CHAP. I. How Leander, returning in Triumph from his Eastern Victories, fell in Love with the Beautious Hero, and she in Love with him; and of the strange Vision of the Goddess Venus appearing to Horo, and what she represented, &c.

WHen Greece flourished in Riches and Renown, becoming, by Vertue, and Valorous Atchivements, the Glory of the whole World, hav­ing subdued to it self, not only the Persian Empire, but almost all India, & indeed the most part of Asia; Then it was that the Famed Leander, after many Warlike Exploits, and bringing into Subjec­tion divers Countries, as General of the Grecian Forces, coming back with his Victorious Army, Adorned with Lawrels, and Triumphs, had his Praises sung every where. Whilst the Crowding Spectators flowed from all parts to behold him as he passed in his Triumphant Chariot. And amongst the rest of the Asian Beauties, the fairest of her Sex, and even the very Mirror of Beauty, Hero, Daughter to a Prince who had a stately Castle called Sestus, scituate upon the banks of the Helespont, or narrow Sea, of about two miles over, that parts Europe from Asia, she that day was adorned in the Richest Attire that Gold or Siks, or Jewels could set out to the highest Illustration, glistering like the morn­ing Star, or a Goddess in a Radiant Cloud, she was in a Chariot drawn by four white Horses in Silver Trapings, and shaddowing Plumes of Feathers of various colours, attended by a train of Servants, dressed in the Richest Garments that could be found, and with her, as her Companions, were divers Beautiful Virgins, so that she appeared like Diana, surrounded with her Nimphs, yet out shining them as far as the Sun does the glimering Stars. This Object soon made Leander fix his eyes upon it with Admiration, and though he had divoted himself to the God of War, and gave Nations Laws, yet now the God of Love put in to gain a Victory over him, who had been esteemed unconquerable, the Queen of Love seemed to guide his thoughts, and take up all his cogitations, he wished he might lay his Lawrels and Trophies at this fair Ladys feet, and found an inward fire kindled, that made him love this fair Stranger, before he knew what she was, or what Qua­lity, yet could guess by all that appeared, she was no less than Noble, when his Triumphant Chariot had passed her, he could not but turn his Eyes back to behold her, and, like the Love-sick Son to his fair and beloved Lencothe, was loath to go [Page 4]out of her sight, he thought once or twice to order his Attendants to enquire who she was, but then other thoughts countermanded them, when he considered that His Fame and Glory would be Eclipsed, if, just returning from the Wars of Mars, he should be suspected to Encline to the soft Tents of Venus, so that without any inquiry, coming to the Sea-shore, he Embarqued his Victorious Army on the ships that lay ready to Transport him into Greece, and immediately, the sails being fill'd wi [...]h a prosperous Gale, whilst Neptune and his Trytons danced before him, he reached the Joyful Short, filled with People from all parts, who came to wel­come him with Musick and Songs, loudly with shouts of Joy, proclaming his wel­come, and thronged after him to his Castle, or Pallace of Abidos, where his Fa­ther and Mother with open Arms received him, and all the States of Greece came to congratulate his Success, proclaming aloud his Victorys, and held ten days festi­val in their Capital Citys, in honour of his many brave Exploits and Atchivements over so many several Nations.

Leander, during the General Rejoycing, was thoughtful in disposing his Army, and setling his Affairs, which being done, he thought to betake himself to repose after the tedious toils of War, but the beautious Hero, whose Idea or Form, con­tinually seemed to be in his sight, opposed it, he thought she was always in his sight, for sleeping or waking, his fancy and his dreams represented her unto him all Lovely and Charming, so that he could no longer stifle his Flame, but he signally shewed by the Alteration of his Countenance, that something inwardly disturbed him; his Parents and Friends wondered at so sudden a change, and not knowing the cause, urg'd him to discover it, but he being very prudent, put them off with fictions.

Whilst Leander was at this pass, the fair Hero no less surprized with the sight of him, represented to herself all that was great and worthy to be admired in man­kind, in him, so that their flames and passions were Equal, though either was Ig­norant of it, she was so taken up with the thoughts of him, that she bated much of her natural rest, & was pleased with nothing more than to hear the great actions he had done, the relation of which was musick to her Ears, and joy to her Heart, and often she would ask Amphilia her Nurse, who had brought her up, and in whom she alone confided, what she had heard of the famous Grecian Captain since he had passed the Sea. This Woman being of a ready and quick understanding, found by the young Ladys often changing colour, and sometimes letting a sigh escape when she spoke of Leander, that she had a more than ordinary concern for him, re­solving to dive more deeply into her thoughts, she urged her many times to know, why she so earnestly enquired after the fame and welfare of this person above all o­thers, but she answered her either with silence, or that she did no more in it, than every body did of so brave a man. But one night Amphila being to watch in the chamber of fair Hero, whose inward fire had, by burning too fierce, somewhat di­stempred her health, she heard her in her slumber cry out: Oh! how Cruel is the [Page 5]God of Love to an Innocent Virgin, to give her so deep a wound without hope of Cure. She scarce had said this, when she fancyed in her dream, as she afterward declared, she beheld Leander standing by her in a most lovely and charming shape, and the Goddess Venus as it were presenting him to her with these words:

Having thus said, Leander seem'd to embrace her, and she him, very tenderly with Ardent Affection, when a great Sea of Water seemed to flow into the place on a sudden and parted them, at which she starting between sleep and wake, cry­ed as in a fright: O my Leander, my love, how or where have I lost you; and so awoke with Rosie Blushes on her Cheeks, and tears in her eyes, and being told of this by Amphilia, she could no longer deny her love, whereupon she promised her her best Assistance, which she faithfully performed, as will hereafter appear.

CHAP. II. How Leander passed the Sea to prosecute his Love with Hero, and by what means he delivered her and her Father from death, and slew a great number of their Enemies that had beset them in a Wood, and acted many other strange wonders.

LOve having gained thus a double Conquest, and both the Lovers ignorant of each others passion, Leander grew impatient casting many ways in his mind, how he might come to the speech, or at least the sight of his fair Hero, whose i­mage had made so deep an impression in his heart, & after some wavering of mind resolved to pass over into Asia, as a private Person to wait there a while for a fa­vourable opportunity of seeing his beloved Mistress; he could see her Castle from the Shoar of Europe, to which he had often walked for that purpose, and would often cry out: O happy Walls, who contain so Inestimable a Beauty, even the Glory of her Sex, and matchless perfections of Women kind, wishing himself the happiness, the sence­less Marble unthinkingly contained by circling her in its circumference, and se­curing her when she took her soft slumbers and Repose, but long he debated not before he put his resolves in practice, and going to a private Harbor between two Rocks somewhat distant from Abidas, without the knowledge of his Relations, and finding a small Bark there, he agreed with the Master to Transport him to the further shore, which he did with a favourable gale, and Landed him by the side of a Forrest, some distance from Sestus, the Castle of his beloved Hero, where having dismissed the Master of the Bark with a Reward sutable to his Labour, he sat him down under a spreading shade, to consider the best methods to be taken without giving offence.

Long he had not stayed there, e're, at a great distance, he heard the cry of Hounds, and the shout of Huntsmen, which by degrees drew nearer, yet his thoughts wholly taken up with love, was little affected with [...], and therefore to avoid it he was turning another way to some little houses, that stood at the bottom of a Hill in a Valley, when after some silence; he heard grievous out-crys, as of People in distress, and immediately a man all bloody and wounded, came running out of the Forrest, whereupon mounting his horse he had brought with him, he came up to this miserable Person, and demanded who had so misused him, to whom with a faint voice, he reply'd, Certain Pyrates, lying in Ambush in the Forrest, had set upon Prince Armelius and his Train, and had killed many of them, yet those, that re­mained, valiantly defended their Prince: Therefore, for God's sake, Sir, said he to Leander, if you are generous, hasten to his assistance e're it is to late.

Leander, who had always a Noble Soul, and took great delight to relieve the distressed, need not be Incited to such an Enterprize, set Spurrs to his Horse, being directed to the place by the crys that continued, and found the Prince, most of whose men were slain, valiantly defending himself, his back being to a Tree a­gainst [Page 7]

nine or ten of these, he easily perceived who the oppressors were, and who the oppressed, and flying in amongst them like a Tempest, beat all down before him, cutting off the heads of some, and the Arms of others as they were about to strike, making their Swords drop useless from their hands, this put new Courage into Armelius, and his wounded men, who yet survived their fellows, so that lustily laying about them, all but three of these Pyrates were slain, who, being likewise wounded, escaped among the trees. Armelius had scarce time to thank the Generous Leander, when hearing the crys of his Daughter, whom other of this rout were carrying away Prisoner, he besought him on his knees to bend his course thither-ward, and help to rescue her. Leander, now all covered with the blood of his E­nemies, turning his Horse to the path, followed the cry, and soon over took them, but Oh! what Amazement and wonder seized him, when he saw, and knew this La­dy, tho' in Tears, and disordered and torn Hair and Garments, to be the beautious Hero, he lifted up his hand to Heaven for directing to this Forrest, at a time when the fairest of creatures, and joy of his life was in such danger, and with a great cry, incited by love and revenge, sell upon them like a Thunder-bolt, breaking from a Cloud, dying afresh his Sword, not dryed from the former blood, whilst the trem­bling [Page 8]Lady almost dyed away to see such fatal stroaks, which at every turn brought death to one or other of 'em, so that disparing to carry off their precious prize, when defended by one whom they supposed to be much more than man, those that could, fled, and those that could not; left their lives behind them.

By this time Armelius and his company were come up to lend what assistance they could, and seeing fair Hero Rescued, they would have fallen at the feet of their Deliverer, but he Generously with-held them from doing, alledging that he had done nothing but what all Good and Just men, ought to hazard in such Cases to re­scue the oppressed, and punish the oppressor, by this time the Alarm being taken, a great Crowd of People came flocking from the Nighbouring Parts, with such wea­pons as came first to their hands, and hearing what wonders this Stranger had done, and that it was to his Valour alone they owed the safety of their Prince, and his fair Daughter, they saluted him with shouts of Joy, but his thoughts were so taken up with his love, that he little regarded their applauses, for his mind was mortally perplexed for Hero, who, by the fright, and seeing so much blood shed, was fallen into a swound, but reviving at length, she was put into a Chariot, that stood by the Forrest side, and conveyed to the Castle of Sestus. Leander being in his Encounter unknown to her, by reason his Face was all over covered with the blood of his Enemies: Armelius, and all with him, entreated him to go with them to the Castle, to which he seemingly consented, but it growing dark, he took an opportunity, in the Crowd to withdraw himself till he might better consider to manage his love affairs, and so went that night to a Neighbouring Village, where he refreshed himself, and presenting the Master of the house with some Jewels, de­sired him not to let any one know he was there, if enquiry was made, which he promised and performed.

CHAP. III. How Leander Justed before the Princes, and won a Rich Diadem, which he presented to Hero with a Letter in it, manifesting his love, and overthrew a great number of men that lay in Ambush to take his life, &c.

HEro, being pretty well come to her self, made a strict enquiry after her Deli­verer, and when she was told he had secretly withdrawn himself, her Eyes could not refrain from T [...]ars, that she had not a convenient opportunity to thank him for her deliverance ye [...] more she could not but wonder who this gallant strang­er should be, & sent to divers places to enquire after him, sometimes she thought it could be none but the Famed Leander, but those thoughts again were dashed with the considerations he was passed over to Europe, and taken up there with the wel­come of his Triumphs, during these Cogitations; and still fixing his Idaea in her mind, great shews of joy were used in the Castle for the happy deliverance; and at the end of them a solemn Tilt and Turnament was ordered, wherein he that [Page 9]did best, were to have a Golden Carronet set with Diamonds and other Precious jewels, which Glorious Sport of Martial Prowess was proclaimed by the Heraulds, and it soon reached Leanders ear, and whereupon, not to be behind-hand, left his lodging and Rid to Peteropolis, a famous City near at hand, and there bought him a change of Armor, having in his Shield a flaming heart, on which the Sun darted some Rays upon, through Clouds, with this inscription, She, for whom I suf­fer, is ignorant of my love.

Leander, thus Accoutred, took his opportunity to come to the list, just as the Trumpets were sounding to the Action, and found divers Champions in a readiness well mounted who, upon the Signal, run two and two together, and broke their Lances with divers Successes, many being laid in the dust; but, above all the Prince of Persopolis, who was Enamoured of the fair Hero, and to whom her Father de­signed to Wed her unhorsed all that came near him, and, though he was a man of an Ill-temper, and little beloved by any glorying in his Atchivements, in a bray­ing manner, came and demanded the Prize, as his due unelss any other Knight would dare to attempt any thing further against him. Leander, who had all this while stood still that he might be Crowned with the greater Victory, ill endured by those he had foiled, and putting spurs to his horse, entered the List, and de­manded the combat against him. They no sooner encountered, but the Prince was overthrown together with his Horse, as if he had been driven down, or Thunder

[Page 10]struck with a mighty Tempest, which disgrace some of his Followers attempting to Retrieve, run the same Risq, so that in the end, none daring appear against him, the prize was declared his, which he had no sooner Received, but he layed it at the feet of his most lovely Hero, telling her, That, above all the world, she alone was worthy of so fair a Diadem: She modestly refused it, and said, It was the prize of his Valour; but he, urging his Forces, inspired by her Beauty, had made him accom­plish what otherways he was not capable of doing, he at last urged so long, that she declared she would keep it for his sake. Many Admired at this, some with wonder, and others not without jealousie, all admiring what this might mean. Prince Armelius was well pleased with it, as imagining this Stranger could be no other that this Gallant Deliverer, and, the justs being ended, he caused a Lord near him to go and invite him into the Hall, where a sumptuous Entertainment was prepar­ed: but Leander, who had his Face all this while covered, and not yet willing to disclose himself, returned the Prince his humble thanks in the most obliging expressions imaginable, and desired to be excused, saying, He had taken his repast al­ready, and obliged himself by promise, to return as soon as the Sports were over.

This speech satisfied the Prince, in that he ever held that a man of Honour is e­ver tyed to his word, but the Prince of Persopolis, inwardly grieving that this Stran­ger should carry away the prize, and Glory of the day, and being also jealous by the Act on he beheld, that he might prove a Rival in his Love, he being passion­ately Enamoured of the fair Hero, and had sought many occasions to make his love known to her, which she minded not, or, rather not Regarded, he being the prou­dest and most ambitious of all men, it turned him to Mortal hatred to Leander, and watching his departure, he sent 12 of his Followers after him to set upon him, & when they had murthered him, to bury him privately that it might not be known.

These men knowing the ways of the Countrey, crossing the nearer ways, got be­fore him, and planted themselves closely in a Wood he was to pass, out of which Ambush they all on a sudden burst upon him with their drawn Swords, and gave him a furious Assault; but he, who was never used to fear, was not at all daunted, recoiling his Horse a little, to get out of the inclosure, drew his trusty Sword, that had never fail'd him, and flourishing it in their Eyes, like a dreadful Commet that threatned death and destruction, he set upon them with such fury, that he fel­led them as if a Whirl-wind had thrown down a row of stately Cedars from some Mountains top, so that hewing off Arms and legs, and sometimes Heads, in spite of their attempting to fly, he sent Eleven of them to keep company with the Dead, while he that remained, though much wounded, fell on his Knees and begged his life which he generously gave him, upon his submission and Confession, at which, Leander could not but wonder how any Noble Man could be guilty of such baseness, and then commanding him to rise, Go, wretched Man, said he, and tell thy Master [Page 11]that Treachery never prospers, and I wear a Sword that may one day let him see the dif­ference between true Manhood, and such Inglorious Acts as these.

The trembling man, glad his life was given him, having by, Leander's order, dragged his slain Companions into the wood, with much thankfulness took his leave and relating the fatal miscarriage, and what Leander had given him in charge, put the Prince of Persopolis into an extraordinary rage, so that he stormed & cursed the skies, & his own misfortunes, in which fret we will leave him, and return to Hero.

CHAP. IV. How when the fair Hero read Leanders letter, she was transported with Joy, and sent Amarissa her Nurse, in search of him, with a letter she wrote to him. How he killed a cruel Beast, and saved the Woman that came in search of him, and his Amorous dis­course of Hero, &c.

YOu have heard how Hero had received the present of Leander, which she curi­ously surveying, perceived in the Curious Needlework, that adorned the Cap of it, a little role of paper thrust in; which she eagerly, but not without blushing, took out, and read in these words:

The Princess reading this Letter, paused, and blushed, but, when coming lower, and having cast her eyes upon the Name of Leander, Oh! Heavens, how was she transported, her eyes sparkled with Joy, and she cryed out as in an extasie: Oh▪ you Powers above, how do you overload me with happiness, was it then the brave Leander that I beheld with such wonder, who made me this present, and was no doubt my deliverer, for who but so Noble a Prince could be capable of such Glorious Actions.

As she was thus transported, Amorissa came in, and finding her in such a dis [...], could not but be very inquisitive into the Cause, and seeing her hold a paper still in her hand, to which the name of Leander was affixed, she soon understood the meaning, and joyned in the joy with her young mistress, who embracing her in her Armes, cryed out, O Amarissa now the gracious constellations of light shower happ [...] [...] fluances on my Fortune, the brave Leander, on whom my heart is so entirely fixed, [...] me for love, as by the Tennor of this letter appears. Amorissa was over joyed that the [Page 12]troublesome part she was to undertake in going to Leander on her mistresses behalf, and finding a way out to make that love known, which she saw so visibly torment her, and would no doubt have brought her to her Grave, was now so generously prevented, yet being of a prompt wit, she began to doubt whether this might be the true Leander, or some that might use so gallant a name, on trust to introduce his affection, For had it been he, said she to Hero, who changed colour and looked pale at this suspicion, why did he so suddainly withdraw himself, he need not have feared acceptance in your Fathers Court, his glory and renown would have made all proud of the honour of his Company: Yet, again, said she, recollecting her self, it may be he, since as I remember, when he passed by in his triumphant Chariot, he looked languishing when he fixed them on your face, and seemed to say, that love from your fair eyes, had sent his Darts to conquer him, who had subdued whole Nations.

Between these hopes and fears, Hero knew not what to say or think, however it was agreed between them, that Amorissa, should go in search of the Renowned Hero, and know if it was the true Leander or not, before any other Presents or Tenders of Love should be received from him, for to him, alone she had vowed her Virginity, with all her love and Chast Affections, and if she found it to be him, to deliver an answer to his letter, which she wrote in these words.

Amorissa delayed not to go in this search, and having seen which way this Ca­vileer went, she mounted upon a white Steed, and riding to be as little observed as might be, happened to light on the way he went, and enquiring of divers Pea­sants, got some information that such a like Person, as she described, had entered the Wood before her, about three hours since: this gladed Amorissa, who scowred after as nimble as the Wind, but coming between the broad spreading Trees that made a thick shade, and a kind of a Gloom at Noon day, she began to be fearful, she being alone, some thieves or Wild Beasts might assault her; however her fears were not so great, but she resolved to go on, and did so, till she came to the place [Page 13] [...]he Fight had been, where seeing the grass & leaves crimson'd with blood, she started [...]n a fright, and almost fell from her Horse, and being a little recovered, was de­ [...]irous to turn him, but he head strongly leaped forward, carryed her away by force; [...]ar she had not Rid in this speed, but she heard a Monster terribly Roaring in the Wood, who having scented the blood of the slain, was making towards them, to Satiate his Hungry Maw, but upon hearing the noise of her Horses track, she had scarce passed the place where he was, but he came running to the Edge of the Wood, and putting out his dreadful head through the Bushes, which afrightned & made her redouble her speed, yet after her he came full cry, which (happy for her) unusual sound piercing the Ear, of Leander, as he sat under a spreading Beech, [...] which he had tyed his Horse, to refresh himself after so much Toyle, and as a small Spring, which there bubled up, to wash off the blood and dust from his Face and Armour, which had besmeered them in the Combate, whereat, claping on his Hel­met, he came unto the way, with his drawn Sword, and perceived a Woman [...]y­ing, and crying for help as she fled before a monsterous Beast, whose Iaws were al­ready bloody, with the Prey he had already torn, which made him hast to inter­pose his never unsuccesful Sword, between her and death, which he scarce had time to do, e're the Cruel Monster was come so near, as to make a full leap at her, which made her, through fear, fall from her Horse in a swound, so that missing her, he tore and rent the Horse in a miserable manner, before Leander could give him a full stroak, which, however, at length he did, with such force, that it gave him a

[Page 14]deep wound in his neck, which made him the more eager, and with great fury cam [...] at Leander, rearing himself, upon his hinder paws, and stretching out his forwar [...] ones to catch him in his grasp, whereupon, with a home thrust followed clos [...] coming in between them he pierced his Breast, and so his heart, that he fell dow [...] dead, with a dismal cry: When he had done this, he came to Amorissa and reare [...] her (who now began again to recover her senses) demanding what adventure ha [...] brought her such a dangerous way: At these words, rearing her eyes, and fixin [...] them upon him, she immediately knew him to be the same that had won the Priz [...] at Sestus, and the man she was in search after, whereupon she fell at his feet, an [...] embracing his knees with tears of Joy in her eyes, said: Sure Heaven is this day fa­vourable to me, and to the fair Hero, in delivering me from death, and, as I hope putting an end to a more tedious search.

Leander, when he heard the name of Hero, started, and a little after recovering himself again, took Amorissa in his arms, and tenderly embracing her, said: Fo [...] Heavens sake let me hear that Heavenly sound again, I think (continued he) you name [...] Hero. I did so, my Lord, replyed she, and hope you are Leander. I am so, said he▪ what is the cause of your venturing alone this desolate way. Insearch of you said she Of me, replyed Leander, hastily, to what end I pray? You Read that said she, and you may be better informed: Whereupon she gave him the Letter, that Hero had writ▪ He no sooner saw her name, but bending one knee to the Earth, he kissed the Pa­pers a hundred times, before his words could get utterance, and then said he: Ha [...] the Immortal Powers so great a Regard to Leander, as to inspire the Breast of the Faif Beautiful, and Virtuous Hero; speak, speak, I say, for thou art my good Angel, I think thou bringest me these glad Tidings: And with that he thrust a Jewel of great value into her hand, for bringing him the happy news. To which, Amorissa modestly replyed, that if he was really that Leander of Greece, who passed some days since Triumphant over the Hellespont, she had a Commission (if Hero had any power over him, as in his Letter he expressed she had, to let him know, that she had no light e­steem of him, and that he might hope to be happy in her love.

If that may be, said he, I am the happyest Man on Earth. It was my fear of offend­ing her with my passion, that made me thus twice retire: First when I had rescued her in the Wood, and now, which cannot but grieve me, because it had almost proved fatal to you. But think you, continu'd he, I may be so over blessed to see my Hero alone, and presume to tell her of my love, without interruption, or without offending her.

Amorissa undertook this, and gave him Encourgement, this his Enterprize should be Crowned with Success, but that he carry on his Love as privately as might be, for that Altamansor, Prince of Persopolis, had declared himself a lover of the Princess Hero, and by reason of the Power he had in that Country, and the Ascendant over the Father of her Mistress, might much obstruct their Loves, if not make it prove [Page 15]of fatal consequence. To all, this Leander consented, and gave himself wholly up [...] be conducted by her management, yet concealed from her the design Altaman­ [...] had upon him by Treachery, though she was inquisitive, if he knew, how so [...]uch blood came spilt in the Road.

CHAP. V. [...]ero and Leander meet over-joyed with Love, and knit the Bond that ended with their Lives, and of the mutual Agreement they made, and how Leander prepared to go to Sestus, to gain her Fathers consent.

THE Joyful Leander now resolved to go to Sestus with more willingness, [...]an he went to reap Lawrels and Triumphs, took Amorissa (whose [...] the Monster had killed) up behind him, and crossing a nearer way, tha [...] [...] [...]im, Rid through all the By-paths, till they came to a little Country-lodge, a­ [...]out half a Mile from the Palace, where there was a Curious Garden, to which Hero used, in the cool of the Evening, to Resort, of this place she hid the Keys, [...]nd here they Entred, and shewed him to put his Horse and Armour in a Vaulted Stable under-ground, that they might not be discovered, if any body should come unexpected with the Princess, and carried him to a curious shady Arbour, so in­tricately winding and turning, and shut up with leaves and Trees, that those who remained in the Remotest part, could not be without difficulty discerned. Here she lest him, with a promise that she would so order it, that the fair Hero should come thither, without knowing of his being there, least otherwise she might think it beyond the Rules of Modesty, to meet a Man, that was so great a Stranger to her, though she loved him never so entirely, thus she dissembled to Leander, but going to her Mistress, she told her all that had happened, who could not but blush, she had made such promise in her name, refusing for some time to go, as Judging it might be interpreted as too much fondness, but Amorissa urging it, as necessary in this Juncture, to prevent discovery, and laying aside her Rich Gar­ments, put on a disguise, and so passing through the back Garden of the Castle of Sestus, through a little Wicket, that was shaded by a Tuft of Trees, they got into the Field, and so to the little Lodge, where Leander waited with Impatiency, the coming of his bright Angel, and employed all his thoughts in meditating in what manner he should Accost her; but, whilst they lasted, he espyed Amorissa coming, and in her Company one, who, by her Garb he knew not what to think of, as imagining it could not be his Adored Princess, but, upon a nearer approach, [Page 16]her beauty, like an Angels brightness, shot through those seeming Clouds and almost confounded him with Amazement, that nothing before could daunt▪ So near a Kin is Love to Impotency, that it disarms us of Courage, and enfeebles the strongest and most daring Resolution. She took a turn or two in the Walks and when she came near the Arbor, where he was, he ventured out, and, with a low submission, falling at her feet, and (whilst she stood almost confounded with Blushes and Amazement) thus expressed himself:

Pardon me, Divinest Creature, if I thus presume to prostrate my self before you, in hopes, that so much Goodness can pardon a Crime of a higher Nature, and especially this, seeing it is Authorised by Love, whose commands must be obeyed, and whose flames are irresistable. O turn not away those dazling Su [...]s of light th [...]t gu [...]de me to my happi­ness, but let those Orient Eyes shine upon me with beams of Comfort, that I may live by the brightness of then Rays, and by the Smiles of my Fair Hero. He would have proceeded, but Hero intreating him to rise, and Amorissa advising them to go into the Arbor, as well to keep them from the Heat, as from the prying eyes that might be upon them; the two Lovers obeyed, being both, without any farther Ceremonies, overjoyed at so happy a meeting, though Hero dissembled it as well as she could, telling him, whilst he gently squeezed her fair Hand, which she permitted him to Kiss, that, she hoped he would not misconstrue her Actions, is being so forward in granting him Favours she had never yet done to any body, since, in gratitude, she could do no less, seeing he had been her Deliverer, but to grant him Love, which he earnestly requested, she must take a longer time to consider on it, before she absolutely fixed, or settled her Affections; though she most confess, his Merits required a greater Beauty, and a larger Fortune. Leander, hereupon, promised to obey her in all things, so that (she giving him very large hopes of winning those Affections, which, indeed, she had intirely fixed upon him before) it was agreed, that the next day he should make his publick ap­pearance at the Castle of Sestus; but to be very cautious how he made Love to her in publick, or shewed the least sign of it, till she knew how her Father stood in­clin'd to favour him, for, tho' she loved Leander entirely, yet she much relyed upon her Obedience to her Parents, which proved very Tragical as will in the end appear.

CHAP. VI. Leander's Fatal Dream, and the Treachery of the Prince of Persopolis, to oppose his love. Heros Father entertains him with Joy, yet denys his Consent, in favour of the Prince of Persopolis, and other Rare Adventures.

THE best and constant of lovers having had this Mutual Satisfaction of an En­terview, and, in their hearts, inseperably linked by the Chains of love. Hero and Amorissa retired, and Leander resolved to take up his Abode, seeing the Sun was near set, in that Lodge, till the next morning, when after many thoughts coming in his head, he fell asleep, and fancied he had fair Hero in his Arms, dancing on the Waves, and riding Triumphant in Neptune's Chariot, as if commanding the Seas, till Aeolus, the god of the Wind, conspired, with all his force, to raise a mighty and prodigious Storm, which ov [...]r-set his Shell Triumphant; whereat, for fear of losing Hero, who seemed to rool (with him) on the watery Surges; he started, and awoke, much troubled at such an unusual Dream; but concluding it only the fancy of the night, and of his extraordinary Love, he hushed those Cares, and set his mind intent how to dispose himself the next day; he had forgotten to tell Hero how he had been set upon by Altem [...] Treachery, and knew he would not only oppose him in his love, but make [...] practises upon him, wherefore he found it was convenient to be warey.

Day approaching, he layed his Armour in a safe place, and took only his Hor [...]e, and went to the Castle of Sestus, where, the Bridge being down, and the [...] open, he entered, and took him a secret lodging in a little House, in the Remoat­est Place, where Amorissa often visited him, and divers letters passed be [...]een him and his fair Mistress, and sometime he was privately let into her lodgi [...] where, in the end, their hearts became so firmly united, that they enjoyed [...]ll manner of innocent freedom, so that Hero, at length, resolved that, if she could gain her Fathers Consent, she would, without further delay, Marry Leander and pass over into Greece with him, where, besides his Castle, he had larg [...] Lands & Territories, but, as she thought to do it, and just going to speak of the matter, he prevented it, by laying his Commands upon her to entertain Altemansors love, with which she had been a long time persecuted, but ever flighted and dispised, he layed before her the Advantage of such an Alliance, the power and riches of that Prince, and many other matters, but she answered him only with her [...], and entreatys, that she might not have a Man she could not Affect; this made the Old-man in a great Rage, protesting not only to disown her, but dis [...]herit her forever, if she disobeyed him. This News she sent Leander in a letter, all blotted [Page 18]with her tears, which made him for a time like a man beside himself, but resolving to hazard all for his Mistress, he concluded to appear like himself, and demand, or despute her against Altemansor, and so, in the most Rich Attire, which he sent for out of Greece, he appeared one of the most goodly Persons that ever had been seen in the Court, so that all admired who this Stranger should be, till Heros Fa­ther one day casting his Eyes upon him as he passed by, run to him with tears in his eyes, crying out: O my Deliverer, and my good Angel, have I found you again,

how is it that you left us, after you had saved our lives from a Death that was so near us! Leander made modest Excuses on this Account, saying: It was no more than in Honour he ought to have done. And if the Old man was transported, now he was the more abundantly, so when he knew it was Prince Leander, he car­ryed him into his Pallace, shewed him all his Rarities, and made great Feasting for several Days desiring him to demand of him whatever was in his power to oblige him, and he would do it for him.

Leander thought now was his time in this height of Carresses, said: Sir, for all the Favours you have done me, and for the Offers you have made me, I return you my most humble thanks; there is but one thing in the World I desire of you, and if I could but think you would grant me that, I would freely demand it.

Demand then (said he) boldly, and whatever it is, expect it. It is then, said Le­ander, your leave to serve the Pri [...]c [...]ss Hero. At which he started and looked pal [...] protesting had he not already promis [...]d her to Altemansor, there was no man under Hea­ven that he would more gladly have bestowed her on, than Leander, whose Fame and Worth had sufficiently spread over Asia and Europe, but having sworn to give her him before the high Altar, he could not go back with his word, or, if he should, he being Powerful in these Parts, would take her by force, and lay his Inheritance [...]st. But Leander told him, that should never be whilst he wore a Sword. But no entreaties could prevail with him for his consent: and Hero having promised to dye rather than Marry any but Leander, though she stood stifly upon her Obedience Le­ander knew not what to think, but coming to his fair Mistress, very sad and pen­sive

made her the sorrowful lamentation, who thereupon hung about his neck, a [...] over flowed with tears, and gave him fresh Assurance of her love and constancy, [Page 20]whereupon he told her the Treachery of Altemansor, and that neither himself nor she were safe on that Shore, but that, if she would go with him into Greece secret­ly, he would Marry her Royally there, but she still insisted upon her Obedience, and told him, that time might mollifie her Fathers heart.

CHAP. VII. How Prince Altemansor suborned one to Poyson Leander, and how he was prevented, and how, coming to assassinate him, he slew him and his company, upon which he was forc­ed to swim the Hellespont, whilst Hero was confined to a Tower, whither, guided by her light, he often visited her by night, and attempting to fetch her away, was drownded, whereupon she leaped into the Sea.

BY this time the News of Leander's coming to Court, being known to Altemansor, the Person that had escaped, having told him it was the same that overthrew him at Turnament, and had destroyed his men in the Wood, he, was greatly en­raged, but when he had secret notice he pretended to Love his Mistress, he imputed all the Rigorous usage of Hero towards him, arising from the love she had to this new-come Stranger, & therefore; seeing open force had failed, he resolved that secret Mischief should take place, and so with a great sum of Gold, hired one of Leanders Servants, (that he had newly hire'd) to poyson him with a glass of Wine, but as soon as he was putting it towards his lips it flew to pieces, whereat the Wretch seeing his Treachery discovered, fell on his knees, bagging pardon, and disclosed the whole matter, upon which this and the former Treachery was published to the Disgrace and Anger of Altemansor. Hero's Father was much displeased with this, and sent sharply to reprove him, which made him rage the more, and vow revenge, yet, knowing Leander to be a Prince of great Courage, and having suffi [...]ently tryed his strength, he durst not challenge him to the Combate, but though if he could any ways destroy him, it would open his way to Hero's love, wherefore one night he broke into his Lodging with about twenty men, which creating some noise, Lean­der, who had not time to put on his Cloaths, got his Sword, and defended himself so well, that he killed the Prince and most of his Followers, which so Alarmed the Castle, that all were up in Arms, when Leander fearing to be oppressed, or that revenge would be taken for this proud Prince, made his retreat good, with the Slaughter of his Enemies, and getting to a Window, that jutted into the Sea, leap­ed into the Waves, and directing his Course by the Stars, swam with full revenge to the Shoar of Grecia, and safely arrived at Abidas, he thought for these many [Page 21]Treacheries to have brought over a powerful Army, and have spoiled Persorolis, [...] the secresy of his love, and desire not more to offend Hero's father, who was [...]ady outragious for the Death of Altemansor, he desisted that resolve, he sent a [...]ty Servant to hear how things were resented, who told him at his return, that fair Mistress was confined, by her Father, to a little Tower that jutted into the from the Castle, and there mourned her Captivity, and his Absence.

Leander at this was altogether impatient, and resolved, at any terms, to free [...] whereupon he got two of his trusty Servants to row him over in a l [...]le B [...]at

[...]e right time, and being furnisht with a ladder of rope, come safe under the win­ [...], & calling with a low voice Amorissa who waited upon her Mistress soon heard [...] [...]nd by his Direction, let down a line of thread, and drawing up the ladder, [...]ed it to the beam of the Window, mounted by it. Hero who was bu [...] just a­ [...]e, trembled to see him there, by reason her Father had promised, if Leander [...]ll be taken, to D [...]liver him up to Altemansors Brother, to be punisht, who was [...]el and as blood thirsty as the other had been, so that, after many kisses, and [...] embraces, Leander, in a passionate manner, endeavoured to perswade Hero [...] make her escape, with him, to Abidos; but she resisted it, so that, in t [...]is [...]nner, by stealth, as it were, he came often to visit her; she setting up, in the [Page 22]dark of Night, a Torch Light, in the Window, to giuid him to the Tower, [...] he heard the killing News, that her Father had designed to Marry her, with [...] three days, though she had opposed it with her tears and prayers, to Babaz [...] Brother to Altemansor, to prevent a War, and to Atone for his Brothers Deat [...] This fatal Decree possessed Leander with Mortal Fears, so that she, seeing no hop [...] but either to destroy herself, or be forced into the Arms of a man she hated, [...] Leander's proffered Aid in case of VVar, would not be accepted by her Father, [...] consented the next night he should come with a small Ship to go fetch her and Am [...] ­rissa, with all her Jewels and Treasure, into Greece. The over-joyed Leander we [...] back to prepare a vessel, which he soon did, and caused it to be drawn in betwe [...] two Rocks, lest his purpose might be discovered to the other shore, 'till it w [...] Evening, when himself being weary, and lying down to slumber, he was suddai [...] [...]y awaked by a Melodious Song, sung by two Maremaids, who appeared danci [...] on the VVaves.

Leander hearing this, as it were, between sleep and wake, much admir'd it, and [...]und a little trouble and heaviness in his mind, however, he resolved to keep his [...]ord at any rate, but, about Sun-set, a mighty Tempest arose, the Sea swelled [...] Terror, all seemed a suddain midnight, when as, going towards the Vessel, he [...]erceived it had broke its Cable, and had driven out to Sea, with those men that

were on Board it, he hailed them as loud as he could, but they stood away be­fore the VVind, and could not get back; then he run about the Shore to seek ano­ther Vessel but could find none, so that seeing the light in Hero's Tower, by which he knew she expected him, he resolved to run any hazard than break his word and so stripping himself to his shirt; and hiding his Cloaths in the Rock, he leaped [...]to the swelling Main, in hopes to overtake the Vessel, or find it at the place ap­pointed, [Page 24]and so floated on the VVaves, till he was half Sea over, when, as if the Elements had conspired his ruin, Rain, Thunder, Lightning and Wind bandyed him from wave to wave, calling to Heaven, and on fair Heros name, [...] dashing among the Rocks on the other side, he lost his Noble Life, and He [...] who had impatiently expected him all that night with greedy eyes, looked o [...] trembling in the morning, and there by the too Cruel Fate of the Ridged De [...] nies, she beheld his body, floating on the waves, at this she cryed out in a lament [...] ­ble sort, and calling upon his Name, leaped out at the window before her Nur [...] could prevent her, perished in the Waves, which after they were dead, drove the [...] on Shore, folded Arm in Arm, which sad Trajedy being known, they were pitty'd by all, as the great Examples of Love and Constancy, and Buried in on [...] Grave. Heros Father soon after Dying for Grief, in consideration of the Cruelt [...] he had used towards these LOVERS.