time. Sir quoth the King, did you knowe how displeasing those spéeches of your departure were to me, that desire nothing in the whole world so much as your company, you would neuer harpe so much on that string. But how long so e­uer your staie shall be, this day eight dayes I doo appoint for the wedding, so my Lorde Cariolus be agreed, and say Amen.

Neuer quoth Cariolus, let him be allowed for Clarke, which refuseth to say Amen, to such a parson, the Orizons bringing such content, séeing your Maiestie referres it to me, Amen say I, and humbly thanke your Grace for your honourable fauour.

The wedding day appoynted and assigned, the King sent for the Princesse, who that night supped all togither, which being ended, the Princesse, in presence of many of the Lordes of Thessaly and Egypt, was betrothed vnto the Lord Cariolus, and the marriage day appoynted, against which time, were all the nobles sommoned to be at Court to attend the King, by whose commandement all the pre­paration for honour of that day might be deuised, was or­deined, the time of night being spent, sommoned their watchfull eyes to sléepe, wherefore after many solemne adues, taken one of the other, they hastened on all sides to their rest, onely Cariolus and the Princesse best content, shée ioying in her Loue, and kingly brothers lyking, and he blessing a million of times the day wherein he first saw the Prince, procurer of his so great good. What other imaginations assailed them, let those suppose and thinke [Page] which haue felt the swéet cōtent in loue. To which I leaue them, to recount vnto you y^• sorrow of the Thracian Quéen, who ruling with honor, beloued both of Pheres and Com­mons, in as much royaltie as might be desired, endured so many sundry torments of minde, wanting her most desire, that the day was irkesome vnto her, and the night ordeined for rest, restlesse she consumed, that with her continual wat­chings, and others passions, he [...] bodie became weake, and a gréeuous sicknesse assailed her, the cause, none could ima­gine, neither might phisicke minister any cure to her dis­ease, so that giuen ouer to the death, she lanquished in great extremities, not daring for modestie, to reueale the cause, onely this was her chéefest comfort, when she could be fre­ed from the company of such Ladies and counsellers which visited her, with Guenela to recount her loue, sometime ex­tolling his valour and person, and eftsoones accusing him of disloyaltie, exclaiming on her hard fortune which had enga­ged her libertie to a Knight carelesse of her honour and good, cursing and accusing Guenela, being soliciter for such a wretched Knight, whose spéeches oftentimes was so an­swered by the Mayden Guenela, as in iesting wise would she turne her words of despight into laughter, such was the sharpnesse of her wit, which left no meanes vnsought that might procure in the least maner her content. Oppressed with great griefe we leaue the Princes for a while, to re­turne vnto Cariolus. whose wedding day being come great was the ioy on his side, but more the preparation of al cour­tiers, who were ready with many costly shewes, at y^• Tilt, Turney, and Barriers, to try their valour and fortunes in Armes. But as the fairest day is ouercast with cloudes, so was their mirth chaunged to great and gréeuous lamenti­ons, and their ioy to sorrowfull complaints, which thus be­fell.

The King now in prime of yeares, desirous to try his force at the Tilt, with his presence to honour his Nobles and do the Princesse fauoure at her marriage in these pa­stimes, [Page] made choyce of the Mayden Knight, to encounter him, as the worthiest in Armes, who being of all others most vnwilling to deale against him, humbly besought his grace of pardon, and accept of some his Nobles who was more worthier of that honor. But the King with whom no intreaties might preuaile, wold not be denied, which made the Knight with great heauinesse of heart to wish hée had not Armed him that day, such was his discontented minde, which doubtlesse presaged some ensuing euill, as to y^• great griefe of all the whole company hapned them. Thus when no denials might preuail, the trumpets sounding a charge, they set forward with such swiftnesse, as the earth trembled vnder their horses, both breaking their staues in such man­ner, as all the company with ioyful shoutes applauded their excellent skill in that exercise. But alasse, in midst of this pleasing practise, how suddainly their ioyes were eclipsed, woe is me to recount. The King and his elected compani­on, at the trumpets sound, setting with courage forward to encounter one the other, in braue maner brake again their staues, but in an vnhappie time, a splinter of the knights staffe, by most vnfortunate chaunce, entered the sight of the Kings Beauer, which pearced the head to the brain, in such wise, that with the heate of his trauaile, and griefe of the wound, he was enforced to forsake his horse. This suddaine mishap, to the company brought such discontent, that all their mirth layd apart, sorrow was made Lady of the feast. But amongst those that most lamented this vnfortunate chaunce, the Maiden Knight had his part, whose griefe was such, that had not the Lord Cariolus bin by fortune present, in the extreame of his melancholy passion he had slain him­selfe, such was the wisedome of the Noble Cariolus, as his reasonable perswasions preuailed so with him, as he caused him forsake his dolefull Lodge, to accompany him to the presence of y^• king, whose masters of Chirurgery, had new­ly ended their trauaile of dressing his woundes, them the Knight questioned of the danger therof, and besought them [Page] in curtesie to acquaint him therewith, whether hée held it mortall or no, which how vnwilling so euer they were, as loath to discomfort the King or those which loued him, such was the curteous entreatie of the Knight, as he could not conceale the daunger thereof, but reuealed vnto him the little hopes they had of his life, and the reasons that induced them thereunto, which newes, was little pleasing vnto the Knight, who with many teares lamented that mishap, but griefe ministreth no phisicke to the diseased, nor sorrow auaileth not to mittigate extreames. Where­fore by Cariolus comforted, hée ceaseth in so excéeding ma­ner to lament, determining to abide the Kings doome, vn­to whom he purposeth to reconcile himselfe, and to that in­tent awaiteth the waking of his Maiestie, who was after his dressing fallen a sléepe, whose griefe was such, as hée could take small rest. But rowsing himselfe, awaked from his slumber, called for the Lord Cariolus, who was way­ting for the same purpose, vnto whome being come, hée saith;

Cariolus, let no man boast himselfe of happinesse which is mortall, for that they are subiect to crosses, and casual mis­haps, as thy selfe maist witnesse with me, and many others that haue séene this mischaunce befallen mée, when I least expected it, the originall of my griefe procéeding from my selfe, which woulde perforce my good friend to the action whereunto he was so vnwillingly drawne: but what hea­uens haue ordeined, what man can gainsay. The omnipo­tent power of the Almightie, hath laid his crosse on me for my greater good, to call me from these worldes vanities, to séeke his euerlasting kingdome: Yet ere I leaue this fraile life, swéete Cariolus let me sée that honourable Knight, by whose hands death sent his sommance, deare he was vnto mée, and his loue worthie to be imbraced of the mightiest Monarke. Oh Pheander, couldest thou but imagine with what faithfull loue I loued thée, thou maist sorrow for my losse, whome thou and all the worlde cannot reclaime from [Page] this great hazard wherein I remain. With this the knight which was not farre off, presented himselfe vnto him, who knéeling at his beds side, said;

Most gracious soueraign, might my gréeued hart which ouerwhelmed in sorrow, is [...] in a sea of many mise­ries, consume it selfe with griefe, for my euill committed against you, how happie a creature were I, which haue bin the occasion of your highnesse so great vnrest, yet how vn­willing, heauens record with me. And therefore my dread soueraigne, pardon my fault so vnwillingly committed a­gainst your Maiestie, as deare to me as mine owne soule, whose life, if ten thousands liues depended thereon, I wish might be sacrificed for thy health, and the louing subiects of of my gracious soueraigne, whom by my ouer-hardinesse, I haue robbed of so louing a Prince. Let me I say, chiefe cau­ser of your sorrow, reape the guerdon due to a murtherer, and reuēge your kings death, by taking my life, which had I a million of thousands liues, could not make satisfactiō for my euil committed against you. Here teares interrupting him, denyed his tongue libertie of spéech, whose lamenta­tion, filled all the nobles with such heauinesse, as for teares they could not vtter a word, especially the King, whose grief being great, was encreased by his dolefull lament, yet ca­sting of this womanish humor, drying his eyes, doubting the nobles and those present, shuld accuse him of fear, (drea­ding to die) wherunto we are all born, with a soft voice, ten­derly wringing the Mayden Knight by the hand, hée saith; Noble Gentleman, cease thy heauinesse, thy griefe so aug­ments mine, that the thought thereof, wrings teares from my heart, thy vnwilling offence, with my heart I forgiue, and to shew how deare in life thou wast vnto me, (my good Pheander) accept at my dying hand, my kingdom of Thessa­ly, the lawfull inheritance of thy faithfull friend, loue those people, my kind subiects, & so gouern them with fauour and lenity, as they haue no cause to complain of my dead course, & for my life which by thy hand through y^• apointmēt of him [Page] that gaue it me, I must leaue, I heartily forgiue thée, and accursed be he or them, which shal euer impute i [...] vnto thée, in dishonour, any fault against me committed. That thou louedst mée, thy tender care of my good hath shewed suche proofes, as tyed me in true friendship to be thine for euer, Death is not so irkesome vnto me, but that I must leaue thée, and the swéete content I receiued in thy company: grief of my deaths grief, my own Pheander, compelleth me omit what I would say, wherefore briefly thus; Forget not thy dying friend, and shew that loue to my Lord Cario­lus, whom for thy sake, I haue to this Crowne of Egipt ad­uanced, as I euer found, and in extremes comfort him with thy aide, as thou hast done me, my sister Phedera forget not, whom to thy charge I commit, leauing her to thée, and thée to be in my place a brother, who liuing loued her, as my hope is thou wilt. And so deare friends, heauens blessednes befall you all, and so prosper you, as I loued you. And you Pheres of Egipt and Thessaly, whose loue I haue found as subiects, in all dutifull maner, let be continued vnto these your elected Kings, who will with honour gouerne you, so shall the giuer of all happinesse blesse your lands, with the blessing of peace and plenty, for they that honor their king, doth reuerence the Lord who created him, and he wil giue them plenteous rewards. Noble Gentlemen, griefe cutteth me off, flesh must yéeld to earth how loath soeuer, the migh­tiest, death hath vanquished. Therefore as my Vltenam va­le, remember my words, and pray God to send vs the abun­dance of his grace, that we may through his mercy, haue a ioyfull méeting in his kingdome that neuer shall haue end. I féele the heauy messenger approaching, therefore farwell to thée my deare sister, whom I charge as thou louedst mée liuing, be louing and kinde to thy husband, doing him that honor is due vnto him, thy children bring vp in fear of their maker, and so God blesse thée with happinesse. And thou Pheander, vnto me, no creature in life more deare, remem­ber my parting spéeches, loue the Lord Cariolus, as I haue [Page] loued thée, and thou my adopted brother Cariolus, honour him during thy life, that I am sure faithfully tendered and loued thée, so shall God be pleased, for no sin in sight of his diuine deitie, is more intollerable then that monstrous vice of Ingratitude, which for auoyding the heauy wrath of of God, I wish thée eschue. Nobles and you all my very good friends, to exhort you to remember your duties, whose wis­domes is more then I will recount, were a matter friuo­lous, and perhaps may moue some offence, yet take my sim­ple meaning which speake to you that haue ouer-loued me, which loue let be continued, honor your Kings with reue­rence and loue, for what you do to them, is done to God, which are his Vize-Regents on earth, and his annoynted. Moue no rebelliō, nor be mainteiner of euil, for such faults, how secret so euer, God will to your ouerthrowes reueale. Remember his word, which hath commanded you to be o­bedient without murmuring, and feare him which gouer­neth all. I can say no more, my spéech faileth me, therefore generally my Lords, farewell, and so turning his weak bo­die to the wall, surrendered his soule to the heauens, from whence it had his being, to the intollerable griefe of all his subiects, who with many brinish tears lamented his death, but especially the Knight Pheander, and Cariolus, whose marriage, the louing King honoured, with his funerall, which in the most honourablest maner, Art or honor could deuise, was solemnized, lamented generally of all his sub­iects, but especially the Egyptians, who more dearly loued him for his clemency, then their owne naturall King.

The funerall finished, a Parliament was sommoned, in which time, the Mayden Knight so preuailed with the No­bles of Thessaly and Egipt, that by common consent of the whole assembly in both houses, temporall and spirituall, the regiment of both kingdomes, was deliuered vnto the Lord Cariolus, and the Mayden Knight, resigned his inte­rest for euer vnto him and the Lady, who was lawfull in­heritrix vnto the same. The Parliament proroged accor­ding [Page] to the custome of the Country, great preparation was made for the Coronation, which in most solemne and ho­nourable manner was accomplished, with so many sundry showes and delightfull pleasures, as might weary you to reade. Let it suffice to the great ioy of both Realmes, all things to so honorable an action was so exquisitely perfor­med, as no man but tooke great delight in beholding ther­of, praying with an vniuersall voice for their long liues, to be in happinesse amongst them continued.

Thus all things to the ioy of the noble Pheander accom­plish, and to the high content of the King Cariolus and his Quéen, by the aduise of the Mayden Knight, an election was made of a Vizeroy to goe for Thessaly, the King making choyce of two euils the least, conceiuing this opinion of the naturall subiects of Thessalie, that they would liue in their dutifull obeisance, when a conquered nation gathering hed vppon many light occasions, was easily drawne to reuolt. These considerations with great wisdom weyed, the Lord Fardinand, one of the priuy Councell of Thessaly, was elec­ted for that gouernment, vnto whome, the King after his Commission signed, and honorable gifts giuen, so wisely exhorted to obedience, and care of his loue and dutie, that as many of the nobles as were present, and noted the same, admired him, reioysing that God had prouided so for them, to leaue them in the gouernment of so toward a Prince, of whom so much ensuing happinesse was exspected.

Order taken for his affaires of waight, the Vizeroy im­barqued for Thessaly, and his Nobles departed, each one to their seuerall mantions, sauing such of his priuy Councell which were attendant at Court. The Noble Pheander, was now to take his leaue, the very remembrance where­of, was more offensiue to the King and Quéen, then al their former troubles. Bootles it was to intreat his longer st [...]y, who standing on thornes, til his desire was obteined, in be­holding the most beautifull Princesse, might no longer be persuaded, wherefore the King to honour him the more, [Page] by whom he was for euer honoured, caused a Fléete to be prepared of twentie Gallies, whom by his strict comman­dement, was most royally furnished with all néedfull vy­ands, and other necessaries for his voyage, which on such sodain was purueyed, as might well shew their diligence to whom that great charge was committed. All things rea­die for his departure, and a faire winde blowing a freshe and comfortable gale, these friendes were nowe to de­part.

After leaue taken of the Princesse, who with many bri­nish teares bewailed the same, the King with his Pheres accompanied him to the water side, where his company ap­pointed to attend him, awaited his comming, where after heauy parting on both sides, and many teares spent of the commons which beheld their sorrowes, he imbarqued him selfe, and by the good fauour of the windes, and diligent in­dustry of his Marriners, sodainly los [...] sight of land, and had the winde so fauourable, that in short time they atteined sight of the high land of Thrace, with which they beare all that they might, yet could not possibly recouer their Port that night.

This Fleete of Gallies being on the shore descried, none could imagine what they were or should be, to preuent the worst, the Councell carefull of their own safeties, and com­mons good, assembled, the power of their Citie, making pro­uision for defence, what euer happened.

The maister of the Admirall, not daring to enter the harbourght by night, laie off again into the sea, hulling vn­till the day watch was in hand, at which time they set saile to goe for their harbourght, and by fauourable assistance of the windes, recouered the same. After the Sunne had shewed her selfe in her bewtie two houres, to suruey which power, and to giue notise to the Quéene what they were, the Lord Aminta [...], Lord high Admirall of the lande, was in a Frygotte sent, who bouging as much as the force of his staues would permit him, being a man honorable and [Page] venterous, not knowing what they were, whether friends or enemies, came vp with the Admiral, and laid her aboord, of whose comming, the Mayden Knight being aduertised, doing him dutie, caused his Flagge to be furled, and his Auncient to be taken downe, whose order the whole Fléete followed. When the Admirall saw the Knight Pheander, whose welfare they greatly doubted, betwéene them was much reioycing and many imbracings, as friends ioyfull to see one the other. Passing in pleasant parley the time, they came to Ancor, at which time, according to directions giuen by the Knight, all their ordinance was discharged, with their smal Artillery, reioycing according to the sea maner, for their safe arriuall, to the great admiration of all the be­holders, which could imagin no certaintie what they were: no sooner was the Ancors ground, but the Lord Admirall causing his Frygot to come aboord, entered the same, ac­companied with the Mayden Knight, and other Nobles of Thessaly and Egypt, which came to accompany him, as Em­bassadors from the King, who were all most royally enter­temed of the Nobles, which attended their landing, and were conducted to the Court, where according to their e­states they were sumptuously lodged in the Court, and like order taken for purueying for their traine.

Amongst others that had enquired the newes of these strangers, and what they were, Guenela by chance, as wo­men are inquisitiue of nouelties, had with diligence lear­ned what those Nobles so royally enterteined were, with the arriuall of the Mayden Knight, who was no sooner knowne vnto the ioyfull Mayden, (made more ioyfull by these happie tydings) but standing en thornes vntill shée came to the presence of the Quéene, doubting least her news should be so stale before she came, as it wold be scares worth the carriage, she omitted no time. To whom being come, and finding the Quéen in her accustomed melanchol­ly passions, though new some way otherwise imployed a­bout the imaginations of these straungers, to put her from [Page] her study, thus said.

What Madame, euer in your memento, in faith were I of your priuie couns [...]ll, and might perswade with you, I would wish your Maiestie become Lady of some Nunnery, where you might haue companie, since nothing may de­light you but contemplation.

Guenela quoth the Quéene, cease thy fond talke at this time, and giue me leaue, who haue matters of waight to imploy me on.

If it be so Madame, (quoth Guenela) I am to craue par­don for my boldnesse, otherwise, if it might not haue bene offenciue, I could haue acquainted your highnes with some newes of the Mayden Knight, which because I sée it is trou­blesome vnto you hauing businesse, I beséech your grace li­cence me to depart, vntill it shall please your Ladiship to finde leisure to heare me.

The Quéen hearing her name the Mayden Knight, was so waked from her dumps, as she called Guenela, and with earnest intreaties besought her to let her know, what news she had heard of those straungers, and what moued her to name the Mayden Knight?

Madam, (quoth Guenela,) if your Ladiship would haue permitted me to speake, I had without farther delaies, ac­quainted you with such news of these strangers, as I hear, and haue diligently enquired, who are Nobles of Thessaly, in Embassage for y^• King, accompanied with the best wel­comed Knight in Affrica. The péerlesse Pheander, your graces sworne seruant, the naming of whom, so reuiued the Quéene, that he that had the worst sight might haue percei­ued how pleasing these newes were vnto her, yet doubtfull of her Maydens spéeches, which often had deluded her, to moue delight, the said;

Guenela, thou hast had more pleasure in féeding me with vaine hopes, then hath contented me, yet haue I borne thy follies, imagining in what sort they were vsed. But now Guenela, leaue thy Iests, least they grow odious, and moue [Page] me to chollor against thée, which would not willingly be drawne vnto. Therefore tell me without dallying, is my knight arriued with these Nobles, or is there certaine ty­ings of his good health by these strangers?

Madame (quoth Guenela,) if my ouer-boldnesse haue incurred your displeasure, I humbly craue pardō, who had no intent to offend, he witnesse with me, which searcheth my déepest secrets, but to assure you of what you so much desire, know Madame, the Mayden Knight is with Nobles arriued, who as I heare, are come from the Lord Cariolus, who by procurement of the Mayden Knight, is maried with the Princesse of Thessaly, and is royally Crowned by con­sent of both Realmes, lawfull King of Thessaly and E­gypt, the one, his Quéenes lawfull inheritance, the other, the late Kings bequest, who by vnhappie fortune, hath left this life. Thus Madame haue I acquainted your highnesse with what I haue heard, the truth thereof being proued, I hope will procure my pardon. Guenela (quoth the Quéene, ten thousand times I thanke thée for thy ty­dings, which I wil so requite, as it shall be the best newes that euer passed thy mouth, to giue thée som assurance ther­of, take this Diamond, which she pulling from her finger, deliuered her, and looke for a better reward. The hastie ap­proaching of the Councell, interrupting their spéech, caused them cease their farther parley, who staying the Quéenes pleasure, sent her word, they had some matter to impart vnto her, who were presently admitted to her presence, ac­companied with the Mayden Knight.

The Councell hauing done their duties, the May­den Knight presented himselfe vnto her Maiestie, whose sight so appalled her, as she could say nothing, shamefast modestie striuing with her willingnesse to bid him wel­come, which she could not doo as she would, least her coun­tenance should disclose her hearts desire, yet not omitting such honorable fauour as she could do him, she offered her hand to kisse, which in al humblenesse he accepted, acknow­ledging [Page] his most bounden dutie vnto her highnesse, whom the questioned in this maner.

Seruant quoth shée, we had thought your lyking had bene such to the Dames of Thessaly, as we should haue bin inuited to your wedding, or that your entertainment had bene so euill in our Court, as you were weary of the same, that you haue thus long absented your selfe from our Pre­sence, (vnder Benidicitie) seruant, as you owe dutie to your mistresse, make mée your ghoastly father, and before my Lordes here present, tell me and dissemble not, what hath bene the cause of your long staie?

Gracious soueraigne, quoth the Knight, if I answere what is truth, I hope your Maiestie will accept it, and pardon mée, if in my harshe answere I passe those duties which I would not willingly doo. For my loue to forraine Ladies, I may iustly deny, which neither sawe any since my departure from your Confines, in whose presence I tooke pleasure: During my long staie, how vnwilling that hath bene, I call to reccord these Nobles strangers, which can testifie my long desire to haue tendered my dutifull seruice vnto your highnesse, whereunto I am bound. Therefore dread Lady, pardon my offence therein, who being at a forraigne Princesse commandement, must obey it.

Well seruant quoth the Quéene, I must giue credit to your words, else should I do you wrong, but how so euer, you are wel [...] to your mistresse, who is a debtor of yours. The sight of this Noble Ph [...]ti [...], wrought more effects then all the medicines Art could minister, whose presence quite expelled all former cares from her Princely heart, though her bodie weakened with her long lanquishing, could not be so sod [...]inly restored. But time, and short time, with the comfort she conceiued of her louing Prince, resto­red her to her former health, as you shall heare, in the en­suing history.

[Page]Now returne we to the Nobles, who awaited her high­nesse pleasure, for which, the Quéene counting of her spéech with the knight, thus said;

Honorable Lords, if it be no matter of counsel for which your comming is at this time, let vs know the cause, my seruant I dare commit some trust vnto, who shall partici­pate of these your affaires. Mightie Princesse, (quoth the Lord Parsinio,) matter of state concerning the gouernment or affaires of your Common-weale, we haue not to vtter, but onely do beséech your highnesse, to commaund for your honor, that these noble strangers be enterteined according to their estates, with such curtesie and bountie, that they many haue cause to speake of your Court and honorable en­tertainment, as of a worthy deseruing Prince. And more, to do your noble subiects honor, the Lord Cariolus, who by marriage of the deceased Kings sister, is Crowned lawfull King both of Thessalie and Egipt. This is all most gracious Lady, whereof if you please to conceiue, and giue order for the same accordingly, you shall highly honor vs your sub­iecs, and gain to your selfe the famous report of strangers, which is the garment that bewtifieth Princes, and gouer­nors of states.

Thanks noble Gentlemen, (quoth the Quéene,) for your honorable care of vs, which are not acquainted with anie such matters, wherefore I beséech you my Lord Parsinio, to kéepe them company during their staie here, let my Offi­cers attend them, and their allowance be such, as may not impaire our bountiful minde, thereby to deserue honor, (if feasting be honorable) especially let their traine be wel pur­ueyed for, both in large allowance of vyands and lodging, for those are they by whom fame will ring, being of the ba­ser sort, either of honor, or dishonor, as for their Embassage, we will omit the hearing, vntill God endue vs with some more strength, and so farewell.

The Nobles hauing done their duties, and gone, it may be imagined, whether the Knight departed with consent or [Page] no, on whom the Quéene bestowed so gratious a looke, as he might well iudge of his welcome, but commaund his longer stay she would not, to auoyd the suspition of iealou­sie, or that her loue should be in the least sort suspected, Con­tented with the [...]ight of her beloued, after their departure, commanding the rest of the company from her, deteining onely Guenela, betwéene them began some pleasant parly, wherein, first the Quéene, and then Guenela, descanted at their pleasure of the Knight, emitting no iesture he vsed in his spéech, his person, and what else greatly delighted the Princesse, who would often say, how mannerly is my ser­uant become? yea quoth Guenela, it is hard to say, whether he learned the same of man or woman, nay on my word, quoth the Princesse, I dare acquit him, for any company kéeping with women, his maydenly blush, assureth me that he hath learned no courting fashions of the Thessalian La­dies, (Credo) quoth Guenela, and Madame so euer beléeue, for a good beliefe, is a step to saluation, or by my hollydom, your chéefest chaplin is not so iust a man as he ought to be. Thus pleasantly discoursing, we leaue them, to recount vnto you the royall entertainment of the Thessalian nobles and their traine.

The Lord Parsinio, to whom the Quéene had deliue­red this charge as you haue heard, tooke such care in perfor­mance thereof, that as he was noble, and euery way endu­ed with honorable conditions, so was his care, in discharge of that trust committed vnto him, as the nobles admyred their royal cheare, their diuersitie of sports to beguile time, with costly showes, each accident so exquisitely performed, as the thoughts and imaginations thereof, mo [...]ed th [...]se strange nobles, when the company had left them to their rests, in contemplating of their gracious entertainment, to consume sometime the most of the night, admiring the bountie of the Quéene, whom they with earnest mindes desired to sée. As these Nobles consumed their time with pleasure, which made it séeme the shorter, so the Queene [Page] which had care for receiuing their messuage, after the first fight of her seruant, began so to comfort her selfe, that with those comfortable confections her Doctors prouided, and re­ceiuing such vyands as phisicke thought most méetest, shée beganne to recouer her decaied colour, and her faint limbs ouer weake with forbearing such sustenance, wherewith nature should be reléeued, recouered their strength in such wise, as it ioyed her subiects to heare of her recouery.

Time which ouercommeth mightie things, hath brought the Quéene to that good estate, as finding a day wherein the Sunnes power, vanquished the ayres rumaticke coldnesse, the walked into the gardaine, where shée solaced her selfe, beholding Natures abiliments, which beautified the earth in such manner, that the pleasantnesse thereof, with the swéete smelles, bredde her great content. The Mayden Knight, which had desire to shewe his dutie in attending her royall highnesse, hearing this happie tydings, haste­neth to the gardaine, whome the Quéene no sooner sawe, but calling him vnto her, after his dutie done, and her Maiestie taking him vp from the grounde from off his knée, she said;

My Lord, what excuse can you frame now, for neglec­ting your dutie to your mistresse, which cannot haue your sight being in Court, without a messenger, if the sight of any one attending vs, be offensiue vnto your Grace, wée will remoue them, rather then loose your company, so wée may know them.

Noble Princesse, answered the Knight, that I acknow­ledge not my dutie as I ought, pardon me, and weigh in the ballance of your gracious clemencie, my zeale and har­tie desire to doo you seruice: who albeit my heart desireth no such happinesse as your Princely presence, yet knowing that Princes haue many eyes to behold them, and Enuy lurketh in the hearts of subiects, who imagining more, then is on either of our parts thought, may with their euil spéech raise that scandall, as may blemish your renowne [Page] being a virgine, and procure my greater trouble which am a straunger.

Clenly excused quoth the Quéene, I sée now good ser­uant, you haue not spent your time idlely abroad, if I might know your schoole mistresse, I would be so bold to thanke her, for the diligent applying her scholler.

Madame quoth the Prince, I am glad to heare your grace so well disposed, I hope your Maiestie, hauing reco­uered strength, and your businesse with these nobles ouer past, will thinke of your seruant, and remember your word to me, which chalengeth the same at your maiesties hands.

My Lord, quoth she, had I not held thy loue in regard, I could not haue denied the many sutes of my Pheres and Commons, which haue besought me, and with great ear­nestnesse entreated me to marriage, but so deare hath thy loue bene vnto me, that I desired death, rather then falsi­fie my faith to your grace, for whom, and through whose vnkindnesse, I haue endured much hearts discontent.

No more of that quoth the Knight, good Madame, expel from your minde passed griefes, and thinke vpon the ensu­ing pleasures which wil excéed all the discontent hath bene: to heare your discontent, is litle pleasing vnto me, who ne­uer closed these eyes, nor neuer beheld the rising of the glo­rious Sun, without millions of times remembring your grace, whose presence I more desired then I will explaine. Guenela séeing some of the Councell entering the Gar­daine, gaue them intelligence thereof, breaking off their spéech thus.

Sir, if you haue taken orders in holy Church since your departure, it is more then is expected of all the court, which in time past haue shewed your selfe so worthily in Armes, to your lasting honor. If you haue, and her grace haue cho­sen you for her ghostly father, enioyne I beseech, her maie­stie, to some easie penance, for her long sicknes is not to en­dure much fasting, besides, here is of the Councel, who hath waited to say somthing, either to the Quéene or your grace.

[Page]These wordes of Guenela, caused them surcease their talke, and with shewes of louing countenaunces, to giue each other the farewell. The Knight framing his talke to Guenela, who finding him alone, thus said; Sir, experience of mine owne discontent, hath taught me, what a corifiue melancholy is, to a pleasant minde, who in your absence, haue endured many sharpe wordes, yea, and oftentimes, those thundering spéeches, lighting with blowes either on my ribbes, head, or face, (in reuenge of which,) had you bin present for whose sake I endured them, I should haue ad­uentured the cracking of a sword with your grace, or great­ly haue wanted of my will.

Why how now Guenela, quoth the Knight, art thou me­tamorphi [...]ed? hath the Goddes ioyned thée abiliments of a man, as wel as armed thy hart with courage? (faith wench) art thou so valiantly minded to breake a blade? take héed, tis dangerous for your sexe to deale with weapons, but I will desire the Quéene to search you, least happily as [...]ad a chance befall her maydes, as Dania, which enterteined Iu­piter, in likenesse of a Swan, If Guenela, be likewise by their consents allienated from her sexe, it were good to pre­uent euils in time, had I wist, commeth too late.

My Lord, quoth Guenela, blushing with shame, your Lordship hath through my fondnesse, taken me at aduan­tage, misconstruing my simple meaning, which haue eu [...]r honored you: Conceale my folly in this, good my Lord, and forget it, and pardon my fond words, which haue felt many stripes for you.

Nay Guenela, quoth the Knight, I may not with my honour let passe a matter of such importance, without re­uealing it to her highnesse, least your words (as you say) spoken in ieast, turne some of our Ladies in earnest, to be beholding to mother Midwife.

The Quéene which had reposed her selfe, with behol­ding the bewtie of nature, and taken y^e pleasant aire which did greatly comfort her, hauing some conference with her [Page] nobles, departed the gardein, which made the rest withall the spéed they could make, to follow, whereof Guenela was nothing sorowfull, who was thereby compeld to leaue the Knight, of whome shee wished long before to haue shift her hands.

The Quéene gathering some strength, was loath to detaine the straunge Nobles longer from her Presence, wherefore by her Nobles shee limitted a time to heare them, against which day, was all her nobles summoned to be at Court, with her Ladies and women of account to at­tend her Maiestie, who with the Lorde Stewarde of her houshold, had taken such order for all diuersitie of vyandes that might be prouided. The day appointed come, not vn­exspected of the straungers, who prouided themselues as sumptuous as they could, apparrelled after their countrey maner, attended the time of her Maiesties comming forth, who being come, and in her Chaire of Estate set, word was brought vnto the straungers, who marching with the no­bles of Thrace through the Court, was in most honourable maner presented vnto her Maiestie, who with countenance debonaire, and grace magisticall, as became her royaltie, bad them all welcome, in such curteous and Princely man­ner, that the straungers at this first fight were driuen to great admiration, beholding that grace and honor in a wo­man, which they would neuer haue beléeued, had not their eyes bene witnesses. The Quéen hauing giuen them these hononorable welcomes, each man taking his place, Orma­nia, the chéefest in Commission from their King, thus said;

Magnificent Prince, our King, your highnesse late sub­iect, acknowledging his humble dutie to your Exellence, hath sent vs his liegemen and sworne seruants, to signifie the same, who in faithfull loue voweth, neuer to be alliena­ted in minde from that dutie, which becommeth each natu­rall subiect to owe his Prince and country. By vs he pre­sents his offer of seruice, which shall be with all his power ready, at your highnesse pleasure: the rest his honourable [Page] Letters shal import, which humbly kissing, on their knées they deliuered into her Princely handes, who returned many thanks to their King for his loue, with lyke to them, which had vouchsafed that trauaile; to sée her Court and Presence, beséeching them to take in worth a maydens en­tertainment, in doing which, shée should thinke her selfe much beholding vnto them.

With pleasant parley, and discoursing of sundry mat­ters and questions by the Quéene propounded, touching their Countries, they passed the time vntill dinner, not without great admiration of the straungers, which beheld her stately grace, her sumptuous attire, the dutie and ho­nour done by her nobles and Ladies, which with their cost­ly apparrell and rare exellence in bewtie, greatly deligh­ted them. The time of dinner drawing neare, the tables couered, and all things prepared for the same, the Quéene taking her place, the Embassadors were likewise placed at another table in her presence. The maner of her seruice, with the diuersitie of vyands of all sorts, was such, as they could hardly beléeue, so many sundry kindes of sowle, fish, and other, chéere for them prepared, were to be found in the limits of the earth. Thus with wonderfull delight, chea­red still by her highnesse, they passed the time vntil the end of dinner, neuer forgetting the maiestie of her grace, which so honorably bare her, as no Prince could in her time com­pare with her. Dinner ended, the Quéene curteously bid­ding those strangers welcome, shée was conducted by her Nobles into a Gallery, which for bewtifull showes with rare pictures, and deuises of rich price, was so adorned, as the strangers had neuer séene the lyke. Not long had they passed the time in noting those glorious deuises, but the Courtiers, who had prouided themselues to doo her high­nesse honor, and cause her delight, which had so long time withdrawne her self from all pleasures, armed in al parts, with each man his seueral deuise, they entered the yard, ap­pointed of custome for the Tilt, where a window opening [Page] from the gallery, the Quéene with the strangers were set to behold those pastimes. The whole company come, each one for honor of hir grace, deliuered his Scuchion of deuise, vnto her Princely hands. Where Gentiles suppose you, that know Ladies praises, or dispraises, what happened. Where to beguile the time, was each deuise by the Quéen and her Ladies, surueyed with such vigilant eyes, as no­thing was vnremembred, euery one giuing their iudge­ment according to that affection they beare the presenter. While they were thus descānting, and the Marshall with the Iudges, appointing each man in his degrée to try him­selfe, behold, a prettie Page, mounted on a light running Courser, with his guide before him, winding his horne in poasting manner, comming neare the place where y^• quéene was, lighted from his horse, and being not of heigth answe­rable, to deliuer his Letters with his hand, putting them on his wande, (after his dutie done) humbly kissing them, he deliuered them vnto her maiesties hand, which y^• quéene perusing, questioned the Page if he had ought else to im­part? Who answered, Most famous Prince, my Lord and maister, hearing of this assembly which fame hath bruted, to the honor of this royall company, and high commendati­ons of these nobles, hath sent, as not daring to approach the place without their lawfull fauour obteined, who for honor of his mistresse, which he affirmeth, and will maintaine, to be the most exquisit Lady for all perfections in the confines of the earth, he offereth at the Tilt, with each gain-sayer, to breake sixe staues. If there be any such that will accept his challenge in mainteining his mistresse honour, let mée know him, who shall soone be answered. The Page being vnknowne, the nobles wondred what he might be, which without exception had made this chalenge, imagining that he was some man of valour, and y^• it were discurtesie to de­ny a man at armes whatsoeuer. Theron generally conclu­ding, they returned him by the Page, this answere.

Page, though thy masters peremptory chalenge, deserue [Page] rather to be maligned, then accepted, yet such is the nobili­tie of Thrace, as honouring Armes, and all professors ther­of, accept the same, and where we had appointed euery one his companion, we are content to remit that election, and to bind all our force to his dishonor, and so to him vnknowne, commend vs, whom we intreat to Arme sodeinly, and spéed him hither. The Page receiuing his answer of the nobles, the Quéene calling him which mounted was ready to de­part, said;

Sir Boy, to thy vnknowne Knight commend vs, whom we thanke, for vouchsauing vs that honor his Letters im­port, which our nobilitie haue without any sute of mine ac­cepted, of whom he shal finde men endowed with courage. The Page departed, sundry were the imaginations what the Knight might be, who had offered them this proud cha­lendge, in midst whereof, a trumpet sounding, they expec­ted the challenger, who entered armed in all partes, with blacke armour, which was garnisht with many wounded harts, on the brest, a Lady with a cloth of fine lawne whip­ping them, ouerspreading as many as she could reach with a scarfe, carnation coloured, his word (in Greeke) dispaire not,) pacing on with easie paces, according to the vse of the place, comming neare that ende of the Tilt which was op­posite with the Quéenes window, vayling his head to her Maiestie, shée graciously hadde him welcome, shaking her hand. Long had he not staid, but the Lord Marshall in lyke maner, with show of great curtesie bad him welcome, and desired him to prepare himselfe, for the defendants atten­ded him. My Lord, quoth the Knight, at their good plea­sures, when they shal put themselues forward at the trum­pets sound, I wil méete them. Thus warning giuen them, without longer stay, the Lord Vrelia, his copartner in Thes­saly, set forward, whom the Mayden Knight met with such force, as his féete were too big for his stirropes, and he like­ly to haue taken a more disgrace being vnhorsed. This first encounter was noted of all the nobles, who commended his [Page] strength regarded him nothing, but with such valour met him, that he made him to his great disgrace, forsake the sad­dell, at which a generall showt to the Knights great com­mendations was giuen. The Lord Vrelia hauing had his part, another came in place, who went not away without some disgrace, so generally behaued he himselfe, and with such honour and valour bare him, that the Iudges, fathers of Armes, gaue the honor of the day to him, whom they all, though a stranger, highly commended. The Knight com­ming before the Quéen, humbly doing his dutie, was with his Trumpet sounding ready to depart, whom the nobles would not suffer, without his knowledge, beséeching him, not so much to dishonor them, of whome he had deserued honor, in such maner to leaue them. The Mayden Knight, who would as willingly haue reuealed himselfe, as they desired, though he made show of some discontent, yet wold not deny their request, but calling for his Armourer, ope­ned his Beauer, who béeing knowne to be the Mayden Knight, they were all the more honored, taking no disgrace to be foyled of him, by whose hands so many had lost their liues, which were honorable and expert in Armes. Being discouered, he presented himselfe to her maiestie, who not a litle ioyfull of her seruants good fortune, whom the graced in this maner. Seruant quoth she, thanks for your paines, and honoring vs at this time, for which I ensure you, I thinke my selfe much beholding, it had bene pittie, truant­like you shuld haue left these honorable Lords your frends without hauing acknowledged your selfe vnto vs & them, who you shall sée, will be carefull to procure a Surgion, who doubtlesse shall cure those bleeding hearts, if any such there be ofskill in Thrace. Honored Lady, quoth the knight, the well spring of curtesie & nobilitie, most humble thanks I yéeld your maiestie, for this grace, without whose fauour and grace, to whom in dutie I am so bounden, I desire not life. This said, the Quéene and the straunge nobles depar­ting, supper being readie and they set, their table talke was [Page] of the braue behauiour of the Knight, who had all the ho­nor attributed to him, that was to be required, wherin the strangers were ioyed, louing him dearly, and to encrease the fame which generally was giuen him, they in presence of the whole assembly, declared the honors her maiesties Champion had gained in Thessaly and Egipt, with the death of their King, who of a wound by his hand at the Tilt, dy­ed: leauing nothing vnspoken which might any way ho­nor him, whereof the Quéene ioyed not a litle, though shée concealed the same.

Supper ended, and some part of the night spent in daun­cing, masking, and other Courtlike pastimes, the Quéene commending the nobles to their restes, bad the company good night, who entering her lodging, it might haue ioyed the heart of any Lady in loue, to heare the generall laude of the Ladies, giuen to the Mayden Knight, of whom no o­ther talke was to be heard, each honourable part in him commended to his desert, and of his valour in Armes, no praise was sufficient: wherewith the Quéene was not a li­tle pleased, nor Guenela discontent, to heare the onely Prize of honour giuen her Lord, by whome shée had hope for her passed seruice, to bee preferred. Thus ioying on all parts, wée leaue the Quéene with her company to their rests, and returne to the Nobles straungers, whose com­mendations and honorable reports of the Knight was such, that nothing could be more pleasing vnto them, applau­ding the wisedome and noble demeanour of the Quéene, whose lyke in her time, was not as they supposed to bee found: with such sundry discourses, passed these Nobles the night, to which wée leaue them for a time. These Princely pastimes ouerpast, the care of the Quéene was for dispatch of the Nobles of Thessaly, whom she was loth to detaine from that desire they had to sée their Coun­trey. Wherefore, after some two or thrée dayes spent in dis­coursing of their countries, and state of their realmes, with the commodities therof, eftsoones enterlacing their discour­ses, [Page] with some pleasant parley, wherein the Nobles were much delighted, the Quéene tooke order with her Coun­cell for their answere, limitting a time therefore, to the good content of the strangers. Against which prefixed time, the Quéene hauing care of her honorable word, had their Letters all written and signed, when omitting them to a banquet, shée in such honourable manner deliuered their answere, with such words of loue, and desire of good to their King, as ouercome with ioyes thereof, the strangers were not able long time to answere, presenting their King and Quéene with gifts of high estéeme, and highly rewar­ding their honourable pains, which they gratefully accep­ted, taking order for Gallies with victualls, and other ne­cessaries to be purueyed with spéed and beuntie.

This honourable entertainment of the Quéene to those straungers, being in the prime of her gouernment, gained her such honour through their reportes, that those which heard the same, admired her, whom they imagined was péerlesse, for wisedome, bountie, and curtesie, not omitting the fauour and loue of the Nobilitie, of whose worthinesse, they could neuer speake sufficient.

As time finisheth the greatest affaires, so the carefull trauaile of those to whome the prouision of the Fléet was commended, was such, that there was no wants in short time left vnfurnished, that lacking nothing but a faire winde, which hée that commaundeth winde and seas, sent in such happie time, as they could with, which not wil­ling to loose, they commend the health and happie gouern­ment of the Quéene, to him that ruleth all. And so accom­panied with the Mayden Knight, who was loath to leaue them, and many other Phéeres of the lande, they were conducted each one to his seuerall Gally, where being im­barqued, their Sayles cut, and they affore the winde, they gaue their farewell, with such a braue ringing peale of great Cannons, and then likewise their small Artil­lery, as wonderfully reioyced the beholders, which by the [Page] Gunners from the Quéenes Forts a shore, was as worthi­ly answered. Thus parted these nobles, who in short time arriued in safetie in Egipt, with their King, vnto whome, hauing deliuered the Princes Presents with their letters, they omitted no reports of their honorable entertainment of the Quéene and her nobles, in such maner, that where they or any of their traine long time after became, their ta­ble talke, was onely of their honorable welcoms in Thrace, euer applauding the magnificent grace, wisedome & boun­tie of the Quéene, whome they gaue the Prize vnto, of all that liued in her time, leauing nothing vnremembred, which might any way impaire the honourable reputation of her nobles, which vsed them with al the curtesie & boun­tie becomming their estates: but especially the Mayden Knight, the discourse of whose valour and maner of behaui­our, bred more delight then the rest, for that the nobles and commons had knowledge of his valour and worthinesse. These honorable commendations of the nobles, ioyed the King, who in his secret thoughts applauded her highnesse fauour and curtesie, that for his sake and honour, had vsed those his subiects in all Princely manner. But amongst those which tooke pleasure in hearing those discourses of the nobles, the Quéene enflamed with their reports, bur­ned with desire to sée this péerlesse Princesse, as the second part of this historie shall shew you. Till when, leauing the King with his Phéers to their solace, return we to Thrace, Where the Knight imboldned by the fauour of his graci­ous Lady, was not so great a stranger with her highnesse, but that he might at pleasure repaire to her presence, with whom by his earnest sute, and desire to be possessed of her whom he so much loued and honoured, he egged her on still to marry, which for she would not do, without a generall consent of her nobles and states of the realme, she caused a Parliament tobe sommoned, at which time, finding her fit opportunitie, she imparted her determinations in this ma­ner.

[Page]Honourable Lordes, and you our louing Commons here assembled, let not those fewe words I haue to say vn­to you, bréede any discontent, that will deliuer nothing dis­honorable to my state, and your disparagement: to withhold you from the same long, were more nicenesse then wisdom, wherefore briefly thus.

Sithence I was by permission of him that exalteth and pulleth downe Princesse, at his will, I am by your honou­rable & generall consents, Crowned Quéen of this realme, to whose gouernment you haue as lawfully descended from him whom you al loued and feared, committed your selues, sithence which, you haue all with shows of honorable loue, and care of our state and realmes, by sundry examples per­swaded me to marriage, which you say, may bréede your happinesse, whose good, he that searcheth my harts secrets, knoweth that I more preferre then my life, on whose sutes so often made, I haue aduisedly considered, and noting the many perils incident to our sexe, which rather require to be gouerned, then to gouerne, the name of King being fea­red, honored and loued, through feare, when they hold our sexe in contempt. All which considered, with your former sutes, if I grant to your request, I doubt not, but I shall find that fauour, which the poorest of my subiects haue, frée­ly to choose, where their loues and likings leadeth them, which if you grant, I shall hold my loue well bestowed on you, and shall haue cause to thinke your request in times past hath bene honorable, and not to tye me to any incon­uenience, assuring you, that whateuer he be that I shall bend my liking vnto, shall not disparage my estate, nor dis­honor you, but be worthie for wisedome, valour, and what else is required in honorable persons, to mate the Prin­cesse of most renowne on the earth. You haue heard what I haue to say, and wherefore chiefly this Parliament was sommoned, of which I craue your answeres.

The Nobles and Lords, both spirituall and temporall, with the Commons of both houses, hearing the Quéenes [Page] motion, were all mute, not knowing sodeinly in a matter of such waight, what to answere. But remooued from their dumps, the Speaker being both wise and well demeaned, as befitted his place, humbly prostrating himselfe, thus said;

Most gracious Princesie, albeit your Maiesties re­quest to this honourable House, is no more then wée haue earnestly sought, yet pardon our sodaine answere, and giue vs respite of time vntill to morrow, the remaine of this day, so it stande with your Princely fauoure, shall be spent to heare the censure of all estates in these Presence, whose loue and dutie is such, as they will deny nothing, wherein your royall and honourable estate is not dispara­ged, but in all thinges, will with all humblenesse subiect themselues to your highnesse pleasure.

The Quéene loath to require such haste in answering her question, graciously commanded him to rise, graun­ting most willingly to his demaunds, for which the whole assembly with a vniall voyce, gaue her Grace most humble thankes.

The Quéene hauing deliuered the summe of her desire, graciously commending them to his will that frameth all things, accompanied with many of Phéeres, departeth.

The Quéene departed, all matters in questions laid a­part, the Phéeres and most chéefest of both Houses, assem­bled themselues in Councell, where you must suppose, no matter for benefit of the state, was omitted. The request made by their Quéene, with great aduice considered, which amongst them was admired, where many imaginations assailed them, deuising of each side, what he should be that is in so highe estéeme and fauour with her Grace, and of suche worthie reputation as shée hath reported him, eftsoones naming one, then some other, yet the princi­pall obiect of her loue neuer remembred, which draue them all to an non plus.

But what euer hée were, time of their owne desire to an­swere, [Page] craued some dispatch of what they had in question. Wherefore leauing friuolous questions, they procéede to their begunne action, gladly would they haue bene certi­fied of their elected King, but in vaine it was for them to require it. Wherefore considering their owne desires, they thought it would be taken in euill part of her high­nesse, to gainsay what with such humble and earnest sutes they had required, assuring themselues of her wisedome, gouernment, and care of their goods, which was so wise, and euery way so honourably demeaned, which conside­red, thereuppon relying, it was generally determined, to referre all to her owne will, pleasure, and good lyking. On which resolued, the chéefest of the Nobilitie, accom­panied with diuerse of the Cleargy, in hope of the Quéens good acceptance, spéedeth them to the Court, who sodeinly was aduertised of their being, with their request, which was, to haue accesse to her highnesse. No sooner was her highnesse therof certified, but leauing her Chamber where she was busily imployed about those businesses which shée had in hand, deuising of the answere of the Commons, lea­uing all, shée spéedeth her vnto them, where taking her place, their duties in all humblenesse done, and shée with all honourable curtesie requited it, the Speaker in pre­sence of the whole assembly, thus said;

Dread Soueraign, the Lords both spirituall and tempo­rall, with commons in this honourable Parliament assem­bled, weying with care and wisdom, the honor of your high­nesse, and carefully tendering the weale publike, haue with great care of both, (the premises) considered, with your ma­iesties request, albeit, they haue no knowledge of his hono­rable person, vnto whom your royall liking is vnited, yet relying on your Princely wisedome, and care of your sub­iects, by whose welfare their happinesse is to be maintei­ned, with one vniall consent, they willingly subiect them­selues vnto your highnesse will and pleasure, assuring your [Page] grace, that whom you shall vouchsafe to endue with tytle of Lord and husband, they will accept for their soueraigne, and will in all humblenesse, acknowledge with louing hearts their duties vnto him, as to their lawfull King, by your maiesties election. Thus my gracious Lady, haue they willed me to say, in behalfe of them all, and most hum­bly beséech your highnesse, to make knowne vnto them the name so honored, which you haue vouchsafed to like, to the end they neglect not that dutie which is due vnto him by your good grace.

The Quéene hearing this answere of her Commons, was more ioyed, and in heart contented, then euer she was since the death of her father, her louing countenance shew­ing the content of her heart, so long discontent, which made her, with most louely grace and curtesie, to say;

My Lords all, and you of the Communaltie, you haue in yéelding to these honorable motions by me made, highly contented her, whose desire in loue, made me not so head­strong to consent without your generall lyking, my choise being such, as may be mated with the oneliest Lady of high­est estéeme in the worlde, as I doubt not your selues will confesse, when he shalbe knowne vnto you, my high estéeme of him laid apart, for that you may say, affection is blinde. And as the Prouerb saith, The Negro by nature, black and loathsome in our eyes, estéemes her Infant faire, so Loue, which commandeth all creatures, caused many Princes and Ladies of worth, to submit themselues to base estates, Imperious loue so ouer mastering their hearts, to assure you that my lyking is not such, and to satisfie you, which with your curteous consent hath contented me, know your so elected souaraigne, and he that I haue subiected my loue vnto, is of no lesse worth then a Prince, royally borne, and descended from the loynes of a King famous, and a Quéene endowed with much honor, himselfe shewing his royall desent by his demeanour, which is valiant, wise, and curte­ous, such a one, I know your desires is to chuse for your [Page] soueraigne: all offection set apart, such a one haue I chosen, which shal cause al your ioies, if you ioy in any good. Where breaking off your spéech, with other words of curtesie, yéel­ding them great thankes, she called Guenela, whome shée commanded, to send some trustie messenger for the Prince, willing him, all businesse set apart, to repaire vnto her, which done, framing pleasant discourses which delighted the nobles, she sought to their contents, to beguile the time vntill the messenger returned, which made such haste, that he found the Knight, vnto whom he imparted the Quéens pleasure, which albeit, the sodeinesse thereof, was trouble­some vnto him, cloying his head, deuising of sundry mat­ters, which her hastie sending for him should import, yet neglecting no time, he spéedeth him to the Presence, where to the Quéene he was the welcommest man liuing, as her countenance declared; who calling him vnto her, comman­ded a chair to be brought, and seating him on her left hand, to the admiration of all the beholders, which done she said;

My Lords, and you our louing subiects, muse not at this vnwoonted fauour vsed to this Gentleman, nor repine not, for that it is your owne choyse. This is my choyse, and hée that I haue sworne my loue and loyall affection vnto, who albeit hath thus long subiected himselfe to our seruice, doo­ing vs many high fauours, as your owne eyes can wit­nesse, enduced vnto it by that high commander of men, who hath procured many Princes to the lyke: for our loue, as I am assured, he abandoned his Kingly seate, disguised in the base attire of a Merchant, came to our Court, where what honors he hath gained by his valour and curtesie, not one of you but know Numedia, being his natiue soyle, and the kingdome his by lawfull desent from the King his fa­ther. Let it not dismay you my friends, nor iudge my words spoken of him for his honor, to be more then truth, so shall you wrong him whose woorth you may be by my reports as­sured off, and iniury her which had neuer intent, but to de­serue well of you all. Therefore as you haue your desire [Page] knowing him, in token of your loue and generall consents, by whom hée is your adopted King, shewe by your signes of content, howe pleasing my choyce and lyking is vnto you.

The Nobles amazed at the Quéenes spéech, although they could hardly be enduced to beléeue what shée had sayd, yet such was the loue they honored her with, that giuing credit vnto her words, without longer pause of the matter, that the Quéene might the rather be wonne to credit their former spéech, with a vniuersall voyce, prostrating them­selues before him, they cryed, God saue the King & Quéene, vowing vnto him loyaltie and failtie, as vnto their King and soueraigne.

Thanks good my Lords, quoth the Prince, for your good consents, and doubt not of my loue to you, which with such heartie affection shall be shewed, that my dearest bloud shal be shead, ere the least haire of the basest of your heads shall perish. Which said, the Quéene standing vp, requested the Nobles, that as they had with consent elected him their King, so they would appoynt the time for solemnizing the marriage with the Coronation, chaunging his name from Pheander the Mayden Knight, to Dionicus, the lawful heire of the Numedian Crowne, for that was his right, and the name of Pheander, but vsurped.

Which request of her Maiestie, they easily granted, ap­poynting the marriage thrée dayes following, and the Co­ronation presently to follow, which to their great ioyes was accomplished, with all the honour might be done by their subiects, the costly showes, and all maner of delightfull pa­stimes there vsed, I omit, albeit it was pleasing both to their King and Quéene, and brought great ioy and comfort to all beholders. The marriage with the Coronation past, the Commons delighted with their King, assured his grace, to be so honorable as the Quéene had reported him, and they found, who in that Parlament to honor the Thra­cians the more, and let them know, his loue was no whit [Page] inferiour to theirs, he entailed the Crowne of Numedia, to the lawfull heire of Thrace, succéeding, assuring them, that his Nobles and Commons, should confirme and assure the same.

Which curteous fauour, the Nobles so gratefully accep­ted, as they returned him for the same, many gracious thanks, the Parliament proroged, according to custome of the Country, their dutie in all humblenesse done, the No­bles, with the chéefest of all parts in the land, wished the Quéene and King many happy dayes, to their ioy and harts content: which they requited with such shewes of loue as might delight them, and giue them cause to ioy in their Princes election, of whom their comfort was great, & their assurance of tranquillitie with forraine Princes, through his magnanimitie, to be such, as al true subiects might haue pleasure to recount. Their leaue taken, euery one departs well content, to his home.

Thus the King and Quéene, enioying hearts content, their loues more and more encreased, that there was no talks but of their faithfull loue and hearts lyking, through which, the Commons liued in peace, praying for their long liues to be continued. To which content in loue, the story leaueth them, recounting the arriuall of the aged Barnar­dine, in Thrace, who with his long trauaile came vnto the Court, where wandering Pilgrimelike, liuing by the de­uotion of bountifull people, he spent some time in contem­plation, others in viewing the bewtie of the Court, and maners of the people, eftsoones commending their religi­on, and seruing their creature, taking much pleasure in dis­coursing with such Pilgrime strangers as he méete, of the diuerse conditions of those Nations, whose Countries hée had séene, which being many, he affected no Princes Re­gion, as this Country of Thrace.

[Page]The aged father ouer worne with griefe and long trauell, was so much altered in his face, as he that had wel known him, might very well haue mistaken his feature, which made the King, who oftentimes had noted his comely per­son, his Pilgrimes attire and other ornaments, to religi­ous belonging, greatly to affect him, litle suspecting it was the aged Barnardine. But as time reuealeth greatest se­crets, and bringeth friends to knowledge, so the King ta­king pleasure, beholding this Pilgrime, noted him so of­ten, that his phisiognemy to his memory, presented the fea­ture of his beloued Barnardine, which imagined thought, began to take such roote in the King, as he greatly desired to haue some conference with the Pilgrime, euermore per­swading himselfe that it was his noble Tutor, and carefull Phisition. To assure him of that doubt, he determined to haue knowledge of the aged man if he might, and for that intent, caused his Pages to giue diligent héed, if they sawe him in the Court, to bring him tydings thereof, which they did according to his Maiesties commandement, attending with such care, at that vsuall time he was accustomed to come, that he passed not of them vnperceiued, whereof they gaue the King intelligence, by whose commaund, hée was sommoned to his Presence.

The aged Pilgrime at this first somance of the messen­ger, was in such dread of wrong to be offered him, as hée greatly feared some ill to betide him, knowing that Prin­ces haue many eyes, and strangers are markes, how poore so euer their estates are, specially frequenting the Court as he did, yet he whose conscience could not accuse him of any euill intent against the King, had this hope, that God whom he serued, doth protect the innocent, and would de­liuer him. Thus casting his care on him that commandeth Kings, not without many imaginations what should be the cause he came vnto the Kings Presence, vnto whom, as one that knew his good, he prostrated himselfe, praying hartily for the Kings prosperitie.

[Page]The King which saw the old man bowing before him, kindly tooke him from the ground, tendring his age, which he honored, whom the more he noted, the more the louely face of his beloued Barnardine, presents it vnto his memo­ry, the thought of whom, caused his heart to much sorrow, yet shaking off griefe, of father, kingdome, and friend, he sayd; Aged father, in whose face appeareth grauitie, tel me, of that dutifull loue thou owest thy most beloued friend, of what Countrey thou art? and what fortunes hath brought thée to this region? that honoring thée, whose age requireth the same, I may further thy sutes if thou haue any, or wan­ting wealth, I may leléeue thée. The wofull Pilgrime, re­uiued by those honorable spéeches of the King, sayd;

Renowmed Prince, the mirror of honor, of whose fame the world is filled, to satisfie your Exellence, know, that oc­casions of importance thereunto mouing me, I forsooke my natiue Countrey, in search of those whom my fortune was neuer yet to méete, yet haue I trauelled many kingdomes, and in my trauell, haue séene many Princes Courts, and noted their seuerall demeanors, yet moste gracious soue­raigne, neuer tooke I pleasure in any, as in this Countrey of Thrace, the nobles especially giuing me cause to admire them whose minds shew their true Gentilitie, as the frute maketh the tree knowne, in which taking delight, I haue, though more then beseemeth a stranger, so often frequented thy Court, wherewith, if your grace take any offence, I humbly beséech your pardon, which am now readie to de­part.

The King, which had heard that tongue so often reade him many Lectures, and giuen him instructions of honor, was not deceiued him, though albeit he forbear to acknow­knowledge him, whom he desired so hartily to sée, vnto whom he was more welcom then any man liuing, yet con­cealing himselfe, he said;

Father, thanks for thy loue, and honorable report of our realme and people, for which I rest thy debter. But say me, [Page] aged man, of what Countrey art thou? and what account were those friends with thée, whom thou with such trauell hast sought? whether thyallies, or thy friends by adoption. At this motion of the King, the old man ouercome with the thoughts of those of whom his pittifull tale was to be told, could not forbeare teares, which with such aboundance of sobbes and heauy sighes were vttered, that it moued the King to great ruth, séeing those siluer haires which he ho­nored, bedeawed with sault droppes, the witnesse of his his discontent. Wherefore like the carefull Phisitian, ha­uing ministred bitter Pilles to his Pacient, seasoneth the same with some swéeter tast, he comforteth y^e aged Barnar­dine, with words so pleasing, that it cheared the old man, yet would not pardon his report, which caused him say;

Famous King, if pittie of my age may any way mooue you, vrge not my faltering tongue to vtter a tale of suche ruth as it importeth, the remembrance whereof, ouercloy­eth me with sorrow, and will bring your Exellence small delight. Therefore soueraigne Prince, pardon me, which cannot reueale the truth of so pittifull a tale, (as yet) with­out the hazard of my life, my heart so ouercharged with griefe, that to thinke thereon, halleth me neare to death, then pardon me. But how loath so euer, the King might not be entreated, whom with such pleasing spéech he hal­led on, that comforted by his maiesties kind words whom he would not gainsay, he sayd, sithence nothing may per­swade your Exellence to pittie mée, accept in woorth my rudenesse, and pardon it. Which sayd, humbly doing his dutie, as one that could his good, he thus procéeded.

Dread Lord, know Numedia is my natiue soyle, where through the grace of my thrise noble Prince, I consumed my youth in that happinesse, fauoured by his fauour, with the best of account in that Region, & so graced by the King, that he committed y^• gouernment of his deare sonne, more deare to him then his life, to be trained vp by me, of whom, as dutie willed me, I had that care as is required of a sub­iect [Page] to his Lord, ioying in nothing the world possesseth, so much, as in the towardnesse of the Prince, whose verteous youth, might be a loadstarre to all that euer I saw, for cur­tesie matchlesse, bountifull as Tymon, more valiant then Hector, or the best deseruing y^• liued, cunning was he in the liberall Artes, what should I say of him whose honourable praise, no tongue can with such commendations vtter, as his honors and vertues requireth, so generally beloued of all men, that death is more swéeter to many thousandes of his subiects, then the remembrance of that Noble Prince. Here teares restrained his spéech, that he could not vtter a word, standing so astonied, that he rather represented the Image of death, then a liuing creature, whom the King put from his heauy passion thus.

Father, thou hast filled my heart with a worlde of won­ders at thy strange talke, which I coniure thée, of that loue thou owest the Prince whom thou sorrowest so to remem­ber, not to leaue in such abrupt maner, but procéed, dyed the King, and the Prince so of thée honored, and through their deaths gan thy trauaile. Say swéete father?

Though the reporting of this dolefull history, more grée­uous vnto me then death, should finish my dayes, yet such is the penance by your maiesties coniuring spéech enioyned me, that what griefe so euer I endure, I will satisfie your grace.

The Prince, oh my Lord, that it would please you to par­don the rest, growing to yeares of discretion, I know not through what meanes, neither could I for all the diligence I vsed, attain vnto it, but sicke he was, and so opprest with such a straunge agony, that no phisicke could minister re­léefe vnto him, or yéeld him any ease, so that there was smal hope of his recouery, the strangenesse of each maledy being such, as sometime faring lyke a man frantike, no perswasi­ons of reason night preuaile with him, who in his health was to be ruled in all things. This passion so long assay­led the Prince, and so little hope of his recouerie, that [Page] the extremitie thereof, gan touch the King and Quéen mo­ther, whose carefull loue was such, as nature could not re­quire more in parence whatsoeuer. The continuall griefe of the prince, wrought such care in the aged King & Quéen, that it was not to be founde which of them was most grée­ued, or whose lot it was to giue his due to death, first, yet as no care is so great but hath some comfort, so the com­mander of men, when all hope of life, was past hope of men, restored the Prince to health, and by his health, recouered the King and Quéen, for whose weale, the Commons more reioyced, then of their owne good, so that a general ioy was throughout the realme, tryumphing at this happy recoue­ry of the Prince, the King, and Quéene. But as the fairest day is ouershadowed with cloudes, so was the sunshine of their ioy eclipsed, through the great folly of the Prince, who vnknowne of all men, or acquainting any with his pretence, left his father, Crowne, and subiects, and liueth no man knoweth how, or where, for whom the King felt a million of woes: griefe so assailing his aged corpes, as he was like to rest with death, but reason subduing affection, he recouered his sicknesse, and leauing his land without a gouernour, likewise departed, whither no man knoweth. The mother Quéene being of nature weake, resigned her due to death, whom as dutie commands me, I entombed with such honor as beséemeth the person of a Quéene, and so perswaded with the Commons in a Parliament for the same intent called, as the gouernment of the Realme was committed to six of the nobilitie, who are bound to resigne their authoritie when the lawful succéeded shall require it, which done, I forsooke all I enioyed, and Pilgrime like as your highnesse sées, haue trauelled many Countries in search of my soueraign the Prince, but for all the diligence I can vse, of them can learne no tydings. Thus with teares standing in his eyes, he ended his lamētable history, which the King was assured to be true, but least was the thought of Barnardine, that he had deliuered this dolefull tale to the [Page] Prince, which had likewise some cause of griefe, which so neare touched him, as he could not for teares vtter what he would, yet putting by his passions as he could he said:

Aged father, matter of great ruth hast thou deliuered, which to heare is most lamentable, and may touche that carelesse Prince neare, by whom this chance hath chanced, his parence and subiects: but tell me father, all griefe layd apart, in what state liueth the subiects of thy King, vnder their gouernment which hath the charge, yet is your grace not satisfied quoth the Pilgrime, but will exact on mee more to encrease my griefe, which séeing you delight in, I shall vnfolde that which in recounting, will finish all, yéelding my breath to him that gaue it mee, therefore at­tend.

Not long sithence, vnknowne, I chanced to accompany in my trauaile, a Gentleman of Numedia, to mée well knowne, which for I sawe I was out of knowledge with him, I questioned him of many matters, as your grace hath done me, which amongst other his newes of discontent, re­ported that those elected gouernors, whose hearts broyling with ambition and desire of the whole authoritie, as the ti­tle of King, to the ambitious is swéete, so these couetous wretches, taking part one with the other, some enclining one way, some to the other part, that ciuill discention was raised, where the father beare Armes against the sonne, the sonne against the father, and kinsman against kinsman, one imbruing their hands in others blood, through which, many a woman is left a widow, and many a swéete Infant fatherles, which makes me greatly feare, without his help, that sendeth all help, to the helplesse, the land will be impo­uerished, and our King and Prince returning, shall from their proper right be debarred, by these vsurping vilaines, whose hearts, my aged téeth in reuenge of their treachery, and wrong done the Commons, I could teare. The Prince hearing that tale of discōtent, was moued more at y^• wrong offered the Commons, then all the former history, which [Page] made his say;

Father I haue noted thy long talke, which hath moued [...]th to sorrow and desight, gréeuing for the Commons [...] [...] ioying that any Prince should haue a subiect of such woorth, as is rare in these times to befound, wherfore father, that thou maist liue in my Court to draw others to their [...]iue to their Prince, I will here detaine thée, and for thou louest that carelesse Prince Dionicus, will honour thée [...]g my life, enduing thée with treasure, and what else▪ thou shalt at any time commaunde, for all I enioy is [...]h [...]e, [...] if hereafter thou shalt think it conuenient, I wil with [...] [...]ng power, [...]er their distressed Confines, and [...]h [...]ing those Rebels, leaue thée Regent in their place, vntill further tydings shall bee of thy King or his sonne, whom I am [...]re will not abuse them.

The aged father, hearing th [...]se honorable spéeches from the mouth of the King, was astonied, knowing well that Princes of estéem honor themselues, holding their words, yet not minded to giue ouer search for his soueraigne, he re­turned the King humble thankes, beséeching his high­nesse to pardon him, which hath vowed to ende his life in performing his v [...]w to the Prince, and either heare ty­dings of him, or neuer sée his Countrey, the place of the worlde moste pleasing vnto him. The King hearing his wordes, hauing great experience of his fidelitie, coulde conceale himselfe no longer, but imbrasing him in his armes, [...]deawing his aged haires with drops lyke raine, he [...],

Faithfull Barnardine, the mirror of true friendship, whose equall in loue is not to be founde, what cause haue I to ho­nor thée, whose care is such of me, that haue so ill deserued, but forgiue me Barnardine, my misse against thée commit­ted, forgiue me noble father, and you subiects of Numedia, who by me vnhappy creature, haue bene so much wronged, and thou Barnardine, my carefull Tutor, forgiue mee I [...]ntreate, and continue thy loue to mee vnhappy Prince, whom [...]