CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 STEPHEN E. WHICHER 
 MEMORIAL BOOK COLLECTION 
 
 Gift of 
 MRS. ELIZABETH T. WHICHER 
 
 UNDERGRADUATE LIBRARY 
 

 DATE DUE 
 
 
 ues^ 
 
 tfLKj L J ^ 
 
 W': 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CAVLORD 
 
 
 
 PRINTED INU.S. A. 
 
 PR2342.A5T907"'""'"'"-"'"^ 
 
 MIi1himSiV«?.,!?' Peitibrokes Arcadia; 
 
 3 1924 013 123 330 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis bool< is in 
 tlie Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013123330 
 
ARCADIA 
 
THE COUNTESS OF PEMBROKE'S 
 
 ARCADIA 
 
 SIR PHILIP SIDNEY 
 
 WITH THE ADDITIONS OF SIR WILLIAM 
 ALEXANDER AND RICHARD BELING, 
 
 A LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, 
 
 AND AN 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 BY 
 
 ERNEST A. BAKER, M.A. 
 
 ,v\\\^y""""i(. 
 
 \' 
 
 \ 
 
 c 
 
 LONDON 
 GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS, Ltd, "^ 
 New York : E. P. Dutton & Co. 
 
 irMrt I innnnv/ 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION vii 
 
 LIFE OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY .... xxvii 
 
 TESTIMONIES CONCERNING THE AUTHOR . xxxvi 
 
 SIDNEY'S DEDICATION xxxix 
 
 BOOK I I 
 
 II 121 
 
 III 299 
 
 IV 523 
 
 V 577 
 
 VI (by R. B.) 631 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 In a broad survey of the early history of English prose fiction 
 three periods mark themselves out with great distinctness. 
 The later centuries of the middle ages were the age of 
 romance, when both poet and proseman worked upon the 
 same mass of legendary material, expanding and embellishing 
 the current stories in precisely the same spirit, the difference 
 between prose romance and metrical romance being simply 
 one of mechanical form. When in the EUzabethan age the 
 literature of tradition gave way to the literature of invention, 
 a decisive step in advance was made; but the novel still 
 retained all the essential features of its poetic ancestry. Then, 
 with the invention of a genuine prose, in the succeeding epoch, 
 came a revolution. Discarding the romantic spirit, as their 
 predecessors had abandoned the romantic legends, the first 
 modern novelists turned themselves to the portrayal and inter- 
 pretation of actual life, and the history of realism began. Sir 
 Philip Sidney's Arcadia holds an important place in these three 
 stages of gradual evolution, as the type and culmination of the 
 middle period, the age of poetic invention ; how important in 
 the long history of the genesis, the successive transformations, 
 and the final development of English fiction, can be realised 
 only by going back right to the beginnings, when the earliest 
 prose romances took their rise from the chansons de gestes. 
 
 In the exordium of his Apologie for Foetrie, Sidney himself 
 lays stress on the priority of the poet in the history of literature. 
 Modern research has found that this rule holds good in the 
 literatures of many more races than Sidney was able to adduce 
 as examples. From free imagination to realism, from 
 mythology to science, from sensuous and passionate rhythms 
 to cold, abstract prose — this is the natural line of progression. 
 And the same course of development is repeated in the 
 evolution of the various literary species. The first Hellenic 
 
viii ' INTRODUCTION 
 
 philosophers wrote in hexameters; history began with epos, 
 and went through the semi-poetic phase of Herodotus before 
 it emerged in the form of abstract prose and the generalising 
 method of science with Thucydides. Scientific and technical 
 literature had its birth in poetry and mythology; and even 
 when it became practical and experimental maintained for a 
 while the fashions of poetry, and sought the inspiration of the 
 muse. In the same way, the novel, whose evolution seems 
 to have culminated in unpoetic days, must have its origins 
 sought in far-off times when authors wrote instinctively in 
 metre. 
 
 Narrative or dramatic poetry and the novel must always of 
 course be very nearly related together. A poem and a novel, 
 it might be said, are but two different sorts of fiction. But 
 to make this statement literally true, the word fiction would 
 have to be interpreted in two different senses. For the 
 difference between poetry and prose is not simply one of 
 style, but lies in the circumstance that the imagination of the 
 poet, inspired with emotion and ideality, appeals directly to 
 imagination, whilst prose addresses the understanding. The 
 poet merely asks us to imagine ; but the prose-writer has to 
 reason and convince. Writers of such prose fiction as the 
 Elizabethan novels, and the Greek and Latin novels that arose 
 in the decadence of classical literature, did not realise that the 
 mind of the reader is reached in essentially different ways by 
 prose and poetry; that in the one case the imagination is 
 working on a higher plane, and responding to another kind of 
 stimulus. Both accordingly produced something that was really 
 neither prose nor poetry, and both had slight influence on the 
 subsequent development of the novel. It will be worth while 
 a little later to compare the Elizabethan novel with this curious 
 product of an earlier age of culture and decadence. For the 
 novel of Sidney, Lyly, Lodge, and Greene, though it belongs to 
 the Elizabethan era in time, was not a native growth of that 
 age of great beginnings, but rather a final and unproductive 
 efflorescence of the romantic literature that had its roots in 
 times already ancient. Sidney the critic and interpreter of 
 letters looked back, not forward. He did not discern the 
 signs around him of the tremendous birth that was com- 
 mencing, but would have been proud to be compared with 
 
INTRODUCTION ix 
 
 Heliodorus and Longus,"and with Sanazzaro and Morttemayor, 
 whom he acclaims as genuine poets, preaching with seductive 
 eloquence throughout his Apologie the fallacious doctrine that 
 poetry is the name for all imaginative literature. 
 
 The first English examples of fiction in prose were stories 
 from the great chivalric cycles of Arthur, of Charlemagne, and 
 of Troy and Alexander. Some of these were written in prose 
 originally, but the majority were translations, paraphrases, or 
 recensions of metrical narratives. Some were turned into verse 
 again, and again in that form were the material for further 
 prose recensions. And throughout these transformations the 
 matter, the style, and the spirit of the stories underwent hardly 
 any change. It was only now and then that the versifier gave 
 a rein to imagination in his battles and pageants; or was 
 hurried by the swing of the metre into bursts of lyricism, or 
 a more dramatic curtness in the dialogue; or cut short the 
 explication of motive and plot, which the prose-writer was 
 inclined to elaborate. How well the prose sufficed to the 
 minstrel converting it into his own idiom may be seen by 
 comparing such a metrical romance as the Scots poem, 
 Lancelot of the Laik, with the samples of the French prose 
 story from which it was translated, in the edition by the Early 
 English Text Society. There is very little poetical heightening 
 except where the minstrel tacks on a prologue of his own 
 composing; the rest is but the effect of the paraphraser's 
 occasional impulse to change and invent.^ Certainly these 
 
 ^ The French prose says simply that King Arthur was at Carlisle : the 
 poem takes twenty verses to tell how "When Titan with his lusty heat 
 had made his court for twenty days in Aries, and all with divers hues 
 had apparelled the fields and branches ... in this time the worthy 
 conqueror, Arthur, who had the flower of all the chivalry of this world 
 pertaining to his crown, so passing were his knightes in renown, was at 
 Carlisle, etc. " Then the prose records that the king went one morning 
 early into the woods to hunt. This the verse expands into ten lines 
 describing the hunt. In another place the French says, " Et quant il fut 
 entre en la bataille il fist sonner ses busines tant que tout en retentissoit." 
 This the Scots turns into, 
 
 " Up goith the trumpetis, and the claryownis, 
 Hornys, bugillis blawing furth thar sownis, 
 That al the cuntre resownit hath about ; 
 Than Arthuris folk var in dispar and dout, 
 That hard the noys, and saw the multitud, 
 Of fresch folk ; thai cam as thai war wod." 
 
 The Black Knight says, " Seigneurs, vous estes tous amys du roy. Or y 
 
X INTRODUCTION 
 
 writers were not embarrassed by any preconceptions of a strict 
 boundary line between prose and the language of poetry, and 
 the uses for which either was especially ordained. The 
 traditional themes were handled, in both verse and prose, in 
 the same traditional manner, and were animated by the same 
 spirit of romantic adventure. 
 
 A change of style is almost invariably the result of a change 
 of thought and feeling; but no profound mental and moral 
 revolution like that which underlay the romantic movement of 
 the nineteenth century, was the occasion for turning the 
 mediaeval romances into prose. When all Uterary compositions 
 were intended for singing and recitation, they naturally took 
 a metrical form ; but when books were meant to be read in 
 bower and cloister, it was left to the writer to choose his 
 vehicle. Thus, while there were true poets like Chrestien de 
 Troyes and Wolfram von Eschenbach among those working 
 upon the material of legend, many arrayed themselves in the 
 poetic vesture without having a spark of divine fire ; and the 
 style of many of these metrical narratives strikes one as too 
 prosaic for the subject, especially if we base our expectations 
 on Malory, to us the chief exemplar of mediaeval romance, 
 whose prose, though not in the least resembling in structure 
 that bastard thing, prose poetry, is thoroughly epical in its 
 stark simplicity, its sensuous colour, and the haunting sugges- 
 tion of beauty and ideality. It was not an age of poetry in 
 the way this can be said of the early period of Greek literature, 
 when philosophers, historians, and lawgivers spoke in metre 
 because the muse was in them. Romance is the decadence 
 of poetry ; and while the traditional forms survived, the poetic 
 impulse grew weaker and weaker. 
 
 erra comment vous le ferez." This is the sole foundation for thirty-one 
 lines in the Scots poem, including a response from his followers that is 
 not in the prose. The Scot uses his material freely, translating faithfully 
 when a mere pedestrian course was sufficient, letting himself go when his 
 imagination was aroused. He is more vivid and circumstantial in narrative, 
 fuller and more sensuous in description. Take the following ; French, 
 " Et fut a leur venue le chevalier noir mis a terre ; Et aussi les six com- 
 paignons qui toute jour avoyent este pres°de luy ; " Scots, 
 
 ' ' The blak knycht is born on to the ground, 
 His horse hyme fallith, that fellith dethis wound. 
 The vi falowis, that falowith hyme al day, 
 Sich was the press, that to the erth go thay.'' 
 
 A good deal of this expansion is obviously occasioned by the demands 
 of metre and rhyme. 
 
INTRODUCTION xi 
 
 By Caxton and his successors the prose romances of the 
 age of chivalry were multipUed and circulated among wider 
 audiences than even those who listened to the mediaeval 
 jongleur : these were the first popular novels of the Tudor 
 age, yet they were already getting out of date, inasmuch as 
 they reflected the manners and the ideals of a bygone period. 
 But there had arisen on the continent two forms of romance 
 that represent another stage in the development of fiction ; the 
 Spanish chivalric romance typified in Amadis of Gaul, and the 
 pastoral novel of Sanazzaro and Montemayor. The three 
 great legendary cycles, no matter how wild and fabulous their 
 later excursions, always claimed to be a reading of history; 
 each writer was careful to state his authorities, real or fictitious ; 
 and though he added life and circumstance to his narrative, 
 the substance was put forward and accepted as history. In 
 Spain romance had begun exactly as in Britain with poetic 
 chronicles of heroic periods, such as the story of the Cid, 
 round which gathered in the process of time a vast accretion 
 of anonymous legend. But in the Amadis, printed in 1508, 
 but current in oral or manuscript versions for two centuries at 
 least, Spain gave birth to a kind of romance in which such 
 history even as that in the legendary chronicles had no place. 
 Amadis himself, it is true, was connected with the Arthuriad 
 by his lineage ; but with this exception, the author or authors 
 let both history and historical tradition go, and in the various 
 knight-errantries of Amadis gave to their imaginative powers 
 their full fling. In the beauty of its ladies, the size of its 
 giants, the valour, constancy, and self-denial of its heroes, the 
 Amadis eclipses all its rivals ; and in the Paltnerins and 
 Esplandians that were the sequel, these exaggerations are 
 carried to even more ridiculous lengths. The older romances 
 had usually been localised in actual places and countries, 
 though these were often idealised out of all likeness to reality ; 
 but Amadis and his successors met with their adventures and 
 performed their feats of arms in a region created by the fancy 
 of their authors. Spenser's Fairy Land, and Sidney's Arcadia 
 were no doubt suggested by this romantic geography. 
 
 Pastoral romance had a classical origin, for the Eclogues of 
 Baptista Mantuanus, pastoral dialogues satirising allegorically 
 the social and moral vices of the fifteenth century in Italy 
 
xii INTRODUCTION 
 
 were avowedly inspired by the bucolic poetry of his country- 
 man Virgil. Longus also, one of the Greek novelists already 
 alluded to, had in his Daphnis and Chloe depicted the life of 
 pastoral simplicity. But if Petrarch, Boccaccio, and others 
 whose works contained germs of the new movement are left 
 out of account as of minor importance in this respect, it is 
 accurate enough to say that the modern pastoral novel began 
 its course with the Arcadia of Jacopo Sanazzaro, a Neapohtan 
 whose aim it was to refresh the minds of his contemporaries, 
 weary of a sophisticated and artificial life, with pictures of a 
 simple existence in fields and woods, the felicities of truth and 
 virtue, and the sentiment of a pure and refined love. Prose 
 and verse are intermingled in his book, as they are in the only 
 example of the style accessible to the modern reader in an 
 English translation, the Galatea of Cervantes. Sanazzaro was 
 surpassed in interest by his Portuguese imitator, Jorge de 
 Montemayor, the author of Diana Enamorada, who added a 
 pathos and a touch of real life to the pastoral, making a deeper 
 appeal to the imagination of his readers, and securing such a 
 popularity in England, that his novel was translated in 1583 
 by Bartholomew Young. The pastoral novel and the Amadis 
 cycle of romances were the two direct progenitors of Sidney's 
 Arcadia, in which the spirit of knightly heroism and the 
 idyllic atmosphere of a sentimental Utopia are blended in 
 fairly equal parts. 
 
 The pastoral, however, was only a digression in the slow 
 advance of the English novel towards its goal; and though it 
 furnished perhaps half the inspiration of Sidney's romance, it 
 does not bear upon the present theme, the significance of the 
 Elizabethan novel as represented by the Arcadia in the evolu- 
 tion of English fiction. The pastoral romance, it should 
 nevertheless be noted, is more closely allied to poetry than 
 to prose fiction proper, not merely because it mingles verse 
 with a flowery and emotional prose, but chiefly because it is an 
 ofispring of the free imagination and not of the study of real 
 life. The pastoral impulse has always been something 
 factitious and retrograde in the history of literature and art 
 something exactly contrary to the return to nature to which 
 Wordsworth gave the strongest impetus, and which exercised 
 such an enormous effect on the advance of realism. 
 
INTRODUCTION xiii 
 
 The Elizabethan novel, the general characteristics of which 
 are roughly summed up in the words " poetic invention," came 
 next to mediaeval romance in a natural order of succession. 
 It did not bring fiction any nearer the type conditioned by 
 the laws of expression in strict prose, of the eighteenth century 
 pattern. In an age of poetry the novel had become more 
 poetic in style and in attitude to life than it had ever been. 
 The Arcadia and Euphues have less than the Morte d^ Arthur 
 of the real world of men and women. A superficial view, 
 accordingly, might suggest that with a hybrid and unfruitful 
 type of art like the poetic novel one line of development came 
 to an end, especially as we see that Defoe, in the next age, 
 makes an entirely new beginning, abjuring romance and free 
 imagination, turning directly to actual experience for his 
 material, and using a homespun style, as close as he could 
 make it to the speech of everyday life. Yet the semi-poetic 
 novel represents a definite stage of transition, and it does 
 contain elements that were to be developed later. The master- 
 pieces of ItaUan story-tellers had made their mark upon the 
 Elizabethans, who acquired the art of constructing a plot, and 
 giving their narratives a beginning, a middle, and an ending. 
 They showed also a more conscious effort to portray individual 
 character ; and by Lyly the analysis of motive and feeling was 
 carried to a point that seems to anticipate Richardson. More 
 than this, they came a good step nearer to reality, although 
 they failed so flagrantly to reproduce the atmosphere of. the 
 real. They chose their subjects from the sphere of human 
 experience; and they rejected giants, fairies, and witchcraft, 
 together with the 
 
 " Forests and enchantments drear, 
 Where more is meant than meets the ear," 
 
 which were stock features of the romantic literature ; although, 
 on the other hand, they put wild improbabilites in the place 
 of supernatural marvels, and revelled in coincidences and 
 disguises almost as incredible as the Celtic magic of the 
 trouvlre. 
 
 Sidney the critic expounds in his Apologiefor Poetry his view 
 that the novel of his time and of all anterior times, together 
 
xiv INTRODUCTION 
 
 indeed with all literature having an imaginative and idealistic 
 tendency, was comprehended under his definition of poetry. 
 
 " For Xenophon," says he, " who did imitate so excellently as to 
 give us the portraiture of a just Empire under the name of Cyrus, 
 made therein an absolute heroicall poem. So did Heliodorus in 
 his sugared invention of that picture of love in Theagines and 
 Cariclea. And yet both- writ in prose : which I speak to show, 
 that it is not riming and versing that maketh a poet, no more 
 than a long gowne maketh an Advocate." 
 
 What his theory of poetry was may be gathered from his 
 description of the poet, who, 
 
 " disdayning to be tied to any such subjection (as the natural rules 
 of things), lifted up with the vigor of his owne invention, dooth 
 growe in effect another nature, in making things either better than 
 Nature bringeth forth, or, quite anewe, formes such as never were 
 in Nature, as the Heroes, Demigods, Cyclops, Chimeras, Furies, 
 and such like ; so as hee goeth hand in hand with Nature, not 
 inclosed within the narrow warrant of her gifts, but freely ranging 
 onely within the Zodiack of his owne wit." " Nature never set the 
 earth in so rich tapestry, as divers Poets have done, neither with so 
 pleasant rivers, fruitful trees, sweet smelling flowers, nor whatsoever 
 els may make the too much loved earth more lovely. Her world is 
 brasen, the Poets only deliver a golden." 
 
 This corresponds to Bacon's famous account of the nature 
 of poetry, in the Advancement of Learning ; — 
 
 ".Poesy is a part of learning in measure of words for the most 
 part restrained, but in all other points extremely licensed, and doth 
 truly refer to the imagination ; which, not being tied to the laws of 
 matter, may at pleasure join that which nature hath severed, and 
 sever that which nature hath joined ; and so make unlawful matches 
 and divorces of things ; Pictoribus atque poetis, etc. It is taken in 
 two senses in respect of words and matter. In the first sense it is 
 but a character of style, and belongeth to arts of speech, and is not 
 pertinent for the present. In the latter it is (as hath been said) one 
 of the principal parts of learning, and is nothing else but feigned 
 history, which may be styled as well in prose as in verse. 
 
 " The use of this feigned history hath been to give some shadow 
 of satisfaction to the mind of man in those points wherein the nature 
 of things doth deny it, the world being in proportion inferior to the 
 soul ; by reason whereof there is, agreeable to the spirit of man, a 
 more ample greatness, a more exact goodness, and a more absolute 
 variety, than can be found in the nature of things. Therefore 
 
INTRODUCTION xv 
 
 because the acts or events of true history have not that magnitude 
 which satisfielh the mind of man, poesy feigneth acts and events 
 greater and more heroical. Because true history propoundeth the 
 successes and issues of actions not so agreeable to the merits of 
 virtue and vice, therefore poesy feigns them more just in retribution, 
 and more according to revealed providence. Because true history 
 representeth actions and events more ordinary and less inter- 
 changed, therefore poesy endueth them with more rareness, and 
 more unexpected and alternative variations. So as it appeareth 
 that poesy serveth and conferreth to magnanimity, morality, and 
 to delectation. And therefore it was ever thought to have some 
 participation of divineness, because it doth raise and erect the 
 mind, by submitting the shows of things to the desires of the mind ; 
 whereas reason doth buckle and bow the mind unto the nature of 
 things. And we see that by these insinuations and congruities 
 with man's nature and pleasure, joined also with the agreement and 
 consort it hath with music, it hath had access and estimation in 
 rude times and barbarous regions, where other learning stood 
 excluded." 
 
 These definitions are too broad for poetry, and too narrow 
 for imaginative literature in general, though that is what they 
 aimed to define. It was as difficult for Sidney and Bacon as 
 for Aristotle to propound a theory embracing literary forms that 
 were not yet invented ; and furthermore it is probable that had 
 they witnessed the birth of naturalism in Defoe, or its ultimate 
 developments in our own age, they would have denied to it the 
 name of literature or art. But there is no place in such a 
 definition for many works that neither Sidney nor Bacon would 
 have hesitated to admit, the novels of George Eliot, for instance, 
 or those of Fielding. Yet a modern explanation of poetry, that 
 of Newman, would not exclude even such prose works as these. 
 He says, 
 
 " Moreover, by confining the attention to one series of events and 
 scene of action, it bounds and finishes off the confused luxuriance 
 of real nature ; while, by a skilful adjustment of circumstances, it 
 brings into sight the connexion of cause and effect, completes the 
 dependance of the parts one on another, and harmonises the pro- 
 portions of the whole." 
 
 A stricter analysis, however, demands of poetry not only a 
 distinctive mode of conceiving its subject, but a distinctive 
 mode of utterance. If poetry is the fine art of words, and 
 
xvi INTRODUCTION 
 
 its aim to give all the sensuous, emotional, and intellectual 
 delight of which words are capable, it is clear that Sidney and 
 Bacon gave full weight to only one side of the truth, and that 
 they included far too much. The poetic novel, to which their 
 definition applied so aptly, is a case in point, since it was a 
 hybrid and transitional form, a thing that was just ceasing 
 to be poetry, but had not yet become the new form of art 
 to which it was the harbinger. 
 
 The Arcadia, and the same may be said of the Elizabethan 
 novel generally, shows its near relationship to poetry in both 
 ways, in its style and in the purely imaginative nature of 
 the story, the characters, and the life depicted. In the 
 introduction to Defoe's Roxana and Moll Flanders, published 
 in this series, I compared the opening of Defoe's stories, 
 Robinson Crusoe, for instance, so definite as to time and 
 place, so particular in the mention of names and the exact 
 circumstances in which the events occur, with the beginning 
 of the Arcadia, which carries us at once away in imagination 
 to a flowery meadow in a land of Arcady that has no existence 
 save in the fancy of the poets and those under their spell. 
 There is no effort to make the story credible, or the characters 
 real, by attaching them with the bands of verisimilitude to 
 the world of familiar things. Musidorus and Pyrocles, 
 Pamela and Philoclea, Zelmane and Amphialus, are in no 
 way studies from life, but embodiments of Sidney's chivalrous 
 energy and thirst for action, and of the craving for a life 
 of pastoral simplicity and ideal love, strengthened by his 
 enforced existence amidst the pomps and unrealities of a 
 court. While he was living in retirement at Wilton, where 
 the Arcadia was begun, he gave vent to this feeling in the 
 following lines : — 
 
 " Well was I while under shade 
 Oaten reeds me music made, 
 Striving with my mates in song ; 
 Mixing mirth our songs among. 
 Greater was the shepherd's treasure 
 Than this false, fine, courtly pleasure." 
 
 How strenuous in his nature was the heroic energy that gave 
 the chivalric strain to his romance, was shown pre-eminently 
 in the closing scenes of his life, when he roused his uncle 'I 
 
INTRODUCTION xvii 
 
 Leicester out of his sloth, and sacrificed himself on the 
 field to a sense of knightly punctilio. It has been said of 
 him that his whole life was " a true poem, a composition, and 
 pattern of the best and honourablest things " ; and not only 
 in his shepherd Philisides, but in all the idealisms of courage, 
 knightly faith and honour, and self-denying affection, that 
 illumine the pages of his Arcadia, and in their splendid deeds 
 of valour and endurance, he poured . out the riches of his 
 own nature, as the poet puts all that is best in himself into 
 his verse. His purpose in writing the Arcadia, according to 
 the testimony of his old schoolfellow at Shrewsbury, Fulke 
 Greville, Lord Brooke, was moral and didactic; but "in all 
 these creatures of his making his interest and scope was to 
 turn the barren philosophic precepts into pregnant images 
 of life,'' that is, to energize them with poetry. 
 
 The prose naturally begotten of such a poetical conception 
 of the novel is well illustrated in the following passage, 
 one of those most charged with humanity and most free 
 from extravagance. 
 
 " But the headpiece was no sooner off but that there fell about 
 the shoulders of the overcome knight the treasure of fair golden 
 hair, which, with the face, soon known by the badge of excellency, 
 witnessed that it was Parthenia, the unfortunately virtuous wife 
 of Argalus ; her beauty then, even in despite of the past sorrow, 
 or coming death, assuring all beholders that it was nothing short 
 of perfection. For her exceeding fair eyes having with continual 
 weeping gotten a little redness about them ; her roundly, sweetly- 
 smelling lips a little trembling, as though they kissed her neighbour 
 death ; in her cheeks, the whiteness striving, by little and little, 
 to get upon the rosiness of them ; her neck — a neck indeed of 
 alabaster — displaying the wound which with most dainty blood 
 laboured to crown his own beauties ; so as here was a river 
 of purest red, there an island of perfectest white, each giving 
 lustre to the other, with the sweet countenance, God knows, 
 full of an unaffected languishing ; though these things, to a 
 grossly conceiving sense, might seem disgraces, yet indeed were 
 they but apparelling beauty in a new fashion, which all looking 
 upon through the spectacles of pity, did even increase the Hues 
 of her natural fairness, so as Amphialus was astonished with 
 grief, compassion, and shame, detesting his fortune that made 
 him unfortunate in victory." 
 
 In the Apologie for Poetry, Sidney condemned Euphuism, 
 
 b 
 
xviii INTRODUCTION 
 
 Lyly's new-fangled speech, which became fashionable in all 
 cultivated circles immediately upon the publication of Euphues, 
 or the Anatomie of Wit, in 1579; but his own affectations 
 are equally alien from purity of style. Both were striving 
 after a prose having a richness, a style of ornament, and an 
 artistic structure, that would furnish some equivalent for the 
 charms to ear and mind of metrical language. In this they 
 were simply repeating the attempt of the late Greek and 
 Latin novelists, whose style anticipated many of the mannerisms 
 of Elizabethan prose, the false antithees, the word-jingles, the 
 artificial cadences, and alliteration. Phrases like, " Sine pretio 
 pretiosae," " Amores amare coerceas," " Atra atria Proserpinse," 
 in the Golden Ass of Apuleius, are marvellously like the flowers 
 of speech affected by Sidney and-Lyly. The scholiasts used 
 to arrange the prose of this author in iambic measures, and 
 would no doubt have applied similar tests to Sidney's. And 
 the fondness for involved, musical periods, the love of 
 sensuousness and splendour, are features common to both 
 schools of writers. Here are two sentences from Apuleius 
 showing precisely the same effort to maintain the glories 
 of poetry, and the same cloying rhetoric that is the result 
 in Sidney and his contemporaries : — 
 
 " Mirus prorsus homo, immo semideus, vel certe Deus, qui 
 magnae artis subtilitate tantum efiferavit argentum . . . ut diem 
 suum sibi domus faciat, licet sole nolente : sic cubicula, sic 
 porticus, sic ipsae valvae fulgurant." 
 
 " Namque saxum immani magnitudine procerum, et inaccessa 
 salebritate lubricum, mediis e faucibus lapidis fonles horridos 
 evomebat : qui statim proni foraminis lacunis editi, perque proclive 
 delapsi, et angusti canalis exerto contecti tramite, proximam 
 convallem latenter incidebant." 
 
 Apuleius might very well have written such a sentence as 
 this :— 
 
 " Yet the pitiless sword had such pity of so precious an object 
 that at first it did but hit flatlong. But litde availed that, since the 
 lady falling down astonished withal, the cruel villain forced the 
 sword with another blow to divorce the fair marriage of the 
 head and body." 
 
 And in spite of Sidney's strictures upon the conceits of 
 
INTRODUCTION xix 
 
 Euphuism, there was not much to choose between Lyly and 
 such extravagances as this : — 
 
 " Exceedingly sorry for Pamela, but exceedingly exceeding that 
 exceedingness in fear for Philoclea." 
 
 The fact is, there are bound to be these freaks and extra- 
 vagances whilst a style is still in such an inchoate and 
 experimental state as English prose was in from the time 
 of Malory and Berners, and the other early architects of a 
 style unfettered by metre, with whom, as Mr John Dover 
 Wilson has shown in his work on John Lyly, the germs 
 of Euphuism found their way into English long before 
 Guevara was known in this country, although the tendency 
 is nearly always attributed to his influence. The writers of 
 this period could not evolve even a poetic prose without 
 falling into these pitfalls, for the simple reason that they 
 wrote a century b8fore the principles of what may be called 
 a normal prose style had been determined. Mr Watts-Dunton 
 has pointed out that in the present age there is another 
 kind of poetic prose in process of evolution, a prose " which 
 above all other kinds holds in suspense the essential qualities 
 of poetry." Prose to be truly poetical, he argues, must move 
 far away from the "tremendous perorations of De Quincey, 
 or the sonorous and highly-coloured descriptions of Ruskin," 
 and must no doubt be something very different from what 
 Sidney and other writers made of Elizabethan prose, noble 
 as their achievement was. 
 
 " It must, in a word, have all the qualities of what we technically 
 call poetry except metre. We have, indeed, said before that while 
 the poet's object is to arouse in the listener an expectancy of cssuric 
 effects, the great goal before the writer of poetic prose is in the 
 very opposite direction ; it is to make use of the concrete figures 
 and impassioned diction that are the poet's vehicle, but at the same 
 time to avoid the expectancy of metrical bars." 
 
 Such a prose as this must be the very latest product of literary 
 effort. Its difference from the poetic prose actually evolved 
 in the transitional age with which we are dealing, is the 
 difference between an art founded on long experience and 
 many attempts and failures, and above all on a sound 
 philosophy of aesthetic causes and effects, and the essays of 
 
xviii INTRODUCTION 
 
 Lyly's new-fangled speech, which became fashionable in all 
 cultivated circles immediately upon the publication of Euphues, 
 or the Anatomic of Wit, in 1579; but his own affectations 
 are equally alien from purity of style. Both were striving 
 after a prose having a richness, a style of ornament, and an 
 artistic structure, that would furnish some equivalent for the 
 charms to ear and mind of metrical language. In this they 
 were simply repeating the attempt of the late Greek and 
 Latin novelists, whose style anticipated many of the mannerisms 
 of Elizabethan prose, the false antithees, the word-jingles, the 
 artificial cadences, and alliteration. Phrases like, " Sine pretio 
 pretiosse," " Amores amare coerceas," " Atra atria Proserpinse," 
 in the Golden Ass of Apuleius, are marvellously like the flowers 
 of speech affected by Sidney and ■ Lyly. The scholiasts used 
 to arrange the prose of this author in iambic measures, and 
 would no doubt have applied similar tests to Sidney's. And 
 the fondness for involved, musical periods, the love of 
 sensuousness and splendour, are features common to both 
 schools of writers. Here are two sentences from Apuleius 
 showing precisely the same effort to maintain the glories 
 of poetry, and the same cloying rhetoric that is the result 
 in Sidney and his contemporaries ; — 
 
 "Mirus prorsus homo, immo semideus, vel carte Deus, qui 
 magnae artis subtilitate tantum efferavit argentum . . . ut diem 
 suum sibi domus faciat, licet sole nolente : sic cubicula, sic 
 porticus, sic ipsae valvae fulgurant." 
 
 " Namque saxum immani magnitudine procerum, et inaccessa 
 salebritate lubricum, mediis e faucibus lapidis fonles horridos 
 evomebat : qui statim proni foraminis lacunis editi, perque proclive 
 delapsi, et angusti canalis exerto contecti tramite, proximam 
 convallem latenter incidebant." 
 
 Apuleius might very well have written such a sentence as 
 this :— 
 
 " Yet the pitiless sword had such pity of so precious an object 
 that at first it did but hit fladong. But little availed that, since the 
 lady falling down astonished withal, the cruel villain forced the 
 sword with another blow to divorce the fair marriage of the 
 head and body." 
 
 And in spite of Sidney's strictures upon the conceits of 
 
INTRODUCTION xix 
 
 Euphuism, there was not much to choose between Lyly and 
 such extravagances as this : — 
 
 " Exceedingly sorry for Pamela, but exceedingly exceeding that 
 exceedingness in fear for Philoclea." 
 
 The fact is, there are bound to be these freaks and extra- 
 vagances whilst a style is still in such an inchoate and 
 experimental state as English prose was in from the time 
 of Malory and Earners, and the other early architects of a 
 style unfettered by metre, with whom, as Mr John Dover 
 Wilson has shown in his work on John Lyly, the germs 
 of Euphuism found their way into English long before 
 Guevara was known in this country, although the tendency 
 is nearly always attributed to his influence. The writers of 
 this period could not evolve even a poetic prose without 
 falling into these pitfalls, for the simple reason that they 
 wrote a century before the principles of what may be called 
 a normal prose style had been determined. Mr Watts-Dunton 
 has pointed out that in the present age there is another 
 kind of poetic prose in process of evolution, a prose " which 
 above all other kinds holds in suspense the essential qualities 
 of poetry." Prose t6 be truly poetical, he argues, must move 
 far away from the "tremendous perorations of De Quincey, 
 or the sonorous and highly-coloured descriptions of Ruskin," 
 and must no doubt be something very different from what 
 Sidney and other writers made of Elizabethan prose, noble 
 as their achievement was. 
 
 " It must, in a word, have all the qualities of what we technically 
 call poetry except metre. We have, indeed, said before that while 
 the poet's object is to arouse in the listener an expectancy ofcaesuric 
 effects, the great goal before the writer of poetic prose is in the 
 very opposite direction ; it is to make use of the concrete figures 
 and impassioned diction that are the poet's vehicle, but at the same 
 time to avoid the expectancy of metrical bars." 
 
 Such a prose as this must be the very latest product of literary 
 effort. Its difference from the poetic prose actually evolved 
 in the transitional age with which we are dealing, is the 
 difference between an art founded on long experience and 
 many attempts and failures, and above all on a sound 
 philosophy of esthetic causes and effects, and the essays of 
 
XX INTRODUCTION 
 
 men who were not yet clear as to the objects they ought 
 to aim at. So uncertain was Sidney even as to the true 
 genius of English poetry that he was one of the most ardent 
 members of the "Areopagus," who endeavoured to reform 
 English poetry on Italian and classical principles, the results 
 of which attempt may be appraised in the verses inserted 
 in the Arcadia. The indispensable basis for a sound poetic 
 prose, if such a thing is feasible, must be a satisfactory norm ■ 
 of unpoetic prose. 
 
 Sidney's romance did not escape ridicule in his own time ; 
 Ben Johnson parodied Arcadianism in Every Man out of his 
 Humour; Dekker poked fun at Arcadian and Euphuised 
 gentlewomen in the GuFs Home-book ; and the involved and 
 careless construction of the story came in for mild satire in one 
 of the earliest burlesques of chivalrous and pastoral romances, 
 Sorel's Berger Extravagant, which was translated by John 
 Davies of Kidwelly in a book that may be remembered by 
 its sub-title, the Anti-Romance. The criticism in the passage 
 following is not particularly acute, but is cited because few 
 readers of Sidney are likely to come across such a very rare 
 work as this translation (1648). 
 
 " Nor hath England wanted its Arcadia, whereof it is not long 
 since we have had the translation. I find no more order in that 
 than in the rest, and there are many things whereof I am not at all 
 satisfied. At the very beginning you have the complaints of the 
 shepherds Strephon and Clavis upon the departure of Urania, 
 without telling us who she was, nor whither she went. Now an 
 author ought never to begin his book but he should mention the 
 persons principally concerned in the history whose actions he is to 
 raise up beyond any of the rest ; yet this man makes afterward no 
 more mention of these two shepherds than if he had never named 
 them ; and though he bring them in again at some sports before 
 Basilius, yet that signifies nothing, since a man finds no period of 
 their adventures, and that those verses wherein they speak of their 
 loves are so obscure that they may be taken for the oracles of a 
 Sybill. It is true that Sir PhiHp dying young might have left his 
 work imperfect ; but there's no reason why we should suffer by 
 that misfortune, and be obliged to take a thing for perfect because 
 it might have been made so." 
 
 . . . Thus Clarimond in his " Oration against Poetry, Fables 
 and Romances " ; Philiris in his " Vindication " replies : 
 
INTRODUCTION xxi 
 
 " As for Sidney's Arcadia, since it hath crossed the sea to come 
 and see us, I am sorry Clarimond receives it with such poor 
 compliments. If he hears nothing of the loves of Strephon and 
 Clavis, he must not quarrel with the author who hath made his 
 book one of the most excellent in the world. There are discourses 
 of love and discourses of state so generous and pleasant that I 
 should never be weary to read them. I should say much in his 
 commendation were I not in haste to speak of Astraea, which 
 Clarimond brings in next, and I am very glad to find that book 
 generally esteemed, which should oblige him to esteem it also." 
 
 Sorel's Berger Extravagant appeared in 1628. Two French 
 translations of the Arcadia had already been made, one by 
 Baudoin in 1624, and a second by D. Geneviefve, Chappelain, 
 the year following. The book was translated into German 
 in 1629, by Valentinus Theocritus, whose translation was 
 revised by Martin Opitz, and appeared again in 1643 and 
 1646. 
 
 It would be rash to assert that the Arcadia, not published 
 until 1590, though circulated widely in manuscript during the 
 preceding decade, had any influence on the pastorals of Greene 
 and Lodge, who boasted their adherence to the linguistic 
 fashions set in 1579 by Lyly's Euphues. It is enough to 
 observe that these and the Arcadia\i3.\e, many close resemblances 
 which are proofs of a common ancestry. Robert Greene's 
 Pandosto (1588), the original of Shakespeare's Winter's Tale, 
 his Menaphon (1589), and Philomela (1592); and Lodge's 
 Rosalynde: Euphues' golden legacie (1590), whence As you like 
 it was derived, have the Arcadian scenes and the atmosphere 
 of fairy-land, combined with the same strain of chivalrous 
 adventure, and the same complicated love-plots as Sidney's 
 romance. I venture to quote from Professor Courthope's 
 History of English Poetry a passage emphasising the strong 
 feminine interest which was such a prominent feature in Lyly, 
 Lodge, and Greene, as well as in Sidney. 
 
 " But after all, the element in the Arcadia which produced the 
 greatest effect upon contemporary taste, on account of the dramatic 
 tendencies of the age, was the one which Sidney derived from his 
 study of Montemayor. Perhaps the most noticeable feature in the 
 story is the complete elimination of the magical and supernatural 
 machinery which formed so important a part of the older romances 
 
xxii INTRODUCTION 
 
 In imitation of Montemayor, Sidney now concentrated the main 
 interest of his narrative in the compUcations of the love-plots. 
 The consequence of this device was to bring the exhibition of 
 female character into greater prominence. In the old chivalric 
 poetry and fiction no more than three types of women are 
 represented, the insipid idol of male worship who shows ' mercy ' 
 and 'pity' to her lover, according to the regulation pattern of 
 the Cours d' Amour ; the fickle mistress, like Cressida, who is in- 
 constant to one lover, and so violates the code of chivalry ; and the 
 unfaithful wife of the class of Guinevere and Iseult. The Arcadia, 
 on the other hand, is full of feminine heroines, martyrs, and 
 monsters, each of whom plays her own distinct part in the develop- 
 ment of the action. There is the ideal maiden, Pamela or Philoclea, 
 type of lofty virtue, forerunner of the Clarissas and Belindas of 
 Richardson ; the vicious Queen Cecropia recalling the Phaedras 
 and Sthenobasas of Greek legend ; Gynecia, the passion-stricken 
 wife of a respectable elderly husband, a favourite figure in the 
 modern French novel ; the clownish Mopsa, the original, perhaps, 
 of Shakespeare's Audrey ; and, above all, the representative of 
 adventurous, unhappy, self-sacrificing love in its various aspects ; . 
 Helen, Queen of Corinth, Parthenia, and Zelmane, predecessors 
 of Shakespeare's Viola, Helena, and Imogen." 
 
 The popularity of the book, rivalling that of Euphues, is 
 illustrated by the number of editions, of which a list will be 
 given later. Sidney found writers eager to continue the story, 
 and many imitators. The argument of John Day's lie of Guls 
 (1606) was "a little string or rivolet drawne from the full 
 streme of the right worthy gentleman, Sir Phillip Sydney's well 
 knowne Archadea." Shirley dramatised many episodes in his 
 Pastorall called the Arcadia (1640); the story of the dis- 
 possessed king of Paphlagonia and his son is probably the 
 germ of Shakespeare's episode of Gloucester and his sons in 
 King Lear, and Mr C. Crawford has found traces of copying 
 in the Duchess of Malfi and other plays of Webster. The 
 author of the Emblemes, Francis Quarles, made a long poem 
 out of the story of Argalus and Parthenia (1622); and other 
 writers linked their compositions to the popularity and prestige 
 of the Arcadia by using Sidney's name as their advertisement 
 like the author of Sir Philip Sydney's Ourania (1606), a 
 philosophical poem dedicated to the Countess of Pembroke 
 and the Lady Mary Wroath, a niece of Sidney, who produced 
 a slavish imitation in The Countess of Montgomerie's Urania 
 
INTRODUCTION xxiii 
 
 (1621), and made great play with her pedigree on the title- 
 page. Excerpts and adaptations were published right down 
 to the late seventeenth century. 
 
 The first edition of the Arcadia was published in 1590, four 
 years after the author's death. He did not finish the book, 
 which had been begun for the amusement of his sister, the 
 Countess of Pembroke, while he was in exile from the court 
 and living at' Wilton House, the seat of the Pembrokes. It 
 was Sidney's dying request that the manuscript should be 
 destroyed, and the dedicatory epistle to his sister expresses 
 how little he valued the book as a literary performance : — 
 
 " If you keep it to yourself, or to such friends who will weigh 
 error in the balance of good-will, I hope for the father's sake it 
 will J3e pardoned, perchance made much of, though in itself it have 
 deformities. For indeed for severer eyes it is not, being a trifle, 
 and that triflingly handled." 
 
 The Arcadia was entered in the Register of the Stationer's 
 
 Company in 1588, by William Ponsonbie, the publisher of 
 
 Spenser's Fairie Queene ; and the first edition saw the light in 
 
 a thick quarto in 1590. A photo-lithographic reproduction of 
 
 this handsome first edition was published in 1891 by Dr 
 
 Oskar Sommer, to whose scholarly bibliographical introduction 
 
 I am indebted for the following list of the various editions. 
 
 The fourth and fifth books, and a portion of the third book 
 
 (57 P^'ges), were added in the second edition, in 1593, a folio, 
 
 by the same publisher. Beyond this, there are few variations 
 
 in the text of the two editions. The third edition (1598), also 
 
 by Ponsonbie, comprised Sidney's Sonnets, Astrephel and Stella, 
 
 and the Defence of Poesie ; and these works were again included 
 
 in the fourth edition (misdescribed as the third) by Robert 
 
 Walde-graue, at Edinburgh, in 1599.^^ Mathew Lownes' edition 
 
 (1605), the fifth (miscalled the fourth), is almost a facsimile 
 
 reprint of the third ; but in the next edition, described on the 
 
 title-page as the fourth (1613), we get some new "additions," 
 
 but of small importance compared with those in the seventh 
 
 (described in the title as the fifth), published in 162 1 at Dublin, 
 
 which included a " Supplement of a defect in the third part 
 
 ^ Mr H. R. Plomer, in an interesting paper contributed to the Library, 
 vol. i. (New Series), pp. 195-205, shows that this was «- pirated edition ; 
 and perhaps the same is the case with the Dublin edition of 1739, 
 mentioned below. 
 
xxiv INTRODUCTION 
 
 of this History, by Sir W. Alexander," which had been printed 
 separately at Dublin the same year. In the present edition 
 his supplement begins on page 428 and ends on page 451, where 
 Sir William's apologie for the liberty taken is duly quoted. 
 Sir William Alexander of Menstrie, afterwards Earl of Stirling, 
 was a poet and dramatist, and a statesman of genius, who died 
 in 1610. He was a friend of Drummond of Hawthornden. 
 The Dictionary of National Biography states wrongly that he 
 published this continuation of the third book of the Arcadia 
 in 1 6 13, the date of the so-called fourth edition, certain copies 
 of which have extracts from this work inserted. The first 
 London edition, to which Sir William Alexander's supplement 
 was added, was the eighth, published in 1623; but it is 
 doubtful whether the additional matter was really printed as 
 a part of the volume, or added from the 1621 edition, or some 
 other of which there is no trace, to the only copy of this issue 
 known to Dr Sommer. The pagination, at any rate, is in a 
 confused state pointing to this. 
 
 The sixth book of the Arcadia by Richard Beling (see infra 
 p. 631), first published at Dublin, in 1624, was added to the 
 ninth edition, miscalled the sixth, in 1627. It is not mentioned 
 on the title, but before this new supplement another title-page 
 is inserted, running as follows, "A Sixth Booke to the Countesse 
 of Pembrokes Arcadia : written by R. B. of Lincolnes Inne 
 Esquire. (Sat, si bene; si male, nimium.) London, printed 
 by H. L. and R. Y. 1628," thus dating a year later than the 
 title-page proper. After Beling's continuation come the 
 Sonnets, the Defence of Poesie, Astrophel, etc. This edition 
 was reprinted in exact conformity, except that the new title- 
 page mentions the work of Beling, in 1629 ; and the five other 
 seventeenth-century editions, appearing in 1633, 1638, 1655, 
 1662, and 1674, corresponded exactly in all textual respects 
 but the title-page, except that in the twelfth, described as the 
 ninth, edition (1638), an alternative supplement to a defect in 
 the third book is introduced by Mr Ja. Johnstoun, "Scoto- 
 Brit," and in addition to this the 1655 edition contained the 
 forty-eight couplets entitled "A Remedie for Loue," and an 
 alphabetical table, or clavis, forming an index to the stories 
 in the Arcadia. 
 
 Dr Sommer mentions only one edition in the eighteenth 
 
INTRODUCTION xxv 
 
 century, one in three volumes containing also the poetical 
 works and the Defence of Poe^y, and described as the fourteenth 
 edition, although fifteen previous editions have now been 
 enumerated. The title of the first volume is dated 1725, but 
 the other two volumes bear that of the preceding year, 
 the preliminary matter of the first not having, apparently, 
 been completed in 1724. This was a London edition, and 
 Dr Sommer was not aware of another seventeenth century 
 edition, printed at Dublin in 1739, which was a reproduction 
 of this one : it bears the imprint, " Dublin : printed by 
 S. Powell, for T. Moore, at Erasmuses Head in Dame Street, 
 Bookseller, MDCCXXXIX " ; and a copy has been used in 
 preparing the present edition. 
 
 The only edition of the Arcadia in the nineteenth century, 
 with the exception of the photographic reproduction of the first 
 edition by Dr Sommer, was published by Sampson Low, Son, 
 and Marston, in 1867, and was preceded by an introductory 
 essay by Hain Fris\yell, the author of The Gentle Life, who 
 says : — 
 
 "The principle on which this z^iXxora.oi'Ctvt. Arcadia has been put 
 through the press perhaps needs some explanation. As the sheets 
 of MS. left the hands of Sidney, after the first book, or perhaps two, 
 had been completed, they were transmitted to his sister the Countess 
 of Pembroke, and some of them mislaid and lost. Hence one great 
 hiatus supplied by Sir William Alexander, others by R(ichard) 
 B(eling) and Mr Johnstone. It is also known that the Countess of 
 Pembroke added to the episodes, adventures, and strange turns, at 
 least in all the later books. Hence there is to be met with an 
 Arcadian undergrowth which needs much careful pruning ; and this 
 undertaken, with needful compression, will leave the reader all that 
 he desires of Sidney's own. Growing like certain fanciful parasites 
 upon forest trees, on the books of the Arcadia are certain eclogues 
 of laboriously- written and fantastical poetry, some in Latin measures, 
 against which Walpole was right to protest, and anent which Pope 
 said : — 
 
 ' And Sidney's verse halts ill on Roman feet. ' 
 
 "These have been boldly removed without any loss, it is believed, 
 to the romance ; lastly, long episodes of no possible use to the book, 
 which we think have been supplied by other hands than Sidney's 
 have, whilst using their very words and phrases, been cut down. 
 
xxviii THE LIFE OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY 
 
 father, from King Philip, then lately married to Queen Mary. 
 While he was very young, he was sent to Christ Church 
 College in Oxford to be improved in all sorts of learning; 
 where continuing till he was about seventeen years of age 
 under the tuition of Dr Tho. Thornton, canon of that 
 house, he was, in June 1572, sent to travel; for on the 24th 
 of August following, when the massacre fell out at Paris, he 
 was then there, and at that time, as I conceive, he, with other 
 Englishmen, did fly to the house of the ambassador from the 
 Queen of England.^ Thence he went through Lorraine, and 
 by Strasburg and Heidelburg to Frankfort, in September or 
 October following, where he settles, is entertained agent for 
 the Duke of Saxony, and an underhand minister for his • 
 own king. Lodged he was in Wechel's house, the printer 
 of Frankfort.^ Here he was accompanied by the famous 
 Hubert Languet; and in the next spring, 1573, Languet 
 removed to Vienna, where our author met him again, and 
 stayed with him till September, when he went into Hungary 
 and those parts. Thence he journeyed into Italy, where he 
 continued all the winter following, and most of the summer, 
 1574, and then he returned into Germany with Languet; and 
 the next spring he returned by Frankfort, Heidelburg, and 
 Antwerp, home into England, about May 1575. 
 
 In the year 1576 he was sent by the Queen to Rodolph, 
 the Emperor, to condole the death of Maximilian, and also 
 to other princes of Germany ; at which time he caused this 
 inscription to be written under his arms, which he then hung 
 up in all places where he lodged : — 
 
 ' ' Illustrissimi et generosissimi viri 
 Philipi Sidnaei, Angli, 
 Pro-regis Hibernise filii, Comitum Warwici 
 Et Leicestriaa Nepotis, serenissimi 
 Reginae Anglije ad Csesarem legati." 
 
 The next year, 1577, in his return, he saw that gallant 
 Prince Don John de Austria, Viceroy of the low countries 
 for the King of Spain, and William, Prince of Orange; by 
 the former of which, though at first he was lightly esteemed 
 
 ^ Wood, ut supra. 
 
 ' See his "Life," ut supra, p. 8. 
 
THE LIFE OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY xxix 
 
 upon the account of his youth, yet, after some discourse, 
 he found himself so stricken with him that the beholders 
 wondered to see what tribute that brave and high-minded 
 prince paid to his worth, giving more honour and respect to 
 him, in his private capacity, than to the ambassadors of mighty 
 princes. 
 
 In the year 1579 he, though neither magistrate nor counsellor, 
 did show himself, for several weighty reasons, opposite to the 
 Queen's matching with the Duke of Anjou, which he very 
 pithily expressed by a due address of his humble reasons to 
 her, as may be fully seen in a book called "Cabala" (Part III., 
 p. 201). The said address was written at the desire of some 
 great personage — his Uncle Robert, I suppose, Earl of 
 Leicester, upon which a great quarrel happened between him 
 and Edward Vere, Earl of Oxford. This, as I conceive, 
 might occasion his retirement from Court next summer, 1580, 
 wherein, perhaps, he wrote that pleasant romance called 
 " Arcadia." 1 
 
 In 1581 the treaty of marriage was renewed, and our author, 
 Sidney, with Fulke Grevil,^ were two of the tilters at the 
 entertainment of the French Ambassador ; and at the departure 
 of the Duke of Anjou from England, in February of the same 
 year, he attended him to Antwerp.' 
 
 On the 8th of January 1582 he, with Perigrine Bertie, 
 received the honour of knighthood from the Queen, and in 
 the beginning of 1585 he designed an expedition with Sir 
 Francis Drake into America, but being hindered by the 
 Queen (in whose opinion he was so highly prized that she 
 thought the Court deficient without him) he was, in October 
 following, made Governor of Flushing — about that time 
 delivered to the Queen for one of the cautionary towns — and 
 General of the Horse. In both which places of great trust 
 his carriage testified to the world his wisdom and valour, with 
 addition of honour to his country by them ; and especially 
 the more, when in July 1586 he surprised Axil, and preserved 
 the Uves and honour of the English army at the enterprise of 
 Gravelin : so that whereas (through the fame of his high 
 
 1 See Wood, p. 227. 
 
 ^ Annal. Camdeni, sub. Ann. 158 1. 
 
 ' Ibid. Ann. 1582. 
 
XXX THE LIFE OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY 
 
 deserts) he was then, or rather before, in election for the 
 Crown of Poland, the Queen of England refused to further 
 his advancement, not out of emulation, but out of fear to lose 
 the jewel of her times. What can be said more? He was a 
 statesman, soldier, and scholar — a complete master of matter 
 and language, as his immortal pen shows. His pen and his 
 sword have rendered him famous enough : he died by the one, 
 and by the other he will ever live as having been hitherto 
 highly extolled for it by the pens of princes. This is the 
 happiness of art, that although the sword doth achieve the 
 honour, yet the arts do record it, and no pen hath made it 
 better known than his own in that book called "Arcadia." 
 Certain it is, he was a noble and matchless gentleman, and 
 it may be justly said, without hyperbole or fiction, as it was of 
 Cato Uticensis, that "he seemed to be born to that oiily 
 which he went about." His written works are these : — 
 
 The Countess of Pembroke's " Arcadia," ^ which being the 
 most celebrated romance that was ever written, was consecrated 
 to his noble, virtuous, and learned sister Mart, the wife of 
 Henry, Earl of Pembroke, who, having lived to a very fair 
 age, died in her house in Aldersgate Street, in London, the 
 25th of September 162 1, whereupon her body was buried in 
 the cathedral church of Salisbury, among the graves of the 
 Pembrochian family. This " Arcadia," though then, and since, 
 it was, and is, taken into the hands of all ingenious men, and 
 said by one living at, or near, the time when first published, to 
 be " a book most famous for rich conceits and splendour of 
 courtly expressions." This work was first printed in the year 
 1 61 3 in quarto; it hath been translated into French, Dutch, 
 and other languages in 1624. 
 
 Besides AstropM and Stella^ A Remedy for Love, The 
 Defence of Poesy? Sonnets, etc., Sir Philip also turned the 
 Psalms of David into English verse, which are in manuscript 
 in the Hbrary of the Earl of Pembroke at Wilton, curiously 
 bound in a crimson velvet cover, left thereunto by his sister 
 Mary, Countess of Pembroke.* 
 
 1 Published 1590 {Ibid. i. 324). 
 
 ^ First printed, 1591. ' 
 
 ^ First printed, 1595. 
 
 ^ See Wood, ut supra. 
 
THE LIFE OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY xxxi 
 
 The following dialogue, composed by our author, was spoken 
 between two shepherds in a pastoral entertainment before 
 several gentlemen and ladies at the seat of the noble family 
 above mentioned. 
 
 Will. Dick, since we cannot dance, come, let a cheerful voice 
 Show that we do not grudge at all, when others do rejoice. 
 Dick. Ah, Will, though I grudge not, I count it feeble glee. 
 With sight made dim with daily tears, another's sport to see. 
 Whoever lambkins saw (yet lambkins love to play) 
 To play when that their loved dams are stoU'n or gone astray? 
 If this in them be true, as true in men, think I, 
 A lustless song, forsooth, thinks he, that hath more lust to cry. 
 Will. A time there is for all, my mother often says. 
 When she, with skirts tuck'd very high, with girls at stoolball plays. 
 When thou hast mind to weep, seek out some smoky room : 
 Now let those lightsome sights we see, thy darkness overcome. 
 Dick. What joy the joyful sun gives unto bleared eyes. 
 That comfort in these sports you like, my mind his comfort tries. 
 Will. What ! is thy bagpipe broke ? or are thy lambs miswent ? 
 Thy wallet or thy tar-box lost ? or thy new raiment rent ? 
 Dick. I would it were but thus, for thus it were too well. 
 Will. Thou seest my ears do itch at it ; good Dick, thy sorrow tell. 
 Dick, Hear then, and learn to sigh ; a mistress I do serve, 
 Whose wages make me beg the more, who feeds me till I starve, 
 Whose livery is such, as most I freeze apparelled most, 
 And look ! so near unto my cure, that I must needs be lost. 
 Will. What ? these are riddles sure ; art thou then bound to her ? 
 Dick. Bound as I neither power have, nor would have power to stir. 
 Will. Who bound thee ? 
 Dick. Love, my lord. 
 
 Will. What witnesses thereto ? 
 
 Dick. Faith in myself, and worth in her, which no proof can undo. 
 Will. What seal? 
 
 Dick. My heart deep graven. 
 
 Will. What made the band so fast ? 
 
 Dick. Wonder, that by two so black eyes the glittering stars be past. 
 Will. What keepeth safe thy band ? 
 
 Dick. Remembrance is the chest 
 
 Lock'd fast with knowing that she is of worldly things the best. 
 Will. Thou late of wages 'plainst : what wages mayst thou have ? 
 Dick. Her heav'nly looks, which more and more do give me cause to crave. 
 Will. If wages make you want, what food is that she gives ? 
 Dick. Tear's drink, sorrow's meat, wherewith, not I, but in me my death lives. 
 Will. What living get you then ? 
 
 Dick. Disdain ; but just disdain : 
 
 So have I cause myself to plain, but no cause to complain. 
 Will. What care takes she for thee ? 
 
xxxii THE LIFE OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY 
 
 Dick. Her care is to prevent 
 
 My freedom with show of her beams, with virtue my content. 
 Will. God shield us from such dames. If so our downs be sped 
 The shepherds will grow lean, I trow, their sheep will be ill fed ; 
 But, Dick, my counsel mark : run from the place of woe ; 
 The arrow being shot from far doth give the smaller blow. 
 Dick. Good Will, I cannot lack the good advice, before 
 That foxes leave to steal, because they find they die therefore. 
 Will. Then, Dick, let us go hence, lest we great folks annoy ; 
 For nothing can more tedious be, than 'plaint in time of joy. 
 Dick. Oh, hence ! O cruel word ! which even dogs do hate ; 
 But hence, even hence, I must needs go— such is my dogged fate. 
 
 To return again to Sir Philip. 
 
 In the year 1586,1 when that unfortunate stand was made 
 against the Spaniards before Zutphen, the 22nd of September, 
 while he was getting upon the third horse, having had two 
 slain under him before, he was wounded with a musket shot 
 out of the trenches, which brake the bone of his thigh. The 
 horse he rode upon was rather furiously choleric than bravely 
 proud, and so forced him to forsake the field, but not his 
 back, as the noblest and fittest bier to carry a martial com- 
 mander to his grave. In which sad progress, passing along 
 by the rest of the army, where his uncle,^ the general, was, 
 and, being thirsty with excess of bleeding, he called for drink, 
 which was presently brought him ; but, as he was putting the 
 bottle to his mouth, he saw a poor soldier carried along, who 
 Jiad eaten his last at the same feast, ghastly casting up his eyes 
 at the bottle, which Sir Philip perceiving, took it from his 
 head before he drank, and delivered it to the poor man, with 
 these words : " Thy necessity is yet greater than mine." And 
 when he had pledged this poor soldier, he was presently 
 carried to Arnheim, where the principal surgeons of the camp 
 attended for him. When they began to dress his wounds, he, 
 both by way of charge and advice, told them that, while his 
 strength was yet entire, his body free from fever, and his mind 
 able to endure, they might freely use their art, cut, and search 
 to the bottom ; but if they should neglect their art, and renew 
 torments in the declination of nature, their ignorance, or over- 
 tenderness, would prove a kind of tyranny to their friend, and, 
 
 ' See his " Life,'' ut supra, p. 142 et seq. 
 " Sir Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. 
 
THE LIFE OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY xxxiii 
 
 consequently, a blemish to their reverend science. With love 
 and care well mixed they began the cure, and continued it 
 some sixteen days, with such confidence of his recovery as 
 the joy of their hearts overflowed their discretion, and made 
 them spread the intelligence of it to the Queen, and all his 
 noble friends here in England, where it was received, not as 
 private, hut puMc good news. 
 
 At the same time Count Hollock was under the care of a 
 most excellent surgeon for a wound in his throat by a musket 
 shot, yet did he neglect his own extremity to save his friend, 
 and to that end had sent him to Sir Philip. This surgeon, 
 notwithstanding, out of love to his master, returning one day 
 to dress his wound, the Count cheerfully asked him how Sir 
 Philip did ? and he answered, with a heavy countenance, that 
 he was not well. At these words the worthy prince, as having 
 more sense of his friend's wound than his own, cries out : 
 " Away, villain ! never see my face again, till thou bring better 
 news of that man's recovery, for whose redemption many such 
 as I were happily lost." 
 
 Now, after the sixteenth day was passed, and the very 
 shoulder-bones of this delicate patient worn through his skin 
 with constant and obedient posturing of his body to the 
 surgeon's art, he, judiciously observing the pangs his wound 
 stang him with by fits, together with many other symptoms of 
 decay, few or none of recovery, began rather to submit his 
 body to these artists than any farther to believe in them. He 
 called the ministers unto him, who were all excellent men, of 
 divers nations, and before them made such a confession of 
 Christian faith as no book, but the heart, can truly and 
 feelingly deliver. Then, calling for his will, and settling his 
 wordly affairs, the last scene of this tragedy was the parting 
 between the two brothers : the weaker showing infinite strength 
 in suppressing sorrow, and the stronger, infinite weakness in 
 expressing of it. And to stop the natural torrent of affection 
 in both, Sir Philip took his leave, with these admonishing 
 words : " Love my memory, cherish my friends ; their faith to 
 me may assure you they are honest. But, above all, govern 
 your will and affections by the will and word of your Creator ; 
 in me, beholding the end of this world, with all her vanities." 
 And with this farewell, desired the company to lead him away. 
 
xxxiv THE LIFE OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY 
 
 After his death, which happened on the i6th of October, 
 the states of Zealand became suitors to her majesty and his 
 noble friends, that they might have the honour of burying 
 his body at the public expense of their government.i This 
 was not permitted ; for soon after his body was brought to 
 Flushing, and, being embarked with great solemnity on the 
 I St of November, landed at Tower Wharf on the 6th day of 
 the same month. Thence it was conveyed to the Minories 
 without Aldgate, where it lay in state for some time, till his 
 magnificent funeral in St Paul's Cathedral, the i6th of 
 February following, which, as many princes have not exceeded 
 in the solemnity, so few have equalled in the sorrow for his 
 loss. He was buried near to that place which his father-in- 
 law, Sir Francis Walsingham, had designed (as I have heard) 
 to be entombed in, without any monument or inscription. 
 King James honoured him with an epitaph of his composition, 
 and the Muses, both of Oxford and Cambridge, lamenting 
 much for his loss, composed verses to his memory. Besides, 
 several private persons did also exercise their fancies upon 
 this occasion ; for, so general was the lamentation, that it was 
 accounted a sin for any gentleman of quality, for many months 
 after, to appear at court or city in any light or gaudy apparel. 
 
 No monument hath since been erected over him, whereof 
 this reason is assigned, that " He is his own monument, whose 
 memory is eternised in his writings, and who was born into 
 the world to show unto our age a sample of ancient virtues." ^ 
 
 He left behind him a daughter named Elizabeth, who was 
 born in 1585. She married Roger Mannours, Earl of Rutland, 
 but died without issue.^ 
 
 I confess it is commonly reported that Sir Philip,* some 
 hours before his death, enjoined a near friend to consign these 
 his works to the flames, whereby posterity had been deprived 
 of much pleasure and profit accruing thereby. What promise 
 his friend returned herein is uncertain; but if he broke his 
 word to be faithful to the public good, posterity will absolve 
 him, without doing any penance, for being guilty of such a 
 
 ■* See his "Life," ut supra, p. 165. 
 
 '^ Camd. Brit, in Kent. 
 
 ^ SeeWood, ui supra. 
 
 * See his " Life," prefixed to the last edition folio. 
 
THE LIFE OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY xxxv 
 
 meritorious offence, wherewith he hath obliged so many ages. 
 Hear the excellent epigrammatist, Owen, hereon : — 
 
 "Ipse tuam moriens, vel conjuge teste, jubebas 
 Arcadiam ssevis ignibus esse cibum. 
 Si meruit mortem, quia flammam accendit amoris ; 
 
 Mergi, non Uri debuit iste liber. 
 In librum qusscunque cadat sententia ; nulla 
 Debuit ingenium morte perire luum. " 
 
 As the ancient Egyptians presented secrets under their 
 mystical hieroglyphics, so that an easy figure was exhibited to 
 the eye, and a higher notion tendered under it to the judgment, 
 so all the "Arcadia" is a continual grove of morality, 
 shadowing moral and politic results under the plain and easy 
 emblems of lovers, so that the reader may be deceived, but 
 not hurt thereby, when surprised on a sudden to more 
 knowledge than he expected. 
 
 I will not here endeavour to offer the reader a key to 
 unfold what persons were intended under the fictitious 
 denominations : herein must men shoot at the wild rovers 
 of their own conjectures. And many have forged keys of 
 their own fancies, all pretended to be the right, though unlike 
 one to another. But, besides, it is an injury to impose guesses 
 for truths on any belief; such applications, rather made than 
 meant, are not without reflections on families, as may justly 
 give distaste. I dare confidently aver that the wards of this 
 lock are grown so rusty with time that a modern key will 
 scarce unlock it, seeing in above a hundred years many 
 criticisms of time, place, and person, wherein the life and 
 lustre of this story did consist, are utterly lost, and unknown 
 in our age. 
 
 Vita Philippi Sidnei. 
 
 " Qui dignos ipsi vita scripsere libellos 
 > lUorum vitam scribere non opus est. 
 
 Sidnei in tumulo est, corpus non vita : Philippi 
 
 Producit vitam gloria, longa brevem." — Owen. 
 
TESTIMONIES CONCERNING THE 
 AUTHOR 
 
 GuLiELMUs Camdenus de Prselio inter Anglos et Hispanos 
 prope Zutphaniam in Geldrii. 
 
 Anno Dom. 1586. 
 
 " Ex Anglis pauci desiderati ; sed qui instar plurimorum, 
 SiDNEius, equo perfosso dum alterum ascendit, glande femur 
 trajectus,^ vicesimo quinto post die, magno sui desiderio bonis 
 relicto, in flore setatis exspiravit, vix quatuor menses patri 
 superstes. Cui Leicestrius avunculus in Angliam reversus, 
 exequias, magno apparatu, et militari ritu, in Templo Sti. Pauli 
 Londini solvit, Jacobus Rex Scotorum epitaphio parentavit : 
 utraque Academia lacrymas consecravit, et Novum Oxoniae 
 Collegium elegantissimum ^ Peplum contexuit. Hagc et 
 ampliora viri virtus, ingenium splendidissimum, eruditio 
 politissima, moresque suavissimi meruerunt." 
 
 Mr Carew, in his "Survey of Cornwall," p. 102, 
 
 " Being a scholar at Oxford at fourteen years of age, and 
 three years standing upon a wrong-conceived opinion touching 
 my sufl5ciency, I was then called to dispute extempore with 
 the matchless Sir Philip Sidney, in presence of the Earls of 
 Leicester and Warwick, and divers other great personages."' 
 
 Dr Heylin, in his " Cosmography." 
 
 "Arcadia in Greece is a country whose fitness for pasturage 
 
 ' Viz. 16th October 1586. 
 
 2 The title of the Oxford verses published upon the death of our author. 
 
 ' We cannot fix the date, nor on what occasion this great appearance of 
 nobility was then at Oxford, only that the Earl of Leicester was high 
 chancellor of that University. 
 xxxvi 
 
CONCERNING SIR PHILIP SIDNEY xxxvii 
 
 razing hath made it the subject of many worthy and 
 liscourses, especially that of Sir PhiHp Sidney, of whom 
 not but make honourable mention. A book, which, 
 s its excellent language, rare contrivances, and delectable 
 , hath in it all the strains of poesy, comprehendeth the 
 sal art of speaking, and, to them who can discern, and 
 bserve, affordeth notable rules for demeanour, both 
 ; and public." 
 
 Mr Lloyd, in his " State Worthies." 
 
 is romance was but policy played with Machiavel in jest, 
 :ate maxims sweetened to a courtier's palate. He writ 
 LS exactly as he studied them ; and discerned humours 
 court with the same deep insight he described them in 
 ok. All were pleased with his 'Arcadia' but himself, 
 years advanced him so much beyond himself as his 
 did beyond others. He condemned his 'Arcadia,' in 
 3re retired judgment, to the fire, which wise men think 
 ontinue to the last conflagration. It was he whom 
 I Elizabeth called her Philip,^ the Prince of Orange 
 aster, and whose friendship my Lord Brooks was so 
 of that he would have no other epitaph on his grave 
 his : — 
 
 ' Here lieth Sir Philip Sidney's friend.' " 
 
 Sir William Temple, in his " Essay on Poetry.'' 
 
 le true spirit or vein of ancient poetry, under the name 
 lance, seems to shine most in Sir Philip Sidney, whom 
 ;m both the greatest poet and the noblest genius of any 
 ive left writings behind them, and published in ours, or 
 her modern language. A person born capable, not only 
 raing the greatest ideas, but of leaving the noblest 
 les, if the length of his life had been equal to the 
 ;nce of his wit and his virtues." 
 
 ' In opposition to Philip of Spain. 
 
xxxviii CONCERNING SIR PHILIP SIDNEY 
 
 Mr Lee, in his " Dedication of Caesar Borgia." 
 
 To the Right Honourable Philip, Earl of Pembroke and 
 Montgomery. 
 
 "My lord, — Your illustrious forefathers and, indeed, all 
 your eminent relations, have always been of the first-rate 
 nobility, patrons of wit and arms, magnificently brave, true 
 old stampt Britons, and ever foremost in the race of glory. 
 Not to unravel half your honourable records, I challenge all 
 the men of fame to show an equal to the immortal Sidney, 
 even when so many contemporary worthies flourished. I 
 mean Sir Philip, true rival of your honour; one that could 
 match your spirit ; so most extravagantly great that he refused 
 to be a king. He was at once a Caesar and a Virgil, the leading 
 soldier, and the foremost poet. All after this must fail: I 
 have paid just veneration to his name, and, methinks, the 
 spirit of Shakespear pushed the commendation." 
 
 Mr Philips, in his "Sixth Pastoral." 
 
 " Full fain, O blest Eliza ! would I praise 
 Thy maiden rule, and Albion's golden days. 
 Then gentle Sidney liv'd, the shepherd's friend ; 
 Eternal blessings on his shade attend ! " 
 
To 
 My Dear Lady and Sister, 
 
 HE COUNTESS OF PEMBROKE. 
 
 now have you (most dear, and most worthy to be 
 dear lady !) this idle work of mine, which, I fear, like the 
 's web, will be thought fitter to be swept away, than 
 to any other purpose. For my part, in very truth (as 
 •uel fathers among the Greeks were wont to do to the 
 
 they would not foster), I could well find in my heart to 
 lut, in some desert of forgetfulness, this child, which I 
 th to father. But you desired me to do it, and your 
 
 to my heart is an absolute commandment. Now, it is 
 only for you, only to you : if you keep it to yourself, or 
 lend it to such friends who will weigh errors in the 
 :e of goodwill, I hope, for the father's sake, it will be 
 ned, perchance, made much of, though in itself it have 
 nities. For indeed, for severer eyes it is not, being but 
 e, and that triflingly handled. Your dear self can best 
 3S the manner, being done in loose sheets of paper, most 
 in your presence; the rest by sheets sent unto you, as 
 s they were done. In sum, a young head, not so well 
 i as I would it were, and shall be when God will, having 
 
 fancies begotten in it, if it had not been in some way 
 ;red, would have grown a monster, and more sorry might 
 :hat they came in, than that they gat out. But this chief 
 ■ shall be the not walking abroad; and his chief pro- 
 in, the bearing the livery of your name, which, if much 
 
 xxxix 
 
2 ARCADIA [BOOK 1. 
 
 " Well, then, remembrance commanded, we obeyed, and here we 
 find that as our remembrance came everclothed unto us in the 
 form of this place, so this place gives new heat to the fever of our 
 languishing remembrance. Yonder, my Claius, Urania lighted ; the 
 very horse, methought, bewailed to be so disburdened : and as for 
 thee, poor Claius, when thou wentest to help her down, I saw 
 reverence and desire so divide thee, that thou didst at one instant 
 both blush and quake, and instead of bearing her wert ready to 
 fall down thyself. There she sat, vouchsafing my cloak (then most 
 gorgeous) under her : at yonder rising of the ground she turned 
 herself, looking back towards her wonted abode, and because of her 
 parting, bearing much sorrow in her eyes, the lightsomeness where- 
 of had yet so natural a cheerfulness that it made even sorrow seem 
 to smile ; at that turning she spake to us all, opening the cherry of 
 her lips, and Lord how greedily mine ears did feed upon the sweet 
 words she uttered ! And here she laid her hand over thine eyes, 
 when she saw the tears springing in them, as if she would conceal 
 them from other, and yet herself feel some of thy sorrow. But woe 
 is me, yonder, yonder, did she put her foot into the boat, at that 
 instant, as it were, dividing her heavenly beauty between the earth 
 and the sea. But when she was embarked, did you not mark how 
 the winds whistled and the seas danced for joy, how the sails did 
 swell with pride, and all because they had Urania? O Urania, 
 blessed be thou Urania, the sweetest fairness, and fairest 
 sweetness ! " 
 
 With that word his voice brake so with sobbing, that he could 
 say no farther ; and Claius thus answered : 
 
 "Alas my Strephon," said he, "what needs this score to reckon 
 up only our losses? What doubt is there, but that the sight of 
 this place doth call our thoughts to appear at the court of affection, 
 held by that racking steward remembrance ? As well may sheep 
 forget to fear when they spy wolves, as we can miss such fancies 
 when we see any place made happy by her treading. Who can 
 choose that saw her, but think where she stayed, where she walked, 
 where she turned, where she spoke ? But what is all this ? truly 
 no more, but as this place served us to think of those things, so 
 those things serve as places to call to memory more excellent 
 matters. No, no, let us think with consideration, and consider 
 with acknowledging, and acknowledge with admiration, and admire 
 with love, and love with joy in the midst of all woes. Let us in 
 such sort think, I say, that our poor eyes were so enriched as to 
 behold and our low hearts so exalted as to love a maid who is 
 such, that as the greatest thing the world can shew is her beauty, 
 so the least thing that may be praised in her is her beauty. 
 Certainly as her eye-lids are more pleasant to behold than two 
 
; I.] ARCADIA 3 
 
 i kids climbing up a fair tree, and browsing on its tenderest 
 :hes, and yet are nothing comparing to the day-shining stars 
 lined in them ; and as her breath is more sweet than a gentle 
 i-west wind, which comes creeping over flowery fields and 
 Dwed waters in the extreme heat of summer ; and yet is 
 ng, compared to the honey-flowing speech that breath doth 
 • : no more all that our eyes can see of her (though when they 
 
 seen her, what else they shall ever see is but dry stubble 
 
 clover-grass) is to be matched with the flock of unspeakable 
 2S laid up delightfully in that best builded fold. But indeed, 
 e can better consider the sun's beauty by marking how he 
 
 these waters and mountains than by looking upon his own 
 
 too glorious for our weak eyes : so it may be our conceits 
 able to bear her sun-staining excellency) will better weigh it 
 er works upon some meaner subject employed. And alas, 
 can better witness that than we, whose experience is grounded 
 
 feeling? Hath not the only love of her made us (being 
 ignorant shepherds) raise up our thoughts above the ordinary 
 
 of the world, so that great clerks do not disdain our con- 
 ce ? Hath not the desire to seem worthy in her eyes made 
 rhen others were sleeping, to sit viewing the course of the 
 ;ns ; when others were running at Base*, to run over 
 ed writings ; when others mark their sheep, we to mark 
 lives? Hath not she thrown reason upon our desires, and, 
 were, given eyes unto Cupid ? Hath in any but in her love- 
 iTship maintained friendship between rivals, and beauty taught 
 eholders chastity ? " 
 
 ; was going on with his praises, but Stephon bade him stay 
 look : and so they both perceived a thing which floated, 
 ing nearer and nearer to the bank ; but rather by the favour- 
 working of the sea than by any self-industry. They doubted 
 le what it should be till it was cast up even hard before them, 
 lich time they fully saw that it was a man. Whereupon 
 ng for pity's sake unto him, they found his hands (as it should 
 ir, constanter friends to his life than his memory) fast 
 ing upon the edge of a square small coffer which lay all 
 : his breast : else in himself no show of life, so that the board 
 sd to be but a bier to carry him to land to his sepulchre. So 
 
 they up a young man of goodly shape, and well-pleasing 
 r, that one would think death had in him a lovely counten- 
 ; and that, though he were naked, nakedness was to him an 
 el. That sight increased their compassion, and their com- 
 an called up their care ; so that lifting his feet above his 
 
 making a great deal of salt water come out of his mouth, 
 
 * The old g^ame of prisoaer's-base, then a common rustic pastime. 
 
4 ARCADIA [BOOK i. 
 
 they laid him upon some of their garments, and fell to rub and 
 chafe him, till they brought him to recover both breath, the 
 servant, and warmth, the companion, of living. At length opening- 
 his eyes, he gave a great groan (a doleful note, but a pleasant 
 ditty, for by that they found not only life but strength of life in 
 him). They therefore continued on their charitable office until, 
 his spirits being well returned, he— without so much as thanking 
 them for their pains— gat up, and looking round about to the 
 uttermost limits of sight, and crying upon the name of Pyrocles, 
 nor seeing nor hearing cause of comfort, "What," said he, "and 
 shall Musidorus live after Pyrocles's destruction?" 
 
 Therewithal he offered wilfully to cast himself again into the 
 sea : a strange sight to the shepherds, to whom it seemed that 
 before being in appearance dead, had yet saved his life, and now 
 coming to his life, should be a cause to procure his death ; but 
 they ran unto him, and pulling him back (then too feeble for 
 them) by force stickled that unnatural fray. 
 
 " I pray you,'' said he, " honest men, what such right have you 
 in me, as not to suffer me to do with myself what I list, and what 
 policy have you to bestow a benefit where it is counted an injury?" 
 
 They hearing him speak in Greek (which was their natural 
 language) became the more tender-hearted towards him, and 
 considering by his calling and looking that the loss of some dear 
 friend was great cause of his sorrow, told him, they were poor men 
 that were bound, by course of humanity, to prevent so great a 
 mischief; and that they wished him, if opinion of some body's 
 perishing bred such desperate anguish in him, that he should be 
 comforted by his own proof, who had lately escaped as apparent 
 danger as any might be. 
 
 " No, no," said he, " it is nor for me to attend so high a blissfiil- 
 ness : but since you take care of me, I pray you find means that 
 some barque may be provided, that will go out of the haven that 
 if it be possible we may find the body, far, far too precious food 
 for fishes : and for that hire I have within this casket of value 
 sufficient to content them.'' 
 
 Claius presently went to a fisherman, and having agreed with 
 him, and provided some apparel for the naked stranger, he 
 embarked, and the shepherds with him : and were no sooner gone 
 beyond the mouth of the haven, but that some way into the sea 
 they might discern, as it were, a stain of the water's colour, and by 
 times some sparks and smoke mounting thereout. But the young 
 man no sooner saw it, but that beating his breast he cried that 
 there was the beginning of his ruin, entreating them to bend their 
 course as near unto it as they could ; telling, how that smoke was 
 but a small relique of a great fire which had driven both him and 
 
BOOK I.] Arcadia § 
 
 his friend rather to commit themselves to the cold mercy of the 
 sea than to abide the hot cruelty of the fire ; and that therefore, 
 though they both had abandoned the ship, that he was (if any 
 were) in that course to be met withal. They steered therefore as """^ 
 near thither-ward as they could : but when they came so near that 
 their eyes were full masters of the object, they saw a sight full of 
 piteous strangeness : a ship, or rather the carcase of the ship, or 
 
 ' rather some few bones of the carcase hulling there, part broken, 
 part burned, part drowned : death having used more than one dart 
 to that destruction. About it floated great store of very rich 
 
 , things and many chests which might promise no less. And 
 amidst the precious things were a number of dead bodies, which 
 likewise did not only testify both elements' violence, but that the 
 chief violence was grown of human inhumanity : for their bodies 
 were full of grisly wounds, and their blood had (as it were) filled 
 the wrinkles of the sea's visage ; which it seemed the sea would 
 not wash away, that it might witness that it is not always its fault 
 when we do condemn its cruelty. In sum, a defeat where the 
 conquered kept both field and spoil : a shipwreck without storm or 
 ill-footing : and a waste of fire in the midst of the water. ^ 
 
 But a little way off they saw the mast, whose proud height now 
 lay along ; like a widow having lost her mate of whom she held 
 her honour : but upon the mast they saw a young man (at least if 
 he were a man) bearing show of about eighteen years of age, who 
 sat (as on horse back) having nothing upon him but his shirt, 
 which being wrought with blue silk and gold had a kind of 
 resemblance to the sea : on which the sun (then near his western 
 home) did shoot some of his beams. His hair (which the young 
 men of Greece used to wear very long) was stirred up and down - 
 with the wind, which seemed to have a sport to play with it, as 
 the sea had to kiss his feet ; himself full of admirable beauty, set 
 forth by the strangeness both of his seat and gesture. For, 
 holding his head up full of unmoved majesty he held a sword 
 aloft with his fair arm, which often he waved about his crown, as 
 though he would threaten the world in that extremity. But the 
 fishermen, when they came so near him that it was time to throw 
 out a rope by which hold they might draw him, their simplicity 
 bred such amazement, and their amazement such superstition that 
 (assuredly thinking it was some God begotten between Neptune 
 and Venus that had made all this terrible slaughter), as they went 
 under sail by him, held up their hands and made their prayers. 
 Which when Musidorus saw, though he were almost as much 
 ravished with joy as they with astonishment, he leaped to the 
 mariner, and took the cord out of his hand, and (saying, " Dost 
 thou live, and art thou well," who answered, " Thou canst tell best, 
 
g ARCADIA [BOOK *•. 
 
 since most of my well-being stands in thee") threw it out, but 
 already the ship was passed beyond Pyrocles : and therefore 
 Musidorus could do no more but persuade the mariners to cast 
 about again, assuring them that he was but a man, although of 
 most divine excellencies, and promising great rewards for their 
 pains. 
 
 And now they were already come upon the stays ; when one 
 of the sailors descried a galley which came with sails and oars 
 directly in the chase of them ; and straight perceived it was a 
 well-known pirate who hunted not only for goods but for bodies 
 of men, which he employed either to be his galley-slaves or* 
 to sell at the best market. Which when the matter understood, 
 he commanded forthwith to set on all the canvass he could and fly 
 homeward, leaving in that fort poor Pyrocles so near to be rescued. 
 But what did not Musidorus say, what did he not offer to persuade 
 them to venture to fight ; but fear standing at the gates of their 
 ears, put back all persuasions : so that he had nothing whatever to 
 accompany Pyrocles but his eyes, nought to succour him but his 
 wishes. Therefore praying for him, and casting a long look that 
 way, he saw the galley leave the pursuit of them and turn to take 
 up the spoils of the other wreck : and lastly he might well see 
 them lift up the young man ; and " alas," said he to himself, " dear 
 Pyrocles, shall that body of thine be enchained, shall those 
 victorious hands of thine be commanded to base offices, shall 
 virtue become a slave to those that be slaves to viciousness, alas, 
 better had it been thou hadst ended nobly thy noble days : what 
 death is so evil as unworthy servitude?" 
 
 But that opinion soon ceased when he saw the galley setting 
 upon another ship, which held long and strong fight with her : for 
 then he began afresh to fear the life of his friend, and to wish well 
 to the pirates whom before he hated, lest in their ruin he might 
 perish. But the fishermen made such speed into the haven, that 
 they absented his eyes from beholding the issue : where being 
 entered, he could not procure neither them, or any other as 
 then, to put themselves into the sea : so that being so full of 
 sorrow for being unable to do anything as void of counsel how 
 to do anything, besides that sickness grew something upon him, 
 the honest shepherds Strephon and' Claius (who being themselves 
 true friends did the more perfectly judge the justness of his 
 sorrow) advise him that he should mitigate somewhat of his woe, 
 since he had gotten an amendment in fortune, being come from 
 assured persuasion of his death to have no cause to despair of his 
 life ; as one that had lamented the death of his sheep should after 
 know they were but strayed would receive pleasure, though readily 
 he knew not where to find them. 
 
K I.] Arcadia 7 
 
 Now, Sir," said they, " thus for ourselves it is ; we are in 
 ession but shepherds, and in this country of Laconia little 
 er than strangers, and therefore neither in skill nor ability of 
 er greatly to stead you. But what we can present unto you is 
 : Arcadia, of which country we are, is but a little way hence ; 
 even upon the next confines there dwelleth a gentleman, by 
 le Kalander, who vouchsafest much favour unto us : a man 
 I for his hospitality is so much haunted that no news stir but 
 les to his ears ; for his upright dealings so beloved of his 
 fhbours, that he hath many ever ready to do him their 
 rmost service ; and by the great goodwill our prince bears 
 may soon obtain the use of his name and credit, which hath 
 rincipal sway, not only in his own Arcadia, but in all these 
 ntries of Peloponnesus : and (which is worth all) all these 
 igs give him not so much power, as his nature gives him will 
 lenefit : so that it seems no music is so sweet to his ears as 
 srved thanks. To him we will bring you, and there you may 
 )ver again your health, without which you cannot be able to 
 ce any diligent search for your friend ; and therefore you must 
 )ur for it. Besides, we are sure the comfort of courtesy and 
 ; of wise counsel shall not be wanting " 
 
 lusidorus (who, besides he was merely unacquainted in the 
 ntry, had his wits astonished with sorrow) gave easy consent 
 hat from which he saw no reason to disagree : and therefore 
 "raying the mariners with a ring bestowed upon them) they 
 c their journey together through Laconia ; Claius and Strephon 
 :ourse carrying his chest for him, Musidorus only bearing in his 
 ntenance evident marks of a sorrowful mind, supported with a 
 k body ; which they perceiving, and knowing that the violence 
 lorrow is not, at the first, to be striven withal (being like a 
 hty beast, sooner tamed with following than overthrown by 
 istanding), they gave way unto it, for that day and the next ; 
 er troubling him, either with asking questions or finding fault 
 1 his melancholy ; but rather fitting to his dolour, dolorous 
 lourses of their own and other folks' misfortunes. Which 
 sches, though they had not a lively entrance to his senses shut 
 n sorrow, yet like one half asleep he took hold of much of the 
 ter spoken unto him, for that a man may say, e'er sorrow was 
 ire, they made his thoughts bear away something else beside 
 own sorrow, which wrought so in him, that at length he grew 
 tent to mark their speeches, then to marvel at such wit in 
 pherds, after to like their company, and lastly to vouchsafe 
 ference ; so that the third day after, in the time that the 
 •ning did strew roses and violets in the heavenly floor against 
 coming of the sun, the nightingales (striving one with the other 
 
8 ARCADIA tBooKi. 
 
 which could in most dainty variety recount their wrong-caused 
 sorrow) made them put off their sleep, and rising from under a 
 tree (which that night had been their pavilion) they went on their 
 journey, which by and by welcomed Musidorus's eyes (wearied 
 with the wasted soil of Laconia) with delightful prospects. 
 
 There were hills which garnished their proud heights with 
 stately trees ; humble valleys whose base estate seemed comforted 
 with the refreshing of silver rivers ; meadows, enamelled with all 
 sorts of eye-pleasing flowers; thickets, which, being lined with 
 most pleasant shade, were witnessed so too by the cheerful 
 disposition of many well-tuned birds ; each pasture stored with 
 sheep feeding with sober security, while the pretty lambs with 
 bleating oratory craved the dams' comfort ; here a shepherd's 
 boy piping, as though he should never be old ; there a young 
 shepherdess knitting, and withal singing, and it seemed that 
 her voice comforted her hands to work and her hands kept time to 
 her voice-music. As for the houses of the country (for many houses 
 came under their eye) they were all scattered, no two being one by 
 the other, and yet not so far off as that it barred mutual succour : 
 a show, as it were, of an accompanable solitariness and of a civil 
 wildness. " I pray you," said Mufidorus, then first unsealing his 
 long silent lips : '' what countries be these we pass through, which 
 are so divers in show, the one wanting no store, the other having 
 ^ no store but of want ? " 
 
 " The country," answered Claius, " where you were cast ashore 
 and now are past through is Laconia, not so poor by the 
 barrenness of the soil (though in itself not passing fertile) as by 
 a civil war, which being these two years within the bowels of that 
 estate, between the gentlemen and the peasants (by them named 
 Helots), hath in this fort as it were disfigured the face of nature, 
 and made it so unhospitable as now you have found it : the towns 
 neither of the one side nor the other willingly opening their gates 
 to strangers, nor strangers willingly entering for fear of being 
 mistaken. 
 
 " But this country where how you set your foot is Arcadia : and 
 even hard by is the house of Kalander, whither we lead you. This 
 country being thus decked with peace and (the child of peace) 
 good husbandry, these houses you see so scattered are of men, as 
 we two are, that live upon the commodity of their sheep ; and 
 therefore in the division of the Arcadian estate are termed shep- 
 herds : a happy people, wanting little, because they desire not 
 much." 
 
 "What cause then," said Musidorus, "made you venture to leave 
 this sweet life, and put yourself in yonder unpleasant and danger- 
 ous realm?" "Guarded with poverty," answered Strephon, "and 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA g 
 
 guided with love." " But now," said Claius, " since it hath pleased 
 you to ask anything of us, whose baseness is such as the very 
 knowledge is darkness, give us leave to know something of you, 
 and of the young man you so much lament, that at least we may be 
 the better instructed to inform Kalander, and he the better know 
 how to proportion his entertainment." 
 
 Musidorus, according to the agreement "between Pyrocles and 
 him to alter their names answered that he called himself Palladius 
 and his friend Daiphantus ; "but till J have him again," said he, 
 " I am indeed nothing, and therefore my story is of nothing ; his 
 entertainment (since so good a man he is) cannot be so low as I 
 account my estate ; and in sum, the sum of all his courtesy may be 
 to help me by some means to seek my friendj' 
 
 They perceived he was not willing to open himself farther, and 
 therefore without farther questioning brought him to the house ; 
 about which they might see (with fit consideration both of the air, 
 the prospect, and the nature of the ground) all such necessary 
 additions to a great house as might well show Kalander knew that 
 provision is the foundation of hospitality and thrift the fuel of 
 magnificence. The house itself was built of fair and strong stone, 
 not affecting so much any extraordinary kind of fineness as an. 
 honourable representing of a firm stateliness. The lights, doors 
 and stairs rather directed to the use of the guest than to the eye of 
 the artificer ; and yet as the one chiefly heeded, so the other not 
 neglected ; each place handsome without curiosity, and homely 
 without loathsomeness ; not so dainty as not to be trod on, nor yet 
 flubbered up with good fellowship ; all more lasting than beautiful, 
 but that the consideration of the exceeding lastingness made the 
 eye believe it was exceeding beautiful. The servants not so many 
 in number as cleanly in apparel and serviceable in behaviour, 
 testifying even in their countenances that their master took as well 
 care to be served as of them that did serve. One of them was 
 forthwith ready to welcome the shepherds as men whom though 
 they were poor their master greatly favoured ; and understanding 
 by them that the young man with them was to be much accounted 
 of, for that they had seen tokens of more than common greatness, 
 howsoever now eclipsed with fortune, he ran to his master, who 
 came presently forth, and pleasantly welcoming the shepherds, but 
 especially applying him to Musidorus, Strephon privately told him 
 all what he knew of him, and particularly that he found this stranger 
 was loth to be known. 
 
 " No," said Kalander speaking aloud, " I am no herald to inquire 
 of men's pedigrees ; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues ; which 
 (if this young man's face be not a false witness) do better apparel 
 his mind, than you have done his body." While he was thus 
 
to ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 speaking, there came a boy in show like a merchant's prentice, 
 who, taking Strephon by the sleeve delivered him a letter, written 
 jointly both to him and Claius, from Urania, which they no sooner 
 had read but that with short leave taking of Kalander (who quickly 
 guessed and smiled at the matter) and once again (though hastily) 
 recommending the young man unto* him, they went away, leaving 
 Musidorus even loth to part with them, for the good conversation 
 he had had of them and obligation he accounted himself tied in 
 unto them : and therefore, they delivering his chest unto him, he 
 opened it, and would have presented them with two very rich 
 jewels, but they absolutely refused them, telling him that they were 
 more than enough rewarded in the knowing of him, and without 
 hearkening unto a reply (like men whose hearts disdained all 
 desires but one) gat speedily away, as if the letter had brought 
 wings to make them fly. But by that sight Kalander soon judged 
 that his guest was of no mean calling ; and therefore the more 
 respectfully entertaining him, Musidorus found his sickness (which 
 the fight, the sea and late travel had laid upon him) grow greatly, 
 so that, fearing some sudden accident, he delivered the chest to 
 Kalander, which was full of most precious stones gorgeously and 
 cunningly set in divers manners, desiring him he would keep those 
 trifles, and if he died, he would bestow so much of it as was 
 needful, to find out and redeem a young man, naming himself 
 Daiphantus, as then in the hands of Laconian pirates. 
 
 But Kalander seeing him faint more and more, with careful 
 speed conveyed him to the most commodious lodging in his house, 
 where being possessed with an extreme burning fever he continued 
 some while with no great hope of life ; but youth at length got the 
 victory of sickness, so that in six weeks the excellency of his 
 returned beauty was a credible ambassador of his health, to the 
 great joy of Kalander, who, as in his time he had by certain friends 
 of his that dwelt near the sea in Missenia set forth a ship and a 
 galley to seek and succour Daiphantus, so at home did he omit 
 nothing which he thought migh either profit or gratify Palladius. 
 
 For, having found in him (besides his bodily gifts beyond the 
 degree of admiration) by daily discourses, which he delighted 
 himself to have with him, a mind of most excellent composition, a 
 piercing wit, quite void of ostentation, high erected thought seated 
 in a heart of courtesy, an eloquence as sweet in the uttering as 
 slow to come to the uttering, a behaviour so noble as gave a 
 majesty to adversity ; and all in a man whose age could not be 
 above one and twenty years ; the good old man was even enamoured 
 with a fatherly love towards him, or rather became his servant by 
 the bonds such virtue laid upon him ; once, he acknowledged 
 himself so to be by the badge of diligent attendance. 
 
t i.l ARCADIA 11 
 
 It Palladius having gotten his health, and only staying there 
 ! in place where he might hear answer of the ships set forth, 
 nder one afternoon led him abroad to a well-arrayed ground 
 ad behind his house, which he thought to show him before his 
 g as the place himself more than in any other delighted in. 
 backside of the house was neither field, garden nor orchard ; 
 ither it was both field, garden and orchard : for as soon as 
 lescending of the stairs had delivered them down, they came 
 a place cunningly set with trees of the most taste-pleasing 
 i ; but scarcely they had taken that into their consideration 
 that they were suddenly stept into a delicate green ; of each 
 of the green a thicket, and behind the thickets again new beds 
 Dwers, which being under the trees the trees were to them a 
 lion, and they to the trees a mosaical floor, so that it seemed 
 Art therein would needs be delightful, by counterfeiting his 
 ly Error and making order in confusion. 
 
 the midst of all the place was a fair pond whose shaking 
 :al was a perfect mirror to all the other beauties, so that it bare 
 r of two gardens ; one in deed, the other in shadows. And in 
 sf the thickets was a fine fountain made thus : a naked Venus 
 liite marble, wherein the graver had used such cunning that the 
 ral blue veins of the marble were framed in fit places to set 
 , the beautiful veins of her body. At her breast she had her 
 ! .(Eneas, who seemed, having begun to suck, to leave that to 
 upon her fair eyes, which smiled at the babe's folly, meanwhile 
 )reast running. 
 
 ard by was a house of pleasure built for a summer-retiring 
 ; ; whither Kalander leading him he found a square room full 
 elightful pictures made by the most excellent workmen of 
 ce. There was Diana when Actaeon saw her bathing ; in 
 ie cheeks the painter had set such a colour as was mixed be- 
 n sbame and disdain, and one of her foolish nymphs, who 
 )ing, and withal lowering, one might see the workman meant to 
 jrth tears of anger. In another table was Atalanta, the posture 
 hose limbs was so lively expressed, that if the eyes were only 
 es, as they be the only seers, one would have sworn the very 
 ire had run. Besides many more, as of Helena, Omphale, 
 : but in none of them all beauty seemed to speak so much as 
 large table, which contained a comely old man, with a lady of 
 Ue-age, but of excellent beauty, and more excellent would have 
 1 deemed, but that there stood between a young maid, whose 
 ierfulness took away all beauty from her, but that which it 
 It seem she gave her back again by her very shadow. And 
 
 difference (being known that it did indeed counterfeit a 
 3n living) was there between her and all the other, though 
 
t2 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 goddesses, that it seemed -the skill of the painter bestowed nothing 
 on the other new beauty, but that the beauty of her bestowed new 
 skiU on the painter. Though he thought inquisitiveness an 
 uncomely guest he could not choose but ask who she was, that 
 bearing show of one being indeed could with natural gifts go 
 beyond the reach of invention. Kalander answered, that it was 
 made by Philodea, the younger daughter of his prince, who also 
 with his wife were contained in that table : the painter meaning to 
 represent the present condition of the young lady, who stood 
 watched by an over-curious eye of her parents ; and that he would 
 also have drawn her eldest sister, esteemed her match for beauty, 
 in her shepherdish attire, but that rude clown her guardian would 
 not suffer it ; neither durst he ask leave of the prince, for fear of 
 suspicion. Palladius perceived that the matter was wrapped up 
 in some secrecy, and therefore would, for modesty, demand no 
 farther ; but yet his countenance could not but with dum eloquence 
 desire it. Which Kalander perceiving, " Well," said he, '' my dear 
 guest, I know your mind, and I will satisfy it : neither will I do it 
 like a niggardly answerer, going no farther than the bounds of the 
 question ; but I will discover unto you as well that wherein my 
 knowledge is common with others as that which by extraordinary 
 means is delivered unto me ; knowing so much in you (though not 
 long acquainted) that I shall find your ears faithful treasurers." 
 So then sitting down in two chairs, and sometimes casting his eye 
 to the picture, he thus spake : 
 
 " This country Arcadia among all the provinces of Greece, hath 
 ever been had in singular reputation ; partly for the sweetness of 
 the air and other natural benefits, but principally for the well- 
 tempered minds of the people who (finding that the shining title of 
 glory, so much affected by other nations, doth indeed help little to 
 the happiness of life) are the only people which, as by their justice 
 and providence give neither cause nor hope to their neighbours to 
 annoy, so are they not stirred with false praise to trouble others' 
 quiet, thinking it a small reward for the wasting of their own lives 
 in ravening, that their posterity should long after say they had done 
 so. Even the muses seem to approve their good determination by 
 choosing this country for their chief repairing place, and by 
 bestowing their perfections so largely here that the very shepherds 
 have their fancies lifted to so high conceits that the learned of 
 other nations are content both to borrow their names and imitate 
 their cunning. 
 
 " Here dwelleth and reigneth this prince (whose picture you see) 
 by name Basilius ; a prince of sufficient skill to govern so quiet a 
 country, where the good minds of the former princes had set down 
 good laws, and the well-bringing up of the people doth serve as a 
 
BOOK I,] ARCADIA 13 
 
 most sure bond to hold them. But to be plain with you, he excels 
 in nothing so much as the zealous love of his people, wherein he 
 doth not only pass all his own foregoers but, as I think, all the 
 princes living. Whereof the cause is, that though he exceed not 
 in the virtues which get admiration, as depth of wisdom, height of 
 courage, and largness of magnificence, yet is he notable in those 
 which stir affection, as truth of word, meekness, courtesy, merciful- 
 ness, and liberality. 
 
 " He, being already well stricken in years, married a young 
 princess, named Gynecia, daughter to the king of Cyprus, of 
 notable beauty, as by her picture you see : a woman of great wit, 
 and in truth of more princely virtues than her husband ; of most 
 unspotted chastity ; but of so working a mind and so vehement 
 spirits that a man may say, it was happy she took a good course 
 for otherwise it would have been terrible. 
 
 "Of these two are brought into the world two daughters, so 
 beyond measure excellent in all the gifts allotted to reasonable 
 creatures that we may think they were born to show that nature is 
 no stepmother to that sex, how much soever some men (sharp- 
 witted only in evil speaking) have sought to disgrace them. The 
 elder is named Pamela ; by many men not deemed inferior to her 
 sister : for my part, when I marked them both, methought there 
 was (if at least such perfections may receive the word of more) 
 more sweetness in Philoclea but more majesty in Pamela : 
 methought love played in Philoclea's eyes, and threatened in 
 Pamela's ; methought Philoclea's beauty only persuaded, but so 
 persuaded as all hearts must yield ; Pamela's beauty used violence, 
 and such violence as no heart could resist. And it seems that such 
 proportion is between their minds : Philoclea so bashful, as though 
 her excellencies had stolen into her before she was aware ; so 
 humble, that she will put all pride out of countenance ; in sum, 
 such proceeding as will stir hope but teach hope good manners. 
 Pamela of high thoughts who avoids not pride with not knowing 
 her excellencies, but by making that one of her excellencies to be 
 void of pride ; her mother's wisdom, greatness, nobility, but (if I 
 can guess aright) knit with a more constant temper. Now then, 
 our Basilius being so publicly happy as to be a prince, and so 
 happy in that happiness as to be a beloved prince ; and so in his 
 private estate blessed as to have so excellent a wife and so over- 
 excellent children, hath of late taken a course which yet makes 
 him more spoken of than all these blessings. For having made a 
 journey to Delphos, and safely returned, within short space, he 
 brake up his court, and retired himself, his wife and children, into 
 a certain forest hereby which he called his desert ; wherein 
 (besides an house appointed for stables and lodgings for certain 
 
14 ARCADIA [BOOK i. 
 
 persons of mean calling who do all household services) he hath 
 builded two fine lodges : in the one of them himself remains with 
 his younger daughter Philoclea (which was the cause they three 
 were matched together in this picture) without having any other 
 creature living in that lodge with him. 
 
 " Which though it be strange, yet not strange as the course he 
 hath taken with the princess Pamela whom he hath placed in the 
 other lodge : but how think you accompanied ? Truly with none 
 other but one Dametas, the most arrant doltish clown that I think 
 ever was without the privilege of a bauble, with his wife Miso and 
 daughter Mopsa, in whom no wit can devise anything wherein 
 they may pleasure her but to exercise her patience and to serve 
 for a foil of her perfections. This loutish clown is such that you 
 never saw so ill-favoured a vizor ; his behaviour such that he is 
 beyond the degree of ridiculous ; and for his apparel, even as I 
 would with him : Miso his wife so handsome a beldam, that only 
 her face and her splay-foot have made her accused for a witch ■ 
 only one good point she hath, that she observes decorum, having' 
 a forward mind in a wretched body. Between these two person- 
 ages (who never agreed in any humour, but in disagreeing) is 
 issued forth mistress Mopsa, a fit woman to participate of both 
 their perfections : but because a pleasant fellow of my acquain- 
 tance set forth her praises in verse, I will only repeat them, and 
 spare mine own tongue, since she goes for a woman. The verses 
 are these, which I have so often caused to be sung, that I have 
 them without book. 
 
 What length of verse can serve, brave Mopsa's good to show? 
 
 When virtues strange, and beauties such, as no man them may 
 know : 
 
 Thus shrewdly burden'd then^ how can my muse escape ? 
 
 The Gods must help, and precious things must serve, to shew 
 her shape, 
 
 Like great God Saturn fair, and like fair Venus chaste : 
 As smooth as Pan, as Juno mild, like Goddess Iris fac't, 
 With Cupid she forsees, and goes God Vulcan's pace : 
 And for a taste of all these gifts, she steals God Momus' grace. 
 Her forehead Jacinth-like, her cheeks of Opal hue, 
 Her twinkling eyes bedeck'd with Pearl, her lips a Sapphire blue: 
 Her hair like Crapal stone ; her mouth O heav'nly wide 1 
 Her skin like burnished gold, her hands like silver ore untry'd. 
 As for her parts unknown, which hidden sure are best : 
 Happy be they which will believe, and never seek the rest. 
 "Now truly having made these descriptions unto you, methinks 
 you should imagme that I rather feign some pleasant device than 
 recount a truth that a prince (not banished from his own wits) 
 could possibly make so unworthy a choice. But truly (dear guest) 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 15 
 
 so it is that princes (whose doings have been often smoothed with 
 good success) think nothing so absurd, which they cannot make 
 honourable. The beginning of his credit was by the prince's 
 straying out of the way, one time he hunted, where meeting this 
 fellow, and asking him the way; and so falling into other 
 questions, he found some of his answers (as a dog sure, if he could 
 speak, had wit enough to describe his kennel) not unsensible, and 
 all uttered with such rudeness, which he interpreted plainness 
 (though there be great difference between them) that Basilius, 
 conceiving a sudden delight, took him to his court, with apparent 
 show of his good opinion : where the flattering courtier had no 
 sooner taken the prince's mind, but that there were straight 
 reasons to confirm the prince's doing, and shadows of virtues 
 found for Dametas. His silence grew wit, his bluntness integrity, 
 his beastly ignorance virtuous simplicity, and the prince (according 
 to the nature of great persons, in love with what he had done 
 himself) fancied that his weakness with his presence would much 
 be mended. And so like a creature of his own making, he 
 hked him more and more ; and thus having first given him the 
 office of principal herdsman ; lastly, since he took this strange 
 determination, he hath in a manner put the life of himself and his 
 children into his hands. Which authority (like too great a sail for 
 so small a boat) doth so overway poor Dametas, that, if before he 
 was a good fool in a chamber, he might be allowed it now in a 
 comedy, so as I doubt me (I fear me indeed) my master will in the 
 end (with his cost) find that his office is not to make men, but to 
 use men as men are, no more than a horse will be taught to hunt, 
 or an ass to manage. But in sooth I am afraid I have given your 
 ears too great a surfeit with gross discourses of that heavy piece of 
 flesh. But the zealous grief I conceive to see so great an error in 
 my lord hath made me- bestow more words than I confess so base 
 a subject deserveth. 
 
 " This much now that I have told you is nothing more than in 
 effect any Arcadian knows. But what moved him to this strange 
 solitariness hath been imparted (as I think) but to one person 
 living. Myself can conjecture, and indeed more than conjecture 
 by this accident that I will tell you : I have an only son, by name 
 CUtiphon, who is now absent, preparing for his own marriage, 
 which I mean shortly shall be here celebrated. This son of mine 
 (while the prince kept his court) was of his bed-chamber : now 
 since the breaking up of thereof returned home, and showed me 
 (among other things he had gathered) the copy which he had 
 taken of a letter : which when the prince had read, he had laid in 
 a window, presuming nobody durst look in his writings : but my 
 son not only took a time to read it, but to copy it. In truth I 
 
i6 ARCADIA [BOOK i. 
 
 blamed Clitiphon for the curiosity which made him break his duty 
 in such a kind, whereby kings' secrets are subject to be revealed, 
 but since it was done, I was content to take so much profit as to 
 know it. Now here is the letter that I ever since, for my good 
 liking, have carried about me : which before I read unto you, I 
 must tell you from whom it came. It is a nobleman of his country, 
 named Philanax, appointed by the prince regent, in this time of 
 his retiring, and most worthy so to be : for, there lives no man 
 whose excellent wit more simply embraceth integrity, beside his 
 unfeigned love to his master, wherein never yet any could make 
 question, saving whether he loved Basilius, or the prince better : 
 a rare temper, while most men either servilely yield to all appetites, 
 or with an obstinate austerity looking to that they fancied good, 
 in effect neglect the prince's person. This then being the man, 
 whom of all other (and most worthy) the prince chiefly loves, it 
 should seem (for more than the letter I have not to guess by) that 
 the prince upon his return from Delphos (Philanax then lying sick) 
 had written unto him his determination, rising (as evidently 
 appears) upon some oracle he had there received : whereunto he 
 wrote this answer : 
 
 Philanax's letter to Basilius. 
 Most redoubted and beloved prince ! if as well it had pleased you 
 at your going to Delphos, as now, to have used my humble service, 
 both I should in better season^ and to better purpose have spoken ; 
 and you (if my speech had prevailed) should have been at this time, 
 as no way more in danger, so much more in quietness ? I would 
 then have said that wisdom and virtue be the only destinies appointed 
 to man to follow ; whence we ought to seek all our knowledge, since 
 they be such guides as cannot fail ; which, besides their inward 
 comfort, do lead so direct a way of proceeding, as either prosperity 
 must ensue ; or, if the wickedness of the world should oppress it, it 
 can never be said that evil happeneth to him who falls accompanied 
 with virtue : I would then have said the heavenly powers ought to 
 be reverenced and searched into, and their mercies rather by 
 prayers to be fought than their hidden counsels by curiosity. These 
 kinds of sooth-sayings (since they have left us in ourselves sufficient 
 guides) be nothing but fancy, wherein there must either be vanity, 
 or infallibleness, and so either not to be respected, or not to be pre- 
 vented. But since it is weakness too much to remember what 
 should have been done, and that your commandment stretched to 
 know what is to be done, I do (most dear Lord !) with humble bold- 
 ness say that the manner of your determination doth in no sort 
 better please me than the cause of your going. These thirty years 
 you have so governed this region, that neither your subjects have 
 wanted justice in you, nor you obedience in them ; and your 
 neighbours have found you so hurtlessly strong, that they thought it 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 17 
 
 better to rest in your friendship, than to make new trial of your 
 enmity. If this then have proceeded out of the good constitution of 
 your state, and out of a wise providence generally to prevent all 
 those things which might encumber your happiness^ why should you 
 now seek new courses, since your own example comforts you to 
 continue, and that it is to me most certain (though it please you not 
 to tell me the very words of the oracle) that yet no destiny nor 
 influence whatsoever can bring man's wit to a higher point than 
 wisdom and goodness : why should you deprive yourself of govern- 
 ment for fear of losing your gcvernmentj like one that should kill 
 himself for fear of death ? Nay, rather, if this oracle be to be 
 accounted of, arm up your courage the more against it : for who will 
 stick to him that abandons himself : let yottf subjects have you in 
 their eyes, let them see the benefits of your justica dailjf more and 
 more, and so much they needs rather like of present sureties than 
 uncertain changes. Lastly, whether your time call you to live or 
 die, do both like a prince. Now for your second resolution, which 
 is to suffer no worthy prince to be a, suitor to either of your 
 daughters, but while you live to keep them both unmarried^ and, as 
 it were, to kill the joy of posterity, which in your time you may 
 enjoy, moved perchance by a misunderstood oracle? what shall I 
 say, if the affection of a father to his own children cannot plead 
 sufficiently against such fancies ? once, certain it is, the God which 
 is God of nature doth never teach unnaturalness ; and even the same 
 mind hold I touching your banishing them from company, lest I 
 know not what strange loves should follow. Certainly, Sir, in my 
 ladies, your daughters, nature promiseth nothing but goodness, and 
 their education by your fatherly care hath been hitherto such as hath 
 been most fit to restrain all evil, giving their minds virtuous delights, 
 and not grieving them for want of well-ruled liberty. Now to fall 
 to a sudden straightening them, what can it do but argue suspicion ? 
 a thing no more unpleasant than unsure for the preserving of virtue. 
 Leave women's minds the most untamed that way of any : see 
 whether a cage can please a bird ; or whether a dog grow not 
 fiercer with tying? what doth jealousy but stir up the mind to think 
 what it is from which are restrained? for they are treasures or 
 things of great delight, which men use to hide for the aptness they 
 have to each man's fancy : and the thoughts once awaked to that, 
 harder sure it is to keep those thoughts from accomplishment than 
 had been before to have kept the mind (which being the chief part, 
 by this means is defiled) from thinking. Lastly, for the recommend- 
 ing of so principal a charge of the princess Pamela (whose mind 
 goes beyond the governing of many, thousand such) to such a person 
 as Dametas is (besides that the thing in itself is strange) it comes of 
 a very ill ground that ignorance should be the mother of faithfulness ; 
 Oh no, He cannot be good that knows not why he is good ; but stands 
 So far good as his fortune may keep him unassayed ; but cominpf 
 once to that, his rude simplicity is either easily changed, or easily 
 
 u 
 
1 8 ARCADIA [BOOK i. 
 
 deceived : and so grows that to be the last excuse of his fault, which 
 seemed to have been the foundation of his faith. Thus far hath 
 your commandment and my zeal drawn me ; which I, like a man in 
 a valley that may discern hills, or like a poor passenger that may 
 spie a rock, so humbly submit to your gracious consideration, 
 beseeching you again to stand wholly upon your own virtue, as the 
 surest way to maintain you in that you are, and to avoid any evil 
 which may be imagined. 
 
 " By the contents of this letter you may perceive, that the cause 
 of all hath been the vanity which possesseth many who (making a 
 perpetual mansion of this poor baiting-place of man's life) are 
 desirous to know the certainty of things to come, wherein there is 
 nothing so certain as our continual uncertainty. But what in 
 particular points the oracle was, in faith I know not, neither (as 
 you may see by one place of Philanax's letter) he himself distinctly 
 knew. But this experience shews us that Basihus's judgment, 
 corrupted with a prince's fortune, hath rather heard than followed 
 the wise (as I take it) counsel of Philanax. For having left the 
 stern of his government with much amazement to the people, 
 among whom many strange bruits are received for current, with 
 some appearance of danger in respect of the valiant Amphialus 
 his nephew, and much envying the ambitious number of the 
 nobihty against Philanax, to see Philanax so advanced, though (to 
 speak simply) he deserve more than as many of us as there be in 
 Arcadia : the prince himself hath hidden his head, in such sort as 
 I told you, not sticking plainly to confess that he means not (while 
 he breathes) that his daughters shall have any husband, but keep 
 them thus solitary with him : where he gives no other body leave 
 to visit him at any time but a certain priest, who being excellent 
 in poetry, he makes him write out such things as he best likes, he 
 being no less delightful in conversation than needful for devotion, 
 and about twenty specified shepherds, in whom (some for eclogues) 
 he taketh greater recreation. 
 
 "And now you know as much as myself: wherein if I have held 
 you over-long, lay hardly the fauh upon my old age, which in the 
 very disposition of it is talkative, whether it be (said he smiling) 
 that nature loves to exercise that part most, which is least decayed, 
 and that is our tongue, or, that knowledge being the only thing 
 whereof we poor old men can brag, we cannot make it known but 
 by utterance : or, that mankind by all means seeking to eternize 
 himself so much the more, as he is near his end, doth it not only 
 by the children that come of him, but by speeches and writings 
 recommended to the memory of hearers and readers. And yet 
 thus much I will say for myself, that I have not laid these 
 matters either so openly or largely to any as to yourself: so 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 19 
 
 much (if I much fail not) do I see in you which makes me both 
 love and trust you." 
 
 "Never may he be old," answered Palladius, "that doth 
 not reverence that age, whose heaviness, if it weigh down 
 the frail and fleshly balance, it as much lifts up the noble 
 and spiritual part ; and well might you have alleged another 
 reason, that their wisdom makes them willing to profit others. 
 And that have I received of you, never to be forgotten, but with 
 ungratefulness. But among many strange conceits you told me, 
 which have shewed effects in your prince, truly even the last, that 
 he should conceive such pleasure in shepherds' discourses would 
 not seem the least unto me, saving that you told me at the first 
 that this country is notable in those wits, and that indeed myself 
 having been brought not only to this place, but to my life by 
 Strephon and Claius in their conference found wits as might better 
 become such shepherds as Homer speaks of, that be governors of 
 people, than such senators who hold their council in a sheep-cote." 
 
 " For them two (said Kalander), especially Claius, they are beyond 
 the rest by so much as learning commonly doth add to nature : 
 for, having neglected their wealth in respect of their knowledge, 
 they have not so much impaired the meaner, as they bettered the 
 better. Which all notwithstanding, it is a sport to hear how they 
 impute to love which hath indued their thoughts (say they) with such 
 a strength. But certainly all the people of this country, from high to 
 low, are given to those sports of the wit, so as you would wonder to 
 hear how soon even children will begin to versify. Once, ordinary 
 it is amongst the meanest sort, to make songs and dialogues in 
 metre, either love whetting their brain, or long peace having 
 begun it, example and emulation amending it. Not so much, but 
 the clown Dametas will stumble sometimes upon some songs that 
 might become a better brain : but no sort of people are so 
 excellent in that kind as the pastors, for their living standing but 
 upon the looking to their beasts, they have ease, the nurse of 
 poetry. Neither are our shepherds such as (I hear) they be in 
 other countries, but they are the very owners of the sheep, to 
 which either themselves look, or their children give daily attend- 
 ance. And then truly, it would delight you under some tree, or 
 by some river's side (when two or three of them meet together) to 
 hear their rural muse, how prettily it will deliver out, sometimes 
 joys, sometimes lamentations, sometimes challengings one of the 
 other, sometimes under hidden forms, uttering such matters as 
 otherwise they durst not deal with. Then have they most 
 commonly one who judgeth the prize to the best doer, of which 
 they are no less glad than great princes are of triumphs : and his 
 part is to set down in writing all that is said, save that it may be 
 
20 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 his pen with more leisure doth polish the rudeness of an un- 
 thought-on song. Now the choice of all (as you may well think) 
 either for goodness of voice, or pleasantness of wit, the prince 
 hath : among whom also there are two or three strangers, who, 
 inward melanchoUes having made weary of the world's eyes, have 
 come to spend their lives among the country people of Arcadia, 
 and their conversation being well approved, the prince vouchsafeth 
 them his presence, and not only by looking on, but by great 
 courtesy and liberality animates the shepherds the more exquisitely 
 to labour for his good liking. So that there is no cause to blame 
 the prince for sometimes hearing them ; the blame-worthiness is, 
 that to hear them, he rather goes to solitariness than makes them 
 come to company. Neither do I accuse my master for advancing 
 a country-man, Dametas is, since God forbid, but where worthiness 
 is as truly it is among divers of that fellowship, any outward low- 
 ness should hinder the highest rising ; but that he would needs 
 make election of one, the baseness of whose mind is such, that it 
 sinks a thousand degrees lower than the basest body could carry 
 the most base fortune : which although it might be answered for 
 the prince, that it is rather a trust he hath in his simple plainness 
 than any great advancement, but being chief herdman ; yet all 
 honest hearts feel that the trust of their lord goes beyond all 
 advancement. But I am ever too long upon him, when he 
 crosseth the way of my speech, and by the shadow of yonder 
 tower I see it is a fitter time with our supper to pay the duties we 
 owe to our stomachs, than to break the air with my idle dis- 
 courses : and more wit I might have learned of Homer (whom 
 even now you mentioned) who never entertained either guests or 
 hosts with long speeches, till the mouth of hunger be thoroughly 
 stopped." So withal he rose, leading Palladius through the garden 
 again to the parlour where they used to sup ; Palladius assuring 
 him that he had already been more fed to his liking than he could 
 be by the skilfuUest trencher-men of Medea. 
 
 But being come to the supping-place, one of the Kalander's 
 servants rounded in his ear, at which (his colour changing) he 
 retired himself into his chamber, commanding his men diligently 
 to wait upon Palladius, and to excuse his absence with some 
 necessary business he had presently to dispatch : which they ac- 
 cordingly did, for some few days forcing themselves to let no change 
 appear: but, though they framed their countenances never so 
 cunningly, Palladius perceived there was some ill-pleasing accident 
 fallen out. Whereupon, being again set alone at supper, he 
 called to the steward, and desired him to tell him the matter of 
 his sudden alteration : who, after some trifling excuses, in the end 
 confessed unto him that his master had received news that his 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 21 
 
 son before the day of his near marriage, chanced to be at a battle 
 which was to be fought between the gentlemen of Lacedasmon and 
 the Helots ; who, winning the victory, he was there made prisoner 
 going to deliver a friend of his taken prisoner by the Helots ; that 
 the poor young gentlemen had offered great ransom for his life ; 
 but that the hate those peasants conceived against all gentlemen 
 was such that every hour he was to look for nothing but some 
 cruel death, which hitherto had only been delayed by the captain's 
 vehement dealing for him, who seemed to have a heart of more 
 manly pity than the rest. Which loss had stricken the old gentle- 
 man with such sorrow, that, as if abundance of tears did not 
 seem sufficiently to witness it, he was alone retired, tearing his 
 beard and hair, and cursing his old age, that had not made his 
 grave to stop his ears from such advertisements : but that his 
 faithful servants had written in his name to all his friends, followers, 
 and tenants (Philanax the governor refusing to deal in it as a 
 private cause, but yet giving leave to seek their best redress, so as 
 they wronged jiot the state of Lacedaemon) of whom there were 
 now gathered upon the frontiers good forces, that he was sure 
 would spend their lives by any way to redeem or revenge 
 Clitophon. " Now Sir," said he, " this is my master's nature, though 
 his grief be such, as to live is a grief unto him, and that even his 
 reason is darkened with sorrow ; yet the laws of hospitality (long 
 and holily observed by him) gave still such a sway to his proceed- 
 ing that he will no way suffer the stranger lodged under his roof to 
 receive (as it were) any infection of his anguish, especially you, 
 towards whom I know not whether his love or admiration be 
 greater." But Paladius could scarce hear out his tale with 
 patience, so was his heart torn in pieces with compassion of the 
 case, liking of Kalander's noble behaviour, kindness for his respect 
 to him-ward, and desire to find some remedy, besides the image 
 of his dearest friend Daiphantus, whom he judged to suffer 
 either alike or worse fortune. Therefore rising from the board, he 
 desired the steward to tell him particularly the ground and event 
 of this accide«it, because by knowledge of many circumstances, 
 there might perhaps some way of help be opened. Whereunto 
 the steward easily in this sort condescended. 
 
 " My Lord," said he, " when our good king Basilius, with better 
 success than expectation, took to wife (even in his more than 
 decaying years) the fair young princess Gynecia, there came with 
 her a young lord, cousin german to herself, named Argalus, led 
 hither partly with the love and honour of his noble kinswoman, 
 partly with the humour of youth, which ever thinks that good, 
 whose goodness he sees not. And in this court he received so 
 good increase of knowledge, that after some years spent, he so 
 
22 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 manifested a most virtuous mind in all his actions, that Arcadia 
 gloried such a plant was transported unto them, being a gentleman 
 indeed most rarely accomplished, excellently learned, but without all 
 vain glory : friendly without factiousness ; valiant, so as for my part 
 I think the earth hath no man that hath done more heroical acts 
 than he ; howsoever now of late the fame flies of the two princes 
 of Thessalia and Macedon, and hath long done of our noble prince 
 Amphialus, who indeed in our parts is only accounted likely to 
 match him : but I say for my part, I think no man, for valour of 
 mind, and ability of body, to be preferred, if equalled to Argalus ; 
 and yet so valiant, as he never durst do anybody injury: in 
 behaviour, some will say, ever sad, surely sober, and somewhat 
 given to musing, but never uncourteous ; his word ever led by his 
 thought, and always followed by his deed ; rather liberal than mag- 
 nificent, though the one wanted not, and the other had ever good 
 choice of the receiver ; in sum (for I perceive I shall easily take a 
 great draught of his praises, whom both I and all this country love 
 so well) such a man was (and I hope is) Argalus, as hardly the 
 nicest eye can find a spot in, if the over vehement constancy of 
 yet spotless affection may not in hard-wrested constructions be 
 counted a spot : which in this manner began that work in him, 
 which hath made both him, and itself in him, over all this country 
 famous. My master's son Clitophon (whose loss gives the cause 
 to this discourse, and yet gives me cause to begin with Argalus, 
 since his loss proceeds from Argalus) being a young gentleman as 
 of great birth (being our king's sister's son) so truly of good nature 
 and one that can see good and love it, haunted more the company 
 of this worthy Argalus, than of any other ; so as if there were not a 
 friendship (which is so rare, as it is to be doubted whether it be a 
 thing indeed, or but a word) at least there was such a liking and 
 friendliness as hath brought forth the effects which you shall hear. 
 About two years since, it so fell out that he brought him to a 
 great lady's house, sister to my master, who had with her her only 
 daughter, the fair Parthenia, fair indeed (fame, I think, itself not 
 daring to call any fairer, if it be not Helena, queen of Corinth, and 
 the two incomparable sisters of Arcadia) and that which made her 
 fairness much the fairer was, that it was but a fair ambassador of a 
 most fair mind ; full of wit, and a wit which delighted more to 
 judge itself than to shew itself: her speech being as rare, as 
 precious ; her silence without fullness ; her modesty without 
 affectation ; her shamefacedness without ignorance : in sum, one 
 that to praise well, one must first set down with himself what it is 
 to be excellent : for so she is. 
 
 " I think you think that these perfections meeting could not choose 
 but find one another, and delight in what they found ; for likeness 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 23 
 
 of manners is likely in reason to draw liking with affection ; men's 
 actions do not always cross with reason ; to be short, it did so 
 indeed. They loved, although for a while the fire thereof (hope's 
 wings being cut off) were blown by the bellows of despair upon 
 this occasion. 
 
 "There had been a good while before, and so continued, a 
 suitor to this same lady, a great noble man, though of Laconia, 
 yet near neighbour to Parthenia's mother, named Demagoras ; 
 a man mighty in riches and power, and proud thereof, stubbornly 
 stout, loving nobody but himself, and, for his own delight's sake, 
 Parthenia : and pursuing vehemently his desire, his riches had so 
 gilded over all his other imperfections that the old lady (though 
 contrary to my lord her brother's mind) had given her consent ; 
 and using a mother's authority upon her fair daughter had made 
 her yield thereunto, not because she liked her choice, but because 
 her obedient mind had not yet taken upon it to make choice. 
 And the day of their assurance drew near, when my young lord 
 Clitophon brought this noble Argalus, perchance principally to 
 see so rare a sight, as Parthenia by all well-judging eyes was 
 judged. 
 
 "But though few days were before the time of assurance 
 appointed, yet love, that saw he had a great journey to make in 
 short time, hasted so himself that before her word could tie her to 
 Demagoras, her heart hath vowed her to Argalus with so grateful a 
 receipt in mutual affection that if she desired above all things to 
 have Argalus, Argalus feared nothing but to miss Parthenia. And 
 now Parthenia had learned both liking and misliking, loving and 
 loathing, and out of passion began to take the authority of judg- 
 ment ; insomuch that when the time came that Demagoras (full of 
 proud joy) thought to receive the gift of herself ; she, with words 
 of resolute refusal (though with tears showing she was sorry she 
 must refuse) assured her mother she would first be bedded in her 
 grave than wedded to Demagoras. The change was no more 
 strange than unpleasant to the mother who being determinately 
 (lest I should say of a great lady, wilfully) bent to marry her to 
 Demagoras, tried all ways, which a witty and hard-hearted mother 
 could use upon so humble a daughter in whom the only resisting 
 power was love. But the more she assaulted, the more she taught 
 Parthenia to defend ; and the more Parthenia defended, the more 
 she made her mother obstinate in the assault : who at length 
 finding that Argalus standing between them, was it that most 
 eclipsed her affection from shining upon Demagoras, she sought 
 all means how to remove him, so much the more as he manifested 
 himself an unremovable suitor to her daughter : first by employing 
 him in as many dangerous enterprises as ever the evil step-mother 
 
24 
 
 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 Juno recommended to the famous Hercules: but the more his 
 virtue was tried, the more pure it grew, while all the things she did 
 to overthrow him, did set him up upon the height of honour; 
 enough to have moved her heart, especially to a man every way 
 so worthy as Argalus ; but the struggling against all reason, 
 because she would have her will, and shew her authority in match- 
 ing her with Demogoras, the more virtuous Argalus was the more 
 she hated him, thinking herself conquered in his conquests, and 
 therefore, still employing him in more and more dangerous 
 attempts : in the meanwhile she used all extremities possible upon 
 her fair daughter to make her give over herself to her direction. 
 But it was hard to judge whether he in doing, or she in suffering, 
 shewed greater constancy of affection : for, as to Argalus the 
 world sooner wanted occasions than he valour to go through 
 them : so to Parthenia malice sooner ceased than her unchanged 
 patience. Lastly, by treasons Demagoras and she would have 
 made away with Argalus, but he with providence and courage so 
 past over all that the mother took such a spiteful grief at it that 
 her heart brake withal, and she died. 
 
 " But then Demagoras assuring himself that now Parthenia was 
 her own she would never be his, and receiving as much by her own 
 determinate answer, not more desiring his own happiness, than envy- 
 ing Argalus, whom he saw with narrow eyes, even ready to enjoy 
 the perfection of his desires, strengthening his conceit with all the 
 mischievous counsels which disdained love and envious pride could 
 give unto him, the wicked wretch (taking a time that Argalus was 
 gone to his country to fetch some of his principal friends to honour 
 the marriage, which Parthenia had most joyfully consented unto) 
 the wicked Demagoras, I say, desiring to speak with her, with 
 unmerciful force (her weak arms in vain resisting) rubbed all over 
 her face a most horrible poison : the effect whereof was such, 
 that never leper looked more ugly than she did : which done, 
 having his men and horses ready, departed away in spite of her 
 servants, as ready to revenge as could be, in such an unexpected 
 mischief. But the abominableness of this fact being come to my 
 L. Kalander, he made such means, both by our king's intercession 
 and his own, that by the king and senate of Lacedsemon, 
 Demagoras was, upon pain of death, banished the country : who 
 hating the punishment, where he should have hated the fault, 
 joined himself, with all the power he could make, unto the Helots, 
 lately in rebellion against that state : and they (glad to have 
 a man of such authority among them) made him their general, 
 and under him have committed divers the most outrageous 
 villanies that a base multitude (full of desperate revenge) can 
 imagine. 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 25 
 
 "But within a while after this pitiful fact committed upon 
 Parthenia, Argalus returned (poor Gentleman !) having her fair 
 image in his heart, and already promising his eyes the uttermost 
 of his felicity when they (nobody else daring to tell it him) were 
 the first messengers to themselves of their own misfortune. I 
 mean not to move passion with telling you the grief of both, when 
 he knew her, for at first he did not ; nor at first knowledge could 
 possibly have virtue's aid so ready, as not even weakly to lament 
 the loss of such a jewel, so much the more, as that skilful men 
 in that art assured it was unrecoverable : but within a while, 
 truth of love (which still held the first face in his memory) 
 a virtuous constancy, and even a delight to be constant, faith 
 given, and inward worthiness shining through the foulest mists, 
 took so full hold of the noble Argalus, that not only in such 
 comfort which witty arguments may bestow upon adversity, but 
 even with the most abundant kindness that an eye-ravished lover 
 can express, he laboured both to drive the extremity of sorrow 
 from her, and to hasten the celebration of their marriage : where- 
 unto he unfeignedly shewed himself no less cheerfully earnest than 
 if she had never been disinherited of that goodly portion which 
 nature had so liberally bequeathed unto her ; and for that cause 
 deferred his intended revenge upon Demagoras, because he might 
 continually be in her presence, shewing more humble serviceable- 
 ness and joy to content her than ever before. 
 
 " But as he gave this rare example, not to be hoped for of any 
 other, but of another Argalus, so of the other side, she took as 
 strange a course in affection : for where she desired to enjoy him 
 more than to live yet did she overthrow both her own desire and 
 his, and in no sort would yield to marry him : with a strange 
 encounter of love's affects and effects ; that he by an affection 
 sprung from excessive beauty should delight in horrible foulness ; 
 and she of a vehement desire to have him should kindly build 
 a resolution never to have him ; for truth it is, that so in heart she 
 loved him, as she could not find in her heart he should be tied 
 to what was unworthy of his presence. 
 
 " Truly, Sir, a very good orator might have a fair field to use 
 eloquence in, if he did but only repeat the lamentable, and truly 
 affectionate speeches, while he conjured her by remembrance of 
 her affection, and true oaths of his own affection, not to make him 
 so unhappy, as to think he had not only lost her face, but her 
 heart ; that her face, when it was fairest, had been but a marshal 
 to lodge the love of her in his mind, which now was so well placed 
 that it needed no further help of any outward harbinger ; beseech- 
 ing her, even with tears, to know that his love was not so superficial 
 as to go no further than the skin, which yet now to him was most 
 
26 ARCADIA [BOOK i. 
 
 fair since it was hers : how could he be so ungrateful as to love 
 her the less for that which she had only received for his sake ; 
 that he never beheld it, but therein he saw the loveliness of her 
 love towards him ; protesting unto her that he would never take 
 joy of his life if he might not enjoy her, for whom principally he 
 was glad he had life. But (as I heard by one that overheard them) 
 she (wringing him by the hand) made no other answer but this. 
 ' My Lord,' said she, ' God knows I love you ; if I were princess 
 of the whole world, and had, withal, all the blessings that ever the 
 world brought forth, I should not make delay to lay myself and 
 them under your feet ; or if I had continued but as I was, though 
 (I must confess) far unworthy of you, yet would I (with too great 
 a joy for my heart now to think of) have accepted your vouchsafing 
 me to be yours, and with faith and obedience would have supplied 
 all other defects. But first let me be much more miserable than 
 I am e'er I match Argalus to such a Parthenia. Live happy, dear 
 Argalus, I give you full liberty, and I beseech you to take it ; and 
 I assure you I shall rejoice (whatsoever become of me) to see you 
 so coupled, as may be fit both for your honour and satisfaction.' 
 With that she burst out crying and weeping, not able longer to 
 to control herself from blaming her fortune, and wishing hei 
 own death. 
 
 " But Argalus, with a most heavy heart still pursuing his desire, 
 she fixed of mind to avoid further intreaty, and to fly all company 
 which (even of him) grew unpleasant unto her, one night she 
 stole away : but whither as yet it is unknown or indeed what is 
 become of her. 
 
 " Argalus sought her long, and in many places ; at length 
 (despairing to find her, and the more he despaired, the more en- 
 raged) weary of his life, but first determining to be revenged of 
 Demagoras, he went alone disguised into the chief town held by 
 the Helots, where coming into his presence, guarded about by 
 many of his soldiers, he could delay his fury no longer for 
 a fitter time, but setting upon him, in despite of a great many 
 that helped him, gave him divers mortal wounds, and himself 
 (no question) had been there presently murdered, but that 
 Demagoras himself desired he might be kept alive : perchance 
 with intention to feed his own eyes with some cruel execution to 
 be laid upon him ; but death came sooner than he looked for ; 
 yet having had leisure to appoint his successor, a young man, not 
 long before delivered out of the prison of the king of Lacedaemon, 
 where he should have suffered death for having slain the king's 
 nephew, but him he named, who at that time was absent, making 
 inroads upon the Lacedasmonians ; but being returned, the rest of 
 the Helots, for the great liking they conceived of that young man, 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 27 
 
 especially because they had none among themselves to whom the 
 others would yield, were content to follow Demagoras's appoint- 
 ment. And well hath it succeeded with them, he having since 
 done things beyond the hope of the youngest heads ; of whom 
 I speak the rather, because he hath hitherto preserved Argalus 
 alive, under pretence to have him publicly, and with exquisite 
 torments executed after the end of these wars, of which they hope 
 for a soon and prosperous issue. 
 
 " And he hath likewise hitherto kept my young lord Clitophon 
 alive, who (to redeem his friend) went with certain other noble 
 men of Laconia, and forces gathered by them, to besiege this 
 young and new successor : but he issuing out (to the wonder of all 
 men) defeated the Laconians, slew many of the noblemen, and 
 took Clitophon prisoner, whom with much ado he keepeth alive, 
 the Helots being villainously cruel ; but he tempereth them so, 
 sometimes by following their humour, sometimes by striving with 
 it, that hitherto he hath saved both their lives, but in different 
 estates ; Argalus being kept in a close and hard prison, Clitophon 
 at some liberty. And now. Sir, though (to say the truth) we can 
 promise ourselves little of their safeties while they are in the 
 Helots' hands, I have delivered all I understand touching the loss 
 of my lord's son, and the cause thereof : which though it was not 
 necessary to Clitophon's case, to be so particularly told, yet the 
 strangeness of it made me think it would not be unpleasant unto 
 you." 
 
 Palladius thanked him greatly for it, being even passionately 
 delighted with hearing so strange an accident of a knight so famous 
 over the the world as Argalus, with whom he had himself a long 
 desire to meet : so had fame poured a noble emulation in him 
 towards him. 
 
 But then (well bethinking himself) he called for armour, desiring 
 them to provide him of horse and guide, and armed all saving the 
 head, he went up to Kalander, whom he found lying upon the 
 ground, having ever since banished both sleep and food as enemies 
 to the mourning, which passion persuaded him was reasonable. 
 But Palladius raised him up, saying unto him : " No more, no 
 more of this my L. Kalander ; let us labour to find, before we 
 lament the loss : you know myself miss one, who though he be 
 not my son, I would disdain the favour of life after him : but while 
 there is a hope left, let not the weakness of sorrow make the 
 strength of it languish : take comfort, and good success will 
 follow." And with those words, comfort seemed to lighten in his 
 eyes, and in his face and gesture was painted victory. Once, 
 Kalander's spirits were so revived withal, that (receiving some 
 sustenance, and taking a little rest) he armed himself and those 
 
28 ARCADIA Tbook i. 
 
 few of his servants he had left unsent, and so himself guided 
 Palladius to the place upon the frontiers, where already there were 
 assembled between three and four thousand men, all well disposed 
 (for Kalander-s sake) to abide any peril : but like men disused 
 with a long peace, more determinate to do than skilful how to do : 
 lusty bodies, and braver armours ; with such courage as rather 
 grew of despising their enemies, whom they knew not, than of any 
 confidence for anything which in themselves they knew: but 
 neither cunning use of their weapons, nor art showed in their 
 marching or encamping. Which Palladius soon perceiving, he 
 desired to understand (as much as could be delivered unto him) 
 the estate of the Helots. 
 
 And he was answered by a man well acquainted with the affairs 
 of Laconia, that they were a kind of people who, having been of 
 old freemen and possessioners, the Lacedaemonians had conquered 
 them, and laid not only tribute, but bondage upon them, which 
 they had long borne, till of late the Lacedaemonians, through 
 greediness growing more heavy than they could bear, and through 
 contempt growing less careful how to make them bear, they had 
 with a general consent (rather springing by the generalness of 
 the cause than of any artificial practice) set themselves in arms, 
 and whetttng their courage with revenge, and grounding their 
 resolution upon despair, they had proceeded with unlooked for 
 success, having already taken divers towns and castles, with the 
 slaughter of many of the gentry : for whom no sex nor age could 
 be accepted for an excuse. And that although at the first they had 
 fought rather with beastly fury than any soldiery discipline, 
 practice had now made them comparable to the best of the 
 Lacedaemonians, and more of late than ever ; by reason, first of 
 Demagoras, a great lord, who had made himself of their party, and 
 since his death, of another captain they had gotten, who had 
 brought up their ignorance, and brought down their fury to such 
 a mean of good government, and withal led them so valorously 
 that (besides the time wherein Clitophon was taken) they had the 
 better in some other great conflicts : in such wise that the estate 
 of Lacedaemon had sent unto them, oflfering peace with most 
 reasonable and honourable conditions. Palladius having gotten 
 this general knowledge of the party against whom, as he 
 had already of the party for whom he was to fight, he went to 
 Kalander, and told him plainly that by plain force there was small 
 appearance of helping Clitophon ; but some device was to be 
 taken in hand, wherein no less discretion than valour was to 
 be used. 
 
 Whereupon, the counsel of the chief men was called, and at last 
 this way Palladius (who by some experience, but especially by 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 29 
 
 reading histories, was acquainted with stratagems) invented, and 
 was by all the rest approved, that all the men there should dress 
 themselves like the poorest sort of the people in Arcadia, having 
 no banners, but bloody shirts hanged upon long staves, with some 
 bad bag-pipes instead of drum and fife : their armour they should, 
 as well as might be, cover, or at least make them look so rustily 
 and ill-favouredly as might well become such wearers, and this the 
 whole number should do, saving two hundred of the best chosen 
 gentlemen for courage and strength, whereof Palladius himself 
 would be one, who should have their arms chained, and be put in 
 carts like prisoners. This being performed according to the 
 agreement, they marched on towards the town of Cardaraila where 
 Clitophon was captive ; and being come two hours before sunset 
 within view of the walls, the Helots already descrying their 
 number, and beginning to sound the alarm, they sent a cunning 
 fellow (so much the cunninger as that he could mask it under 
 rudeness) who with such a kind of rhetoric as weeded out all 
 flowers of rhetoric, delivered unto the Helots assembled together, 
 that they were country-people of Arcadia, no less oppressed by 
 their lords, and no less desirous of liberty than they, and therefore 
 had put themselves in the field, and had already (besides a great 
 number slain) taken nine or ten score gentlemen prisoners, whom 
 they had there well and fast chained. Now because they had no 
 strong retiring place in Arcadia, and were not yet of number 
 enough to keep the field against the prince's forces, they were 
 come to them for succour ; knowing that daily more and more 
 of their quality would flock unto them, but that in the mean- 
 time, lest their prince should pursue them, or the Lacedaemonian 
 king and nobility (for the likeness of the cause) fall upon them, 
 they desired that if there were not room enough for them in the 
 town, that yet they might encamp under the walls, and for surety 
 have their prisoners (who were such men as were able to make 
 their peace) kept within the town. 
 
 The Helots made but a short consultation, being glad that their 
 contagion had spread itself into Arcadia, and making account that 
 if the peace did not fall out between them and their king, that it 
 was the best way to set fire in the all parts of Greece ; besides 
 their greediness to have so many gentlemen in their hands, in 
 whose ransoms they already meant to have a share ; to which 
 haste of concluding, two things well helped ; the one, that their 
 captain, with the wisest of them, was at that time absent about 
 confirming or breaking the peace with the state of Lacedamon : 
 the second, that over-many good fortunes began to breed a proud 
 recklessness* in them ; therefore sending to view the camp, and 
 * ue. Carelessness. See Spencer. 
 
30 
 
 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 finding that by their speech they were Arcadians, with whom they 
 had had no war, never suspecting a private man's credit could 
 have gathered such a force, and that all other tokens witnessed 
 them to be of the lowest calling (besides the chains upon the 
 gentlemen) they granted not only leave for the prisoners, but for 
 some others of the company, and to all, that they might harbour 
 under the walls. So opened they the gates, and received in the 
 carts, which being done, and Palladius seeing fit time, he gave the 
 sign, and shaking off their chains (which were made with such art, 
 that though they seemed most strong and fast, he that wore them 
 might easily loose them) drew their swords hidden in the carts, 
 and so setting upon the ward, made them to fly either from the 
 place, or from their bodies, and so give entry to all the force of the 
 Arcadians before the Helots could make any head to resist them. 
 
 But the Helots, being men hardened against dangers, gathered 
 (as well as they could) together in the market-place, and thence 
 would have given a shrewd welcome to the Arcadians, but that 
 Palladius (blaming those that were slow, heartening them that 
 were forward, but especially with his own example leading them) 
 made such an impression into the squadron of the Helots that at 
 first the great body of them beginning to shake and stagger, at 
 length every particular body recommended the protection of his 
 life to his feet. Then Kalander cried to go to the prison where he 
 thought his son was ; but Palladius wished him (first scouring the 
 streets) to house all the Helots, and make themselves masters of 
 the gates. 
 
 But e'er that could be accomphshed,, the Helots had gotten new 
 heart, and with divers sorts of shot from corners of streets and 
 house-windows, galled them ; which courage was come unto them 
 by the return of their captain ; who, though he brought not many 
 with him (having dispersed most of his companies to other of his 
 holds) yet meeting a great number running out of the gate, not yet 
 possessed by the Arcadians, he made them turn face, and with 
 banners displayed, his trumpet giveth the loudest testimony he 
 could of his return ; which once heard, the rest of the Helots, 
 which were otherwise scattered, bent thitherward with a new life 
 of resolution, as if their captain had been a root, out of which (as 
 into branches) their courage had sprung. Then began the fight 
 to grow most sharp, and the encounters of more cruel obstinacy : 
 the Arcadians fighting to keep what they had won ; the Helots 
 to recover what they had lost ; the Arcadians as in an unknown 
 place, having no succour but in their hands ; the Helots as in their 
 own place, fighting for their lives, wives, and children. There was 
 victory and courage against revenge and despair ; safety of both 
 besides being no otherwise to be gotten, but by destruction. 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 31 
 
 At length, the left wing of the Arcadians began to lose ground ; 
 which Palladius feeling, he straight thrust himself with his choice 
 band against the throng that oppressed them with such an over- 
 flowing of valour that the captain of the Helots (whose eyes soon 
 judged of that wherewith themselves were governed) saw that he 
 alone was worth all the rest of the Arcadians : which he so 
 wondered at, that it was hard to say whether he more liked his 
 doings, or misliked the effects of his doings : but determining that 
 upon that cast the game lay, and disdaining to fight with any other, 
 fought only to join with him : which mind was no less in Palladius, 
 having easily marked that he was the first mover of all the other 
 hands. And so their thoughts meeting in one point, they consented 
 (though not agreed) to try each other's fortune : and so drawing 
 themselves to be the uttermost of the one side, they began a 
 combat, which was so much inferior to the battle in noise and 
 number, as it was surpassing it in bravery of fighing, and, as it 
 were, delightful terribleness. Their courage was guided with skill, 
 and their skill was armed with courage ; neither did their hardiness 
 darken their wit, nor their wit cool their hardiness : both valiant, 
 as men despising death, both confident, as unwonted to be over- 
 come : yet doubtful by their present feehng, and respectful by what 
 they had already seen. Their feet steady, their hands diligent, 
 their eyes watchful, and their hearts resolute. The parts either 
 not armed, or weakly armed, were well known, and according to 
 the knowledge should have been sharply visited, but that the 
 answer was as quick as the objections. Yet some lightning, the 
 smart bred rage, and the rage bred smart again : till both sides 
 beginning to wax faint, and rather desirous to die accompanied, 
 than hopeful to live victorious, the captain of the Helots with a 
 blow, whose violence grew of fury, not of strength, or of strength 
 proceeding of fury, struck Palladius upon the side of the head, that 
 he reeled astonished : and withal the helmet fell off, he remaining 
 bare-headed, but other of the Arcadians were ready to shield him 
 from any harm might rise of that nakedness. 
 
 But little needed it, for his chief enemy, instead of pursuing that 
 advantage, kneeled down, offering to deliver the pommel of his 
 sword, in token of yielding ; withal speaking aloud unto him, that 
 he thought it more liberty to be his prisoner, than any others 
 general. Palladius standing upon himself, and misdoubting some 
 craft, and the Helots that were next their captain, wavering between 
 looking for same stratagem, or fearing treason ; " What," said the 
 captain, "hath Palladius forgotten the voice of Daiphantus?" 
 
 By that watch-word Palladius knew that it was his only friend 
 Pyrocles, whom he had lost upon the sea, and therefore both most 
 full of wonder so to be met, if they had not been -fuller of joy than 
 
32 
 
 ARCADIA [BOOK 1. 
 
 wonder, caused the retreat to be sounded, Diaphantus by authority, 
 and Palladius by persuasion, to which helped well the little 
 advantage that was of either side : and that of the Helot's party, 
 their captain's behaviour had made as many amazed as saw or 
 heard of it : and of the Arcadian side the good old Kalander, 
 striving more than his old age could achieve, was newly taken 
 prisoner. But indeed the chief parter of the fray was the night, 
 which with her black arms pulled their malicious sights one from 
 the other. But he that took Kalander, meant nothing less than to 
 save him, but only so long, as the captain might learn the enemies' 
 secrets, towards whom he led the old gentleman, when he caused 
 the retreat to be sounded ; looking for no other delivery from that 
 captivity, but by the painful taking away of all pain : when whom 
 should he see next to the captain (with good tokens how valiantly 
 he had fought that day against the Arcadians) but his son 
 Clitophon ? But now the captain had caused all the principal 
 Helots to be assembled, as well to deliberate what they had to do, 
 as to receive a message from the Arcadians, among whom 
 Palladius's virtue (besides the love Kalander bare him) having 
 gotten principal authority, he had persuaded them to seek rather 
 by parley to recover the father and the son, than by the sword ; 
 since the goodness of the captain assured him that way to speed, 
 and his value (wherewith he was of old acquainted) made him 
 think any other way dangerous. This therefore was done in 
 orderly manner, giving them to understand that as they came but 
 to deliver Clitophon, so offering to leave the footing they already 
 had in the town, to go away without any farther hurt, so that they 
 might have the father and the son without ransom delivered. 
 Which conditions being heard and conceived by the Helots, 
 Diaphantus persuaded them without delay to accept them. " For 
 first," said he, " since the strife is within our own home, if you lose, 
 you lose all that in this life can be dear unto you : if you win, it 
 will be a bloody victory with no profit, but the flattering in our- 
 selves that same bad humour of revenge. Besides, it is like to stir 
 Arcadia upon us, which now, by using these persons well, may be 
 brought to some amity. Lastly, but especially, lest the king and 
 nobility of Laconia (with whom now we have made a perfect peace) 
 should hope by occasion of this quarrel to join the Arcadians with 
 them, and so break off the profitable agreement already concluded : 
 in sum, as in all deliberations (weighing the profit of the good 
 success with the harm of the evil success) you shall find this way 
 most safe and honourable." 
 
 The Helots, as much moved by his authority, as persuaded by 
 his reasons, were content therewith. Whereupon Palladius took 
 order that the Arcadians should presently march out of town, 
 
fiooK I.] ARCADIA 33 
 
 taking with them their prisoners, while the night with mutual 
 diffidence might keep them quiet, and e'er day came, they might 
 be well on their way, and so avoid those accidents which in late 
 enemies, a look, a word, or a particular man's quarrel might en- 
 gender. This being on both sides concluded on, Kalander and 
 Clitophon, who now with infinite joy did know each other, came to 
 kiss the hands and feet of Daiphantus : Clitophon telling his 
 father how Daiphantus, not without danger to himself, had pre- 
 served him from the furious malice of the Helots : and even that 
 day going to conclude the peace (lest in his absence he might 
 receive some hurt) he had taken him in his company, and given 
 him armour, upon promise he should take the part of the Helots ; 
 which he had in this fight performed, little knowing that it was 
 'against his own father ; " But," said Clitophon, "here is he, who 
 as a father, hath now begotten me, and, as a god, hath saved me 
 from many deaths which already laid hold on me : which Kalander 
 with tears of joy acknowledged, besides his own deliverance, only 
 his benefit. But Daiphantus, who loved doing well for itself and 
 not for thanks, broke off those ceremonies, desiring to know how 
 Palladius, for so he called Musidorus, was come into that company, 
 and what his present estate was ; whereof receiving a brief declara- 
 tion of Kalandar, he sent him word by CUtophon that he should 
 not as now come unto him, because he held himself not so sure 
 a master of the Helots' minds that he would adventure him in 
 their power, who was so well known with an unfriendly acquaint- 
 ance ; but that he desired him to return with Kalander, whither 
 also he within few days, having dispatched himself of the Helots 
 would repair. Kalander would needs kiss his hand again for that 
 promise, protesting he would esteem his house more blessed than, 
 a temple of the gods, if it had once received him. And then 
 desiring pardon for Argalus, Diaphantus assured them that he 
 would die but he would bring him (though till then kept in close 
 prison, indeed for his safety, the Helots being so animated against 
 him as else he could not have lived) and so taking their leave of 
 him, Kalander, Clitophon, Palladius, and the rest of the Arcadians 
 swearing that they would no further in any sort molest the Helots, 
 they straightway marched out of the town, carrying both their 
 dead and wounded bodies with them ; and by morning were 
 already within the limits of Arcadia. 
 
 The Helots of the other side shutting their gates, gave them- 
 selves to bury their dead, to cure their wounds, and rest their 
 wearied bodies ; till (the next day bestowing the cheerful use of 
 the light upon them) Daiphantus, making a general convocation 
 spake unto them in this manner : " We are first," said he, " to 
 thank the gods, that (farther than we had either cause to hope,^ 
 
 c 
 
34 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 or reason to imagine) have delivered us out of this gulf of danger, 
 wherein we were already swallowed. For all being lost (had they 
 not directed my return so just as they did), it had been too late 
 to recover that, which being had, we could not keep. And had 
 I not happened to know one of the principal men among them, 
 by which means the truce began between us, you may easily 
 conceive what little reason we have to think but that either by 
 some supply out of Arcadia, or from the nobility of this country, 
 (who would have made fruits of wisdom grow out of this occasion) 
 we should have had our power turned to ruin, our pride to repent- 
 ance and sorrow. But now, the storm as it fell, 30 it ceased : and 
 the error committed, in retaining Clitophon more hardly than his 
 age or quarrel deserved, becomes a sharply learned experience, 
 to use, in other times, more moderation. 
 
 " Now have I to deliver unto you the conclusion between the 
 kings with the nobility of Lacedssmon and you ; which is in all 
 points as ourselves desired ; as well for that you would have 
 granted, as for the assurance of what is granted. The towns and 
 forts you presently have, are still left unto you, to be kept either 
 with, or without garrison, so as you alter not the laws of the 
 country, and pay such duties as the rest of the Laconians do ; 
 yourselves are made, by public decree, freemen, and so capable 
 both to give and receive voice in election of magistrates. The 
 distinction of names between Helots and Lacedaemonians to be 
 quite taken away, and all indifferently to enjoy both names and 
 privileges of Laconians. Your children to be brought up with 
 theirs in the Spartan discipline : and so you (framing yourselves 
 to be good members of that estate) to be hereafter fellows and no 
 longer servants. 
 
 " Which conditions you see, carry in themselves no more con- 
 tention than assurance ; for this is not a peace which is made with 
 thera ; but this a piece by which you are made of them. Lastly 
 a forgetfulness decreed of all what is past, they showing themselves 
 glad to have so valiant men as you are joined with them, so that 
 you are to take minds of peace, since the cause of war is finished ; 
 and as you hated them before like oppressors, so now to love them 
 as brothers ; to take care of their estate, because it is yours ; and 
 to labour by virtuous doing, that posterity may not repent your 
 joining. But now one article only they stood upon, which in the 
 end I with your commissioners have agreed unto that I should no 
 more tarry here, mistaking perchance my humour, and thinking 
 me as seditious as I am young ; or else it is the king Amiclas 
 procuring, in respect that it was my ill hap to kill his nephew 
 Eurileon, but howsoever it be, I have condescended." "But so 
 will not we," cried almost the whole assembly, counselling one 
 
*ooK i.i ARCAt>tA $S 
 
 another rather to try the uttermost event than lose him by whom 
 they had been victorious. But he as well with general orations 
 as particular dealing with the men of most credit, made them 
 see how necessary it was to prefer such an opportunity before 
 a vain affection ; but could not prevail till openly he sware that 
 he would (if at any time the Lacedemonians brake this treaty) 
 come back again, and be their captain. 
 
 So, then, after a few days, setting them in perfect order, he took 
 his leave of them, whose eyes bade him farewell with tears, and 
 mouths with kissing the places where he stepped, and after 
 making temples unto him, as to a demi-god, thinking it beyond 
 the degree of humanity to have a wit so far over-going his age, 
 and such dreadful terror proceed from so excellent beauty. But 
 he for his sake obtained free pardon for Argalus, whom also 
 (upon oach never to bear arms against the Helots) he delivered ; 
 and taking only with him certain principal jewels of his own, he 
 would have parted alone with Argalus (whose countenance well 
 showed, while Parthenia was lost, he counted not himself delivered, 
 but that the whole multitude would needs guard hirai into Arcadia, 
 where again leaving them all to lament his departure, he by 
 enquiry got to the well-known house of Kalander. There was he 
 received with loving joy of Kalander, with joyful love of Palladius, 
 with humble, though doleful, demeanour of Argalus (whom 
 specially both he and Palladius regarded with grateful serviceable- 
 ness of Clitophon) and honourable admiration of all. For being 
 now well viewed to have no hair on the face, to witness him a man, 
 who had done acts beyond the degree of a man, and to look with 
 a certain almost bashful kind of modesty, as if he feared the eyes 
 of men, who was unmoved by the sight of the most horrible 
 countenances of death ; and as if nature had mistaken her work to 
 have a Mars's heart in a Cupid's body : all that beheld him (and 
 all that might behold him, did behold him) made their eyes quick 
 messengers to their mind, that there they had seen the uttermost 
 that in mankind might be seen. The like wonder Palladius had 
 before stirred, but that Diaphantus, as younger and newer come, 
 had gotten now the advantage in the moist and fickle impression 
 of eye-sight. But while all men, saving poor Argalus, made the 
 joy of their eyes speak for their hearts towards Daiphantus ; 
 fortune (that belike was bid to that banquet, and meant to play 
 the good-fellow) brought a pleasant adventure among them. It 
 was that as they had newly dined, there came in to Kalander 
 a messenger, that brought him word, a young noble lady, near 
 kinswoman to the fair Helen, queen of Corinth, was come thither, 
 and desired to be lodged in his house. Kalander (most glad of 
 such an occasion) went out, and all his other worthy guests with 
 
36 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 him, saving only Argalus, who remained in his chamber, desirous 
 that this company were once broken up, that he might go in his 
 solitary quest after Parthenia. But when they met this lady, 
 Kalander straight thought he saw his niece Parthenia, and was 
 about in such familiar sort to have spoken unto her, but she, in 
 grave and honourable manner, giving him to understand that he 
 was mistaken ; he, half ashamed, excused himself with the ex- 
 ceeding likeness was between them, though indeed it seemed that 
 this lady was of the more pure and dainty complexion, she said, 
 it might very well be, having been many times taken one for 
 another. But as soon as she was brought into the house, before 
 she would rest her, she desired to speak with Argalus publicly, 
 who she heard was in the house. Argalus came hastily, and as 
 hastily thought as Kalander had done, with sudden change of 
 to sorrow. But she, when she had stayed her thoughts with telling 
 them her name and quality, in this sort spake unto him. "My 
 Lord Argalus," said she, " being of late left in the court of queen 
 Helen of Corinth, as chief in her absence, she being upon some 
 occasion gone thence, there came unto me the lady Parthenia, 
 so disfigured, as I think Greece hath nothing so ugly to behold, 
 For my part, it was many days, before, with vehement oathsi 
 and some good proofs, she could make me think that she was 
 Parthenia. Yet at last finding certainly it was she, and greatly 
 pitying her misfortune, so much the more as that all men had even 
 told me, as now you do, of the great likeness between us, I took 
 the best care I could of her, and of her understood the whole 
 tragical history of her undeserved adventure : and therewithal of 
 that most noble constancy in you my lord Argalus, which whoso- 
 ever loves not, shows himself to be a hater of virtue, and unworthy 
 to live in the society of mankind. But no outward cherishing 
 could salve the inward sore of her mind ; but a few days since she 
 died ; before her death earnestly desiring, and persuading me to 
 think of no husband but of you, as of the only man in the world 
 worthy to be loved. Withal she gave me this ring to deliver you, 
 desiring you, and by the authority of love commanding you 
 that the affection you bare her, you should turn to me ; assuring 
 you, that nothing can please her soul more than to see you and 
 me matched together. Now my lord, though this office be not. 
 perchance, suitable to my estate nor sex, who should rather look 
 to be desired; yet, an extraordinary desert requires an extra- 
 ordinary proceeding, and therefore I am come, with faithful love 
 built upon your worthiness, to offer myself, and to beseech you 
 to accept the offer : and if these noble gentlemen present will 
 say it is great folly, let them withal say, it is great love." And 
 then she stayed, earnestly attending ArgaluS's answer ; who, first 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 37 
 
 making most hearty sighs, doing such obsequies as he could to 
 Parthenia, thus answered her. 
 
 " Madame," said he, " infinitely am I bound to you, for this 
 no more rare than noble courtesy ; but much bound for the 
 goodness I perceive you showed to the lady Parthenia (with that 
 the tears ran down his eyes, but he followed on) and as much as 
 so unfortunate a man, fit to be the spectacle of misery, can do you 
 a service ; determine you have made a purchase of a slave, while I 
 live, never to fail you. But this great matter you propose unto 
 me, wherein I am not so bhnd as not to see what happiness it 
 should be unto me, excellent lady, know that if my heart were 
 mine to give, you before all others should have it ; but Parthenia's 
 it is, though dead : there I began, there I end all matter of 
 affection : I hope I shall not long tarry after her, with whose 
 beauty if I only had been in love, I should be so with you, who 
 have the same beauty ; but it was Parthenia's self I loved, and 
 love, which no likeness can make one, no commandment dissolve, 
 no foulness defile, nor no death finish." "And shall I receive," 
 said she, "such disgrace as to be refused?" "Noble lady," said 
 he, " let not that hard word be used ; who know your exceeding 
 worthiness far beyond my desert? but it is only happiness I 
 refuse, since of the only happiness I could and can desire, I am 
 refused." 
 
 He had scarce spoken those words, when she ran to him 
 and embracing him, "Why then Argalus," said she, "take thy 
 Parthenia : " and Parthenia it was indeed. But because sorrow 
 forbade him too soon to beUeve, she told him the truth, with all 
 circumstances : how being parted alone, meaning to die in some 
 solitary place, as she happened to make her complaint, the queen 
 Helen of Corinth (who likewise felt her part of miseries) being 
 then walking alone in that lovely place, heard her, and never left, 
 till she had known the whole discourse. Which the noble queen 
 greatly pitying, she sent to her a physician of hers, the most 
 excellent man in the world, in hope he could help her : which in 
 such sort as they saw he had performed, and the taking with her 
 one of the queen's servants, thought yet to make this trial, whether 
 he would quickly forget his true Parthenia, or no. Her speech 
 was confirmed by the Corinthian gentlemen, who before had kept 
 her counsel, and Argalus easily persuaded to what more than ten 
 thousand years of life he desired : and Kalander would needs have 
 the marriage celebrated in his house, principally the longer to hold 
 his dear guest, towards whom he was now, besides his own habits 
 of hospitality, carried with love and duty : and therefore omitted 
 no service that his wit could invent and power minister. 
 But no way he siaw he coijld sp much pleasure them ^s by 
 
38 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 leaving the two friends alone, who being shrunk aside to the 
 banqueting-house, where the pictures were ; there Palladius 
 recounted unto him, that after they had both abandoned the 
 ■ burning ship (and either of them taking something under him, 
 the better to support him to the shore) he knew not how, but either 
 with over-labouring in the fight, and sudden cold, or the too much 
 receiving of salt-water, he was past himself: but yet holding fast, 
 as the nature of dying men is to do, the chest that was under him, 
 he was cast on the sands, where he was taken up by a couple of 
 shepherds, and by them brought to life again, and kept from 
 drowning himself, when he despaired of his safety. How after 
 having failed to take him into the fisher-boat, he had by the 
 shepherds' persuasion come to this genlleman's house ; where being 
 dangerously sick, he had yielded to seek the recovery of health, 
 only for that he might the sooner go seek the delivery of Pyrocles ; 
 to which purpose Kalander by some friends of his in Messina, had 
 already set a ship or two abroad, when this accident of Clitophon's 
 taking had so blessedly procured their meeting. Then did he set 
 forth unto him the noble entertainment and careful cherishing of 
 Kalander towards him, and so upon occasion of the pictures 
 present, delivered with the frankness of a friend's tongue, as near 
 as could be, word by word what Kalander had told him touching 
 the strange story, with all the particularities belonging, of Arcadia ; 
 which did in many sorts so delight Pyrocles to hear, that he would 
 needs have much of it again repeated, and was not contented till 
 Kalander himself had answered him divers questions. 
 
 But first at Musidorus's request, though in brief manner, his 
 mind much running upon the strange story of Arcadia, he did 
 declare by what course of adventures he was come to make up 
 their mutual happiness in meeting. "When, cousin," said he, "we 
 had stripped ourselves, and were both leaped into the sea, 
 and swam a little towards the shore, I found, by reason of some 
 wounds I had, that I should not be able to get the land, and there- 
 fore returned back again to the mast of the ship, where you found 
 me, assuring myself, that if you came alive to shore, you would 
 seek me ; if you were lost, as I thought it as good to perish as to 
 live, so that place as good to perish in as another. There I found 
 my sword among some of the shrouds, wishing, I must confess, 
 if I died, to be found with that in my hand, and withal waving it 
 about my head, that sailors by might have the better glimpse of 
 me. There you missing me, I was taken up by pirates, who 
 putting me under board prisoner, presently set upon another ship 
 and maintaining a long fight, in the end put them all to the sword. 
 Amongst whom I might hear them greatly praise one young man, 
 who fought most valiantly, who (as Jove is careful, and misfortune 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 39 
 
 subject to doubtfulness) I thought certainly to be you. And so 
 holding you as dead, from that time to the time I saw you, in truth 
 I sought nothing more than a noble end, which perchance made 
 me more hardy than otherwise I would have been. Trial whereof 
 came within two days after ; for the kings of Lacedaemon having 
 set out some gallies under the charge of one of their nephews, 
 to scour the sea of the pirates, they met with us, where our captain 
 wanting men, was driven to arm some of his prisoners, with 
 promise of liberty for well fighting ; among whom I was one ; and 
 being boarded by the admiral, it was my fortune to kill Euryleon 
 the king's nephew : but in the end they prevailed, and we were all 
 taken prisoners, I not caring much what became of me (only 
 keeping the name of Daiphantus, according to the resolution you 
 know is between us :) but being laid in the jail of Tenaria, with 
 special hate to me for the death of Euryleon, the popular sort of 
 that town conspired with the Helots, and so by night opened them 
 the gates ; where entering and killing all of the genteel and rich 
 faction, for honesty-sake brake open all prisons, and so delivered 
 me : and I, moved with gratefulness, and encouraged with careless- 
 ness of life, so behaved myself in some conflicts they had within 
 few days, that they barbarously thinking unsensible wonders of 
 me, as they heard I was hated of the king of Lacedaemon, their 
 chief captain being slain, as you know, by the noble Argalus (who 
 helped thereunto by his persuasion) having borne a great affection 
 unto me, and to avoid the dangerous emulation which grew among 
 the chief, who should have the place, and also affected, as rather 
 to have a stranger than a competitor, they elected me (God wot 
 little proud of that dignity ;) restoring unto me such things of mine 
 as being taken first by the pirates, and then by the Lacedsmonians, 
 they had gotten in the sack of the town. Now being in it, so 
 good was my success with many victories, that I made a peace 
 for them, to their own liking, the very day that you delivered 
 Clitophon, whom I, with much ado, had preserved. And in my 
 peace the king Amiclas of Lacedasmon would needs have me 
 banished, and deprived of the dignity, whereunto I was exalted : 
 which (and you may see how much you are bound to me) for your 
 sake I was content to suffer, a new hope rising in me, that you 
 were not dead : and so meaning to travel over the world to seek 
 you ; and now here, my dear Musidorus ! you have me." And with 
 that, embracing and kissing each other, they called Kalander, of 
 whom Daiphantus desired to hear the full story, which before he 
 had recounted to Palladius, and to see the letter of Philanax, which 
 he read and well marked. 
 
 But within some days after, the marriage between Argalus and 
 the fair Partbenia being to be celebrated, Daiphantus and Palladius, 
 
40 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 selling some of their jewels, furnished themselves of very fair 
 apparel, meaning to do honour to their loving host, who, as much 
 for their sakes as for the marriage, set forth each thing in most 
 gorgeous manner. But all the cost bestowed did not so much 
 enrich, nor all the fine decking so much beautify, nor all the dainty 
 devices so much delight, as the fairness of Parthenia, the pearl of 
 all the maids of Mantinasa, who as she went to the temple to be 
 married, her eyes themselves seemed a temple, wherein love and 
 beauty were married. Her lips, though they were kept close with 
 modest silence, yet with a pretty kind of natural swelling, they 
 seemed to invite the guests that looked on them ; her cheeks 
 blushing, and withal, when she was spoken unto, a httle smiling, 
 were like roses when their leaves are with a little breath stirred ; 
 her hair being laid at the full length down her back, bare she was, 
 if the voward failed, yet that would conquer. Daiphantus marking 
 her, " O Jupiter 1 (quoth he speaking to Palladius) how happens 
 it, that beauty is only confined to Arcadia?" But Palladius not 
 greatly attending his speech, some days were continued in the 
 solemnizing the marriage, with all conceits that might deliver 
 delight to men's fancies. 
 
 But such a change was grown in Daiphantus that (as if cheerful- 
 ness had been tediousness, and good entertainment were turned to 
 discourtesy) he would ever get himself alone, though almost when 
 he was in company, he was alone, so little attention he gave to any 
 that spake unto him : even the colour and figure of his face began 
 to receive some alteration, which he shewed little to heed : but 
 every morning early going abroad, either to the garden, or to some 
 woods towards the desert, it seemed his only comfort was to be 
 without a comforter. But long it could not be hid from Palladius, 
 whom true love made ready to mark, and long knowledge able to 
 mark ; and therefore being now grown weary of his abode in 
 Arcadia, having informed himself fully of the strength and riches 
 of the country, of the nature of the people, and manner of their 
 laws ; and seeing the court could not be visited, prohibited to all 
 men, but to certain shepherdish people, he greatly desired a 
 speedy return to his own country, after the many mazes of fortune 
 he had trodden. But perceiving this great alteration in his friend, 
 he thought first to break with him thereof, and then to hasten his 
 return ; whereto he found him but smally incUned : whereupon 
 one day taking him alone with certain graces and countenances, 
 as if he were disputing with the trees, began in this manner to say 
 unto him. 
 
 "A mind well trained and long exercised in virtue, my sweet 
 and worthy cousin doth not easily change any course it once 
 undertakes, but upon well-grounded and well-weighed causes ; for 
 
BOOK i-l • ARCADIA 41 
 
 being witness to itself of its own inward good, it finds nothing 
 without it of so high a price for which it should be altered. Even 
 the very countenance and behaviour of such a man doth shew 
 forth images of the same constancy, by maintaining a right 
 harmony betwixt it and the inward good, in yielding itself suitable 
 to the virtuous resolution of the mind. This speech I direct to 
 you, noble friend Pyrocles, the excellency of whose mind and well 
 chosen course in virtue, if I do not sufficiently know, having seen 
 such rare demonstrations of it, it is my weakness, and not your 
 unworthiness : but as indeed I know it, and knowing it, most 
 dearly love both it and him that hath it, so must I needs say 
 that since our late coming into this country, I have marked in you, 
 I will not say an alteration, but a relenting truly, and a slacking of 
 the main career you had so notably begun and almost performed, 
 and that in such sort, as I cannot find sufficient reason in my great 
 love toward you how to allow it : for (to leave off other secreter 
 arguments which my acquaintance with you makes me easily find) 
 this in effect to any man may be manifest, that whereas you were 
 wont in all places you came to give yourself vehemently to the 
 knowledge of those things which might better your mind, to seek 
 the familiarity of excellent men in learning and soldiery, and lastly, 
 to put all these things in practice, both by continual wise proceed- 
 ing, and worthy enterprises as occasion fell for them ; you now 
 leave all these things undone : you let your mind fall asleep : 
 beside your countenance troubled, which surely comes not of 
 virtue ; for virtue, like the clear heaven, is without clouds : and 
 lastly, you subject yourself to solitariness, the sly enemy that doth 
 most separate a man from well doing." 
 
 Pyrocles's mind was all this while so fixed upon another devotion, 
 that he no more attentively marked his friend's discourse than the 
 child that hath leave to play marks the last part of his lesson ; or 
 the diligent pilot in a dangerous tempest doth attend the unskilful 
 words of a passenger : yet the very sound having imprinted the 
 general points of his speech in his heart, pierced with any mislike 
 of so dearly an esteemed friend, and desirous by degrees to bring 
 him to a gentler consideration of him, with a shame-faced look 
 (witnessing he rather could not help, than did not know his fault) 
 answered him to this purpose : " Excellent Musidorus ! in the 
 praise you gave me in the beginning of your speech, I easily 
 acknowledge the force of your good will unto me ; for neither 
 could you have thought so well of me, if extremity of love had not 
 made your judgment partial, nor could you have loved me so 
 entirely if you had not been apt to make so great, though un- 
 deserved, judgments of me ; and even so much I say to those 
 imperfections to which, though I have ever through weakness been 
 
42 
 
 ARCADIA [BOOK I 
 
 subject, yet you by the daily mending of your mind have of lat( 
 been able to look into them, which before you could not discern 
 so that the change you speak of falls not out by my impairing, bu 
 by your bettering. And yet under the leave of your better jiidg 
 ment, I must needs say thus much (my dear cousin !) that I fine 
 not myself wholly to be condemned because I do not with con. 
 tinual vehemency follow those knowledges, which you call the 
 bettering of my mind ; for both the mind itself must, like othei 
 things, sometimes be unbent, or else it will be either weakened, oi 
 broken, and these knowledges, as they are of good use, so are 
 they not all the mind may stretch itself unto : who knows whethei 
 I feed not my mind with higher thoughts ? Truly, as I know not al 
 the particularities, so yet I see the bounds of all these knowledges 
 but the workings of the mind I find much more infinite than car 
 be led unto by the eye, or imagined by any that distract theii 
 thoughts without themselves. And in such contemplation, or, as 
 I think, more excellent, I enjoy my solitariness, and my solitariness 
 perchance is the nurse of these contemplations. Eagles we see 
 fly alone, and they are but sheep which always herd together 
 condemn not therefore my mind sometimes to enjoy itself; noi 
 blame not the taking of such times as serve most fit for it. Anc 
 alas, dear Musidorus ! if I be sad who knows better than you the 
 just causes I have of sadness?" And here Pyrocles suddenly 
 stopped, like a man unsatisfied in himself, though his wit mighl 
 well have served to have satisfied another. And so looking with s 
 countenance as though he desired he should know his mind 
 without hearing him speak, and yet desirous to speak, to breathe 
 out some part of his inward evil, sending again new blood to his 
 face, he continued his speech in this manner: "And lord, deal 
 cousin," said he, " doth not the pleasantness of this place carry ir 
 itself sufficient reward for any' time lost in it? do you not see how 
 all things conspire together to make this country a heavenly 
 dwelling ? do you not see the grass, how in colour they excel the 
 emeralds, every one striving to pass his fellow, and yet they are 
 all kept of an equal height? and see you not the rest of these 
 beautiful flowers, each of which would require a man's wit to know, 
 and his life to express ? do not these stately trees seem to maintair 
 their flourishing old age with the only happiness of their seat 
 being clothed with a continual spring, because no beauty here 
 should ever fade ? doth not the air breathe health, which the birds 
 deUghtful both to ear and eye, do daily solemnize with the swee 
 consent of their voices? is not every echo thereof a perfect music 
 And these fresh and delightful brooks how slowly they slide away 
 as loth to leave the company of so many things united in perfec 
 ion? and with how sweet a murmur they lament their forcec 
 
BOOK 1.] ARCADIA 43 
 
 departure ? certainly, certainly, cousin, it must needs be that some 
 goddess inhabiteth this region, who is the soul of this soil : for 
 neither is any less than a goddess worthy to be shrined in such a 
 heap of pleasures, nor any less than a goddess could have made it 
 so perfect a plat of the celestial dwellings." And so ended with a 
 deep sigh, ruefully* casting his eyes upon Musidorus, as more 
 desirous of pity than pleading. But Musidorus had all this while 
 held his look fixed upon Pyrocles's countenance ; and with no less 
 loving attention marked how his words proceeded from him : but 
 in both these he perceived such strange diversities, that they 
 rather increased new doubts than gave him ground to settle any 
 judgment : for besides his eyes sometimes even great with tears, 
 the oft changing of his colour, with a kind of shaking unsteadiness 
 over all his body, he might see in his countenance some great 
 determination mixed with fear ; and might perceive in him store 
 of thoughts, rather stirred than digested ; his words interrupted 
 continually with sighs, which served as a burden to each sentence, 
 and the tenour of his speech, though of his wanted phrase, not 
 knit together to one constant end, but rather dissolved in itself, as 
 the vehemency of the inward passion prevailed : which made 
 Musidorus frame his answer nearest to that humour, which should 
 soonest put out the secret. For having in the beginning of 
 Pyrocles's speech, which defended his solitariness, framed in his 
 mind a reply against it in the praise of honourable action, in 
 showing that such a kind of contemplation is but a glorious title 
 to idleness ; that in action a man did not only better himself, but 
 benefit others ; that the gods would not have delivered a soul into 
 the body which had arms and legs, only instruments of doing, but 
 that it were intended the mind should employ them, and that the 
 mind should best know his own good or evil by practice ; which 
 knowledge was the only way to increase the one, and correct the 
 other ; besides many other arguments, which the plentifulness of 
 the matter yielded to the sharpness of his wit. When he found 
 Pyrocles leave that, and fall into such an affected praising of the 
 place, he left it likewise, and joined with him therein : because he 
 found him in that humour utter more store of passion ; and even 
 thus kindly embracing him, he said, " Your words are such, noble 
 cousin, so sweetly and strongly handled in the praise of solitariness, 
 as they would make me likewise yield myself up into it, but that 
 the same words make me know it is more pleasant to enjoy the 
 company of him that can speak such words than by such words to 
 be persuaded to follow solitariness. And even so do I give you 
 leave, sweet Pyrocles, ever to defend solitariness, so long as to 
 defend it, you ever keep company. But I marvel at the excessive 
 
 • WoefuUy 
 
44 
 
 ARCADIA [^oo'f 
 
 praises you give to this country ; in truth it is not unpleasant, bi 
 yet if you would return into Macedon you should either see man 
 heavens, or find this no more than earthly. And even Tempe i 
 my Thessalia (where you and I, to my great happmess, wer 
 brought up together) is nothing inferior unto it. But I think yo 
 will make me see that the vigour of your wit can show itself i 
 any subject : or else you feed sometimes your solitariness with th 
 conceits of the poets, whose liberal pens can as easily travel ove 
 mountains as molehills, and so like well-disposed men, set u 
 everything to the highest note ; especially, when they put sue 
 words in the mouths of one of these fantastical, mind-infect© 
 people, that children and musicians call 'Lovers.'" This won 
 " Lover," did no less pierce poor Pyrodes, than the right tune c 
 music toucheth him that is sick of the Tarantula.* There was no 
 one part of his body that did not feel a sudden motion, while hi 
 heart with panting seemed to dance to the sound of that word ; ye 
 after some pause (lifting up his eyes a Uttle from the ground, am 
 yet not daring to place them in the eyes of Musidorus) armed witl 
 the very countenance of the poor prisoner at the bar, whose answe 
 is nothing but guilty: with much ado he brought forth thi 
 question. " And alas," said he, " dear cousin, what if I be not s 
 much the poet (the freedom of whose pen can exercise itself in an 
 thing) as even that miserable subject of his cunning whereof yo 
 speak?" "Now the eternal gods forbid," mainly cried on 
 Musidorus, " that ever my ear should be poisoned with so ev 
 news of you. O let me never know that any base affection shoul 
 get any lordship in your thoughts." But as he was speakin, 
 more, Kalander came and brake off their discourse with invitin 
 them to the hunting of a goodly stag, which being harboured in 
 wood thereby, he hoped would make them good sport, and driv 
 away some part of Daiphantus's melancholy. They condescende( 
 and so going to their lodgings, furnished themselves as liked then 
 biaphantus writing a few words which he sealed in a letter again; 
 their return. 
 
 Then went they together abroad, the good Kalander entertainin 
 them with pleasant discoursing, how well he loved the sport ( 
 hunting when he was a young man, how much, in the compariso 
 thereof, he disdained all chamber-delights, that the fun (how grei 
 a journey soever he had to make) could never prevent him wit 
 earliness, nor the moon, with her sober countenance, dissuade hii 
 from watching till midnight for the deer feeding. " O," said hi 
 "you will never live to my age, without you keep yourselves i 
 breath with exercise, and in heart with joyfulness. Too muc 
 
 * A venomous Spider (so called from Tarento a city of Naples) whose bite is of sui 
 ,a nature, that it is to be cured only by music. 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 45 
 
 thinking doth consume the spirits, and oft it falls out that while 
 one thinks too much of his doing, he leaves to do the effect of 
 his thinking." Then spared he not to remember how much 
 Arcadia was changed since his youth : activity and good fellowship 
 being nothing in the price it was then held in ; but, according 
 to the nature of the old growing world, still worse and worse. 
 Then would he tell them stories of such gallants as he had known : 
 and so with pleasant company beguiled the time's haste, and 
 shortenened the way's length, till they came to the side of the 
 wood, where the hounds were in couples staying their coming, but 
 with a whining accent craving liberty, many of them in colour and 
 marks so resembling, that it shewed they were of one kind. The 
 huntsmen handsomely attired in their green liveries as though 
 they were children of summer, with staves in their hands to beat 
 the guiltless earth when the hounds were at a fault, and with horns 
 about their necks to sound an alarm upon a silly fugitive : the 
 hounds were straight uncoupled, and e'er long the stag thought 
 it better to trust to the nimbleness of his feet than to the slender 
 fortification of his lodging : but even his feet betrayed him, for 
 howsoever they went, they themselves uttered themselves to the 
 scent of their enemies, who one taking it of another, and sometimes 
 believing the wind's advertisement, sometimes the view of their 
 faithful counsellors, the huntsmen, with open mouths then 
 denounced war, when the war was already begun ; their cry being 
 composed of so well sorted mouths, that any man would perceive 
 therein some kind of proportion, but the skilful woodmen did find 
 a music. Then delight, and variety of opinion, drew the horsemen 
 sundry ways, yet cheering their hounds with voice and horn, kept 
 still, as it were, together. The wood seemed to conspire with them 
 against his own citizens, dispersing their noise through all his 
 quarters, and even the nymph Echo left to bewail the loss of 
 Narcissus, and become a hunter. But the stag was in the end 
 so hotly pursued that, leaving his flight, he was driven to make 
 courage of despair, and so, turning his head, made the hounds, 
 with change of speech, to testify that he was at a bay, as if from 
 hot pursuit of their enemy, they were suddenly come to a parley. 
 
 But Kalander, by his skill of coasting the country, was amongst 
 the first that came into the besieged deer ; whom when some of 
 the younger sort would have killed with their swords, he would not 
 suffer, but with a cross-bow sent a [death to the poor beast, who 
 with tears showed the unkindness he took of man's cruelty. 
 
 But by the time that the whole company was assembled, and 
 that the stag had bestowed himself liberally among them that had 
 killed him, Daiphantus was missed, for whom Palladius carefully 
 inquiring, no news could be given him, but by one that said he 
 
4(5 ARCADIA [book i, 
 
 thought he was returned home ; for that he marked him in the 
 chief of the hunting, take a bye- way which might lead to Kalander": 
 house. That answer for the time satisfying, and they having 
 performed all duties, as well for the stag's funeral as the hounds 
 triumph, they returned ; some talking of the fatness of the deer's 
 body ; some of the fairness of his head ; some of the hounds 
 cunning ; some of their speed, and some of their cry ; till coming 
 home, about the time that the candles begin to inherit the sun's 
 office, they found Daiphantus was not to be found. Whereal 
 Palladius greatly marvelling, and a day or two passing, while 
 neither search nor inquiry could help him to knowledge, at lasl 
 he lighted upon the letter which Pyroclus had written before he 
 went a hunting, and left in his study among other of his writings : 
 The letter was directed to Palladius himself, and contained these 
 words : 
 
 My only friend ! violence of love leads me into such a coursej 
 whereof your knowledge may much more vex you, than help me. 
 Therefore pardon my concealing it from you, since, if I wrong you, 
 it is in the respect I bear you. Return into Thessalia, I pray you, 
 as full of good fortune as I am of desire j and if I live, I will in a 
 short time follow you ; if I die, love ray memory. 
 
 This was all, and this Palladius read twice or thrice over, 
 " Ah," said he, " Pyrocles what means this alteration ? what have 
 I deserved of thee to be thus banished of thy counsels ? Hereto- 
 fore I have accused the sea, condemned the pirates, and hated 
 my evil fortune that deprived me of thee ; but now thyself is the 
 sea which drowns my comfort ; thyself is the pirate that robs thy- 
 self from me ; thy own will becomes thy evil fortune." Then turned 
 he his thoughts to all forms of guesses that might light upon the 
 purpose and course of Pyrocles, for he was not so sure by his words 
 that it was love, as he was doubtful where the love was. One time 
 he thought some beauty in Laconia had laid hold of his eyes 
 another time he feared that it might be Parthenia's excellencj 
 which had broken the bands of all former resolution ; but the more 
 he thought the more he knew not what to think, armies of objections 
 rising against any accepted opinion. 
 
 Then as careful he was what to do himself: at length determined 
 never to leave seeking him till his search should be either bj 
 meeting accomplished, or by death ended. Therefore (for all the 
 unkindness bearing tender respect that his friend's secret deter- 
 mination should be kept from any suspicion in others) he went te 
 Kalander, and told him that he had received a message from his 
 friend, by which he understood he was gone back again intc 
 Laconia about some matters greatly importing the poor men 
 whose protection he had undertaken, and that it was in any sort 
 
BOOK t.] ARCADIA 47 
 
 fit for him to follow him, but in such private wise, as not to be 
 -known, and that therefore he would as then bid him farewell ; 
 arming himself in a black armour, as either a badge, or prognosti- 
 cation of his mind, and taking only with him a good store of 
 money and a few choice jewels, leaving the greatest number of 
 them, and most of his apparel with Kalander, which he did partly 
 to give the more cause to Kalander to expect their return, and so to 
 be the less curiously inquisive after them — and partly to leave those 
 honourable thanks unto him for his charge and kindness, which he 
 knew he would not other way receive. The good old man having 
 neither reason to dissuade^ nor hope to persuade, received the 
 things with mind of a keeper, not of an owner ; but, before he 
 went, desired he might have the happiness fully to know what they 
 were, which, he said, he had ever till then delayed, fearing to be 
 importune : but now he would not be so much an enemy to his 
 desires as any longer to imprison them in silence. Palladius told 
 him that the matter was not so secret but that so worthy a friend 
 deserved the knowledge, and should have it as soon as he might 
 speak with his friend, without whose consent (because their promise 
 bound him otherwise) he could not reveal it ; but bade him hold 
 for most assured that if they lived but a while he should find that 
 they which bore the names of Diaphantus and Palladius would 
 give him and his cause to think his noble courtesy well employed. 
 Kalander would press him no farther, but desiring that he might 
 have leave to go, or at least to send his son and servants with him : 
 Palladius brake off all ceremonies by telling him his case stood so 
 that his greatest favour should be in making least ado of his 
 parting. Wherewith Kalander knowing it to be more cumber than 
 courtesy to strive, abstained from farther urging him, but not from 
 hearty mourning the loss of so sweet a conversation. 
 
 Only Clitophon by vehement importunity obtained to go with 
 him to come again to Diaphantus, whom he named and accounted 
 his lord. And in such private guise departed Palladius, though 
 having a companion to talk withal, yet talking much more with 
 unkindness. And first they went to Mantinaea ; whereof because 
 Parthenia was, he suspected there might be some cause of his 
 abode. But, finding there no news of him, he went to Tegea, 
 Ripa, Enispse, Stimphalus, and Phineus, famous for the poisonous 
 Stygian water, and through all the rest of Arcadia, making their 
 eyes, their ears, and their tongues serve almost for nothing but 
 that inquiry. But they could know nothing but that in none of 
 those places he was known. And so went they, making one 
 place succeed to another in like uncertainty to their search, many 
 times encountering strange adventures worthy to be registered in 
 the rolls of fame : but this may not be omitted. As tliey passed 
 
48 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 in a pleasant valley (on either side of which high hills lifted up 
 their beetle-brows, as if they would overlook the pleasantness of 
 their under-prospect) they were by the daintiness of the place, and 
 the weariness of themselves, invited to light from their horses, and 
 pulled off their bits that they might something refresh their mouths 
 upon the grass (which plentifully grew, brought up under the care 
 of those well-shading trees), they themselves laid them down hard 
 by the murmuring music of certain waters which spouted out of 
 the side of the hills, and in the bottom of the valley made of many 
 springs a pretty brook, like a commonwealth of many families ; 
 but when they had a while hearkened to the persuasion of sleep, 
 they rose and walked onward in that shady place till Clitophon 
 espied a piece of armour, and not far off another piece ; and so the 
 sight of one piece teaching him to look for more, he at length 
 found all, with head-piece and shield, by the device whereof (which 
 was ****♦*♦), he straight knew it to be the armour 
 of his cousin, the noble Amphialus. Whereupon (fearing some 
 inconvenience happened unto him) he told both his doubt and 
 cause of doubt to Palladius, who, -considering thereof, thought 
 best to make no longer stay, but to follow on, lest perchance 
 some violence were offered to so worthy a knight, whom the fame 
 of the world seemed to set in balance with any knight living. Yet 
 with a sudden conceit, having long borne great honour to the name 
 of Amphialus, Palladius thought best to take that armour, thinking 
 thereby to learn by them that should know that armour some news 
 of Amphialus, and yet not hinder him in the search of Diaphantus 
 too. So he, by the help of Clitophon, quickly put on that armour, 
 whereof there was no one piece wanting, though hacked in some 
 places, betraying some fighting not long since passed. It was 
 something too great, but yet served well enough. And so, getting 
 on their horses, they travelled but a little way when in the opening 
 of the mouth of the valley into a fair field they met with a coach 
 drawn with four milk-white horses, furnished all in black with a 
 black-a-moor boy upon every horse, they all apparelled in white, 
 the coach itself very richly furnished in black and white. But 
 before they could come so near as to discern what was within, 
 there came running upon them above a dozen horsemen, who cried 
 to them to yield themselves prisoners or else they should die. But 
 Palladius, not accustomed to grant over the possession of himself 
 upon so unjust titles, with sword drawn gave them so rude an 
 answer that divers of them never had breath to reply again : for, 
 being well backed by Clitophon, and having an excellent horse 
 under him, when he was overpressed by some he avoided them, 
 and e'er the other thought of it, punished in him his fellow's faults, 
 and so either with cunning or with force, or rather with a cunning 
 
BOOK 1.] ARCADIA 49 
 
 force, left none of them either living or able to make his life serve 
 to others hurt. Which being done, he approached the coach, 
 assuring the black boys they should have no hurt, who were else 
 ready to have run away ; and looking in the coach, he found in the 
 one end a lady of great beauty, and such a beauty as showed forth 
 the beams both of wisdom and good nature, but all as much 
 darkened as might be, with sorrow. In the other, two ladies (who 
 by their demeanour showed well they were but her servants) hold- 
 ing before them a picture in which was a goodly gentleman whom 
 he knew not, painted, having in their faces a certain waiting 
 sorrow, their eyes being infected with their mistress's weeping. 
 But the chief lady having not so much as once heard the noise of 
 this conflict (so had sorrow closed up all the entries of her mind, 
 and love tied her senses to that beloved picture), now the shadow 
 of him falling upon the picture made her cast up her eye, and 
 seeing the armour which too well she knew, thinking him to be 
 Amphiaius, the lord of her desires (blood coming more freely into 
 her cheeks, as though it would be bold, and yet there growing new 
 again pale for fear) with a pitiful look, like one unjustly con- 
 demned. "My Lord Amphiaius," said she, "you have enough 
 punished me ; it is time for cruelty to leave you, and evil fortune 
 me ; if not, I pray you (and to grant my prayer fitter time nor 
 place you cannot have) accomplish the one even now, and finish 
 the other." With that, sorrow inipatient to be slowly uttered in 
 her often staying speeches, poured itself so fast into tears, that 
 Palladius could not hold her longer in error, but pulling off his 
 helmet, " Madam," said he, " I perceive you mistake me ; I am a 
 stranger in these parts, set upon without any cause given by me by 
 some of your servants, whom, because I have in my just defence evil 
 intreated, I came to make my excuse to you, whom seeing such as 
 I do, I find greater cause why I should crave pardon of you." 
 When she saw his face and heard his speech she looked out of the 
 coach, and seeing her men, some slain, some lying under their 
 dead horses and striving to get from under them, without making 
 more account of the matter ; " Truly," said she, " they are well served 
 that durst lift up their arms against that armour. But, Sir Knight," 
 said she, " I pray you tell me, how came you by this armour ? for 
 if it be by the death of him that owned it, then have I more to say 
 unto you." Palladius assured her it was not so, telling her the 
 true manner how he found it. " It is like enough," said she, "for 
 that agrees with the manner he hath lately used. But I beseech 
 you, Sir," said she, "since your prowess hath bereft me of my 
 company, let it yet so far heal the wounds itself hath given as to 
 guard me to the next town." " How great soever my business be, 
 fair lady," said he, " it shall willingly yield to so noble a, cause : 
 
 P 
 
50 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 but first, even by the favour you bear to the lord of this noble 
 armour, I conjure you to tell me the story of your fortune herein, 
 lest, hereafter, when the image of so excellent a lady in so strange 
 a plight come before mine eyes, I condemn myself of want of con- 
 sideration in not having demanded thus much. Neither ask I it 
 without protestation that wherein my sword and faith may avail you 
 they shall bind themselves to your service." " Your conjuration, fair 
 knight," said she, " is too strong for my poor spirit to disobey, and 
 that shall make me (without any other hope, my ruin being but by 
 one unrehevable) to grant your will herein, and to say the truth, a 
 strange niceness were it in me to refrain that from the ears of a 
 person representing so much worthiness, which I am glad even to 
 rocks and woods to utter. Know you then that my name is Helen, 
 queen by birth, and hitherto possessed of the fair city and territory 
 of Corinth. I can say no more of myself but that I am beloved of 
 my people, and may justly say beloved, since they are content to 
 bear with my absence and folly. But I being left by my father's 
 death, and accepted by my people in the highest degree that 
 country could receive ; as soon, or rather, before that my age was 
 ripe for it, my court quickly swarmed full of suitors : some, per- 
 chance, loving my estate, others my person ; but once, I know all 
 of them, however my possessions were in their heart, my beauty, 
 such as it is, was in their mouths, many strangers of princely and 
 noble blood, and all of mine own country, to whom either birth or 
 virtue gave courage to avow so high a desire. 
 
 " Among the rest, or rather, before the rest, was the lord Phil- 
 oxenus, son and heir to the virtuous nobleman, Timotheus, which 
 Timotheus was a man both in power, riches, parentage, and, which 
 passed all these, goodness ; and, which followed all these, love of 
 the people, beyond any of the great men of my country. Now, 
 this son of his, I must say truly, not unworthy of such a father, bend- 
 ing himself by all means of serviceableness to me, and setting forth 
 of himself to win my favour, won thus far of me that in truth I less 
 misliked him than any of the rest, which, in some proportion, my 
 countenance delivered unto him. Though, I must confess, it was 
 a very false ambassador if it delivered at all any affection whereof 
 my heart was utterly void, I as then esteeming myself born to rule, 
 and thinking foul scorn willingly to submit myself to be ruled. 
 
 "But while Philoxenus in good sort pursued my favour, and 
 perchance nourished himself with overmuch hope, because he 
 found I did in some sort acknowledge his virtue ; one time among 
 the rest he brought with him a dear friend of his." With that she 
 looked upon the picture before her, and straight sighed, and 
 straight tears flowed, as if the idol of duty ought to be honoured 
 with such oblations ; and then her speech stayed the tale, having 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA SI 
 
 brought her to that look, but that look having quite put her out of 
 her tale. 
 
 But Palladius greatly pitying so sweet a sorrow in a lady, whom 
 by fame he had already known and honoured, besought for her 
 promise sake to put silence so long unto her moaning till she had 
 recounted the rest of this story. "Why," said she, "this is the 
 picture of Amphialus : what need I say more unto you ? What 
 ear is so barbarous but hath heard of Amphialus ? Who follows 
 deeds of arms, but everywhere finds monuments of Amphialus ? 
 Who is courteous, noble, liberal, but he hath the example before his 
 eyes of Amphialus ? Where are all hereoic parts but in Amphi- 
 alus ? O Amphalius, I would thou wert not so excellent, 
 or I would I thought thee not so excellent, and yet would 
 I not that I would so." With that she wept again ; till he 
 again soliciting the conclusion of her story : " Then you must," 
 said she, "know the story of Amphialus, for his will is my life, 
 his life my history : and indeed in what can I better employ my 
 lips than in speaking of Amphialus. 
 
 " This knight, then, whose figure you see, but whose mind can 
 be painted by nothing but by their true shape of virtue, is brother's 
 son to Basilius, King of Arcadia, and in his childhood esteemed 
 his heir, till Basilius, in his old years, marrying a young and fair 
 lady, had of her those two daughters, so famous for their perfection 
 in beauty, which put by their young cousin from that expectation. 
 Whereupon his mother (a woman of an haughty heart, being 
 daughter to the King of Argos) either disdaining or fearing that 
 her son should live under the power of Basilius, sent him to that 
 lord Timotheus (between whom and her dead husband there had 
 passed straight bands of mutual hospitality) to be brought up in 
 company with his son Philoxenus. 
 
 " A happy resolution for Amphialus, whose excellent nature was 
 by this means trained on with as good education as any prince's 
 son in the world could have, which otherwise it is thought his 
 mother, far unworthy of such a son, would not have given him : 
 the good Timotheus no less loving him than his own son. Well, 
 they grew in years, and shortly occasions fell aptly to try 
 Amphialus, and all occasions were but steps for him to climb fame 
 by. Nothing was so hard but his valour overcame ; which yet 
 still he so guided with true virtue that although no man was in our 
 parts spoken of but he for his manhood, yet, as though therein he 
 excelled himself, he was commonly called the courteous Amphialus. 
 An endless thing it were for me to tell how many adventures, 
 terrible to be spoken of, he achieved, what monsters, what giants, 
 what conquests of countries, sometimes using policy, sometimes 
 force, but always virtue well followed, and but followed by 
 
52 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 Philoxenus, between whom and him so fast a friendship by educa- 
 tion was knit that at last Philoxenus having no greater matter to 
 employ his friendship in than to win me, therein desired, and had 
 his uttermost furtherance : to that purpose brought he him to my 
 court, where truly I may justly witness with him that what his wit 
 could conceive (and his wit can conceive as far as the limits of 
 reason stretch) was all directed to the setting forward the suit of 
 his friend Philoxenus : mine ears could hear nothing from him but 
 touching the worthiness of Philoxenus, and of the great happiness 
 it would be unto me to have such a husband ; with many 
 arguments, which God knows I cannot well remember, because I 
 did not much believe. For why should I use many circumstances 
 to come to that where already I am, and ever while I live must 
 continue ? in few words, while he pleaded for another, he won me 
 for himself : if at least," with that she sighed, " he would account 
 it a winning, for his fame had so framed the way to my mind that 
 his presence, so full of beauty, sweetness and noble conversation, 
 had entered there before he vouchsafed to call for the keys. O 
 lord, how did my soul hang at his lips while he spake ! O when 
 he in feeling manner would describe the love of his friend, how 
 well, thought I, doth love between those lips ! when he would with 
 daintiest eloquence stir pity in me toward Philoxenus, 'Why 
 sure,' said I to myself, ' Helen, be not afraid, this heart cannot 
 want pity : ' and when he would extol the deeds of Philoxenus, 
 who indeed had but waited of him therein, alas, thought I, good 
 Philoxenus, how evil doth it become thy name to be subscribed to 
 his letter ? what should I say ? nay, what should I not say (noble 
 knight ! who am not ashamed, nay am delighted, thus to express 
 my own passions ? 
 
 "Days past, his eagerness for his friend never decreased, my 
 affection to him ever increased. At length, in way of ordinary 
 courtesy, I obtained of him, who suspected no such matter, this 
 his picture, the only Amphialus, I fear, that I shall ever enjoy ; and 
 grown bolder, or madder, or bold with madness, I discovered my 
 affection unto him. But lord, I shall never forget how anger and 
 courtesy at one instant appeared in his eyes when he heard that 
 motion ; how with his blush he taught me shame. In sum, he left 
 nothing unassayed which might disgrace himself to grace his 
 friend, in sweet terms making me receive a most resolute refiisal of 
 himself. But when he found that his presence did far more 
 persuade for himself than his speech could do for his friend, he left 
 my court, hoping that forgetfulness, which commonly waits upon 
 absence, would make room for his friend, to whom he would not 
 utter thus much, I think, for a kind fear not to grieve him, or 
 perchance, though he c^res little for me, of a certain hopourabje 
 
»ooK I.] ARCAbiA 5^ 
 
 gratefulness, not yet to discover so much of my secrets : but, as it 
 should seem, meant to travel into far countries, until his friend's 
 affection either ceased or prevailed. But within a while, Philoxenus 
 came to see how onward the fruits were of his friend's labour, when 
 (as in truth I cared not much how he took it) he found me sitting, 
 beholding this picture, I know not with how affectionate counten- 
 ance, but I am sure with a most affectionate mind. I straight 
 found jealousy and disdain took hold of him, and yet the froward 
 pain of mine own heart made me so delight to punish him whom I 
 esteemed to be the chiefest let in my way ; that when he with 
 humble gesture, and vehement speeches sued for my favour, I told 
 him that I would hear him more willingly if he would speak for 
 Amphialus as well as Amphialus had done for him : he never 
 answered me, but pale and quaking, went straight away ; and 
 straight my heart misgave me some evil success : and yet, though 
 I had authority enough to have stayed him (as in these fatal things 
 it falls out that the high working powers make second causes 
 unwittingly accessory to their determinations) I did no farther, but 
 sent a footman of mine (whose faithfulness to me I well knew) 
 from place to place to follow him and bring me word of his 
 proceedings, which (alas !) have brought forth that which I fear I 
 must ever rue. 
 
 " For he had travelled scarce a day's journey out of my country, 
 but that, not far from this place, he overtook Amphialus, who, by 
 succouring a distressed lady, had been here stayed, and by and by 
 called him to fight with him, protesting that one of them two should 
 die. You may easily judge how strange it was to Amphialus, 
 whose heart could accuse itself of no fault but too much affection 
 toward him, which he, refusing to fight with him, would fain have 
 made Philoxenus understand, but, as my servant since told me, the 
 more Amphialus went back, the more he followed, calling him 
 traitor and coward, yet never telling the cause of this strange 
 alteration. 'Ah Philoxenus,' said Amphialus, 'I know I am no 
 traitor, and thou well knowest I am no coward : but I pi'ay thee 
 content thyself with this much, and let this satisfy thee that I love 
 thee, since I bear thus much of thee.' But he, leaving words, 
 drew his sword and gave Amphialus a great blow or two, which, 
 but for the goodness of his armour, would have slain him : and yet 
 so far did Amphialus contain himself, stepping aside, and saying 
 to him, ' Well, Philoxenus, and thus much villiany am I content 
 to put up, not any longer for thy sake (whom I have no cause to 
 love since thou dost injure me, and wilt not tell me the cause) but 
 for thy virtuous father's sake to whom I am so much bound, I pray 
 thee go away, and conquer thy own passions and thou shalt make 
 me soon yield to be thy servant.' But he would not attend to his 
 
^,, AkCAt)IA tBooK i. 
 
 words, but still struck so fiercely at Amphialus that in the end 
 (nature prevailing above determination) he was fain to defend 
 himself, and withal so to offend him that by an unlucky blow the 
 poor Philoxenus fell dead at his feet, having had time only to 
 speak some few words, whereby Amphialus knew it was for my 
 sake : which when Amphialus saw, he forthwith gave such tokens 
 of tme-felt sorrow that, as my servant said, no imagination could 
 conceive greater woe. But that by and by an unhappy occasion 
 made Amphialus pass himself in sorrow : for Philoxenus was but 
 newly dead, when there comes to the same place the aged and 
 virtuous Timotheus ; who (having heard of his son's sudden and 
 passionate manner of parting from my court) had followed him as 
 speedily as he could, but alas not so speedily but that he found 
 him dead before he could overtake him. Though my heart be 
 nothing but a stage of tragedies, yet, I must confess, it is even 
 unable to bear the miserable representation thereof, knowing 
 Amphialus and Timotheus as I have done. Alas, what sorrow, 
 what amazement, what shame was in Amphialus when he saw his 
 dear foster-father find him the killer of his only son ? In my heart, 
 I know he wished mountains had lain upon him to keep him from 
 that meeting. As for Timotheus, sorrow for his son, and, I think 
 principally, unkindness of Amphialus so devoured his vital spirits 
 that, able to say no more, but ' Amphialus, Amphialus, have I ? ' 
 he sank to the earth, and presently died. 
 
 " But not my tongue, though daily used to complaints, no, nor if 
 my heart, which is nothing but sorrow, were turned to tongues, 
 durst it undertake to show the unspeakableness of his grief But, 
 because this serves to make you know my fortune, he threw away 
 his armour, even this which you have now upon you, which at the 
 first sight I vainly hoped he had put on again ; and then, as 
 ashamed of the light, he ran into the thickest of the woods, lament- 
 ing, and even crying out so pitifully that my servant, though of a 
 fortune not used to much tenderness, could not refrain weeping 
 when he told it me. He once overtook him ; but Amphialus 
 drawing his sword, which was the only part of his arms, God 
 knows to what purpose, he carried about him, threatened to kill 
 him if he followed him, and withal bade him deliver this bitter 
 message, that he well enough found I was the cause of all this 
 mischief, and that if I were a man, he would go over the world to 
 kill me, but bade me assure myself that of all creatures in the 
 world he most hated me. Ah, Sir knight, whose ears I think by 
 this time are tired with the rugged ways of these misfortunes, now 
 weigh my case, if at least you know what love is. For this cause 
 have I left my country, putting in hazard how my people will in 
 time deal by me, adventuring what perils or dishonours might 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 55 
 
 ensue, only to follow him who proclaimeth hate against me, and to 
 bring my neck unto him, if that may redeem my trespass, and 
 assuage his fury. And now, Sir," said she, "you have your 
 request, I pray you take pains to guide me to the next town, that 
 there I may gather such of my company again as your valour hath 
 left me." 
 
 Paladius willingly condescended, but e'er they began to 
 go, there came Clitophon who, having been something hurt by one 
 of them, had pursued him a good way : at length overtaking him, 
 and ready to kill him, understood they were servants to the fair 
 queen Helen, and that the cause of this enterprise was for nothing 
 but to make Amphialus prisoner, whom they knew their mistress 
 sought ; for she concealed her sorrow, nor cause of her sorrow 
 from nobody. But Clitophon, very sorry for this accident, came back 
 to comfort the queen, helping such as were hurt in the best sort that 
 he could, and framing friendly constructions of this rashly under- 
 taken enmity, when in comes another, till that time unseen, all 
 armed, with his beaver down, who first looking round about upon 
 the company, as soon as he espied Palladius, he drew his sword, 
 and making no other prologue, let fly at him. But Palladius, sorry 
 for so much harm as had already happened, fought rather to retire 
 and ward, thinking he might be someone that belonged to the fair 
 queen, whose case in his heart he pitied. Which Clitophon seeing, 
 stepped between them, asking the new come knight the cause 
 of this quarrel, who answered him, that he would kill that thief 
 who had stolen away his master's armour, if he did not restore it. 
 With that Palladius looked upon him and saw that he of the other 
 side had Palladius's own armour upon him. "Truly," said 
 Palladius " if I have stolen this armour, you did not buy that ; but 
 you shall not fight with me upon such a quan-el ; you shall have 
 this armour willingly, which I did only put on to do honour to the 
 owner." But CHtophon straight knew by his words and voice that 
 it was Ismenus, the faithful and diligent page of Amphialus ; and, 
 therefore, telling him that he was Clitophon, and willing him to 
 acknowledge his error to the other, who deserved all honour, the 
 young gentleman pulled off his head-piece, and, lighting, went to 
 kiss Palladius's hands, desiring him to pardon his folly, caused 
 by extreme grief, which easily might bring forth anger. " Sweet 
 gentleman," said Palladius, " you shall only make me this amends, 
 that you shall carry this your lord's armour from me to him, and 
 tell him from an unknown knight, who admires his worthiness, 
 that he cannot cast a greater mist over his glory than by being 
 so Unkind to so excellent a princess as this queen is." Ismenus 
 promised he would as soon as he durst find his master : and with 
 that went to do his duty to the queen, whom in all these encounters 
 
56 ARCADIA t^ooit t. 
 
 astonishment made hardy: but as soon as she saw Ismenus, 
 looking to her picture, "Ismenus," said she, "here is my lord, 
 where is yours ? or come you to bring me some sentence of death 
 from him ? if it be so, welcome be it. I pray you speak, and speak 
 quickly." " Alas ! Madam," said Ismenus, " I have lost my lord ; " 
 with that tears came into his eyes, " for as soon as the unhappy 
 combat was concluded, with the death both of father and son, my 
 master, casting off his armour, went his way, forbidding me upon 
 pain of death to follow him. Yet divers days I followed his steps, 
 till lastly I found him, having newly met with an excellent spaniel 
 belonging to his dead companion Philoxenus. The dog straight 
 fawned on my master, for old knowledge, but never was there 
 thing more pitiful than to hear my master blame the dog for 
 loving his master's murderer, renewing afresh his complaints with 
 the dumb counsellor, as if they might comfort one another in their 
 miseries. But my lord having espied me, rose up in such rage 
 that in truth I feared he would kill me : yet as then he said only, 
 if I would not displease him, I should not come near him till he 
 sent for me : too hard a commandment for me to disobey : I 
 yielded, leaving him only waited on by his dog, and as I think 
 seeking out the most solitary places that this or any other country 
 can grant him : and I, returning where I had left his armour, 
 found another instead thereof, and (disdaining I must confess that 
 any should bear the armour of the best knight living) armed 
 myself therein to play the fool, as even now I did." "Fair 
 Ismenus," said the queen, "a fitter messenger could hardly be 
 to unfold my tragedy, I see the end, I see my end." 
 
 With that, sobbing, she desired to be conducted to the next 
 town, where Palladius left her to be waited on by Clitophon, at 
 Palladius's earnest entreaty, who desired alone to take that melan- 
 choly course of seeking his friend ; and therefore changing armour 
 again with Ismenus, who went withal to a castle belonging to his 
 master, he continued his quest for his friend Daiphantus. 
 
 So directed he his course to Laconia, as well among the Helots, 
 as Spartans : there indeed he found his fame flourishing, his 
 monuments engraved in marble, and yet more durably in men's 
 memories ; but the universal lamenting his absented presence, 
 assured him of his present absence. Thence into the Elean 
 province, to see whether at the olympian games there celebrated 
 he might in such concourse bless his eyes with so desired an 
 encounter : but th3.t huge and sportful assembly grew to him 
 a tedious loneliness, esteeming nobody found, since Diaphantus 
 ■was lost. Afterwards he passeth through Achaia and Sicyonia, 
 to the Corinthians, proud of their two seas, to learn whether by 
 the straight of that Isthmus it were possible to know of his passage. 
 
ftooK I.] ARCAbtA 5? 
 
 But finding every place more dumb than other to his demands, 
 and remembering that it was late-taken love which had wrought 
 this new course, he returned again, after two months travel in vain, 
 to make a fresh search in Arcadia ; so much the more as then 
 first he bethought himself of the picture of Philoclea, which re- 
 sembling her he had once loved, might perhaps awake again that 
 sleeping passion. And having already passed over the greatest 
 part of Arcadia, one day coming under the side of the pleasant 
 mountain Msenalus, his horse, nothing guilty of his inquisitiveness, 
 with flat tiring taught him, that discreet stays make speedy 
 journeys : and therefore lighting down, and unbridling his horse, 
 he himself went to repose himself in a little wood he saw thereby. 
 Where lying under the protection of a shady tree, with intention 
 to make forgetting sleep comfort a sorrowful memory, he saw 
 a sight which persuaded and obtained of his eyes that they would 
 abide yet a while open. It was the appearing of a lady, who 
 because she walked with her side toward him, he could not 
 perfectly see her face, but so much he might see of her, that was 
 a surety for the rest, that all was excellent. 
 
 Well might he perceive the hanging of her hair in fairest 
 quantity, in locks some curled, and some as it were forgotten, with 
 such a careless care, and an art so hiding art, that she seemed she 
 would lay them for a pattern, whether nature simply, or nature 
 helped by cunning, be the more excellent : the rest whereof was 
 drawn into a coronet of gold richly set with pearl, and so joined 
 all over with gold wires and covered with feathers of divers colours 
 that it was not unlike to an helmet, such a glittering show it bare, 
 and so bravely it was held up from the head. Upon her body she 
 wore a doublet of sky-coloured satin, covered with plates of gold, 
 and, as it were, nailed with precious stones, that in it she might 
 seem armed ; the nether part of her garment was full of stuff, 
 and cut after such a fashion that though the length of it reached 
 to the ankles, yet in her going one might sometimes discern the 
 small of her leg, which with the foot was dressed in a short pair 
 of crimson velvet buskins, in some places open, as the ancient 
 manner was, to show the fairness of the skin. Over all this she 
 wore a certain mantle, made in such manner, that coming under 
 her right arm and covering most of that side, it had no fastening 
 on the left side, but only upon the top of her shoulder, where the 
 two ends met, and were closed together with a very rich jewel : 
 the device whereof, as he after saw, was this : a Hercules made in 
 little form, but set with a distaff in his hand, as he once was by 
 Omphale's commandment, with a word in Greek, but thus to be 
 interpreted, "Never more valiant." On the same side on her 
 thigh she wore a sword, which as it witnessed her to be an Amazon^ 
 
58 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 or one following that profession, so it seemed but a needless 
 weapon, since her other forces were without withstanding. But 
 this lady walked out-right till he might see her enter into a fine 
 close arbour : it was of trees, whose branches so lovingly interlaced 
 one the other that it could resist the' strongest violence of eye- 
 sight, but she went into it by a door she opened, which moved 
 him, as warily as he could, to follow her ; and by and by he might 
 hear her sing this song, with a voice no less beautiful to his ears 
 than her goodliness was full of harmony to his eyes : 
 
 Transform'd in shew, but more transform'd in mind, 
 
 I cease to strive with double conquest foil'd : 
 For, woe is me, my powers all I find 
 
 With outward force, and inward treason^ spoil'd. 
 For from without came to mine eyes the blow, 
 
 Whereto my inward thoughts did faintly yield ; 
 Both these conspir'd poor reason's overthrow j 
 
 False in myself, thus have I lost the field. 
 Thus are my eyes still captive to one sight. 
 
 Thus all my thoughts are slaves to one thought still : 
 Thus reason to his servants yields his right, 
 
 Thus is my power transformed to your will : 
 What marvel then, I take a woman's hue, 
 Since what I see, think, know, is all but you ? 
 
 This ditty gave him some suspicion, but the voice gave him 
 almost assurance who the singer was. And therefore boldly 
 thrusting open the door and entering into the arbour, he perceived 
 indeed that it was Pyrocles thus disguised ; wherewith not receiving 
 so much joy to have found him as grief so to have found him, 
 amazedly looking upon him (as Apollo is painted when he saw 
 Daphne suddenly turned into a laurel) he was not able to bring 
 forth a word. So that Pyrocles, (who had as much shame as 
 Miisidorus had sorrow) rising to him, would have formed a 
 substantial excuse, but his insinuation being of blushing, and his 
 division of sighs, his whole oration stood upon a short narration 
 what was the cause of this metamorphosis. But by that time 
 Musidorus had gathered his spirits together, and yet casting a 
 ghastful countenance upon him, as if he would conjure some 
 strange spirit, he thus spake unto him : 
 
 "And is it possible that this is Pyrocles, the only young prince 
 in the world formed by nature, and framed by education to the true 
 exercise of virtue ? or is it indeed some Amazon that hath counter- 
 feited the face of my friend in this sort to vex me ? for likelier sure 
 I would have thought it that any outward face might have been 
 disguised than that the face of so excellent a mind could have been 
 thus blemished. O sweet Pyrocles, separate yourself a little, if it 
 
fiooK 1.1 AfeCAt)lA ^9 
 
 be possible, from yourself, and let your own mind look upon your 
 own proceedings ; so shall my words be needless, and you best 
 instructed. See with yourself how fit it will be for you in this your 
 tender youth, born so great a prince, and of so rare not only 
 expectation, but proof, desired of your old father, and wanted of 
 your native country, now so near your home, to divert your 
 thoughts from the way of goodness, to lose, nay, to abuse your time. 
 Lastly, to overthrow all the excellent things you have done, which 
 have filled the world with your fame ; as if you should drown your 
 ship in the long desired haven ; or, like an ill player, should mar 
 the last act of his tragedy. Remember, for I know you know it, 
 that if we will be men the reasonable part of our soul is to have 
 absolute commandment, against which, if any sensual weakness 
 arise, we are to yield all our sound forces to the overthrowing of so 
 unnatural a rebellion, wherein how can we want courage, since we 
 are to deal against so weak an adversary that in itself is nothing 
 but weakness ? nay, we are to resolve that if reason direct it we 
 must do it ; and if we must do it, we will do it : for, to say ' I can- 
 not,' is childish ; and ' I will not,' womanish. And see how 
 extremely every way you can endanger your mind ; for, to take 
 this womanish habit, without you frame your behavior accordingly, 
 is wholly vain : your behaviour can never come kindly from you, 
 but as the mind is proportioned unto it. So that you must resolve 
 if you will play your part to any purpose, whatsoever peevish 
 imperfections are in that sex to soften your heart to receive them, 
 the very first down-step to all wickedness : for do not deceive 
 yourself, my dear cousin, there is no man suddenly either ex- 
 cellently good or extremely evil, but grows either as he holds 
 himself up in virtue, or lets himself slide to viciousness. And let 
 us see what power is the author of all these troubles ; forsooth love, 
 love, a passion, and the basest and fruitlessest of all passions : fear 
 breedeth wit ; anger is the cradle of courage ; joy openeth and 
 enableth the heart ; sorrow, as it closeth, so it draweth it inward 
 to look to the correcting of itself ; and so all of them generally have 
 power towards some good by the direction of reason. But this 
 bastard Love (for indeed the name of love is most unworthily 
 applied to so hateful a humour) as it is engendered betwixt lust and 
 idleness, as the matter it works upon is nothing but a certain base 
 weakness which some gentle fools call a gentle heart ; as his ad- 
 joined companions be unquietness, longings, fond comforts, faint 
 discomforts, hopes, jealousies, ungrounded rages, causeless yielding, 
 so is the highest end it aspires unto, a little pleasure with much 
 pain before and great repentance after. But that end, how endless 
 it runs into infinite evils, were fit enough for the matter we speak 
 of, but not for your ears, in whom, indeed, there is so much true 
 
6o ARCADIA tsooK i. 
 
 disposition to virtue ; yet this much of his worthy effects in your- 
 self is to be seen, that ('besides your breaking laws of hospitality 
 with Kalander, and of friendship with me) it utterly subverts the 
 course of nature in making reason give place to sense, and man to 
 woman. And truly I think hereupon it first got the name of love : 
 for indeed the true love hath that excellent nature in it, that it doth 
 transform the very essence of the lover into the thing loved, 
 uniting, and as it were, incorporating it with a secret and inward 
 working. And herein do these kinds of loves imitate the excellent : 
 for, as the love of heaven makes one heavenly, the love of virtue, 
 virtuous, so doth the love of the world make one become worldly : 
 and this effeminate love of a woman doth so womanize a man, 
 that, if he yield to it, it will not only make him an Amazon, but a 
 launder, a distaff, a spinner, or whatsoever other vile occupation 
 their idle heads can imagine and their weak hands perform. There- 
 fore to trouble you no longer with my tedious, but loving words, if 
 either you remember what you are, what you have been, or what 
 you must be, if you consider what it is that moved you, or by 
 what kind of creature you are moved, you shall find the cause so 
 small, the effect so dangerous, yourself so unworthy to run into 
 the one, or to be driven by the other, that I doubt not I shall 
 quickly have occasion rather to praise you for having conquered 
 it, than to give you further counsel how to do it." 
 
 But in Pyrocles this speech wrought no more but that he, who 
 before he was espied was afraid, after being perceived, was 
 ashamed, now being hardly rubbed upon, left both fear and shame, 
 and was moved to anger. But the exceeding goodwill he bore to 
 Musidorus striving with it, he thus partly to satisfy him, but prin- 
 cipally to loose the reins to his own motions, made him answer ; 
 " Cousin ! whatsoever good disposition nature hath bestowed upon 
 me, or however that disposition hath been by bringing up con- 
 firmed, this I must confess, that I am not yet come to that degree 
 of wisdom to think light of the sex of whom I have my life, since if 
 I be anything, which your friendship rather finds than I acknow- 
 ledge, I was, to come to it, born of a woman, and nursed of a 
 woman. And certainly, for this point of your speech doth nearest 
 touch me, it is strange to see the unmanlike cruelty of mankind, 
 who, not content with their tyrannous ambition to have brought the 
 others virtuous patience under them, like childish masters, think 
 thfeir masterhood nothing without doing injury to them, who, if we 
 will argue by reason, are framed of nature with the same parts of 
 the mind for the exercise of virtue as we are. And for example, 
 even this estate of Amazons, which I now for my greatest honour 
 do seek to counterfeit, doth well witness that if generally the 
 sweetness of their disposition did not make them see the vainness 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 6i 
 
 of these things which we account glorious, they neither want 
 valour of mind, nor yet doth their fairness take away their force. 
 And truly we men, and praisers of men, should remember that if 
 we have such excellencies, it is reason to think them excellent 
 creatures, of whom we are : since a kite never brought forth a good 
 flying hawk. But to tell you true, as I think it superfluous to use 
 any words of such a subject which is so praised in itself as it needs 
 no praises ; so withal, I fear, lest my conceit, not able to reach unto 
 them, bring forth words which for their unworthiness may be a 
 disgrace to them I so inwardly honour. Let this suffice that they 
 are capable of virtue, and virtue, you yourselves say, is to be loved, 
 and I too, truly ; but this I willingly confess, that it likes me 
 much better when I find virtue in a fair lodging than when I am 
 bound to seek it in an ill-favoured creature, like a pearl in a dung- 
 hill. As for my fault of being an uncivil guest to Kalander, if you 
 could feel what an inward guest myself am host unto, ye would 
 think it were excusable, in that I rather perform the duties of an 
 host than the ceremonies of a guest. And for my breaking the 
 laws of friendship with you, which I would rather die than effect- 
 ually do, truly I could find it in my heart to ask you pardon for 
 it, but that your now handling of me gives me reason to con- 
 firm my former dealing." 
 
 And here Pyrocles stayed, as to breathe himself, having been 
 transported with a little vehemency, because it seemed him 
 Mufidorus had over-bitterly glanced against the reputation of 
 woman-kind : but then quieting his countenance, as well as out 
 of an unquiet mind it might be, he thus proceeded on ; " And poor 
 love," said he, "dear cousin, is little beholding unto you, since 
 you are not content to spoil it of the honour of the highest power 
 of the mind which notable men have attributed unto it ; but you 
 deject it below all other passions, in truth somewhat strangely, 
 since, if love receive any disgrace, it is by the company of these 
 passions you prefer before it. For those kinds of bitter objections 
 as that lust, idleness, and a weak heart should be, as it were, the 
 matter and form of love, rather touch me, dear Mufidorus, than 
 love ; but I am good witness of my own imperfections, and there- 
 fore will not defend myself: but herein I must say you deal 
 contrary to yourself : for if I be so weak, then can you not with 
 reason stir me up as you did by remembrance of my own virtue ; 
 or if indeed I be virtuous, then must ye confess that love hath his 
 working in a virtuous heart ; and so no doubt hath it, whatsoever 
 I be : for, if we love virtue, in whom shall we love it but in a 
 virtuous creature? without your meaning be, I should love this 
 word Virtue, where I see it written in a book. Those troublesome 
 effects you say it breeds be npt the faults of love, but of him th^t 
 
62 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 loves, as an unable vessel to bear such a liquor, like evil eyes not 
 able to look on the sun ; or like a weak brain, soonest overthrown 
 with the best wine. Even that heavenly love you speak of is 
 accompanied in some hearts with hopes, griefs, longings, and 
 despairs. And in that heavenly love, since there are two parts, 
 the one the love itself, the other the excellency of the thing loved : 
 I, not able at the first leap to frame both in me, do now, like a 
 diligent workman, make ready the chief instrument and first part 
 of that great work, which is love itself; which when I have a while 
 practised in this sort, then you shall see me turn it to greater 
 matters. And thus gently you may, if it please you, think of me. 
 Neither doubt ye, because I wear a woman's apparal, I will be the 
 more womanish, since I assure you, for all my apparel, there is 
 nothing I desire more than fully to prove myself a man in this 
 enterprise. Much might be said in my defence, much more for 
 love, and most of all for that divine creature which hath joined 
 me and love together. But these disputations are fitter for quiet 
 schools than my troubled brains, which are bent rather in deeds 
 to perform than in words to defend the noble desire that possesseth ■ 
 me." "O lord," said Musidorus, "how sharp-witted you are to 
 hurt yourself." "No," answered he, "but it is the hurt you speak 
 of which makes me so sharp-witted." " Even so," said Musidorus, 
 " as every base occupation makes one sharp in that practice and 
 foolish in all the rest." "Nay rather," answered Pyrocles, "as 
 each excellent thing once well-learned serves for a measure of all 
 other knowledges." "And is that become," said Musidorus, "a 
 measure for other things which never received measure in itself?" 
 " It is counted without measure," answered Pjn-ocles, " because the 
 workings of it are without measure, but otherwise, in nature it hath 
 measure, since it hath an end alloted unto it." The beginning, 
 being so excellent, I would gladly know the end. "Enjoying," 
 answered Pyrocles, with a sigh, " I speak of the end to which it 
 is directed which end ends not, no sooner than the life." " Alas ! 
 let your own brain disenchant you," said Musidorus. " My heart is 
 too far possessed," said Pyrocles. "But the head gives you 
 direction, and the heart gives me life," answered Musidorus. 
 
 But Musidorus was so grieved to see his well-beloved friend 
 obstinate, as he thought, to his own destruction, that it forced him 
 with more than accustomed vehemency to speak these words. 
 "Well, well," said he, "you list to abuse yourself; it was a very 
 white and red virtue, which you could pick out of a painterly 
 glose of a visage. Confess the truth, and you shall find the 
 utmost was but beauty, a thing, which though it be in as great 
 exellency in yourself as may be in any, yet I am sure you make 
 no further reckoning of it than of an outward fading benefit nature 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 63 
 
 bestowed upon you. And yet such is your want of a true grounded 
 virtue, which must be like itself in all points, that what you wisely 
 account a trifle in yourself, you fondly become a slave unto in 
 another. For my part I now protest I have left nothing unsaid 
 which my wit could make me know, or my most entire friendship 
 to you requires of me. I do not beseech you, even for the love 
 betwixt us, if this other love hath left any in you towards me, and 
 for the remembrance of your old careful father (if you can 
 remember him that forgot yourself) lastly, for Pyrocles' own sake, 
 who is now upon the point of falling or rising, to purge yourself of 
 this vile infection : otherwise give me leave to leave off this name 
 of friendship as an idle title of a thing which cannot be where 
 virtue is not established." 
 
 The length of these speeches before had not so much cloyed 
 Pyrocles, though he were very impatient of long deliberations, as 
 this last farewell of him he loved as his own life did wound his 
 soul. For thinking himself afiflicted, he was the apter to conceive 
 unkindness deeply, insomuch that shaking his head, and delivering 
 some show of tears, he thus uttered his grief : " Alas ! " said he, 
 " Prince Musidorus, how cruelly you deal with me ; if you seek the 
 victory, take it ; and, if ye list, the triumph. Have you all the 
 reason of the world, and with me remain all the imperfections ; 
 yet such as I can no more lay from me, than the crow can be per- 
 suaded by the swan to cast off all his black feathers. But truly 
 you deal with me like a physician who, seeing his patient in a 
 pestilent fever, should chide him instead of ministering help, and 
 bid him be sick no more ; or rather like such a friend, that visiting 
 his friend condemned to perpetual prison, and laden with grievous 
 fetters, should will him to shake off his fetters, or he would leave 
 him. I am sick, and sick to the death ; I am prisoner, neither is 
 there any redress but by her to whom I am a slave. Now, if you 
 list, leave him that loves you in the highest degree : but remember 
 ever to carry this with you, that you abandon your friend in his 
 greatest extremity.'' 
 
 And herewith the deep wound of his love being rubbed afresh 
 with this new unkindness, began, as it were, to bleed again in such 
 sort that he was unable to bear it any longer, but gushing out 
 abundance of tears, and crossing his arms over his woeful heart, 
 he sunk down to the ground, which sudden trance went so to the 
 heart of Musidorus, that falling down by him, and kissing the 
 weeping eyes of his friend, he besought him not to make account 
 of his speech, which if it had been over-vehement, yet was it to 
 be borne withal, because it came out of a love much more 
 vehement, that he had not thought fancy could have received 
 so deep a wound ; but now finding in him the force of it, he would 
 
64 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 I 
 
 no further contrary it but employ all his service to medicine it 
 in such sort as the nature of it required. But even this kindness 
 made Pyrocles the more to melt in the former unkindness, which 
 his manlike tears well shewed, with a silent look upon Musidorus, 
 as who should say : " And is it possible that Musidorus should 
 threaten to leave me ? " and this struck Musidorus's mind and senses 
 so dumb, too, that for grief being not able to say anything, they 
 rested with their eyes placed one upon the other, in such sort as 
 might well paint out the true passion of unkindness to be never 
 aright, but betwixt them that most dearly love. 
 
 And thus remained they a time, till at length Musidorus em- 
 bracing him, said " And will you thus shake off your friend ? " "It 
 is you that shake me off," said Pyrocles, " being for my unperfectness 
 unworthy of your friendship." " But this," said Musidorus, " shows 
 you more unperfect to be cruel to him that submits himself unto 
 you. But since you are unperfect," said he, smiling, "it is 
 reason you be governed by us wise and perfect men. And that 
 authority will I begin to take upon me, with three absolute com- 
 mandments : the first, that you increase not your evil with fiirther 
 griefs : the second, that you love her with all the powers of your 
 mind : and the last commandment shall be, you command me to 
 do what service I can towards the attaining of your desires." 
 Pyrocles's heart was not so oppressed with the two mighty passions 
 of love and unkindness but that it yielded to some mirth at this 
 commandment of Musidorus that he should love, so that something 
 clearing his face from his former shows of grief : " Well," said he, 
 " dear cousin ! I see by the well choosing of your commandments 
 that you are far fitter to be a prince than a counsellor, and therefore 
 I am resolved to employ all my endeavour to obey you, with this 
 condition, that the commandments ye command me to lay upon 
 you shall only be, that you continue to love me, and look upon my 
 imperfections with more affection than judgment." "Love you," 
 said he, " alas ! how can my heart be separated from the true em- 
 bracing of it without it burst by being too full of it ?" " But," said 
 he, " let us leave off these flowers of new begun friendship : and 
 now I pray you again tell me, but tell it me fully, omitting no 
 circumstance, the story of your affections, both beginning and 
 proceeding, assuring yourself, that there is nothing so great which 
 I will fear to do for you, nor nothing so small which I vdll disdain 
 to do for you. Let me, therefore, receive a clear understanding, 
 which many times we miss, while those things we account small, 
 as a speech or a look, are omitted, like as a whole sentence may 
 fail of his congruity by wanting one particle. Therefore between 
 friends all must be laid open, nothing being superfluous nor 
 tedious." "You shall be obeyed," said Pyrocles, ' and here are 
 
BOOK T.] ARCADIA 6$ 
 
 we in as fit a place for it as may be ; for this arbour nobody offers 
 to come into but myself, I using it as my melancholy retiring place, 
 and therefore that respect is borne unto it : yet if by chance any 
 should come, say that you are a servant sent from the queen of 
 the Amazons to seek me, and then let me alone for the rest." So 
 sat they down, and Pyrocles thus said : 
 
 " Cousin ! " said he, " then began the fatal overthrow of all my 
 liberty when, walking among the pictures in Kalander's house, 
 you yourself delivered unto me what you had understood of 
 Philoclea, who much resembling (though I must say much sur- 
 passing) the lady Zelmane, whom so well I loved : there were 
 mine eyes, infected, and at your mouth did I drink the poison. 
 Yet alas ! so sweet was it unto me, that I could not be contented, 
 till Kalander had made it more and more strong with his declaration. 
 Which the more I questioned, the more pity I conceived of her 
 unworthy fortune ; and when with pity once my heart was made 
 tender, according to the aptness of the humour, it received quickly 
 a cruel impression of that wonderful passion, which to be defined 
 is impossible, because no words reach to the strange nature of it : 
 they only know it, which inwardly feel it ; it is called love. Yet 
 did I not (poor wretch !) at first know my disease, thinking it only 
 such a wonted kind of desire to see rare fights, and my pity to be 
 no other but the fruits of a gentle nature. But even this arguing 
 with myself came of further thoughts, and the more I argued 
 the more my thoughts increased. Desirous I was to see the place 
 where she remained, as though the architecture of the lodges would 
 have been much for my learning, but more desirous to see herself, 
 to be judge, forsooth, of the painter's cunning. For thus at the 
 first did I flatter myself, as though my wound had been no deeper : 
 but when within short time I came to the degree of uncertain 
 wishes, and that those wishes grew to unquiet longings, when 
 I could fix my thoughts upon nothing but that within little varying 
 they should end with Philoclea ; when each thing I saw seemed to 
 figure out some part of my passions ; when even Parthenia's fair 
 face became a lecture to me of Philoclea's imagined beauty ; when 
 I heard no word spoken, but that methought it carried the sound 
 of Philoclea's name ; then indeed, then I did yield to the burden, 
 finding myself prisoner, before I had leisure to arm myself: and 
 that I might well, like the spaniel, gnaw upon the chain that ties- 
 him ; but I should sooner mar my teeth, than procure liberty : yet 
 I take to witness the eternal spring of virtue, that I had never 
 read, heard, nor seen anything : I had never any taste of philo- 
 sophy, nor inward feeling in myself, which for a while I did not 
 call to my succour. But, alas ! what resistance was there, when 
 e'er long my very reason was, you will say, corrupted, I must 
 
 E 
 
66 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 confess, conquered, and that methought even reason did assure me 
 that all eyes did degenerate from thdr creation which did not 
 honour such beauty? nothing in truth could hold any plea with 
 it but the reverend friendship I bear unto you. For as it went 
 against my heart to break anyway from you, so did I fear, more 
 than any assault, to break it to you : finding, as it is indeed, that 
 to a heart fully resolute, counsel is tedious, but reprehension is 
 loathsome : and that there is nothing more terrible to a guilty 
 heart, than the eye of a respected friend. This made me determine 
 with myself, thinking it a less fault in friendship to do a thing 
 without your knowledge, than against your will, to take this secret 
 course, which conceit was most builded up in me the last day of 
 my parting and speaking with you, when upon your speech with 
 me, and my but naming love, when else perchance I would have 
 gone further, I saw your voice and countenance so change, as it 
 assured me my revealing it should but purchase your grief with 
 my cumber, and therefore (dear Musidorus !) even ran away from 
 my well-known chiding : for having written a letter, which I know 
 not whether you found or no, and taking my chief jewels with me, 
 while you were in the midst of your sport, I got a time, as I think, 
 unmarked by any, to steal away I cared not whither, so I might 
 escape you, and so came I to Ithonia, in the province of Messenia, 
 where, lying secret, I put this in practice, which before I had 
 devised. For remembering by Philanax's letter and Kalander's 
 speech, how obstinately Basilius was determined not to marry his 
 daughters, and therefore fearing lest any public deahng should 
 rather increase her captivity than further my love ; love (the refiner 
 of invention) had put in my head thus to disguise myself, that 
 under that mask 1 might, if it were possible, get access, and what 
 access could bring forth commit to fortune and industry, deter- 
 mining to bear the countenance of an Amazon. Therefore in the 
 closest manner I could, naming myself Zelmane, for that dear 
 lady's sake, to whose memory I am so much bound, I caused this 
 apparel to be made, and bringing it near the lodges, which are 
 hard at hand, by night thus dressed myself, resting till occasion 
 might make me to be found by them whom I sought ; which the 
 next morning happened as well as mine own plot could have laid 
 it. For after I had run over the whole pedigree of my thoughts, 
 I gave myself to sing a little, which, as you know, I ever delighted 
 in, so now especially, whether it be the nature of this clime to 
 stir up poetical fancies, or rather as I think, of love, whose scope 
 being pleasure, will not so much as utter his griefs, but in some 
 form of pleasure. 
 
 " But I had sung very httle, when (as I think, displeased with 
 my bad music) comes master Dametas with a hedging bill in his 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 67 
 
 hand, chafing and swearing by the pantoffle of Pallas, and such 
 other oaths as his rustical bravery could imagine ; and when he 
 saw me, I assure you, my beauty was no more beholding to him 
 than my harmony ; for leaning his hands upon his bill, and his 
 chin upon his hands, with the voice of one that playeth Hercules 
 in a play, but never had his fancy in his head, the first word he 
 spake unto me, was, "Am not I Dametas? why am not I 
 Dametas?" He needed not to name himself, for Kalander's 
 description had let such a note upon him as made him very notable 
 unto me ; and therefore the height of my thoughts would not 
 descend so much as to make him answer, but continued on my 
 inward discourses ; which he (perchance witness of his own 
 unworthiness, and therefore the apter to think himself contemned) 
 took in so heinous a manner, that standing upon his tiptoes, and 
 staring as if he would have had a mote pulled out of his eye. 
 " Why," said he, " thou woman or boy, or both, whatsoever thou 
 be, I tell thee here is no place for thee, here is no place for thee, 
 get thee gone, I tell thee it is the prince's pleasure, it is Dametas's 
 pleasure." I could not choose but smile at him, seeing him look so 
 like an ape that had newly taken a purgation ; yet taking myself 
 with the manner, spake these words to myself: "O spirit," said I, 
 " of mine, how canst thou receive any mirth in the midst of thine 
 agonies? and thou mirth, how darest thou enter into a mind so 
 grown of late thy professed enemy?" "Thy spirit," said Dametas, 
 " dost thou think me a spirit ? I tell thee I am Basilius's officer, 
 and have charge of him and his daughters." " O only pearl," said 
 I sobbing, "that so vile an oyster should keep thee?" "By the 
 comb case of Diana," sware Dametas, " this woman is mad : oysters 
 and pearls ? dost thou think I will buy oysters ? I tell thee once 
 again, get thee packing," and with that lifted up his bill to hit me 
 with the blunt end of it ; but indeed that put me quite out of my 
 lesson ; so that I forgot all Zelmaneship, and drawing out my sword, 
 the baseness of the villain yet made me stay my hand, and he (who 
 as Kalander told me, from his childhood ever feared the blade of a 
 sword) ran back, backward, with his hands above his head at least 
 twenty paces, gaping and staring with the very grace, I think, of 
 the clowns that by Latona's prayers were turned into frogs. 
 
 At length staying, finding himself without the compass of blows, 
 he fell to a fresh scolding, in such mannerly manner, as might 
 well show he had passed thro' the discipline of a tavern ; but 
 seeing me walk up and down without marking what he said, he 
 went his way, as I perceived after, to Basilius : for within a while 
 he came unto me, bearing indeed shows in his countenance of an 
 honest and well-minded gentleman, and with as much courtesy as 
 Dametas with rudeness saluting me ; " Fair lady," said he, " it is 
 
68 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 nothing strange that such a solitary place as this should receive 
 solitary persons, but much do I marvel how such a beauty as yours 
 is should be suffered to be thus alone." I, that now knew it was 
 my part to play, looking with a grave majesty upon him, as if I 
 found in myself cause to be reverenced. " They are never alone," 
 said I, " that are accompanied with noble thoughts." " But those 
 thoughts," replied Basilius, " cannot in this your loneliness neither 
 warrant you from suspicion in others, nor defend you from 
 melancholy in yourself : " I then showing a mislike that he pressed 
 me so far ; " I seek no better warrant," said I, " than my own 
 conscience, nor no greater pleasure than my own contentation." 
 "Yet virtue seeks to satisfy others," said Basilius. "Those that 
 be good," said I, " and they will be satisfied as long as they see no 
 evil ; " " Yet will the best in this country," said Basilius, " suspect 
 so excellent beauty being so weakly guarded." "Then are the 
 best but stark naught," answered I, "for open suspecting others, 
 comes of secret condemning themselves : but in my country, whose 
 manners I am in all places to maintain and reverence, the general 
 goodness which is nourished in our hearts makes every one think 
 the strength of virtue in another, whereof they find the assured 
 foundation in themselves." "Excellent lady," said he, "you praise 
 so greatly, and yet so wisely, your country that I must needs 
 desire to know what the nest is out of which such birds do fly." 
 "You must first deserve it," said I, "before you may obtain it." 
 "And by what means," said Basilius, "shall I deserve to know 
 your estate?" "By letting me first know yours," answered I. 
 "To obey you," said he, "I will do it, although it were so much 
 more reason yours should be known first, as you do deserve in all 
 points to be preferred. Know you, fair lady, that my name is 
 Basilius, unworthily lord of this country : the rest, either fame hath 
 already brought to your ears, or (if it please you to make this place 
 happy by your presence) at more leisure you shall understand of 
 me : I that from the beginning assured myself it was he, but would 
 not seem I did so, to keep my gravity the better, making a piece 
 of reverence unto him ; " Mighty prince," said I, " let my not 
 knowing you serve for the excuse of my boldness, and the little 
 reverence I do you impute to the manner of my country, which is 
 the invincible land of the Amazons : myself neice to Senicia, queen 
 thereof, lineally descended of the famous Penthesilea, slain by the 
 bloody hand of Pyrrhus : I having, in this my youth determined to 
 make the world see the Amazons excellencies, as well in private as 
 in public virtue, have passed some dangerous adventures in 
 divers countries, till the unmerciful sea deprived me of my 
 company ; so that shipwreck casting me not far hence, uncertain 
 wandering brought me to this place." But Basilius (who now 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 69 
 
 began to taste of that, which since he had swallowed up, as I will 
 tell you) fell to more cunning intreating my abode, than any 
 greedy host should use to well-paying passengers. I thought 
 nothing could shoot righter at the mark of my desires ; yet had I 
 learned already so much, that it was against my womanhood to be 
 forward in my own wishes. And therefore he (to prove whether 
 intercessions in fitter mouths might better prevail) commanded 
 Dametas to bring forthwith his wife and daughters thither ; three 
 ladies, although of diverse, yet of excellent beauty. 
 
 "His wife in grave matron-like attire, with countenance and 
 gesture suitable, and of such fairness, being in the strength of her 
 age, as, if her daughters had not been by, might with just price 
 have purchased admiration : but they being there, it was enough 
 that the most dainty eye would think her a worthy mother of such 
 children. The fair Pamela, whose noble heart I find doth greatly 
 disdain that the trust of her virtue is reposed in such a lout's hands 
 as Dametas, had yet, to show an obedience, taken on shepherdish 
 apparel, which was but of russet-cloth cut after their fashion, with 
 a straight body, open breasted, the nether part full of plaits, with 
 long and wide sleeves : but believe me she did apparel her apparel, 
 and with the preciousness of her body made it most sumptuous. 
 Her hair at the full length, wound about with gold lace, only by 
 the comparison to show how far her hair doth excel in colour : 
 betwixt her breasts (which sweetly rose like two fair mountainets 
 in the pleasant vale of Tempe) there hung a very rich diamond set 
 but in a black horn ; the word I have since read is this, ' Yet still 
 myself.' And thus particularly have I described them because 
 you may know that mine eyes are not so partial but that I marked 
 them too. But when the ornament of the earth, the model of 
 heaven, the triumph of nature, the life of beauty, the queen of love, 
 young Philoclea appeared in her nymph-like apparel, so near 
 nakedness as one might well discern part of her perfections, and 
 yet so apparelled as did show she kept best store of her beauty to 
 herself : her hair (alas too poor a word, why should I not rather 
 call them her beams) drawn up into a net, able to have caught 
 Jupitor when he was in the form of an eagle ; her body (O sweet 
 body !) covered with a light taifeta garment, so cut as the wrought 
 smock came through it in many places, enough to have made 
 your restrained imagination have thought what was under it : with 
 the cast of her black eyes, black indeed, whether nature so made 
 them, that we might be the more able to behold and bear their 
 wonderful shining, or that she, goddess-like, would work this 
 miracle with herself in giving blackness the price above all beauty. 
 Then, I say, indeed methought the lilies grew pale for envy ; the 
 roses methought blushed to see sweeter roses in her cheeks ; and 
 
76 ARCADIA tBoofc t. 
 
 the apples methought fell down from the trees to do homage to 
 the apples of her breast ; then the clouds gave place, that the 
 heavens might more freely smile upon her, at the least the clouds 
 of my thought quite vanished, and my sight, then more clear and 
 forcible than ever, was so fixed there, that, I imagine, I stood like 
 a well-wrought image with some life in show but none in practice. 
 And so had I been like enough to have stayed long time but that 
 Gynecia stepping between my sight and the only Philoclea, the 
 change of object made me recover my senses, so that I could with 
 reasonable good manner receive the salutation of her, and of the 
 Princess Pamela, doing them yet no further reverence than one 
 princess useth to another. But when I came to the never enough 
 praised Philoclea, I could not but fall down on my knees, and 
 taking by force her hand, and kissing it, I must confess with more 
 than womanly ardency, ' Divine lady,' said I, ' let not the world, 
 nor those great princesses, marvel to see me, contrary to my 
 manner, do this special honour unto you, since all both men and 
 women, do owe this to the perfection of your beauty.' But, she 
 blushing like a fair morning in May at this my singularity, and 
 causing me to rise, ' Noble lady,' said she, ' it is no marvel to see 
 your judgment much mistaken in my beauty since you begin with 
 so great an error as to do more honour unto me than to them, to 
 whom I myself owe all service.' 'Rather,' answered I, with a 
 bowed down countenance, ' that shows the power of your beauty 
 which forced me to do such an error, if it were an error.' ' You 
 are so well acquainted,' said she sweetly, most sweetly smiling, 
 ' with your own beauty, that it makes you easily fall into the dis- 
 course of beauty.' 'Beauty in me?' (said I, truly sighing) ' alas ! 
 if there be any it is in my eyes, which your blessed presence hath 
 imparted unto them.' 
 
 " But then, as I think Basilius willing her so to do, ' Well,' said 
 she, ' I must needs confess I have heard tbat it is a great happiness 
 to be praised of them that are most praiseworthy : and well I find 
 that you are an invincible Amazon since you will overcome, though 
 in a wrong matter. But if my beauty be anything, then let it 
 obtain thus much of you, that you will remain some while in this 
 company to ease your own travel and our solitariness.' ' First let 
 me die,' said I, ' before any word spoken by such a mouth should 
 come in vain.' And thus with some other words of entertaining 
 was my staying concluded, and I led among them to the lodge ; 
 truly a place for pleasantness, not unfit to flatter solitariness, for, it 
 being set upon such an unsensible rising of the ground as you are 
 come to a pretty height before almost you perceive that you 
 ascend, it gives the eye lordship over a good large circuit, which 
 according to the nature of the country, being diversified between 
 
hooK 1.3 Arcadia ^t 
 
 hills and dales, woods and plains, one place more clear, another 
 more darksome, it seems a pleasant picture of nature, with lovely 
 lightsomeness and artificial shadows. The lodge is of a yellow 
 stone, built in tbe form of a star, having round about a garden 
 framed into like points ; and beyond the garden ridings cut out, 
 each answering the angles of the lodge : at the end of one of them 
 is the other smaller lodge, but of like fashion, where the gracious 
 Pamela liveth ; so that the lodge seemeth not unlike a fair comet, 
 whose tail stretcheth itself to a star of less greatness. 
 
 So Gynecia herself bringing me to my lodging, anon after I was 
 invited and brought down to sup with them in the garden, a place 
 not fairer in natural ornaments than artificial inventions, where, in 
 a banqueting-house, among certain pleasant trees, whose heads 
 seemed curled with the wrappings about of vin^ branches, the 
 table was set near to an excellent water-works ; for, by the casting 
 of the water in most cunning manner, it makes, with the shining of 
 the sun upon it, a perfect rainbow, not more pleasant to the eye 
 than to the mind, so sensibly to see the proof of the heavenly Iris. 
 There were birds also made so finely that they did not only 
 deceive the sight with their figure, but the hearing with their songs, 
 which the watery instruments made their gorge deliver. The table 
 at which we sat was round, which being fast to the floor whereon 
 we sat, and that divided from the rest of the buildings, with turning 
 a vice, which Basilius at first did to make me sport, the table, and 
 we about the table, did all turn round by means of water which ran 
 under and carried it about as a mill. But alas ! what pleasure did 
 it to me to make divers times the full circle round about, since 
 Philoclea, being also set, was carried still in equal distance from 
 me, and that only my eyes did overtake her ? which, when the table 
 was stayed, and we began to feed, drank much more eagerly of 
 her beauty than my mouth did of any other liquor. And so was 
 my common sense deceived, being chiefly bent to her, that as I 
 drank the viane, and withal stole a look on her, me seemed I tasted 
 her deliciousness. But alas ! the one thirst was much more 
 inflamed than the other quenched. Sometimes my eyes would lay 
 themselves open to receive all the darts she did throw ; sometimes 
 close up with admiration, as if with a contrary fancy, they would 
 preserve the riches of that sight they had gotten, or cast my lids as 
 curtains over the image of beauty her presence had painted in 
 them. True it is, that my reason, now grown a servant to passion, 
 did yet often tell his master that he should more moderately use 
 his delight. But he, that of a rebel was become a prince, 
 disdained almost to allow him the place of a counsellor ; 
 so that my senses delights being too strong for any other 
 resolution, I did even loose the reins unto them, hoping that, 
 
;2 ARCADIA [book t. 
 
 going for a woman, my looks would pass either unmarked or 
 unsuspected. 
 
 " Now thus I had, as methought, well played my first act, assur- 
 ing myself that under that disguisement I should find opportunity 
 to reveal myself to the owner of my heart. But who would think 
 it possible, though I feel it true, that in almost eight weeks' space I 
 have lived here, having no more company but her parents, and I 
 being a familiar, as being a woman, and watchful, as being a 
 lover, yet could never find opportunity to have one minute's leisure 
 of private conference : the cause whereof is as strange as the effects 
 are to me miserable. And (alas !) this it is. 
 
 "At the first sight that Basilius had of me, I think Cupid having 
 headed his arrows with my misfortune, he was stricken, taking me 
 to be such as I profess, with great affection towards me, which 
 since is grown to such a doting love that till I was fain to get this 
 place sometimes to retire unto freely, I was even choked with his 
 tediousness. You never saw four score years dance up and down 
 more lively in a young lover ; now, as fine in his apparel, as if he 
 would make me in love with a cloak, and verse for verse with the 
 sharpest-witted lover in Arcadia. Do you not think that is a sallet 
 of wormwood ; while mine eyes feed upon the Ambrosia of 
 Philoclea's beauty ? but this is not all ; no, this is not the worst : 
 for he, good man, were easy enough to be dealt with, but, as I think, 
 love and mischief having made a wager which should have most 
 power in me, have set Gynecia also on such a fire toward me, as 
 will never, I fear, be quenched but with my destruction. For, she 
 being a woman of excellent wit and of strong working thoughts, 
 whether she suspected me by my over-vehement shows of affection 
 to Philoclea (which love forced me unwisely to utter, while hope of 
 my mask foolishly encouraged me) or that she hath taken some 
 other mark of me, that I am not a woman ; or what devil it is hath 
 revealed it unto her, I know not : but so it is, that all her counten- 
 ances, words, and gestures are even miserable portraitures of a 
 desperate affection. Whereby a man may learn that these avoid- 
 ings of company do but make the passions more violent when they 
 meet with fit subjects. Truly it were a notable dumb show of Cupid's 
 kingdom, to see my eyes, languishing with over vehement longing, 
 direct themselves to Philoclea ; and Basilius, as busy about me as 
 a bee, and indeed as cumbersome, making such vehement suits to 
 me, who neither could if I would, nor would if I could, help him, 
 while the terrible wit of Gynecia, carried with the beer of violent 
 love, runs through us all. And so jealous is.she of my love to her 
 daughter that I could never yet begin to open my mouth to the 
 unevitable Philoclea but that her unwished presence gave my tale 
 a conclusion before it had a beginning. And surely, if I be not 
 
fiooK t.] ARCADIA 73 
 
 deceived, I see such shows of liking, and, if I be acquainted with 
 passions, of almost a passionate liking in the heavenly Philoclea 
 towards me, that I may hope her ears would not abhor my discourse. 
 And for good Basilius, he thought it best to have lodged us to- 
 gether, but that the eternal hatefulness of my destiny made 
 Gynecia's jealousy stop that, and all other my blessings. Yet 
 must I confess that one way her love doth me pleasure, for since it 
 was my foolish fortune, or unfortunate folly, to be known by her, 
 that keeps her from betraying me to Basilius. And thus, my 
 Musidorus, you have my tragedy played unto you by myself, which 
 I pray the gods may not indeed prove a tragedy." And therewith 
 he ended, making a full point of a hearty sigh. 
 
 Musidorus recommended to his best discourse, all which 
 Pyrocles had told him. But therein he found such intricateness 
 that he could see no way to lead him out of the maze ; yet per- 
 ceiving his affection so grounded that striving against it did rather 
 anger than heal the wound, and rather call his friendship in 
 question than give place- to any friendly counsel : " Well," said he, 
 " dear cousin ! since it hath pleased the gods to mingle your other 
 excellencies with this humour of love, yet happy it is, that your 
 love Is employed upon so rare a woman : for certainly a noble 
 cause doth ease much a grievous case. But as it stands now, 
 nothing vexeth me, as that I cannot see wherein I can be service- 
 able unto you." " I desire no greater service of you," answered 
 Pyrocles, " than that you remain secretly in this country, and some- 
 times come to this place, either late in the night or early in the 
 morning, where you shall have my key to enter, because as my 
 fortune either amends or impairs, I may declare it unto you, and 
 have your counsel and furtherance : and hereby I will of purpose 
 lead her, that is the praise, and yet the stain of all womankind, 
 that you may have so good a view, as to allow my judgment ; and 
 as I can get the most convenient time, I will come unto you ■ 
 for, though by reason of yonder wood you cannot see the lodge 
 it is hard at hand. But now," said she, " it is time for me to leave 
 you, and towards evening we will walk out of purpose hitherward 
 therefore .keep yourself close till that time." But Musidorus, be- 
 thinking himself that his horse might happen to betra:y him 
 thought it best to return for that day to a village not far off, and 
 dispatching his horse in some sort, the next day early to come 
 a foot thither, and so to keep that course afterward which Pyrocles 
 very well liked of. "Now farewell, dear cousin," said he, "from 
 me, no more Pyrocles nor Daiphantus now, but Zelmane : Zelmane 
 is my name, Zelmane is my title, Zelmane is the only hope of my 
 advancement." And with that word going out, and seeing 
 that the coast was clear, Zelmane dismissed Musidorus, who 
 
f4. ARCADIA [BOOS 1. 
 
 departed as foil of care to help his friend as before he was to 
 dissuade him. 
 
 Zelmane returned to the lodge, where (inflamed by Philoclea, 
 watched by Gynecia, and tired by Basilius) she was like a horse 
 desirous to run, and miserably spurred, but so short reined as he 
 cannot stir forward. Zelmane sought occasion to speak with 
 . Philoclea ; Basilius with Zelmane ; and Gynecia hindered them 
 all. If. Philoclea happened to sigh, and sigh she did often, as if 
 that sigh were to be waited on, Zelmane sighed also, whereto 
 Basilius and Gynecia soon made up four parts of sorrow. Their 
 affection increased their conversation, and their conversation 
 increased their affection. The respect borne bred due ceremonies, 
 but the affection shined so through them, that the ceremonies 
 seemed not ceremonies. Zelmane's eyes were (like children before 
 sweetmeat) eager, but fearful of their ill-pleasing governors. Time, 
 in one instant, seeming both short and long unto them : short, in the 
 pleasingness of such presence ; long, in the stay of their desires. 
 
 But Zelmane failed not to entice them all many times abroad 
 because she was desirous her friend Musidorus, near whom of 
 purpose she led them, might have full sight of them. Sometimes 
 angling to a little river near hand, which, for the moisture it 
 bestowed upon the roots of flourishing trees, was rewarded with 
 their shadow. There would they sit down, and pretty wagers be 
 made between Pamela and Philoclea, which could soonest beguile 
 silly fishes, while Zelmane protested that the fit prey for them was 
 hearts of princes. She also had an angle in her hand, but the 
 taker was so taken that she had forgotten taking. Basihus in the 
 meantime would be the cook himself of what was so caught, and 
 Gynecia sit still, but with no still pensiveness. Now she brought 
 them to see a seeled dove, who, the blinder she was, the higher 
 she strove. Another time a kite, which having a gut cunningly 
 pulled out of her, and so let fly, caused all the kites in that quarter, 
 who, as oftentimes the world is deceived, thinking her prosperous 
 when indeed she was wounded, made the poor kite find that opinion 
 of riches may well be dangerous. 
 
 But these recreations were interrupted by a delight of more 
 gallant show ; for one evening, as Basilius returned from having 
 forced his thoughts to please themselves in such small conquest, 
 there came a shepherd who brought him word that a gentleman 
 desired leave to do a message from his lord unto him. Basilius 
 granted, whereupon the gentleman came, and after the dutiful 
 ceremonies observed in his master's name, told him that he was 
 sent from Phalantus of Corinth to crave licence that, as he had 
 done in many other courts, so he might in his presence defy all 
 Arcadian knights in the behalf of his mistress's beauty who would 
 
6ooK I.J AfeCAOlA fS 
 
 besides herself in person be present to give evident proof what his 
 lance should affirm. The conditions of his challenge were that the 
 defendant should bring his mistress's picture, which being set by 
 the image of Artesia, so was the mistress of Phalantus named, who 
 in six courses should have the better of the other in the judgment 
 of Basilius, with him both the honours and the pictures should 
 remain. Basilius (though he had retired himself into that solitary 
 dwelling, with intention to avoid, rather than to accept any matters 
 of drawing company, yet because he would entertain Zelmane that 
 she might not think the time so gainful to him loss to her) granted 
 him to pitch his tent for three days not far from the lodge, and to 
 proclaim his challenge that what Arcadian knight, for none else 
 but upon his peril was licensed to come, would defend what he 
 honoured against Phalantus, should have the like freedom of access 
 and return. 
 
 This obtained and published, Zelmane being desirous to learn 
 what this Phalantus was, having never known him further than by 
 report of his good justing, in so much as he was commonly called, 
 " The fair man of arms " ; Basilius told her that he had had occasion 
 by one very inward with him to know in part the discourse of his 
 life, which was, that he was a bastard brother to the fair Helen 
 queen of Corinth, and dearly esteemed of her for his exceeding 
 good parts, being honourably courteous, and wronglessly valiant, 
 considerately pleasant in conversation, and an excellent courtier 
 without unfaithfulness, who, finding his sister's unpersuadable 
 melancholy, through the love of Amphialus, had for a time left her 
 court, and gone into Laconia, where, in the war against the Helots, 
 he had gotten the reputation of one that both durst and knew. 
 But as it was rather choice than nature that led him to matters of 
 arms, so as soon as the spur of honour ceased, he willingly rested 
 in peaceable delights, being beloved in all companies for his lovely 
 qualities, and, as a man may term it, winning cheerfulness ; whereby 
 to the prince and court of Laconia, none was more agreeable than 
 Phalantus : and he not given greatly to struggle with his own 
 disposition, followed the gentle current of it, having a fortune 
 sufficient to content, and he content with a sufficient fortune. But 
 in that court he saw, and was acquainted with this Artesia, whose 
 beauty he now defends, became her servant, said himself, and 
 perchance thought himself her lover. "But certainly," said 
 Basilius, "many times it falls out that these young companions 
 make themselves believe they love at their first liking of a likely 
 beauty ; loving, because they will love for want of other business, 
 not because they feel indeed that divine power which makes the 
 heart find a reason in passion, and so, God knows, as inconstantly 
 leave upon the next chance that beauty casts before them. So 
 
76 ARCADIA [sook i. 
 
 therefore taking love upon him like a fashion, he courted this lady 
 Artesia, who was as fit to pay him in his own money as might be : 
 for she thinketh she did wrong to her beauty if she were not proud 
 of it, called her disdain of him chastity, and placed her honour in 
 little setting by his honouring her, determining never to marry but 
 him whom she thought worthy of her, and that was one in whom 
 all worthinesses were harboured. And to this conceit not only 
 nature had bent her, but the bringing-up she received at by her Sister- 
 in-law Cecropia had confirmed her, who having in her widowhood 
 taken this young Artesia into her charge, because her father had 
 been a dear friend of her dear husband's, had taught her to think 
 that there is no wisdom but in including both heaven and earth in 
 oneself; and that love, courtesy, gratefulness, friendship, and all 
 other virtues are rather to be taken on than taken in oneself. 
 And so good a disciple she found of her that, liking the fruits of 
 her own planting, she was content if so her son could have liked 
 of it, to have wished her in marriage to my nephew Amphialus. 
 But I think that desire hath lost some of his heat since she hath 
 known that such a queen as Helen is, doth offer so great a price 
 as a kingdom, to buy his favour ; for, if I be not deceived in my 
 good sister Cecropia, she thinks no face so beautiful, as that which 
 looks under a crown. But Artesia indeed liked well of my nephew 
 Amphialus : For I can never deem that love, which in haughty 
 hearts proceeds of a desire only to please, and, as it were, peacock 
 themselves ; but yet she hath showed vehemency of desire that 
 way, I think because all her desires be vehement, insomuch that 
 she hath both placed her only brother, a fine youth, called Ismenus, 
 to be his 'squire, and herself is content to wait upon my sister till 
 she may see the uttermost what she may work in Amphialus ; who 
 being of a melancholy (though, I must say, truly courteous and 
 noble) mind, seems to love nothing less than love, and of late, 
 having through some adventure, or inward miscontentment, with- 
 drawn himself from anybody's knowledge, where he is ; Artesia 
 the easier condescended to go to the court of Laconia, whither she 
 was sent for by the king's wife, to whom she is somewhat allied. 
 
 " And there, after the war of the Helots, this knight Phalantus, 
 at least for tongue-delight, made himself her servant, and she, so 
 little caring as not to show mislike thereof, was content only to be 
 noted to have a notable servant. For truly one in my court, nearly 
 acquainted with him, within these few days made me a pleasant 
 description of their love, while he with cheerful looks would speak 
 sorrowful words, using the phrase of his affection in so high a style, 
 that Mercury would not have wooed Venus with more magnificent 
 eloquence ; but else, neither in behaviour, nor action, accusing in 
 himself any great trouble in mind whether he sped or no. And 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA •J'J 
 
 she, on the other side, well finding how little it was, and not caring 
 for more, yet taught him that often it falleth out but a foolish 
 witness to speak more than one thinks. 
 
 " For she made earnest benefit of his jest, forcing him in respect 
 of his profession to her such services as were both cumbersome 
 and costly unto him, while he still thought he went beyond her 
 because his heart did not commit the idolatry. So that lastly, she, 
 I think, having mind to make the fame of her beauty an orator for 
 her to Amphialus (persuading herself, perhaps, that it might fall 
 out in him as it doth in some that have delightful meat before 
 them, and have no stomach to it, before other folks praise it) she 
 took the advantage one day, upon Phalantus's unconscionable 
 praising of her, and certain cast-away vows how much he would 
 do for her sake, to arrest his word as soon as it was out of his 
 mouth, and by the virtue thereof to charge him to go with her thro' 
 all the courts of Greece, and with the challenge now made to give 
 her beauty the principality over all other. Phalantus was 
 entrapped, and saw round about him, but could not get out. 
 Exceedingly perplexed he was, as he confessed to him that told 
 me the tale, not for doubt he had of himself (for indeed he had 
 little cause, being accounted, with his lance especially, whereupon 
 the challenge is to be tried as perfect as any that Greece knoweth) 
 but because he feared to offend his sister Helen, and withal, as he 
 said, he could not so much believe his love but that he must think 
 in his heart, whatsoever his mouth afifirmed, that both she, my 
 daughters, and the fair Parthenia (wife to a most noble gentleman, 
 my wife's near kinsman) might far better put in their claim for that 
 prerogative. But his promise had bound him prentice, and 
 therefore it was now better with willingness to purchase thanks 
 than with a discontented doing to have the pain and not the 
 reward ; and therefore went on as his faith, rather than love, did 
 lead him. And now hath he already passed the courts of Laconia, 
 Elis, Argos, and Corinth : And, as many times it happens that a 
 good pleader makes a bad cause to prevail, so hath his lance 
 brought captives to the triumph of Artesia's beauty, such, as though 
 Artesia be among the fairest, yet in that company were to have the 
 pre-eminence : For in those courts many knights that had been 
 in other far countries defended such as they had seen and liked in 
 their travel : But their defence had been such that they had forfeited 
 the pictures of their ladies to give a forced false testimony to 
 Artesia's excellency. And now, lastly, is he come hither, where 
 he hath leave to try his fortune. But I assure you, if I thought 
 it not in due and true consideration an injurious service and 
 churlish courtesy to put the danger of so noble a title in the 
 deciding of such a dangerless combat, I would make young master 
 
78 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 Phalantus know that your eyes can shai-pen a blunt lance, and that 
 age, which my gray hairs, only gotten by the loving care of others, 
 makes seem more than it is, hath not diminished in me the power 
 to protect an undeniable verity." With that he bustled up himself, 
 as though his heart would fain have walked abroad. Zelmane with 
 an inward smiling gave him outward thanks, desiring him to 
 reserve his force for worthier causes. 
 
 So passing their time according to their wont, they waited for 
 the coming of Phalantus, who the next morning having already 
 caused his tents to be pitched near to a fair tree hard by the lodge, 
 had upon the tree made a shield to be hanged up, which the 
 defendant should strike that would call him to the maintaining his 
 challenge. The Impressa in the shield was a heaven full of stars, 
 with a speech signifying that it was the beauty which gave the 
 praise. Himself came in next after a triumphant chariot made of 
 carnation-velvet, enriched with purple and pearl, wherein Artesia 
 sat, drawn by four winged horses with artificial flaming mouths 
 and fiery wings, as if she had newly borrowed them of Phoebus. 
 Before her marched, two after two, certain footmen pleasantly 
 attired, who between them held one picture after another of them, 
 that by Phalantus well running had lost the prize in the race of 
 beauty, and at every pace they stayed, turned the pictures to each 
 side so leisurely that with perfect judgment they might be discerned. 
 The first that came in, following the order of the time wherein they 
 had been won, was the picture of Andromana, queen of Iberia, 
 whom a Laconian knight, having some time, and with special ' 
 favour, served, though some years since returned home, with more 
 gratefulness than good fortune defended. But therein Fortune 
 had borrowed wit ; for indeed she was not comparable to Artesia, 
 not because she was a good deal older, for time had not yet been 
 able to impoverish her store thereof, but an exceeding red hair 
 with small eyes, did, like ill companions, disgrace the other 
 assembly of most commendable beauties. 
 
 Next after her was borne the counterfeit of the Princess of EUs, 
 a lady that taught the beholders no other point of beauty, but this : 
 That as liking is not always the child of beauty, so whatsoever 
 liketh is beautiful ; for in that visage there was neither majesty, 
 grace, favour, nor fairness ; yet she wanted not a servant that 
 would have made her fairer than the fair Artesia. But he wrote 
 her praises with his helmet in the dust, and left her picture to be a 
 true witness of his overthrow, as his running was of her beauty. 
 
 After her was the goodly Artaxia, great queen of Armenia, a lady 
 upon whom nature bestowed and well placed her most delightful 
 colours, and, withal, had proportioned her without any fault, quickly 
 to be discovered by the senses, yet altogether seemed not to make 
 
BOOK 1.] ARCADIA 79 
 
 up that harmony that Cupid delights in, the reason whereof might 
 seem a mannish countenance, which overthrew that lovely sweet- 
 ness, the noblest power of womankind, far fitter to prevail by parley 
 than by battle. 
 
 Of a far contrary consideration was the representation of her that 
 next followed, which was Erona queen of Lycia, who though of so 
 brown a hair as no man sl^ould have injured it to have called it 
 black, and that in the mixture of her cheeks the white did so much 
 overcome the red, tho' what was, was very pure, that it came near 
 to paleness, and that her face was a thought longer than the exact 
 Symetrians perhaps would allow ; yet love played his part so well 
 in every part that it caught hold of the judgment before it could 
 judge, making it first love, and after acknowledge it fair ; for there 
 was a certain delicacy, which in yielding conquered, and with a 
 pitiful look made one find cause to crave help himself 
 
 After her came two ladies, of noble, but not of royal birth : 
 The former was named Baccha, who though very fair, and of a 
 fatness rather to allure, than to mislike, yet her breasts over- 
 familiarly laid open, with a made countenance about her mouth, 
 between simpering and smiling, her head bowed somewhat down, 
 seemed to languish with over-much idleness, and with an inviting 
 look cast upward, dissuaded with too much persuading, while hope 
 might seem to over-run desire. 
 
 The other, whose name was written Leucippe, was of a fine 
 daintiness of beauty, her face carrying in it a sober simplicity, like 
 one that could do much good and meant no hurt, her eyes having 
 in them such a cheerfulness as nature seemed to smile in them, 
 though her mouth and cheeks obeyed to that pretty demureness 
 which the more one marked the more one would judge the poor 
 soul apt to believe, and therefore the more pity to deceive her. 
 
 Next came the queen of Laconia, one that seemed born in the 
 confines of beauty's kingdom : For all her lineaments were neither 
 perfect possessioners thereof, nor absolute strangers thereto : But 
 she was a queen, and therefore beautiful. 
 
 But she that followed, conquered indeed with being conquered, 
 and might well have made all the beholders wait upon her triumph 
 while herself were led captive. It was the excellently fair queen 
 Helen, whose jacinth-hair curled by nature, but intercurled by art 
 like a fine brook through golden sands, had a rope of fair pearl, 
 which now hiding, now hidden by the hair, did as it were play at 
 fast and loose each with other, mutually giving and receiving rich- 
 ness. In her face so much beauty and favour expressed as, if 
 Helen had not been known, some would rather have judged it the 
 painter's exercise to show what he could do than the counterfeiting 
 of any living pattern ; for no fault the most fault-finding wit could 
 
8o ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 have found, if It were not that to the rest of the body the face was 
 somewhat too little, but that little was such a spark of beauty as 
 was able to inflame a world of love; for everything was fall 
 of a choice fineness, that if we wanted anything in majesty it 
 supplied it with increase in pleasure ; and if at the first it struck 
 not with admiration, it ravished with delight. And no indifferent 
 soul there was, which if it could resist from subjecting itself to 
 make it his princess, that would not long to have such a playfellow. 
 As for her attire, it was costly and curious, though the look, fixed 
 with more sadness than it seemed nature had bestowed to any that 
 knew her fortune, betrayed that as she used those ornaments not 
 for herself, but to prevail with another, so she feared that all would 
 not serve. Of a far differing, though esteemed equal, beauty, was 
 the fair Parthenia, who next waited on Artesia's triumph, tho' far 
 better she might have sat on the throne. For in her everything 
 was goodly and stately, yet so that it might seem that great-minded- 
 ness was but the ensign-bearer to the humbleness. For her great 
 grey eye, which might seem full of her own beauty ; a large and 
 exceedingly fair forehead, with all the rest of her face and body 
 cast in the mould of nobleness, was yet so attired as might show 
 the mistress thought it either not to deserve, or not to need any 
 exquisite decking, having no adorning but cleanliness ; and so far 
 from all art, that it was full of carelessness, unless that carelessness 
 itself, in spite of itself, grew artificial. But Basilius could not 
 abstain from praising Parthenia as the perfect picture of a womanly 
 virtue and wifely faithfulness, telling withal Zelmane how he had 
 understood that when in the court of Laconia her pictures maintained 
 by a certain Sycionian knight, was lost through want rather of 
 valour than justice, her husband, the famous Argalus, would in a 
 chafe have gone and redeemed it with a new trial. But she, more 
 sporting than sorrowing for her undeserved champion, told her 
 husband she desired to be beautiful in nobody's eye but his, and 
 that she would rathei^ mar her face as evil as ever it was than that 
 it should be a cause to make Argalus put on armour. Then would 
 Basilius have told Zelmane that which he already knew, of the rare 
 trial of that coupled aflfection : but the next picture made their 
 mouths give place to their eyes. 
 
 It was of a young maid which sat pulling out a thorn out of a 
 lamb's foot, with her look so attentive upon it, as if that httle foot 
 could have been the circle of her thoughts ; her apparel so poor, 
 as it had nothing but the inside to adorn it ; a sheep-hook lying by 
 her with a bottle upon it. But with all that poverty, beauty played 
 the prince and commanded as many hearts as the greatest queen 
 there did. Her beauty and her estate made her quickly to 
 be known to be the fair shepherdess Urania, whom a rich 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA Si 
 
 knight called Lacemon, far in love with her, had unluckily 
 defended. 
 
 The last of all in place, because last in the time of her being 
 
 captive, was Zelmane, daughter to the King Plexirtus, who at the 
 
 first sight seemed to have some resembUng of Philoclea, but with 
 
 more marking, comparing it to the present Philoclea, who indeed 
 
 had no paragon but her sister, they might see it was but such a 
 
 likeness as an unperfect glass doth give, answerable enough in 
 
 some features and colours, but erring in others. But Zelmane 
 
 sighing, turning to Basilius, " Alas ! Sir," said she, " herfe be some 
 
 pictures which might better become the tombs of their mistresses 
 
 than the triumph of Artesia." " It is true sweetest lady," said 
 
 Basilius, " some of them be dead, and some other captive ; but that 
 
 hath happened so late, as it may be the knights that defended their 
 
 beauty knew not so much : without we will say, as in some other 
 
 hearts I know it would fall out, that death itself could not blot out 
 
 the image which love hath engraven in them. But divers besides 
 
 those," said Basilius, " hath Phalantus, won, but he leaves the rest, 
 
 carrying only such who either for greatness of estate, or of beauty, 
 
 may justly glorify the glory of Artesia's triumph." 
 
 Thus talked Basilius with Zelmane, glad to make any matter 
 subject to speak of with his mistress, while Phalantus, in this 
 pompous manner, brought Artesia with her gefitlewoman into one 
 tent, by which he had another, where they both waited who would 
 first strike upon the shield, while Basilius the judge appointed 
 sticklers and trumpets, to whom the other should obey. But none 
 that day appeared, nor the next, till already it had consumed half 
 his allowance of light ; but then there came in a knight, protesting 
 himself as contrary to him in mind, as he was in apparel. For 
 Phalantus was all in white, having in his bases and caparison 
 embroidered a waving water, at each side whereof he had nettings 
 cast over, in which were divers fishes naturally made, and so 
 prettily that as the horse stirred, the fishes seemed to strive and 
 leap in the net. 
 
 But the other knight, by name Nestor, by birth an Arcadian, 
 and in affection vowed to the fair shepherdess, was all in black, 
 with fire burning both upon his armour and horse. His impressa 
 in his shield was a fire made of juniper, with this word, " More 
 easy and more sweet." But this hot knight was cooled with a fall, 
 which at the third course he received of Phalantus; leaving his 
 picture to keep company with the other of the same stamp ; he 
 going away remedilessly chafing at his rebuke. The next was 
 Polycetes, greatly esteemed in Arcadia for deeds he had done in 
 arms, and much spoken of for the honourable love he had long 
 borne to Gynecia, which Basilius himself was content not only to 
 
 F 
 
82 ARCADIA [BOOK i. 
 
 suffer, but to be delighted with, he carried it in so honourable and 
 open plainness, setting to his love no other mark than to do her 
 faithful service. But neither her fair picture, nor his fair running, 
 could warrant him from overthrow, and her from becoming as then 
 the last of Artesia's victories, a thing Gynecia's virtues would little 
 have reckoned at another time, nor then, if Zelmanes had not seen 
 it. But her champion went away as much discomforted, as dis- 
 comfited. Then Thelamon for Pelexena, and Eurilion for Elpine, 
 and Leon for Zoana, all brave knights, all fair ladies, with their 
 going down, lifted up the balance of his praise for activity, and hers 
 for fairness. 
 
 Upon whose loss, as the beholders were talking, there comes 
 into the place where they ran, a shepherd stripling (for his height 
 made him more than a boy, and his face would not allow him a 
 man) brown of complexion, whether by nature or by the sun's 
 familiarity, but very lovely withal, for the rest so perfect propor- 
 tioned that nature showed she doth not like men who slubber up 
 matters of mean account. And well might his proportion be 
 judged, for he had nothing upon him but a pair of slops, and upon 
 his body a goat skin which he cast over his shoulder, doing all 
 things with so pretty a grace that it seemed ignorance could not 
 make him do amiss, because he had a heart to do well ; holding in 
 his right hand a long staff, and so coming with a look full of 
 amiable fierceness, as in whom choler could not take away the 
 sweetness, he came towards the king, and making a reverence 
 (which in him was comely, because it was kindly). " My liege 
 lord," said he, " I pray you hear a few words, for my heart will 
 break if I say not my mind to you : I see here the picture of Urania, 
 which I cannot tell how nor why these men when they fall down, 
 they say is not so fair as yonder gay woman. But pray God I may 
 never see my old mother aUve, if I think she be any more matched 
 to Urania, than a goat is to a fine lamb ; or than the dog that 
 keeps our flock at home, is like your white greyhound that pulled 
 down the stag last day. 
 
 " And therefore I pray you let me be dressed as they be, and my 
 heart gives me I shall tumble him on the earth : for indeed he 
 might as well say that a cowslip is as white as a lily : or else I care 
 not, let him come with his great staff, and I with this in my hand, 
 and you shall see what I can do to him. Basilius saw it was the 
 fine shepherd Lalus, whom once he had afore him in pastoral sports, 
 and had greatly delighted in his wit full of pretty simplicity, and 
 therefore laughing at his eamestnes?, he bade him be content, since 
 he saw the pictures of so great queens were fain to follow their 
 champions fortune. But Lalus, even weeping ripe, went among 
 the rest, longing to see somebody that would revenge Urania's 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 83 
 
 wrong; and praying heartily for everybody that ran against 
 Phalantus, then beginning to feel poverty that he could hot set 
 himself to that trial. But by and by, even when the sun, like a 
 noble hart, began to show his greatest countenance in his lowest 
 estate, there came in a knight, called Phebilus, a gentleman of 
 that country, for whom hateful fortune had borrowed the dart of 
 love, to make him miserable by the fight of Philoclea. For he 
 had even from her infancy loved her, and was stricken by her 
 before she was able to know what quiver of arrows her eyes carried ; 
 but he loved and despaired, and the more he despaired, the more 
 he loved. He saw his own worthiness, and thereby made her 
 excellency have more terrible aspect upon him : he was so secret 
 therein, as not daring to be open, that to no creature he ever spoke 
 of it, but his heart made such silent complaints within itself that, 
 while all his senses were attentive thereto, cunning judges might 
 perceive his mind, so that he was known to love, though he denied, 
 or rather was the better known, because he denied it. His armour 
 and his attire was for a sea colour ; his impressa, the fish called 
 Sepia, which being in the net, casts a black ink about itself, that in 
 the darkness thereof it may escape : his word was, " Not so." 
 Philoclea's picture with almost an idolatrous magnificence was 
 borne in by him. But straight jealousy was a harbinger for 
 disdain in Zelmane's heart, when she saw any but herself should be 
 avowed a champion for Philoclea, insomuch that she wished his 
 shame, till she saw him shamed. For at the second course he was 
 stricken quite from out of the saddle, so full of grief and rage withal 
 that he would fain with the sword have revenged it, but that being 
 contrary to the order set down, Basilius would not suffer : so that 
 wishing himself in the bottom of the earth, he went his way, leaving 
 Zelmane no less angry with his loss than she would have been with 
 his victory. For if she though before a rival's praise would have 
 angered her, her lady's disgrace did make her much more forget 
 what she then thought, while that passion reigned so much the 
 more as she saw a pretty blush in Philoclea's cheeks betray a 
 modest discontentment. But the night commanded truce for those 
 sports, and Phalantus, though entreated, would not leave Artesia, 
 who in no case would come into the house, having, as it were, 
 sucked of Ceoropia's breath a mortal mislike against Basilius, 
 
 But the night, measured by the short ell of sleep, was soon past 
 over, and the next morning had given the watchful stars leave to 
 take their rest, when a trumpet summoned Basilius to play his 
 judge's part, which he did, taking his wife and daughters with him ; 
 Zelmane having locked her door, so as they could not trouble her 
 for that time : for already there was a knight in the field, ready to 
 prove Helen of Corinth had received great iiyuty, both by the 
 
84 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 erring judgment of the challenger, and the unlucky weakness of 
 her former defender. The new knight was quickly known to be 
 Clitophon, Kalander's son of Basilius's sister, by his armour which, 
 all gilt, was so well handled that it showed like a glittering sand 
 and gravel interlaced with silver rivers. His device he had put in 
 the picture of Helen which he defended ; it was the Ermion with a 
 speech that signified, " Rather dead than spotted." But in that 
 armour since he had parted from Helen, who would no longer his 
 company, finding him to enter into terms of affection, he had per- 
 formed so honourable actions, still seeking for his two friends by 
 the names of Palladius and Daiphantus, that though his face were 
 covered, his being was discovered, which yet Basilius, who had 
 brought him up in his court, would not seem to do, but glad to see 
 the trial of him, of whom he had heard very well, he commanded 
 the trumpets to sound, to which the two brave knights obeying, 
 they performed their courses, breaking their six staves, with so 
 good, both skill in the hitting and grace in the manner, that it bred 
 some difficulty in the judgment. But Basilius in the end gave 
 sentence against Clitophon, because Phalantus had broken more 
 staves, upon the head, and that once Clitophon had received such 
 a blow that he had lost the reins of his horse with his head 
 well-nigh touching the crupper of the horse. But Clitophon 
 was so angry with the judgment, wherein he thought he had 
 received wrong, that he omitted his duty to his prince, and 
 uncle, and suddenly went his way still in the quest of them, whom 
 as then he had left seeking, and so yielded the field to the next 
 comer. 
 
 Who, coming in about two hours after, was no less marked than 
 all the rest before, because he had nothing worth the marking. 
 For he had neither picture nor device, his armour of as old a 
 fashion, besides the rusty poorness, that it might better seem a 
 monument of his grandfather's courage : about his middle he had, 
 instead of bases, a long cloak of silk, which as unhandsomely, as it 
 needs must, became the wearer, so that all that looked on, measured 
 his length on the earth already, since he had to meet one who had 
 been victorious of so many gallants. But he went on towards the 
 shield, and with a sober grace struck it, but as he let his sword 
 fall upon it, another knight, all in black, came rustling in, who 
 struck the shield almost as soon as he, and so strongly that he 
 broke the shield in two: the ill-apparelled knight, for so the 
 beholders called him, angry with that,, as he accounted, insolent 
 injury to himself, hit him such a sound blow that they that looked 
 on said it well became a rude arm. The other answered him 
 again in the same case, so that lances were put to silence, the 
 swords were so busy. 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 85 
 
 ■ But Phalantus, angry of this defacing shield, came upon the 
 black knight, and with the pommel of his sword set fire to his eyes, 
 which presently was revenged, not only by the black, but the ill- 
 apparelled knight, who disdained another should enter into his 
 quarrel, so as, who ever saw a matachin dance to imitate fighting, 
 this was a fight that did imitate the matachin : for they being but 
 three that fought, everyone had two adversaries, striking him, who 
 struck the third, and revenging perhaps that of him which he had 
 received of the other. But Basilius rising himself came to part 
 them, the stickler's authority scarcely able to persuade choleric 
 hearers ; and part them he did. 
 
 But before he could determine, comes in a fourth, halting on foot, 
 who complained to Basilius, demanding justice on the black knight, 
 for having by force taken away the picture of Pamela from him, 
 which in little form he wore in a tablet, and covered with silk had 
 fastened it to his helmet, purposing, for want of a bigger, to 
 paragon the little one with Artesia's length, not doubting but even 
 in that little quantity, the excellency of that would shine through 
 the weakness of the other, as the smallest star doth through the 
 whole element of fire. And by the way he had met with this black 
 knight, who had, as he said, robbed him of it. The injury seemed 
 grievious, but when it came fully to be examined, it was found that 
 the halting knight meeting the other, asking the cause of his going 
 thitherward, and finding it was to defend Pamela's divine beauty 
 against Artesia's, with a proud jollity commanded him to leave that 
 quarrel only for him, who was only worthy to enter into it. But 
 the black knight obeying no such commandments, they fell to such 
 a bickering that he got a halting, and lost his picture. This under- 
 stood by Basilius, he told him he was now fitter to look to his own 
 body than anothei-'s picture, and so, uncomforted therein, sent him 
 away to learn of jEsculapius that he was not fit for Venus. But 
 then the question arising, who should be the former against 
 Phalantus, of the black or the ill-apparelled knight, who now had 
 gotten the reputation of some sturdy lout, he had so well defended 
 himself ; of the one side, was alleged the having a picture which 
 the other wanted ; of the other side, the first striking the shield, 
 but the conclusion was, that the ill-apparelled knight should have 
 the precedence, if he delivered the figure of his mistress to 
 Phalantus, who asking him for it, "Certainly," said he, "her 
 liveliest picture, if you could see it, is in my heart, and the best 
 comparison I could make of her is of the sun and all the other 
 heavenly beauties. But because perhaps all eyes cannot taste the 
 divinity of her beauty, and would rather be dazzled than taught by 
 the light, if it be not clouded by some meaner thing, know ye then, 
 that I defend that same lady, whose image Phebilus so feebly lost 
 
86 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 yesternight, and, instead of another, if you overcome me, you shall 
 have me your slave to carry that image in your mistress' triumph." 
 Phalantus easily agreed to the bargain, which readily he made his 
 own. 
 
 But when it came to the trial, the ill-apparelled knight, choosing 
 out the greatest staves in all the store, at the first course gave his 
 head such a remembrance that he lost almost his remembrance, he 
 himself receiving the encounter of Phalantus, without any extra- 
 ordinary motion ; and at the second, gave him such a counterbuff, 
 that because Phalantus was so perfect a horseman, as not to be 
 driven from the saddle, the saddle with broken girths was driven 
 from the horse ; Phalantus remaining angry and amazed, because 
 now being come almost to the last of his promised enterprise, that 
 disgrace befel him, which he had never before known. 
 
 But the victory being by the judges given, and the trumpets 
 witnessed to the ill-apparelled knight ; Phalantus disgrace was 
 ingrieved in lieu of comfort of Artesia, who telling him she never 
 looked for other, bade him seek some other mistress. He excusing 
 himself, and turning over the fault to fortune, " Then let that be 
 your ill fortune too," said she, " that you have lost me." 
 
 " Nay, truly madam," said Phalantus, " it shall not be so, for I 
 think the loss of such a mistress will prove a great gain," and so 
 concluded, to the sport of Basilius, to see young folks love, that 
 came in masked with so great pomp, go out with so little constancy. 
 But Phalantus first professing great service to Basilius for his 
 courteous intermitting his solitary course for his sake, would yet 
 conduct Artesia to the castle of Cecropia, whither she desired to go, 
 vowing in himself that neither heart nor mouth love should ever 
 any more entangle him, and with that resolution he left the com- 
 pany. Whence all being dismissed (among whom the black knight 
 went away repining at his luck that had kept him firom winning 
 the honour, as he knew he should have done to the picture of 
 Pamela) the ill-apparelled knight (who was only desired to stay, 
 because Basilius meant to show him to Zelmane) puU'd oflf his 
 helmet, and then was known himself to be Zelmane, who that 
 morning, as she told, while the others were busy, had stolen out d 
 the prince's stable, which was a mile off from the lodge, had gottei 
 a horse, they knowing it was Basilius's pleasure she should be 
 obeyed, and borrowing that homely armour for want qf a better, 
 had come upon the spur to redeem Philoclea's picture, which, she 
 said, she could not bear, being one of that little wilderness company, 
 should be in captivity, if the cunning she had learned in her country 
 of the noble Amazons, could withstand it ; and under that pretext 
 fain she would have given a secret passport to her affection. But 
 this act painted at one instant redness in Philoclea's face, and pale- 
 
BOOK T.] ARCADIA 87 
 
 ness in Gynecia's, but brought forth no other countenances but of 
 admiration, no speeches but of commendations : all those few, 
 besides love, thinking they honoured themselves in honouring so 
 accomplished a person as Zelmane, whom daily they fought with 
 some or other sports to delight ; for which purpose Basilius had, 
 in a house not far off, servants, who though they came not uncalled, 
 yet at call were ready. 
 
 And so many days were spent, and many ways used, while 
 Zelmane was like one that stood in a tree waiting a good occasion 
 to shoot, and Gynecia a blancher, which kept the dearest deei 
 from her. But the day being come, on which according to an 
 appointed course, the shepherds were to assemble and make their 
 pastoral sports before Basilius, Zelmane, fearing lest many eyes, 
 and coming divers ways, might hap to espy Musidorus, went out 
 to warn him thereof. 
 
 But before she could come to the arbour, she saw walking from 
 her-ward, a man in shepherdish apparel, who being in the sight 
 of the lodge, it might seem he was allowed there. A long cloak 
 he had on, but that cast under his right arm, wherein he held a sheep 
 hook so finely wrought, that it gave a bravery to poverty, and his 
 raiments though they were mean, yet received they handsomeness 
 by the grace of the wearer, though he himself went but a kind of 
 languishing pace, with his eyes sometimes cast up to heaven as 
 though his fancies strove to mount higher ; sometimes thrown 
 down to the ground, as if the earth could not bear the burden of 
 his sorrows ; at length, with a lamentable tune, he sung those 
 few verses. 
 
 Come shepherd's weeds, become your master's mind ; 
 
 Yield outward show, what inward change he tries : 
 Nor be abash'd, since such a guest you find. 
 
 Whose strongest hope in your weak comfort lies. 
 
 Come shepherd's weeds, attend my woeful cries ; 
 Disuse yourselves from sweet Menalca's voice : 
 For other be those tunes which sorrow ties, 
 From those clear notes which freely may rejoice. 
 Then pour out plaint, and in one word say this : 
 Helpless is plaint, who spoils himself of bliss. 
 
 And having ended, he struck himself on the breast, saying, 
 " O miserable wretch, whither do thy destinies guide thee ? " The 
 voice made Zelmane hasten her pace to overtake him, which 
 having done, she plainly perceived that it was her dear friend 
 Musidorus ; whereat marvelling not a little, she demanded of him 
 whether the goddess of those woods had such a power to trans- 
 
88 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 form every body, or whether, as in all enterprises else he had done, 
 he meant thus to match her in this new alteration. "Alas," said 
 Musidorus, " what shall I say, who am loth to say, and yet fain 
 would have said ? I find indeed, that all is but lip-wisdom, which 
 wants experience. I now, woe is me, do try what love can do. 
 O Zelmane, who will resist it must either have no wit, or put out 
 his eyes : can any man resist his creation ? certainly by love we 
 are made, and to love we are made. Beasts only cannot discern 
 beauty, and let them be in the roll of beasts that do not honour it." 
 The perfect friendship Zelmane bare him, and the great pity she, by 
 good trial, had of such cases, could not keep her from smiling at him, 
 remembering how vehemently he had cried out against the folly 
 of lovers ; and therefore a little to punish him, " Why how now 
 dear cousin," said she, "you that were last day so high in the 
 pulpit against lovers, are you now become so mean an auditor? 
 remember that love is a passion, and that a worthy man's reason 
 must ever have the masterhood." "I recant, I recant," cried 
 Musidorus, and withal falling down prostrate, "O thou celestial 
 or infernal spirit of love, or what other heavenly or heUish title 
 thou lift to have, for effects of both I find in myself, have com- 
 passion of me and let thy glory be as great in pardoning them 
 that be submitted to thee as in conquering those that were 
 rebellious."' "No, no," said Zelmane, "I see you well enough; 
 you make but an interlude of my mishaps, and do but counterfeit 
 thus to make me see the deformity of my passions ; but take heed, 
 that this jest do not one day turn to earnest." " Now I beseech 
 thee," said Musidorus, taking her fast by the hand, " even for the 
 truth of our friendship, of which, if I be not altogether an unhappy 
 man, thou has some remembrance, and by those secret flames 
 which I know have likewise nearly touched thee, make no jest of 
 that which hath so earnestly pierced me through, nor let that be 
 light unto thee, which is to me so burdenous, that I am not able 
 to bear it." Musidorus, both in words and behaviour, did so lively 
 deliver out his inward grief that Zelmane found indeed he was 
 throughly wounded : but there rose a new jealousy in her mind, 
 lest it might be with Philoclea, by whom, as Zelmane thought, 
 in right, all hearts and eyes should be inherited. And therefore 
 desirous to be cleared of that doubt, Musidorus shortly, as in 
 haste and full of passionate perplexedness, thus recounted his case 
 unto her. 
 
 " The day," said he, " I parted from you, I being in mind to 
 return to a town from whence I came hither, my horse being before 
 tired, would scarce bear me a mile hence, where being benighted, 
 the sight of a candle, I saw a good way off, guided me to a young 
 shepherd's house, by name Menalcas, who seeing me to be a 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 89 
 
 straying stranger, with the right honest hospitality which seems 
 to be harboured in the Arcadian breasts, and, though not with 
 curious costUness, yet cleanly sufficiency entertained me ; and 
 having by talk with him found the manner of the country some- 
 thing more in particular than I had by Kalander's report, I agreed 
 to sojourn with him in secret, which he faithfully promised to 
 observe. And so hither to your arbour divers times repaired, 
 and here by your means had the fight, O that it had never been so, 
 nay, O that it might ever be so, of the goddess, who in a definite 
 compass can set forth infinite beauty." All this while Zelmane 
 was racked with jealousy. But he went on, " For," said he, " I 
 lying close, and in truth thinking of you, and saying thus to myself, 
 " O sweet Pyrocles, how art thou bewitched ? where is thy virtue ? 
 where is the use of thy reason ? how much am I inferior to thee 
 in that state of mind ? and yet know I that all the heavens cannot 
 bring me such a thraldom." Scarcely, think I, had I spoken this 
 word, when the ladies came forth ; at which sight, I think the 
 very words returned back again to strike my soul; at least, an 
 unmeasurable sting I felt in myself that I had spoken such words. 
 " At which sight," said Zelmane, not able to bear him any longer. 
 " O," said Musidorus, " I know your suspicion ; No, no, banish 
 all such fear, it was, it is, and must be Pamela." " Then all is safe," 
 said Zelmane, "proceed dear Musidorus." "I will not," said he, 
 " impute it to my late solitary life, which yet is prone to affections, 
 nor to the much thinking of you (though that called the considera- 
 tion of love into my mind, which before I ever neglected) not to 
 the exaltation of Venus, nor revenge of Cupid, but even to her, 
 who is the planet, nay, the goddess, against which the only shield 
 must be my sepulchre. When I first saw her I was presently 
 stricken, and I (like a foolish child, that when anything hits him, 
 will strike himself again upon it) would needs look again, as though 
 I would persuade mine eyes, that they were deceived. But alas, 
 well have I found, that love to a yielding heart is a king ; but to 
 a resisting, is a tyrant. The more with arguments I shaked the 
 stake, which he had planted in the ground of my heart, the deeper 
 still it sank into it. But what mean I to speak of the causes of 
 my love, which is as impossible to describe, as to measure the 
 back-side of heaven ? let this word suffice, I love. 
 
 " And that you may know I do so, it was I that came in black 
 armour to defend her picture, where I was both prevented and 
 beaten by you. And so, I that waited here to do you service, have 
 now myself most need of succour." "But whereupon got you 
 yourself this apparel ? " said Zelmane. " I had forgotten to 
 tell you," said Musidorus, "though that were one principal 
 matter of my speech ; so much am I now master of my own 
 
90 ARCADIA [book i, 
 
 mind. But thus it happened: being returned to Menalca's 
 house, full of tormenting desire, after a while fainting under the 
 weight, my courage stirred up my wit to seek for some relief before 
 I yielded to perish. At last this came into my head, that every 
 evening, that I had to no purpose last used my horse and armour. 
 I told Menalcas, that I was a Thessalian gentleman, who by mis- 
 chance having killed a great favourite of the prince of that country, 
 was pursued so cruelly, that in no place but either by favour or 
 corruption, they would obtain my destruction, and that therefore 
 I was determined, till the fury of my persecutors might be assuaged, 
 to disguise myself among the shepherds of Arcadia, and, if it were 
 possible, to be one of them that were allowed the prince's 
 presence, because if the worst should fall that I were discovered, 
 yet having gotten the acquaintance of the prince, it might happen 
 to move his heart to protect me. Menalcas, being of an honest 
 disposition, pitied my case, which my face, thro' my inward 
 torment, made credible ; and so, I giving him largely for it, let me 
 have this raiment, instructing me in all particularities, touching 
 himself, or myself, which I desired to know ; yet not trusting so 
 much to his constancy as that I would lay ray life, and life 
 of my life upon it, I hired him to go into Thessalia to a friend 
 of mine, and to deliver him a letter from me ; conjuring him to 
 bring me as speedy an answer as he could, because it imported me 
 greatly to know whether certain of my friends did yet possess any 
 favour, whose intercessions I might use for my restitution. He 
 willingly took my letter, which being well sealed, indeed contained 
 other matter. For I wrote to my trusty servant Calodoulus, whom 
 you know as soon as he had delivered the letter, he should keep 
 him prisoner in his house, not suffering him to have conference 
 with any body, till he knew my further pleasure, in all other 
 respects that he should use him as my brother. And is Menalcas 
 gone, and I here a poor shepherd; more proud of this estate 
 than of any kingdom, so manifest it is, that the highest point out- 
 ward things can bring one unto, is the contentment of the mind, 
 with which no estate ; without which, all estates be miserable. 
 Now have I chosen this day, because, as Menalcas told me, the 
 other shepherds are called to make their sports, and hope that you 
 will with your credit find means to get me allowed among them." 
 "You need not doubt," answered Zelmane, "but that I will be 
 your good mistress : marry, the best way of dealing must be by 
 Dametas, who since his blunt brain hath perceived some favour 
 the prince doth bear unto me (as without doubt the most servile 
 flattery is lodged most easily in the grossest capacity, for their 
 ordinary conceit draweth a yielding to their greater, and then have 
 they not wit to discern the right degrees of duty) is much more 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 91 
 
 serviceable unto me, than I can find any cause to wish him. And 
 therefore despair not to win him, for every present occasion 
 will catch his senses, and his senses are masters of his silly mind ; 
 only reverence him, and reward him, and with that bridle and 
 saddle you shall well ride him." "O heaven and earth," said 
 Musidorus, "to what a pass are our minds brought that from 
 the right line of virtue are wried to these crooked shifts ? but O 
 love, it is thou that doest it ; thou changest name upon name ; 
 thou disguisest our bodies, and disfigurest our minds. But indeed 
 thou hast reason ; for though the ways be foul, the journey's end 
 is most fair and honourable." 
 
 " No more sweet Musidorus," said Zelmane, " of these philos- 
 ophies ; for here comes the very person of Dametas." And so he 
 did indeed, with a sword by his side, a forest-bill on his neck, and 
 a chopplng-knlfe under his girdle : in which well provided sort, he 
 had ever gone since the fear Zelmane had put him in. But he no 
 sooner saw her, but with head and arms he laid his reverence 
 afore her, enough to have made any man forswear all courtesy. 
 And then in Basilius's name he did invite her to walk down to the 
 place where that day they were to have the pastorals. 
 
 But when he espied Musidorus to be none of the shepherds 
 allowed in that place he would fain have persuaded himself to utter 
 some anger, but that he durst not ; yet muttering and champing, 
 as though his cud troubled him, he gave occasion to Musidorus to 
 come near him, and feign his tale of his own life : that he was a 
 younger brother of the shepherd Menalcas, by name Dorus, sent 
 by his father in his tender age to Athens, there to learn some cun- 
 ning more than ordinary, that he might be the better liked of the 
 prince ; and that after his father's death, his brother Menalcas 
 lately gone thither to fetch him home, was also deceased, where, 
 upon his death, he had charged him to seek the service of 
 Dametas, and to be wholly and ever guided by him, as one in 
 whose judgment and integrity the prince had singular confidence. 
 For token whereof, he gave to Dametas a good sum of gold in 
 ready coin : which Menalcas had bequeathed unto him, upon con- 
 dition he should receive this poor Dorus into his service, that his 
 mind and manners might grow the better by his daily example. 
 Dametas, that of all manners of style could best conceive of golden 
 eloquence, being withal tickled by Musidorus's praises, had his 
 brain so turned, that he became slave to that which he that sued to 
 be his servant offered to give him, yet, for countenance sake, he 
 seemed very squeamish, in respect of the charge he had of the 
 princess Pamela. But such was the secret operation of the gold, 
 helped with the persuasion of the Amazon, Zelmane (who said it 
 was pity so handsome a young man should be anywhere else than 
 
92 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 with so good a master) that in the end he agreed (if that day he 
 behaved himself so to the liking of Basilius, as he might be con- 
 tented) that then he would receive him into his service. 
 
 And thus went they to the lodge, where they found Gynecia and 
 her daughters ready to go to the field, to delight themselves there 
 a while until the shepherds coming : whither also taking Zelmane 
 with them, as they went, Dametas told them of Dorus, and desired 
 he might be accepted there that day instead of his brother 
 Menalcas. As for Basilius, he stayed behind to bring the 
 shepherds, with whom he meant to confer, to breed the better 
 Zelmane's liking, which he only regarded, while the other beautiful 
 band came to the fair field appointed for the shepherdish pastimes. 
 It was indeed a place of delight ; for through the midst of it there 
 ran a sweet brook which did both hold the eye open with her 
 azure streams, and yet seek to close the eye with the purling noise 
 it made upon the pebble stones it ran over : the field itself being 
 set in some places with roses, and in all the rest constantly 
 preserving a flourishing green : the roses, added such a ruddy 
 show unto it, as though the field were bashful at his own beauty ; 
 about it, as if it had been to enclose a theatre, grew such sort of 
 trees as either excellency of fruit, stateliness of growth, continual 
 greenness, or poetical fancies, have made at any time famous. In 
 most part of which there had been framed by art such pleasant 
 arbours, that, one answering another, they became a galleiy aloft 
 from tree to tree almost round about, which below gave a perfect 
 shadow ; a pleasant refuge then from the choleric look of Phoebus. 
 
 In this place while Gynecia walked hard by them, carrying many 
 unquiet contentions about her, the ladies sat them down, enquiring 
 divers questions of the shepherd Dorus ; who keeping his eye still 
 upon Pamela, answered with such a trembling voice, and abashed 
 countenance, and oftentimes so far from the matter, that it was 
 some sport to the young ladies, thinking it want of education which 
 made him so discountenanced with unwonted presence. But 
 Zelmane that saw in him the glass of her own misery, taking the 
 hand of Philodea, and with burning kisses setting it close to her 
 lips (as if it should stand there like a hand in the margin of a book, 
 to note some saying worthy to be marked) began to speak those 
 words : " O love, since thou art so changeable in men's estates, 
 how art thou so constant in their torments?" when suddenly there 
 came out of a wood a monstrous lion, with a she-bear not far from 
 him, of a little less fierceness, which, as they guessed, having been 
 hunted in forests far off, were by chance come thither, where 
 before such beast had never been seen. Then care, not fear, or 
 fear, not for themselves, altered something the countenances of the 
 two lovers ; but so, as any man might perceive, was rather an 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 93 
 
 assembling of powers, than dismayedness of courage. Philoclea 
 no sooner espied the lion, but, that obeying the commandment of 
 fear, she leaped up, and ran to the lodge ward, as fast as her 
 delicate legs could carry her, while Dorus drew Pamela behind a 
 tree, where she stood quaking like a partridge on which the hawk 
 is even ready to seize. But the lion, seeing Philoclea run away, 
 bent his race to her-ward, and was ready to seize himself on the 
 prey when Zelmane (to whom danger then was a cause of dread- 
 lessness, all the composition of her elements being nothing but 
 fiery) with swiftness of desire crossed him, and with force of 
 affection struck him such a blow upon his chine, that she opened 
 all his body : wherewith the valiant beast turning her with open 
 jaws, she gave him such a thrust through his breast, that all the 
 lion could do, was with his paw to tear off the mantle and sleeve of 
 Zelmane with a little scratch, rather than a wound, his death-blow 
 having taken away the effect of his force : but therewithal he fell 
 down, and gave Zelmane leisure to take off his head, to carry it for 
 a present to her lady Philoclea, who all this while, not knowing 
 what was done behind her, kept on her course like Arethusa when 
 she ran from Alpheus ; her light apparel being carried up with the 
 wind, that much of those beauties she would at another time have 
 willingly hidden, was presented to the sight of the twice wounded 
 Zelmane. Which made Zelmane not follow her over-hastily, lest 
 she should too soon deprive herself of that pleasure, but carrying 
 the lion's head in her hand, did not fully overtake her till they 
 came to the presence of Basilius. Neither were they long there, 
 but that Gynecia came thither also, who had been in such a trance 
 of musing that Zelmane was fighting with the lion, before she knew 
 of any lion's coming : but then affection resisting, and the soon 
 ending of the fight preventing all extremity of fear she marked 
 Zelmane's fighting : and when the lion's head was off, as Zelmane 
 ran after Philoclea, so she could not find in her heart but run after 
 Zelmane : so that it was a new fight fortune had prepared to those 
 woods, to see those great personages thus run one after the other, 
 each carried forward with an inward violence ; Philoclea with such 
 fear that she thought she was still in the lion's mouth ; Zelmane 
 with an eager and impatient delight ; Gynecia with wings of love, 
 flying she neither knew nor cared to know whither. But now 
 being all come before Basilius, amazed with this sight, and fear 
 having such possession in the fair Philoclea that her blood durst 
 not yet come to her face to take away the name of paleness from 
 her most pure whiteness, Zelmane kneeled down and presented the 
 lion's head unto her: "Only lady," said she, "here see you the 
 punishment of that unnatural beast, which contrary to his own 
 kind would have wronged prince's blood, guided with such traiterous 
 
94 ARCADIA [book t. 
 
 eyes, as durst rebel against your beauty." " Happy am I, and my 
 beauty both (answered the sweet Philoclea then blushing, for fear 
 had bequeathed his room to his kinsman bashfulness) that you, 
 excellent Amazon, were there to teach him good manners." " And 
 even thanks to that beauty," answered Zelmane, " which can give 
 an edge to the bluntest swords." 
 
 There Philoclea told her father how it had happened ; but as 
 she had turned her eyes in her tale to Zelmane she perceived some 
 blood upon Zelmane's shoulder, so that starting with the lovely 
 grace and pity she showed it to her father and mother, who, as the 
 nurse sometimes with over-much kissing may forget to give the 
 babe suck, so had they with too much delighting, in beholding and 
 praising Zelmane, left off to mark whether she needed succour. 
 But then they ran both unto her, like a father and mother to an 
 only child, and, though Zelmane assured them it was nothing, 
 would needs see it, Gynecia having skill in chirurgery, an art in 
 those days much esteemed because it served to virtuous courage, 
 which even ladies would, ever with the contempt of cowards, seem 
 to cherish. But looking upon it (which gave more inward bleed- 
 ing wounds to Zelmane, for she might sometimes feel Philoclea's 
 touch while she helped her mother) she found it was indeed of no 
 importance ; yet applied she a precious balm unto it of power to 
 heal a greater grief. 
 
 But even then, and not before, they remembered Pamela, and 
 therefore Zelmane, thinking of her friend Dorus, was running back 
 to be satisfied, when they might all see Pamela coming between 
 Dorus and Dametas, having in her hand the paw of a bear, which 
 the shepherd Dorus had newly presented unto her, desiring her to 
 accept it, as of such a beast, which though she deserved death for 
 her presumption, yet was her wit to be esteemed, since she could 
 make so sweet a choice. Dametas for his part came piping and 
 dancing, the merriest man in a parish : but when he came so near 
 as he might be heard of Basilius, he would needs break through 
 his ears with this joyful song of their good success. 
 
 Now thanked he the great god Pan, 
 
 Which thus preserves my loved life : 
 Thanked be I that keep a man, 
 
 Who ended hath this bloody strife : 
 For if my Man must praises have, 
 
 What then must I, that keep the knave? 
 
 For as the Moon the eye doth please, 
 With gentle beams not hurting sight : 
 
 Yet hath sir Sun the greatest praise, 
 Because from him doth come her light ; 
 
 So if my man must praises have, 
 What then must I, that keep the knave ? 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 95 
 
 Being all now come together, and all desirous to know each 
 
 other's adventures, Pamela's noble heart would needs gratefully 
 
 make known the valiant means of her safety, which, directing her 
 
 speech to her mother, she did in this manner : " As soon," said 
 
 she, "as ye were all run away, and that I hoped to be in safety, 
 
 there came out of the same woods a horrible foul bear, which 
 
 (fearing belike to deal while the lion was present as soon as he 
 
 was gone) came furiously towards the place where I was, and this 
 
 young shepherd left alone by me, I truly (not guilty of any wisdom, 
 
 which since they lay to my charge, because they say it is the best 
 
 refuge against that beast, but even pure fear bringing forth that 
 
 effect of wisdom) fell down flat on my face, needing not counterfeit 
 
 being dead, for indeed I was little better. But this young shepherd 
 
 with a wonderful courage, having no other weapon but that knife 
 
 you see, standing before the place where I lay, so behaved himself 
 
 that the first sight I had, when I thought myself already near 
 
 Charon's ferry, was the shepherd showing me his bloody knife in 
 
 token of victory." " I pray you (said Zelmane speaking to Dorus, 
 
 whose valour she was careful to have manifested) in what sort, so 
 
 ill weaponed, could you achieve this enterprise?" "Noble lady," 
 
 said Dorus, " the manner of those beasts fighting with any man, 
 
 is to stand up upon their hinder feet, and so this did, and being 
 
 ready to give me a shrewd embracement, I think the god Pan, 
 
 ever careful of the chief blessing of Arcadia, guided my hand so 
 
 just to the heart of the beast that neither she could once touch me 
 
 nor (which is the only matter in this worthy remembrance) breed 
 
 any danger to the princess. For my part, I am rather, with all 
 
 subjected humbleness, to thank her excellencies, since the duty 
 
 thereunto gave me heart to save myself than to receive thanks for 
 
 a deed which was her only aspiring." And this Dorus spoke, 
 
 keeping affection as much as he could back from coming into his 
 
 eyes and gestures. But Zelmane, that had the same character in 
 
 her heart, could easily decipher it, and therefore to keep him the 
 
 longer in speech, desired to understand the conclusion of the 
 
 matter, and how the honest Dametas was escaped. " Nay," said 
 
 Pamela, " none shall take that office from myself, being so much 
 
 bound to him as I am for my education." And with that word, 
 
 scorn borrowing the countenance of mirth, somewhat she smiled, 
 
 and thus spoke on : " When," said she, " Dorus made me assuredly 
 
 perceive that all cause of fear was passed, the truth is, I was 
 
 ashamed to find myself alone with this shepherd, and therefore 
 
 looking about me, if I could see anybody, at length we both 
 
 perceived the gentle Dametas, lying, with his head and breast as 
 
 far as he could thrust hitnself into a bush, drawing up his legs as 
 
 close unto him as he could : for, like a man of a very kind nature, 
 
g6 ARCADIA [BOOK i. 
 
 soon to take pity on himself, he was fully resolved not to see his 
 own death. And when this shepherd pushed him, bidding him to 
 be of good cheer, it was a great while e'er we could persuade him 
 that Dorus was not the bear, so that he was fain to pull him out 
 by the heels, and show him the beast as dead as he could wish it : 
 which, you may believe me, was a very joyful sight unto him. But 
 then he forgot all courtesy, for he fell upon the beast, giving it 
 many a manful wound, swearing by much, it was not well such 
 beasts should be sufifered in a commonwealth. And then my 
 governor, as full of joy, as before of fear, came dancing and singing 
 before, as even now you saw him." " Well, well," said BasiUus, " I 
 have not chosen Dametas for his fighting, nor for his discoursing 
 but for his plainness and honesty, and therein I know he will not 
 deceive me," But then he told Pamela (not so much because she 
 should know it, as because he would tell it) the wonderful act 
 Zelmane had performed, which Gynecia likewise spoke of, both in 
 such extremity of praising, as was easy to be seen, the construction 
 of their speech might best be made by the grammar rules of 
 affection. Basilius told with what a gallant grace she ran with the 
 lion's head in her hand, like another Pallas with the spoils of 
 Gorgon. Gynecia swore she saw the very face of the young 
 Hercules killing the Nemean lion ; and all with a grateful assent 
 confirmed the same praises ; only poor Dorus (though of equal 
 desert, yet not proceeding of equal estate) should have been less 
 forgotten, had not Zelmane again with great admiration begun to 
 speak of him ; asking whether it were the fashion or no in Arcadia 
 that shepherds should perform such valorous enterprises. 
 
 This Basilius, having the quick sense of a lover, took, as though 
 his mistress had given him a secret reprehension, that he had not 
 showed more gratefulness to Dorus ; and therefore as niriibly as 
 he could, enquired of his estate, adding promise of great rewards, 
 among the rest, offering to him, if he would exercise his courage 
 in soldiery, he would commit some charge unto him under his 
 heutenant Philanax. But Dorus, whose ambition climbed by 
 another stair, having first answered touching his estate that he was 
 brother to the shepherd Menalcas, who among other was wont to 
 resort to the prince's presence, and excused his going to soldiery 
 by the unaptness he found in himself that way, he told Basilius 
 that his brother in his last testament had willed him to serve 
 Dametas, and therefore, for due obedience thereunto, he would 
 think his service greatly rewarded if he might obtain by' that 
 means to live in the sight of the prince and yet practice his own 
 chosen vocation. Basilius, liking well his goodly shape and 
 handsome manner, charged Dametas to receive him like a son into 
 his house, saying, that his valour, and Dametas's truth would be 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 97 
 
 good bulwarks against such mischiefs, as, he sticked not to say, 
 were threatened to his daughter Pamela. 
 
 Dametas, no whit out of countenance with all that had been 
 said, because he had no worse to fall into than his own, accepted 
 Dorus ; and withal telling Basilius that some of the shepherds 
 were come, demanded in what place he would see their sports, 
 who first was curious to know whether it were not more requisite 
 for Zelmane's hurt to rest than sit up at those pastimes ; and she, 
 that felt no wound but one, earnestly desired to have the pastorals. 
 Basilius commanded it should be at the gate of the lodge, where 
 the throne of the prince being, according to the ancient manner, 
 he made Zelmane sit between him and his wife therein, who 
 thought herself between drowning and burning, and the two young 
 ladies of either side the throne, and so prepared their eyes and 
 ears to be delighted by the shepherds. 
 
 But, before all of them were assembled to begin their sports, 
 there came a fellow who being out of breath, or seeming so to be 
 for haste, with humble hastiness told Basilius, that his mistress, 
 the lady Cecropia, had sent him to excuse the mischance of her 
 beast ranging in that dangerous sort, being happened by the folly 
 of the keeper, who thinking himself able to rule them, had carried 
 them abroad, and so was deceived : whom yet, if Basilius would 
 punish for it, she was ready to deliver. Basilius made no other 
 answer, but that his mistress, if she had any more such beasts, 
 should cause them to be killed : and then he told his wife and 
 Zelmane of it, because they should not fear those woods, as though 
 they harboured such beasts where the like had never been seen. 
 But Gynecia took a further conceit of it, mistrusting greatly 
 Cecropia, because she had heard much of the devilish wickedness 
 of her heart, and that particularly she did her best to bring up her 
 son Amphialus, being brother's son to Basilius, to aspire to the 
 crown as next heir male after Basilius, and therefore saw no 
 reason but that she might conjecture, it proceeded rather of some 
 mischievous practice, than of misfortune. Yet did she only utter 
 her doubt to her daughters, thinking, since the worst was past, 
 she would attend a further occasion, lest overmuch haste might 
 seem to proceed of the ordinary mislike between sisters-in-law 
 only they marvelled that Basilius looked no farther into it, who, 
 good man, thought so much of his late conceived commonwealth] 
 that all other matters were but digressions unto him. But the 
 shepherds were ready, and with well handling themselves, called 
 their senses to attend their pastimes. 
 
 Basilius, because Zelmane so would have it, used the artificial day 
 of torches, to lighten the sports their invention could minister : 
 and because many of the shepherds were but newly come, he did 
 
 G 
 
98 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 in a gentle manner chastise their negligence, with making them, 
 for that night the torch bearers ; and the others he willed with 
 all freedom of speech and behaviour to keep their accustomed 
 method, which while they prepared to do, Dametas, who much 
 disdained, since his late authority, all his old companions, brought 
 his servant Dorus in good acquaintance and allowance of them, 
 and himself stood like a director over them, with nodding, gaping, 
 winking, or stamping, showing how he did like or mishke those 
 things he did not understand. The first sports the shepherds 
 showed were full of such leaps and gambols as being according to 
 the pipe which they bore in their mouths, even as they danced, 
 made a right picture of their chief god Pan, and his companions the 
 Satyrs. Then would they cast away their pipes, and holding hand 
 in hand dance as it were in a brawl, by the only cadence of their 
 voices, which they would use in singing some short couplets, 
 whereto the one half beginning, the other half should answer as 
 the one half, saying : 
 
 We love, and have our loves rewarded. 
 The other would answer. 
 
 We love, and are no whit regarded. 
 The first again. 
 
 We find most sweet affection's snare. 
 With like tune it should be as in a choir sent back again, 
 
 That sweet, but sour, despairful care. 
 A third time likewise thus : 
 
 Who can despair, whom hope doth bear? 
 The answer, 
 
 And who can hope that feels despair ? 
 
 Then joining all their voices, and dancing a faster measure, they 
 would conclude with some such words : 
 
 As without breath no pipe doth move, 
 No music kindly without love. 
 
 Having thus varied both their song and dances into divers sorts 
 of inventions, their last sport was, one of them to provoke another 
 to a more large expressing of his passions : which Thyrsis 
 (accounted one of the best singers amongst them) having marked 
 in Dorus's dancing, no less good grace and handsome behaviour 
 than extreme tokens of a troubled mind, began first with his pipe, 
 and then with his voice, thus to challenge Dorus, and was by him 
 answered in the under-written sort. 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 99 
 
 ECLOGUE 
 
 THYRSIS AND DORUS 
 
 Thyr. Come Dorus, come, let songs thy sorrows signify, 
 
 And if for want of use thy mind ashamed is, 
 That very shame with love's high title dignify. 
 
 No style is held for base where love well named is ; 
 Each ear sucks up the words a true-love scattereth, 
 And plain speech oft, than quaint phrase better framed is. 
 Dor. Nightingales seldom sing, the pye still chattereth, 
 
 The wood cries most, before it thoroughly kindled be, 
 Deadly wounds inward bleed, each slight sore mattereth. 
 
 Hardly they heard, which by good hunters singled be : 
 Shallow brooks murmur most, deep, silent slide away. 
 Nor true-love, his love with others mingled be. 
 Thyr. If thou wilt not be seen, thy face go hide away, 
 
 Be none of us, or else maintain our fashion : 
 Who frowns at others feasts, doth better bide away. 
 
 But if thou hast a love, in that love's passion, 
 I challenge thee by show of her perfection, 
 Which of us two deserveth most compassion. 
 Dor. Thy challenge great, but greater my protection : 
 
 Sing then, and see (for now thou hast inflamed me) 
 Thy health too mean a match for my infection. 
 
 No, though the heaven's for high attempts have blamed me, 
 Yet high is my attempt. O muse historify 
 Her praise, whose praise to learn your skill hath framed me. 
 Thyr. Muse hold your peace, but thou my god Pan glorify 
 
 My Kala's gifts, who with all good gifts filled is. 
 Thy pipe, O Pan, shall help, though I sing sorrily. 
 
 A heap of sweets she is, where nothing spilled is ; 
 Who though she be no Bee, yet full of honey is : 
 A Lilly-field, with plough of Rose which tilled is : 
 
 Mild as a lamb, more dainty than a coney is : 
 Her eyes my eye-sight is, her conversation 
 
 More glad to me than to a miser money is. 
 What coy account she makes of estimation ? 
 
 How nice to touch? how all her speeches poised be? 
 
 A nymph thus turned, but mended in translation. 
 Dor. Such Kala is : but ah my fancies raised be 
 
 In one, whose name to name were high presumption, 
 Since virtue's all, to make her title pleased be. 
 
100 ARCADIA [BOOK :. 
 
 happy gods, which by inward assumption 
 Enjoy her soul, in bodies fair possession, 
 
 And keep it join'd, fearing- your seats consumption. 
 
 How oft with rain of tears skies make confession, 
 Their dwellers wrapt with sight of her perfection, 
 From heav'nly throne to her heav'n use digression ? 
 Of best things then what world shall yield confection 
 To liken her? deck yours with your comparison : 
 She is herself of best things the collection. 
 Thyr. How oft my doleful sire cry'd to me, tarry son, 
 
 When first he spied my love? how oft he said to me. 
 Thou art no soldier fit for Cupid's garrison? 
 
 My son keep this, that my long toil hath laid to me : 
 Love well thine own, methinks wool's whiteness passeth all : 
 
 1 never found long love such wealth hath paid to me. 
 This wind he spent : but when my Kala glasseth all 
 My sight in her fair limbs, I then assure myself, 
 
 Not rotten sheep, but high crowns she surpasseth all. 
 
 Can I be poor, that her gold hair procure myself? 
 Want I white wool, whose eyes her white skin garnished ? 
 'Till I get her, shall I to keep innure myself? 
 Dor. How oft, when reason saw, love of her harnessed 
 
 With armour of my heart, he cried, O vanity ! 
 To set a pearl in steel so meanly varnished ? 
 
 Look to thyself, reach not beyond humanity. 
 Her mind, beams, state, far from the weak wings banished ; 
 And love with lovers hurt is inhumanity. 
 
 Thus reason said : but she came, reason vanished ; 
 Her eyes so mastering me, that such objection 
 
 Seem'd but to spoil the food of thoughts long famished. 
 Her peerless height my mind to high erection 
 
 Draws up ; and if hope-failing end life's pleasure, 
 
 Of fairer death how can I make election ? 
 Thyr. Once my well waiting eyes espy'd my treasure, 
 
 With sleeves turn'd up, loose hair, and breasts enlarged, 
 Her father's corn, moving her fair limbs, measure. 
 
 O cried I, if so mean work be discharged : 
 Measure my case how by thy beauties filling, 
 With seed of woes my heart brim-full is charg'd. 
 
 Thy father bids thee save, and chides for spilling ; 
 Save then my soul, spill not my thoughts well heap'd. 
 
 No lovely praise was ever got by killing : 
 Those bold words she did bear, this fruit I reaped. 
 
 That she whose look alone might make me blessed, 
 
 Did smile on me, and then away she leaped. 
 Dor. Once, O sweet once, I saw with dread oppressed 
 
 Her whom I dread, so that with prostrate lying 
 Her length, the earth in love's chief clothing dressed, 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA loi 
 
 I saw that riches fall, and fell a crying ; 
 Let not dead earth enjoy so dear a cover, 
 But deck therewith my soul for your sake dying : 
 
 Lay all your fear upon your fearful lover ; 
 Shine eyes on me that both our lives be guarded ; 
 
 So I your sight, you shall yourselves recover. 
 I cry'dj and was with open eyes rewarded : 
 
 But straight they fled summon'd by cruel honour, 
 
 Honour, the cause desert is not regarded. 
 Thyr. This maid, thus made for joys, O Pan ! bemoan her, 
 
 That without love she spends her years of love : 
 So fair a field would well become an owner. 
 
 And if enchantment can a hard heart move. 
 Teach me what circle may acquaint her sprite. 
 Affection's charms in my behalf to prove. 
 
 The circle is my, round about her, sight. 
 The power I will invoke dwells in her eyes ; 
 My charm should be, she haunt me day and night. 
 Dor. Far other case, O muse, my sorrow tries. 
 
 Bent to such one in whom myself must say. 
 Nothing can mend one point that in her lies. 
 
 What circle then in so rare force bears sway ? 
 Whose sprite all sprites can foil, raise, damn, or save : 
 No charm holds her, but well possess she may, 
 
 Possess she doth, and makes my soul her slave, 
 My eyes the bands, my thoughts the fatal knot. 
 No thral like them that inward bondage have. 
 Thyr. Kala, at length conclude my ling'ring lot : 
 
 Disdain me not, although I be not fair. 
 Who is an heir of many hundred sheep. 
 Doth beauties keep which never sun can burn. 
 Nor storms do turn : fairness serves oft to wealth. 
 Yet all my health I place in your good will : 
 Which if you will, O dOj bestow on me 
 Such as you see ; such still you shall me find. 
 Constant and kind, my sheep your food shall breed, 
 Their wool your weed, I will you music yield 
 In flow'ry field ; and as the day begins 
 With twenty gins we will the small birds take. 
 And pastimes make, as nature things hath made. 
 But when in shade we meet of myrtle boughs. 
 Then love allows our pleasures to enrich, 
 The thought of which doth pass all worldly pelf. 
 
 Dor. Lady yourself whom neither name I dare, 
 And titles are but spots to such a worth. 
 Here plaints come forth from dungeon of my mind. 
 The noblest kind rejects not others' woes. 
 I have no shows of wealth : my wealth is you, 
 
102 ARCADIA [BOOK 1. 
 
 My beauties hue your beams, my health your deeds ; 
 
 My mind for weeds your virtues livery wears. 
 
 My food is tears, ray tunes lamenting yield. 
 
 Despair my field, the flowers spirits wars : 
 
 My day new cares, my gins my daily sight, 
 
 In which do light small birds of thoughts o'erthrown : 
 
 My pastimes none : time passeth on my fall : 
 
 Nature made all, but me of dolors made, 
 
 I find no shade, but where my sun doth burn ; 
 
 No place to turn ; without, within it fries : 
 
 Nor help by life or death, who living dies. 
 
 Thyr. But if my Kala thus my suit denies, 
 
 Which so much reason bears : 
 Let crows pick out mine eyes, which too much saw. 
 
 If she still hate love's law, 
 My earthly mould doth melt in wat'ry tears. 
 
 Dor. My earthly mould doth melt in wat'ry tears, 
 
 And they again resolve 
 To air of sighs, sighs to the heart fire turn, 
 
 Which doth to ashes burn. 
 Thus doth my life within itself dissolve. 
 
 Thyr. Thus doth my life within itself dissolve 
 
 That I grow like the beast. 
 Which bears the bit a weaker force doth guide, 
 
 Yet patient must abide. 
 Such weight it hath, which once is full possess' d. 
 
 Dor. Such weight it hath, which once is full possess' d, 
 
 That I become a vision, 
 Which hath in others held his only being, 
 
 And lives in fancy seeing, 
 O wretched state of man in self-division ! 
 
 Thyr. O wretched state of man in self-division ! 
 
 O well thou say'st ! a feeling declaration ! 
 Thy tongue hath made, of Cupid's deep incision. 
 
 But now hoarse voice, doth fail this occupation, 
 And others long to tell their loves condition : 
 Of singing thou hast got the reputation. 
 
 Dor. Of singing thou hast got the reputation, 
 
 Good Thyrsis mine^ I yield to thy ability ; 
 My heart doth seek another estimation. 
 
 But ah my muse, I would thou had'st facility 
 To work my Goddess so by thy invention, 
 
 On me to cast those eyes where shine nobility : 
 Seen and unknown ; heard, but without attention. 
 
 Dorus did so well in answering Thyrsis that everyone desired 
 to hear him sing something alone. Seeing therefore a lute lying 
 under the Princess Pamela's feet, glad to have such an errand to 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 103 
 
 approach her, he came, but came with a dismayed grace, all his 
 blood stirred betwixt fear and desire, and playing upon it with such 
 sweetness, as everybody wondered to see such skill in a shepherd, 
 he sung unto it with a sorrowing voice, these elegiac verses : 
 
 Dor. Fortune, nature, love, long have contended about me, 
 Which should most miseries cast on a worm that I am, 
 
 Fortune thus gan say, misery and misfortune is all one. 
 And of misfortune, fortune hath only the gift 
 
 With strong foes on land, on sea with contrary tempests. 
 Still do I cross this wretch, what so he taketh in hand. 
 
 Tush, tush, said nature, this is all but a trifle, a man's self 
 Gives haps or mishaps, even as he ordereth his heart. 
 
 But so his humour I frame, in a mould of choler adusted. 
 That the delights of life shall be to him dolorous. 
 
 Love smiled, and thus said : want join'd to desire is unhappy : 
 But if he nought do desire, what can Heraclitus ail? 
 
 None but I work by desire : by desire have I kindled in his soul 
 Infernal agonies into a beauty divine : 
 
 Wherethou poor nature left'st all thy due glory, to fortune 
 Her virtue's sovereign, fortune a vassal of hers. 
 
 Nature abash'd went back : fortune blush'd : yet she replied 
 thus : 
 And even in that love shall I reserve him a spite. 
 
 Thus, thus, alas ! woeful by nature, unhappy by fortune, 
 But most wretched I am, now love awakes my desire. 
 
 Dorus when he had sung this, having had all the while a free 
 beholding of the fair Pamela (who could well have spared such 
 honour ; and defended the assault he gave unto her face with 
 bringing a fair stain of shamefacedness unto it) let fall his arms 
 and remained so fastened in his thoughts as if Pamela had grafted 
 him there to grow in continual imagination. But Zelmane espying 
 it, and fearing he should too much forget himself, she came to 
 him, and took out of his hand the lute, and laying fast hold of 
 Philoclea's face with her eyes, she sung these sapphics, speaking 
 as it were to her own hope : 
 
 If mine eyes can speak to do hearty errand. 
 Or mine eyes language she do hap to judge of. 
 So that eyes message be of her received, 
 
 Hope we do live yet. 
 But if eyes fail then, when I most do need them. 
 Or if eyes language be not unto her known. 
 So that eyes message do return rejected, 
 
 Hope we do both die. 
 Yet dying, and dead, do we sing her honour ; 
 So becomes our tombs monuments of our praise ; 
 
104 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 So becomes our loss the triumph of her gain ; 
 
 Hers be the glory. 
 If the spheres senseless do yet hold a music, 
 If the swan's sweet voice be not heard, but as death. 
 If the mute timber when it hath the life lost 
 
 Yieldeth a lute's tune. 
 Are then human lives privileg'd so meanly, 
 As that hateful death can abridge them of power 
 With the vow of truth to record to all worlds 
 
 That we be her spoils ? 
 Thus not endingj ends the due praise of her praise : 
 Fleshly vail consumes ; but a soul hath his life. 
 Which is held in love ; love it is, that hath join'd 
 
 Life to this our soul. 
 But if eyes can speak to hearty errand. 
 Or mine eyes language she doth hap to judge of, 
 So that eyes message be of her received 
 
 Hope we do live yet. 
 Great was the pleasure of Basilius, and greater would have been 
 Gynecia's but that she fouud too well it was intended to her 
 daughter. As for Philoclea, she was sweetly ravished withal. 
 When Dorus, desiring in a secret manner to speak of their cases, 
 as perchance the parties intended might take some light of it, 
 making low reverence to Zelmane, began this provoking song in 
 Hexameter verse unto her. Whereunto she soon finding whether 
 his words were directed, in like tune and verse, answered as 
 foUoweth : 
 
 DORUS ZELMANE 
 
 Dor. Lady reserved by the heavens to do pastor's company 
 honour, 
 Joining your sweet voice, to the rural muse of a desert, 
 Here you fully do find the strange operation of love. 
 How to the woods love runs as well as rides to the palace, 
 Neither he bears reverence to a prince, nor pity to a beggar. 
 But, like a point in midst of a circle, is still of a nearness. 
 All to a lesson he draws ; neither hills nor caves can avoid him. 
 
 Zel. Worthy shepherd by my song to myself all favour is 
 happ'ned, 
 That to the sacred muse my annoys somewhat be revealed, 
 Sacred muse, who in one contains what nine do in all them. 
 But O happy be you, which safe from fiery reflection 
 Of Phoebus violence in shade of sweet Cyparissus, 
 Or pleasant myrtle, may teach the unfortunate Echo 
 In these woods to resound the renowned name of goddess. 
 Happy be you that may to the saint, your only Idea, 
 (Although simply attir'd) your manly affection utter. 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA I OS 
 
 Happy be those mishaps which justly proportion holding-, 
 Give right sound to the ears, and enter aright to the judgment : 
 But wretched be the souls, which vail'd in a contrary subject, 
 How much more we do love, so the less our loves be believed. 
 What skill salveth a sore of wrong infirmity judged ? 
 What can justice avail to a man that tells not his own case ? 
 You though fears do abash, in you still possible hopes be : 
 Nature against we do seem to rebel, seem fools in a vain suit. 
 But so unheard, condemn'd, kept thence we do seek to abide in. 
 Self-lost in wand'ririg, banished that place we do come from. 
 What mean is there alas^ we can hope our loss to recover ? 
 What place is there left, we may hope our woes to recomfort ? 
 Unto the heav'ns? our wings be too short: earth thinks us a 
 
 burden. 
 Air ? we do still with Sighs increase : to the fire ? we do want 
 
 none, 
 And yet his outward heat our tears would quench, but an inward 
 Fire no liquor can cool : Neptune's realm would not avail us. 
 Happy shepherd, with thanks to the Gods, still think to be 
 
 thankful. 
 That to thy advancement their wisdoms have thee abased. 
 Dor. Unto the gods with a thankful heart all thanks I do 
 render. 
 That to my advancement their wisdoms have me abased. 
 But yet, alas ! O but yet alas 1 our haps be but hard haps, 
 Which must frame contempt to the fittest purchase of honour. 
 Well may a pastor plain, but alas his plaints be not esteem'd : 
 Silly shepherd's poor pipe, when his harsh sound testifies anguish, 
 Into the fair looking on, pastime, not passion, enters. 
 And to the woods or brooks, who do make such dreary recital ? 
 What be the pangs they bear, and whence those pangs be 
 
 derived, 
 Pleas'd to receive that name by rebounding answer of Echo, 
 May hope thereby to ease their inward horrible anguish, 
 When trees dance to the pipe, and swift streams stay by the 
 
 music. 
 Or when an Echo begins unmov'd to sing them a love-song ; 
 Say then, what vantage do we get by the trade of a pastor ? 
 (Since no estates be so base, but love vouchsafeth his arrow, 
 Since no refuge doth serve from wounds we do carry about us, 
 Since outward pleasures be but halted helps to decayed Souls) 
 Save that daily we may discern what fire we do burn in. 
 Far more happy be you, whose greatness gets a free access ;, 
 Whose fair bodily gifts are fram'd most lovely to each eye. 
 Virtue you have, of virtue you have left proof to the whole world. 
 And virtue is grateful, with beauty and richness adorn' d. 
 Neither doubt you a whit ; time will your passion utter. 
 Hardly remains fire hid where skill is bent to the hiding, 
 
io6 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 But in a ^nind that would his flames should not be repressed, 
 Nature worketh enough with a small help for the revealing: : 
 Give therefore to the muse great praise, in whose very likeness 
 You do approach to the fruit your only desires be to gather. 
 Zel. First shall fertile grounds not yield increase of a good 
 "Seed, 
 First the rivers shall cease to repay their floods to the ocean : 
 First may a trusty greyhound transform himself to a tiger. 
 First shall virtue be vice, and beauty be counted a blemish. 
 E'er that I leave with song of praise her praise to solemnize, 
 Her praise, whence to the world all praise hath his only 
 
 beginning : 
 But yet well I do flnd each man most wise in his own case. 
 None can speak of a wound with skill, if he have not a wound 
 
 felt. 
 Great to thee my state seems, thy state is bless'd by my judgment : 
 And yet neither of us great or blest deemeth his own self. 
 For yet (weigh this alas !) great is not great to the greater. 
 What judge you doth a hillock show, by the lofty olympus ? 
 Such my minute greatness, doth seem compar'd to the greatest. 
 When cedars to the ground fall down by the weight of an emmot. 
 Or when a rich ruby's price be the worth of a walnut, 
 Or to the sun for wonders seem small sparks of a candle : 
 Then by my high cedar rich ruby, and only shining sun. 
 Virtue, riches, beauties of mine shall great be reputed. 
 Oh, no, no, worthy shepherd, worth can never enter a title, 
 Where proofs justly do teach, thus match'd, such worth to be 
 
 nought worth : 
 Let not a puppet abuse thy sprite, kings' crowns do not help them 
 From the cruel headache, nor shoes of gold do the gout heal : 
 And precious couches full oft are shak'd with a fever. 
 If then a bodily ill in a bodily gloze be not hidden. 
 Shall such morning dews be an ease to the heat of a love's fire ? 
 
 Dor. O glittering miseries of man, if this be the fortune 
 Of those fortunes lulls ? so small rests, rest in a kingdom ? 
 What marvel tho' a prince transform himself to a pastor ? 
 Come from marble bowers many times the gay harbour of 
 
 anguish, 
 Unto a silly caban, thought weak, yet stronger against woes. 
 Now by the words I begin, most famous lady, to gather 
 Comfort into my soul, I do find what a blessing 
 Is chanced to my life, that from such muddy abundance 
 Of carking agonies, to states which still be adherent, 
 Destiny keeps me aloof, for if all this state to thy virtue 
 Join'd by thy beauty adorn'd be no means those griefs to abolish : 
 If neither by that help, thou canst climb up thy fancy. 
 Nor yet fancy so dress'd do receive more plausible hearing : 
 Then do I think indeed, that better it is to be private 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 107 
 
 In sorrow's torments, than, tied to the pomps of a palace. 
 Nurse inward maladies, which have not scope to be breath'd out : 
 But perforce digest all bitter joys of horror 
 In silence, from a man's own self with company robbed. 
 Better yet do I live, that though by my thoughts I be plunged 
 Into my life's bondage, yet may I disburden a passion 
 (Oppress'd with ruinous conceits) by the help of an out-cry ; 
 Not limited to a whispering note, the lament of a courtier. 
 But sometimes tp the woods, sometimes to the heav'n do decipher 
 With bold clamour unheard, unmark'd, what I seek, what I 
 
 suffer ! 
 And when I meet those trees, in the earth's fair livery clothed, 
 Ease I do feel, such ease as falls to one wholly diseased, 
 For that I find in them part of my state represented. 
 Laurel shows what I seek, by the myrrh is shown how I seek it, 
 Olive paints me the peace that I must aspire to by conquest : 
 Myrtle makes my request ; my request is crown'd with a willow 
 Cypress promiseth help, but a help where comes no recomfort : 
 Sweet juniper saith this, though I burn, yet I burn in a sweet fire. 
 Yew doth make me think what kind of bow the boy holdeth, 
 Which shoots strongly without any noise, and deadly without 
 
 smart. 
 Fir-trees great and green, fix'd on a high hill but a barren, 
 Like to my noble thoughts, still new, well plac'd to me fruitless. 
 Fig that yields most pleasant fruits, his shadow is hurtful : 
 Thus be her gifts most sweet, thus more danger to be near her. 
 Now in a palm when I mark, how he doth rise under a burden, 
 And may I not, say then, get up though grief be so weighty ? 
 Pine is a mast to a ship, to my ship shall hope for a mast serve. 
 Pine is high, hope is as high, sharp leav'd, sharp, yet be my 
 
 hopes buds. 
 Elm embrac'd by a vine, embracing fancy revlveth : 
 Poplar changeth his hue from a rising sun to a setting : 
 Thus to my sun do I yield, such looks her beams do afford me. 
 Old aged oak cut down, of new work serves to the building : 
 So my desires by my fear cut down, be the frames of her honour. 
 As he makes spears which shields do resist, her force no repulse 
 
 takes. 
 Palms do rejoice to be join'd by the match of a male to a female, 
 And shall sensitive things be so senseless as to resist sense ? 
 Thus be my thoughts dispers'd, thus thinking nurseth a thinking. 
 Thus both trees and each thing else, be the books of a fancy. 
 But to the cedar, queen of woods, when I left my betear'd eyes, 
 Then do I shape to myself that form which reigns so within me, 
 And think there she doth dwell and hear what plaints I do utter-. 
 When that noble top doth nod, I believe she salutes me, 
 When by the wind it maketh a noise, I do think she doth answer. 
 Then kneeling to the ground, oft thus do I speak to that image ; 
 
io8 ARCADIA [book i. 
 
 Only jewel, O only jewel, which only deservest, 
 That men's hearts be thy seat, and endless fame be thy servant, 
 O descend for a while, from this great height to behold me. 
 But nought else to behold, else is nought worth the beholding, 
 Save what a work by thyself is wrought : and since I am alter'd 
 Thus by thy work, disdain not that which is by thyself done. 
 In mean caves oft treasure abides, to an hostry a king comes. 
 And so behind foul clouds full oft fair stars do lie hidden, 
 Zel. Hardy shepherd, such as thy merits, such may be her 
 insight 
 Justly to grant thee reward, such envy I hear to thy fortune. 
 But to myself what wish can I make for a salve to my sorrows, 
 Whom both nature seems to debar from means to be helped, 
 And if a mean were found, fortune th' whole course of it hinders ? 
 Thus plagu'd how can I frame to my sore any hope of amendment? 
 Whence may I show to my mind any light of possible escape ? 
 Bound, and bound by so noble bands, as loth to be unbound. 
 Jailer I am to myself, prison and pris'ner to mine own self. 
 Yet by my hopes thus plac'd, here fix'd lives all my comfort. 
 That that dear diamond, where wisdom holdeth a sure seat, 
 Whose force had such force so to transform, nay to reform me, 
 Will at length perceive those flames by her beams to be kindled. 
 And will pity the wound festered so strangely within me. 
 O be it so, grant such an event, O gods, that event give, 
 And for a sure sacrifice I do daily oblation offer 
 Of mine own heart, where thoughts be the temple, sight is an 
 
 altar. 
 But cease worthy shepherd, now cease we to weary the hearers 
 With mournful melodies ; for enough our griefs be revealed. 
 If the parties meant our meanings rightly be marked, 
 And sorrows do require some respite unto the senses. 
 
 What exclaiming praises Basilius gave to this Eclogue any man 
 may guess that knows love is better tban a pair of spectacles to 
 make everything seem greater which is seen through it : and then 
 is never tongue-tied where fit commendation, whereof womankind 
 is so liquorish, is offered unto it. But before any other came in to 
 supply the place, Zelmane having heard some of the shepherds by 
 chance name Strephon and Claius, supposing thereby they had 
 been present, was desirous both to hear them for the fame of their 
 friendly love, and to know them for their kindness towards her 
 best loved friend. Much grieved was Basilius, that any desire of 
 his mistress should be unsatisfied, and therefore to represent them 
 unto her, as well as in their absence it might be, he commanded 
 one Lamon, who had at large set down their country pastimes and 
 first love to Urania, to sing the whole discourse which he did in 
 this manner. 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 109 
 
 A shepherd's tale no height of style desires, 
 
 To raise in words what in effect is low : 
 A plaining song plain singing voice requires, 
 
 For warbling notes from cheering spirit flow. 
 I then whose burd'ned breast but thus aspires 
 Of shepherds two the silly cause to show. 
 
 Need not the stately muses help invoke. 
 For creeping rhymes, which often sighings choke. 
 But you, O you, that think not tears too dear, 
 
 To spend for harms, although they touch you not : 
 And deign to deem your neighbours mischief near. 
 
 Although they be of meaner parents got : 
 You I invite with easy ear's to hear 
 
 The poor-clad truth of love's wrong- order'd lot. 
 Who may be glad, be glad you be not such : 
 Who share in woe, weigh others have as much. 
 There was (O seldom blessed word of was !) 
 A pair of friends, or rather one call'd two, 
 Train'd in the life which no short-bitten grass 
 In shine or storm must set the clouted shoe : 
 He, that the other in some years did pass. 
 And in those gifts that years distribute do. 
 Was Claius call'd (ah Claius, woeful weight !) 
 The latter born, yet too soon Strephon height. 
 Epirus high was honest Claius's nest. 
 
 To Strephon Coles's land first breathing lent : 
 But east and west were join'd by friendship's hest. 
 
 As Strephon's ear and heart to Claius bent. 
 So Claius's soul did in his Strephon rest. 
 Still both their flocks flocking together went. 
 As if they would of owner's humour be. 
 As eke their pipes did well, as friends agree. 
 Claius for skill of herbs and shepherds art. 
 
 Among the wisest was accounted wise, 
 Yet not so wise, as of unstained heart : 
 
 Strephon was young, yet marked with humble eyes 
 How elder rul'd their flocks and cur'd their smart. 
 So that the grave did not his words despise. 
 Both free of mind, both did clear dealing love, 
 And both had skill in verse their voice to move. 
 Their cheerful minds, 'till poison'd was their cheer. 
 
 The honest sports of earthly lodging prove ; 
 Now for a clod-like hare in form they peer. 
 
 Now bolt and cudgel squirrels leap do move : 
 Now the ambitious lark with mirror clear 
 They catch, while he (fool !) to himself makes love ; 
 And now at keels they try a harmless chance. 
 And now their cur they teach to fetch and dance. 
 
1 10 ARCADIA [BOOK 1. 
 
 When merry May first early calls the mom, 
 With merry maids a maying they do go : 
 Then do they pull from sharp and niggard thorn 
 
 The plenteous sweets (can sweets so sharply grow?) 
 Then some green gowns are by the lasses worn 
 In chastest plays, 'till home they walk arow, 
 Whilst dance about the may-pole is begun, 
 When, if need were, they could at Quintain* run : 
 While thus they ran a low, but levell'd race. 
 
 While thus they liv'd, this was indeed a life. 
 With nature pleas'd, content with present case, 
 
 Free of proud fears, brave begg'ry, smiling strife. 
 Of climb-fall court, the envy hatching place : 
 While those restless desires in great men rise, 
 To visit so low of folks did much disdain, 
 This while, though poor, they in themselves did reign. 
 One day (O day, that shin'd to make them dark !) 
 While they did ward sun-beams with shady bay, 
 And Claius taking for his youngling cark, 
 
 (Lest greedy eyes to them might challenge lay) 
 Busy with oker did their shoulders mark, 
 (His mark a pillar was devoid of stay. 
 
 As bragging that free of all passions none, 
 Well might he others bear, but lean to none :) 
 Strephon with leafy twigs of laurel tree, 
 
 A garland made on temples for to wear. 
 For he then chosen was, the dignity 
 
 Of village lord, that Whitsuntide to bear ; 
 And full, poor fool, of boyish bravery. 
 
 With triumphs shows would show he nought did fear. 
 But fore-accounting oft makes builders miss : 
 They found, they felt, they had no lease of bliss. 
 For e'er that either had his purpose done, 
 Behold, beholding well it doth deserve. 
 They saw a maid who thitherward did run, 
 
 To catch her Sparrow which from her did swerve, 
 As she a black-silk cap on him begun 
 To set for foil of his milk-white to serve. 
 She chirping ran, he peeping flew away, 
 'Till hard by them both he and she did stay. 
 Well for to see, they kept themselves unseen. 
 
 And saw this fairest maid of fairer mind : 
 By fortune mean ; in nature born a queen. 
 
 How well apaid she was her bird to find : 
 How tenderly her tender hands between 
 
 * A rural sport, chiefly used at marriages, wherein, running a tilt on horse-back 
 with poles, at a large stake fixed in the ground, against which, he that breaks most 
 poles, gains the prize. 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA III 
 
 In ivory cage she did the micher bind : 
 How rosy moist' ned lips about his beak 
 Moving, she seem'd at once to kiss, and speak. 
 Chast'ned but thus, and thus his lesson taught. 
 
 The happy wretch she put into her breast. 
 Which to their eyes the bowels of Venus brought, 
 
 For they seem'd made even of sky metal best, 
 And that the byass of her blood was wrought. 
 Betwixt them two the peeper took his nest, 
 
 Where snugging weU he well appear'd content, 
 So to have done amiss, so to be shent. 
 This done, but done with captive-killing grace. 
 
 Each motion seeming shot from beauty's bow. 
 With length laid down, she deck'd the lovely place. 
 
 Proud grew the grass that under her did grow. 
 The trees spread out their arms to shade her face. 
 But she on elbow lean'd, with sighs did show 
 No grass, no trees, nor yet her sparrow might 
 The long perplexed mind breed long delight. 
 She troubled was (alas that it might be !) 
 
 With tedious brawlings of her parents dear, 
 Who would have her in will and word agree 
 
 To wed Antaxius their neighbour near, 
 A herdman rich, of much account was he. 
 In whom no evil did reign, nor good appear. 
 In some such one she lik'd not his desire. 
 Fain would be free, but dreadeth parents' ire. 
 Kindly (sweet soul !) she did unkindness take 
 
 That bagged baggage of a miser's mud. 
 Should price of her, as in a market, make ; 
 But gold can gild a rotten piece of wood ; 
 To yield she found her noble heart to ache, 
 To strive she fear'd how it with virtue stood. 
 Thus doubtings clouds o'ercasting heav'nly brain, 
 At length in rows of kiss-cheeks tears they rain. 
 Cupid the wag, that lately conquer'd had 
 
 Wise counsellors, stout captains, puissant kings, 
 And tied them fast to lead his triumph had. 
 
 Glutted with them, now plays with meanest things : 
 So oft in feasts with costly changes clad 
 
 To crammed maws a sprat new stomach brings. 
 So lords with sport of stag and heron full. 
 Sometimes we see small birds from nests do pulU 
 So now for prey those shepherds two he took. 
 
 Whose metal stiff he knew he could not bend 
 With hear-say pictures, or a window-look ; 
 
 With one good dance, or letter finely penn'd 
 That were in court a well proportion'd hook, 
 
112 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 Where piercing' wits do quickly apprehend, 
 Their senses rude plain objects only move, 
 And so must see great cause before they love. 
 Therefore love arm'd in her now takes the field, 
 
 Making her beams his bravery and might : 
 Her hands which pierc'd the soul's sev'n double shield, 
 
 Were now his darts leaving his wonted fight. 
 Brave crest to him her scorn gold hair did yield. 
 His complete harness was her purest white. 
 But fearing lest all white might seem too good. 
 In cheeks and lips the tyrant threatens blood. 
 Besides this force, within her eyes he kept 
 
 A fire, to burn the prisoners Tie gains, 
 Whose boiling heart increased as she wept : 
 
 For ev'n in forge, cold water fire maintains. 
 Thus proud and fierce unto the hearts he stepp'd 
 Of them poor souls : and cutting reason's reins. 
 Made them his own before they had it wist. 
 But if they had, could sheep-hooks thus resist ? 
 Claius straight felt, and groaned at the blow, 
 
 And call'd, now wounded, purpose to his aid : 
 Strephon, fond boy, delighted did not know 
 
 That it was love that shin'd in shining maid ; 
 But lickrous, poison'd, fain to her would go. 
 If him new learned manners had not stay'd. 
 For then Urania homeward did arise, 
 Leaving in pain their well-fed hungry eyes. 
 She went, they stay'd, or rightly for to say. 
 
 She stay'd with them, they went in thought with her : 
 Claius indeed would fain have puU'd away 
 
 This mote from out his eye, this inward bur, 
 And now proud rebel 'gan for to gainsay 
 The lesson which but late he learn'd too far : 
 Meaning with absence to refresh the thought 
 To which her presence such a fever brought. 
 Strephon did leap with joy and jollity, 
 
 Thinking it just more therein to delight. 
 Than in good dog, fair field, or shading tree. 
 
 So have I seen trim-books in velvet dight. 
 With golden leaves, and painted babery 
 Of silly boys, please unacquainted sight : 
 But when the rod began to play his part. 
 Fain would, but could not, fly from golden smart. 
 He quickly learn'd Urania was her name. 
 
 And straight, for failing, grav'd it in his heart : 
 He knew her haunt, and haunted in the same, 
 
 And taught his sheep her sheep in food to thwart, 
 Which soon as it did hateful question frame. 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 113 
 
 He might on knees confess his faulty part, 
 And yield himself unto her punishment, 
 While nought but game, the self hurt wonton meant. 
 Nay, even unto her home he oft would go, 
 
 Where bold and hurtless many play he tries. 
 Her parents liking well it should be so. 
 
 For simple goodness shined in his eyes. 
 There did he make her laugh in spite of woe. 
 So as good thoughts of him in all arise. 
 While into none doubt of his love did sink, 
 For not himself to be in love did think. 
 But glad desire, his late embosom'd guest 
 
 Yet but a babe, with milk of sight he nurst 
 Desire the more he suck'd, more sought the breast. 
 
 Like dropsy-folk still drink to be a thirst, 
 'Till one fair ev'n an hour e're sun did rest, 
 Who then in lion's cave did enter first. 
 
 By neighbours pray'd she went abroad thereby, 
 At barley-break* her sweet swift foot to try. 
 Never the earth on his round shoulders bare 
 A maid train'd up from high or low degree, 
 That in her doings better could compare 
 
 Mirth with respect, from words with courtesy, 
 A careless comliness with comely care. 
 
 Self-guard with mildness, sport with majesty : 
 Which made her yield to deck this shepherd's band, 
 And still, believe me, Strephon was at hand. 
 A field they go, where many lookers be, 
 
 And thou seek-sorrow Claius them among : 
 Indeed thou said'st it was thy friend to see 
 
 Strephon, whose absence seem'd unto thee long, 
 While most with her he less did keep with thee. 
 No, no, it was in spite of wisdom's song 
 Which absence wish'd : love play'd a victor's part : 
 The heav'n-love load-stone drew thy iron heart. 
 Then couples there, be straight allotted there. 
 
 They of both ends the middle two do fly. 
 They two that in mid-place, hell called were. 
 
 Must strive with waiting foot, and watching eye 
 To catch of them, and them to hell to bear, 
 That they, as well as they, hell may supply : 
 
 Like some which seek to salve their Mooted name 
 With others blot, 'till all do taste of shame. 
 There may you see, soon as the middle two 
 Do coupled towards either couple make. 
 They false and fearful do their hands undo, 
 
 * Runningr-matches made by the country girls, with each other, as hereafter 
 described. 
 
 H 
 
114 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 Brother his brother, friend doth friend forsake, 
 Heeding himself, cares not how fellow do, 
 But of a stranger mutual help doth take : 
 As perjur'd cowards in adversity 
 With sight of fear, from friends, to friend, do fly. 
 These sports shepherds devis'd such faults to show. 
 Geron, though old, yet gamesome, kept one end 
 With Cosma, for whose love Pas past in woe. 
 Fair Nous with Pas the lot to hell did send : 
 Pas thought it hell, while he was Cosma fro. 
 At other end Uran did Strephon lend 
 
 Her happy making hand, of whom one look 
 From Nous and Cosma all their beauty took. 
 The play began : Pas durst not Cosma chase, 
 
 But did intend next bout with her to meet. 
 So he with Nous to Geron turn'd their race, 
 
 With whom to join, fast ran Urania sweet ; 
 
 But light legg'd Pas had got the middle space. 
 
 Geron strove hard, but aged were his feet. 
 
 And therefore finding force now faint to be. 
 
 He thought gray hairs afforded subtlety. 
 
 And so when Pas's hand reached him to take, 
 
 The fox on knees and elbows tumbled down ; 
 Pas could not stay, but over him did rake, 
 
 And crown'd the earth with his first touching crown : 
 His heels grown proud did seem at heav'n to shake. 
 But Nous that slipp'd from Pas, did catch the clown. 
 So laughing all, yet Pas to ease some dell 
 Geron with Uran were condemn'd to hell. 
 Cosma this while to Strephon safely came. 
 And all to second Barley-break are bent ; 
 The two in hell did toward Cosma frame ; 
 
 Who should to Pas, but they would her prevent. 
 Pas mad with fall, and madder with the shame. 
 Most mad with beams which we thought Cosma sent. 
 With such mad haste he did to Cosma go, 
 That to her breast he gave a noisome blow. 
 She quick, and proud, and who did Pas despise, 
 
 Up with her fist, and took him on the face. 
 Another time, quoth she, become more wise. 
 
 Thus Pas did kiss her hand with little grace. 
 And each way luckless, yet in humble guise 
 Did hold her fast for fear of more disgrace. 
 While Strephon might with pretty Nous have met, 
 But all this while another course be set. 
 For as Urania after Cosma ran ; 
 
 He ravished with sight how gracefully 
 She mov'd her limbs, and drew the aged man. 
 
BOOKi.] ARCADIA li; 
 
 Left Nous to coast the loved beauty nigh ; 
 Nous cry'd and chaf'd, but he no other can. 
 'Till Uran seeing Pas to Cosma fly, 
 And Strephon single, turn'd after him : 
 Strephon so chas'd did seem in milk to swim. 
 He ran, but ran with eye o're shoulder cast, 
 
 More marking her, than how himself did go. 
 Like Numid lions by the hunters chas'd. 
 
 Though they do fly, yet backwardly do glow 
 With proud aspect, disdaining greatest haste : 
 What rage in them, that love in him did show. 
 But God gives them instinct the man to shun, 
 And he by law of Barley-break must run. 
 But as his heat with running did augment, 
 
 Much more his sight increased his hot desire : 
 So is in her the best of nature spent. 
 
 The air her sweet race mov'd doth blow the fire. 
 Her feet be pursuivants from Cupid sent, 
 With whose fine steps all loves and joys conspire. 
 The hidden beauties, seem'd in wait to lie, 
 To down proud hearts that would not willing die. 
 That, fast he fled from her he foUow'd sore, 
 
 Still shunning Nous to lengthen pleasing race, 
 'Till that he spied old Geron could no more, 
 
 Than did he stack his love-instructed pace. 
 So that Uran, whose arm old Geron bore, 
 
 Laid hold on him with most lay-holding grace. 
 So caught, him seem'd he caught of joys the bell. 
 And thought it heav'n so to be drawn to hell : 
 To hell he goes, and Nous with him must dwell, 
 
 Nous sware it was no right ; for his default 
 Who would be caught, that she should go to hell : 
 
 But so she must. And now the third assault 
 Of barley-break among the six befel. 
 Pas Colma match'd, yet angry with his fault. 
 The other end Geron with guard : 
 I think you think Strephon bent thitherward. 
 Nous counsell'd Strephon Geron to pursue. 
 
 For he was old, and easy would be caught : 
 But he drew her as love his fancy drew. 
 
 And so to take the gem Urania sought, 
 While Geron old came safe to Cosma true, 
 Though him to meet at all she stirred nought. 
 For Pas, whether it were for fear or love, 
 Mov'd not himself, nor suffer'd her to move. 
 So they three did together idly stay, 
 
 While dear Uran, whose course was Pas to meet, 
 (He staying thus) was fain abroad to stray 
 
ii6 ARCADIA [BOOK I. 
 
 With larger round, to shun the following feet, 
 Strephon, whose eyes on her back parts did play, 
 With love drawn on so fast with pace unmeet, 
 Drew dainty Nous, that she not able so 
 To run, brake forth his hands, and let him go. 
 He single thus hop'd soon with her to be, 
 
 Who nothing earthly, but of fire and air, 
 Though with soft legs did run as fast as he. 
 
 He thrice reach'd, thrice deceiv'd, when her to bear 
 He hopes, with dainty turns she doth him flee. 
 So on the Downs we see, near Wilton fair, 
 A hasten'd hare from greedy grayhound go, 
 And past all hope his chaps to frustrate so. 
 But this strange race more strange conceits did yield ; 
 
 Who victor seem'd, was to his ruin brought : 
 Who seem'd o'erthrown was mistress of the field: 
 « She fled, and took ; he followed and was caught. 
 She have I heard to pierce pursuing shield, 
 
 By parents train'd the Tartars wild are taught. 
 With shafts shot out from their back-turned bow. 
 But ah ! her darts did far more deeply go. 
 As Venus's bird, the white, swift, lovely Dove, 
 (O happy Doves that are compar'd to her !) 
 Doth on her wings her utmost swiftness prove. 
 
 Finding the gripe of Falcon fierce not furr: 
 So did Uran : the nar, the swifter move, 
 (Yet beauty still as fast as she did stir) 
 
 'Till with long race dear she was breathless brought. 
 And then the Phaenix feared to be caught. 
 Among the rest that there did take delight 
 To see the sports of double shining day : 
 And did the tribute of their wond'ring sight 
 
 To nature's heir, the fair Urania pay, 
 I told you Claius was the hapless wight. 
 Who earnest found what they accounted play. 
 He did not there do homage of his eyes. 
 But on his eyes his heart did sacrifice. 
 With gazing looks, short sighs, unsettled feet. 
 
 He stood, but turn'd, as Gyrosol, to sun : 
 His fancies still did her in half-way meet. 
 His soul did fly as she was seen to run. 
 In sum, proud Boreas never ruled fleet 
 (Who Neptune's web on danger's distaff spun) 
 
 With greater power, than she did make them wend 
 Each way, as she that ages praise, did bend. 
 'Till 'spying well, she well nigh weary was, 
 
 And surely taught by his love-open eye. 
 His eye, that ev'n did mark her trodden grass. 
 
BOOK 1.] ARCADIA 117 
 
 That she would fain the catch of Strephon fly, 
 Giving his reason passport for to pass 
 Whither it would, so it would let him die ; 
 
 He that before shunn'd her, to shun such harms : 
 Now runs, and takes her in his clipping arms. 
 For with pretence from Strephon her to guard, 
 
 He met her full, but full of warefulness. 
 Within bow'd-bosom well for her prepar'd. 
 
 When Strephon cursing his own backwardness. 
 Came to her back, and so with double ward 
 Imprison'd her who both them did possess 
 As heart-bound slaves : and happy then embrace 
 Virtue's proof, fortune's victor, beauty's place. 
 Her race did not her beauty's beams augment. 
 
 For, they were ever in the best degree. 
 But yet a setting forth it someway lent. 
 As rubies lustre when they rubbed be. 
 The dainty dew on face and body went 
 As on sweet flowers, when morning's drops we see. 
 Her breath then short, seem'd loth from home to pass, 
 Which more it mov'd, the more it sweeter was. 
 Happy, O happy ! if they so might bide 
 
 To see their eyes, with how true humbleness, 
 They looked down to triumph over pride : 
 
 With how sweet sauce she blam'd their sauciness. 
 To feel the panting heart, which through her side. 
 Did beat their hands, which durst so near to press, 
 To see, to feel, to hear, to taste, to know 
 More, than besides her, all the earth could show. 
 But never did Medea's golden weed 
 
 On Creon's child his poison sooner throw. 
 Than those delights through all their sinews breed, 
 
 A creeping serpent like of mortal woe, 
 'Till she broke from their arms (although indeed 
 Going from them, from them she could not go) 
 And fare-welling the flock, did homeward wend, 
 And so that even the Barley-break did end. 
 It ended, but the other woe began. 
 
 Began at least to be conceiv'd as woe, 
 For then wise Claius found no absence can 
 
 Help him who can no more her sight forego. 
 He found man's virtue is but part of man, 
 And part must follow where whole man doth go. 
 He found that reason's self now reasons found 
 To fasten knots, which fancy first had bound. 
 So doth he yield, so takes he on his yoke. 
 
 Not knowing who did draw with him therein ; 
 Strephon, poor youth, because he saw no smoke, 
 
Ii8 ARCADIA [BooKL 
 
 Did not conceive what fire he had within ; 
 But after this to greater rage it broke, 
 'Till of his life it did full conquest win, 
 
 First killing mirth, then banishing all rest. 
 Filling his eyes with tears, with sighs his breast, 
 Then sports grow pains, all talking tedious : 
 
 On thoughts he feeds, his looks their figure change, 
 The day seems long, but night is odious. 
 
 No sleeps, but dreams ; no dreams, but visions strange, 
 'Till finding still his evil increasing thus, 
 
 One day he with his flock abroad did range : 
 
 And coming where he hop'd to be alone, 
 
 Thus on a hillock set, he made his moan : 
 
 Alas ! what weights are these that load my heart ! 
 
 I am as dull as winter-starved sheep, 
 Tir'd as a jade in over-laden cart, 
 
 Yet thoughts do fly, though I can scarcely creep. 
 All visions seem, at every bush I start : 
 Drowsy am I, and yet can rarely sleep. 
 Sure I bewitched am, it is even that, 
 Late near a cross, I met an ugly cat. 
 For, but by charms, how fall these things on me, 
 
 That from those eyes, where heav'nly apples been. 
 Those eyes, which nothing like themselves can see, 
 
 Of fair Urania, fairer than a green. 
 Proudly bedeck'd in April's livery, 
 A shot unheard gave me a wound unseen ; 
 He was invincible that hurt me so. 
 And none invisible, but spirits can go. 
 When I see her, my sinews shake for fear. 
 
 And yet, dear soul, I know she hurteth none : 
 Amid my flock with woe my voice I tear, 
 
 And, but bewitch' d, who to his flock would moan? 
 Her cherry lips, milk hands, and golden hair 
 I still do see, though I be still alone. 
 Now make me think that there is not a fiend. 
 Who hid in angel's shape my life would end. 
 The sports wherein I wonted to do well, 
 
 Come she, and sweet the air with open breast, 
 Then so I fail, when most I would do well, 
 
 That at my so amaz'd my fellows jest : 
 Sometimes to her news of myself to tell 
 I go about, but then is all my best 
 Wry words, and stammering, or else doltish dumb) 
 Say then, can this but of enchantment come ? 
 Nay each thing is bewitched to know my case : 
 The Nightingales for woe their songs refrain : 
 In river as I look'd my pining face, 
 
BOOK I.] ARCADIA 119 
 
 As pin'd a face as mine I saw again, 
 The courteous mountains griev'd at my disgrace 
 Their snowy hair tear off in melting pain. 
 And now the dropping trees do weep for me, 
 And now fair evenings blush my shame to see. 
 But you my pipe whilom my chief delight, 
 
 'Till strange delight, delight to nothing wear, 
 And you my flock, care of my careful sight, 
 While I was I, and so had cause to care : 
 And thou my dog, whose truth and valiant might 
 Made wolves, not inward wolves, my ewes to spare. 
 Go you not from your master in his woe, 
 Let it suffice that he himself forego. 
 For though like wax this magic makes me waste, 
 
 Or like a lamb, whose Dam away is set, 
 (Stolen from her young by Thieves unchosing haste) 
 
 He treble baa's for help, but none can get. 
 Though thus, and worse, though now I am at last, 
 Of all the games that here e'er now I met. 
 Do you remember still you once were mine, 
 'Till mine eyes had their curse from blessed eye. 
 Be you with me while I unheard do cry. 
 
 While I do score my losses on the wind. 
 While I in heart my will write e'er I die. 
 
 In which, by will, my will and wits I bind, 
 Still to be hers, about her aye to fly. 
 As this same sprite about my fancies blind 
 Doth daily haunt, but so, that mine become 
 As much more loving, as less cumbersome. 
 Alas ! a cloud hath overcast mine eyes : 
 
 And yet I see her shine amid the cloud. 
 Alas ! of ghosts I hear the ghastly cries : 
 
 Yet there, me seems, I hear her singing loud. 
 This song she sings in most commanding wise : 
 Come shepherd's boy, let now thy heart be bow'd 
 To make itself to my least look a slave : 
 Leave sleep, leave all, I will no piecing have. 
 I will, I will, alas, alas, I will : 
 
 Wilt thou have more ? more have, if more I be. 
 Away ragg'd rams, care I what murrain kill ? 
 
 Our shrieking pipe, made of some witched tree : 
 Go bawling cur, thy hungry maw go fill 
 On your foul flock, belonging not to me. 
 With that his dog he henc'd, his flock he curs'd, 
 With that, yet kissed first, his pipe he burst. 
 This said, this done, he rose, even tir'd with rest. 
 
 With heart as careful, as with careless grace. 
 With shrinking legs, but with a swelling breast, 
 
120 ARCADIA [BOOK i. 
 
 With eyes which threat'ned they would drown his face. 
 Fearing the worst, not knowing what were best, 
 And giving to his sight a wand' ring race. 
 He saw behind a bush where Claius sat : 
 His well-known friend, but yet his unknown mate. 
 Claius the wretch, who lately yielden was 
 
 To bear the bonds which time nor wit could break, 
 (With blushing soul at sight of judgment's glass. 
 While guilty thoughts accus'd his reason weak) 
 This morn alone to lovely walk did pass. 
 Within himself of her dear self to speak, 
 'Till Strephon's plaining voice him nearer drew. 
 Where by his words his self-like case he knew. 
 For hearing him so oft with words of woe 
 
 Urania name, whose force he knew so well. 
 He quickly knew what witchcraft gave the blow. 
 Which made his Strephon think himself in hell. 
 Which when he did in perfect image show 
 To his own wit, thought upon thought, did swell. 
 Breeding huge storms within his inward part. 
 Which thus breath'd out, with earth-quake of his heart. 
 
 As Lamond would have proceeded, Basilius knowing, by the 
 wasting of the torches that the night also was far wasted, and 
 withal remembering Zelmane's hurt, asked her whether she thought 
 it not better to reserve the complaint of Claius till another day. 
 Which she, perceiving the song had already worn out much time, 
 and not knowing when Lamon would end, being even now stepping 
 over to a new matter, though much delighted with what was 
 spoken, willingly agreed unto. And so of all sides they went to 
 recommend themselves to the elder brother of death. 
 
ARCADIA 
 
 BOOK II 
 
 IN these pastoral times a great number of days were sent to 
 follow their flying predecessors, while the cup of poison 
 (which was deeply tasted of the noble company) had left no 
 sinew of theirs without mortally searching into it; yet never 
 manifesting his venomous work, till once, that the night (parting 
 away angry that she could distil no more sleep into the eyes of 
 lovers) had no sooner given place to the breaking out of the 
 morning light, and the sun bestowed his beams upon the tops of 
 the mountains, but that the woeful Gynecia, to whom rest was no 
 ease, had left her loathed lodging, and gotten herself into the 
 sohtary places, those deserts were full of going up and down with 
 such unquiet motions, as a grieved and hopeless mind is wont to 
 bring forth. There appeared unto the eyes of her judgment the 
 evils she was like to run into, with ugly infamy waiting upon them : 
 she felt the terrors of her own conscience ; she was guilty of a 
 long exercised virtue, which made his vice the fuller of deformity. 
 The uttermost of the good she could aspire unto was a mortal 
 wound to her vexed spirits : and lastly, no small part of her evils 
 was that she was wise to see her evils. Insomuch, that having 
 a great while thrown her countenance ghastly about her (as if she 
 had called all the powers of the world to be witnesses of her 
 wretched estate) at length casting up her watery eyes to heaven : 
 " O sun," said she, " whose unspotted light directs the steps of 
 mortal mankind, art thou not ashamed to impart the clearness 
 of thy presence to such a dust-creeping worm as I am? O ye 
 heavens, which continually keep the course allotted unto you, can 
 none of your influences prevail so much upon the miserable 
 Gynecia, as to make her preserve a course so long embraced by 
 her ? O deserts, deserts, how fit a guest am I for you, since my 
 heart can people you with wild ravenous beasts, which in you are 
 
122 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 wanting? O virtue, where dost thou hide thyself? what hideous 
 thing- is this which doth eclipse thee ? Or is it true that thou wert 
 never but a vain name, and no essential thing, which hast thus 
 left thy professed servant, when she had most need of thy lovely 
 presence ? O imperfect proportion of reason which can too much 
 foresee and too little prevent ? " " Alas ! alas ! " said she, " if 
 there were but one hope for all my pains, or but one excuse for 
 all my faultiness ! But wretch that I am, my torment is beyond 
 all succour, and my evil deserving doth exceed my evil fortune. 
 For nothing else did my husband take this strange resolution to 
 live so solitary : for nothing else have the winds delivered this 
 strange guest to my country : for nothing else have the destinies 
 reserved my life to this time, but that only I, most wretched I, 
 should become a plague to myself and a shame to womankind. 
 Yet if my desire, how unjust soever it be, might take effect, 
 though a thousand deaths followed it, and every death were 
 followed with a thousand shames, yet should not my sepulchre 
 receive me without some contentment. But alas ! though sure 
 I am that Zelmane is such as can answer my love, yet as sure 
 I am that this disguising must needs come for some foretaken 
 conceit : and then wretched Gynecia where canst thou find any 
 small ground-plot for hope to dwell upon ? no, no, it is Philoclea 
 his heart is set upon ; it is my daughter I have borne to supplant 
 me. But if it be so, the life I have given thee, ungrateful Philoclea, 
 I will sooner with these hands bereave -thee of than my birth shall 
 glory she hath bereaved me of my desires : in shame there is 
 no comfort, but to be beyond all bounds of shame." 
 
 Having spoken thus, she began to make a piteous war in her 
 fair hair ; when she might hear, not far from her, an extremely 
 doleful voice, but so suppressed with a kind of whispering note 
 that she could not conceive the words distinctly. But, as a 
 lamentable tune is the sweetest music to a woeful mind, she drew 
 thither near-way in hope to find some companion of her misery ; 
 and as she paced on, she was stopped with a number of trees, so 
 thickly placed together that she was afraid she should, with 
 rushing through, stop the speech of the lamentable party which 
 she was so desirous to understand : and therefore sitting her down 
 as softly as she could, for she was now in distance to hear, she 
 might first perceive a lute excellently well played upon, and then 
 the same doleful voice accompanying it with these verses : 
 
 In vain mine eyes you labour to amend 
 With flowing tears your fault of hasty sight : 
 
 Since to my heart her shape you did so send. 
 That her I see, though you did lose your light. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 123 
 
 In vain my heart, now you with sight are burn'd, 
 
 With sighs you seek to cool your hot desire : 
 Since sighs, into mine inward furnace turn'd, 
 
 For bellows serve to liindle more the fire. 
 Reason in vain, now you have lost my heart. 
 
 My head you seek, as to your strongest fort : 
 Since there mine eyes have play'd so false a part. 
 
 That to your strength your foes have sure resort. 
 Then since in vain I find were all my strife, 
 To this strange death I vainly yield my life. 
 
 The ending of the song served but for a beginning of new 
 plaints, as if the mind, oppressed with too heavy a burden of 
 cares, was fain to discharge itself of all sides, and, as it were, paint 
 out the hideousness of the pain in all sorts of colours. For the 
 woeful person, as if the lute had evil joined with the voice, threw it 
 to the ground with such like words : " Alas, poor lute ! how much 
 art thou deceived to think that in my miseries thou could'st ease 
 my woes, as in my careless times thou wast wont to please my 
 fancies ? The time is changed, my lute, the time is changed ; 
 and no more did my joyful mind then receive everything to a joy- 
 ful consideration, than my careful mind now makes each thing 
 taste the bitter juice of care. The evil is inward, my lute, the evil 
 is inward ; which all thou dost, doth serve but to make me think 
 more freely of. And alas ! what is then thy harmony, but the 
 sweet meats of sorrow? the discord of my thoughts, my lute, 
 doth ill agree to the concord of thy strings, therefore be not 
 ashamed to leave thy master, since he is not afraid to forsake 
 himself." 
 
 And thus much spoke, instead of a conclusion, was closed up 
 with so hearty a groaning that Gynecia could not refrain to show 
 herself, thinking such griefs could serve fitly for nothing but her 
 own fortune. But as she came into the little arbour of this sorrow- 
 ful music, her eyes met with the eyes of Zelmane, which was the 
 party that thus had indited herself of misery, so that either of them 
 remained confused with a sudden astonishment, Zelmane fearing 
 lest she had heard some part of those complaints, which she had 
 risen up that morning early of purpose to breathe out in secret to 
 herself. But Gynecia a great while stood still with a kind of dull 
 amazement, looking steadfastly upon her ; at length returning to 
 some use of herself, she began to ask Zelmane what cause carried 
 her so early abroad? But, as if the opening of her mouth to 
 Zelmane had opened some great flood-gate of sorrow, whereof her 
 heart could not abide the violent issue, she sunk to the ground, 
 with her hands x)ver her face, crying vehemently, " Zelmane help 
 me, O Zelmane have pity on me." Zelmane ran to her, marvelling 
 
124 ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 what sudden sickness had thus possessed her, and beginning to 
 ask her the cause of her pain, and offering her service to be 
 employed by her ; Gynecia opening her eyes wildly upon her, 
 pricked with the flames of love and the torments of her own 
 conscience ; " O Zelmane, Zelmane," said she, " dost thou offer 
 my physic, which art my only poison ? or wilt thou do me service, 
 which hast already brought me into eternal slavery?" Zelmane 
 then knowing well at what mark she shot, yet loth to enter into it : 
 "Most excellent lady," said she, "you were best retire yourself 
 into your lodging that you the better may pass this sudden fit." 
 " Retire myself? " said Gynecia, " If I had retired myself into myself, 
 when thou to me, unfortunate guest, camest to draw me from my- 
 self, blessed had I been, and no need had I had of this counsel. 
 But now alas ! I am forced to fly to thee for succour, whom I accuse 
 of all my hurt, and make thee judge of my cause, who art the only 
 author of my mischief." Zelmane the more astonished, the more 
 she understood her ; " Madam," said she, " whereof do you accuse 
 me that I will not clear myself? or wherein may I stead you that 
 you may not command me ? " " Alas ! " answered Gynecia, " what 
 shall I say more ? take pity on me, O Zelmane, but not as Zelmane, 
 and disguise not with me in words, as I know thou dost in apparel." 
 Zelmane was much troubled with that word, finding herself brought 
 to this strait. But as she was thinking what to answer her, they 
 might see old Basilius pass hard by them without ever seeing 
 them, complaining likewise of love very freshly, and ending his 
 complaint with this song, love having renewed both his invention 
 and voice. 
 
 Let not old age disgrace my high desire ; 
 
 O heavenly soul in human shape cqntain'd : 
 Old wood inflam'd doth yield the bravest fire, 
 
 When younger doth in smoke his virtue spend, 
 Nay let white hairs which on my face do grow 
 
 Seem to your eyes of a disgraceful hue, 
 Since whiteness doth present the sweetest show. 
 
 Which makes all eyes do homage unto you. 
 Old age is wise, and full of constant truth ; 
 
 Old age well stayed, from ranging humour lives : 
 Old age hath known whatever was in youth : 
 
 Old age o'ercome, the greater honour gives. 
 And to old age since you yourself aspire. 
 Let not old age disgrace my high desire. 
 
 Which being done he looked very curiously upon himself, 
 sometimes fetching a little skip as if he had said his strength 
 had not yet forsaken him : but Zelmane having in this time 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 125 
 
 gotten some leisure to think for an answer, looking upon Gynecia 
 as if she thought she did her some wrong : " Madam," said she, 
 " I am not acquainted with those words of disguising, neither is it 
 the profession of an Amazon, neither are you a party with whom it 
 is to be used : if my service may please you, employ it, so long as 
 you do me no wrong in misjudging of me." " Alas ! Zelmane," 
 said Gynecia, " I perceive you know full little how piercing the 
 eyes are of a true lover : there is no one beam of those thoughts 
 you have planted in me but is able to discern a greater cloud than 
 you do go in. Seek not to conceal yourself farther from me, nor 
 force not the passion of love into violent extremities." Now was 
 Zelmane brought to an exigent, when the king turning his eyes 
 that way through the trees, perceived his wife and mistress 
 together, so that framing the most lovely countenance he could, 
 he came straightway towards them, and at the first word, thanking 
 his wife for having entertained Zelmane, desired her she would 
 now return into the lodge, because he had certain matters of 
 estate to impart to the Lady Zelmane. The queen, being nothing 
 troubled with jealousy in that point, obeyed the king's command- 
 ment, full of raging agonies, and determinately bent that as she 
 would seek all loving means to win Zelmane, so she would stir up 
 terrible tragedies rather than fail of her intent. And so went she 
 from them to the lodge-ward with such a battle in her thoughts, 
 and so deadly an overthrow given to her best resolutions that even 
 her body, where the field was fought, was oppressed withal, making 
 a languishing sickness wait upon the triumph of passion, which the 
 more it prevailed in her, the more it made her jealousy watchful, 
 both over her daughter and Zelmane, having ever one of them 
 intrusted to her own eyes. 
 
 But as soon as Basilius was rid of his wife's presence, falling 
 down on his knees, " O lady," said he, " which hast only had the 
 power to stir up again those flames which had so long lain dead 
 in me, see in me the power of your beauty, which can make old 
 age come to ask counsel of youth, and a prince unconquered to 
 become a slave to a stranger : and when you see that power of 
 yours, love that at least in me, since it is yours, although of me 
 you see nothing to be loved." "Worthy prince" (answered 
 Zelmane, taking him up from his kneeling) " both your manner 
 and your speech are so strange unto me that I know not how to 
 answer it better than with silence." " If silence please you," said 
 the king, "it shall never displease me, since my heart is wholly 
 pledged to obey you, otherwise, if you would vouchsafe mine 
 ears such happiness as to hear you, they shall convey your words 
 to such a mind as will with the humblest degree of reverence 
 receive them." " I disdain not to speak to you, mighty prince," 
 
126 ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 said Zelmane, "but I disdain to speak of any matter which may 
 bring my honour into question" : and therewith, with a brave 
 counterfeited scorn she departed from the king, leaving him not so 
 sorry for his short answer as proud in himself that he had broken 
 the matter. And thus did the king, feeding his mind with those 
 thoughts, pass great time in writing verses, and making more of 
 himself than he was wont to do, that, with a little help, he would 
 have grown into a pretty kind of dotage. 
 
 But Zelmane being rid of this loving, but little loved company, 
 " Alas ! " said she, " poor Pyrodes, was there ever one, but I, that 
 had received wrong, and could blame nobody ? that having more 
 than I desire, am still in want of what I would ? truly, love, I must 
 needs say thus much on my behalf; thou hast employed my 
 love there, where all love is deserved ; and for recompence hast 
 sent me more love than ever I desired. But what wilt thou do 
 Pyrocles ? which way canst thou find to rid thee of thy intricate 
 troubles ? to her whom I would be known to I live in darkness ; 
 and to her am revealed from whom I would be most secret. 
 What shift shall I find against the diligent love of Basilius ? what 
 shield against the violent passions of Gynecia? and if that be 
 done, yet how am I the nearer to quench the fire that consumes 
 me ? Well, well, sweet Philoclea, my whole confidence must be 
 builded in thy divine spirit which cannot be ignorant of the cruel 
 wound I have received by you.'' 
 
 But as sick folks when they are alone think company woidd 
 relieve them, and yet having company do find it noisome, changing 
 willingly outward objects, when indeed the evil is inward, so poor 
 Zelmane was no more weary of Basilius, than she was of herself 
 when Basilius was gone : and ever the more, the more she turned 
 her eyes to become her own judges. Tired therewith, she longed 
 to meet her friend Dorus that upon the shoulders of friendship 
 she might lay the burden of sorrow, and therefore went toward 
 the other lodge, where among certain beeches she found' Dorus, 
 apparelled in flannel, with a goats-skin cast upon him and a 
 garland of laurel mix'd with cypress leaves on his head, waiting on 
 his master Dametas, who at that time was teaching him how with 
 his sheep-hook to catch a wanton lamb, and how with the same 
 to cast a little clod at any one that strayed out of company. 
 And while Dorus was practising, one might see Dametas holding 
 his hand under his girdle behind him, nodding from the waist 
 upwards, and swearing he never knew man go more awkwardly 
 to work, and that they might talk of book-learning what they 
 would, but for his part he never saw more unfeaty fellows than 
 great clerks were. 
 
 But Zelmane's coming saved Dorus from further chiding. 
 
BOOK n.] ARCADIA 127 
 
 And so she beginning to speak with him of the number of his 
 master's sheep, and which province of Arcadia bare the finest 
 wool, drew him on to follow her in such country-discourses ; 
 till, iieing out of Dametas's hearing, with such vehemency of 
 passion, as though her heart would climb into her mouth to take 
 her tongues office, she declared unto him upon what briars the 
 roses of her affections grew ; how time still seemed to forget her, 
 bestowing no one hour of comfort upon her ; she remaining still in 
 one plight of ill fortune, saving so much worse as continuance of 
 evil doth in itself increase evil. " Alas, my Dorus," said she, 
 "thou seest how long and languishingly the weeks are past 
 over since our last talking. And yet I am the same, miserable I, 
 that I was, only stronger in longing, and weaker in hoping." Then 
 fell she to so pitiful a declaration of the insupportableness of her 
 desires that Dorus's ears, not able to show what wounds that dis- 
 course gave unto them, procured his eyes with tears to give 
 testimony how much they suffered for her suffering ; till passion, 
 a most cumbersome guest to itself, made Zelmane, the sooner to 
 shake it off, earnestly entreat Dorus that he also, with like freedom 
 of discourse, would bestow a map of his little world upon her that 
 she might see whether it were troubled with such unhabitable 
 climes of cold despairs and hot rages as hers was. 
 
 And so walking under a few palm-trees (which being loving in 
 her own nature seemed to give their shadow the willinglier because 
 they held discourse of love) Dorus thus entered to the description 
 of his fortune. 
 
 "Alas," said he, "dear cousin, that it hath pleased the high 
 power to throw us to such an estate as the only intercourse of our 
 true friendship must be a bartering of miseries : for my part, I 
 must confess, indeed, that from a huge darkness of sorrows I am 
 crept, I cannot say to a lightsomeness, but, to a certain dawning, 
 or rather peeping out of some possibility of comfort : but woe is 
 me ; so far from the mark of my desires, that I rather think it such 
 a light as comes through a small hole to a dungeon that the 
 miserable caitiff may the better remember the light of which he is 
 deprived, or, like a scholar who is only come to that degree of 
 knowledge to find himself utterly ignorant : but thus stands it with 
 me. After that by your means I was exalted to serve in yonder 
 blessed lodge, for a while I had, in the furnace of my agonies, this 
 refreshing that, because of the service I had done in killing of the 
 bear, it pleased the princess, in whom indeed stateliness shines 
 through courtesy, to let fall some gracious look upon me : some- 
 times to see my exercise, sometime to hear my songs. For my 
 part, my heart would not suffer me to omit any occasion whereby 
 I might make the incomparable Pamela see how much extra- 
 
128 ARCADIA [BOOK n. 
 
 ordinary devotion I bare to her service : and withal strove to appear 
 more worthy in her sight, that small desert, joined to so great 
 affection, might prevail something in the wisest lady. But too 
 well, alas 1 I found that a shepherd's service was but considered 
 of as from a shepherd, and the acceptation limited to no further 
 proportion than of a good servant. And when my countenance 
 had once given notice that there lay affection under it, I saw 
 straight, majesty, sitting in the throne of beauty, draw forth such a 
 sword of just disdain that I remained as a man thunderstruck, not 
 daring, no not able to behold that power. Now to make my estate 
 known, seemed again impossible, by reason of the suspiciousness 
 of Dametas, Miso and my young mistress Mopsa : for Dametas, 
 according to the constitution of a dull head, thinks no better way 
 to show himself wise than by suspecting everything in his way, 
 which suspicion Miso, for the hoggish shrewdness of her brain, 
 and Mopsa (for a very unlikely envy she hath stumbled upon 
 against the princess's unspeakable beauty) were very glad to 
 execute : so that I (finding my service by this means lightly re- 
 garded, my affection despised, and myself unknown) remained no 
 fuller of desire than void of counsel how to come to my desire ; 
 which, alas ! if these trees could speak, they might well witness^ 
 for many times have I stood here, bewailing myself unto them, 
 many times have I, leaning to yonder palm, admired the blessed- 
 ness of it, that it could bear love without sense of pain ; many 
 times, when my master's cattle came hither to chew their cud in 
 this fresh place, I might see the young bull testify his love ? but 
 how ? with proud looks and joyfulness. ' O wretched mankind,' 
 said I then to myself, ' in whom wit, which should be tlie governor 
 of his welfare, becomes the traitor to his blessedness : these beasts, 
 like children to nature, inherit her blessings quietly ; we like 
 bastards are laid abroad, even as fondlings, to be trained up by 
 grief and sorrow. Their minds grudge not at their bodies comfort, 
 nor their senses are letted from enjoying their objects ; we have the 
 impediments of honour, and the torments of conscience.' Truly in 
 such cogitations I have sometimes so long stood that methought 
 my feet began to grow into the ground, with such a darkness and 
 heaviness of mind, that I might easily have been persuaded to have 
 resigned over my very essence. But love (which one time lay 
 burdens, another time giveth wings) when I was at the lowest of 
 my downward thoughts, pulled up my heart to remember, that 
 nothing is achieved before it be throughly attempted, and that 
 lying still, doth never go forward ; and that therefore it was time, 
 now or never, to sharpen my invention, to pierce through the 
 hardness of this enterprize, never ceasing to assemble all my 
 conceits, one after another, how to manifest both my mind and 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 129 
 
 estate, till at last I lighted and resolved on this way, which yet 
 perchance you will think was a way rather to hide it. I began to 
 counterfeit the extremest love towards Mopsa that might be ; and 
 as for the love, so lively it was indeed within me, although to 
 another subject, that little I needed to counterfeit any notable 
 demonstrations of it ; and so making a contrariety the place of my 
 memory, in her foulness I beheld Pamela's fairness, still looking 
 on Mopsa, but thinking on Pamela, as if I saw my sun shine in a 
 puddled water : I cried out of nothing but Mopsa, to Mopsa my 
 attendance was directed ; to Mopsa the best fruits I could gather 
 were brought ; to Mopsa it seemed still that mine eyes conveyed 
 my tongue : so that Mopsa was my saying ; Mopsa was my sing- 
 ing ; Mopsa (that is only suitable in laying a foul complexion upon 
 a filthy favour, setting forth both in sluttishness) she was the load- 
 star of my life ; she the blessing of mine eyes ; she the overthrow 
 of my desires, and yet the recompence of my overthrow ; she the 
 sweetness of my heart, even sweetening the death which her 
 sweetness drew upon me. In sum, whatsoever I thought of 
 Pamela, that I said of Mopsa ; whereby as I got my master's 
 goodwill, who before spited me, fearing lest I should win the 
 princess's favour from him, so did the same make the princess the 
 better content to allow me her presence : whether indeed it were 
 that a certain spark of noble indignation did rise in her not to 
 suffer such a baggage to win away anything of hers, how meanly 
 soever she reputed of it, or rather, as I think, my words being so 
 passionate, and shooting so quite contrary from the marks of 
 Mopsa's worthiness, she perceived well enough whither they were 
 directed ; and therefore being so masked, she was contented as a 
 sport of wit to attend them : whereupon one day determining to 
 find some means to tell, as of a third person, the tale of mine own 
 love and estate, finding Mopsa, like a cuckoo by a nightingale, alone 
 with Pamela, I came in unto them, and with a face, I am sure, full 
 of cloudy fancies, took a harp and sung this song : 
 
 Since so mine eyes are subject to your sight. 
 That in your sight they fixed have my brain: 
 
 Since so my heart is filled with that light, 
 That only light doth all my life maintain. 
 
 Since in sweet you, all goods so richly reign, 
 
 That where you are, no wished good can want 
 Since so your living image lives in me, 
 That in myself yourself true love doth plant : 
 How can you him unworthy then decree. 
 In whose chief part your worths implanted be? 
 I 
 
130 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 "The song being ended, which I had often broken off in the 
 midst with grievous sighs which overtook every verse I sung, 
 I let fall my harp from me, and casting mine eye sometimes upon 
 Mopsa, but settling my sight principally upon Pamela. ' And is 
 it the only fortune, most beautiful Mopsa,' said I, 'of wretched 
 Dorus that fortune must be the measure of his mind? am I only 
 he, that because I am in misery more misery must be laid upon 
 me ? must that which should be cause of compassion become an 
 argument of cruelty against me ? alas ! excellent Mopsa, consider 
 that a virtuous prince requires the life of his meanest subject, and 
 the heavenly sun disdains not to give light to the smallest worm. 
 O Mopsa, Mopsa, if my heart could be as manifest to you, as it is 
 uncomfortable to me, I doubt not the height of my thoughts should 
 well countervail the lowness of my quality. Who hath not heard 
 of the greatness of your estate ? who seeth not that your estate is 
 much excelled with that sweet uniting of all beauties which 
 remaineth and dwelleth with you ? who knows not that all these 
 are but ornaments of that divine spark within you which, being 
 descended from heaven, could not elsewhere pick out so sweet 
 a mansion ? but if you will know what is the band that ought to 
 knit all these excellencies together, it is a kind mercifulness to 
 such a one as is in his soul devoted to those perfections. Mopsa, 
 who already had had a certain smackring towards me, stood all 
 this while with her hands sometimes before her face, but most 
 commonly with a certain special grace of her own, wagging her 
 lips, and grinning instead of smiling : but all the words I could get 
 of her was, wrying her waist, and thrusting out her chin, ' in faith 
 you jest with me : you are a merry man indeed.' 
 
 "But the ever pleasing Pamela (that well found the comedy 
 would be marred if she did not help Mopsa to her part), was 
 content to urge a little farther of me. ' Master Dorus,' said the 
 fair Pamela, ' methinks you blame your fortune very wrongfully, 
 since the fault is not in fortune but in you that cannot frame 
 yourself to your fortune, and as wrongfully do require Mopsa to 
 so great a disparagement as to her father's servant, since she is 
 not worthy to be loved that hath not some feeling of her own 
 worthiness.' I stayed a good while after her words, in hopes she 
 would have continued her speech, so great a delight I received 
 in hearing her, but seeing her say no farther, with a quaking all 
 over my body, I thus answered her : ' Lady, most worthy of all 
 duty how falls it out that you, in whom all virtues shine, will take 
 the patronage of fortune, the only -rebellious handmaid against 
 virtue ; especially, since before your eyes you have a pitiful 
 spectacle of her wickedness, a forlorn creature, which must remain 
 not such as I am, but such as she makes me, since she must be 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 131 
 
 the balance of worthiness or disparagement. Yet alas ! if the 
 condemned man, even at his death, have leave to speak, let my 
 mortal wound purchase thus much consideration ; since the 
 perfections are such in the party I love, as the feeling of them 
 cannot come into any unnoble heart, shall that heart, which doth 
 not only feel them, but hath all the working of his life placed in 
 them, shall that heart, I say, lifted up to such a height, be counted 
 base? O let not an excellent spirit do itself such wrong as to 
 think where it is placed, embraced and loved, there can be any 
 unworthiness, since the weakest mist is not easier driven away 
 by the sun than that is chased away with so high thoughts.' 
 'I will not deny,' answered the gracious Pamela, 'but that the 
 love you bear to Mopsa, hath brought you to the consideration of 
 her virtues, and that consideration may have made you the more 
 virtuous, and so the more worthy : but even that then, you must 
 confess, you have received of her, and so are rather gratefully to 
 thank her, than to press any farther, till you bring something of 
 your own, whereby to claim it. And truly Dorus, I must in 
 Mopsa's behalf say thus much to you, that if her beauties have 
 so overtaken you, it becomes a true lover to have your heart more 
 set upon her good than your own, and to bear a tenderer respect 
 to her honour than your satisfaction.' 'Now by my hallidame, 
 madam,' said Mopsa, throwing a great number of sheep's eyes 
 upon me, 'you have even touched mine own mind to the quick, 
 forsooth.' 
 
 "I finding that the policy that I had used had at least wise 
 produced thus much happiness unto me, as that I might, even in 
 my lady's presence, discover the sore which had deeply festered 
 within me, and that she could better conceive my reasons applied 
 to Mopsa, than she would have vouchsafed them, whilst herself 
 was a party, thought good to pursue on my good beginning, using 
 this fit occasion of Pamela's wit, and Mopsa's ignorance. There- 
 fore with an humble piercing eye, looking upon Pamela as if I had 
 rather been condemned by her mouth than highly exalted by the 
 other, turning myself to Mopsa, but keeping mine eye where it 
 was : ' Fair Mopsa,' said I, ' well do I find by the wise knitting 
 together of your answer that any disputation I can use is as much 
 too weak, as I unworthy. I find my love shall be proved no love, 
 without I leave to love, being too unfit a vessel in whom so high 
 thoughts should be engraven. Yet since the love I bear you hath 
 so joined itself to the best part of my life, as the one cannot depart 
 but that the other will follow, before I seek to obey you in making 
 my last passage, let me know which is my unworthiness, either 
 of mind, estate, or both?' Mopsa was about to say, in neither; 
 for her heart I think tumbled with overmuch kindness, when 
 
132 ARCADIA [BooKii. 
 
 Pamela with ar more favourable countenance than before, finding 
 how apt I was to fall into despair, told me I might therein have 
 answered myself, for besides that it was granted me that the in- 
 ward feeling of Mopsa's perfections had greatly beautified my mind, 
 there was none could deny but that my mind and body deserved 
 great allowance. 'But Dorus,' said she, 'you must be so far 
 master of your love, as to consider that since the judgment of 
 the world stands upon matter of fortune, and that the sex of 
 womankind of all other is most bound to have regardful eye to 
 men's judgments, it is not for us to play the philosophers in 
 seeking out your hidden virtues, since that which in a wise 
 prince would be counted wisdom, in us will be taken for a light 
 grounded affection : so is not one thing, one done by divers 
 persons.' 
 
 " There is no man in a burning fever feels so great contentment 
 in cold water greedily received (which as soon as the drink ceaseth, 
 the rage reneweth) as poor I found my soul refreshed with her 
 sweetly pronounced words ; and newly and more violently again 
 inflamed as soon as she had enclosed up her delightful speech 
 with no less well graced silence. But remembering in myself 
 that as well the soldier dieth which standeth still as he that 
 gives the bravest onset, and seeing that to the making up of my 
 fortune there wanted nothing so much as the making known of 
 mine estate, with a face well witnessing how deeply my soul 
 was possessed, and with the most submissive behaviour that 
 a thralled heart could express, even as my words had been too 
 thick for my mouth, at length spoke to this purpose : ' Alas, most 
 worthy Princess,' said I, ' and do not then your own sweet words 
 sufficiently testify that there was never man could have a juster 
 action against filthy fortune than I, since all things being granted 
 me, her blindness is my only let? O heavenly God, I would 
 either she had such eyes as were able to discern my desires, or 
 were blind not to see the daily cause of my misfortune. But yet,' 
 said I, ' most honoured lady, if my miserable speeches have not 
 already cloyed you, and that the very presence of such a wretch 
 become not hateful in your eyes, let me reply thus much farther 
 against my mortal sentence, by telling you a story which happened 
 in this same country long since, for woes make the shortest time 
 seem long, whereby you shall see that my estate is not so con- 
 temptible, but that a prince hath been content to take the like upon 
 him, and by that only hath aspired to enjoy a mighty princess.' 
 Pamela graciously barkened, and I told my tale in this sort. 
 
 " ' In the country of Thessalia (alas ! why name I that accursed 
 country which brings forth nothing but matters of tragedy? but 
 name it I must) in Thessalia, I say, there was (well may 1 say 
 
b6ok ii.j Arcadia 133 
 
 there was) a prince, no, no prince, whom bondage wholly possessed, 
 but yet accounted a prince, and named Musidorus. O Musidorus, 
 Musidorus ! But to what serve exclamations, where there are no 
 ears to receive the sound? This Musidorus being yet in the 
 tenderest age, his worthy father payed to nature, with a violent 
 death, her last duties, leaving his child to the faith of his friends, 
 and the proof of time : death gave him not such pangs as the 
 fore-sightful care he had of his silly successor. And yet if in his 
 foresight he could have seen so much, happy was that good prince 
 in his timely departure which barred him from the knowledge of 
 his son's miseries, which his knowledge could neither have pre- 
 vented nor relieved. The young Musidorus (being thus, as for the 
 first pledge of the destinies goodwill, deprived of his principal 
 stay) was yet for some years after, as if the stars would breathe 
 themselves for a greater mischief, lulled up in as much good luck 
 as the heedful love of his doleful mother, and the flourishing estate 
 of his country could breed unto him. 
 
 " But when the time now came that misery seemed to be ripe 
 for him, because he had age to know misery, I think there was a 
 conspiracy in all heavenly and earthly things to frame fit occasions 
 to lead him unto it. His people, to whom all foreign matters in 
 foretime were odious, began to wish in their beloved prince, 
 experience by travel : his dear mother, whose eyes were held open 
 only with the joy of looking upon him, did now dispense with the 
 comfort of her widowed life, desiring the same her subjects did, for 
 the increase of her son's worthiness. 
 
 " And hereto did Musidorus's own virtue, see how virtue can be 
 a minister to mischief, sufficiently provoke him ; for indeed thus 
 much must I say for him, although the likeness of our mishaps 
 makes me presume to pattern myself unto him, that well-doing 
 was at that time his scope, from which no faint pleasure could 
 with-hold him. But the present occasion which did knit all this 
 together, was his uncle the king of Macedon who, having lately 
 before gotten such victories as were beyond expectation, did at 
 this time send both for the prince his son (brought up together, to 
 avoid the wars, with Musidorus) ; and for Musidorus himself, that 
 his joy might be the more full, having such partakers of it. But 
 alas ! to what a sea of miseries my plaintful tongue doth lead me?' 
 and thus out of breath, rather with that I thought than that I said, 
 I stayed my speech, till Pamela showing by countenance that such 
 was her pleasure, I thus continued it : ' These two young princes, 
 to satisfy the king, took their way by sea, towards Thrace, whether 
 they would needs go with a navy to succour him, he being at that 
 time before Bizantium with a mighty army besieging it, where at 
 that time his court was. But when the conspired heavens had 
 
134 AkCADtA tnooK II. 
 
 gotten this subject of their wrath upon so fit place as the sea was, 
 they straight began to breathe out in boisterous winds some part of 
 their malice against him, so that with the loss of all his navy, he 
 only with the prince his cousin, were cast aland far off from the 
 place whither their desires would have guided them. O cruel 
 winds, in your unconsiderate rages, why either began you this fury, 
 or why did you not end it in his end ? but your cruelty was such, 
 as you would spare his life for many deathful torments. To tell 
 you what pitiful mishaps fell to the young prince of Macedon his 
 cousin, I should too much fill your ears with strange horrors ; 
 neither will I stay upon those laboursome adventures, nor loath- 
 some misadventures to which, and through whicl^ his fortune and 
 courage conducted him ; my speech hasteneth itself to come to 
 the full point of Musidorus's misfortunes. For, as we find the 
 most pestilent diseases do gather in themselves all the infirmities 
 with which the body before was annoyed, so did his last misery 
 embrace in extremity of itself all his former mischiefs. Arcadia j 
 Arcadia was the place prepared to be the stage of his endless over- 
 throw ; Arcadia was, alas ! well might I say it is, the charmed 
 circle where all his spirits for ever should be enchanted. For 
 here, and nowhere else, did his infected eyes make his mind 
 know what power heavenly beauty had to throw it down to hellish 
 agonies. Here, here did he see the Arcadian king's eldest 
 daughter, in whom he forthwith placed so all his hopes of joy, and 
 joyful parts of his heart that he left in himself nothing but a maze 
 of longing, and a dungeon of sorrow. But alas ! what can saying 
 make them believe, whom seeing cannot persuade? those pains 
 must be felt before they can be understood ; no outward utterance 
 can command a conceit. Such was as then the state of the king, 
 as it was no time by direct means to seek her. And such was the 
 state of his captivated will as he could delay no time of seeking her. 
 " In this entangled cause, he clothed himself in a shepherd's 
 weed, that under the baseness of that form, he might at last have 
 free access to feed his eyes with that which should at length eat up 
 his heart. In which doing, thus much without doubt he hath 
 manifested that this estate is not always to be rejected, since 
 under that veil there may be hidden things to be esteemed. And 
 if he might with taking on a shepherd's look cast up his eyes to 
 the fairest princess nature in that time created, the like, nay the 
 same desire of mine need no more to be disdained, or held for 
 disgraceful. But now alas ! mine eyes wax dim, my tongue begins 
 to falter, and my heart to want force to help either, with the feeling 
 remembrance I have, in what heap of miseries the caitiff prince 
 lay at this time buried. Pardon therefore most excellent princess, 
 if I cut off the course of my dolorous tale, since, if I be understood, 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 135 
 
 I have said enough for the defence of ray baseness, and for that 
 which after might befall to that pattern of ill fortune, the matters 
 are too monstrous for my capacity, his hateful destinies must best 
 declare their own workmanship.' " 
 
 Thus having delivered his tale in this perplexed manner, to the 
 end the princess might judge that he meant himself, who spoke so 
 feelingly ; her answer was both strange, and in some respect 
 comfortable. For would you think it ? she hath heard heretofore 
 of us both by means of the valiant prince Plangus, and particularly 
 of our casting away, which she (following mine own style) thus 
 delicately brought forth: "you have told," said she, " Dorus, a 
 pretty tale, but you are much deceived in the latter end of it. For 
 the Prince Musidorus with his cousin Pyrocles did both perish 
 upon the coast of Laconia, as a noble gentleman called Plangus, 
 who was well acquainted with the history, did assure my father." 
 
 how that speech of hers did pour joys in my heart ! O blessed 
 name, thought I, of mine, since thou hast been in that tongue, and 
 passed through those lips, though I can never hope to approach 
 them. "As for Pyrocles," said I, "I will not deny it, but that he 
 is perished : " (which I said lest sooner suspicion might arise of 
 your being here than yourself would have it) and yet affirmed no 
 lie unto her, since I only said, I would not deny it. " But for 
 Musidorus," said I, " I perceive indeed you have either heard or 
 read the story of that unhappy prince ; for this was the very 
 objection which that peerless princess did make unto him, when 
 he sought to appear such as he was before her wisdom : and thus 
 
 1 have read it fair written in the certainty of my knowledge, he 
 might answer her, that indeed the ship wherein he came, by a 
 treason was perished ; and therefore that Plangus might easily be 
 deceived, but that he himself was cast upon the coast of Laconia, 
 where he was taken up by a couple of shepherds, who hved in 
 those days famous ; for that both loving one fair maid, they yet 
 remained constant friends ; one of whose songs not long since was 
 sung before you by the shepherd Lamon, and brought by them to 
 a nobleman's house near Mantinea, whose son had, a little before 
 his marriage, been taken prisoner, and by the help of this prince 
 Musidorus, though naming himself by another name, was delivered." 
 Now these circumlocutions I did use, because of the one side I 
 knew the princess would know well the parties I meant ; and of 
 the other, if I should have named Strephon, Claius, Kalander and 
 Clitophon, perhaps it would have rubb'd some conjecture into the 
 heavy head of mistress Mopsa. 
 
 " And therefore," said I, " most divine lady, he justly was thus 
 to argue against such suspicions, that the prince might easily by 
 those parties be satisfied, that upon that wreck such a one was 
 
136 ARCADIA [BOOK IT. 
 
 taken up, and therefore that Plangus might well err, who knew not 
 of any one's taking up : again that he that was so preserved 
 brought good tokens to be one of the two, chief of that wrecked 
 company : which two, since Plangus knew to be Musidorus and 
 Pyrocles, he must needs be one of them, although, as I said, 
 upon a fore-taken vow, he was otherwise at that time called. 
 Besides, the princess must needs judge that no less than a prince 
 durst undertake such an enterprise, which, though he might get 
 the favour of the princess, he could never defend with less than a 
 prince's power, against the force of Arcadia. Lastly, said he, for a 
 certain demonstration, he presumed to show unto the princess a 
 mark he had on his face, as I might," said I, " show this of my 
 neck to the rare Mopsa : " and, withal, showed my neck to them 
 both, where, as you know, there is a red spot bearing figure, as 
 they tell me, of a lion's paw, that she may ascertain herself, that I 
 am Menalcha's brother. " And so did he, beseeching her to send 
 someone she might trust into Thessalia, secretly to be advertised 
 whether the age, the complexion, and particularly that notable 
 sign, did not fully agree with their prince Musidorus." " Do you 
 not know farther," said she, with a settled countenance not 
 accusing any kind of inward motion, "of that story?" "Alas, no," 
 said I, "for even here the historiographer stopped, saying, the rest 
 belonged to astrology." And therewith, thinking her silent 
 imaginations began to work upon somewhat to mollify them, as 
 the nature of music is to do, and, withal, to show what kind of 
 shepherd I was, I took up my harp, and sang these few verses : 
 
 My sheep are thoughts, which I both guide and serve, 
 
 Their pasture is fair hills of fruitless love : 
 On barren sweets they feed, and feeding' starve : 
 
 I wail their lot, but will not other prove. 
 My sheep-hook is wan hope, which all upholds : 
 My weeds, desire, cut out in endless folds. 
 What wool my sheep shall bear, whiles thus they live. 
 In you it is, you must the judgment give. 
 
 " And then, partly to bring Mopsa again to the matter, lest she 
 should too much take heed to our discourses, but principally, if it 
 were possible to gather some comfort out of her answers, I kneeled 
 down to the princess, and humbly besought her to move Mopsa in 
 my behalf, that she would unarm her noble heart of that steely 
 resistance against the sweet blows of love : that since all her parts 
 were decked with some particular ornament ; her face with beauty, 
 her head with wisdom, her eyes with majesty, her countenance 
 with gracefulness, her lips with loveliness, her tongue with victory, 
 that she would make her heart the throne of pity, being the most 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA t37 
 
 excellent raiment of the most excellent part. Pamela without show 
 either of favour or disdain, either of heeding or neglecting what I 
 had said, turned her speech to Mopsa, and with such a voice and 
 action, as might show she spoke of a matter which little did con- 
 cern her; 'Take heed to yourself,' said she, Mopsa, 'for your 
 shepherd can speak well : but truly, if he do fully prove himself 
 such as he saith, I mean, the honest shepherd Menalcas's brother 
 and heir, I know no reason why you should think scorn of him.' 
 Mopsa though, in my conscience, she were even then far spent 
 towards me, yet she answered her, that for all my quaint speeches, 
 she would keep her honesty close enough, and that, as for the way 
 of matrimony, she would step never a foot farther till my master, 
 her father, had spoken the whole word himself, no she would not. 
 But ever and anon turning her muzzle towards me, she threw such 
 a prospect upon me as might well have given a surfeit to any weak 
 lover's stomach. But, lord, what a fool am I, to mingle that drivel's 
 speeches among my noble thoughts ! but because she was an actor 
 in this tragedy, to give you a full knowledge, and to leave nothing 
 that I can remember, unrepeated. 
 
 " Now the princess being about to withdraw herself from us, I 
 took a jewel made in the figure of a crab-fish, which, because it 
 looks one way and goes another, I thought it did fitly pattern out 
 my looking to Mopsa, but bending to Pamela : the word about it 
 was, ' By force, not choice ; ' and still kneeling, besought the 
 princess that she would vouchsafe to give it Mopsa, and with the 
 blessedness of her hand to make acceptable unto her that toy which 
 I had found following of late an acquaintance of mine at the 
 plough. 'For,' said I, 'as the earth was turned up, the plough- 
 share lighted upon a great stone ; we puU'd that up, and so found 
 both that and some other pretty things which we had divided 
 betwixt us.' 
 
 " Mopsa was benumbed with joy when the princess gave it her : 
 but in the princess I could find no apprehension of what I either 
 said or did, but with a calm carelessness letting each thing slide 
 (just as we do by their speeches who neither in matter nor person 
 do anyway belong unto us) which kind of cold temper, mix'd 
 with that lightening of her natural majesty, is of all others most 
 terrible unto me : for yet if I found she contemned me, I would 
 desperately labour both in fortune and virtue to overcome it ; if 
 she only misdoubted me I were in heaven ; for quickly I would 
 bring sufficient assurance ; lastly, if she hated me, yet I should 
 know what passion to deal with ; and either with infiniteness of 
 desert I would take away the fuel from that fire ; or if nothing 
 would serve, then I would give her my heart's blood to quench it. 
 But this cruel quietness, neither retiring to mislike, nor proceeding 
 
138 ARCADIA [BOOK ir. 
 
 to favour ; gracious, but gracious still after one manner ; all her 
 courtesies, having this engraven in them that what is done, is for 
 virtue's sake, not for the parties, ever keeping her course like the 
 sun, who neither for our praises nor curses will spur or stop his 
 horses. This, I say, heavenliness of hers, for howsoever my misery 
 is, I cannot but so entitle it, is so impossible to reach unto that I 
 almost begin to submit myself to the tyranny of despair, not know- 
 ing any way of persuasion, where wisdom seems to be unsensible. 
 I have appeared to her eyes like myself, by a device I used with 
 my master, persuading him that we two might put on certain rich 
 apparel 1 had provided, and so practice something on horseback 
 before Pamela, telling him, it was apparel I had gotten for playing 
 well the part of a king in a tragedy at Athens : my horse indeed 
 was it I had left at Menalcas's house, and Dametas gotone by friend- 
 ship out of the prince's stable. But howsoever I show, I am np 
 base body, all I do is but to beat a rock and get foam." 
 
 But as Dorus was about to tell farther, Dametas (who came 
 whistling, and counting upon his fingers how many load of hay 
 seventeen fat oxen eat up in a year) desired Zelmane from the 
 king that she would come into the lodge where they stayed for 
 her. "Alas !" said Dorus, taking his leave, "the sum is this, that 
 you may well find you have beaten your sorrow against such a 
 wall, which, with the force of a rebound, may well make your 
 sorrow stronger." But Zelmane turning her speech to Dametas, 
 " I shall grow," said she, " skilful in country matters if I have often 
 conference with your servant." " In sooth," answered Dametas 
 with a graceless scorn, " the lad may prove well enough, if he over 
 soon think not too well of himself, and will bear away that he 
 heareth of his elders." And therewith as they walked to the other 
 lodge, to make Zelmane find she might have spent her time better 
 with him, he began with a wild method to run over all the art of 
 husbandry, especially employing his tongue about well dunging 
 of a field, while poor Zelmane yielded her ears to those tedious 
 strokes, not warding them so much as with any one answer, till 
 they came to Basilius and Gynecia, who attended for her in a 
 coach to carry her abroad to see some sports prepared for her. 
 Basilius and Gynecia, sitting in the one end, placed her at the 
 other, with her left side to Philoclea. Zelmane was moved in her 
 mind to have kissed their feet for the favour of so blessed a seat, 
 for the narrowness of the coach made them join from the foot to 
 the shoulders very close together, the truer touch whereof though 
 it were barred by their envious apparel, yet as a perfect magnet, 
 though but in an ivory box, will through the box send forth 
 his embracing virtue to a beloved needle, so this imparadised 
 neighbourhood made Zelmane's soul cleave unto her, both through 
 
iooK 11.] ARCADIA t39 
 
 the ivory case of her body and the apparel which did overcloud it. 
 All the blood of Zelmane's body stirring in her, as wine will do 
 when sugar is hastily put into it, seeking to suck the sweetness of 
 the beloved guest : her heart like a lion new imprisoned, seeing 
 him that restrains his liberty before the grate, not panting, but 
 striving violently, if it had been possible, to have leaped into the 
 lap of Philoclea. But Dametas, even then proceeding from being 
 master of a cart, to be doctor of a coach, not a little proud in him- 
 self that his whip at that time guided the rule of Arcadia, drove 
 the coach, the cover whereof was made with such joints that as 
 they might, to avoid the weather, pull it up close when they listed, 
 so when they would they might put each end down and remain as 
 discovered and open sighted as on horseback, till upon the side of 
 the forest they had both greyhounds, spaniels, and hounds, whereof 
 the first might seem the lords, the second the gentlemen, and the 
 last the yeoman of dogs ; a cast of merlins there was besides, 
 which, flying of a gallant height over certain bushes, would beat 
 the birds that rose down into the bushes, as falcons will do wild- 
 fowl over a river. But the sport which for that day Basilius would 
 principally show to Zelmane, was the mounty at a heron, which 
 getting up on his waggling wings with pain, till he was come to 
 some height (as though the air next to the earth were not fit for 
 his great body to fly through) was now grown to diminish the sight 
 of himself, and to give example to great persons that the higher 
 they be the less they should show ; when a jerfaulcon was cast off 
 after her, who straight spying where the prey was, fixing her eye 
 with desire, and guiding her wing by her eye, used no more 
 strength than industry. For as a good builder to a high tower will 
 not make his stair upright, but winding almost the full compass 
 about, that the steepness be the more unsensible, so she, seeing the 
 towering of her pursued chase, went circling and compassing 
 about, rising so with the less sense of rising, and yet finding that 
 way scantly serve the greediness of her haste, as an ambitious 
 body will go far out of the direct way to win to a point of height 
 which he desires ; so would she, as it were, turn tail to the heron, 
 and fly out quite another way, but all was to return in a higher 
 pitch, which once gotten, she would either beat with cruel assaults 
 the heron, who now was driven to the best defence of force, since 
 flighf would not serve, or else clasping with him, come down 
 together, to be parted by the over-partial beholders. 
 
 Divers of which flights Basilius showing to Zelmane, thus was 
 the riches of the time spent, and the day deceased before it was 
 thought of, till night like a degenerating successor made his 
 departure the better remembered. And therefore, so constrained, 
 they willed Dametas to drive homeward, who, half sleeping, half 
 
146 AkCADlA tsooK II. 
 
 musing about the mending of a wine-press, guided the horses 
 so ill that the wheel coming over a great stub of a tree, it over- 
 turned the coach. Which though it fell violently upon the side 
 where Zelmane and Gynecia sat, yet for Zelmane's part, she would 
 have been glad of the fall which made her bear the sweet burden 
 of Philoclea, but that she feared she might receive some hurt. 
 But indeed neither she did, nor any of the rest, by reason they 
 kept their arms and legs within the coach, saving Gynecia, who 
 with the only bruise of the fall, had her shoulder put out of joint, 
 which, though by one of the falconers cunning it was set well 
 again, yet with much pain was she brought to the lodge ; and pain, 
 fetching his ordinary companion, a fever, with him, drove her 
 to entertain them both in her bed. 
 
 But neither was the fever of such impatient heat, as the inward 
 plague-sore of her affection, nor the pain half so noisome, as the 
 jealousy she conceived of her daughter Philoclea, lest this time 
 of her sickness might give apt occasion to Zelmane, whom she 
 misdoubted. Therefore she called Philoclea to her, and though it 
 were late in the night, commanded her in her ear to go to the 
 other lodge, and send Miso to her, with whom she would speak, 
 and she to lie with her sister Pamela. The meanwhile Gynecia 
 kept Zelmane with her, because she would be sure she should be 
 out of the lodge before she licensed Zelmane. Philoclea, not 
 skill'd in any thing better than obedience, went quietly down, and 
 the moon then full, not thinking scorn to be a torch-bearer to such 
 beauty, guided her steps, whose motions bear a mind which bare 
 in itself far more stirring motions. And alas ! sweet Philoclea, 
 how hath my pen till now forgot thy passions, since to thy memory 
 principally all this long matter is intended ? pardon the slackness 
 to come to those woes, which, having caused in others, thou didst 
 feel in thyself. 
 
 The sweet minded Philoclea was in their degree of well-doing, 
 to whom the not knowing of evil serveth for a ground of virtue, 
 and hold their inward powers in better form with an unspotted 
 simplicity, than many who rather cunningly seek to know what 
 goodness is than willingly take into themselves the following of 
 it. But as that sweet and simple breath of heavenly goodness is 
 the easier to be altered because it hath not passed through the 
 worldly wickedness, nor feelingly found the evil that evil carries 
 with it, so now the lady Philoclea (whose eyes and senses had 
 received nothing, but according as the natural course of each thing 
 required ; whose tender youth had obediently lived under her 
 parents behests, without framing out of her own will the fore- 
 choosing of any thing) when now she came to a point wherein her 
 judgment was to be practised in knowing faultiness by his first 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 141 
 
 tokens, she was like a young fawn who, coming in the wind of the 
 hunters, doth not know whether it be a thing or not to be 
 eschewed ; whereof at this time she began to get a costly ex- 
 perience. For after that Zelmane had a while lived in the lodge 
 with her, and that her only being a noble stranger had bred a kind 
 of heedful attention ; her coming to that lonely place, where she 
 had nobody but her parents, a willingness of conversation ; her 
 wit and behaviour a hking and silent admiration ; at length the 
 excellency of her natural gifts, joined with the extreme shows she. 
 made of most devout honouring Philoclea (carrying thus, in one 
 person, the only two bands of goodwill, loveliness and lovingness) 
 brought forth in her heart a yielding to a most friendly affection ; 
 which when it had gotten so full possession of the keys of her 
 mind that it would receive no message from her senses without 
 that affection were the interpreter, then straight grew an exceeding 
 delight still to be with her, with an unmeasurable liking of all that 
 Zelmane did : matters being so turned in her, that where at first 
 liking her manners did breed goodwill, now goodwill became 
 the chief cause of liking her manners : so that within a while 
 Zelmane was not prized for her demeanour, but the demeanour 
 was prized because it was Zelmane's. Then followed that most 
 natural effect of conforming herself to that which she did like, 
 and not only wishing to be herself such another in all things 
 but to ground an imitation upon so much an esteemed authority, 
 so that the next degree was to mark all Zelmane's doings, speeches, 
 and fashions, and to take them into herself as a pattern of worthy 
 proceeding. Which when once it was enacted, not only by the 
 commonality of passions, but agreed unto by her most noble 
 thoughts, and that reason itself, not yet experienced in the issues 
 of such matters, had granted his royal assent, then friendship, 
 a diligent officer, took care to see the statute thoroughly observed. 
 Then grew on that not only she did imitate the soberness of her 
 countenance, the gracefulness of her speech, but even their 
 ' particular gestures, so that as Zelmane did often eye her, she 
 would often eye Zelmane ; and as Zelmane's eyes would deliver 
 a submissive, but vehement desire in their look, she, though as yet 
 she had not the desire in her, yet should her eyes answer in like 
 piercing kindness of a look. Zelmane, as much as Gynecia's 
 jealousy would suffer, desired to be near Philoclea ; Philoclea, as 
 much as Gynecia's jealousy would suflfer, desired to be near 
 Zelmane. If Zelmane took her hand, and softly strained it, she 
 also, thinking the knots of friendship ought to be mutual, would, 
 with a sweet fastness, show she was loth to part from it. And if 
 Zelmane sighed, she should sigh also ; when Zelmane was sad, 
 she deemed it wisdom, and therefore she would be sad toa 
 
142 ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 Zelmane's languishing countenance with crossed arms, and some- 
 times cast up eyes, she thought to have an excellent grace, and 
 therefore she also willingly put on the same countenance, till at 
 the last, poor soul, e'er she were aware, she accepted not only the 
 badge, but the service ; not only the sign, but the passion signified. 
 For whether it were that her wit in continuance did find that 
 Zelmane's friendship was full of impatient desire, having more 
 than ordinary limits, and therefore she was content to second 
 Zelmane, though herself knew not the limits, or that in truth, true 
 love, well considered, hath an infective power, at last she fell in 
 acquaintance with love's harbinger, wishing ; first she would wish 
 that they two might live all their lives together, like two of Diana's 
 nymphs. But that wish she thought not sufficient, because she 
 knew there would be more nymphs besides them, who also would 
 have their part in Zelmane. Then would she wish that she were 
 her sister, that such a natural band might make her more special 
 to her, but against that, she considered, that, though being her 
 sister, if she happened to be married she should be robbed of her. 
 Then grown bolder she would wish either herself, or Zelmane, 
 a man, that there might succeed a blessed marriage between 
 them. But when that wish had once displayed his ensign in her 
 mind, then followed whole squadrons of longings, that so it might 
 be with a main battle of mislikings and repinings against their 
 creation, that so it was not. Then dreams by night began to bring 
 more unto her than she durst wish by day, whereout waking did 
 make her know herself the better by the image of those fancies. 
 But as some diseases when they are easy to be cured, they are 
 hard to be known, but when they grow easy to be known, they 
 are almost impossible to be cured, so the sweet Philoclea, while 
 she might prevent it, she did not feel it, now she felt it, when 
 it was past preventing ; like a river, no rampires being built against 
 it, till already it have overflowed. For now indeed love pulled off 
 his mask, and showed his face unto her, and told her plainly that - 
 she was his prisoner. Then needed she no more paint her face 
 with passions, for passions shone through her face ; then her rosy 
 colour was often increased with extraordinary blushing, and so 
 another time, perfect whiteness descended to a degree of paleness ; 
 now hot, then cold, desiring she knew not what, nor how, if she 
 knew what. Then her mind, though too late, by the smart was 
 brought to think of the disease, and her own proof taught her to 
 know her mother's mind, which, as no error gives so strong assault 
 as that which comes armed in the authority of a parent, so 
 greatly fortified her desires to see that her mother had the like 
 desires. And the more jealous her mother was, the more she 
 thought the jewel precious which was with so many locks guarded, 
 
BOOK n.l ARCADIA 143 
 
 But that prevailing so far, as to keep the two lovers fromjirivate 
 conference, then began she to feel the sweetness of a lover's 
 solitariness, when freely with words and gestures, as if Zelmane 
 were present, she might give passage to her thoughts, and so, as it 
 were, utter out some smoke of those flames, wherewith else she 
 was not only burned but smothered. As this night, that going 
 from the one lodge to the other, by her mother's commandment, 
 with doleful gestures and uncertain paces, she did willingly accept 
 the time's offer to be a while alone : so that going a little aside 
 into the wood, where many times before she had dehghted to 
 walk, her eyes were saluted with a tuft of trees, so close set 
 together, that, with the shade the moon gave through it, it might 
 breed a fearful kind of devotion to look upon it : but true thoughts 
 of love banished all vain fancy of superstitution. Full well she 
 did both remember and like the place, for there had she often with 
 their shade beguiled Phoebus of looking upon her : there had she 
 enjoyed herself often, while she was mistress of herself and had 
 no other thoughts, but such as might arise out of quiet senses. 
 
 But the principal cause that invited her remembrance was a 
 goodly white marble stone that should seem had been dedicated in 
 ancient time to the Sylvan gods, which she finding there a few 
 days before Zelmane's coming, had written these words upon it as 
 a testimony of her mind against the suspicion her captivity made 
 her think she lived in. The writing was this. 
 I 
 
 You living powers enclos'd in stately shrine 
 Of growing trees : you rural Gods that wield 
 
 Your scepters here, if to your ears divine 
 A voice may come, which troubled soul dolh yield ; 
 This vow receive, this vow, O Gods, maintain ; 
 My virgin life no spotted thought shall stain. 
 
 Thou purest stone ; whose pureness doth present 
 My purest mind ; whose temper hard doth show 
 My temper'd heart ; by thee my promise sent 
 Unto myself let after-livers know, 
 No fancy mine, nor others wrong suspect 
 Make me, O virtuous, shame, thy laws neglect. 
 
 O chastity, the chief of heavenly lights, 
 
 Which mak'st us most immortal shape to wear. 
 Hold thou my heart, establish thou my sprites : 
 To only thee my constant course I bear ; 
 'Till spotless soul unto thy bosom fly. 
 3uch life to lead, such death I vow to die, 
 
144 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 But now that her memory served as an accuser of her change, 
 and that her own hand-writing was there to bear testimony against 
 her fall ; she went in among those few trees, so closed in the tops 
 together, that they might seem a little chapel : and there might 
 she, by the help of the moon-light, perceive the goodly stone which 
 served as an altar in that woody devotion. But neither the light 
 was enough to read the words, and the ink was already foreworn, 
 and in many places blotted, which as she perceived, " Alas ! " said 
 she, " fair marble, which never received'st spot but by my writing : 
 well do these blots become a blotted writer. But pardon her 
 which did not dissemble then, although she have changed since. 
 Enjoy, enjoy the glory of thy nature, which can so constantly bear 
 the marks of my inconstancy." And herewith, hiding her eyes 
 with her soft hand, there came into her head certain verses, which 
 if she had had present commodity, she would have adjoined as a 
 retraction to the other. They were to this effect. 
 
 My words, in hope to blaze a stedfast mind. 
 
 This marble chose, as of like tempter known : 
 But lo, my words defac'd my fancies blind, 
 Blots to the stone, shames to myself I find : 
 And witness am, how ill agree in one, 
 A woman's hand with constant marble stone. 
 
 My words full weak, the marble full of might ; 
 
 My words in store, the marble all alone ; 
 My words black ink, the marble kindly white ; 
 My words unseen, the marble still in sight, 
 May witness bear, how ill agree in one, 
 A woman's hand with constant marble stone. 
 
 But seeing she could not see means to join as then this recanta- 
 tion to the former vow, laying all her fair length under one of the 
 trees, for a while she did nothing but turn up and down, as if she 
 had hoped to turn away the fancy that had mastered her, and hid 
 her face, as if she could have hidden herself from her own fancies. 
 At length with a whispering note to herself : " O me unfortunate 
 wretch," said she, "what poisonous heats be these which thus 
 torment me ? how hath the sight of this strange guest invaded my 
 soul ? alas what entrance found this desire, or what strength had 
 it thus to conquer me ? " Then a cloud passing between her sight 
 and the moon, " O Diana," said she, " I would either the cloud 
 that now hides the light of my virtue would as easily pass away as 
 you will quickly overcome this let, or else that you were for ever 
 thus darkened to serve for an excuse of my outrageous folly." Then 
 looking to the stars, which had perfectly as then beautified the 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA I4S 
 
 clear sky : " My parents," said she, " have told me that in those 
 fair heavenly bodies there are great hidden dieties, which have 
 their working in the ebbing and flowing of our estates. If it be so, 
 then, O you stars ! judge rightly of me, and if I have with wicked 
 intent made myself a prey to fancy, or if by any idle lusts I framed 
 my heart fit for such an impression, then let this plague daily 
 increase in me, till my name be made odious to womankind. But 
 if extreme and unresistable violence have oppressed me, who will 
 ever do any of you sacrifice, O you stars, if you do not succour me? 
 No, no, you will not help me. No, no, you cannot help me : sin 
 must be the mother, and shame the daughter of my affection. 
 And yet are these but childish objections, simple Philoclea, it is 
 the impossibility that doth torment me : for, unlawful desires are 
 punished after the effect of enjoying ; but impossible desires are 
 punished in the desire itself. O then, O ten times unhappy that 
 I am, since wherein all other hope kindleth love, in me despair 
 should be the bellows of my affection : and of all despairs the most 
 miserable, which is drawn from impossibility. The most covetous 
 man longs not to get riches out of a ground which never can bear 
 anything ; why ? because it is impossible. The most ambitious 
 wight vexeth not his wits to climb into heaven ; why ? because it 
 is impossible. Alas ! then, O love, why dost thou in thy beautiful 
 sampler set such a work for my desire to take out, which is as 
 much impossible? and yet alas ! why do I thus condemn my 
 fortune before I hear what she can say for herself? what do I, 
 silly wench, know what love hath prepared for me ? do I not think 
 my mother, as well, at least as furiously as myself, love Zelmane ? 
 and should I be wiser than my mother ? either she sees a possibility 
 in that which I see impossible, or else impossible loves need not 
 misbecome me. And do I not see Zelmane, who doth not think a 
 thought which is not first weighed by wisdom and virtue, doth not 
 she vouchsafe to love m.e with like order ? I see it, her eyes depose 
 it to be true ; what then ? and if she ean love poor me, shall I 
 think scorn to love such a woman as Zelmane? away then all vain 
 examinations of why and how. Thou lovest me, most excellent 
 Zelmane, and I love thee : " and with that, embracing the very 
 ground whereon she lay, she said to herself, for even to herself she 
 was ashamed to speak it out in words, " O my Zelmane govern 
 and direct me, for I am wholly given over unto thee." 
 
 In this depth of muses and divers sorts of discourses, would she 
 ravingly have remained, but that Dametas and Mrso, who v?ere- 
 round about to seek her, undeirstanding she wa^ come to their 
 lodge that night, came hard by her ; Dametas saying that he 
 would not deal in other bodies matters, but for his part he did not 
 like that maids should once stir out of their father's Houses, but if it 
 
 K 
 
146 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 were to milk a cow, or save a chicken from a kite's foot, or some 
 such other matter of importance. And Miso swearing that if it 
 were her daughter Mopsa, she would give her a lesson for walking 
 so late that should make her keep within doors for one fortnight. 
 But their jangling made Philoclea rise, and pretending as though 
 she had done it but to sport with them, went with them, after she 
 had willed Miso to wait upon her mother to the lodge ; where, 
 being now accustomed by her parent's discipline as well as her 
 sister to serve herself, she went alone up to Pamela's chamber, 
 where, meaning to delight her eyes, and joy her thoughts with the 
 sweet conversation of her beloved sister, she found her, though it 
 were in the time that the wings of night doth blow sleep most 
 willingly into mortal creatures, sitting in a chair, lying backward, 
 with her head almost over the back of it, and looking upon a wax- 
 candle which burnt before her ; in one hand holding a letter, in 
 the other her handkerchief, which had lately drunk up the tears of 
 her eyes, leaving instead of them crimson circles, like red flakes in 
 the element when the weather is hottest ; which Philoclea finding, 
 for her eyes had learned to know the badges of sorrow, she 
 earnestly entreated to know the cause thereof that either she might 
 comfort, or accompany her doleful humour. But Pamela, rather 
 seeming sorry that she had perceived so much, than willing to 
 open any farther ; "O my Pamela," said Philoclea, "who are to 
 me a sister in nature, a mother in counsel, a princess by the law of 
 our country, and, which name methjnks of all other is the dearest, 
 a friend by my choice and your favour, what means this banishing 
 me from your counsels? do you love your sorrow so well as to 
 grudge me part of it ? or do you think I shall not love a sad 
 Pamela so well as a joyful ? or be my ears unworthy, or my tongue 
 suspected ? What is it, my sister, that you should conceal from your 
 sister, yea and servant Philoclea?" Those words won no farther 
 of Pamela, but that telling her they might talk better as they lay 
 together, they impoverished their clothes to enrich their bed, which 
 for that night might well scorn the shrine of Venus : and their 
 cherishing one another with dear, though chaste embracements, 
 with sweet though cold kisses, it might seem that love was come 
 to play him there without dart, or that^ weary of his own fires, he 
 was there to refresh himself between their sweet breathing lips. 
 
 But Philoclea earnestly again entreated Pamela to open her 
 grief: who, drawing the curtain that the candle might not complain 
 pf her blushing, was ready to speak : but the breath, almost formed 
 into words, was again stopped by her and turned into sighs. But 
 at last, "I pray you," said she, sweet Philoclea, "let us talk of 
 ■^ome otlier thing : and tell me whether you did ever see anything 
 so amended as our pastoral sports be since that Dorus came 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 147 
 
 hither?" O love, how far thou seest with blind eyes? Philoclea 
 had straight found her, and therefore to draw out more : " Indeed," 
 said she, " I have often wondered to myself how such excellencies 
 could be in so mean a person, but befike fortune was afraid to lay 
 her treasures where they should be stained with so many perfec- 
 tions, only I marvel how he can frame himself to hide so rare gifts 
 under such a block as Dametas." "Ah," said Pamela, "if you 
 ksiew the cause, but no more do I neither ; and to say the truth : 
 but lord, how are we fallen to talk of this fellow ? and yet indeed 
 if you were sometimes with me to mark him while Dametas reads 
 his rustic lecture unto him how to feed his beasts before noon, 
 where to shade them in the extreme heat, how to make the 
 manger handsome for his oxen, when to use the goad, and 
 when the voice ; giving him rules of a herdman, though he 
 pretend to make him a shepherd, to see all the while with what a 
 grace, which seems to set a crown upon his base estate, he can 
 descend to those poor matters, certainly you would : but to what 
 serves this ? no doubt we were better sleep than talk of those idle 
 matters." " Ah my Pamela," said Philoclea, " I have caught you ; 
 the constancy of your wit was not wont to bring forth such dis- 
 jointed speeches : you love, dissemble no farther." " It is true,' 
 said Pamela, " now you have it ; and with less ado should, if my 
 heart could have thought those words suitable for my mouth. But 
 indeed, my Philoclea, take heed: for I think virtue itself is no 
 armour of proof against affection. Therefore learn by my 
 example." Alas ! thought Philoclea to herself, your shears come 
 too late to clip the bird's wings that already is flown away. But 
 then Pamela, being once set in the stream of her love, went away 
 amain, withal telling her how his noble qualities had drawn her 
 liking towards him ; but yet ever weighing his meanness, and so 
 held continually in due limits ; till seeking many means to speak 
 with her, and ever kept from it, as well because she shunn'd it, 
 seeing and disdaining his mind, as because of her jealous jailors, 
 he had at length used the finest policy that might be in counter- 
 feiting love to Mopsa, and saying to Mopsa whatsoever he would 
 have her know; and in how passionate manner he had told his 
 own tale in a third person, making poor Mopsa believe, that it was 
 a matter fallen out many ages before. " And in the end, because 
 you shall know my tears come not neither of repentance nor misery, 
 who, think you, is my Dorus fallen out to be? even the Prince 
 Musidorus, famous over all Asia for his heroical enterprises, of 
 whom you remember how much good the stranger Plangus told 
 my father; he not being drowned, as Plangus thought, though his 
 cousin Pyrocles indeed perished. Ah my sister, if you had heard 
 his words, or seen his gestures when he made me know what, and 
 
148 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 to whom his love was, you would have matched in yourself those 
 two rarely matched together, pity and delight. Tell me dear sister, 
 for the gods are my witnesses I desire to do virtuously, can I 
 without the detestable stain of ungratefulness abstain from loving 
 him, who (far exceeding the beautifulness of his shape with the 
 beautifulness of his mind, and the greatness of his estate with the 
 greatness of his acts) is content so to abase himself, as to become 
 Dametas's servant for my sake ? you will say, how know I him to 
 be Musidorus, since the handmaid of wisdom is slow of belief? 
 that consideration did not want in me; for the nature of desire 
 itself is no easier to receive belief, than it is hard to ground belief. 
 For as desire is glad to embrace the first show of comfort, so is 
 desire desirous of perfect assurance, and that have I had of him, 
 not only by necessary arguments to any of common sense, but by 
 sufficient demonstrations. Lastly, he would have me send to 
 Thessalia, but truly I am not as now in mind to do my honourable 
 love so much wrong as so far to suspect him : yet poor soul, knows 
 he no other, but that I do both suspect, neglect, yea, and detest 
 him. For every day he finds one way or other to set forth himself 
 unto me, but all are rewarded with like coldness of acceptation. 
 
 " A few days since, he and Dametas had furnished themselves 
 very richly to run at the ring before me. O how mad a sight it 
 was to see Dametas, like rich tissue furred with lamb-skins ? but 
 O how well it did with Dorus, to see with what a grace he presented 
 himself before me on horseback, making majesty wait upon 
 humbleness? how at the first, standing still with his eyes bent 
 upon me, as though his motions were chained to my look, he so 
 stayed till I caused Mopsa bid him do something upon his horse : 
 which no sooner said, but, with a kind rather of quick gesture 
 than show of violence, you might see him come towards me, 
 beating the ground in so due time that no dancer can observe 
 better measure. If you remember the ship we saw once when the 
 sea went high upon the coast of Argos, so went the beast. But 
 he, as if centaur-like he had been one piece with the horse, was 
 no more moved than one with the going of his own legs, and in 
 effect so did he command him as his own limbs ; for tho' he had 
 both spurs and wand, they seemed rather marks of sovereignty 
 than instruments of punishment, his hand and leg, with most 
 pleasing grace, commanding without threatening, and rather 
 remembering than chastising ; at least if sometimes he did it was 
 so stolen as neither our eyes could discern it nor the horse with 
 any change did complain of it : he ever going so just with the 
 horse, either forth-right or turning that it seemed he borrowed the 
 horse's body, so he lent the horse his mind. In the turning one 
 might perceive the bridle-hand sometliing gently stir : but indeed 
 
BOOK n.] ARCADIA 149 
 
 so gently that it did rather distil virtue than use violence. Him- 
 self, which methinks is strange, showing at one instant both 
 steadiness and nimbleness ; sometimes making him turn close to 
 the ground, like a cat, when scratchingly she wheels about after a 
 mouse ; sometimes with a little more rising before, now like a 
 raven leaping from ridge to ridge, then like one of Dametas's kids 
 bound over the hillocks, and all so done, as neither the lusty kind 
 showed any roughness, nor the easier any idleness ; but still like 
 a well-obeyed master, whose beck is enough for a discipline, ever 
 concluding each thing he did with his face to me-wards, as if 
 thence came not only the beginning but endmg of his motions. 
 The sport was to see Dametas, how he was tossed from the saddle 
 to the mane of the horse, and thence to the ground, giving his gay 
 apparel almost as foul an outside as it had an inside. But as 
 before he had ever said, he wanted but horse and apparel to be as 
 brave a courtier as the best, so now bruised with proof, he pro- 
 claimed it a folly for a man of wisdom to put himself under the 
 tuition of a beast, so as Dorus was fain alone to take the ring 
 Wherein truly at least my womanish eyes could not discern, but 
 that taking his staff from his thigh, the descending it a little down, 
 the getting of it up into the rest, the letting of the point fall, and 
 taking the ring, was but all one motion, at least, if they were divers 
 motions, they did so stealingly slip one into another that the latter 
 part was ever in hand before the eye could discern the former was 
 ended. Indeed Dametas found fault that he showed no more 
 strength in shaking of his staff, but to my conceit the fine cleanness 
 of bearing it was exceeding delightful. 
 
 " But how delightful soever it was, my delight might well be in 
 my soul, but it never went to look out of the window to do him 
 any comfort. But how much more I found reason to like him, the 
 more I set all the strength of mine to suppress it, or at least to 
 conceal it. Indeed I must confess, that as some physicians have 
 told me, that when one is cold outwardly, he is not inwardly, so 
 truly the cold ashes laid upon my fire did not take the nature of 
 fire from it. Full often hath my breast swollen with keeping my 
 sighs imprisoned ; full often have the tears I drove back from mine 
 eyes, turned back to drown my heart. But alas ! what did that 
 help poor Dorus? whose eyes, being his diligent intelligencers, 
 could carry unto him no other news, but discomfortable. I think 
 no day past but by some one invention he would appear unto me 
 to testify his love. One time he danced the matachine dance in 
 armour, O with what a graceful dexterity ! I think to make me see 
 that he had been brought up in such exercises : another time he 
 persuaded his master, to make my time seem shorter, in manner 
 of a dialogue, to play Priamus, while he played Paris. Think, 
 
ISO ARCADIA [BOOK II. 
 
 sweet Philoclea, what a Priamus we had : but truly, my Paris was 
 a Paris, and more than a Paris : who, while in a savage apparel, 
 with naked neck, arms, and legs, he made love to Oenone, you 
 might well see by his changed countenance and true tears, that he 
 felt the part he played. Tell me, sweet Philoclea, did you ever 
 see such a shepherd ? tell me, did you ever hear of such a prince ? 
 and then tell me if a small or unworthy assault have conquered 
 me. Truly I would hate my life, if I thought vanity led me. But 
 since my parents deal so cruelly with me, it is time for me to trust 
 something to my own judgment. Yet hitherto have my looks been 
 as I told you, which continuing after many of those his fruitless 
 trials, have wrought such change in him as I tell you true," with 
 that word she laid her hand upon her quaking side, " I do not a 
 little fear him. See what a letter this is," then drew she the 
 curtain, and took the letter from under her pillow, " which to-day, 
 with an afflicted humbleness, he delivered me, pretending before 
 Mopsa that I should read it unto her to mollify, forsooth, her iron 
 stomach." With that she read the letter, containing thus much : 
 
 Most blessed paper, which shall kiss that hand, whereto all blessed- 
 ness is in nature a servant, do not yet disdain to carry with thee the 
 woeful words of a miser now despairing : neither be afraid to appear 
 before her, bearing the base title of the sender. For no sooner shall 
 that divine hand touch thee, but that thy baseness shall be turned 
 to most high preferment. Therefore mourn boldly my ink ; for 
 while she looks upon you, your blackness will shine : cry out boldly 
 my lamentation ; for while she reads you, your cries will be music. 
 Say then, O happy messenger of a most unhappy message, that the 
 too soon born, and too late dying creature, which dares not speak, 
 no not look, no not scarcely think, as from his miserable self, unto her 
 heavenly highness, only presumes to desire thee, in the time that 
 her eyes and voice do exalt thee, to say, and in this manner to say ; 
 not from him, O no, that were not fit, but of him, thus much unto 
 her sacred judgment : O you, the only honour to women, to men the 
 only admiration, you that being armed by love, defy him that armed 
 you, in this high estate wherein you have placed me, yet let me 
 remember him to whom I am bound for bringing me to your presence • 
 and let me remember him, who, since he is yours, how mean soever 
 he be, it is reason you have an account of him. The wretch, yet 
 your wretch, though with languishing steps, runs fast to his grave ; 
 and will you suffer a temple, how poorly built soever, but yet a 
 temple of your deity, to be razed ? but he dieth : it is most true, he 
 dieth ; and he in whom you live, to obey you, dieth. Whereof 
 though he plain, he doth not complain : for it is a harm, but no 
 wrong, which he hath received. He dies, because in woeful 
 language all his senses tell him, that such is your pleasure : since 
 you will not that be live, alaSj alas, what followeth of the uiost ruined 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 151 
 
 Dorus, but his end ? end then, evil destined Dorus, end ; and end 
 thou woeful letter, end ; for it sufficeth her wisdom to know, that 
 her heavenly will shall be accomplished. 
 
 " O my Philoclea, is he a person to write those words ? and are 
 those words lightly to be regarded ? but if you had seen when with 
 trembling hand he had delivered it how he went away, as if he 
 had been but the coffin that carried himself to his sepulchre. Two 
 times, I must confess, I was about to take courtesy into mine eyes, 
 but both times the former resolution stopped the entry of it, so 
 that he departed without obtaining any farther kindness. But he 
 was no sooner out of the door ; but that I looked to the door 
 kindly, and truly the fear of him ever since hath put me into such 
 perplexity, as now you found me." "Ah my Pamela," said 
 Philoclea, "leave sorrow. The river of your tears will soon lose 
 his fountain ; it is in your hand as well to stitch up his life again, 
 as it was before to rent it." And so, though with self-grieved 
 mind, she comforted her sister, till sleep came to bathe himself in 
 Pamela's fair weeping eyes. 
 
 Which when Philoclea found, wringing her hands, " O me,'' said 
 she, " indeed the only subject of the destinies displeasure, whose 
 greatest fortunateness is more unfortunate than my sister's greatest 
 unfortunateness. Alas ! she weeps because she would be no 
 sooner happy ; I weep, because I can never be happy ; her tears 
 flow from pity, mine from being too far lower than the reach of 
 pity : Yet do I not envy thee, dear Pamela, I do not envy thee, 
 only I could wish that being thy sister in nature I were not so far 
 off akin in fortune." 
 
 But the darkness of sorrow overshadowing her mind, as the 
 night did her eyes, they were both content to hide themselves 
 under the wings of sleep, till the next morning had almost lost his 
 name, before the two sweet sleeping sisters awaked from dreams, 
 which flattered them with more comfort than their waking could, 
 or would consent unto. For then they were called up by Miso, 
 who, having been with Gynecia, had received commandment to be 
 continually with her daughters, and particularly not to let Zelmane 
 and Philoclea have any private conference but that she should be 
 present to hear what passed : Miso having now her authority 
 increased, but came with scowling eyes to deliver a slavering good 
 morrow to the two ladies, telling them it was a shame for them to 
 mar their complexions, yea and conditions too, with long lying 
 abed ; and that when she was of their age, she trowed, she would 
 have made a handerchief by that time a-day. The two sweet 
 princesses with a smiling silence answered her entertainment, and, 
 obeying hex directionj covered their dainty beauties with the gla,d 
 
152 ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 clothes. But as soon as Pamela was ready, and sooner she was 
 than her sister, of the agony of Dorus's giving a fit to herself, 
 which the words of his letter, lively imprinted in her mind, still 
 remembered her of, she called to Mopsa, and willed her to fetch 
 Dorus to speak with her ; because, she said, she would take farther 
 judgment of him before she would move Dametas to grant her in 
 marriage unto him : Mopsa, as glad as of sweetmeat to go of such 
 an errand, quickly returned with Dorus to Pamela, who intended 
 both by speaking with him to give some comfort to his passionate 
 heart, and withal to hear some part of his life past, which although 
 fame had already delivered unto her, yet she desired in more 
 particular certainties to have it from so beloved an historian. Let 
 the sweetness of virtue's disposition, jealous, even over itself, 
 suffered her not to enter abruptly into questions of Musidorus, 
 whom see was half ashamed she did love so well, and more than 
 half sorry she could love no better, but thought best first to make 
 her talk arise of Pyrocles, and his virtuous father : which thus she 
 did. 
 
 " Dorus,'' said she, " you told me the last day that Plangus was 
 deceived in that he affirmed the prince Musidorus was drowned, 
 but, withal, you confessed his cousin Pyrocles perished, of whom 
 certainly in that age there was a great loss, since, as I have heard, 
 he was a young prince, of whom all men expected as much as 
 man's power could bring forth, and yet virtue promised for him 
 their expectation should not be deceived." " Most excellent lady," 
 said Dorus, " no expectation in others, nor hope in himself could 
 aspire to a higher mark than to be thought worthy to be praised 
 by your judgment, and made worthy to be praised by your mouth. 
 But most sure it is, that as his fame could by no means get so 
 sweet and noble an air to fly in, as in your breath, so could not 
 you, leaving yourself aside, find in the world a fitter subject of 
 commendation ; as noble as a long succession of royal ancestors, 
 famous and famous for victories, could make him ; of shape most 
 lovely, and yet of mind more lovely, valiant, courteous, wise, what 
 should I say more ? sweet Pyrocles, excellent Pyrocles, what can 
 my words but wrong thy perfections, which I would to God in 
 some small measure thou had'st bequeathed to him that ever must 
 have thy virtues in admiration, that, masked at least in them, I 
 might have found some more gracious acceptation ? " With that 
 he imprisoned his look for a while upon Mopsa, who thereupon 
 fell into a very wide smiling. " Truly," said Pamela, " Dorus I like 
 well your mind that can raise itself out of so base a fortune as 
 yours is, to think of the imitating so excellent a prince as Pyrocles 
 was. Who shoots at the mid-day sun, though he be sure he 
 shall never hit the mark, )'et as sure he is, he shall shoot higher 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 153 
 
 than who aims but at a bush. But I pray you, Dorus," said she, 
 " tell me, since I perceive you are well acquainted with that story, 
 what prince was that Euarchus father to Pyrocles, of whom so 
 much fame goes, for his rightly royal virtues, or by what ways he 
 got that opinion. And then so descend to the causes of his sending 
 first away from him, and then to him for that excellent son of his, 
 with the discourse of his life and loss : and therein you may, if you 
 list, say something of that same Musidorus his cousin, because 
 they going together, the story of Pyrocles, which I only desire, 
 may be the better understood." 
 
 " Incomparable lady,'' said he, " your commandment doth not 
 only give me the will, but the power to obey you ; such influence 
 hath your excellency. And first, for that famous king Euarchus, 
 he was, at this time you speak of, king of Macedon, a kingdom, 
 which in older time had such a sovereignty over all the provinces 
 of Greece that even the particular kings therein did acknowledge, 
 with more or less degrees of homage, some kind of fealty there- 
 unto : as among the rest, even this now most noble, and by you 
 ennobled, kingdom of Arcadia. But he, when he came to his 
 crown finding by his latter ancestors either negligence, or misfortune 
 that in some ages many of those duties had been intermitted would 
 never stir up old titles, how apparent soever, whereby the public 
 peace, with the loss of many not guilty souls, should be broken ; 
 but contenting himself to guide that ship, wherein the heavens had 
 placed him, showed no less magnanimity in dangerless despising 
 than others in dangerous affecting the multiplying of kingdoms : 
 for the earth hath since borne enough bleeding witnesses that it 
 was no want of true courage. Who as he was most wise to see 
 what was best, and most just in the performing what he saw, and 
 temperate in abstaining from anything anyway contrary, so think 
 I, no thought can imagine a greater heart to see and contemn 
 danger, where danger would offer to make any wrongful threaten- 
 ing upon him. A prince, that indeed especially measured his 
 greatness by his goodness : and if for anything he loved greatness 
 it was because therein he might exercise his goodness. A prince 
 of a goodly aspect, and the more goodly by a grave majesty, where- 
 with his mind did deck his outward graces ; strong of body, and 
 so much the stronger, that he by a well disciplined exercise taught 
 it both to do, and suffer. Of age so as he was above fifty years 
 when his nephew Musidorus took on such shepherdish apparel for 
 the love of the world's paragon, as I now wear. 
 
 " This king left orphan both of father and mother, whose father 
 and grandfather likewise had died young, he found his estate, 
 when he came to the age which allowed his authority, so disjointed 
 even in the noblest and strongest limbs of government that the 
 
154 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 name of a king was grown even odious to the people, his authority 
 having been abused by those great lords and little kings, who in 
 those between times of reigning, by unjust favouring those that 
 were partially theirs, and oppressing them that would defend their 
 liberty against them, had brought in, by a more felt than seen 
 manner of proceeding, the worst kind of Oligarchy ; that is, when 
 men are governed indeed by a few, and yet are not taught to know 
 what those few be to whom they should obey. 
 
 " For they having the power of kings, but not the nature of kings, 
 used the authority as men do their farms, of which they see within 
 a year they shall go out ; making the king's sword strike whom 
 they hated, the king^s purse reward whom they loved ; and, which 
 is worst of all, making the royal countenance serve to undermine 
 the royal sovereignty. For the subjects could taste no sweeter . 
 fruits of having a king than grievous taxation to serve vain 
 purposes ; laws made rather to find faults than to prevent faults : 
 the court of a prince rather deemed as a privileged place of the 
 unbridled licentiousness than as the abiding of him, who as a 
 father should give a fatherly example unto his people. Hence 
 grew a very dissolution of all estates, while the great men, by the 
 nature of ambition never satisfied, grew factious among themselves : 
 and the underlings glad indeed to be underiings to them they 
 hated least, to preserve them from such they hated most. Men of 
 virtue suppressed, lest the shining should discover the others 
 filthiness ; and at length virtue itself almost forgotten, when it had 
 no hopeful end whereunto to be directed ; old men long nusled in 
 corruption, scorning them that would seek reformation, young men 
 were fault-finding, but very faulty, and so given to new-fangleness 
 both of manners, apparel, and each thing else, by the custom of 
 self-guilty evil, glad to change, though oft for worse ; merchandise 
 abused, and so towns decayed for want of just and natural liberty ; 
 offices even of judging souls, sold ; public defences neglected ; and 
 in sum, left too long I trouble you, all awry, and, which wried it to 
 the most wry course of all, wit abused, rather to feign reason why 
 it should be amiss, than how it should be amended. 
 
 "In this, and a much worse plight than it is fit to trouble your 
 excellent ears withal, did the king Euarchus find his estate when 
 he took upon him the regiment, which, by reason of the long stream 
 of abuse, he was forced to establish by some even extreme severity, 
 not so much for the very faults themselves, which he rather sought 
 to prevent than to punish, as for the faulty ones, who, strong even 
 in their faults, scorned his youth, and could not learn to digest that 
 the man which they so long had used to mask their own appetites, 
 should now be the reducer of them into order. But so soon as 
 some few, but indeed notable examples, had thundered a duty into 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA ISS 
 
 the subjects hearts, he soon showed, no baseness of suspicion, nor 
 the basest baseness of envy, could any whit rule such a ruler. But 
 then shined forth indeed all love among them, when an awful fear 
 engendered by justice, did make that love most lovely : his first 
 and principal care being to appear unto his people such as he 
 would have them be, and to be such as he appeared ; making his 
 life the example of his laws, and his laws as it were his axioms 
 arising out of his deeds. So that within small time he won a 
 singular love in his people, and ingraffed singular confidence. For 
 how could they choose but love him, whom they found so truly to 
 love them ? he even in reason disdaining, that they that have 
 charge of beasts, should love their charge and care for them ; and 
 that he that was to govern the most excellent creature, should not 
 love so noble a charge. And, therefore, where most princes, 
 seduced by flattery to build upon false grounds of government, 
 make themselves, as it were, another thing from the people, and so 
 count it gain what they get from them and, as it were two counter- 
 ballances, that their estate goes highest when the people goes 
 lowest, by a fallacy of argument thinking themselves most kings 
 when the subject is most basely subjected, he contrariwise, 
 virtuously and wisely acknowledging that he with his people made 
 all but one politic body, wherof himself was the head, even so 
 cared for them as he would for his own limbs, never restraining 
 their liberty, without it stretched to licentiousness, nor pulling from 
 them their goods, which they found were not employed to the 
 purchase of a greater good ; but in all his actions showing a delight 
 in their welfare, brought that to pass, that, while by force he took 
 nothing, by their love he had all. In sum, peerless princess, I 
 might as easily set down the whole art of government as to lay 
 before your eyes the picture of his proceedings. But in such sort 
 he flourished in the sweet comfort of doing much good, when, by 
 an occasion of leaving his country, he was forced to bring forth his 
 virtue of magnanimity, as before he had done of justice. 
 
 " He had only one sister, a lady, least I should too easily :all 
 to partial praises of her, of whom it may be justly said, that she 
 was no unfit branch to the noble stock whereof she was come. Her 
 he had given in marriage to Dorilaus prince of Thessalia, not so 
 much to make a friendship, as to confirm the friendship between 
 their posterity, which between them, by the likeness of virtue, had 
 been long before made : for certainly, Dorilaus could need no 
 amplifiers mouth for the highest point of praise." " Who hath not 
 heard," said Pamela, " of the valiant, wise, and just Dorilaus, whose 
 unripe death doth yet, so many years since, draw tears from 
 virtuous eyes ; and indeed, my father is wont to speak of nothing 
 with greater admiration, than of the notable friendship, a rare thing 
 
i$6 ARCADIA [BOOK ti. 
 
 in princes, more rare between princes, that so holily was observed 
 to the last of those two excellent men. But," said she, "go on I 
 pray you." 
 
 " Dorilaus," said he, " having married his sister, had his marriage 
 in short time blest, for so are folk wont to say, how unhappy soever 
 the children after grow, with a son, whom they named Musidorus, 
 of whom I must needs first speak before I come to Pyrocles, 
 because as he was born first, so upon his occasion grew, as I 
 may say » accidentally, the other's birth. For scarcely was 
 Musidorus made partaker of this oft-binding light, when there were 
 found numbers of soothsayers who affirmed strange and incredible 
 things should be performed by that child ; whether the heavens at 
 that time lifted to play with ignorant mankind, or that flattery be 
 so presumptuous as even at times to borrow the face of divinity. 
 But certainly, so did the boldness of their affirmation accompany 
 the greatness of what they did affirm, even descending to 
 particularities, what kingdoms he should overcome, that the king 
 of Phrygia, who over-superstitiously thought himself touched in 
 the matter, sought by force to destroy the infant, to prevent his 
 after expectations : because a skilful man, having compared his 
 nativity with the child, so told him. Foolish man, either vainly 
 fearing what was not to be feared, or not considering that if it were 
 a work of the superior powers, the heavens at length are never 
 children. But so he did, and by the aid of the kings of Lydia and 
 Crete, joining together their armies, invaded Thessalia, and 
 brought Dorilaus to some behind-hand of fortune, when his faithful 
 friend and brother Euarchus came so mightily to his succour, that 
 with some interchanging changes of fortune, they begat of a just 
 war, the best child. Peace. In which time Euarchus made a cross 
 marriage also with Dorilaus's sister, and shortly left her with child 
 of the famous Pyrocles, driven to return to the defence of his own 
 country, which in his absence, helped with some of the ill-contented 
 nobility, the mighty king of Thrace, and his brother king of Panonia, 
 had invaded. The success of those wars was too notable to be 
 unknown to your ears, to which it seems all worthy fame hath glory 
 to come unto. But there was Dorilaus, valiantly requiring his 
 friend's help, in a great battle deprived of life, his obsequies being 
 no more solemnized by the tears of his partakers than the blood of 
 his enemies ; with so piercing a sorrow to the constant heart of 
 Euarchus that the news of his son's birth could lighten his 
 countenance with no show of comfort, although all the comfort 
 that might be in a child, truth itself in him forthwith delivered. 
 For what fortune only soothsayers foretold of Musidorus, that all 
 men might see prognosticated in Pyrocles, both heavens and earth 
 giving tokens of tiie coming forth of an heroical virtue. The 
 
BOOK n.] ARCADIA 157 
 
 senate house of the planets was at no time so set for the decreeing 
 of perfection in a man, as at that time all folks skilful therein did 
 acknowledge : only love was threatened, and promised to him, and 
 so to his cousin, as both the tempest and haven of his best years. 
 But as death may have prevented Pyrocles, so unworthiness must 
 be the death of Musidorus. 
 
 " But the mother of Pyrocles, shortly after her childbirth dying, 
 was cause that Euarchus recommended the care of his only son to 
 his sister, doing it the rather because the war continued in cruel 
 heat, betwixt him and those ill neighbours of his. In which mean- 
 time those young princes, the only comforters of that virtuous 
 widow, grew on so that Pyrocles taught admiration to the hardest 
 conceits : Musidorus, perchance because among his subjects, 
 exceedingly beloved ; and by the good order of Euarchus, well 
 performed by his sister, they were so brought up that all the 
 sparks of virtue which nature had kindled in them were so blown 
 to give forth their uttermost heat, that, justly it may be affirmed, 
 they inflamed the affections of all that knew them. For almost 
 before they could perfectly speak, they began to receive conceits 
 not unworthy of the best speakers ; excellent devices being used, 
 to make even their sports profitable ; images of battles and fortifica- 
 tions being then delivered to their memory, which after, their 
 stronger judgments might dispense, the delight of tales being con- 
 verted to the knowledge of all the stories of worthy princes, both 
 to move them to do nobly, and teach them how to do nobly ; the 
 beauty of virtue still being set before their eyes, and that taught 
 them with far more diligent care than grammatical rules, their 
 bodies exercised in all abilities, both of doing and suffering, and 
 their minds acquainted by degrees with dangers ; and in sum, all 
 bent to the making up of princely minds ; no servile fear used 
 towards them, nor any other violent restraint, but still as to princes : 
 so that a habit of commanding was naturalized in them, and there- 
 fore the farther from tyranny : nature having done so much for 
 them in nothing, as that it made them lords of truth, whereon all 
 the other goods were builded. 
 
 "Among which nothing I so much delight to recount, as the 
 memorable friendship that grew betwixt the two princes, such as 
 made them more like than the likeness of all other virtues, and 
 made them more near one to the other than the nearness of their 
 blood could aspire unto ; which I think grew the faster, and the 
 faster was tied between them by reason that Musidorus being 
 older by three or four years, it was neither so great a difference in 
 age as did take away the delight in society, and yet by the differ- 
 ence there was taken away the occasion of childish contentions, 
 till they had both past over the humour of such contentions. For 
 
1S8 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 Pyrocles bare reverence full of love to Musidorus, and Musidorus 
 had a delight full of love in Pyrocles. Musidorus, what he had 
 learned either for body or mind, would teach it to Pyrocles ; and 
 Pyrocles was so glad to learn of none as of Musidorus : till 
 Pyrocles, being come to sixteen years of age, he seemed so to 
 over-run his age in growth, strength, and all things following it, 
 that not Musidorus, no nor any man living, I think, could perform 
 any action, either on horse, or foot, more strongly, or deliver that 
 strength more nimbly, or become the delivery more gracefully, or 
 employ all more virtuously. Which may well seem wonderful : 
 but wonders are no wonders in a wonderful subject. 
 
 "At which time, understanding that the king Euarchus, after 
 so many years of war, and the conquest of all Pannonia, and 
 almost Thrace, had now brought the conclusion of all to the siege 
 of Byzantium, to the raising of which siege, great forces were 
 made, they would needs fall to the practice of those virtues which 
 they before learned. And therefore the mother of Musidorus 
 nobly yielding over her own affects to her children's good, for a 
 mother she was in affect to them both, the rather that they might 
 help her beloved brother, they break off all delays, which Musidorus 
 for his part thought already had devoured too much of his good 
 time, but that he had once granted a boon, before he knew what it 
 was, to his dear friend Pyrocles, that he would never seek the 
 adventures of arms until he might go with him, which having fast 
 bound his heart, a true slave to faith, he had bid a tedious delay of 
 following his own humour for his friend's sake, till now being both 
 sent for by Euarchus, and finding Pyrocles able every way to go 
 through with that kind of life, he was as desirous for his sake as 
 for his own, to enter into it. So therefore preparing a navy, that 
 they might go like themselves, and not only bring the comfort of 
 their presence, but of their power, to their dear parent Euarchus, 
 they recommended themselves to the sea, leaving the shore of 
 Thessalia full of tears and vows, and were received thereon with 
 so smooth and smiling a face, as if Neptune had as then learned 
 falsely to fawn on princes. The wind was like a servant, waiting 
 behind them so just, that they might fill the sails as they lifted ; 
 and the best sailors showing themselves less covetous of his 
 liberality, so tempered it that they all kept together like a beautiful 
 flock, which so well could obey their master's pipe : without some- 
 times, to delight the princes' eyes, some two or three of them would 
 strive, who could, either by the cunning of well spending the wind's 
 breath, or by the advantageous building of their moving houses, 
 leave their fellows behind them in the honour of speed : while the 
 two princes had leisure to see the practice of that, which before 
 they had learned by books : to consider the art of catching the 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 1 59 
 
 wind prisoner, to no other end, but to run away with it ; to see 
 how beauty and use can so well agree together, that of all the 
 trinkets, wherewith they are attired, there is not one but serves to 
 some necessary purpose. And, O lord ! to see the admirable 
 power and noble effects of love, whereby the seeming insensible 
 loadstone, with a secret beauty, holding the spirit of iron in it, can 
 draw that hard-hearted thing unto it, and like a virtuous mistress, 
 not only make it bow itself, but with it make it aspire to so high 
 a love as of the heavenly poles, and thereby to bring forth the 
 noblest deeds that the children of the earth can boast of. And so 
 the princes delighting their conceits with confirming their know- 
 ledge, seeing wherein the sea-discipline differed from land-service, 
 they had for a day, and almost a whole night, as pleasing enter- 
 tainment as the falsest heart could give to him he means worst to. 
 " But by that the next morning began a little to make a gilded 
 show of a good meaning, there arose even with the sun, a veil of 
 dark clouds before his face, which, shortly, like ink poured into 
 water, had blacked over all the face of heaven, preparing as it 
 were a mournful stage for a tragedy to be played on. For forthwith 
 the winds began to speak louder, and, as in a tumultuous kingdom, 
 to think themselves fittest instruments of commandment ; and 
 blowing whole storms of hail and rain upon them, they were 
 sooner in danger, than they could almost bethink themselves of 
 change. For then the traitorous sea began to swell in pride 
 against the afflicted navy, under which, while the heaven favoured 
 them, it had lain so calmly, making mountains of itself, over which 
 the tossed and tottering ship should climb, to be straight carried 
 down again to a pit of hellish darkness ; with such cruel blows 
 against the sides of the ship that, which w,ay soever it went, was 
 still in his malice, that there was left neither power to stay nor 
 way to escape. And shortly had it so dissevered the loving 
 company, which the day before had tarried together, that most of 
 them never met again, but were swallowed up in his never satisfied 
 mouth. Some indeed, as since was known, after long wandering, 
 returned into Thessaha, others recovered Bizantium, and served 
 Euarchus, in his war. But in the ship wherein the princes were, 
 now left as much alone as proud lords be when fortune fails them, 
 though they employed all industry to save themselves, yet what 
 they did was rather for duty to nature than hope to escape so 
 Ugly a darkness as if it would prevent the night's coming, usurped 
 the day's right : which accompanied sometimes with thunders, 
 always with horrible noises of the chafing winds, made the masters 
 and pilots so astonished that they knew not how to direct, and if 
 they knew, they could scarcely, when they directed, hear their own 
 whistle. For the sea strove with the winds which should be louder, 
 
i6o ARCADIA [book u. 
 
 and the shrouds of the ship, with a gastful noise to them that were 
 in it, witnessed that their ruin was the wager of the others conten- 
 tion, and the heaven roaring out thunders the more amazed them, 
 as having those powers for enemies. Certainly there is no danger 
 carries with it more horror than that which grows in those floating 
 kingdoms. For that dwelling place is unnatural to mankind, and 
 then the terribleness of the continual motion, the desolation of 
 the far-being from comfort, the eye and the ear having ugly images 
 ever before it, doth still vex the mind, even when it is best armed 
 against it. But thus the day past, if that might be called day, 
 while the cunningest mariners were so conquered by the storm 
 that they thought it best with stricken sails to yield to be governed 
 by it : the valiantest feeling inward dismayedness, and yet the 
 fearfullest ashamed fully to show it, seeing that the princes, who 
 were to part from the greatest fortunes, did in their countenances 
 accuse no point of fear, but encouraging them to do what might 
 be done, putting their hands to every most painful ofiSce, taught 
 them at one instant to promise themselves the best, and yet to 
 despise the worst. But so were they carried by the tyranny of the 
 wind, and the treason of the sea all that night, which the older it 
 was, the more way-ward it showed itself towards them : till the 
 next morning, known to be a morning better by the hour-glass 
 than by the day's clearness, having run fortune so blindly, as itself 
 ever was painted, lest the conclusion should not answer to the rest 
 of the play, they were driven upon a rock, which, hidden with 
 those outrageous waves, did, as it were, closely dissemble his cruel 
 mind, till with an unbelieved violence, but to them that have tried 
 it, the ship ran upon it, and seeming willinger to perish than to 
 have her course stayed, redoubled her blows, till she had broken 
 herself in pieces, and as it were, tearing out her own bowels to 
 feed the seas greediness, lest nothing within it but despair of 
 safety and expectation of a loathesome end. There was to be seen 
 the divers manner of minds in distress : some sat upon the top of 
 the poop weeping and wailing, till the sea swallowed them ; some 
 one more able to abide death than fear of death, cut his own throat 
 to prevent drowning ; some prayed : and there wanted not of them 
 which cursed, as if the heavens could not be more angry than they 
 were. But a monstrous cry begotten of many roaring voices, was 
 able to infect with fear a mind that had not prevented it with the 
 power of reason. 
 
 " But the princes, using the passions of fearing evil, and desiring 
 to escape only to serve the rule of virtue, not to abandon one's self, 
 leaped to a rib of the ship, which broken from his fellows, floated 
 with more likelihood to do service than any other limb of that 
 ruinous body ; upon which they had gotten already two brethren 
 
BOOK n.] ARCADIA i6t 
 
 well known servants of theirs ; and straight they four were carried 
 out of sight, in that huge rising of the sea, from the rest of the 
 ship. But the piece they were on sinking by little and little under 
 them, not able to support the weight of so many, the brethren, the 
 elder whereof was Leucippus, the younger Nelsus, showed them- 
 selves right faithful and grateful servants unto them : grateful, I 
 say, for this cause : those two gentlemen had been taken prisoners 
 in the great war the king of Phrygia made upon Thessalia, in the 
 time of Musidorus's infancy, and having been sold into another 
 country, though peace fell after between those realms, could not 
 be delivered because of their valour known, but for a far greater 
 sum than either all their friends were able, or the dowager willing 
 to make, in respect of the great expenses herself and people had 
 been put to in those wars, and so had they remained in prison 
 about thirteen years, when the two young princes, hearing speeches 
 of their good deserts, found means both by selling all the jewels 
 they had of a great price, and by giving under their hands great 
 estates when they should come to be kings, which promises their 
 virtue promised for them should be kept, to get so much treasure 
 as redeemed them from captivity. This remembered, and kindly 
 remembered by those two brothers, perchance helped by a natural 
 duty to their princes' blood, they willingly left hold of the board, 
 committing themselves to the sea's rage, and even when they 
 meant to die, themselves praying for the princes' lives. It is true, 
 that neither the pain nor danger, so moved the princes' hearts as 
 the tenderness of that loving part, far from glory, having so few 
 lookers on ; far from hope of reward, since themselves were sure 
 to perish. 
 
 " But now of all the royal navy they lately had, they had left but 
 one little piece of one ship, whereon they kept themselves, in all 
 truth having interchanged their cares, while either cared for other, 
 each comforting and counselling how to labour for the better, and 
 to abide the worse. But so fell it out, that as they were carried by 
 the tide which there, seconded by the storm, ran exceeding swiftly, 
 Musidorus seeing, as he thought, Pyrocles not well upon the 
 board, as he would with his right hand have helped him on better, 
 he had no sooner unfastened his hold but that a wave forcibly 
 spoiled his weaker hand of hold, and so for a lime parted those 
 friends, each crying to the other ; but the noise of the sea drowned 
 their farewell. But Pyrocles, then careless of death, if it had come 
 by any means but his own, was shortly brought out of the sea's 
 fury to the land's comfort, when in my conscience I know that 
 comfort was but bitter unto him : and bitter indeed it fell out even 
 in itself to be unto him. 
 
 "For being cast on land much bruised and beaten both with the 
 
 I. 
 
i62 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 sea's hard farewell, and the shore's rude welcome ; and even almost 
 deadly tired with. the length of his uncomfortable labour, as he was 
 walking up to discover somebody, to whom he might go for relief, 
 there came straight running unto him certain, who, as it was after 
 known, by appointment watched, with many others, in divers 
 places along the coast, who laid hands on him, and without either 
 questioning with him, or showing will to hear him, like men fearful 
 to appear curious, or which was worse, having no regard to the 
 hard plight he was in, being so wet and weak, they carried him 
 some miles thence to a house of a principal officer of that country. 
 Who with no more civility (though with much more business than 
 those under fellows had showed) began in captious manner to put 
 interrogatories unto him. To which, he unused to such entertain- 
 ment, did shortly and plainly answer, what he was and how he 
 came thither. But that no sooner known, with numbers of armed 
 men to guard him (for mischief, not from mischief) he was sent to 
 the king's court, which as then was not above a day's journey off, 
 with letters from that officer, containing his own serviceable 
 diligence in discovering so great a personage, adding withal more 
 than was-true of his conjectures, because he would endear his own 
 service. 
 
 " This country whereon he fell was Phrygia, and it was to the 
 king thereof to whom he was sent, a prince of a melancholy con- 
 stitution both of body and mind ; wickedly sad, ever musing of 
 horrible matters, suspecting, or rather condemning all men of evil, 
 because his mind had no eye to spy goodness : and therefore 
 accusing Sycophants, of all men, did best sort to his nature ; but 
 therefore not seeming Sycophants, because of no evil they said, 
 they could bring any new or doubtful thing unto him, but such as 
 already he had been apt to determinine, so as they came but as 
 proofs of his wisdom : fearful, and never secure, while the fear he 
 had figured in his own mind had any possibility of event. A toad- 
 like retiredness, and closeness of mind ; nature teaching the 
 odiousness of poison, and the danger of odiousness. Yet while 
 youth lasted in him, the exercises of that age, and his humour, 
 not yet fully discovered, made him something the more frequent- 
 able, and less dangerous. But after that years began to come on 
 with some, though more seldom, shows of a bloody nature, and 
 that the prophecy of Musidorus's destiny came to his ears (delivered 
 unto him, and received of him with the hardest interpretation, as 
 though his subjects did delight in the hearing thereof). Then 
 gave he himself indeed to the full current of his disposition, 
 especially after the war of Thessalia, wherein, though in truth 
 , rongly, he deemed his unsuccess proceeded of their unwillingness 
 to have him prosper; and then thinking himself contemned 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 163 
 
 (knowing no countermine against contempt, but terror) began to 
 let nothing pass which might bear the colour of a fault without 
 sharp punishment : and when he wanted faults, excellency grew 
 a fault ! and it was sufficient to make one guilty, that he had power 
 to be guilty. And as there is no humour, to which impudent 
 poverty cannot make itself serviceable, so were there enough of 
 those of desperate ambition, who would build their houses upon 
 other's ruins, which after should fall by like practices. So as a 
 servitude came mainly upon that poor people, whose deeds were 
 not only punished, but words corrected, and even thoughts by. 
 some mean or other pulled out of them ; while suspicion bred the 
 mind of cruelty, and the effects of cruelty stirred up a new cause 
 of suspicion. And in this pUght, full of watchful fearfulness, did 
 the storm deliver sweet Pyrocles to the stormy mind of that tyrant ; 
 all men that did such wrong to so rare a stranger, whose counten- 
 ance deserved both pity and admiration, condemning themselves 
 as much in their hearts, as they did brag in their faces. 
 
 "But when this bloody king knew what he was, and in what 
 order he and his cousin Musidorus (so much of him feared) were 
 come out of TheSsalia, assuredly thinking, because ever thinking 
 the worst, that those forces were provided against him ; glad of 
 the perishing, as he thought, of Musidorus, determined in public 
 sort to put Pyrocles to death. For having quite lost the way of 
 nobleness, he strove to climb to the height of terribleness ; and 
 thinking to make all men a dread, to make such one an enemy 
 who would not spare, not fear to kill so great a prince ; and lastly, 
 having nothing in him why to make him his friend, he thought he 
 would take him away from being his enemy. The day was 
 appointed, and all things prepared for that cruel blow, in so 
 solemn an order, as if they would set forth tyranny in most 
 gorgeous decking. The princely youth, of invincible valour, yet 
 so unjustly subjected to such outrageous wrong, carryjng himself 
 in all his demeanour, so constantly abiding extremity, that one 
 might see it was the cutting away of the greatest hope of the 
 world, and destroying virtue in his sweetest growth. 
 
 "But so it fell out, that his death was prevented by a rare 
 example of friendship in Musidorus, who, being almost drowned, 
 had been taken up by a fisherman belonging to the kingdom of 
 Bithinia : and being there, and understanding the full discourse 
 (as fame was very prodigal of so notable an accident) in what case 
 Pyrocles was : learning withal that his hate was far more to him 
 than to Pyrocles, he found means to acquaint himself with a noble- 
 man of that country, to whom largely discovering what he was, he 
 found him a most fit instrument to effectuate his desire. For this 
 nobleman had been one, who in many wars had served Euarchus, 
 
i64 ARCADIA ibook n. 
 
 and had been so mind-stricken by the beauty of virtue in that noble 
 king that, though not born his subject, he ever professed himself 
 his servant. His desire therefore to him was to keep Musidorus 
 in a strong castle of his, and then to make the king of Phrygia 
 understand, that if he would deliver Pyrocles, Musidorus would 
 willingly put himself into his hands, knowing well, that how thirsty 
 soever he was of Pyrocles's blood, he would rather drink that of 
 Musidorus. 
 
 " The nobleman was loth to preserve one by the loss of another, 
 but time urging resolution, the importunity of Musidorus, which 
 showed a mind not to over-live Pyrocles, with the affection he bare 
 to Euarchus, so prevailed, that he carried this strange offer of 
 Musidorus, which by the tyrant was greedily accepted. 
 
 ■' And so upon security of both sides, they were interchanged : 
 where I may not omit the work of friendship in Pyrocles, who both 
 in speech and countenance to Musidorus, well showed that he 
 thought himself injured and not relieved by him ; asking him what 
 he had ever seen in him, why he could not bear the extremities of 
 mortal accidents as well as any man ? and why he should envy him 
 the glory of suffering death for his friend's cause, and, as it were, 
 rob him of his own possession? but in that notable contention 
 (where the conquest must be the conqueror's destruction, and 
 safety the punishment of the conquered) Musidorus prevailed 
 because he was a more welcome prey to the unjust king ; and a 
 cheerfully going towards, as Pyrocles went frowardly fromward his 
 death, he was delivered to the king, who could not be enough sure 
 of him, without he fed his own eyes upon one whom he had begun 
 to fear, as soon as the other began to be. 
 
 " Yet because he would in one act both make ostentation of his 
 his own felicity, into whose hands his most feared enemy was 
 fallen, and withal cut off such hopes from his suspected subjects, 
 when they should know certainly he was dead, with much more 
 skilful cruelty, and horrible solemnity he caused each thing to be 
 prepared for his triumph of tyranny. And so the day being come, 
 he was led forth by many armed men who often had been the 
 fortifiers of wickedness, to the place of execution, where coming 
 with a mind comforted in that he had done such service to Pyrocles, 
 this strange encounter he had. 
 
 " The excelling Pyrocles was no sooner delivered by the king's 
 servants to a place of liberty than he bent his wit and courage, 
 and what would they not bring to pass? how either to deliver 
 Musidorus, or to perish with him. And finding he could get in 
 that country no forces sufficient by force to rescue him to bring 
 himself to die with him, little hoping of better event, he put himself 
 in poor raiment, and by the help of some few crowns he took of 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 165 
 
 that nobleman, who full of sorrow, though not knowing the secret 
 of his intent, suffered him to go in such order from him, he, even 
 he, born to the greatest expectation, and of the greatest blood that 
 any prince might be, submitted himself to be servant to the execu- 
 tioner that should put to death Musidorus : a far notabler proof of 
 his friendship, considering the height of his mind, than any death 
 could be. That bad officer not suspecting him, being arrayed fit 
 for such an estate, and having his beauty hidden by many foul 
 spots he artifically put upon his face, gave him leave not only to 
 wear a sword himself, but to bear his sword prepared for the 
 justified murder. And so Pyrocles taking his time, when Musidorus 
 was upon the scaffold, separated somewhat from the rest, as 
 allowed to say something, he stepped unto him, and putting the 
 sword into his hand, not bound, a point of civility the officers used 
 towards him because they doubted no such enterprise, ' Musidorus,' 
 said he, ' die nobly.' In truth never man between joy before 
 knowledge what to be glad of, and fear after considering his case, 
 had such a confusion of thoughts, as I had, when I saw Pyrocles 
 so near me." But with that Dorus blushed, and Pamela smiled, 
 and Dorus the more blushed at her smiling, and she the more 
 smiled at his blushing, because he had, with the remembrance of 
 that plight he was in, forgotten in speaking of himself to use the 
 third person. 
 
 But Musidorus turned again her thoughts from his cheeks to his 
 tongue in this sort : " But," said he, " when they were with swords 
 in hands, not turning backs one to the other, for there they knew 
 was no place of defence, but making it a preservation in not hoping 
 to be preserved, and now acknowledging themselves subject to 
 death, meaning only to do honour to their princely birth, they 
 flew amongst them all, for all were enemies, and had quickly 
 either with flight or death, left none upon the scaffold to annoy 
 them, wherein Pyrocles, the excellent Pyrocles, did such wonders 
 beyond belief, as was able to lead Musidorus to courage, though 
 he had been born a coward. But indeed just rage and desperate 
 virtue did such effects, that the popular sort of the beholders began 
 to be almost superstitiously amazed, as at effects beyond mortal 
 power. But the king with angry threatenings from out a window, 
 where he was not ashamed the world should behold him a beholder, 
 commanded his guard and the rest of his soldiers to hasten their 
 death. But many of them lost their bodies to lose their souls, 
 when the princes grew almost so weary, as they were ready to be 
 conquered with conquering. 
 
 "But as they were still fighting with weak arms and strong 
 hearts, it happened that one of the soldiers, commanded to go up 
 after his fellows against the princes, having received a light hurt, 
 
1 66 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 more wounded in his heart, went back with as much diligence as 
 he came up with modesty : which another of his fellows seeing, to 
 pick a thank of the king, struck him upon the face, reviling him 
 that so accompanied, he would run away from so few. But he, as 
 many times it falls out, only valiant, when he was angry, in revenge 
 thrust him through ; which with his death was straight revenged 
 by a brother of his, and that again requited by a fellow of the 
 others. There began to be a great tumult amongst the soldiers ; 
 which seen, and not understood by the people, used to fears, but 
 not used to be bold in them, some began to cry treason ; and that 
 voice straight multiplying itself, the king, O the cowardice of a 
 guilty conscience, before any man set upon him, fled away. Where 
 with a bruit, either by art or some well-meaning men, or by some 
 chance, as such things often fall out by, ran from one to the other 
 that the king was slain: wherewith certain young men of the 
 bravest minds, cried with a loud voice, Liberty, and encouraging 
 the other citizens to follow them, set upon the guard and soldiers 
 as chief instruments of tyranny : and quickly aided by the princes, 
 they had left none of them alive, nor any other in the city, who 
 they thought had in any sort set his hand to the work of their 
 servitude, and, god knows, by the blindness of rage, killing many 
 guiltless persons, either for affinity to the tyrant, or enmity to the 
 tyrant-killers. But some of the wiser, seeing that a popular license 
 is indeed the many-headed tyranny, prevailed with the rest to 
 make Musidorus their chief: choosing one of them, because princes, 
 to defend them ; and him, because elder and most hated of the 
 tyrant, and by him to be ruled: whom forthwith they lifted up, 
 fortune, I think smiling at her work therein, that a scaffold of 
 execution should grow to a scaffold of coronation. 
 
 " But by and by there came news of more certain truth, that the 
 king was not dead, but fled to a strong castle of his near hand, 
 where he was gathering forces in all speed possible to suppress 
 this mutiny. But now they had run themselves too far out of 
 breath, to go back again to the same career ; and too well they 
 knew the sharpness of his memory to forget such an injury ; there- 
 fore learning virtue of necessity, they continued resolute to obey 
 Musidorus, who seeing what forces were in the city, with them 
 issued against the tyrant, while they were in this heat, before 
 practices might be used to deliver them, and with them met the 
 king, who likewise hoping little to prevail by time, knowing and 
 finding his people's hate, met him with little delay in the field 
 where himself was slain by Musidorus, after he had seen his only 
 son, a prince of great courage and beauty, but fostered up in blood 
 by his naughty father, slain by the hand of Pyrocles. This victory 
 pbtained with g^reat and truly not undeserved honour to the two 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 167 
 
 princes, the whole estates of the country with one consent, gave 
 the crown and all other marks of sovereignty to Musidorus, 
 desiring nothing more than to live under such a government as 
 they promised themselves of him. 
 
 " But he, thinking it a greater greatness to give a kingdom, than 
 get a kingdom, understanding that there was left of the blood 
 royal, and next to the succession, an aged gentleman of approved 
 goodness, who had gotten nothing by his cousin's power but danger 
 from him, and odiousness for him, having passed his time in modest 
 secrecy, and as much from intermeddling in matters of govern- 
 ment, as the greatness of his blood would suffer him, did, after 
 having received the full power to his own hand, resign all to the 
 nobleman ; but with such conditions, and cautions of the conditions, 
 as might assure the people, with as much assurance as worldly 
 matters bear, that not only that governor, of whom indeed they 
 looked for of good, but the nature of the government, should be no 
 way apt to decline to tyranny. 
 
 " This doing set forth no less the magnificence than the other 
 act did his magnanimity ; so that greatly praised of all, and justly 
 beloved of the new king, who in all both words and behaviour 
 protested himself their tenant and liegeman, they were drawn 
 thence to revenge those two servants of theirs, of whose memor- 
 able faith, I told you, most excellent princess, in willingly giving 
 themselves to be drowned for their sakes : but drowned indeed 
 they were not, but got with painful swimming upon a rock, from 
 whence, after being come as near famishing as before drowning, 
 the weather breaking up, they were brought to the mainland of 
 Bithinia, the same country upon which Musidorus also was fallen, 
 but not in so lucky a place. 
 
 " For they were brought to the king of the country, a tyrant also 
 not through suspicion, greediness or revengefulness, as he of 
 Phrygia, but, as I may term it, of a wanton cruelty : inconstant in 
 his choice of friends, or rather never having a friend but a play- 
 fellow ; of whom when he was weary, he could not otherwise rid 
 himself than by killing them ; giving sometimes prodigally, not 
 because he loved them to whom he gave, but because he lusted to 
 give ; punishing, not so much for hate or anger, as because he 
 felt not the smart of punishment ; dehghted to be flattered, at first 
 for those virtues which were not in him, at length making his vices 
 virtues worthy the flattering ; with like judgment glorying, when 
 he had happened to do a thing well, as when he had performed 
 some notable mischief. 
 
 " He chanced at that time, for indeed long time none lasted with 
 him, to have next in use about him a man of the most envious 
 disposition that, I thinkj ever infected the air with his breath ; 
 
l68 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 whose eyes could not look right upon any happy man, nor ears 
 bear the burden of anybody's praise ; contrary to the natures of all 
 other plagues, plagued with others well being ; making happiness 
 the ground of his unhappiness, and good news the argument of his 
 sorrow : in sum, a man whose favour no man could win, but by 
 being miserable. And so because those two faithful servants of 
 theirs came in miserable sort to that court, he was apt enough at 
 first to favour them ; and the king understanding of their adventure, 
 wherein they had showed so constant a faith unto their lords, 
 suddenly falls to take a pride in making much of them, extolling 
 them with infinite praises, and praising himself in his heart, in that 
 he praised them. And by and by where they made great courtiers, 
 and in the way of minions, when advancement, the most mortal 
 offence to envy, stirred up their former friend to overthrow his own 
 work in them ; taking occasion upon the knowledge, newly come 
 to the court, of the late death of the king of Phrygia destroyed by 
 their two lords, who having been a near kinsman to this prince of 
 Pontus, by this envious counsellor, partly with suspicion of practicei 
 partly with glory of, in part, revenging his cousin's death, the king 
 was suddenly turned, and every turn with him was a down-fall, to 
 lock them up in prison, as servants to his enemies, whom before 
 he had never known, nor, till that time one of his own subjects had 
 entertained and dealt for them, did ever take heed of. But now 
 earnest in every present humour, and making himself brave in his 
 liking, he was content to give them just cause of offence, when 
 they had power to make just revenge. Yet did the princes send 
 unto him before they entered into war, desiring their servants' 
 liberty. But he, swelling in their humbleness Uke a bubble blown 
 up with a small breath broken with a great, forgetting, or never 
 knowing humanity, caused their heads to be stricken off, by the 
 advice of his envious counsellor, who now hated them so much the 
 more, as he foresaw their happiness in having such, and so fortunate 
 masters, and sent them with unroyal reproaches to Musidorus and 
 Pyrocles, as if they had done traitorously, and not heroically in 
 killing his tyrannical cousin. 
 
 " But that injury went beyond all degree of reconcilement, so 
 that they making forces in Phrygia, a kingdom wholly at their 
 commandment, by the love of the people, and gratefulness of the 
 king, they entered his country ; and wholly conquering it, with 
 such deeds as at least fame said were excellent, took the king, and 
 by Musidorus's commandment, Pyrocles's heart more inclining to 
 pity, he was slain upon the tomb of their two true servants ; which 
 they caused to be made for them with royal expenses, and notable 
 workmanship to preserve their dead lives. For his wicked servant 
 he sliDuld have felt the like, or worse, but that his heart broke 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 169 
 
 even to death with the beholding the honour done to their dead 
 carcasses. There might Pyrocles quietly have enjoyed that crown, 
 by all the desire of that people, most of whom had revolted unto 
 him, but he finding a sister of the late king's, a fair and well 
 esteemed lady, looking for nothing more, than to be oppressed, 
 with her brother's ruins, gave her in marriage to the nobleman his 
 fathei-'s old friend, and endowed with them the crown of that 
 kingdom. And not content with those public actions of princely, 
 and as it were, governing virtue, they did, in that kingdom and 
 some other near about, divers acts of particular trials, more famous 
 because more perilous. For in that time those regions were full 
 both of cruel monsters, and monstrous men, all which in short time 
 by private combats they delivered the countries of. 
 
 " Among the rest, two brothers of huge both greatness and force, 
 therefore commonly called giants, who kept themselves in a castle 
 seated upon the top of a rock, impregnable, because there was no 
 coming unto it but by one narrow path where one man's force was 
 able to keep down an army. Those brothers had a while served 
 the king of Pontus, and in all his affairs, especially of war, where- 
 unto they were only apt, they had showed, as unconquered courage, 
 so a rude faithfulness : being men indeed by nature apter to the 
 faults of rage than of deceit ; not greatly ambitious, more than to 
 be well and uprightly dealt with ; rather impatient of injury, than 
 delighted with more than ordinary courtesies ; and in injuries 
 more sensible of smart or loss than of reproach or disgrace. Those 
 men being of this nature, and certainly jewels to a wise man, 
 considering what indeed wonders they were able to perform, yet 
 were discarded by that worthy prince, after many notable deserts, 
 as not worthy the holding, which was the more evident to them 
 because it suddenly fell from an excess of favour, which, many 
 examples having taught them, never stopped his race till it came 
 to an headlong overthrow : they full of rage, retired theifl selves 
 unto this castle : where thinking nothing juster than revenge, nor 
 more notable than the effects of anger, that, according to the 
 nature, full of inward bravery and fierceness, scarcely in the glass 
 of reason, thinking itself fair but when it is terrible, they immediately 
 gave themselves to make all the country about them subject to that 
 king, to smart for their lord's folly, not caring how innocent they 
 were, but rather thinking the more innocent they were, the more it 
 testified their spite, which they desired to manifest. And with use 
 of evil, growing more and more evil, they took delight in slaughter, 
 and pleased themselves in making others wrack the effect of their 
 power : so that where in the time that they obeyed a master, their 
 anger was a serviceable power of the mind to do public good, so 
 now unbridled, and blind judge of itself, it made wickedness 
 
I70 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 violent, and praised itself in excellency of mischief, almost to the 
 ruin of the country, not greatly regarded by their careless and 
 loveless king. Till now those princes finding them so fleshed in 
 cruelty as not to be reclaimed, secretly undertook the matter alone : 
 for accompanied they would not have suffered them to have 
 mounted ; and so those great fellows scornfully receiving them, as 
 foolish birds fallen into their net, it pleased the eternal justice to 
 make them suffer death by their hands : and so they were 
 manifoldly acknowledged the savers of that country. 
 
 " It were the part of a very idle orator to set forth the numbers 
 of well-devised honours done unto them, but as high honour is not 
 only gotten and born by pain and danger, but must be nursed by 
 the like, or else vanisheth as soon as it appears to the world, so 
 the natural hunger thereof, which was in Pyrocles suffered him not 
 to account a resting seat of that, which either riseth or falleth, but 
 still to make one occasion beget another, whereby his doings 
 might send his praise to others mouths to rebound again true 
 contentment to his spirit. And therefore having well established 
 those kingdoms under good governors, and rid them by their 
 valour of such giants and monsters, as before-time armies were not 
 able to subdue, they determined in unknown order to see more of 
 the world, and to employ those gifts, esteemed rare in them, to the 
 good of mankind ; and therefore would themselves, understanding 
 that the king Euarchus was passed all the cumber of his war, go 
 privately to seek exercises of their virtue, thinking it not so worthy 
 to be brought to heroical effects by fortune or necessity, like 
 Ulysses and .<Eneas, as by one's own choice and working. And 
 so went they away from very unwilling people to leave them, 
 making time haste itself to be a circumstance of their honour, and 
 one place witness to another of the truth of their doings. For 
 scarcely were they out of the confines of Pontus, but that as they 
 rode alone armed, for alone they went, one serving the other, they 
 met an adventure, which though not so notable for any great effect 
 they performed, yet worthy to be remembered for the unused 
 examples therein, as well of true natural goodness as of wretched 
 ungratefulness. 
 
 "It was in the kingdom of Galatia, the season being, as in the 
 depth of winter, very cold and as then suddenly grown to so 
 extreme and foul a storm, that never any winter, I think, brought 
 forth a fouler child : so that the princes were even compelled by 
 the hail, that the pride of the wind blew into their faces, to seek 
 some shrouding place, which a certain hollow rock offering unto 
 them, they made it their shield against the tempest's fury. And 
 so staying there, till the violence thereof was passed, they heard 
 the speech of a couple, who not perceiving them, beings hid witliin 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 171 
 
 that rude canopy, held a strange and pitiful disputation, which 
 made them step out, yet in such sort as they might see unseen. 
 There they perceived an aged man, and a young, scarcely come to 
 the age of a man, both poorly arrayed, extremely weather-beaten ; 
 the old man Mnd, and the young man leading him ; and yet 
 through all those miseries, in both there seemed to appear a kind 
 of nobleness, not suitable to that affliction. But the first words 
 they heard, were those of the old man. ' Well Leonatus,' said he, 
 ' since I cannot persuade thee to lead me to that which should end 
 my grief and my trouble, let me now entreat thee to leave me : 
 fear not, my misery cannot be greater than it is, and nothing doth 
 become me but misery : fear not the danger of my blind steps, I 
 cannot fall worse than I am : and do not I pray thee, do not 
 obstinately continue to infect thee with my wretchedness : but fly, 
 fly from this region only worthy of me.' ' Dear father,' answered 
 he, ' do not take away from me the only remnant of my happiness : 
 while I have power to do you service, I am not wholly miserable.' 
 ' Ah my son,' said he, and with that he groaned, as if sorrow strove 
 to break his heart, ' how evil fits it me to have such a son ? and 
 how much doth thy kindness upbraid my wickedness?' Those 
 doleful speeches, and some others to like purpose, well showing 
 they had not been born to the fortune they were in, moved the 
 princes to go out unto them, and ask the younger what they were ? 
 ' Sirs,' answered he with a good grace, and made the more agree- 
 able by a certain noble kind of piteousness, ' I see well you are 
 strangers that know not our misery, so well here known that no 
 man dare know but that we must be miserable. Indeed our state 
 is such, as though nothing is so needful unto us as pity, yet nothing 
 is more dangerous unto us than to make ourselves so known as 
 may stir pity : but your presence promiseth that cruelly shall not 
 , over-run hate, and if it did, in truth our state is sunk below the 
 degree of fear. 
 
 " ' This old man, whom I lead, was lately rightful prince of this 
 country of Paphlagonia, by the hard-hearted ungratefulness of 
 a son of hisj deprived not only of his kingdom, whereof no foreign 
 forces were ever able to spoil him, but of his sight, the riches 
 which nature grants to the poorest creatures : whereby and by 
 other his unnatural deahngs, he hath been driven to such griefs, 
 as even now he would have had me to have led him to the top of 
 this rock, thence to cast himself headlong to death, and so would 
 have had me, who received my life of him, to be the worker 
 of his destruction. But noble gentlemen,' said he, ' if either of you 
 have a father, and feel what dutiful affection is ingrafted in a son's 
 heart, let me entreat you to convey this afflicted prince to some 
 place pf rest and security : amongst your worthy acts it shall be 
 
172 ARCADIA [BOOK n. 
 
 none of the least, that a king of such might and fame, and so 
 unjustly oppressed, is in any sort by you relieved.' 
 
 " But before they could make him answer, his father began to 
 speak. 'Ah my son,' said he, 'how evil an historian are you 
 that leave out the chief knot of all the discourse ? my wickedness, 
 my wickedness ! and if thou dost it to spare my ears, the only 
 sense now left me proper for knowledge, assure thyself thou dost 
 mistake me : and I take witness of that sun which you see,' with 
 that he cast up his blind eyes as if he would hunt for light, ' and 
 wish myself in worse case than I do wish myself, which is as evil 
 as may be, if I speak untruly, that nothing is so welcome to my 
 thoughts as the pubUshing of my shame. Therefore know, you 
 gentlemen (to whom from my heart I wish that it may not prove 
 some ominous foretoken of misfortune to have met vidth such 
 a miser as I am) that whatsoever my son, O God, that truth binds 
 me to reproach him with the name of my son, hath said is true. 
 But besides those truths, this also is true, that having had, in 
 lawful marriage, of a mother fit to bear royal children, this son, 
 such a one as partly you see, and better shall know by my short 
 declaration, and so enjoyed the expectations in the world of him, 
 till he was grown to justify their expectations, so as I needed envy 
 no farther for the chief comfort of mortality, to leave another 
 one's-self after me, I was carried by a bastard son of mine, if at 
 least I be bound to believe the- words of that base woman my 
 concubine, his mother, first to mislike, then to hate, lastly to 
 destroy, or to do my best to destroy this son, I think you think, 
 undeserving destruction. What ways she used to bring me to it, 
 if I should tell you, I should tediously trouble you with as much 
 poisonous hypocrisy, desperate fraud, smooth malice, hidden 
 ambition, and smiling envy, as in any living person could be 
 harboured : but I list it not ; no remembrance of naughtiness 
 delights me but mine own ; and methinks, the accusing his traps 
 might in some manner excuse my fault, which certainly I loath to 
 do. But the conclusion is, that I gave order to some servants 
 of mine, whom I thought as apt for such charities as myself, to 
 lead him out into a forest, and there to kill him. 
 
 " ' But those thieves, better natured to my son than myself, spared 
 his life, letting him go to learn to live poorly which he did, giving 
 himself to be a private soldier in a country hereby ; but as he was 
 ready to be greatly advanced for some noble pieces of service 
 which he did, he heard news of me, who drunk in my affection 
 to that unlawful and unnatural son of mine, suffered myself to be 
 governed by him, that all favours and punishments passed by him, 
 all offices and places of importance distributed to his favourities ; 
 so that, ere I was aware, I had left myself nothing but the name 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 173 
 
 01' a king, which he shortly weary of too, with many indignities 
 if anything may be called an indignity which was laid upon me, 
 threw me out of my seat, and put out my eyes, and then, proud 
 in his tyranny, let me go, neither imprisoning, nor killing me, 
 but rather delighting to make me feel my misery ; misery indeed, 
 if ever there were any ; full of wretchedness, fuller of disgrace, and 
 fullest of guiltiness. And as he came to the crown by so unjust 
 means, as unjustly he kept it, by force of stronger soldiers in 
 citadels, the nests of tyranny and murderers of liberty ; disarming 
 all his own countrymen, that no man durst show himself a well 
 wilier of mine : to say the truth, I think, few of them being so, 
 considering my cruel folly to my good son, and foolish kindness 
 to my unkind bastard : but if there were any who felt a pity of 
 so great a fall, and had yet any sparks of unslain duty left in them 
 towards me, yet durst they not show it, scarcely with giving me 
 alms at their doors, which yet was the only sustenance of my 
 distressed life, nobody daring to show so much charity as to lend 
 me a hand to guide my dark steps, till this son of mine, God 
 knows, worthy of a more virtuous, and niore fortunate father, 
 forgetting my abominable wrongs, not reckoning danger, and 
 neglecting the present good way he was in of doing himself good, 
 came hither to do this kind office you see him perform towards me, 
 to my unspeakable grief ; not only because his kindness is a glass 
 even to my blind eyes of my naughtiness, but that above all griefs, 
 it grieves me he should desperately adventure the loss of his well 
 deserving life for mine that yet owe more to fortune for my deserts, 
 as if he would carry mud in a chest of crystal. For well I know, 
 he that now reigneth, how much soever, and with good reason, he 
 despiseth me, of all men despised ; yet he will not let slip any advan- 
 tage to make away with him, whose just title, ennobled by courage 
 and goodness, may one day shake the seat of a never secure 
 tyranny. And for this cause I craved of him to lead me to the 
 top of this rock, indeed I must confess, with meaning to free him 
 from so serpentine a companion, as I am. But he finding what 
 I purposed, only therein since he was born, showed himself dis- 
 obedient unto me. And now gentlemen, you have the true story, 
 which I pray you publish to the world, that my mischievous 
 proceedings may be the glory of his filial piety, the only reward 
 now left for so great a merit. And if it may be, let me obtain that 
 of you, which my son denies me : for never was there more pity 
 in saving any than in ending me, both because therein my agony 
 shall end, and so you shall perceive this excellent young man, 
 who else wilfully follows his own ruin.' 
 
 " The matter in itself lamentable, lamentably expressed by the 
 old prince, which needed not take to himself the gestures of pity, 
 
174 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 since his face could not put off the marks thereof, greatly moved 
 the two princes to compassion, which could not stay in such hearts 
 as theirs without seeking remedy. But by and by the occasion 
 was presented : for Plexirtus, so was the bastard called, came 
 thither with forty horse, only of purpose to murder his brother, of 
 whose coming he had soon advertisement, and thought no eyes of 
 sufficient credit in such a matter but his own, and therefore came 
 himself to be actor and spectator. And as soon as he came, not 
 regarding the weak, as he thought, guard but of two men, 
 commanded some of his followers to set their hands to his, in the 
 killing of Leonatus. But the young prince, though not otherwise 
 armed but with a sword, how falsely soever he.was dealt with by 
 others, would not betray himself, but bravely drawing it out, made 
 the death of the first that assailed him, warn his fellows to come 
 more warily after him. But then Pyrocles and Musidorus were 
 quickly become parties (so just a defence deserving as much as old 
 friendship) and so did behave them among that company, more 
 injurious than valiant, that many of them lost their lives for their 
 wicked master. 
 
 " Yet perhaps had the number of them at last prevailed, if the 
 king of Pontus, lately by them made so, had not come unlooked 
 for to their succour. Who (having had a dream which had fixed 
 his imagination vehemently upon some great danger, presently to 
 follow those two princes, whom he most dearly loved) was come in 
 all haste, following as well as he could their track, with a hundred 
 horses in that country, which he thought, considering who then 
 reigned, a fit place enough to make the stage of any tragedy. 
 
 " But then the match had been so ill made for Plexirtus that his 
 ill-led life and worse-gotten honour should have tumbled together 
 to destruction had there not come in Tydeus and Telenor, with 
 forty or fifty in their suite, to the defence of Plexirtus. These two 
 were brothers, of the noblest house of that country, brought up 
 from their infancy with Plexirtus, men of such prowess as not to 
 know fear in themselves, and yet to teach it in others that should 
 deal with them, for they had often made their lives triumph over 
 most terrible dangers, never dismayed, and ever fortunate ; and 
 truly no more settled in valour, than disposed to goodness and 
 justice, if either they had lighted on a better friend, or could have 
 learned to make friendship a child, and not the father of virtue. 
 But bringing up, rather then choice, having first knit their minds 
 unto him (indeed crafty enough, either to hide his faults, or never 
 to show them, but when they might pay home) they wiUingly held 
 out the course, rather to satisfy him than all the world ; and rather 
 to be good friends, than good men : so as though they did not like 
 the evil he did, yet they liked him that did the evil : and though 
 
BOOK iL] ARCADIA i;S 
 
 not counsellors of the offence, yet protectors of the offender. Now 
 they having heard of this sudden going out with so small a 
 company, in a country full of evil-wishing minds towards him, 
 though they knew not the cause, followed him ; till they found him 
 in such case that they were to venture their lives, or else he to lose 
 his, which they did with such force of mind and body, that truly I 
 may justly say, Pyrocles and Musidorus had never till then found 
 any that could make them so well repeat their hardest lesson in the 
 feats of arms. And briefly so they did ; that if they overcame not, 
 yet were they not overcome, but carried away that ungrateful 
 masfer of theirs to a place- of security, howsoever the princes 
 laboured to the contrary. But this matter being thus far begun, it 
 became not the constancy of the princes so to leave it ; but in all 
 haste making forces both in Pontus, and Phrygia, they had in few 
 days left him but only that one strong place where he was. For, 
 fear having been the only knot that had fastened his people unto 
 him, that once united by a greater force, they all scattered from 
 him, like so many birds whose cage had been broken. 
 
 " In which season the blind king, -having in the chief city of his 
 realm set the crown upon his son Leonatus's head, with many tears 
 both of joy and sorrow, setting forth to the whole people his own 
 faults, and his son's virtue ; after he had kissed him, and forced 
 his son to accept honour of him, as of his new become subject, 
 even in a moment died, as it should seem, his heart broken with 
 unkindness and affliction, stretched so far beyond his limits with 
 this access of comfort that it was able no longer to keep safe his 
 vital spirits. But the new king, having no less lovingly performed 
 all duties to him dead, than alive, pursued on the siege of his 
 unnatural brother, as much for the revenge of his father as the 
 establishing of his own quiet. In which siege truly I cannot but 
 acknowledge the prowess of those two brothers, than whom the 
 princes never found in all their travel, two of greater ability to 
 perform, nor of abler skill for conduct. 
 
 '" But Plexirtus finding that if nothing else, famine would at last 
 bring him to destruction, thought better by humbleness to creep, 
 where by pride he could not march. For certainly so had Nature 
 formed him, and the exercise of craft conformed him to all turning- 
 ness of flights, that, though no man had less, goodness in his soul 
 than he, no man could better find the places whence arguments 
 might grow of goodness to another ; though no man felt less pity, 
 no man could tell better how to stir pity ; no man more impudent 
 to deny, where proofs were not manifest ; no man more ready to 
 confess with a repenting manner of aggravating his own evil, 
 where denial would but make the fault fouler. Now he took this 
 way, that having gotten a passport for one, that pretended he 
 
i;6 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 would put Plexirtus alive into his hands, to speak with the king his 
 brother, he himself (though much against the minds of the valiant 
 brothers, who rather wished to die in brave defence) with a rope 
 about his neck, bare-footed, came to offer himself to the discretion 
 of Leonatus. Where what submission he used, how cunningly in 
 making greater the fault, he made the faultiness the less, how 
 artificially he could set out the torments of his own conscience, 
 with the burdensome cumber he had found of his ambitious desires, 
 how finely seeming to desire nothing but death, as ashamed to live, 
 he begged life in the refusing it, I am not cunning enough to be 
 able to express ; but so fell out of it, that though at first sight 
 Leonatus saw him with no other eye than as the murderer of his 
 father, and anger already began to paint revenge in many colours, 
 ere long he had not only gotten pity but pardon ; and if not an 
 excuse of the fault passed, yet an opinion of a future amendment : 
 while the poor villains (chief ministers of his wickedness, now 
 betrayed by the author thereof) were delivered to many cruel sorts 
 of death ; he so handling it, that it rather seemed he had more 
 come into the defence of an unremediable mischief already com- 
 mitted than that they had done it at first by his consent. 
 
 " In such sort the princes left these reconciled brothers (Plexirtus 
 in all his behaviour carrying him in far lower degree of service than 
 the ever-noble nature of Leonatus would suffer him) and taking 
 likewise their leaves of their good friend the king of Pontus, who 
 returned to enjoy some benefit, both of his wife and kingdom, they 
 privately went thence, having only with them the two valiaut 
 brothers, who would needs accompany them through divers places, 
 they four doing acts more dangerous, though less famous, because 
 they were but private chivalries ; till hearing of the fair and virtuous 
 queen Erona of Lycia, besieged by the puissant king of Armenia, 
 they bent themselves to her succour, both because the weaker, and 
 weaker as being a lady, and partly because they heard the king of 
 Armenia had in his company three of the most famous men living, 
 for matters of arms, that were known to be in the world. Whereof 
 one was the prince Plangus whose name was sweetened by your 
 breath, peerless lady, when the last day it pleased you to mention 
 him unto me, the other two were two great princes, though holding 
 of him, Barzanes and Euardus, men of giant-like both hugeness 
 and force ; in which two especially, the trust the king had of 
 victory was reposed. And of them, those brothers Tydeus and 
 Telenor, sufficient judges in warlike matters, spoke so high com- 
 mendations, that the two princes had even a youthful longing to 
 have some trial of their virtue. And therefore as soon as they 
 were entered into Lycia, they joined themselves with them that 
 faithfully served the poor queen, at that time besieged ; and ere 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 177 
 
 long animated in such sort their almost overthrown hearts, that 
 they went by force to relieve the town, though they were deprived 
 of a great part of their strength by the parting of the two brothers, 
 who were sent for in all haste to return to their old friend and 
 master Plexirtus, who, willingly hoodwinking themselves from 
 seeing his faults, and binding themselves to believe what he said, 
 often abused the virtue of courage to defend his foul vice of 
 ii^ustice. But now they were sent for to advance a conquest he 
 was about ; while Pyrocles and Musidorus pursued the delivery of 
 the queen Erona." 
 
 " I have heard," said Pamela, " that part of the story of Plangus, 
 when he passed through this country, therefore you may, if you 
 hst, pass over that war of Erona's quarrel, lest if you speak too 
 much of war matters, you should wake Mopsa, which might happily 
 breed a great broil." He looked, and saw that Mc^sa indeed sat 
 swallowing the sleep with open mouth, making such a noise 
 withal, as nobody could lay the stealing of a nap to her charge. 
 Whereupon, willing to use that occasion, I kneeled down, and with 
 humble heartedness, and hearty earnestness printed in my graces ; 
 " Alas ! " said I, " divine lady, who have wrought such miracles 
 in me, as to make a prince, none of the basest, to think all princi- 
 palities base in respect of the sheephook which may hold him up 
 in your sight ; vouchsafe now at last to hear in direct words my 
 humble suit, while this dragon sleeps that keeps the golden fruit. 
 If in my desire I wish, or in my hopes aspire, or in my imagination 
 fain to myself anything which may be the least spot to that 
 heavenly virtue which shines in all your doings, I pray the eternal 
 powers, that the words I speak may be deadly poisons, while they 
 are in my mouth, and that all my hopes, all my desires, all my 
 imaginations may only work their own confusion. But if love, 
 love of you, love of your virtues, seek only that favour of you, 
 which becometh that gratefulness which cannot misbecome your 
 excellency, O do not — " He would have said farther, but Pamela 
 calling aloud Mopsa, she suddenly started up, staggering, and 
 rubbing her eyes, ran first out of the door, and then back to them, 
 before she knew how she went out, or why she came in again : 
 till at length, being fully come to her little self, she asked Pamela 
 why she had called her. For nothing said Pamela, but that ye 
 might hear some tales of your servant's telling : " and therefore 
 now," said she, "Dorus go on." 
 
 But as he, who found no so good sacrifice as obedience, was 
 returning to the story of himself, Philoclea came in, and by and 
 by after her, Miso, so as for that time they were fain to let Dorus 
 depart. But Pamela delighted even to preserve in her memory 
 the words of so well a beloved speaker, repeated the whole 
 
 M 
 
i;8 ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 substance to her sister, till their sober dinner being come and 
 gone, to recreate themselves something, even tired with the 
 noisomeness of Miso's conversation, they determined to go, while 
 the heat of the day lasted, to bathe themselves, such being the 
 manner of the Arcadian nymphs often to do, in the river of Ladon, 
 and take with them a lute, meaning to delight them under some 
 shadow. But they could not stir, but that Miso, with her daughter 
 Mopsa was after them : and as it lay in their way to pass by the 
 other lodge, Zelmane out of her window espied them, and so stole 
 down after them, which she might the better do, because that 
 Gynecia was sick, and Basilius, that day being his birth-day, 
 according to his manner, was busy about his devotions ; and 
 therefore she went after, hoping to find some time to speak 
 with Philoclea : but not a word could she begin, but that Miso 
 would be one of the audience, so that she was driven to recommend 
 thinking, speaking, and all, to her eyes, who diligently performed 
 her trust, till they came to the river side, which of all the rivers 
 of Greece had the praise for excellent pureness and sweetness, 
 insomuch as the very bathing in it was accounted exceeding 
 healthful. It ran upon so fine and delicate a ground, as one could 
 not easily judge whether the river did more wash the gravel, or the 
 gravel did purify the river ; the river not running forth right, but 
 almost continually winding, as if the lower streams would return 
 to their spring, or that the river had a delight to play with itself. 
 The banks of either side seeming arms of the loving earth that 
 fain would embrace it, and the river a wanton nymph which still 
 would slip from it ; either side of the bank being fringed with 
 most beautiful trees, which resisted the sun's darts from over- 
 much piercing the natural coldness of the river. There was 
 among the rest a goodly cypress, who bowing her fair head over 
 the water, it seemed she looked into it, and dressed her green 
 locks by that running river. 
 
 There the princesses determining to bathe themselves, though 
 it was so privileged a place, upon pain of death, as nobody durst 
 presume to come hither ; yet for the more surety, they looked round 
 about, and could see nothing but a water-spaniel, who came down 
 the river, showing that he hunted for a duck, and with a snuffling 
 grace, disdaining that his smelling force could not as well prevail 
 through the water as through the air ; and therefore waiting with 
 his eye to see whether he could espy the ducks getting up again, 
 but then a little below them failing of his purpose, he got out 
 of the river, and shaking off the water (as great men do their 
 friends) now he had no farther cause to use it, inweeded himself 
 so that the ladles lost the farther marking his sportfulness : and 
 inviting Zelmane also to wash herself with them, and she excusing 
 
BOOK n.] ARCADIA 179 
 
 herself with having taken a late cold, they began by piece-meal 
 to take away the eclipsing of their apparel. 
 
 Zelmane would have put to her helping hand, but she was taken 
 with such a quivering, that she thought it more wisdom to lean 
 herself to a tree, and look on, while Miso and Mopsa, like a couple 
 of foreswat melters, were getting the pure silver of their bodies out 
 of the ure of their garments. But as the raiments went off to 
 receive kisses of the ground, Zelmane envied the happiness of all, 
 but of the smock was even jealous, and when that was taken away 
 too, and that Philoclea remained, ^for her Zelmane only marked, 
 like a diamond taken from out of the rock, or rather like the sun 
 getting from under a cloud, and showing his naked beams to the 
 full view, then was the beauty too much for a patient sight, the 
 delight too strong for a stayed conceit, so that Zelmane could not 
 choose but run, to touch, embrace and kiss her. But conscience 
 made her come to herself, and leave Philoclea, who blushing, 
 and withal smihng, making shamefacedness pleasant, and 
 pleasure shamefaced, tenderly moved her feet, unwonted to 
 feel the naked ground, till the touch of the cold water made 
 a pretty kind of shrugging come over her body, like the 
 twinkling of the fairest among the fixed stars. But the 
 river itself gave way unto her, so that she was straight breast 
 high, which was the deepest that thereabout she could be : 
 and when cold Ladon had once fully embraced them, himself 
 was no more so cold to those ladies, but as if his cold com- 
 plexion had been heated with love, so seemed he to play about 
 every part he could touch. 
 
 " Ah sweet, now sweetest Ladon," said Zelmane, " why dost thou 
 not stay thy course to have more full taste of thy happiness ? but 
 the reason is manifest, the upper streams make such haste to have 
 their part of embracing, that the nether, though lothly, must needs 
 give place unto them. O happy Ladon, within whom she is, 
 upon whom her beauty falls, through whom her eye pierceth. 
 O happy Ladon, which art now an unperfect mirror of all per- 
 fection, can'st thou ever forget the blessedness of this impression ? 
 if thou do, then let thy bed be turned from fine gravel to weeds 
 and mud ; if thou do, let some unjust niggards make wares to 
 spoil thy beauty ; if thou do, let some greater river fall into thee, 
 to take away the name of Ladon, O ! Ladon, happy Ladon, rather 
 slide than run by her, lest thou should'st make her legs slip from 
 her, and then, O happy Ladon, who would then call thee, but 
 the most cursed Ladon? But as the ladies played then in the 
 water, sometimes striking it with their hands, the water, making 
 lines in his face, seemed to smile at such beating, and with twenty 
 bubbles not to be content to have the picture of their face in large 
 
l8o ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 upon him, but he would in each of these bubbles set forth the 
 miniature of them. 
 
 But Zelmane, whose sight was gain-said by nothing but the 
 transparent veil of Ladon (like a chamber where a great fire is 
 kept, though the fire be at one stay, yet with the continuance 
 continually hath his heat increased) had the coals of her affection 
 so kindled with wonder, and blown with delight, that now all her 
 parts grudged, that her eyes should do more homage, than they, 
 to the princes of them. Insomuch that taking up the lute, her 
 wit began to be with a divine fury inspired ; her voice would 
 in so beloved an occasion second her wit ; her hands accorded 
 the lute's music to the voice ; her panting heart danced to the 
 music ; while I think her feet did beat the time ; while her body 
 was the room where it should be celebrated ; her soul the queen 
 which should be delighted. And so together went the utterance 
 and invention, that one might judge, it was Philoclea's beauty 
 which did speedily write it in her eyes ; or the sense thereof, 
 which did word by word indite it in her mind, whereto she, but 
 as an organ, did only lend utterance. The song was to this 
 purpose : 
 
 What tongue can her perfection tell, 
 In whose each part all tongues may dwell ? 
 Her hair fine threads of finest gold, 
 In curled knots man's thought to hold : 
 But that her forehead says, in me 
 A whiter beauty you may see ; 
 Whiter indeed, more white than snow, 
 Which on cold winter's face doth grow : 
 That doth present those even brows, 
 Whose equal line their angles bows ; 
 Like to the moon when after change 
 Her horned head abroad doth range : 
 And arches be two heavenly lids, 
 Whose wink each bold attempt forbids. 
 For the black stars those spheres contain, 
 The matchless pair, even praise doth stain. 
 No lamp whose light by art is got, 
 No sun which shines, and seeth not, 
 Can liken them without all peer, 
 Save one as much as other clear ; 
 Which only thus unhappy be, 
 Because themselves they cannot see. 
 Her cheeks with kindly claret spread, 
 Aurora-like new out of bed ; 
 Or like the fresh queen-apple's side, 
 flushing at sight of Phoebus pride, 
 
BOOK ii.j ARCADtA i§i 
 
 Her nose, her chin pure ivory wears : 
 No purer than the pretty ears. 
 So that therein appears some blood 
 Lilce wine and millc that mingled stood : 
 In whose incirclets if ye gaze, 
 Your eyes may tread a lover's maze. 
 But with such turns the voice to stray, 
 No talk untaught can find the way. 
 The tip no jewel needs to wear ; 
 The tip is jewel of the ear. 
 
 But who those ruddy lips can miss, 
 Which blessed still themselves to kiss ? 
 Rubies, cherries, and roses new. 
 In worth, in taste, in perfect hue : 
 Which never part, but that they show 
 Of precious pearl the double row j 
 The second-sweetly senced word. 
 Her heavenly-dewed tongue to guard, 
 Whence never word in vain did flow. 
 
 Fair under those doth stately grow. 
 The handle of this precious work, 
 The neck in which strange graces lurk. 
 Such be I think the sumptuous towers, 
 Which skill doth make in princes bowersi 
 So good assay invites the eye, 
 A little downward to espy. 
 The lively clusters of her breasts, 
 Of Venus babe the wanton nests : 
 Like pomels round of marble clear ; 
 Where azur'd veins well mix'd appear, 
 With dearest tops of porphyrie. 
 
 Betwixt these two a way doth lie, 
 A way more worthy beauty's fame. 
 Than that which bears the Milky name. 
 This leads into the joyous field. 
 Which only still doth lilies yield : 
 But lilies such whose native smell, 
 The Indians odors doth excel. 
 Waist it is called, for it doth waste 
 Men's lives, until it be embrac'd. 
 
 There may one see, and yet not see 
 Her ribs in white all armed be. 
 More white than Neptune's foamy face, 
 When struggling rocks he would embrace. 
 
 In those delights the wand' ring thought 
 Might of each side astray be brought, 
 But that her navel doth unite. 
 In curious circle busie sight ; 
 
t§2 ARCADiA (book a. 
 
 A dainty seal of virgin- wax, 
 
 Where nothing but impression lacks. 
 
 Her belly there glad sight doth fill, 
 Justly entitled Cupid's hill. 
 A hill most fit for such a master, 
 A spotless mine of alabaster. 
 Like alabaster fair and sleek. 
 But soft and supple, satin-like. 
 In that sweet seat the boy doth sport : 
 Loth, I must leave his chief resort. 
 For such a use the world hath gotten, 
 The best things still must be forgotten. 
 
 Yet never shall my song omit 
 Her thighs for Ovid's song more fit ; 
 Which flanked with two sugared flanks, 
 Lift up her stately swelling banks ; 
 That Albion cliffs in whiteness pass ; 
 With haunches smooth as looking-glass. 
 But bow all knees, now of her knees 
 My tongue doth tell what fancy sees. 
 The knots of joy, the gems of love, 
 Whose motion makes all graces move. 
 Whose bough incav'd doth yield such sight, 
 Like cunning painter shadowed white. 
 The gartring place with child-like sign. 
 Shows easy print in metal fine. 
 But then again the flesh doth rise 
 In her brave calves like chrystal skies. 
 Whose Atlas is a smallest small. 
 More white then whitest bone of all. 
 
 Thereout steals out that round clean foot 
 This noble cedar's precious root : 
 In show and scent pale violets, 
 Whose step on earth all beauty sets. 
 
 But back unto her back, my Muse, 
 Where Leda's swan his feathers mews. 
 Along whose ridge such bones are met, 
 Like comfits round in marchpane set. 
 
 Her shoulders be like to white doves, 
 Perching within square royal roves. 
 Which leaded are with silver skin, 
 Passing the hate spot, emerlin. 
 
 And thence those arms derived are ; 
 The Phoenix wings are not so rare 
 For faultless length, and stainless hue. 
 
 Ah woe is me, my woes renew. 
 Now course doth lead me to her hand 
 Of my first love the fatal band. 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 183 
 
 Where whiteness doth for ever sit ; 
 
 Nature herself enamell'd it. 
 
 For therewith strange compact doth lie 
 
 Warm snow, moist pearl, soft ivory. 
 
 There fall those sapphire-coloured brooks, 
 
 Which conduite-like with curious crooks. 
 
 Sweet Islands make in that sweet land. 
 
 As for the fingers of the hand, 
 
 The bloody shafts of Cupid's war. 
 
 With amethysts they beaded are. 
 Thus hath each part his beauties part : 
 
 But how the graces do impart. 
 
 To all her limbs a special grace. 
 
 Becoming every time and place. 
 
 Which doth even beauty beautify. 
 
 And most bewitch the wretched eye. 
 
 How all this is but a fair inn 
 
 Of fairer guests, which dwell therein. 
 
 Of whose high praise, and praiseful bliss. 
 
 Goodness the pen, and Heaven paper is : 
 
 The ink immortal fame doth lend : 
 
 As I began, so must I end. 
 No tongue can her perfection tell, 
 In whose each part all tongues may dwell. 
 
 But as Zelmane was coining to the latter end of her song, she 
 might see the same water-spaniel which before had hunted, come 
 and fetch away one of Philoclea's gloves, whose fine proportion, 
 showed well what a dainty guest was wont there to be lodged. It 
 was a delight to Zelmane, to see that the dog was therewith 
 delighted, and so let him go a little way withal, who quickly carried 
 it out of sight among certain trees and bushes, which were very 
 close together. But by and by he came again, and amongst the 
 raiment. Miso and Mopsa being preparing sheets against their 
 coming out, the dog lighted of a little book of four or five leaves of 
 paper, and was bearing that away too. But when Zelmane, not 
 knowing what importance it might be of, ran after the dog, who 
 going straight to those bushes, she might see the dog deliver it to 
 a gentleman, who secretly lay there. But she hastily coming in, 
 the gentleman rose up, and with a courteous, though sad, counten- 
 ance presented himself unto her. Zelmane's eyes straight willed 
 her mind to mark him, for she thought in herself, she had never 
 seen a man of a more goodly presence, in whom strong making 
 took not away delicacy, nor beauty fierceness : being indeed such 
 a right man-like man, as nature often erring, yet shows she would 
 fain make. But when she had a while, not without admiration, 
 viewed him, she desired him to deliver back the glove and paper, 
 
t84 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 because they were the lady Philoclea's, telling him withal, that she 
 would not willingly let them know of his close lying in that pro- 
 hibited place, while they were bathing themselves, because she 
 knew they would be mortally ofFendfd withal. "Fair lady," 
 answered he, " the worst of the complaint is already passed, since 
 I feel of my fault in myself the punishment. But for these things, 
 I assure you, it was my dog's wanton boldness, not my presump- 
 tion. With that he gave her back the paper : but for the glove," 
 said he, " since it is my lady Philoclea's, give me leave to keep it, 
 since my heart cannot persuade itself to part from it. And I pray 
 you tell the lady, lady indeed of all my desires, that owns it, that 
 I will direct my life to honour this glove with serving her." " O 
 villain," cried out Zelmane, maddened with finding an unlooked for 
 rival, and that he would make her a messenger, " dispatch," said 
 she, " and deliver it, or by the life of her that owns it, I will make 
 thy soul, though too base a price, pay for it " : and with that drew 
 out her sword, which, Amazon like, she ever wore about her. The 
 gentleman retired himself into an open place from among the 
 bushes, and then drawing out his too, he offered to deliver it unto 
 her, saying, withal, " God forbid I should use my sword against 
 you, sith, if I be not deceived, you are the same famous Amazon, 
 that both defended my lady's just title of beauty against the valiant 
 Phalantus, and saved her life in killing the lion, therefore I am 
 rather to kiss your hands, with acknowledging myself bound to 
 obey you." 
 
 But this courtesy was worse than a bastinado to Zelmane : so 
 that again with rageful eyes she bade him defend himself, for no 
 less than his life should answer it. " A hard case," said he, " to 
 teach my sword that lesson, which hath ever used to turn itself to 
 a shield in a lady's presence." But Zelmane hearkening to no 
 more words, began with such witty fury to pursue him with blows 
 and thrusts, that nature and virtue commanded the gentleman to 
 look to his safety. Yet still courtesy, that seemed incorporate in 
 his heart, would not be persuaded by danger to offer any offence, 
 but only to stand upon the best defensive guard he could ; some- 
 times going back, being content in that respect to take on the 
 figure of cowardice ; sometimes with strong and well-met wards, 
 sometimes cunning avoidings of his body ; and sometimes feigning 
 some blows, which himself puU'd back before they needed to be 
 withstood. And so with play did he a good while fight against the 
 fight of Zelmane, who, more spited with that courtesy, that one 
 that did nothing should be able to resist her, burned away with 
 choler any motions which might grow out of her own sweet dis- 
 position, determined to kill him if he fought no better and so 
 redoubling her blows, drove the stranger to no other shift than to 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 18s 
 
 ward and go back ; at that time seeming the image of innocency 
 against violence. But at length he found, that both in pubUc and 
 private respects, who stands only upon defence, stands upon no 
 defence : for Zelmane seeming to strike at his head, and he going 
 toward it, withal stepped back as he was accustomed : she stopped 
 her blow in the air, and suddenly turning the point, ran full at his 
 breast, so as he was driven with the pummel of his sword, having 
 no other weapon of defence, to beat it down : but the thrust was 
 so strong that he could not so wholly beat it away, but that it met 
 with his thigh, through which it ran. But Zelmane retiring her 
 sword, and seeing his blood, victorious anger was conquered by 
 the before conquering pity ; and heartily sorry, and even ashamed 
 with herself she was, considering how Uttle he had done, who well 
 she found could have done more. Insomuch that she said, " truly 
 I am sorry for your hurt, but yourself gave the cause, both in 
 refusing to deliver the glove, and yet not fighting as I know you 
 could have done. But," said she, " because I perceive you disdain 
 to fight with a woman, it may be before a year come about, you 
 shall meet with a near kinsman of mine, Pyrocles prince of 
 Macedon, and I give you my word, he for me shall maintain this 
 quarrel against you." "I wotild" answered Amphialus, "I had 
 many more such hurts to meet and know that worthy prince, 
 whose virtue I love and admire, though my good destiny hath not 
 been to see his person." 
 
 But as they were so speaking, the young ladies came, to whom, 
 Mopsa, curious in. anything but her own good behaviour, having 
 followed and seen Zelmane fighting, had cried, what she had seen, 
 while they were drying themselves : and the water, with some 
 drops, seemed to weep, that it should pass from such bodies. 
 But they careful of Zelmane, assuring themselves that any Arcadian 
 would bear reverence to them, Pamela with a noble mind, and 
 Philoclea with a loving, hastily, hiding the beauties, whereof nature 
 was proud, and they ashamed, they made quick work to come to 
 save Zelmane. But already they found them in talk, and Zelmane 
 careful of his wound. But when they saw him, they knew it was 
 their cousin-german, the famous Amphialus, whom yet with a 
 sweet graced bitterness they blamed for breaking their father's 
 commandment, especially while themselves were in such sort 
 retired. But he craved pardon, protesting unto them that he had 
 only been to seek solitary places, by an extreme melancholy that 
 had a good while possessed him, and guided to that place by his 
 spaniel, where while the dog hunted in the river, he had withdrawn 
 himself to pacify with sleep his over watched eyes, till a dream 
 waked him, and made him see that whereof he had dreamed, 
 and withal not obscurely signified, that he felt the smart of his 
 
iS6 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 own doings. But Philoclea, that was even jealous of herself for 
 Zelmane, would needs have her glove, and not without so mighty 
 a lower as that face could yield. As for Zelmane when she knew 
 it was Amphialus ; " Lord Amphialus," said she, " I have long 
 desired to know you heretofore, I must confess, with more good- 
 will, but still with honouring your virtue, though I love not your 
 person : and at this time I pray you let us take care of your wound, 
 upon condition you shall hereafter promise that a more knightly 
 combat shall be performed between us." Amphialus answered 
 in honourable sort, but with such excusing himself, that more and 
 more accused his love to Philoclea, and provoked more hate in 
 Zelmane. But Mopsa had already called certain shepherds not 
 far off, who knew and well observed their limits, to come and 
 help to carry away Amphialus, whose wound suffered him not 
 without danger to strain it : and so he leaving himself with them, 
 departed from them, faster bleeding in his heart than at his wound, 
 which bound up by the sheets, wherewith Philoclea had been 
 wrapped, made him thank the wound, and bless the sword for 
 that favour. 
 
 He being gone, the ladies, with merry anger talking, in what 
 naked simplicity their cousin had seen them, returned to the 
 lodge-ward ; yet thinking it too early, as long as they had any day, 
 to break off so pleasing a company with going to perform a 
 cumbersome obedience, Zelmane invited them to the little arbour, 
 only reserved for her, which they willingly did : and there sitting, 
 Pamela having a while made the lute in his language show how 
 glad it was to be touched by her fingers, Zelmane deHvered up 
 the paper which Amphialus had at first yielded unto her, and 
 seeing written upon the backside of it the complaint of Plangus, 
 remembering what Dorus had told her, and desiring to know how 
 much Philoclea knew of her estate, she took occasion in presenting 
 of it, to ask whether it were any secret or no. "No truly," 
 answered Phrloclea, " it is but even an exercise of my father's 
 writing, upon this occasion : he was one day, somewhile before 
 your coming hither, walking abroad, having us two with him, 
 almost a mile hence, and crossing a high-way, which comes from 
 the city of Megalopolis, he saw this gentleman, whose name is 
 there written, one of the properest and best graced men that ever 
 I saw, being of middle age and of a mean stature. He lay as then 
 under a tree, while his servants were getting fresh post-horses for 
 him. It might seem he was tired with the extreme travel he had 
 taken, and yet not so tired that he forced to take any rest, so hasty 
 he was upon his journey : and withal so sorrowful that the very 
 face thereof was painted in' his face, which with pitiful motions, 
 even groans, tears, and passionate talking to himself moved my 
 
BOOK ii.l ARCADIA 187 
 
 father to fall in talk with him, who at first not knowing 
 him, answered him in such a desperate phrase of grief that my 
 father afterward took a delight to set it down in such a form as 
 you see ; which if you read, what you doubt of, my sister and I 
 are able to declare unto you, Zelraane willingly opened the leaves, 
 and read it being written dialogue-wise in this manner. 
 
 PLANGUS AND BASILIUS 
 
 PLANGUS 
 
 Alas, how long this pilgrimage doth last ? 
 What greater ills have now the heavens in. store, 
 
 To couple coming harms with sorrows past ? 
 Long since my voice is hoarse, and throat is sore. 
 
 With cries to skies,and courses to the ground. 
 
 But more I plain, I feel my woes the more. 
 Ah, where was first that cruel cunning found, 
 
 To frame of earth, a vessel of the mind. 
 Where it should be to self-destruction bound ? 
 
 What needed so high spirits, such mansions blind ? 
 
 Or wrapped in flesh what do they here obtain. 
 
 But glorious name of wretched human kind? 
 Balls to the stars, and thralls to fortunes reign ; 
 
 Turn'd from themselves, infected with their rage, 
 Where death is fear'd, and life is held with pain, 
 
 Like players plac'd to fill a filthy stage, 
 
 Where change of thoughts one fool to other shows, 
 
 And all but jests, save only sorrows rage. 
 The child feels that, the man that feeling knows. 
 
 Which cries first born, the presage of his life. 
 Where wit but serves, to have true taste of woes. 
 
 A shop of shame, a book where blots be rife, 
 
 This body is, this body so compos'd. 
 
 As in itself to nourish mortal strife : 
 So divers be the elements dispos'd. 
 
 In this weak work, that it can never be 
 Made uniform to any state repos'd. 
 
 Grief only makes his wretched state to see 
 
 (Even like a top which nought but whipping inoves) 
 
 This man, this talking beast, this walking tree. 
 Grief is the stone which finest judgments proves ; 
 
 For who grieves not, hath but a blockish brain, 
 
 Since cause of grief no cause from life removes, 
 
 BASILIUS 
 How long wilt thou with mournful music stain 
 The cheerful notes those pleasant places yield. 
 Where all good haps a perfect state maintain ? 
 
i^B ARCADtA [BOOK n. 
 
 PLANGUS 
 
 Cursed be good haps, and cursed be they that build 
 
 Their hopes on haps, and do not make despair 
 For all those certain blows the surest shield. 
 
 Shall I that saw Erona's shining hair, 
 
 Torn with her hands, and those same hands of snow 
 
 With loss of purest blood themselves to tear? 
 Shall I that saw those breasts, where beauties flow. 
 
 Swelling- with sighs, made pale with minds disease. 
 And saw those eyes, those suns, such showers to show ? 
 Shall I whose ears her mournful words did seize. 
 
 Her words in syrup laid of sweetest breath. 
 
 Relent those thoughts which then did so displease ? 
 No, no : despair my daily lesson faith. 
 And faith, although I seek my life to fly, 
 
 Plangus must live to see Erona's death. 
 Plangus must live some help for her to try 
 
 (Though in despair) for love so forceth me, 
 
 Plangus doth live, and shall Erona die ? 
 Erona die ? O heaven, if heaven there be, 
 
 Hath all thy whirling course so small effect ? 
 
 Serve all thy starry eyes this shame to see ? 
 Let dolts in haste some altars fair erect 
 
 To those high powers, which idly sit above, 
 
 And virtue do in greatest need neglect. 
 
 BASILIUS 
 
 O man take heed, how thou the gods do move 
 To cause full-Wrath, which thou can'st not resist* 
 
 Blasphemous words the speaker vain do prove. 
 Alas while we are wrapped in foggy mist 
 Of our self love, so passions do deceive. 
 We think they hurt, when most they do assist. 
 
 To harm us worms should that high justice leave 
 
 His nature? nay himself? for so it is. 
 What glory from our loss can he receive ? 
 
 But still our dazzled eyes their way do miss. 
 While that we do at his sweet scourge repine. 
 The kindly way do beat us on to bliss. 
 
 If she must die then hath she past the line 
 Of loathsome days, whose loss how can'st thou moan, 
 
 That dost so well their miseries define ? 
 But such we are with inward tempest blown 
 Of winds quite contrary in waves of will : 
 We moan that lost, which had we did bemoan. 
 
BOOK n.] ARCADIA 189 
 
 PLANGUS 
 
 And shall she die ? shall cruel fire spill 
 
 Those beams that set so many hearts on fire ? 
 Hath she not force even death with love to kill : 
 
 Nay, even cold death inflam'd with hot desire 
 
 Her to enjoy where joy itself is thrall, 
 
 Will spoil the earth of his most rich attire : 
 Thus death becomes a rival to us all. 
 And hopes with foul embracements her to get, 
 In whose decay virtue's fair shrine must fall. 
 O virtue weak, shall death his triumph set 
 
 Upon thy spoils, which never should lie waste ? 
 
 Let death first die ; be thou his worthy let. 
 By what eclipse shall that sun be defac'd ? 
 What mine hath erst thrown down so fair a tower ? 
 
 What sacrilege hath such a saint disgfrac'd ? 
 The world the garden is, she is the flower 
 
 That sweetens all the place ; she is the guest 
 
 Of rarest price, both heaven and earth her bower. 
 And shall, O me 1 all this in ashes rest ? 
 Alas if you a Phoenix new will have 
 
 Burnt by the sun, she first must build her nest. 
 But well you know, the gentle sun would save 
 
 Such beams so like his own, which might have might 
 In him the thoughts of Phaeton's dam to grave. 
 Therefore, alas, you use vile Vulcan's spite. 
 
 Which nothing spares, to melt that virgin wax, 
 
 Which while it is, it is all Asia's light. 
 O Mars, for what doth serve thy armed ax ? 
 To let that wit-old beast consume in flames 
 
 Thy Venus child, whose beauty Venus lacks ? 
 O Venus, if her praise no envy frames 
 
 In thy high mind, get her thy husband's grace 
 
 Sweet speaking oft a currish heart reclaims. 
 O eyes of mine, where once she saw her face, 
 
 Her face which was more lively in ray heart : 
 O brain, where thought of her hath only place ; 
 
 O hand, which touch'd her hand when we did part ; 
 O lips that kiss'd that hand with my tears spent ; 
 
 O tongue, then dumb, not daring teH my smart ; 
 
 O soul, whose love in her is only spent, 
 
 What ere you see, think, touch, kiss, speak, or love, 
 
 Let all for her, and unto her be bent, 
 
 BASILIUS 
 
 Thy wailing words do much my spirits move. 
 They uttered are in such a feeling fashion, 
 
1 90 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 That sorrows work against my will I prove. 
 Methinks I am partaker of thy passion, 
 And in thy case do glaze mine own debility : 
 Self-guilty folk most prone to feel compassion. 
 
 Yet reason faith, reason should have ability 
 
 To hold those worldly things in such proportion, 
 
 As let them come or go with even facility. 
 But our desires tyrannical extortion 
 Doth force us there to set our chief delightfulness 
 Where but a baiting place is all our portion. 
 But still although we fail of perfect rightfulness. 
 
 Seek we to tame those childish superfluities : 
 Let us not wink though void of purest sightfulness 
 
 For what can breed more peevish incongruities, 
 Than man to yield to female lamentations : 
 Let us some grammar learn of more congruities. 
 
 PLANGUS 
 
 If through mine ears pierce any consolations, 
 By wise discourse, sweet tunes, or poets fiction ; 
 
 If aught I cease those hideous exclamations ; 
 While that my soul, she, lives in affliction ; 
 
 Then let my life long time on earth maintained be. 
 To wretched me, the last worst malediction. 
 
 Can I that knew her sacred parts, restrained be 
 From any joy ? know fortunes vile displacing her. 
 
 In mortal rules let raging woes contained be ? 
 Can I forget, when they in prison placing her. 
 
 With swelling heart in spite and due disdainfulness 
 
 She lay for dead, till I help'd with unlacing her ? 
 Can I forget from how much mourning painfulness 
 
 With diamond in window-glass she grav'd 
 
 Erona die, and end this ugly painfulness ? 
 
 Can I forget in how strange phrase she crav'd 
 That quickly they would her burn, drown or smother, 
 
 As if by death she only might be sav'd ? 
 Then let me eke forget one hand from other : 
 
 Let me forget that Plangus I am called : 
 
 Let me forget I am son to my mother : 
 
 But if my memory must thus be thralled 
 To that strange stroke which conquered all my senses. 
 
 Can thoughts still thinking, so rest unapalled ? 
 
 BASILIUS 
 
 Who still doth seek against himself offences. 
 
 What pardon can avail ? or who employs him 
 To hurt himself, what shields can be defences ? 
 
BOOK 11,] ARCADIA 191 
 
 Woe to poor man ; each outward thing annoys him 
 
 In divers kinds j yet as he were not filled, 
 
 He heaps in outward grief, that most destroys him. 
 
 Thus is our thought with pain for thistles tilled : 
 Thus be our noblest parts dried up with sorrow : 
 
 Thus is our mind with too much minding spilled. 
 One day lays up store of grief for the morrow : 
 
 And whose good haps do leave him unprovided. 
 Condoling cause of friendship he will borrow : 
 
 Betwixt the good and shade of good divided, 
 We pity deem that which but weakness is : 
 
 So are we from our high creation slided. 
 But Plangus, lest I may your sickness miss. 
 
 Or rubbing, hurt the sore, I here do end. 
 
 The ass did hurt when he did think to kiss. 
 
 When Zelmane had read it over, marvelling very much of the 
 speech of Erona's death, and therefore desirous to know further of 
 it, but more desirous to hear Philoclea speak, " Most excellent 
 lady," said she, " one may be little the wiser for reading this dialogue, 
 since it neither sets forth what this Plangus is, nor what Erona is, 
 nor what the cause should be which threatens her with death, and 
 him with sorrow ; therefore I would humbly crave to understand the 
 particular discourse thereof, because, I must confess, something in 
 my travel I have heard of this strange matter, which I would be 
 glad to find by so sweet an authority confirmed." " The truth is," 
 answered Philoclea, " that after he knew my father to be prince of 
 this country, while he hoped to prevail something with him in a 
 great request he made unto him, he was content to open fully the 
 estate both of himself, and of that lady ; which with my sister's 
 help," said she, "Who remembers it better than I, I will declare 
 unto you. And first of Erona, being the chief subject of this 
 discourse, this story, with more tears and exclamations than I list 
 to spend about it, he recounted." 
 
 " Of late there reigned a king in Lydia, who had, for the blessing 
 of his marriage, this only daughter of his, Erona, a princess worthy 
 for her beauty, as much praise, as beauty may be praise-worthy. 
 This princess Erona, being nineteen years of age, seeing the 
 country of Lydia so much devoted to Cupid, as that in every place 
 his naked pictures and images were superstitiously adored (either 
 moved thereunto by the esteeming that it could be no god-head, 
 which could breed wickedness, or the shamefaced consideration of 
 such nakedness) procured so much of her father, as utterly to pull 
 down, and deface all those statutes and pictures : which how 
 terribly he punished, for to that the Lydians impute it, quickly 
 after appeared. 
 
192 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 " For she had not lived a year longer, when she was stricken 
 with most obstinate love to a young man but of mean parentage, 
 in her father's court, named Antiphilus : so mean, as that he was 
 but the son of her nurse, and by that means, without other desert, 
 became known of her. Now so evil could she conceal her fire, and 
 so wilfully persevered she in it that her father offering her the 
 marriage of the great Tiridates, king of Armenia, who desired her 
 more than the joys of heaven, she for Antiphilus's sake refused it. 
 Many ways her father sought to withdraw her from it, sometimes 
 by persuasions, sometimes by threatenings ; once, hiding Antiphilus, 
 and giving her to understand that he was fled the country, lastly, 
 making a solemn execution to be done of another under the name 
 of Antiphilus, whom he kept in prison. But neither she liked 
 persuasions, nor fesu-ed threatenings, nor changed for absence : 
 and when she thought him dead, she sought all means, as well by 
 poison as knife, to send her soul, at least to be married in the 
 eternal church with him. This so broke the tender father's heart, 
 that, leaving things as he found them, he shortly after died. Then 
 forthwith Erona, being seized of the crown, and arming her will 
 with authority, sought to advance her affection to the holy title of 
 matrimony. 
 
 " But before she could accomplish all the solemnities, she was 
 overtaken with a war the King Tiridates made upon her, only 
 for her person, towards whom, for her ruin, love had kindled his 
 cruel heart, indeed cruel and tyrannous ; for being far too strong 
 in the field, he spared no man, woman, nor child ; but, as though 
 there could be found no foil to set forth the extremity of his love, 
 but extremity of hatred, wrote, as it were, the sonnets of his love 
 in the blood, and turned them in the cries of her subjects ; although 
 his fair sister Artaxia, who would accompany him in the army, 
 sought all means to appease his fury : till lastly, he besieged 
 Erona in her best city, vowing to win her, or lose his life. And 
 now had he brought her to the point either of a woeful consent, 
 or a ruinous denial, when there came thither, following the courss 
 which virtue and fortune led them, two excellent young princes, 
 Pyrocles and Musidorus, the one prince of Macedon, the other 
 of Thessalia : two princes as Plangus said, and he witnessed his 
 saying with sighs and tears, the most accomplished both in body 
 and mind that the sun ever looked upon." While Philoclea spoke 
 those words ; O sweet words, thought Zelmane to herself, which 
 are not only a praise to me, but a praise to praise herself, which 
 out of that mouth issueth. 
 
 "Those two princes," said Philoclea, "as well to help the 
 weaker, especially being a lady as to save a Greek people from 
 being ruined by such whom we call and count barbarous, gathering 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 193 
 
 together such of the honestest Lycians as would venture their 
 lives to succour their princess ; giving order by a secret message, 
 they sent into the city that they should issue with all force at an 
 appointed time : they set upon Tiridates's camp with so well 
 guided a fierceness that being on both sides assaulted, he was 
 like to be overthrown, but that this Plangus, being general of 
 Tiridates's horsemen, especially aided by the two mighty men 
 Euardus and Barzanes, rescued the footmen, even almost defeated : 
 but yet could not bar the princes, with their succours both of men 
 and victual, to enter the city. 
 
 " Which when Tiridates found would make the war long, 
 which length seemed to him worse than a languishing consumption, 
 he made a challenge of three princes in his retinue, against those 
 two princes and Antiphilus : and that thereupon the quarrel should 
 be decided, with compact that neither side should help his fellow, 
 but of whose side the more overcame, with him the victory should 
 remain. Antiphilus (though Erona chose rather to bide the brunt 
 of war, than venture him, yet) could not for shame refuse the offer, 
 especially since the two strangers that had no interest in it, did 
 willingly accept it ; besides that, he saw it like enough, that the 
 people, weary of the miseries of war, would rather give him up, 
 if they saw him shrink, than for his sake venture their ruin, con- 
 sidering that the challengers were of far greater worthiness than 
 himself. So it was agreed upon ; and against Pyrocles was 
 Euardus king of Bithynia ; Barzanes of Hircania against 
 Musidorus, two men, that thought the world scarce able to resist 
 them ; and against Antiphilus he placed this same Plangus, being 
 his own cousin german, and son to the king of Iberia. Now so 
 it fell out, that Musidorus slew Barzanes, and Pyrocles Euardus, 
 which victory those princes esteemed above all that ever they 
 had : but of the other side Plangus took Antiphilus prisoner : 
 under which colour, as if the matter had been equal, though indeed 
 it was not, the greater part being overcome of his side, Tiridates 
 continued his war : and to bring Erona to a compelled yielding, 
 sent her word that he would the third morrow after, before the 
 walls of the town, strike off Antiphilus's head, without his suit in 
 that space were granted, adding, withal, because he had heard of 
 her desperate affection, that, if in the meantime she did herself 
 any hurt, what tortures could be devised should be lain upon 
 Antiphilus. 
 
 " Then lo, if Cupid be a god, or that the tyranny of our own 
 thoughts seem as a god unto us : but whatsoever it was then it 
 did set forth the miserableness of his effects ; she being drawn 
 to two contraries by one cause (for the love of him commanded 
 her to yield to no other ; the love of him commanded her to 
 
 N 
 
194 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 preserve his life) ; which knot might well be cut, but untied it could 
 not be. So that love in her passions, like a right make-bate, 
 whispered to both sides arguments of quarrel. 'What,' said he, 
 'of the one side, dost thou love Antiphilus, O Erona ! and shall 
 Tiridates enjoy thy body? With what eyes wilt thou look upon 
 Antiphilus, when he shall know that another possesseth thee? 
 but if thou wilt do it, canst thou do it ? canst thou force thy heart ? 
 think with thyself, if this man have thee, thou shalt never have 
 more part of Antiphilus than if he were dead. But thus much 
 more, that the affectation shall be still gnawing, and the remorse 
 still present. Death perhaps vill cool the rage of thy affection : 
 where thus, thou shalt ever love, and ever lack. Think this beside, 
 if thou marry Tiridates, Antiphilus is so excellent a man that long 
 he cannot be from being in some high place married ; can'st thou 
 suffer that too ? if another kill him, he doth him the wrong ; if 
 thou abuse thy body, thou dost him the wrong. His death is 
 a work of nature, and either now, or at another time he shall die. 
 But it shall be thy work, thy shameful work, which is in thy 
 power to shun, to make him live to see thy faith falsified, and his 
 bed defiled.' But when love had well kindled that party of her 
 thoughts, then went he to the other side. ' What,' said he, ' O 
 Erona, and is thy love of Antiphilus come to that point, as thou 
 dost now make it a question whether he shall die, or no? O 
 excellent affection, which for too much love will see his head off. 
 Mark well the reasons of the other side, and thou shalt see it is 
 but love of thyself which so disputeth. Thou can'st not abide 
 Tiridates : this is but love of thyself ; thou shalt be ashamed to 
 look upon him afterwards ; this is but fear of shame, and love 
 of thyself; thou shalt want him as much then ; this is but love 
 of thyself : he shall be married ; if he be well, why should that 
 grieve thee, but for love of thyself? no, no, pronounce these words 
 if thou can'st, let Antiphilus die.' Then the images of each side 
 stood before her understanding ; one time she thought she saw 
 Antiphilus dying, another time she thought Antiphilus saw her 
 by Tiridates enjoyed ; twenty times calling for a servant to carry 
 message of yielding, but before he came the mind was altered. 
 She blushed when she considered the effect of granting ; she was 
 pale, when she remembered the fruits of denying. For weeping, 
 sighing, wringing her hands, and tearing her hair, were indifferent 
 of both sides. Easily she would have agreed to have broken all 
 disputations with her own death, but that the fear of Antiphilus's 
 farther torments, stayed her. At length, even the evening before 
 the day appointed for his death, the determination of yielding 
 prevailed, especially, growing upon a message of Antiphilus, who 
 with all the conjuring terms he could devise, besought her to save 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 19s 
 
 his life, upon any conditions. But she had no sooner sent her 
 messenger to Tiridates, but her mind changed, and she went to 
 the two young princes, Pyrocles and Musidorus, and falling down 
 at their feet, desired them to try some way for her deliverance, 
 showing herself resolved not to over-live Antiphilus, nor yet to 
 yield to Tiridates. 
 
 " They that knew not what she had done in private, prepared 
 that night accordingly : and as sometimes it falls out that what 
 is inconstancy seems cunning, so did this change indeed stand in 
 as good stead as a witty dissimulation. For it made the king as 
 reckless as them diligent, so that in the dead time of the night, 
 the princes issued out of the town ; with whom she would needs go, 
 either to die herself, or rescue Antiphilus, having no armour, 
 or weapon, but affection. And I cannot tell you how, or by what 
 device, though Plangus at large described it, the conclusion was, 
 the wonderful valour of the two princes so prevailed, that 
 Antiphilus was succoured, and the king slain. Plangus was then 
 the chief man left in the camp ; and therefore seeing no other 
 remedy, conveyed in safety into her country Artaxia, now Queen 
 of Armenia, who with true lamentations, made known to the world 
 that her new greatness did no way comfort her in respect of her 
 brother's loss, whom she studied by all means possible to revenge 
 upon every one of the occasioners, having, as she thought, over- 
 thrown her brother by a most abominable treason. Insomuch, 
 that being at home she proclaimed great rewards to any private 
 man, and herself in marriage to any prince that would destroy 
 Pyrocles and Musidorus. But thus was Antiphilus redeemed, and, 
 though against the consent of all her nobility, married to Erona ; 
 in which case the two Greek princes, being called away by 
 another adventure, left them. 
 
 " But now methinks, as I have read some poets, who when they 
 intend to tell some horrible matter, they bid men shun the hearing 
 of it, so if I do not desire you to stop your ears from me, yet may 
 I well desire a breathing time, before I am to tell the execrable 
 treason of Antiphilus that brought her to this misery, and withal 
 wish you all, that from all mankind indeed you stop your ears. 
 O most happy were we, if we did set our loves one upon another." 
 And as she spake that word, her cheeks in red letters writ more 
 than her tongue did speak. " And therefore since I have named 
 Plangus, I pray you, sister," said she, "help me with the rest, 
 for I have held the stage long enough ; and if it please you to 
 make his fortune known, as I have done Erona's, I will after take 
 heart again to go on with his falsehood ; and so between us both, 
 my Lady Zelmane shall understand both the cause and parties 
 of this lamentation." "Nay, I beshrew me then," said Miso, 
 
196 
 
 ARCADIA [=°^'^ "• 
 
 " I will none of that, I promise you, as long as I have the govern- 
 ment I will first hLve my tale, and then my Lady Pamela, my 
 Lady Zefmane, and my daughter Mopsa (for Mopsa was then 
 returned from Amphialus) may draw cuts, and the shortest cut 
 sneak first. For I tell you, and this may be suffered, when you 
 are married, you will have first and last word of your husbands." 
 
 The ladies laughed to see with what an eager earnestness she 
 looked, having threatened not only in her ferret eyes, but while she 
 spoke her nose seeming to threaten her chin, and her shaking 
 limbs one to threaten another. But there was no remedy, they 
 must obey, and Miso, sitting on the ground with her knees up, 
 and her hands upon her knees, tuning her voice with many a 
 quavering cough, thus discoursed unto them. " I tell you true," 
 said she, "whatsoever you think of me, you will one day be as 
 I am ; and I, simple though I sit here, thought once my penny as 
 good silver, as some of you do : and if my father had not played 
 the hasty fool, it is no lie I tell you, I might have had another- 
 gains husband than Dametas. But let that pass, God amend 
 him ; and yet I speak it not without good cause. You are full in 
 your tittle-tattlings of Cupid, here is Cupid and there is Cupid. 
 I will tell you now what a good old woman told me, what an old 
 wise man told her, what a great learned clerk told him, and gave 
 it him in writing : and here I have it in my prayer-book." " I pray 
 you," said Philoclea, " let us see it and read it." " No haste, but 
 good," said Miso, " you shall first know how I came by it. I was 
 a young girl of seven and twenty years old, and I could not go 
 through the street of our village, but I might hear the young men 
 talk : O the pretty little eyes of Miso : O the fine thin lips of 
 Miso : O the goodly fat hands of Miso : besides, how well a certain 
 wrying in my neck became me. Then the one would wink with 
 one eye, and the other cast daisies at me. I must confess, seeing 
 so many amorous, it made me set up my peacock's tail with the 
 highest. Which when this good old woman perceived, O the good 
 old woman, well may the bones rest of the good old woman, she 
 called me to her into her house. I remember fiill well it stood 
 in the lane as you go to the barber's shop ; all the town knew her, 
 there was a great loss of her : she called me to her, and taking 
 first a sop of wine to comfort her heart, it was of the same wine 
 that comes out of Candia, which we pay so dear for now-a-days, 
 and in that good world was very good cheap, she called me to her : 
 ' Minion,' said she, indeed I was a pretty one in those days, though 
 I say it, ' I see a number of lads that love you, well,' said she, 
 'I say no more; do you know what love is?' With that she 
 brought me into a corner, where there was painted a foul fiend 
 I trow, for he had a pair of horns like a bull, his feet cloven, as many 
 
BOOK u.] ARCADIA 197 
 
 eyes upon his body as my grey mare hath dapples, and for all the 
 world so placed. This monster sat like a hangman upon a pair 
 of gallows ; in his right hand he was painted holding a crown of 
 laurel ; in his left hand a purse of money ; and out of his mouth 
 hung a lace of two fair pictures of a man and a woman, and such 
 a countenance he showed as if he would persuade folks by those 
 allurements to come thither and be hanged. I, like a tender- 
 hearted wench, shrieked out for fear of the devil : ' well,' said she, 
 ' this same is even love ; therefore do what thou list with all those 
 fellows one after another, and it recks not much what they do to 
 thee, so it be in secret ; but upon my charge, never love none of 
 them.' ' Why mother,' said I, ' could such a thing come from the 
 belly of fair Venus ? for a few days before, our priest, between him 
 and me, had told me the whole story of Venus.' ' Tush,' said she, 
 ' they are all deceived ; ' and therewith gave me this book which 
 she said a great maker of ballads had given to an old painter, who, 
 for a little pleasure, had bestowed both book and picture of her. 
 'Read there,' said she, 'and thou shalt see that his mother was 
 a cow, and the false Argus his father.' And so she gave me this 
 book, and there now you may read it." With that the remembrance 
 of the good old woman, made her make such a face to weep, as 
 if it were not sorrow, it was the carcass of sorrow that appeared 
 there.. But while her tears came out, like rain falling upon dirty 
 furrows, the latter end of her prayer-book was read among these 
 ladies, which contained this : 
 
 Poor Painters oft with silly Poets join, 
 
 To fill the world with strange but vain conceits : 
 
 One brings the stuff, the other stamps the coin, 
 
 Which breeds nought else but glosses of deceits. 
 
 Thus painters Cupid paint, thus poets do 
 
 A naked god, blind, young, with arrows two. 
 Is he a god that ever flies the light : 
 
 Or naked he, disguis'd in all untruth ? 
 If he be blind, how hitteth he so right ? 
 
 How is he young that tam'd old Phcebus youth ? 
 
 But arrows two, and tipped with gold or lead? 
 
 Some hurt, accuse a third with horny head. 
 
 No, nothing so ; an old false knave he is, 
 
 By Argus got on lo, then a cow : 
 
 What time for her Juno her Jove did miss, 
 
 And charge of her to Argus did allow. 
 
 Mercury kill'd his false sire for this act. 
 
 His dam a beast was pardon'd beastly fact. 
 With father's death and mother's guilty shame, 
 
 With Jove's disdain of such a rival's seed : 
 
198 ARCADIA [BOOK M. 
 
 The wretch compell'd a runnagate became, 
 
 And learn'd what ill a miser-state doth breed : 
 
 To lie, to steal, to pry, and to accuse, 
 
 Nought in himself each other to abuse. 
 
 Yet bears he still his parents stately gifts, 
 A horned head, cloven feet, and thousand eyes, 
 
 Some gazing still, some winking wily shifts. 
 Whose long large ears, where never rumour dies. 
 
 His horned head doth seem the heaven to spite, 
 
 His cloven foot doth never tread aright. 
 Thus half a man, with man he daily haunts, 
 
 Cloth'd in the shape which soonest may deceive : 
 Thus half a beast, each beastly vice he plants, 
 
 In those weak hearts that his advice receive. 
 
 He prowls each place still in new colours decked, 
 
 Sucking one's ill, another to infect. 
 
 To narrow breasts, he comes all wrapped in gain : 
 
 To swelling hearts he shines in honours fire : 
 To open eyes all beauties he doth rain ; 
 
 Creeping to each with flattering of desire. 
 
 But for that love is worst which rules the eyes, 
 
 Thereon his name, there his chief triumph lies. 
 Millions of years this old drivel Cupid lives. 
 
 While still more wretch, more wicked he doth prove. 
 Till now at length that Jove him office gives 
 (At Juno's suit, who much did Argus love) 
 
 In this our world a hangman for to be 
 
 Of all those fools, that will have all they see. 
 
 The ladies made sport at the description and story of Cupid. 
 But Zelmane could scarce suffer those blasphemies, as she took 
 them, to be read, but humbly besought Pamela we should perform 
 her sister's request of the other part of the story. " Noble lady," 
 answered she, beautifying her face with a sweet smiling, and the 
 sweetness of her smiling with the beauty of her face, " since I am 
 born a prince's daughter, let me not give example of disobedience. 
 My governess will have us draw cuts, and therefore I pray you let 
 us do so : and so perhaps it will light upon you to entertain this 
 company with some story of your own ; and it is reason our ears 
 should be willinger to hear, as your tongue is abler to deliver." 
 " I will think," answered Zelmane, " excellent princess, my tongue 
 of some value if it can procure your tongue thus much to favour 
 me.'' But Pamela pleasantly persisting to have fortune their judge, 
 they set hands, and Mopsa (though at the first for squeamishness 
 going up and down with her head like a boat in a storm,) put to 
 her golden gols* among them, and blind fortune, that saw not the 
 colour of them, gave her the pre-eminence : and so being her time 
 
 * Hands. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 199 
 
 to speak, wiping her mouth, as there was good cause, she thus 
 tumbled into her matter. 
 
 " In time past," said she, " there was a king, the mightiest man 
 in all his country, that had by his wife the fairest daughter that 
 ever ate pap. Now this king did keep a great house, that every- 
 body might come and take their meat freely. So one day as his 
 daughter was sitting in her window, playing upon a harp as sweet 
 as any rose, and combing her head with a comb all of precious 
 stones, there came in a knight into the court, upon a goodly horse, 
 one hair of gold, and the other of silver ; and so the knight casting 
 up his eyes to the window, did fall into such love with her, that he 
 grew not worth the bread he ate ; till many a sorry day going 
 over his head, with daily diligence and griefly groans, he won her 
 affection, so that they agreed to run away together. And so in 
 May, when all true hearts rejoice, they stole out of the castle 
 without staying so much as for their breakfast. Now forsooth, as 
 they went together, often fall to kissing one another, the knight 
 told her, he was brought up among the water-nymphs, who had so 
 bewitched him that if he were ever ask'd his name, he must 
 presently vanish away, and therefore charged her upon his blessing, 
 never to ask him what he was, not whether he would. And so a 
 great while she kept his commandment ; till once, passing through 
 a cruel wilderness, as dark as pitch, her mouth so watered, that 
 she could not choose but ask him the question. And then, he 
 making the grievousest complaints that would have melted a tree 
 to have heai'd them, vanish'd quite away : and she lay down, 
 casting forth as pitiful cries as any shriek-owl. But having lain so, 
 wet by the rain, and burnt by the sun, five days and five nights, 
 she got up and went over many a high hill, and many a deep river, 
 till she came to an aunt's house of hers, and came and cried to her 
 for help : and she for pity gave her a nut, and bid her never open 
 her nut till she was come to the extremest misery that ever tongue 
 could speak of; and so she went, and she went, and never rested 
 the evening, where she went in the morning, till she came to a 
 second aunt, and she gave her another nut." 
 
 " Now good Mopsa," said the sweet Philoclea, " I pray thee at 
 my request keep this tale till my marriage-day, and I promise thee 
 that the best gown I wear that day shall be thine." Mopsa was 
 very glad of that bargain, especially that it should grow a festival 
 tale : so that Zelmane, who desired , to find the uttermost what 
 these ladies understood touching herself, and having understood 
 the danger of Erona, of which before she had never heard, purpos- 
 ing with herself, as soon as this pursuit she now was in was brought 
 to any efi'ect, to succour her, entreated again, that she might know 
 as well the story of Plangus, as of Erona. Philoclea referred it to 
 
200 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 her sister's perfecter remembrance, who with so sweet a voice, and 
 so winning a grace, as in themselves were of most forcible eloquence 
 to procure attention, in this manner to their earnest request soon 
 condescended. 
 
 " The father of this prince Plangus as yet lives, and is king of 
 Iberia : a man, if the judgment of Plangus may be accepted, of no 
 wicked nature, nor willingly doing evil, without himself mistake 
 the evil, seeing it disguised under some form of goodness. This 
 prince being married at the first to a princess, who both from her 
 ancestors, and in herself was worthy of him, by her had this son 
 Plangus. Not long after whose birth, the queen, as though she 
 had performed the message for which she was sent into the world, 
 returned again unto her maker. The king, sealing up all thoughts ' 
 of love under the image of her memory, remained a widower many 
 years after ; recompensing the grief of that disjoining from her, in 
 conjoining in himself both a fatherly and motherly care toward her 
 only child Plangus, who being grown to man's age, as our own 
 eyes may judge, could not but fertily requite his father's fatherly 
 education. 
 
 " This prince, while yet the errors in his nature were excused by 
 the greenness of his youth which took all the fault upon itself, loved 
 a private man's wife of the principal city of that kingdom, if that 
 may be called love, which he rather did take into himself willingly 
 than by which he was taken forcibly. It sufficeth that the young 
 man persuaded himself he loved her : she being a woman beautiful 
 enough, if it be possible, that the only outside can justly entitle a 
 beauty. But finding such a chase as only fled to be caught, the 
 young prince brought his affection with her to that point, which 
 ought to engrave remorse in her heart, and to paint shame upon 
 her face. And so possessed he his desire without any interruption ; 
 he constantly favouring her, and she thinking that the enamelling 
 of a prince's name, might hide the spots of a broken wedlock. But 
 as I have seen one that was sick of a sleeping disease could not be 
 made wake, but with pinching of him, so out of his sinful sleep his 
 mind, unworthy so to be lost, was not to be called to itself, but by 
 a sharp accident. It fell out, that his many times leaving of the 
 court, in undue times, began to be noted ; and, as prince's ears be 
 manifold, from one to another came unto the king, who, careful of 
 his only son, sought and found by his spies, the necessary evil 
 servants to a king, what it was, whereby he was from his laetter 
 delights so diverted. Whereupon, the king, to give his fault the 
 greater blow, used such means by disguising himself, that he found 
 them, her husband being absent, in her house together, which he 
 did to make them the more feelingly ashamed of it. And that 
 way he took, laying threatenings upon her, and upon him 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 20I 
 
 reproaches. But the poor young prince, deceived with that young 
 opinion, that if it be ever lawful to lie, it is for one's lover, employed 
 all his wit to bring his father into a better opinion. And because 
 he might bend him from that, as he counted it, crooked conceit of 
 her, he wrested him, as much as he could possibly, to the other 
 side, not sticking with prodigal protestations to set forth her 
 chastity ; not denying his own attempt, but thereby the more 
 extolling her virtue, His sophistry, prevailed, his father believed, 
 and so believed, that ere long, though he were already stepped into 
 the winter of his age, he found himself warm in those desires which 
 were in his son far more excusable. To be short, he gave himself 
 over unto it, and, because he would avoid the odious comparison 
 of a young rival, sent away his son with an army, to the subduing 
 of a province lately rebelled against him, which he knew could not 
 be less work than of three or four years. Wherein he behaved 
 himself so worthily, as even to this country the fame thereof came, 
 long before his own coming : while yet his father had a speedier 
 success, but in a far more unnobler conquest. For while Plangus 
 was away, the old man, growing only in age and affection, followed 
 his suit with all means of unhonest servants, large promises, and 
 each thing else that might help to countervail his own unloveliness. 
 And she, whose husband about that time died, forgetting the 
 absent Plangus, or at least not hoping of him to obtain so aspiring 
 a purpose, left no art unused, which might keep the line from 
 breaking, whereat the fish was already taken, not drawing him 
 violently, but letting him play himself upon the hook which he 
 had so greedily swallowed. For, accompanying her mourning 
 garments with a doleful countenance, yet neither forgetting 
 handsomeness in her mourning garments, nor sweetness in her 
 doleful countenance, her words were ever seasoned with sighs, and 
 any favour she showed, bathed in tears, that affection might see 
 cause of pity, and pity might persuade cause of affection. And 
 being grown skilful in his humours, she was no less skilful in 
 applying his humours ; never suffering his fear to fall to despair, 
 nor his hope to hasten to an assurance : she was content he should 
 think that she loved him ; and a certain stolen look should some- 
 times, as though it were against her will, betray it : but if there- 
 upon he grew bold, he straight was encountered with a mask of 
 virtue. And that which seemeth most impossible unto me, for as 
 near as I can repeat it, as Plangus told it, she could not only sigh 
 when she would, as all can do, and weep when she would, as, they 
 say, some can do ; but, being most impudent in her heart, she 
 could when she would, teach her cheeks blushing, and make shame- 
 facedness the cloak of shamelessness. In sum, to leave out many 
 particularities, which he recited, she did not only use so the spur 
 
202 ARCADIA [book II. 
 
 that his desire ran on, but so the bit, that it ran on even in such 
 a career as she would have it ; that within a while the king, seeing 
 with no other eyes but such as she gave him, and thinking on no 
 other thoughts but such as she taught him ; having at first liberal 
 measures of favours, then shortened of them, when most his desire 
 was inflamed, he saw no other way but marriage to satisfy his 
 longing, and her mind, as he thought, loving, but chastly loving : 
 so that by the time Plangus returned from being notably victorious 
 over the rebels, he found his father not only married, but already 
 a father of a son and a daughter by this woman. Which though 
 Plangus, as he had every way just cause, was grieved at ; yet did 
 his grief never bring forth either contemning of her or repining at 
 his father. But she, who besides that was grown a mother, and a 
 step-mother, did read in his eyes her own fault, and made his 
 conscience her guiltiness, thought still that his presence carried 
 her condemnation ; so much the more, as that she, unchastly 
 attempting his wonted fancies, found, for the reverence of his 
 father's bed, a bitter refusal, which breeding rather spite than 
 shame in her, or if it were a shame, a shame not of the fault, but 
 of the repulse, she did not only, as hating him, thirst for a revenge, 
 but, as fearing harm from him, endeavoured to do harm unto him. 
 Therefore did she try the uttermost of her wicked wit, how to 
 overthrow him in the foundation of his strength, which was in the 
 favour of his father : which because she saw strong both in nature 
 and desert, it required the more cunning how to undermine it. 
 And therefore, shunning the ordinary trade of hireling Sycophants, 
 she made her praises of him to be accusations ; and her advanc- 
 ing him to be his ruin. For first, with words, nearer admiration 
 than liking, she would extol his excellencies, the goodliness of his 
 shape, the power of his wit, the valiantness of his courage, the 
 fortunateness of his successes, so as the father might find in her 
 a singular love towards him : nay she shunned not to kindle some 
 few sparks of jealousy in him : thus having gotten an opinion in 
 his father that she was far from meaning mischief to the son, then 
 fell she to praise him with no less vehemency of affection, but with 
 much more cunning of malice. For then she sets forth the liberty 
 of his mind, the high flying of his thoughts, the fitness in him to 
 bear rule, the singular love the subjects bear him, that it was 
 doubtful whether his wit were greater in winning their favours, or 
 his courage in employing their favours ; that he was not born to 
 live a subject life, each action of his bearing in it majesty ; such a 
 kingly entertainment, such a kingly magnificence, such a kingly 
 heart for enterprizes ; especially remembering those virtues, which 
 in a successor are no more honoured by the subjects than suspected 
 of the princes. Then would she, by putting off objections, bring 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 203 
 
 in objections to her husband's head, already infected with suspicion. 
 " Nay," would she say, " I dare take it upon my death, that he is 
 no such son, as many like might have been, who loved greatness 
 so wellas to build their greatness upon their father's ruin. Indeed 
 ambition, like love, can abide no lingering, and ever urgeth on his 
 own successes ; hating nothing, but what may stop them. But the 
 gods forbid, we should ever once dream of any such thing in him, 
 who perhaps might be content that you and the world should know 
 what he can do : but the more power he hath to hurt, the more 
 admirable is his praise, that he will not hurt." Then ever re- 
 membering to strengthen the suspicion of his estate with private 
 jealousy of her love, doing him excessive honour when he was in 
 presence, and repeating his pretty speeches and graces in his 
 absence, besides, causing him to be employed in all such dangerous 
 matters, as either he should perish in them, or, if he prevailed, 
 they should increase his glory, which she made a weapon to wound 
 him ; until she found that suspicion began already to speak for 
 itself, and that her husband's ears were grown hungry of rumours, 
 and his eyes prying into every accident. 
 
 " Then took she help to her of a servant near about her husband, 
 whom she knew to be of a hasty ambition, and such a one, who, 
 wanting true sufficiency to raise him, would make a ladder of any 
 mischief. Him she useth to deal more plainly in alleging causes 
 of jealousy, making him know the fittest times when her husband 
 already was stirred that way. And so they two, with divers ways, 
 nourished one humour, like musicians, that singing divers parts, 
 make one music. He sometimes with fearful countenance would 
 desire the king to look to himself, for that all the court and city 
 were full of whisperings and expectation of some sudden change, 
 upon what ground himself knew not. Another time he would 
 counsel the king to make much of his son, and hold his favour, for 
 that it was too late now to keep him under. Now seeming to fear 
 himself, because, he said, Plangus loved none of them that were 
 great about his father. Lastly, breaking with him directly, making 
 a sorrowful countenance, and an humble gesture bear false witness 
 for his true meaning, that he found not only soldiery, but people 
 weary of his government, and all their affection bent upon Plangus ; 
 both he and the queen concurring in strange dreams, and each 
 thing else, that in a mind already perplexed might breed astonish- 
 ment : so that within a while, all Plangus's actions began to be 
 translated into the language of suspicion. Which though Plangus 
 found, yet could he not avoid, even contraries being driven to 
 draw one yoke of argument. If he were magnificent, he spent 
 much with an aspiring intent, if he spared, he heaped much with 
 an aspiring intent ; if he spoke courteously, he angled the people's 
 
204 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 hearts ; if he were silent, he mused upon some dangerous plot. In 
 sum, if he could have turned himself to as many forms as Proteus, 
 every form should have been made hideous. 
 
 "But so it fell out, that a mere trifle gave them occasion of 
 further proceeding. The king one morning, going to a vineyard 
 that lay along the hill whereupon his castle stood : he saw a vine- 
 labourer, that finding a bough broken, took a branch of the same 
 bough for want of another thing and tied it about the place broken. 
 The king asking the fellow what he did, 'Marry,' said he, 'I 
 make the son bind the father." This word, finding the king 
 already superstitious through suspicion, amazed him straight, as 
 a presage of his own fortune, so that, returning and breaking with 
 his wife how much he misdoubted his estate ; she made such gain- 
 saying answers as while they strove, strove to be overcome. But 
 even while the doubts most boiled, she thus nourished them. 
 
 " She under-hand dealt with the principal men of that country, 
 that at the great parliament, which was then to be held, they should 
 in the name of all the estates persuade the king, being now 
 stepped deeply into old age, to make Plangus his associate in 
 government with him, assuring them that not only she would join 
 with them, but that the father himself would take it kindly, charging 
 them not to acquaint Plangus withal, for that perhaps it might be 
 harmful unto him, if the king should find that he were a party. 
 They (who thought they might do it, not only willingly, because 
 they loved him ; and truly, because such indeed was the mind of 
 the people ; but safely, because she who ruled the king, was agreed 
 thereto) accomplished her counsel ; she indeed keeping promise of 
 vehement persuading the same : which the more she and they did, 
 the more she knew her husband would fear, and hate the cause of 
 his fear, Plangus found this, and humbly protested against such 
 desire or will to accept. But the more he protested, the more his 
 father thought he dissembled, accounting his integrity to be but a 
 cunning face of falsehood : and therefore delaying the desire of his 
 subjects, attended some fit occasion to lay hands upon his son, 
 which his wife brought thus to pass. 
 
 " She caused the same minister of hers to go unto Plangus, and, 
 enabling his words with great show of faith, and endearing them 
 with desire of secrecy, to tell him, that he found his ruin conspired 
 by his stepmother, with certain of the noblemen of that country, 
 the king himself giving his consent, and that few days should pass 
 before the putting it in practice ; withal discovering the very truth 
 indeed, with what cunning his step-mother had proceeded. This 
 agreeing with Plangus his own opinion, made him give the better 
 credit ; yet not so far, as to fly out of his country, according to 
 the naughty fellow's persuasion, but to attend, and to see farther. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 205 
 
 Whereupon the fellow, by the direction of his mistress, told him 
 one day, that the same night, about one of the clock, the king had 
 appointed to have his wife, and those noblemen together to 
 deliberate of their manner of proceeding against Plangus, and 
 therefore offered him, that if himself would agree, he would bring 
 him into a place where he should hear all that passed and so have 
 the more reason both to himself and to the world, to seek his 
 safety. The poor Plangus, being subject to that only disadvantage 
 of honest hearts, credulity, was persuaded by him ; and arming 
 himself, because of his late going, was closely conveyed into the 
 place appointed. In the meantime, his step-mother, making all 
 her gestures cunningly counterfeit a miserable affliction, she lay 
 almost grovelling on the floor of her chamber, not suffering any- 
 body to comfort her, until they calling for her husband, and he 
 held off with long enquiry, at length she told him, even almost 
 crying out of every word, that she was weary of her life, since she 
 was brought to that plunge, either to conceal her husband's murder, 
 or accuse her son, who had ever been more dear than a son unto 
 her. Then with many interruptions and exclamations she told 
 him, that her son Plangus, soliciting her in the old affection between 
 them, had besought her to put to her helping hand to the death of 
 the king, assuring her that, though all the laws in the world were 
 against it, he would marry her when he were king. 
 
 " She had not fully said thus much, with many pitiful digressions, 
 when ia comes the same fellow that brought Plangus : and running 
 himself out of breath, fell at the king's feet, beseeching him to save 
 himself, for that there was a man with a sword drawn in the next 
 room. The king affrighted, went out, and called his guard, who 
 entering the place, found indeed Plangus with his sword in his 
 hand, but not naked, yet standing suspiciously enough to one 
 already suspicious. The king, thinking he had put up his sword 
 because of the noise, never took leisure to hear his answer, but 
 made him prisoner, meaning the next morning to put him to death 
 in the market-place. 
 
 " But the day had no sooner opened the eyes and ears of his 
 friends and followers, but that there was a little army of them who 
 came, and by force delivered him ; although numbers on the other 
 side, abused with the fine framing of their report, took arms for 
 the king. But Plangus, though he might have used the force of 
 his friends to revenge his wrong, and get the crown, yet the natural 
 love of his father, and hate to make their suspicion seem just, 
 caused him rather to choose a voluntary exile than to make his 
 father's death the. purchase of his life : and therefore went he to 
 Tiridates, whose mother was his father's sister, living in his court 
 eleven or twelve years, ever hoping by his intercession, and his 
 
2o6 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 own desert, to recover his father's grace. At the end of which 
 time, the war of Erona happened, which my sister, with the cause 
 thereof, discoursed unto you. 
 
 " But his father had so deeply engraven the suspicion in his 
 heart that he thought his flight rather to proceed of a fearful guilti- 
 ness than of an humble faithfulness, and therefore continued his 
 hate with such vehemency that he did even hate his nephew 
 Tiridates, and afterwards his niece Artaxia, because in his court 
 he received countenance, leaving no means unattempted of destroy- 
 ing his son ; among other, employing that wicked servant of his, 
 who undertook to empoison him. But his cunning disguised him 
 not so well but that the watchful servants of Plangus did discover 
 him, whereupon the wretch was taken, and, before his well- 
 deserved execution, by tortures forced to confess the particularities 
 of this, which in general I have told you. 
 
 "Which confession authentically set down, though Tiridates 
 with solemn embassage sent to the king, wrought no effect. For 
 the king having put the reins of the government into his wife's 
 hand, never did so much as read it, but sent it straight by her to 
 be considered. So as they rather heaped more hatred on Plangus, 
 for the death of their servant. And now finding, that his absence, 
 and their reports, had much diminished the wavering people's 
 affection towards Plangus, with advancing fit persons for faction, 
 and granting great immunities to the commons, they prevailed so 
 far as to cause the son of the second wife, called Palladius, to be 
 proclaimed successor, and Plangus quite excluded : so that Plangus 
 was driven to continue his serving Tiridates, as he did in the war 
 against Erona, and brought home Artaxia, as my sister told you ; 
 when Erona by the treason of Antiphilus " 
 
 But at that word she stopped. For Basilius, not able longer to 
 abide their absence, came suddenly among them, and with smiling 
 countenance, telling Zelmane he was afraid she had stolen away 
 his daughters, invited them to follow the sun's counsel in going 
 then to their lodging, for indeed the sun was ready to set. They 
 yielded, Zelmane meaning some other time to understand the story 
 of Antiphilus's treason, and Erona's danger, whose cause she 
 greatly tendered. But Miso had no sooner espied Basilius, but as 
 spitefully as her rotten voice could utter, she set forth the sauciness 
 of Amphailus, But Basilius only attended what Zelmane's opinion 
 was, who though she hated Amphialus, yet the nobihty of her 
 courage prevailed over it, and she desired he might be pardoned 
 that youthful error, considering the reputation he had to be one of 
 the best knights in the world ; so as hereafter he governed himself, 
 as one remembering his fault. Basilius giving the infinite terms of 
 praises to Zelmane's both valour in conquering, and pitifulness in 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 207 
 
 pardoning, commanded no more words to be made of it, since such 
 he thought was her pleasure. 
 
 So brought he them up to visit his wife, where, between her and 
 him, the poor Zelmane received a tedious entertainment ; oppressed 
 with being loved, almost as much, as with loving. Basilius not so 
 wise in covering his passion, could make his tongue go almost no 
 other pace, but to run into those immoderate praises which the 
 fooUsh lover thinks short of his mistress, though they reach far 
 beyond the heavens. But Gynecia, whom womanly modesty did 
 more outwardly bridle, yet did sometimes use the advantage of her 
 sex in kissing Zelmane, as she sat upon her bed-side by her, which 
 was but still more and more sweet incense to cast upon the fire 
 wherein her heart was sacrificed. Once Zelmane could not stir, 
 but that, as if they had been poppets, whose motion stood only 
 upon her pleasure, Basilius with serviceable steps, Gynecia with 
 greedy eyes, would follow her. Basilius's mind Gynecia well knew, 
 and could have found in her heart to laugh at, if mirth could have 
 born any proportion with her fortune. But all Gynecia's actions 
 were interpreted by Basilius, as proceeding from jealously of his 
 amorousness. Zelmane betwixt both, like the poor child, whose 
 father, while he beats him, will make him believe it is for love ; or 
 like the sick man, to whom the physician swears the ill tasting 
 wallowish medicine he proffers is of a good taste : their love was 
 hateful, their courtesy, troublesome, their presence cause of her 
 absence thence, where not only her light, but her life consisted. 
 Alas ! thought she to herself, dear Dorus, what odds is there 
 between thy destiny and mine ? For thou hast to do, in thy pursuit 
 but with shepherdish folks, who trouble thee with a little envious 
 care, and affected diligence ; but I, besides that I have now Miso, 
 the worst of thy devils, let loose upon me, am waited on by princes, 
 and watched by the two wakeful eyes of love and jealousy. Alas ! 
 incomparable Philoclea, thou ever seest me, but dost never see me 
 as I am : thou hearest willingly all that I dare say, and I dare not 
 say that which were most fit for thee to hear. Alas ! who ever but 
 I was imprisoned in liberty, and banished being still present ? to 
 whom but me have lovers been jailors, and honour a captivity ? 
 
 But the night coming on with her silent steps upon them, they 
 parted each from other, if at least they could be parted, of whom 
 every one did live in another, and went about to flatter sleep in 
 their beds, that disdained to bestow itself liberally upon such eyes, 
 which by their will would ever be looking, and in least measure 
 upon Gynecia. Who, when Basilius after long tossing was gotten 
 asleep, and the cheerful comfort of the lights removed from her, 
 kneeling up in her bed, began with a soft voice, and swollen heart, 
 to renew the curses of her birth ; and then in a manner embracing 
 
2o8 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 her bed : " Ah chastest bed of mine,'' said she, " which never 
 heretofore could'st accuse me of one defiled thought, how can'st 
 thou now receive this disastered changling ? happy, happy, be they 
 only which be not ; and thy blessedness only in this respect thou 
 mayest feel that thou hast no feeling." With that she furiously 
 tore off great part of her fair hair : " Take care, O forgotten virtue," 
 said she, " this miserable sacrifice ; while my soul was clothed 
 with modesty, that was a comely ornament : now why should 
 nature crown that head, which is so wicked, as her only desire is 
 she cannot be enough wicked?" more she would have said, but 
 that Basilius, awaked with the noise, took her in his arms, and 
 began to comfort her, the good man thinking it was all for a 
 jealous love of him, which humour if she would a little have main- 
 tained, perchance it might have weakened his new conceived 
 fancies. But he, finding her answers wandering from the purpose, 
 left her to herself (glad the next morning to take the advantage of 
 a sleep, which a little before day overwatched with sorrow, her 
 tears had as it were sealed up in her eyes) to have the more conference 
 with Zelmane, who baited on this fashion by those two lovers, and 
 ever kept from any mean to declare herself, found in herself a daily 
 increase of her violent desires ; like a river, the more swelling, the 
 more his current is stopped. 
 
 The chief recreation she could find in her anguish, was some- 
 time to visit that place, where first she was so happy as to see the 
 cause of her unhap. There would she kiss the ground, and thank 
 the trees, bless the air, and do dutiful reverence to everything that 
 she thought did accompany her at their first meeting : then return 
 again to her inward thoughts ; sometimes despair darkening all her 
 imaginations, sometimes the active passion of love cheering and 
 clearing her invention, how to unbar that cumbersome hindranc-e 
 of her two ill-matched lovers. But this morning Basilius himself 
 gave her good occasion to go beyond them. For having combed 
 and tricked himself more curiously than any time forty winters 
 before, coming where Zelmane was, he found her given over to her 
 musical muses, to the great pleasure of good old Basilius, who 
 retired himself behind a tree, while she with a most sweet voice 
 did utter those passionate verses. 
 
 Loved I am, and yet complain of love : 
 
 As loving not, accus'd in love I die. 
 When pity most I crave, I cruel prove : 
 
 Still seeking love, love found, as much I fly. 
 Burnt in myself, I muse at others fire ; 
 
 What I call wrong, I do the same and more ; 
 Barr'd of my will, I have beyond desire ; 
 
 I wail for want, and yet am chok'd with store. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 209 
 
 This is thy work, thou god for ever blind : 
 Though thousands old, a boy entitled still. 
 T iius children do the silly birds they find, 
 
 With stroking hurt, and too much cramming kill. 
 
 Yet thus much love, O love, I crave of thee : 
 
 Let me be lov'd, or else not loved be. 
 
 Basilius made no great haste from beyond the trees, till he 
 perceived she had fully ended her music. But then loth to lose 
 the precious fruit of time, he presented himself unto her, falling 
 down upon both his knees, and holding up his hands, as the old 
 governess of Danae is painted, when she suddenly saw the golden 
 shower, " O "heavenly woman, or earthly goddess," said he, " let 
 not my presence be odious unto you, nor my humble suit seem of 
 small weight in your ears. Vouchsafe your eyes to descend upon 
 this miserable old man, whose life hath hitherto been maintained 
 but to serve as an increase of your beautiful triumphs. You only 
 have overthrown me, and in my bondage consists my glory. 
 Suffer not your own work to be despised of you, but look upon him 
 with pity, whose life serves for your praise." Zelmane, keeping a 
 countenance ascances she understood him not, told him it became 
 her evil to suffer such excessive reverence of him, but that it worse 
 became her to correct him, to whom she owed duty ; that the 
 opinion she had of his wisdom was such as made her esteem greatly 
 of his words ; but that the words themselves sounded so, that she 
 could not imagine what they might intend. " Intend," said 
 Basilius, proud that that was brought in question, " what may they 
 intend but a refreshing of my soul, and assuaging of my heart, and 
 enjoying those your excellencies, wherein my life is upheld, and 
 my death threatened ? " Zelmane lifting up her face as if she had 
 received a mortal injury of him, "and is this the devotion your 
 ceremonies have been bent to ? " said she : " is it the disdain of my 
 estate, or the opinion of my lightness that have emboldened such 
 base fancies towards me ? enjoying quoth you ? now little joy come 
 to them that yield to such enjoying." 
 
 Poor Basilius was so appalled that his legs bowed under him ; 
 his eyes looked as though he would gladly hide himself, and his 
 old blood going to his heart, a general shaking all over his body 
 possessed him. At length, with a wan mouth, he was about to 
 give a stammering answer, when it came into Zelmane's head by 
 this device, to make her profit of his folly ; and therefore with a 
 relented countenance, thus said unto him, "Your words, mighty 
 Prince, were unfit either for me to hear, or you to speak, but yet 
 the large testimony I see of your affection makes me wiUing to 
 suppress a great number of errors. Only thus much I think good 
 
 o 
 
210 ARCADIA [BOOK II. 
 
 to say, that the same words in my lady Philoclea's mouth, as from 
 one woman to another, so as there were no other body by, might 
 have had a better grace, and perchance have found a gentler 
 receipt. 
 
 Basilius, whose senses by desire were held open, and conceit 
 was by love quickened, heard scarcely half her answer out, but 
 that, as if speedy flight might save his life, he turned away, and ran 
 with all the speed his body would suffer him towards his daughter 
 Philoclea, whom he found at that time dutifully watching by her 
 mother, and Miso curiously watching her, having left Mopsa to do 
 the like service to Pamela. Basilius forthwith calling Philoclea 
 aside, with all the conjuring words which desire could indite and 
 authority utter, besought her she would preserve his life, in whom 
 her life was begun, she would save his grey hairs from rebuke, and 
 his aged mind from despair ; that if she were not cloyed with his 
 company, and that she thought not the earth over-burdened with 
 him, she would cool his fiery grief, which was to be done but by 
 her breath : that in fine, whatsoever he was, he was nothing but 
 what it pleased Zelmane ; all the powers of his spirit depending of 
 her, that if she continued cruel he could no more sustain his life 
 than the earth remain fruitful in the sun's continual absence. He 
 concluded, she should in one payment requite all his deserts ; and 
 that she needed not to disdain any service, though never so mean, 
 which was warranted by the sacred name of father. Philoclea 
 more glad than ever she had known herself that she might, by this 
 occasion, enjoy the private conference of Zelmane, yet had so sweet 
 a feeling of virtue in her mind, that she would not suffer a vile 
 colour to be cast over fair thoughts, but with humble grace 
 answered her father : that there needed neither promise nor 
 persuasion to her, to make her do her uttermost for her father's 
 service ; that for Zelmane's favour, she would in all virtuous sort 
 seek it towards him : and that as she would not pierce farther into 
 his meaning, than himself should declare, so would she interpret 
 all his doings to be accomplished in goodness : and therefore 
 desired, if otherwise it were, that he would not impart it to her, 
 who then should be forced to begin, by true obedience, a show of 
 disobedience : rather performing his general commandment, which 
 had ever been to embrace virtue than any new particular sprung 
 out of passion, and contrary to the former. Basilius content to 
 take that, since he could have no more, thinking it a great point, 
 if, by her means, he could get but a more free access unto Zelmane, 
 allowed her reasons, and took her proffer thankfully, desiring only 
 a speedy return of comfort. Philoclea was parting, and Miso 
 straight behind her, like Alecto following Proserpina. But 
 Basilius forced her to stay, though with much ado, she being 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 2n 
 
 sharp set upon the fulfilling of a shrewd office in over-looking 
 Philoclea ; and said to Basilius that she did as she was com- 
 manded, and could not answer it to Gynecia, if she were any whit 
 from Philoclea, telling him true, that he did evil to take her charge 
 from her. But Basilius, swearing he would put out her eyes, if she 
 stirred a foot to trouble his daughter, gave her a stop for that 
 while. 
 
 So away departed Philoclea, with a new field of fancies for her 
 travailing mind : for well she saw her father was grown her adverse 
 party, and yet her fortune such, as she must favour her rival ; 
 and the fortune of that fortune such, as neither that did hurt her, 
 nor any contrary mean help her. 
 
 But she walked but a little on, before she saw Zelmane lying 
 upon a bank, with her face so bent over Ladon, that, her tears 
 faUing into the water, one might have thought that she began 
 meltingly to be metamorphosed to the under-running river. But 
 by and by with speech she made known, as well that she lived, as 
 that she sorrowed. " Fair streams," said she, " that do vouchsafe 
 in your clearness to represent unto me, my blubbered face, let the 
 tribute offer of my tears unto you, procure your stay a while with 
 me, that I may begin yet at last to find something that pities me ; 
 and that all things of comfort and pleasure do not fly away from me. 
 But if the violence of your spring command you to haste away, to 
 pay your duties to your great prince, the sea, yet carry with you 
 those few words, and let the uttermost ends of the world know 
 them. A love more clear than yourselves, dedicated to a love, I 
 fear, more cold than yourselves, with the clearness lays a night of 
 sorrow upon me, and with the coldness inflames a world of fire 
 within me." With that she took a willow stick, and wrote in a 
 sandy bank those few verses. 
 
 Over those brooks trusting to ease mine eyes, 
 (Mine eyes even great in labour with their tears) 
 
 I laid my face ; my face ev'n wherein lies 
 
 Clusters of clouds, which no sun ever clears. 
 In watery glass my watery eyes I see ; 
 Sorrows ill eas'd, where sorrows painted be. 
 
 My thoughts imprison'd in my secret woes, 
 With flamy breath do issue oft in sound, 
 The sound of this strange air no sooner goes, 
 But that it does with Echoes force rebound ; 
 And make me hear the plaints I would refrain : 
 Thus outwards helps my inward grief maintain. 
 
212 ARCADIA [BOOK II. 
 
 Now in this sand I would discharge my mind, 
 
 And cast from me part of my burd'nous cares : 
 But in the sand my tales foretold I find, 
 And see therein how well the writer fares. 
 
 Since, stream, air, sand, mine eyes and ears conspire : 
 What hope to quench, where each thing blows the fire ? 
 
 And as soon as she had written them, a new swarm of thoughts 
 stinging her mind, she was ready with her feet to give the new- 
 born letters both death and burial. But Philoclea, whose delight 
 of hearing and seeing was before a stay from interrupting her, 
 gave herself to be seen unto her, with such a lightening beauty 
 upon Zelmane, that neither she could look on, nor would look off. 
 At last Philoclea, having a little mused how to cut the thread even 
 between her own hopeless affection and her father's unbridled hope, 
 with eyes, cheeks, and lips, whereof each sang their part to make 
 up the harmony of bashfulness, began to say, " My father, to whom 
 I owe myself ; " and therefore when Zelmane (making a womanish 
 habit to be the armour of her boldness, giving up her life to the 
 lips of Philoclea, and taking it again by the sweetness of those 
 kisses) humbly besought her to keep her speech for a while within 
 the paradise of her mind. For well she knew her father's errand, who 
 should soon receive a sufficient answer. But now she demanded 
 leave not to lose this long sought-for commodity of time, 
 to ease her heart thus far, that if in her agonies her destiny was to 
 be condemned by Philoclea's mouth ; at least Philoclea might 
 know, whom she had condemned. Philoclea easily yielded to 
 grant her own desire, and so making the green bank the situation, 
 and the river the prospect of the most beautiful buildings of nature, 
 Zelmane doubting how to begin, though her thoughts already had 
 run to the end, with a mind fearing the unworthiness of every word 
 that should be presented to her ears, at length brought it forth in 
 this manner. 
 
 " Most beloved lady, the incomparable excellencies of yourself, 
 waited on by the greatness of your estate, and the importance 
 of the thing whereon my life consisted, doth require both many 
 ceremonies before the beginning, and many circumstances in the 
 uttering my speech, both bold and fearful. But the small oppor- 
 tunity of envious occasion, by the malicious eye hateful love doth 
 cast upon me, and the extreme bent of my affection, which will 
 either break out in words, or break my heart, compel me not only 
 to embrace the smallest time, but to pass by the respects due unto 
 you, in respect of your poor caitiffs life, who is now, or never to be 
 preserved. I do therefore vow unto you, hereafter never more to 
 omit all dutiful form, do you only now vouchsafe to hear the matter 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 213 
 
 of a mind most perplexed, if ever the sound of love have come 
 to your ears, or if ever you have understood what force it hath had 
 to conquer the strongest hearts and change the most settled estates, 
 receive here an example of those strange tragedies ; one, that in 
 himself containeth the particularities of all those misfortunes, and 
 from henceforth believe that such a thing may be, since you shall 
 see it is. You shall see, I say, a living image, and a present story 
 of what love can do when he is bent to ruin. 
 
 " But alas ! whither goest thou my tongue ? or how doth my heart 
 consent to adventure the revealing his nearest touching secret? 
 but peace fear, thou comest too late, when already the harm is 
 taken. Therefore I say again, O only princess attend here a 
 miserable miracle of affection. Behold here before your eyes 
 Pyrocles, prince of Macedon, whom you only have brought to this 
 game of fortune, and unused Metamorphosis, whom you only have 
 made neglect his country, forget his father, and lastly forsaloe to be 
 Pyrocles : the same Pyrocles who, you heard, was betrayed by 
 being put in a ship, which being burned, Pyrocles was drowned. 
 O most true presage 1 for these traitors, my eyes, putting me into 
 a ship of desire, which daily burneth, those eyes, I say, which 
 betrayed me, will never leave till they have drowned me. But be 
 not, be not, most excellent lady, you that, nature hath made to be 
 the load-star of comfort, be not the rock of shipwreck : you whom 
 virtue hath made the princess of felicity, be not the minister of 
 ruin : you whom my choice hath made the goddess of my safety. 
 O let not, let not, from you be poured upon me destruction ; your fair 
 face hath many tokens in it of amazement at my words : think then 
 what his amazement is, from whence they come, since no words 
 can carry with them the life of the inward feeling, I desire that my 
 desire may be weighed in the balances of honour, and let virtue 
 hold them. For if the highest love in no base person may aspire 
 to grace, then may I hope your beauty will not be without pity, if 
 otherwise you be, alas ! but let it not be so resolved, yet shall not 
 my death be comfortless, receiving it by your sentence." 
 
 The joy which wrought into Pygmalion's mind, while he found his 
 beloved image was softer and warmer in his folded arms, till at 
 length it accomplished his gladness with a perfect woman's shape, 
 still beautified with the former perfections, was even such, as by 
 each degree of Zelmane!s words creepingly entered into Philoclea, 
 till her pleasure was fully made up with the manifesting of his being, 
 which was such as in hope did overcome hope. Yet doubt would 
 fain have played his part in her mind and called in question, how 
 she should be assured that Zelmane was Pyrocles. But love 
 straight stood up and deposed that a he could not come from the 
 mouth of Zelmane. Besides, a certain spark of honour, which rose 
 
214 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 in her well disposed mind, made her fear to be alone with him, 
 with whom alone she desired to be, withal the other contradictions 
 growing in those minds, which neither absolutely climb the rock of 
 virtue, nor freely sink into the sea of vanity, but that spark soon 
 gave place, or at least gave no more light in her mind than a 
 candle doth in the sun's presence. But even sick with a surfeit of 
 joy, and fearful of she knew not what, as he that newly finds huge 
 treasures, doubts whether he sleep or no ; or Uke a fearful deer, 
 which then looks most about when he comes to the best feed, with 
 a shrugging kind of tremor through all her principal parts, she 
 gave those affectionate words for answer. 
 
 "Alas ! how painful a thing it is to a divided mind to make a 
 well-joined answer ? how hard it is to bring inward shame to out- 
 ward confession? and what handsomeness, trow you, can be 
 observed in that speech which is made one knows not to whom ? 
 Shall I say, O Zelmane ? alas ! your words be against it. Shall I 
 say Prince Pyrocles ? wretch that I am, your show is manifest against 
 it. But this, this I may well say ; if I had continued as I ought, 
 Philoclea, you had either never been, or ever been Zelmane : you 
 had either never attempted this change, set on with hope, or never 
 discovered it, stopped with despair. But I fear me, my behaviour 
 ill governed, gave you the first comfort ; I fear me, my affection ill 
 hid, hath given you this last assurance : I fear indeed, the weak- 
 ness of my government before, made you think such a mask would 
 be grateful unto me ; and my weaker government since makes you 
 pull off the visor. What should I do then ? shall I seek far-fetched 
 inventions? shall I labour to lay marble colours over my ruinous 
 thoughts ? or rather, though the pureness of my virgin mind be 
 stained, let me keep the true simplicity of my word. True it is, 
 alas ! too true it is, O Zelmane, for so I love to call thee, since in 
 that name my love first began, and in the shade of that name my 
 love shall best lie hidden, that even while so thou wert, what eye 
 bewitched me I know not, my passions were fitter to desire than to 
 be desired. Shall I say then, I am sorry, or that my love must be 
 turned to hate, since thou art turned to Pyrocles ? How may that 
 well be ? since when thou wert Zelmane, the despair thou mightest 
 not be thus did most torment me. Thou hast then the victory, 
 use it with virtue. Thy virtue won me ; with virtue preserve me. 
 Dost thou love me ? keep me then still worthy to be loved." 
 
 Then held she her tongue, and cast down a self-accusing look, 
 finding that in herself she had, as it were, shot out of the bow of 
 her affection, a more quick opening of her mind than she minded 
 to have done. But Pyrocles so carried up with joy that he did 
 not envy the god's felicity, presented her with some jewels of right 
 princely value, as some little tokens of his love and quality : and 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 215 
 
 withal showed her letters from his father King Euarchus, unto 
 him, which even in the sea had amongst his jewels been preserved. 
 But little needed those proofs to one, who would have fallen out 
 with herself rather than make any contrary conjectures to Zelmane's 
 speeches ; so that with such embracements, as it seemed their souls 
 desired to meet, and their hearts to kiss as their mouths did, they 
 passed the promise of marriage, which fain Pyrocles would have 
 sealed with the chief arms of his desire, but Philoclea commanded 
 the contrary. 
 
 And then at Philoclea's entreaty, who was willing to purloin all 
 occasions of remaining with Zelmane, she told her the story 
 of her life, from the time of their departing from Erona ; for the 
 rest she had already understood of her sister. " For," said she, 
 " I have understood how you first, in the company of your noble 
 cousin Musidorus, parted from Thessalia, and of divers adventures, 
 which with no more danger than glory you passed through, till 
 your coming to the succour of the queen Erona ; and the end of 
 that war, you might perceive by myself, I had understood of prince 
 Plangus. But what since was the course of your doings, until 
 you came, after so many victories, to make a conquest of poor 
 me, that I know not ; the fame thereof having rather showed it 
 by pieces, than delivered any full form of it. Therefore, dear 
 Pyrocles, for what can my ears be so sweetly fed with, as to hear 
 you of you, be liberal unto me of those things which have made 
 you indeed precious to the world ; and now doubt not to tell of 
 your perils, for since I have you here out of them, even the 
 remembrance of them is pleasant." 
 
 Pyrocles easily perceived she was content with kindness to put 
 off occasion of farther kindness, wherein love showed himself 
 a cowardly boy that durst not attend for fear of offending. But 
 rather love proved himself valiant, that durst with the sword of 
 reverent duty gain-stand the force of so many enraged desires. 
 But so it was, that though he knew this discourse was to entertain 
 him from a more straight parley, yet he durst not but kiss his 
 rod, and gladly make much of that entertainment which she 
 allotted unto him : and therefore with a desirous sigh chastening 
 his breast for too much desiring, " Sweet princess of my life," said 
 he, " what trophies, what triumph, what monuments, what histories 
 might ever make my fame yield so sweet a music to my ears, as 
 that it pleaseth you to lend your mind to the knowledge of any 
 thing touching Pyrocles, only therefore of value, because he is 
 your Pyrocles ? and therefore grow I now so proud as to think it 
 worth the hearing, since you vouchsafe to give it the hearing. 
 Therefore only height of my hope, vouchsafe to know, that after 
 the death of Tiridates, and settling Erona in her government, for 
 
2i6 ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 settled we left her ; howsoever since, as I perceived by your speech 
 the last day, the ungrateful treason of her ill-chosen husband 
 overthrew her, a thing, in truth, never till this time by me either 
 heard, or suspected : for who could think, without having such 
 a mind as Antiphilus, that so great a beauty as Erona's, indeed 
 excellent, could not have held his affection ? so great goodness 
 could not have bound gratefulness? and so high advancement 
 could not have satisfied his ambition? but therefore true it is, 
 that wickedness may well be compared to a bottomless pit, into 
 which it is far easier to keep one's self from falling than being 
 fallen, to give one's self any stay from falling infinitely. But for 
 my cousin and me, upon this cause we parted from Erona. 
 
 "Euardus, the brave and mighty prince, whom it was my 
 fortune to kill in the combat for Erona, had three nephews, sons 
 to a sister of his ; all three set among the foremost ranks of fame 
 for great minds to attempt, and great force to perform what they 
 did attempt, especially the eldest, by name Anaxius, to whom all 
 men would willingly have yielded the height of praise, but that his 
 nature was such as to bestow it upon himself before any could give 
 it. For of so unsupportable a pride he was, that where his deeds 
 might well stir envy, his demeanour did rather breed disdain. And 
 if it be true that the giants ever made war against heaven, he had 
 been a fit ensign-bearer for that company. For nothing seemed 
 hard to him, though impossible ; and nothing unjust, while his 
 liking was his justice. Now he in these wars had flatly refused 
 his aid, because he could not brook that the worthy prince Plangus 
 was by his cousin Tiridates preferred before him. For allowing 
 no other weights but the sword and spear in judging of desert, 
 how much he esteemed himself before Plangus in that, so much 
 would he have had his allowance in his service. 
 
 " But now that he understood that his uncle was slain by me, 
 I think rather scorn that any should kill his uncle, than any 
 kindness, an unused guest to an arrogant soul, made him seek his 
 revenge, I must confess in manner gallant enough. For he sent 
 a challenge unto me to meet him at a place appionted, in the 
 confines of the kingdom of Lycia, where he would prove upon me, 
 that I had by some treachery overcome his uncle, whom else many 
 hundreds such as I, could not have withstood. Youth and success 
 made me willing enough to accept any such bargain, especially 
 because I had heard that your cousin Amphialus, who for some 
 years hath borne universally the name of the best knight in the 
 world, had divers times fought with him, and never been able to 
 master him, but so had left him, that every man thought Anaxius 
 in that one virtue of courtesy far short of him, in all other his 
 match ; Anaxius still deeming himself for his superior. Therefore 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 2i; 
 
 to him I would go, and I would needs go alone, because so I 
 understood for certain, he was ; and, I must confess, desirous to 
 do something without the company of the incomparable prince 
 Musidorus, because in my heart I acknowledge that I owed more 
 to his presence than to anything in myself, whatever before I had 
 done. For of him indeed, as of any worldly cause, I must grant, 
 as received, whatever there is or may be good in me. He taught 
 me by word, and best by example, giving me in him so lively an 
 image of virtue, that ignorance could not cast such a mist over 
 mine eyes, as not to see, and to love it j and all with such dear 
 friendship and care, as, O heaven, how can my life ever requite 
 to him ? which made me indeed find in myself such a kind of 
 depending upon him, as without him I found a weakness, and 
 a mistrustfulness of myself, as one stayed from his best strength, 
 when at any time I missed him. Which humour perceiving to 
 over-rule me, I strove against it : not that I was unwiUing to 
 depend upon him in judgment, but by weakness I would not ; 
 which though it held me to him, made me unworthy of him. 
 Therefore I desired his leave and obtained it, such confidence he 
 had in me, preferring my reputation before his own tenderness, 
 and so privately went from him, he determining, as after I knew, 
 in secret manner, not to be far from the place where we appointed 
 to meet, to prevent any foul play that might be offered unto me. 
 Full loth was Erona to let us depart from her, as it were, fore- 
 feeling the harms which after fell to her. But I, rid fully from 
 those cumbers of kindness, and half a day's journey in my way 
 towards Anaxius, met an adventure, which, though in itself of 
 small importance, I will tell you at large, because by the occasion 
 thereof I was brought to as great cumber and danger, as lightly 
 any might escape. 
 
 " As I passed through a land, each side whereof was so bordered 
 both with high timber trees, and copses of far more humble growth, 
 that it might easily bring a solitary mind to look for no other 
 companions than the wild- burgesses of the forest, I heard certain 
 cries, which, coming by pauses to mine ears from within the wood 
 of the right hand, made me well assured by the greatness of the 
 cry, it was the voice of a man, though it were a very unmanlike 
 voice, so to cry. But making mine ears my guide, I left not many 
 trees behind me before I saw at the bottom of one of them a 
 gentleman, bound with many garters hand and foot, so as well he 
 might tumble and toss, but neither run nor resist he could. Upon 
 him, like so many eagles upon an ox, were nine gentlewomen, 
 truly such as one might well enough say, they were handsome. 
 Each of them held bodkins in their hands, wherewith continually 
 they pricked him, having been before hand unarmed of any defence 
 
2i8 ARCADIA [BOOK n. 
 
 from the waist upward, but only of his shirt : so as the poor man 
 wept and bled, cried and prayed while they sported themselves in 
 his pain, and delighted in his prayers as the arguments of their 
 victory. 
 
 " I was moved to compassion, and so much the more that he 
 straight called to me for succour, desiring me at least to kill him, 
 to deliver him from those tormentors. But before myself could 
 resolve, much less any other tell what I would resolve, there came 
 in choleric haste towards me about seven or eight knights, the 
 foremost of which, willed me to get away, and not to trouble the 
 ladies while they were taking their due revenge; but with so 
 over-mastering a manner of pride, as truly my heart could not 
 brook it ; and therefore, answering them, that how I would have 
 defended him from the ladies I knew not, but from them I would, 
 I began to combat first with him particularly, and after his death 
 with the others that had less good manners, jointly. But such was 
 the end of it, that I kept the field with the death of some, and 
 flight of others. Insomuch as the women, afraid, what angry 
 victory would bring forth, ran all away, saving only one, who was 
 so fleshed in malice that neither during, nor after the fight, she 
 gave any truce to her cruelty, but still used the little instrument 
 of her great spite, to the well witnessed pain of the impatient 
 patient : and was now about to put out his eyes, which all this 
 while were spared, because they should do him the discomfort of 
 seeing who prevailed over him. When I came in, and after much 
 ado brought her to some conference, for some time it was before she 
 would hearken, more before she would speak, and most before she 
 would in her speech leave off the sharp remembrance of her 
 bodkin, but at length when I pulled off my head-piece, and 
 humbly entreated her pardon, or knowledge why she was cruel, 
 out of breath more with choler, which increased in his own exercise, 
 than with the pain she took, much to this purpose, she gave her 
 grief unto my knowledge. 
 
 " ' Gentlemen,' said she, ' much it is against my will to forbear 
 any time the executing of my just revenge upon this naughty 
 creature, a man in nothing but in deceiving women. But because 
 I see you are young, and like enough to have the power, if you 
 would have the mind, to do much more mischief than he, I am 
 content upon this bad subject to read a lecture to your virtue. 
 This man called Pamphilus, in birth I must confess is noble, but 
 what is that to him, if it shall be a stain to his dead ancestors to 
 have left such an off-spring, in shape as you see, not uncomely, 
 indeed the fit mask of his disguised falsehood, in conversation 
 wittily pleasant, and pleasantly gamesome ; his eyes full of merry 
 simplicity, his words, of hearty companionableness : and such an 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 219 
 
 one, whose head one would not think so stayed as to think mis- 
 chievously ; delighted in all such things, which by imparting the 
 dehght to others, makes the user thereof welcome, as, music, 
 dancing, hunting, feasting, riding, and such like. And to conclude, 
 such an one, as who can keep him at arms-end, need never wish a 
 better companion. But under these qualities lies such a poisonous 
 adder^ as I will tell you. For by those gifts of nature and fortune, 
 being in all places acceptable, he creeps, nay, to say, truly, he flies 
 so into the favour of poor silly women, that I would be too much 
 ashamed to confess, if I had not revenge in my hand as well as 
 shame in 'my cheeks. For his heart being wholly delighted in 
 deceiving us, we could never be warned, but rather one bird 
 caught, served for a stale to bring in more. For the more he got, 
 the more still he showed that he, as it were, gave way to his new 
 mistress when he betrayed his promises to the former. The 
 cunning of his flattery, the readiness of his tears, the infiniteness 
 of his vows, were but among the weakest threads of his net. But 
 the stirring our own passions, and by the entrance of them, to 
 make himself lord of our forces, there lay his masters part of 
 cunning, making us now jealous, now envious, now proud of what 
 he had, desirous of more ; now giving one the triumph, to see 
 him that was prince of many, subject to her ; now with an estranged 
 look, making her fear the loss of that mind, which indeed could 
 never be had : never ceasing humbleness and diligence, till he had 
 embarked us in some such disadvantage that we could not return 
 dry-shod ; and then suddenly a tyrant, but a crafty tyrant. For so 
 would he use his imperiousness, that we had a delightful fear, and 
 an awe, which made us loth to lose our hope. And, which is 
 strangest, when sometimes with late repentance I think of it, I 
 must confess, even in the greatest tempest of my judgment was I 
 never driven to think him excellent ; and yet so could set my mind, 
 both to get and keep him, as though therein had laid my felicity : 
 like them I have seen play at the ball, grow extremely earnest, who 
 should have the ball, and yet every one knew it was but a ball. 
 But in the end the bitter farce of the sport was, that we had either 
 our hearts broken with sorrow, or our estates spoiled with being at 
 his direction, or our honours for ever lost, partly by our own faults, 
 but principally by his faulty using of our faults. For never was 
 there man that could with more scornful eyes behold her at whose 
 feet he had lately lain, nor with a more unmanlike bravery use his 
 tongue to her disgrace, which lately had sung sonnets of her praises, 
 being so naturally inconstant, as I marvel his soul finds not some 
 way to kill his body, whereto it had been so long united. For so hath 
 he dealt with us, unhappy fools, as we could never tell whether he 
 made greater haste after he once liked, to enjoy, or after he once 
 
220 ARCADIA [BOOK n. 
 
 enjoyed, to forsake. But making a glory of his own shame, it 
 delighted him to be challenged of unkindness, it was a triumph to 
 him to have his mercy called for : and he thought the fresh colours 
 of his beauty were painted in nothing so well as in the ruins of his 
 lovers : yet so far had we engaged ourselves, unfortunate souls, that 
 we listed not complain, since our complaints could not but carry the 
 greatest occasion to ourselves. But eveiy of us, each for herself, 
 laboured all means how to recover him, while he rather daily sent us 
 companions of our deceit, than ever returned in any sound and 
 faithful manner. Till at length he concluded all his wrongs with 
 betrothing himself to one, I must confess, worthy to be liked if any 
 worthiness might excuse so unworthy a changeableness, leaving 
 us nothing but remorse for what was past, and despair of what might 
 follow. Then indeed the common injury made us all join in fellow- 
 ship, who till that time had employed our endeavours one against 
 the other, for we thought nothing was a more condemning of us, 
 than the justifying of his love to her by marriage : then despair 
 made fear valiant, and revenge gave shame countenance : where- 
 upon, we, that you saw here, devised how to get him among us 
 alone : which he, suspecting no such matter of them whom he had 
 by often abuses, he thought made tame to be still abused, easily 
 gave us opportunity to do. 
 
 " ' And a man may see, even in this, how soon rulers grow proud, 
 and in their pride foolish : he came with such an authority among 
 us, as if the planets had done enough for us, that by us once he 
 had been delighted. And when we began in courteous manner, one 
 after the other, to lay his unkindness unto him, he, seeing himself 
 confronted by so many, like a resolute orator, went not to denial, 
 but to justify his cruel falsehood, and all with such jests and dis- 
 dainful passages, that if the injury could not be made greater, yet 
 were our conceits made the apter to apprehend it. 
 
 " ' Among other of his answers, forsooth, I shall never forget, 
 how he would prove it was no inconstancy to change from one love 
 to another, but a great constancy, and contrary, that which we call 
 constancy, to be most changeable. ' For,' said he, ' I ever loved 
 my delight, and delighted always in what was lovely : and where- 
 soever, I found occasion to obtain that, I constantly followed it. 
 But these constant fools you speak of, though their mistress grow 
 by sickness foul, or by fortune miserable, yet still will love her, 
 and so commit the absurdest inconstancy that may be, in changing 
 their love from fairness to foulness, and from loveliness to his 
 contrary ; like one not content to leave a friend, but will straight 
 give over himself, to his mortal enemy : where I, whom you call 
 inconstant, am ever constant to beauty, in others, and delight myself.' 
 ' And so in this jolly scoffing bravery he went over us all, saying he 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 221 
 
 left one, because she was over-wayward ; another, because she was 
 too soon won ; a third, because she was not merry enough ; a 
 fourth, because she was over gamesome ; the fifth, because she 
 was grown with grief subject to sickness ; the sixth, because she 
 was so foolish as to be jealous of him ; the seventh, because she 
 had refused to carry a letter from him to another that he loved ; 
 the eighth, because she was not secret ; the ninth, because she 
 was not liberal : but to me, who am named Dido, and indeed have 
 met with a false ^Eneas : to me I say, O the ungrateful villain, he 
 could find no other fault to object, but that, perdy, he met with 
 many fairer. 
 
 " ' But when he had thus played the careless prince, we, having 
 those servants of our's in readiness, whom you lately so manfully 
 overcame, laid hold of him, beginning at first but that trifling 
 revenge, in which you found us busy ; but meaning afterwards to 
 have mangled him so as should have lost his credit for ever abusing 
 more. But as you have made my fellows fly away, so for my part 
 the greatness of his wrong overshadows, in my judgment, the 
 greatness of any danger. For was it not enough for him to have 
 deceived me, and through the deceit abused me, and after the 
 abuse forsaken me, but that he must now, of all the company, and 
 before all the company, lay want of beauty to my charge ? many 
 fairer, I trow even in your judgment, sir, if your eyes do not 
 beguile me, not many fairer ; and I know, whosoever says the 
 contrary, there are not many fairer. And of whom should I receive 
 this reproach, but of him who hath best cause to know there are 
 not many fairer ? and therefore howsoever my fellows pardon his 
 injuries, for my part I will ever remember, and remember to 
 revenge his scorn of all scorns.' With that she to him afresh ; 
 and surely would have put out his eyes, who lay mute for shame, it 
 he did not sometimes cry for fear, if I had not leapt from my horse 
 and mingling force with entreaty, stayed her fury. 
 
 " But while I was persuading her to meekness, comes a number 
 of his friends, to whom he forthwith cried, that they should kill 
 that woman, that had thus betrayed and disgraced him. But then 
 I was fain to forsake the ensign under which I had before served, 
 and to spend my uttermost force in the protecting of the lady : 
 which so well prevailed for her, that in the end there was a faithful 
 peace promised of all sides. And so I leaving her in a place of 
 security, as she thought, went on my journey towards Anaxius, for 
 whom I was forced to stay two days in the appointed place, he 
 disdaining to wait for me, till he were sure I was there. 
 
 " I did patiently abide his angry pleasure, till about that space 
 of time he came, indeed, according to promise, alone : and that I 
 may not say too little, because he is wont to say too much, like a 
 
222 ARCADIA , [BOOK 11. 
 
 man whose courage is apt to climb over any danger. And as soon 
 as ever he came near me, in fit distance for his purpose, he with 
 much fury, but with fury skilfully guided, ran upon me, which I, 
 in the best sort I could, resisted, having kept myself ready for him, 
 because I had understood that he observed few compliments in 
 matter of arms, but such as a proud anger did indite unto him. 
 And so, putting our horses into a full career, we hit each other upon 
 the head with our lances : I think he felt my blow ; for my part, 
 I must confess, I never received the like : but I think, though my 
 senses were astonished, my mind forced them to quicken themselves, 
 because I had learned of him how little favour he is wont to show 
 in any matter of advantage. And indeed he was turned and 
 coming upon me with his sword draws, both our staves having 
 been broken, at that encounter, but I was so ready to answer him, 
 that truly I know not who gave the first blow. But whosoever 
 gave the first, was quickly seconded by the second. And indeed, 
 excellentest lady, I must say true, for a time it was well fought 
 between us ; he undoubtedly being of singular valour, I would 
 God, it were not abased by his too much loftiness : but as, by the 
 occasion of the combat, winning and losing ground, we changed 
 places, his horse, happened to come upon the point of the broken 
 spear, which, fallen to the ground, chanced to stand upward, so as 
 it lightning upon his heart the horse died. He driven to dismount, 
 threatened, if I did not the like, to do as much for my horse as 
 fortune had done for his. But whether for that, or because I 
 would not be beholden to fortune for any part of the victory, I 
 descended. So began our foot-fight in such sort, that we were well 
 entered to blood on both sides, when there comes by that inconstant 
 Pamphilus, whom I had delivered, easy to be known, for he was 
 bare-faced, with a dozen armed men after him ; but before him he 
 had Dido, that lady, who had most sharply punished him, riding 
 upon a palfrey, he following her with most unmanlike cruelty, beating 
 her with wands he had in his hand, she crying for sense of pain, or 
 hope of succour : which was so pitiful a sight unto me, that it moved 
 me to require Anaxius to defer our combat till another day, and 
 now to perform the duties of knighthood in helping this distressed 
 lady. But he that disdains to obey anything but his passion, which 
 he calls his mind, bid me leave off that thought ; but when he had 
 killed me, he would then perhaps, go to her succour. But I well 
 finding the fight would be long between us, longing in my heart 
 to deliver the poor Dido, giving him so great a blow as somewhat 
 stayed him, to term it aright, I flatly ran away from him toward 
 my horse, who trotting after the company in mine armour I was 
 put to some pain, but that use made me nimble unto it. But as I 
 followed my horse, Anaxius followed me ; but this proud heart did 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 223 
 
 so disdain that exercise, that I quickly over-ran him, and overtaken 
 my horse, being, I must confess, ashamed to see a number of 
 country folks, who happened to pass thereby, who halloed and 
 hooted after me, as at the arrantest coward that ever showed his 
 shoulders to his enemy. But when I had leapt on my horse, with 
 such speedy agiUty that they all cried ; ' O see how fear gives him 
 wings,' I turned to Anaxius, and aloud promised him to return 
 thither again as soon as I had relieved the injured lady. But he 
 railing at me, with all the base words angry contempt could indite ; 
 I said no more but 'Anaxius assure thyself, I neither fear thy 
 force, nor thy opinion ; ' and so using no weapon of a knight at that 
 time but my spurs, I ran in my knowledge after Pamphilus, but in 
 all their conceits from Anaxius, which as far as I could hear, I 
 might well hear testified with such laughters and games, that I was 
 some few times moved to turn back again. 
 
 " But the lady's misery over-balanced my reputation, so that after 
 her I went, and with six hours hard riding, through so wild places, 
 as it was rather the cunning of my horse sometimes than of myself, 
 so rightly to hit the way, I overgat them a little before night, near 
 to an old ill-favoured castle, the place where I perceived they meant 
 to perform their unknightly errand. For there they began to strip 
 her of her clothes, when I came in among them, and running 
 through the first with a lance, the justness of the cause so enabled 
 me against the rest, false-hearted in their own wrong doing, that I 
 had in as short time almost as I had been fighting with only 
 Anaxius, delivered her from those injurious wretches, most of whom 
 carried news to the other world, that amongst men secret wrongs 
 are not always left unpunished. As for Pamphilus, he having once 
 seen, and as it should seem, remembered me, even from the 
 beginning began to be in the rearward, and before they had left 
 fighting, he was too far off to give them thanks for their pains. But 
 when I had dehvered to the lady a full liberty, both in effect and in 
 opinion, for some time it was before she could assure herself she was 
 out of their hands, who had laid so vehement apprehensions of death 
 upon her, she then told me, how as she was returning towards her 
 father's, weakly accompanied, as too soon trusting to the falsehood 
 of reconcilement, Pamphilus had set upon her and, killing those that 
 were with her, carried herself by such force, and with such manner 
 as I had seen, to this place, where he meant in cruel and shameful 
 manner to kill her, in the sight of her own father, to whom he had 
 already sent word of it, that out of his castle window, for this castle, 
 she said, was his, he might have the prospect of his only child's 
 destruction in my coming, whom, she said, he feared as soon as he 
 knew me by the armour, had not warranted her from that near 
 approaching cruelty. I was glad I had done so good a deed for a 
 
224 ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 gentlewoman not unhandsome, whom before I had in like sort 
 helped. But the night beginning to persuade some retiring place, 
 the gentlewoman, even out of countenance before she began her 
 speech, much after this manner invited me to lodge that night with 
 her father. 
 
 "'Sir,' said she, 'how much I owe you, can be but abased by 
 words, since the life I have, I hold it now the second time, of you : 
 and therefore need not offer service unto you, but only to remember 
 you, that I am your servant : and I would my being so, might any 
 way yield any small contentment unto you. Now only I can but 
 desire you to harbour yourself this night in this castle, because the 
 time requires it, and in truth this country is very dangerous for 
 murdering thieves, to trust a sleeping life among them. And yet I 
 must confess that as the love I bear you makes me thus invite you, 
 so the same love makes me ashamed to bring you to a place where 
 you shall be so, not spoken by ceremony, but by truth, miserably 
 entertained.' 
 
 " With that she told me, that though she spoke of her father, 
 whom she named Chremes, she would hide no truth from me ; 
 which was in sum, that he was of all that region the man of 
 greatest possessions and riches, so was he either by nature, or an 
 evil received opinion, given to sparing in so unmeasurable soit, 
 that he did not only bar himself from the delightful, but almost 
 from the necessary use thereof, scarcely allowing himself fit 
 sustenance of life, rather than he would spend of those goods for 
 whose sake only he seemed to joy in life. Which extreme dealing, 
 descending from himself upon her, had driven her to put herself 
 with a great lady of that country, by which occasion she had 
 stumbled upon such mischances as were little for the honour 
 either of her, or her family. But so wise had he showed himself 
 therein, as while he found his daughter maintained without his 
 cost, he was content to be deaf to any noise of infamy, which 
 though it had wronged her much more than she deserved, yet she 
 could not deny but she was driven thereby to receive more than 
 decent favours. She concluded, that there at least I should be 
 free from injuries, and should be assured to her-ward to abound as 
 much in the true causes of welcomes, as I should find wants of the 
 effects thereof. 
 
 " I, who had acquainted myself to measure the delicacy of food 
 and rest by hunger and weariness, at that time well stored of both, 
 did not abide long entreaty, but went with her to the castle, which 
 I found of good strength, having a great moat round about it, the 
 work of a noble gentleman, of whose unthrifty son he had bought 
 it ; the bridge drawn up, where we were fain to cry a good while 
 before we could have answer, and to dispute a good while before 
 
BOOK ii.l ARCADIA 225 
 
 answer would be brought to acceptance. At length a willingness, 
 rather than a joy to receive his daughter whom he had lately seen 
 so near death, and an opinion brought into his head by course, 
 because he heard himself called father, rather than any kindness 
 that he found in his own heart, made him take us in ; for my part 
 by that time grown so weary of such entertainment that no regard 
 of myself, but only the importunity of his daughter, made me enter. 
 Where I was met with this Chremes, a driveling old fellow, lean, 
 shaking both of head and hands, already half earth, and yet then 
 most greedy of earth : who scarcely would give me thanks for 
 what I had done, for fear, I suppose, that thankfulness might have 
 an introduction of reward ; but with a hollow voice, giving me a 
 false welcome, I might perceive in his eye to his daughter, that it 
 was hard to say whether the displeasure of her company did not 
 overweigh the pleasure of her own coming. But on he brought 
 me into so bare a house, that it was the picture of miserable 
 happiness, and rich beggary (served only by a company of rustical 
 villains, full of sweat and dust, not one of them other than a 
 labourer) in sum, as he counted it, profitable drudgery ; and all 
 preparations both for food and lodging such as would make one 
 detest niggardness, it is so sluttish a vice. His talk of nothing 
 but of his poverty, for fear, belike, lest I should have proved 
 a. young borrower. In sum, such a man, as any enemy would 
 not wish him worse than to be himself. But there that night 
 bid I the burden of being a tedious guest to a loathsome host ; 
 over-hearing him sometimes bitterly warn his daughter of bringing 
 such costly mates under his roof, which she grieved at, desired 
 much to know my name, I think partly of kindness, to remember 
 who had done something for her, and partly, because she assured 
 herself I was such a one as would make even his miser-mind 
 contented with that he had done. And accordingly, she demanded 
 my name and estate, with such earnestness, that I, whom love had 
 not as then so robbed me of myself, as to be other than I am, told 
 her directly my name and condition : whereof she was no more 
 glad than her father, as I might well perceive by some ill-favoured 
 cheerfulness, which then first began to wrinkle itself in his face. 
 
 " But the causes of their joys were far different ; for as the 
 shepherd and the butcher both may look upon one sheep with 
 pleasing conceits, but the shepherd with mind to profit himself by 
 preserving, the butcher with killing him, so she rejoiced to find 
 that mine own benefits had made me to be her friend, who was a 
 prince of such greatness, and lovingly rejoiced. But his joy grew, 
 as I to my danger after perceived, by the occasion of the queen 
 Artaxia's setting my head to sale for having slain her brother 
 Tiridates, which being the sum of an hundred thousand crowns, to 
 
 p 
 
226 ARCADIA - tBooKii. 
 
 whosoever brought me alive into her hands, that old wretch, who 
 had over-lived all good nature, though he had lying idly by him 
 much more than that, yet above all things loving money, for 
 money's own sake, determined to betray me, so well deserving of 
 him, for to have that which he was determined never to use. And 
 so knowing that the next morning I was resolved to go to the 
 place where I had left Anaxius, he sent in all speed to a captain of 
 a garrison near by, which though it belonged to the king of Iberia, 
 yet knowing the captain's humour to delight so in riotous spending, 
 that he cared not how he came by the means to maintain it, doubted 
 not that to be half with him in the gain, he would play his quarter 
 part in the treason. And therefore that night agreeing of the 
 fittest places where they might surprise me in the morning, the old 
 caitiff was grown so ceremonious, that he would needs accompany 
 me some miles in my way, a sufficient token to me, if nature had 
 made me apt to suspect ; since a churl's courtesy rarely comes, 
 but either for gain or falsehood. But I suffered him to stumble 
 into that point of good manners : to which purpose he came out 
 with all his clowns, horsed upon such cart-jades, and so furnished, 
 as in good faith I thought with myself, if that were thrift, I wish 
 none of my friends or subjects ever to thrive. As for his daughter, 
 the gentle Dido, she would also, but in my conscience with a far 
 better mind, prolong the time of farewell, as long as he. 
 
 " And so we went on together : he so old in wickedness, that he 
 could look me in the face, and freely talk with me, whose life he 
 had already contracted for : till coming into the faUing of a way 
 which led us into a place, of each side whereof men might easily 
 keep themselves undiscovered, I was encompassed suddenly by a 
 great troop of enemies, both of horse and foot, who willed me to 
 yield myself to the queen Artaxia. But they could not have used 
 worse eloquence to have persuaded my yielding than that ; I 
 knowing the little goodwill Artaxia bare me. And therefore 
 making necessity and justice my best sword and shield, I used the 
 other weapons I had as well as I could ; I am sure to the litde 
 ease of a good number, who trusting to their number more than to 
 their valour, and valuing money higher than equity, felt that 
 guiltiness is not always with ease oppressed. As for Cbremes, he 
 withdrew himself, so gilding his wicked conceits with his hope of 
 gain, that he was content to be a beholder how I should be taken 
 to make his prey. 
 
 " But I was grown so weary that I supported myself more with 
 anger than strength, when the most excellent Musidorus came to 
 riy succour, who having followed my trace as well as he could, 
 after he found I had left the fight with Anaxius, came to the 
 niggard's castle, where he found all burned and spoiled by the 
 
BOOK n.] ARCADIA 227 
 
 country people, who bare mortal hatred to that covetous man, and 
 now took the time when the cattle was left almost without guard, 
 to come in and leave monuments of their malice therein : which 
 Musidorus not staying either to farther, or impeach, came upon 
 the spur after me, because with one voice many told him, that if I 
 were in his company, it was for no good meant unto me, and in 
 this extremity found me. But when I saw that cousin of mine, 
 methought my life was doubled, and where I before thought of a 
 noble death, I now thought of a noble victory. For who can fear 
 that hath Musidorus by him ? who, what he did there for me, how 
 many he killed, not stranger for the number than for the strange 
 blows wherewith he sent them to a well-deserved death, might 
 well delight me to speak of, but I should so hold you too long in 
 every particular. But in truth, there if ever, and ever, if ever any 
 man, did Musidorus show himself second to none in able valour. 
 
 "Yet what the unmeasurable excess of their number would have 
 done in the end, I know not, but the trial thereof was cut off by 
 the chanceable coming thither of the king of Iberia, that same 
 father of the worthy Plangus, whom it hath pleased you sometimes 
 to mention, who, not yielding over to old age his country delights, 
 especially of hawking, was at that time following a merlin, brought 
 to see this injury offered unto us, and having great numbers of 
 courtiers waiting upon him, was straight known by the soldiers 
 that assaulted us, to be their king, and so most of them withdrew 
 themselves. 
 
 " He, by his authority, knowing of the captain's own constrained 
 confession, what was the motive of this mischievous practice ; 
 misliking much such violence should be offered in his country to 
 men of our rank, but chiefly disdaining it should be done in respect 
 of his niece, whom, I must confess wrongfully, he hated, because 
 he interpreted that her brother and she had maintained his son 
 Plangus against him, caused the captain's head presently to be 
 stricken off, and the old bad Chremes to be hanged, though truly 
 for my part, I earnestly laboured for his life, because I had eaten 
 of his bread. But one thing was notable for a conclusion of his 
 miserable life, that neither the death of his daughter, who, alas ! 
 poor gentlewoman, was by chance slain- among his clowns, while 
 she over-boldly for her weak sex sought to hold them from me, 
 nor yet his own shameful end was so much in his mouth as he was 
 led to execution, as the loss of his goods, and burning of his house 
 which often, with more laughter than tears of the hearers, he made 
 pitiful exclamations upon. 
 
 "This justice thus done, and we delivered, the king indeed, in 
 royal sort invited us to his court, not far thence : in all point 
 entertaining us so, as truly I must ever acknowledge a beholding- 
 
22g ARCADIA [boo* It, 
 
 ness unto him ; although the stream of it fell out not to be so 
 sweet as the spring. For after some days being there, curing 
 ourselves of such wounds as we had received, while I, causing 
 diligent search to be made for Anaxius, could learn nothing, but 
 that he was gone out of the country, boasting in every place how 
 he had made me run away, we were brought to receive the favour 
 of acquaintance with the Queen Andromana, whom the princess 
 Pamela did in so lively colours describe the last day, as still 
 methinks the figure thereof possesseth mine eyes, confirmed by the 
 knowledge myself had. 
 
 "And therefore I shall need the less to make you know what 
 kind of woman she was ; but this only, that first with the reins of 
 affection, and after with the very use of directing, she had made 
 herself so absolute a master of her husband's mind, that a while 
 he would not, and after, he could not tell how to govern without 
 being governed by her : but finding an ease in not understanding, 
 let loose his thoughts wholly to pleasure, entrusting to her the 
 entire conduct of all his royal affairs. A thing that may luckily 
 fall out to him that hath the blessing to match with some heroical- 
 minded lady. But in him it was neither guided by wisdom, nor 
 followed by fortune, but thereby was slipped insensibly into such an 
 estate that he lived at her indiscreet discretion : all his subjects 
 having by some years learned so to hope for good, and fear of 
 harm, only from her, that it should have needed a stronger virtue 
 than his to have unwound so deeply an entered vice. So that 
 either not striving, because he was contented, or contented because 
 he would not strive, he scarcely knew what was done in his own 
 chamber, but as it pleased her instruments to frame the relation. 
 
 " Now we being brought known unto her, the time that we spent 
 in curing some very dangerous wounds, after once we were 
 acquainted, and acquainted we were sooner than ourselves 
 expected, she continually almost haunted us, till, and it was not 
 long a doing, we discovered a most violent bent of affection, and 
 that so strangely that we might well see an evil mind in authority 
 doth not only follow the sway of the desires already within it, but 
 frames to itself new desires, not before thought of. For, with 
 equal ardour she affected us both ; and so did her greatness 
 disdain shamefacedness that she was content to acknowledge it to 
 both. For, having many times torn the veil of modesty, it seemed, 
 for a last delight, that she delighted in infamy, which often she 
 had used to her husband's shame, filling all men's ears, but his, 
 with his reproach ; while he, hoodwinked with kindness, least of 
 all men knew who struck him. But her first decree was, by setting 
 forth her beauties, truly in nature not to be misliked, but as much 
 advaaced to the eye as abased to the judgment by art, thereby to 
 
BOOK IT.] ARCADIA 229 
 
 bring us, as willingly caught fishes, to bite at her bait. And 
 thereto had she that scutchion of her desires supported by certain 
 badly diligent ministers, who often cloyed our ears with her 
 praises, and would needs teach us a way of felicity by seeking her 
 favour. But when she found that we were as deaf to them as 
 dumb to her, then she listed no longer stay in the suburbs of her 
 foolish desires, but directly entered upon them, making herself an 
 impudent suitor, authorizing herself very much with making us see 
 that all favour and power in that realm so depended upon her, as 
 now, being in her hands, we were either to keep or lose our liberty 
 at her discretion ; which yet awhile she so tempered, as that we 
 might rather suspect than she threaten. But when our wounds 
 grew so as that they gave us leave to travel, and that she found we 
 were purposed to use all means we could to depart thence, she, 
 with more and more importunateness, craved, which in all good 
 manners was either of us to be desired, or not granted. Truly, 
 most fair and every way excellent lady, you would have wondered 
 to have seen how before us she would confess the contention in 
 her own mind between that lovely, indeed most lovely brownness 
 of Musidorus's face, and this colour of mine, which she, in the 
 deceivable style of affection would entitle beautiful : but her eyes 
 wandered like a glutton at a feast, from the one to the other ; and 
 how her words would begin half of the sentence to Musidorus, and 
 end the other half to Pyrocles, not ashamed, seeing the friendship 
 between us, to desire either of us to be a mediator to the other, 
 as if we should have played one request at tennis between us ; and 
 often wishing that she might be the angle where the lines of our 
 friendship might meet, and be the knot which might tie our hearts 
 together. Which proceeding of hers I do the more largely set 
 before you, most dear lady, because by the foil thereof, you may 
 see the nobleness of my desire to you and the warrantableness of 
 your favour to me." 
 
 At that Philoclea smiled with a little nod. " But," said Pyrocles, 
 '' when she perceived no hope by suit to prevail, then, persuaded 
 by the rage of affection, and encouraged by daring to do anything, 
 she found means to have us accused to the King, as though we 
 went about some practice to overthrow him in his own state, which, 
 because of the strange successes we had had in the kingdoms of 
 Phrygia, Pontus and Galatia, seemed not unlikely to him, who, 
 but skimming anything that came before him, was disciplined to 
 leave the thorough-handling of all to his gentle wife, who forthwith 
 caused us to be put in prison, having, while we slept, deprived us 
 of our arms : a prison, indeed injurious, because a prison, but else 
 well testifying affection, because in all respects as commodious as a 
 prison might be : and indeed so placed, as she might at all hours, 
 
23Q ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 not seen by many, though she cared not much how many had seen 
 her, come unto us. Then fell she to sauce her desires with 
 threatenings, so that we were in a great perplexity, restrained to so 
 unworthy a bondage, and yet restrained by love, which I cannot 
 tell how, in noble minds, by a certain duty, claims an answering. 
 And how much that love might move us, so much, and more that 
 faultiness of her mind removed us ; her beauty being balanced by 
 her shamelessness. But that which did, as it were, tie us in a 
 captivity, was, that to grant had been wickedly injurious to him 
 that had saved our lives ; and to accuse a lady that loved us, of 
 her love unto us, we esteemed almost as dishonourable : and but 
 by one of those ways we saw no likelihood of going out of that 
 place, where the words would be injurious to your ears, which 
 would express the manner of her suit : while yet many times 
 earnestness dyed her cheeks with the colour of shamefacedness, 
 and wanton languishing borrowed of her eyes the down-cast look 
 of modesty. But we in the meantime far from loving her, and 
 often assuring her that we would not so recompense her husband's 
 saving of our lives ; to such a ridiculous degree of trusting her, 
 she had brought him, that she caused him to send us word, that 
 upon our lives we should do whatsoever she commanded us : good 
 man not knowing any other but that all her pleasures were 
 directed to the preservation of his estate. But when that made us 
 rather pity than obey his folly, then fell she to servile entreating 
 us, as though force could have been the school of love, or that an 
 honest courage would not rather strive against, than yield to 
 injury. All which yet could not make us accuse her, though it 
 made us almost pine away for spite to lose any of our time in so 
 troublesome an idleness. 
 
 " But while we were thus full of weariness of what was past, and 
 doubt of what was to follow, love, that I think in the course of 
 my life hath a sport sometimes to poison me with roses, some- 
 times to heal me with wormwood, brought forth a remedy 
 unto us : which though it helped me out of that distress, alas, 
 the conclusion was such that I must ever while I live think it 
 worse than a wreck so to have been preserved. This king by 
 his queen had a son of tender age, but of great expectation, 
 brought up in the hope of themselves, and already acceptation 
 of the inconstant people, as successor of his father's crown, 
 whereof he was as worthy, considering his parts, as unworthy 
 in respect of the wrong was thereby done against the most 
 noble Plangus, whose great deserts now either forgotten, or un- 
 gratefully remembered ; all men set their sails with the favourable 
 wind, which blew on the fortune of this young prince, perchance 
 pot in their hearts, but surely in their mouths, now giving Plan^us^ 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 231 
 
 who some years before was their only champion, the poor comfort 
 of calamity, pity. This youth therefore accounted prince of that 
 region, by name Palladius, did with vehement affection love a 
 young lady brought up in his father's court, called Zelmane, 
 daughter to that mischievously unhappy prince Plexirtus, of whom 
 already I have, and sometimes must make, but never honourable 
 mention, left there by her father, because of the intricate change- 
 ableness of his estate, he, by the mother's side, being half brother 
 to this queen Andromana, and therefore the willinger committing 
 her to her care. But as love, alas ! doth not always reflect itself, 
 so fell it out that this Zelmane, though truly reason there was 
 enough to love Palladius, yet could not ever persuade her heart 
 to yield thereunto : with that pain to Palladius, as they feel 
 that feel an unloved love. Yet loving indeed, and therefore 
 constant, he used still the intercession of diligence and faith, ever 
 hoping, because he would not put himself into that hell to be 
 hopeless : until the time of our being come, and captived there, 
 brought forth this end, which truly deserves of me a further 
 degree of sorrow than tears. 
 
 " Such was therein my ill destiny, that this young lady Zelmane, 
 like some unwisely liberal, that more delight to give presents than 
 pay debts, she chose, alas more the pity, rather to bestow her love, 
 so much undeserved as not desired, upon me, than to recompense 
 him, whose love, besides many other things, might seem, even in 
 the court of honour, justly to claim it of her. But so it was ; 
 alas that so it was 1 whereby it came to pass, that as nothing doth 
 more naturally follow this cause than care to preserve, and benefit 
 doth follow unfeigned affection, she felt with me what I felt of my 
 captivity, and straight laboured to redress my pain, which was her 
 pain ; which she could do by no better means than by using the 
 help therein of Palladius, who, true lover considering what, and 
 not why, in all her commandments ; and indeed she concealing 
 from him her affection, which she entitled, compassion, immedi- 
 ately obeyed to employ his uttermost credit to relieve us ; which 
 though as great as a beloved son with a mother, faulty otherwise, 
 but not hard-hearted toward him, yet it could not prevail to 
 procure us liberty. Wherefore he sought to have that by practice 
 which he could not by prayer. And so being allowed often to 
 visit us, for indeed our restraints were more or less, according as 
 the ague of her passion was either in the fit or intermission, he 
 used the opportunity of a fit time thus to deliver us. 
 
 " The time of the marrying that queen was, every year, by the 
 extreme love of her husband, and the serviceable love of the 
 courtiers, made notable by some public honours, which did, as it 
 jvere, proclaim to the world, how dear she was to that people. 
 
232 ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 Among other, none was either more grateful to the beholders, 
 or more noble in itself, than jousts, both with sword and lance, 
 maintained for seven nights together; wherein that nation doth 
 so excel, both for comeliness and ableness, that from neighbour- 
 countries they ordinarily come, some to strive, some to learn, some 
 to behold. 
 
 " This day it happened that divers famous knights came thither 
 from the court of Helen Queen of Corinth ; a lady whom fame at 
 that time was so desirous to honour that she borrowed all men's 
 mouths to join with the sound of her trumpet. For as her beauty 
 hath won the prize from all women that stand in degree of com- 
 parison, for as for the two sisters of Arcadia, they are far beyond 
 all conceit of comparison, so hath her government been such as 
 hath been no less beautiful to men's judgments than her beauty to 
 the eyesight. For being brought by right of birth, a woman, 
 a young woman, a fair woman, to govern a people in nature 
 mutinously proud, and always before so used to hard governors, 
 that they knew not how to obey without the sword were drawn, 
 could she for some years so carry herself among them, that they 
 found cause in the delicacy of her sex, of admiration, not of 
 contempt : and which was not able, even in the time that many 
 countries about her were full of wars, which for old grudges to 
 Corinth were thought still would conclude there, yet so handled 
 she the matter, that the threatened ever smarted in the threateners ; 
 she using so strange, and yet so well succeeding a temper that 
 she made her people by peace warlike ; her courtiers by sports, 
 learned ; her ladies by love, chaste. For by continual martial 
 exercises without blood, she made them perfect in that bloody art. 
 Her sports were such as carried riches of knowledge upon the 
 stream of delight : and such the behaviour both of herself and her 
 ladies, as builded their chastity not upon waywardness, but choice 
 of worthiness : so as it seemed that court to have been the 
 marriage-place of love and virtue, and that herself was a Diana 
 apparelled in the garments of Venus. And this which fame only 
 deUvered unto me, for yet I have never seen her, I am the willinger 
 to speak of to you, who, I know, know her better, being your near 
 neighbour, because you may see by her example, in herself wise, 
 and of others beloved, that neither folly is the cause of vehement 
 love, nor reproach the effect. For never, I think, was there any 
 woman that with more unremovable determination gave herself 
 to the counsel of love, after she had once set before her mind 
 the worthiness of your cousin Amphialus, and yet is neither her 
 wisdom doubted of, nor honom: blemished. For, O God, what 
 doth better become wisdom, than to discern what is worthy the 
 loving? what more agreeable to goodness, than to love it so 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 233 
 
 discerned? and what to greatness of ITeart, than to be constant 
 in it once loved ? but at that time that love of hers was not so 
 publicly known as the death of Philoxemus, and her search of 
 Amphialus hath made it : but then seemed to have such leisure 
 to send thither divers choice knights of her court, because they 
 might bring her, at least the knowledge, perchance the honour of 
 that triumph. Wherein so they behaved themselves, that for 
 three days they carried the prize ; which being come from so far 
 a place to disgrace her servants, Palladius, who himself had never 
 used arms, persuaded the queen Andromana to be content for the 
 honour sake of her court, to suffer us two to have our horse and 
 armour, that he with us might undertake the recovery of their lost 
 honour ; which she granted, taking our oath to go no farther than 
 her son, nor ever to abandon him. Which she did not more for 
 saving him, than keeping us : and yet not satisfied with our oath, 
 appointed a band of horsemen to have an eye that we should not 
 go beyond appointed limits. We were willing to gratify the young 
 prince, who, we saw, loved us. And so the fourth day of that 
 exercise we came into the field : where, I remember, the manner 
 was, that the forenoon they should run a tilt, one after the other ; 
 the afternoon in a broad field in manner of a battle, till either the 
 strangers, or that country knights won the field. 
 
 " The first that ran was a brave knight, whose device was to 
 come in all chained, with a nymph leading him. Against him 
 came forth an Iberian, whose manner of entering was with 
 bagpipes instead of trumpets ; a shepherd's boy before him for 
 a page, and by him a dozen apparelled like shepherds for the 
 fashion, though rich in stuff, who carried his lances, which though 
 strong to give a lancely blow indeed, yet so were they coloured 
 with hooks near the mourn, that they prettily represented sheep- 
 hooks. His own furniture was dressed over with wool, so enriched 
 with jewels artificially placed, that one would have thought it 
 a marriage between the lowest and the highest. His Impresa was 
 a sheep marked with pitch, with those words, ' Spotted to be 
 known.' And because I may tell you out his conceit, though that 
 were not done, till the running of that time was ended, before the 
 ladies' departure from the windows, among whom there was one, 
 they say, that was the Star whereby his course was only directed, 
 the shepherds attending upon Philisides went among them, and 
 sang an eclogue ; one of them answering another, while the other 
 shepherds pulling out recorders, which possessed the place of pipes, 
 accorded their music to the other's voice. The eclogue had great 
 praise : I only remember six verses, while having questioned one 
 with the other of their fellow-shepherd's sudden growing a man 
 of arms, and the cause of his doing, they thus said : 
 
234 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 Me thought some staves he miss'd ! if so, not much amiss ; 
 For where he most would hit, he ever yet did miss. 
 One said he broke a cross ; full well it so might be : 
 For never was there man more crossly crossed than he. 
 But most cried, O well broke ; O fool full gaily blest : 
 Where failing is a shame, and breaking is his best. 
 
 " Thus I have digressed, because his manner liked me well, but 
 when he began to run against Lelius, it had near grown, though 
 great love had ever been betwixt them, to a quarrel. For 
 Philisides breaking his staves with great commendation, Lelius, 
 who was known to be second to none in the perfection of that art, 
 ran ever over his head, but so finely to the skilful eyes, that one 
 might well see he showed more knowledge in missing, than others 
 did in hitting. For if so gallant a grace his staff came swimming 
 close over the crest of the helmet, as if he would represent the 
 kiss, and not the stroke of Mars. But Philisides was much moved 
 with it, while he thought Lelius would show a contempt of his 
 youth : till Lelius, who therefore would satisfy him, because he 
 was his friend, made him know that to such bondage he was for 
 so many courses tied by her, whose disgraces to him were graced 
 by her excellency, and whose injuries he could never otherwise 
 return, than honours. 
 
 " But so by Lelius's willing missing was the odds of the Iberian 
 side, and continued so in the next by the excellent running of 
 a knight, though fostered so by the Muses, as many times the very 
 rustic people left both their delights and profits to hearken to his 
 songs, yet could he so well perform all armed sports, as if he had 
 never had any other pen than a lance in his hand. He came in 
 like a wild man, but such a wildness as showed his eyesight had 
 tamed him, full of withered leaves, which though they fell not, still 
 threatened falling. His Impresa was a mill-horse still bound to go 
 in one circle ; with those words, ' Data fata secutus.' But after 
 him the Corinthian knights absolutely prevailed, especially a great 
 nobleman of Corinth, whose device was to come without any 
 device, all in white like a new knight, as indeed he was, but so 
 new, as his newness shamed most of the other's long exercise. 
 Then another, from whose tent I remember a bird was made fly, 
 with such art to carry a written embassage among the ladies, that 
 one might say, if a live bird, how so taught ? if a dead bird, how so 
 made? then he, who hidden, man and horse in a great figure 
 lively representing the Phoenix, the fire took so artificially as it 
 consumed the bird, and left him to rise as it were, out of the ashes 
 thereof. Against whom was the fine frozen knight, frozen in 
 despair ; but his armour so naturally representing- ice, and all his 
 
BOOK Ti.] ARCADIA 23s 
 
 furniture so lively answering thereto, as yet did I never see 
 anything that pleased me better. 
 
 " But the delight at those pleasing sights have carried me too 
 far into an unnecessary discourse. Let it then suffice, most 
 excellent lady ! that you know, the Corinthians that morning in 
 the exercise, as they had done the days before, had the better ; 
 Palladius neither suffering us nor himself, to take in hand the 
 party till the afternoon, when we were to fight in troops, not 
 differing otherwise from earnest, but that the sharpness of the 
 weapons was taken away. But in the trial, Palladius, especially 
 led by Musidorus, and somewhat aided by me, himself truly 
 behaving himself nothing like a beginner, brought the honour to 
 rest itself that night on the Iberian side, and the next day, both 
 morning and afternoon being kept by our party. He, that saw the 
 time fit for the delivery he intended, called unto us to follow him, 
 which we both bound by oath, and willing by goodwill, obeyed, 
 and so the guard not daring to interrupt us, he commanding 
 passage, we went after him upon the spur, to a little house in a 
 forest near by ; which he thought would be the fittest resting place, 
 till we might go farther from his mother's fury, whereat he was no 
 less angry and ashamed, than desirous to obey Zelmane. 
 
 " But his mother, as I learned since, understanding by the guard 
 her son's conveying us away, forgetting her greatness, and resigning 
 modesty to more quiet thoughts, flew out from her place, and cried 
 to be accompanied, for she herself would follow us. But what she 
 did, being rather with vehemency of passion that conduct of 
 reason, made her stumble while she ran, and by her own confusion 
 hinder her own desires. For so impatiently she commanded, as a 
 good while nobody knew what she commanded, so as we had 
 gotten so far the start, as to be already past the confines of her 
 kingdom before she overtook us : and overtake us she did in the 
 kingdom of Bithynia, not regarding shame, or danger of having 
 entered into another's dominions, but, having with her about 
 threescore horsemen, straight commanded to take us alive, and 
 not to regard her son's threatening therein, which they attempted 
 to do, first by speech, and then by force. But neither liking their 
 eloquence, nor fearing their might, we esteemed few words in a 
 just defence, able to resist many unjust assaulters. And so 
 Musidorus's incredible valour, beating down all lets, made both 
 me, and Palladius, so good way, that we had little to do to 
 overcome weak wrong. 
 
 "And now had we the victory in effect without blood, when 
 Palladius, heated with the fight, and angry with his mother's fault, 
 so pursued our assailers, that one of them, who as I heard since, 
 had before our coming been a special minion of Andromana's, and 
 
236 ' ARCADIA [BOOK II. 
 
 hated us for having^ dispossessed him of her heart, taking him to 
 be one of us, with a traitorous blow slew his young prince, who 
 falling down before our eyes, whom he especially had delivered ; 
 judge, sweetest lady, whether anger might not be called justice in 
 such a case : once, so it wrought in us, that many of his subjects 
 bodies we left there dead, to wait on him more faithfully to the 
 other world. 
 
 " All this while disdain, strengthened by the fury of a furious 
 love, made Andromana stay to the last of the combat ; and when 
 she saw us light down to see what help we might do to the 
 helpless Palladius, she came running madly unto us, then no less 
 threatening, when she had no more power to hurt. But when she 
 perceived it was her only son that lay hurt, and that his hurt 
 was so deadly, as that already his life had lost the use of 
 reasonable, and almost sensible part, then only did misfortune lay 
 his own ugliness upon her fault, and make her see what she had 
 done, and to what she was come ; especially finding in us rather 
 detestation than pity, considering the loss of that young prince, 
 and resolution presently to depart, which still she laboured to stay. 
 But deprived of all comfort, with eyes full of death, she ran to her 
 son's dagger, and before we were aware of it, who else would have 
 stayed it, struck herself a mortal wound. But then her love, 
 though not her person, awaked pity in us, and I went to her, while 
 Musidorus laboured about Palladius. But the wound was past 
 the cure of a better surgeon than myself, so as I could but receive 
 some few of her dying words, which were cursings of her ill set 
 affection, and wishing unto me many crosses and mischances in 
 my love, whensoever I should love, wherein I fear, and only fear 
 that her prayer is from above granted. But the noise of this fight, 
 and issue thereof being blazed by the country people to some 
 noblemen thereabouts ; they came thither, and finding the wrong 
 offered us, let us go on our journey, we having recommended those 
 royal bodies unto them to be conveyed to the king of Iberia." 
 
 With that Philoclea seeing the tears stand in his eyes with 
 remembrance of Palladius, but much more of that which thereupon 
 grew, she would needs drink a kiss from those eyes, and he suck 
 another from her lips ; whereat she blushed, and yet kissed him 
 again to hide her blushing, which had almost brought Pyrocles 
 into another discourse, but that she with so sweet a rigour forbade 
 him, that he durst not rebel, though he found it a great war to keep 
 that peace, but was fain to go on in his story; but so she absolutely 
 bade him, and he durst not know how to disobey. 
 
 " So," said he, " parting from that place before the sun had much 
 abased himself of his greatest height, we saw sitting upon the dry 
 sands, which yielded, at that time, a very hot reflection, a fair 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 237 
 
 gentlewoman, whose gesture accused her of much sorrow, and 
 every way showed she cared not what pain she put her body to, 
 since the better part, her mind, was laid under so much agony : 
 and so was she dulled, withal, that we could come so near as to 
 hear her speeches, and yet she not perceive the hearers of her 
 lamentation. But well we might understand her at times say, 
 ' Thou doest kill me with thy unkind falsehood : and it grieves me 
 not to die, but it grieves me that thou art the murderer : neither 
 doth mine own pain so much vex me, as thy error. For God knows, 
 it would not trouble me to be slain for thee, but much it torments 
 me to be slain by thee ; thou art untrue, Pamphilus, thou art 
 untrue, and woe is me therefore. How oft did'st thou swear unto 
 me that the sun should lose his light, and the rocks run up and 
 down like little kids, before thou would'st falsify thy faith to me ? 
 sun therefore put out thy shining, and rocks run mad for sorrow ; 
 for Pamphilus is false. But alas ! the sun keeps his light, though 
 thy faith be darkened ; the rocks stand still, though thou change 
 hke a weather-cock. O fool that I am, that thought I could grasp 
 water, and bind the wind. I might well have known thee by 
 others, but I would not ; and rather wished to learn poison by 
 drinking it myself, while my love helped thy words to deceive me. 
 Well, yet I would thou had'st made a better choice when though 
 did'st forsake thy unfortunate Leucippe. But it is no matter, 
 Baccha, thy new mistress, will revenge my wrongs. But do not 
 Baccha, let Pamphilus live happy, though I die.' 
 
 "And much more to such like phrase she spoke, but that I, 
 who had occasion to know something of that Pamphilus, stepped 
 to comfort her : and though I could not do that, yet I got tius 
 much knowledge of her, that this being the same Leucippe, to 
 whom the unconstant Pamphilus had betrothed himself, which 
 had moved the other ladies to such indignation as I told you : 
 neither her worthiness, which in truth was great, nor his own 
 suffering for her, which is wont to endear affection, could fetter 
 his fickleness, but that before his marriage day appointed, he had 
 taken to wife that Baccha, of whom she complained, one that 
 in divers places I had heard before placed, as the most impudently 
 unchaste woman of all Asia, and withal of such an imperiousness 
 therein, that she would not stick to employ them whom she made 
 unhappy with her favour, to draw more companions of their folly : 
 in the multitude of whom she did no less glory, than a captain 
 would do of being followed by brave soldiers : waywardly proud ; 
 and therefore bold, because extremely faulty : and yet having no 
 good thing to redeem both these, and other unlovely parts, but 
 a little beauty, disgraced with wandering eyes, and unweighed 
 speeches, yet had Pamphilus, for her, left Leucippe, and withal, 
 
238 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 left his faith; Leucippe, of whom one look, in a clear judgment, 
 would have been more acceptable than all her kindnesses so 
 prodigally bestowed. For myself, the remembrance of his cruel 
 handling Dido, joined to this, stirred me to seek some revenge 
 upon him, but that I thought it should be again for him to lose 
 his life, being so matched : and therefore, leaving him to be 
 punished by his own election, we conveyed Leucippe to a house 
 thereby, dedicated to Vestal nuns, where she resolved to spend 
 all her years, which her youth promised should be many, in 
 bewailing the wrong, and yet praying for the wrong-doer. 
 
 "But the next morning, we, having striven with the sun's 
 earliness, were scarcely beyond the prospect of the high turrets 
 of that building, when there overtook us a young gentleman, for 
 so he seemed to us : but indeed, sweet lady, it was the fair 
 Zelmane, Plexirtus's daughter, whom unconsulting affection, un- 
 fortunately born to me-wards, had made borrow so much of her 
 natural modesty, as to leave her more decent raiments, and taking 
 occasion of Andromana's tumultuous pursuing us, had apparelled 
 herself like a page, with a pitiful cruelty cutting off' her golden 
 hair, leaving nothing, but the short curls, to cover that noble head, 
 but that she wore upon it a fair headpiece, a shield at her back, 
 and a lance in her hand, else disarmed. Her apparel of white, 
 wrought upon with broken knots, her horse, fair and lusty ; which 
 she rid so, as might show a fearful boldness, daring to do that 
 which she knew that she knew not how to do : and the sweetness 
 of her countenance did give such a grace to what she did that it 
 did make handsome the unhandsomeness, and make the ©ye force 
 the mind to believe that there was a praise in that unskilfulness. 
 But she straight approached me, and with few words, which 
 borrowed the help of her countenance to make themselves 
 understood, she desired me to accept her into my service, telling 
 me she was a nobleman's son of Iberia, her name Diaphantus, 
 who having seen what I had done in that court, had stolen from her 
 father, to follow me. I enquired the particularities of the manner 
 of Andromana's following me, which by her I understood, she 
 hiding nothing but her sex from me. And still methought I had 
 seen that face, but the great alteration of her fortune, made her 
 far distant from my memory : but liking very well the young 
 gentleman, such I took her to be, admitted this Diaphantus about 
 me, who well showed there is no service like his, that serves 
 because he loves. For though born of princes' blood, brought -up 
 with tenderest education, unapt to service, because a woman, and 
 full of thoughts, because in a strange estate, yst love enjoined 
 such diligence, that no apprentice, no, no bondslave could ever 
 be by fear more ready at all commandments than that young 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 239 
 
 princess was. How often, alas ! did her eyes say unto me that 
 they loved ? and yet, I not looking for such a matter, had not my 
 conceit open to understand them : how often would she come 
 creeping to me, between gladness to be near me, and fear to 
 offend me? truly I remember, that then I marvelled to see her 
 receive my commandments with sighs, and yet do them with 
 cheerfulness ; sometimes answering me in such riddles, as then 
 I thought a childish inexperience, but since returning to my 
 remembrance they have come more clear unto my knowledge : 
 and pardon me, only dear lady, that I use many words, for her 
 affection to me, deserves of me an affectionate speech. 
 
 " But in such sort did she serve me in that kingdom of Bithynia, 
 for two months space : in which time we brought to good end 
 a cruel war long maintained between the king of Bithynia and his 
 brother. For my excellent cousin, and I, dividing ourselves to 
 either side, found means, after some trial we had made of ourselves, 
 to get such credit with them, as we brought them to as great 
 peace between themselves as love toward us for having made the 
 peace. Which done, we intended to return through the kingdom 
 of Galatia, called Thrace, to ease the care of our father and 
 mother, who, we were sure, first with the shipwreck, and then with 
 the other dangers we daily passed, should have little rest in their 
 thoughts till they saw us. But we were not entered into that 
 kingdom, when by the noise of a great fight we were guided to 
 a pleasant valley, which like one of those circuses, which in great 
 cities somewhere doth give a pleasant spectacle of running horses, so 
 of either side, stretching itself in a narrow length, was it hemmed 
 in by woody hills, as if indeed nature had meant therein to make 
 a place for beholders. And there we beheld one of the cruellest 
 fights between two knights that ever hath adorned the most 
 ■martial story. So as I must confess, a while we stood bewondered, 
 another while delighted with the rare beauty thereof ; till seeing 
 such streams of blood, as threatened a drowning of life, we galloped 
 toward them to part them. But we were prevented by a dozen 
 armed knights, or rather villains, who using this time of their 
 extreme feebleness, altogether set upon them. But common 
 danger broke off particular discord, so that, though with a dying 
 weakness, with a lively courage they resisted, and by our help 
 drove away, or slew those murdering attemptors : among whom we 
 happened to take alive the principal. But going to disarm those 
 two excellent knights, we found, with no less wonder to us than 
 astonishment to themselves, that they were the two valiant, and 
 indeed famous brothers, Tydeus and Telenor, whose adventure, 
 as afterward we made that ungracious wretch confess, had thus 
 fallen out. 
 
240 ARCADIA [book it. 
 
 "After the noble prince Leonatus had by his father's death, 
 succeeded in the kingdom of Galatia, he forgetting all former 
 injuries, had received that naughty Plexirtus into a strange degree 
 of favour, his goodness being as apt to be deceived, asthe other's 
 craft was to deceive ; till by plain proof, finding that the ungrateful 
 man went about to poison him, yet would he not suffer his kindness 
 to be overcome, not by justice itself; but calling him to him, used 
 words to this purpose ; ' Plexirtus,' said he, ' this wickedness is 
 found by thee ; no good deeds of mine have been able to keep 
 it down in thee : all men counsel me to take away thy life, likely 
 to bring forth nothing but as dangerous as wicked effects ; but 
 I cannot find it in my heart, remembering what father's son thou 
 art : but since it is the violence of ambition which perchance pulls 
 thee from thine own judgment, I will see whether the satisfying 
 that, may quiet the ill-working of thy spirits. Not far hence is 
 the great city of Trebisond ; which, with the territory about it, 
 anciently pertained unto this crown ; now unjustly possessed, and 
 as unjustly abused by those who have neither title to hold it, nor 
 virtue to rule it. To the conquest of that for thyself I will lend 
 thee force, and give thee my right : go therefore, and, with less 
 unnaturalness glut thy ambition there ; and that done, if it be 
 possible, learn virtue.' 
 
 "Plexirtus, mingling foresworn excuses with false-meant 
 promises, gladly embraced the offer : and hastily sending back 
 for those two brothers, who at that time were with us succouring 
 the gracious queen Erona, by their virtue chiefly, if not only, 
 obtained the conquest of that goodly dominion. Which indeed, 
 done by them, gave them such an authority, that though he 
 reigned, they in effect ruled, most men honouring them because 
 they only deserved honour, and many thinking therein to please 
 Plexirtus, considering how much he was bound unto them : while 
 they likewise, with a certain sincere boldness of self-warranting 
 friendship, accepted all openly and plainly, thinking nothing should 
 ever by Plexirtus be thought too much in them, since all they were 
 was his. 
 
 " But he, who by the rules of his own mind, could construe no 
 other end of men's doings but self-seeking, suddenly feared what 
 they could do, and as suddenly suspected what they would do, and 
 as suddenly hated them, as having both might and mind to do. 
 But dreading their power, standing so strongly in their own valour, 
 and others' affection, he durst not take open way against them, 
 and as hard it was to take a secret, they being so continually 
 followed by the best, and every way ablest of that region : and 
 therefore used this devilish slight which I will tell you, not doubt- 
 ing, most wicked man, to turn their own friendship toward him to 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 241 
 
 their own destruction. He, knowing that they well knew there 
 was no friendship between him and the new king of Pontus, never 
 since he succoured Leonatus, and us, to his overthrow, gave them 
 to understand, that of late there had passed secret defiance between 
 them, to meet privately at a place appointed. Which though not 
 so fit a thing for men of their greatness, yet was his honour so 
 engaged, as he could not go back. Yet feigning to find himself 
 weak, by some counterfeit infirmity, the day drawing near, he 
 requested each of them to go in his stead, making either of them 
 swear to keep the matter secret, even each from other, delivering 
 the self-same particularities to both ; but that he told Tydeus, the 
 king would meet him in a blue armour ; and Telenor that it was 
 a black armour : and with wicked subtlety, as if it had been so 
 appointed, caused Tydeus to take a black armour, and Telenor a 
 blue ; appointing them ways how to go, so that he knew they 
 should not meet till they came to the place appointed, where each 
 promised to keep silence, lest the king should discover it was not 
 Plexirtus ; and there in a wait had he laid those murderers, that 
 who overlived the other should by them be dispatched : he not 
 daring trust no more than those with that enterprize, and yet 
 thinking them too few till themselves, by themselves, were 
 weakened. 
 
 " This we learned chiefly by the chief of those way-beaters, after 
 the death of those two worthy brothers, whose love was no less 
 than their valour : but well we might find much thereof by their 
 pitiful lamentation, when they knew their mismeeting, and saw 
 each other, in despite of the surgery we could do unto them, 
 striving who should run fastest to the goal of death : each bewailing 
 the other, and more dying in the other, than in himself; cursing 
 their own hands for doing, and their breasts for not sooner 
 suffering ; detesting their unfortunately-spent time in having 
 served so ungrateful a tyrant, and accusing their folly in having 
 beUeved he could faithfully love, who did not love faithfiilness ; 
 wishing us to take heed how we placed our goodwill upon any 
 other ground than proof of virtue : since length of acquaintance, 
 mutual secrecies, nor heat of benefits could bind a savage heart ; 
 no man being good to other, that is not good in himself. Then, 
 while any hope was, beseeching us to leave the care of him that 
 besought, and only look to the other. But when they found by 
 themselves, and us, no possibihty, they desired to be joined ; and so 
 embracing and craving that pardon each of other which they 
 denied to themselves, they gave us a most sorrowful spectacle of 
 their death ; leaving few in the world behind them, their matches 
 in anything, if they had soon enough known the ground and limits 
 of friendship. But with woeful hearts we caused those bodies to 
 
 Q 
 
242 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 be conveyed to the next town of Bithynia, where we learning thus 
 much, as I have told you, caused the wicked historian to conclude 
 his story with his own well-deserved death. 
 
 " But then, I must tell you, I found such woeful countenances in 
 Daiphantus, that I could not much marvel, finding them continue 
 beyond the first assault of pity, how the case of strangers, for 
 further I did not conceive, could so deeply pierce. But the truth 
 indeed is, that partly with the shame and sorrow she took of her 
 father's faultiness, partly with the fear that the hate I conceived 
 against him, would utterly disgrace her in my opinion, whensoever 
 I should know her, so vehemently perplexed her, that her fair 
 colour decayed, and daily and hastily grew into the very extreme 
 working of sorrowfulness, which oft I sought to learn, and help. 
 But she as fearful as loving, still concealed it : and so decaying 
 still more and more in the excellency of her fairness, but that 
 whatsoever weakness took away, pity seemed to add : yet still she 
 forced herself to wait on me with such care and diligence, as might 
 well show had been taught in no other school but love. 
 
 "While we, returning again to embark ourselves for Greece, 
 understood that the mighty Otanes, brother to Barzanes, slain by 
 Musidorus in the battle of the six princes, had entered upon the 
 kingdom of Pontus, partly upon the pretences he had to the crown, 
 but principally, because he would revenge upon him whom he 
 knew we loved, the loss of his brother, thinking, as indeed he had 
 cause, that wheresoever -we were, hearing of his extremity, we 
 would come to relieve him ; in spite whereof he doubted not to 
 prevail, not only upon the confidence of his own virtue and power, 
 but especially because he had in his company two mighty giants, 
 sons to a couple whom we slew in the same realm ; they having 
 been absent at their father's death, and now returned, wiUingly 
 entered into his service, hating more than he, both us and that 
 king of Pontus. We therefore with all speed went thitherward, 
 but by the way this fell out, which whensoever I remember without 
 sorrow, I must forget withal, all humanity. 
 
 "Poor Diaphantus fell extreme sick, yet would needs conquer 
 the delicacy of her constitution, and force herself to wait on me : 
 till one day going toward Pontus, we met one who in great haste 
 went seeking for Tydeus and Telenor, whose death as yet was 
 not known unto the messenger; who, being their servant, and 
 knowing how dearly they loved Plexirtus, brought them word, how 
 since their departing, Plexirtus was in present danger of a cruel 
 death, if by the vahantness of one of the best knights of the world, 
 he were not rescued : we enquired no farther of the matter, being 
 glad he should now to his loss find what an unprofitable treason 
 it had been unto him, to dismember himself of two such friends, 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 243 
 
 and so let the messenger part, not sticking to make him know his 
 master's destruction by the falsehood of Plexirtus. 
 
 " But the grief of that, finding a body already brought to the 
 last degree of weakness, so overwhelmed the little remnant of the 
 spirits left in Daiphantus, that she fell suddenly into deadly swoon- 
 ings ; never coming to herself, but that withal she returned to 
 make most pitiful lamentations ; most strange unto us, because we 
 were far from guessing the ground thereof. But finding her sick- 
 ness such as began to print death in her eyes, we made all haste 
 possible to convey her to the next town : but before we could lay 
 her on a bed, both we, and she might find in herself, that the 
 harbingers of over-hasty death had prepared his lodging in that 
 dainty body, which she undoubtedly feeling, with a weak cheerful- 
 ness showed comfort therein, and then desiring us both to come 
 near her, and that nobody else might be present ; with pale, and 
 yet, even in paleness, lovely lips ; now or never, and never indeed 
 ijut now, 'It is time for me,' said she, 'to speak; and I thank 
 death which gives me leave to discover that, the suppressing 
 whereof perchance hath been the sharpest spur that hath hasted 
 my race to this end. Know then my lords, and especially you my 
 lord and master Pyrocles, that your page Daiphantus is the 
 unfortunate Zelmane, who for your sake caused my, as unfortunate, 
 lover and cousin Palladius, to leave his father's court, and con- 
 sequently, both him and my aunt, his mother, to lose their lives. 
 For your sake myself have become, of a princess, a page, and for 
 your sake have put off the apparel of a woman, and, if you judge 
 not more mercifully, the modesty.' We were amazed at her speech, 
 and then had, as it were, new eyes given us to perceive that which 
 before had been a present stranger to our minds : for indeed 
 forthwith we knew it to be the face of Zelmane, whom before we 
 had known in the court of Iberia. And sorrow and pity laying 
 her pain upon me, I comforted her the best I could by the tender- 
 ness of goodwill, pretending indeed better hope than I had of her 
 recovery. 
 
 " But she that had inward ambassadors from the tyrant that 
 shortly would oppress her ; ' No, my dear master,' said she, ' I 
 neither hope nor desire to live. I know you would never have 
 loved me,' and with that word she wept, ' nor, alas ! had it been 
 reason you should, considering many ways my unworthiness. It 
 sufficeth me that the strange course I have taken, shall to your 
 remembrance witness my love ; and yet this breaking of my heart, 
 before I would discover my pain will make you, I hope, think that 
 I was not altogether unmodest. Think of me so, dear master, and 
 that thought shall be my life ;' and with that languishingly looking 
 upon me ; ' and I pray you,' said she, ' even by those dying eyes of 
 
244 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 mine, which are only sorry to die because they shall lose your 
 sight, and by those polled locks of mine which, while they were 
 long, were the ornament of my sex, now in their short curls, the 
 testimony of my servitude, and by the service I have done you, 
 which , God knows hath been full of love, think of me after my 
 death with kindness, though you cannot with love. And when- 
 soever ye shall make any other lady happy with your well-placed 
 affection, if you tell her my folly, I pray you speak of it, not with 
 scorn, but with pity.' I assure you, dear princess, of my life (for 
 how could it be otherwise) her words and her manner, with the lively 
 consideration of her love, so pierced me, that though I had divers 
 griefs before, yet methought I never felt till then how much sorrow 
 infeebleth all resolution : for I could not choose but yield to the 
 weakness of abundant weeping ; in truth with such grief, that I 
 could willingly at that time have changed lives with her. 
 
 " But when she saw my tears, ' O God,' said she, ' how largely 
 am I recompensed for my losses ? why then,' said she, ' I may take 
 boldness to make some requests unto you.' I besought her to do, 
 vowing the performance, though my life were the price thereof. 
 She showed great joy. ' The first,' said she, ' is this, that you will 
 pardon my father the displeasure you have justly received against 
 him, and for this once succour him out of the danger wherein he 
 is : I hope he will amend : and I pray you, whensoever you 
 remember him to be the faulty Plexirtus, remember withal that he 
 is Zelmane's father. The second is, that when you come once into 
 Greece, you will take unto yourself this name, though unlucky, of 
 Daiphantus, and vouchsafe to be called by it : for so shall I be 
 sure you shall have cause to remember me, and let it please your 
 noble cousin to be called Palladius, that I may do that right to that 
 poor prince, that his name yet may live upon the earth in so 
 excellent a person : and so between you, I trust sometimes your 
 unlucky page shall be, perhaps with a sigh, mentioned ; lastly, let 
 me be buried here obscurely, not suffering my friends to know my 
 fortune (till, when you are safely returned to your own country) 
 you cause my bones to be conveyed thither, and, laid I beseech 
 you, in some place where yourself vouchsafe sometimes to resort.' 
 Alas ! small petitions for such a suitor ; which yet she so earnestly 
 craved that I was fain to swear the accomplishment. And then 
 kissing me, and often desiring me not to condemn her of lightness, 
 in mine arms, she dehvered her pure soul to the purest place, 
 leaving me as full of agony as kindness, pity, and sorrow could 
 make an honest heart. For I must confess for true, that if my 
 stars had not only reserved me for you, there else perhaps I might 
 have loved, and, which had been most strange, begun my love 
 after deaft ; whereof let it be the less marvel, because somewhat 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 245 
 
 she did resemble you, though as far short of your perfection as 
 herself dying, was of herself flourishing : yet something there was, 
 which, when I saw a picture 'of yours, brought again her figure 
 into my remembrance, and made my heart as apt to receive the 
 wound, as the power of your beauty with unresistable force to 
 pierce. 
 
 "But we in woeful, and yet private, manner burying her, 
 performed her commandment : and then enquiring of her father's 
 estate, certainly learned that he was presently to be succoured, or 
 by death to pass the need of succour. Therefore we determined to 
 divide ourselves ; I, according to my vow, to help him, and 
 Musidorus toward the king of Pontus, who stood in no less need 
 than immediate succour : and even ready to depart one from the 
 other, there came a messenger from him, who after some enquiry 
 found us, giving us to understand that he, trusting upon us two, 
 had appointed the combat between him and us, against Otanes 
 and the two giants. Now the day was so accorded, as it was 
 impossible for me both to succour Plexirtus, and be there, where 
 my honour was not only so far engaged, but, by the strange working 
 of unjust fortune, I was to leave the standing by Musidorus, whom 
 better than myself I loved, to go save him, whom for just causes, I 
 hated. But my promise given, and given to Zelmane, and to 
 Zelmane dying, prevailed more with me than my friendship to 
 Musidorus, though certainly I may affirm, nothing had so great 
 rule in my thoughts as that. But my promise carried me the 
 easier, because Musidorus himself would not suffer me to break it. 
 And so with heavy minds, more careful each of other's success 
 than of our own, we parted ; I toward the place, where I understood 
 Plexirtus was prisoner to an ancient lord, absolutely governing a 
 goodly castle, with a large territory about it, whereof he 
 acknowledged no other sovereign but himself, whose hate to 
 Plexirtus grew for a kinsman of his whom he maliciously had 
 murdered, because in the time that he reigned in Galatia, he found 
 him apt to practice for the restoring of his virtuous brother 
 Leonatus. This old knight still thirsting for revenge, used as the 
 way to it a policy, which this occasion, I will tell you prepared for 
 him. Plexirtus in his youth had married Zelmane's mother, who 
 dying of that only childbirth, he a widower and not yet a king, 
 haunted the court of Armenia, where, as he was cunning to win 
 favour, he obtained great good liking of Artaxia; which he 
 pursued : till, being called home by his father, he falsely got his 
 father's kingdom : and then neglected his former love : till, thrown 
 out of that by our means, before he was deeply rooted in it, and by 
 and by again placed in Trebisond, understanding that Artaxia by 
 her brother's death was become queen of Armenia, he was hotter 
 
246 ARCADIA [BOOK li. 
 
 than ever in that pursuit, which being understood by this old 
 knight, he forged such a letter, as might be written from Artaxia, 
 entreating his present, but very private, repair thither, giving him 
 faithful promise of present marriage : a thing far from her thought, 
 having faithfully and publicly protested that she would never marry 
 any, but some such prince who would give sure proof that by his 
 means we were destroyed. But he no more witty to frame, than 
 blind to judge hopes, bit hastily at the bait, and in private manner 
 posted toward her, but by the way he was met by this knight, far 
 better accompanied, who quickly laid hold of him, and condemned 
 him to a death, cruel enough, if anything may be both cruel and 
 just. For he caused him to be kept in a miserable prison, till a 
 day appointed, at which time he would deliver him to be devoured 
 by a monstrous beast of most ugly shape, armed like a rhinoceros, 
 as strong as an elephant, as fierce as a lion, as nimble as a leopard, 
 and as cruel as a tiger ; whom he having kept in a strong place, 
 from the first youth of it, now thought no fitter match than such a 
 beastly monster with a monstrous tyrant ; proclaiming yet withal, 
 that if any so well loved him as to venture their lives against his 
 beast for him, if they overcame, he should be saved : not caring 
 how many they were, such confidence he had in that monstrous 
 strength, but especially hoping to entrap thereby the great courages 
 of Tydeus and Telenor, whom he no less hated, because tliey had 
 been principal instruments of the other's power. 
 
 " I dare say, if Zelmane had known what danger I should have 
 passed, she would rather have let her father to perish, than me to 
 have bidden that adventure. But my word was past ; and truly 
 the hardness of the enterprise was not so much a bit as a spur 
 unto me, knowing well that the journey of high honour lies not 
 in plain ways. Therefore going thither, and taking sufiicient 
 security that Plexirtus should be delivered if I were victorious, 
 I undertook the combat : and to make short, excellent lady, and 
 not to trouble your ears with recounting a terrible matter, so was 
 my weakness blessed from above that, without dangerous wounds, 
 I slew that monster, which hundreds durst not attempt ; to so 
 great admiration of many, who from a safe place might look on 
 that there was order given, to have the 'fight both by sculpture 
 and picture, celebrated in most parts of Asia. And the old 
 nobleman so well liked me that he loved me ; only bewailing my 
 virtue had been employed to save a worse monster than I killed : 
 whom yet, according to faith given, he delivered, and accompanied 
 me to the kingdom of Pontus, whither I would needs in all speed 
 go, to see whether it were possible for me, if perchance the day 
 had been delayed, to come to the combat : but that, before I came, 
 had been thus finished. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 247 
 
 "The virtuous Leonatus understanding two so good friends of 
 his were to be in that danger, would perforce be one himself; 
 where he did valiantly, and so did the king of Pontus. But the 
 truth is, that both they being sore hurt, the incomparable 
 Musidorus finished the combat by the death of both the giants, 
 and the taking of Otanes prisoner. To whom as he gave his life, 
 so he got a noble friend, for so he gave his word to be, and he is 
 well known to think himself greater in being subject to that, than 
 in the greatness of his principality. 
 
 "But thither, understanding of our being there, flocked great 
 multitudes of many great persons, and even of princes, especially 
 those whom we had made beholding unto us : as, the kings of 
 Phrygia, Bithynia, with those two hurt of Pontus and Galatia, and 
 Otanes the prisoner, by Musidorus set free ; and thither came 
 Plexirtus of Trebisond, and Antiphilus then king of Lycia ; with 
 as many more great princes, drawn either by our reputation, or 
 by willingness to acknowledge themselves obliged unto us for what 
 we had done for the others. So as in those parts of the world, 
 I think, in many hundreds of years there was not seen so royal 
 an assembly, where nothing was let pass to do us the highest 
 honours ; which such persons, who might command both purses 
 and inventions, could perform : all from all sides bringing unto 
 us right royal presents, which we, to avoid both unkindness and 
 importunity, liberally received ; and not content therewith, would 
 needs accept as from us their crowns, and acknowledge to hold 
 them of us : with many other excessive honours, which would not 
 suffer the measure of this short leisure to describe unto you. 
 
 "But we quickly aweary thereof, hasted to Greece-ward, led 
 thither partly with the desire of our parents, but hastened 
 principally because I understood that Anaxius with open mouth 
 of defamation had gone thither to seek me, and was now come 
 to Peloponnesus, where from court to court he made enquiry of 
 me, doing yet himself so noble deeds as might hap to authorize 
 an ill opinion of me. We therefore suffered but short delays, 
 desiring to take this country in our way, so renowned over the 
 world that no prince could pretend height, nor beggar lowness, 
 to bar him from the sound thereof : renowned indeed, not so much 
 for the ancient praises attributed thereunto, as for the having in 
 it Argalus and Ainphialus, two knights of such rare prowess, as 
 we desired especially to know, and yet by far, not so much for that, 
 as without suffering of comparison for the beauty of you and your 
 sister, which makes all indifferent judges that speak thereof, 
 account this country as a temple of deities. But those causes 
 indeed moving us to .come by this land, we embarked ourselves 
 in the next port, whither all those princes (saving Antiphilus, who 
 
248 ARCADIA [BOOK It. 
 
 returned, as he pretended, not able to tarry longer from Erona) 
 conveyed us. And there found we a ship most royally furnished 
 by Plexirtus, who had made all things so proper, as well for our 
 defence, as ease, that all the other princes greatly commended 
 him for it, who seeming a quite altered man, had nothing but 
 repentance in his eyes, friendship in his gesture, and virtue in his 
 mouth : so that we, who had promised the sweet Zelmane to 
 pardon him, now not only forgave, but began to favour, persuading 
 ourselves with a youthful credulity that perchance things were not 
 so evil as we took them, and as it were, desiring our own memory 
 that it might be so. But so were we licensed from those princes, 
 truly not without tears, especially of the virtuous Leonatus, who 
 with the king of Pontus would have come with us, but that we, 
 in respect of the one's young wife, and both their new settled 
 kingdoms, would not suffer it. Then would they have sent whole 
 fleets to guard us ; but we that desired to pass secretly into Greece, 
 made them leave that motion when they found that more ships 
 than one would be displeasing unto us. But so committing 
 ourselves unto the uncertain discretion of the wind, we (then 
 determining as soon as we came to Greece to take the names of 
 Daiphantus and Palladius, as well for our own promises to 
 Zelmane, as because we desired to come unknown into Greece) 
 left the Asian shore full of princely persons, who even upon their 
 knees recommended our safeties to the devotion of their chief 
 desires, among whom none had been so officious, though I dare 
 affirm, all quite contrary to his unfaithfulness, as Plexirtus. 
 
 " And so having failed almost two days, looking for nothing, but 
 when we might look upon the land, a grave man, whom we had 
 seen of great trust with Plexirtus, and was sent as our principal 
 guide, came unto us, and with a certain kind manner mixed with 
 shame, and repentance, began to tell us that he had taken such a 
 love unto us, considering our youth and fame, that though he were 
 a servant, and a servant of such trust about Plexirtus, as that he 
 had committed unto him even those secrets of his heart, which 
 abhorred all other knowledge, yet he rather chose to reveal at this 
 time a most pernicious counsel, than by concealing it bring to ruin 
 those whom he could not choose but honour. So went he on, and 
 told us, that Plexirtus (in hope thereby to have Artaxia, endowed 
 with the great kingdom of Armenia, to his wife) had given him 
 order, when we were near Greece, to find some opportunity to 
 murder us, bidding him to take us asleep, because he had seen 
 what we could do waking. ' Now, Sirs,' said he, ' I would rather 
 a thousand times lose my life than have my remembrance, while 
 I live, poisoned with such a mischief : and therefore if it were only 
 I, that knew herein the king's order, then should my disobedience 
 
fiooK 11.] ARCADIA ^49 
 
 be a warrant of your safety. But to one more,' said he, ' namely 
 the captain of the ship, Plexirtus hath opened so much touching 
 the effect of murdering you, though I think laying the cause rather 
 upon an old grudge, than his hope of Artaxia. And myself, before 
 the consideration of your excellencies had drawn love and pity 
 into my mind, imparted it to such, as I thought fittest for such 
 a mischief: therefore I wish you to stand upon your guard, 
 assuring you that what I can do for your safety, you shall see, if 
 it come to the push, by me performed.' We thanked him, as the 
 matter indeed deserved, and from that time would no more disarm 
 ourselves, nor the one sleep without his friend's eyes waked for 
 him ; so that it delayed the going forward of their bad enterprise, 
 while they thought it rather chance, than providence, which made 
 us so behave ourselves. 
 
 " But when we came within half a day's sailing of the shore, 
 so that they saw it was speedily, or not at all to be done ; then, 
 and I remember it was about the first watch in the night, came the 
 captain and whispered the counsellor in the ear : but he, as it 
 would seem, dissuaded him from it : the captain, who had been 
 a pirate from his youth, and often blooded in it, with a loud voice 
 swore that if Plexirtus bade him, he would not stick to kill God 
 himself. And therewith called his mates, and in the King's name 
 willed them to take us alive or dead, encouraging them with 
 the spoil of us, which he said, jnd indeed was true, would yield 
 many exceeding rich jewels. But the counsellor, according to his 
 promise, commanded them they should not commit such a villainy, 
 protesting that he would stand between them and the king's anger 
 therein. Wherewith the captain enraged: 'Nay,' said he, 'then 
 we must begin with this traitor himself,' and therewith gave him 
 a sore blow upon the head, who honestly did the best he could 
 to revenge himself. 
 
 " But then we knew it time rather to encounter, than wait for 
 mischief. And so against the captain we went, who straight was 
 environed with most part of the soldiers and mariners. And yet 
 the truth is, there were some, whom either the authority of the 
 counsellor, doubt of the king's mind, or liking of us, made draw 
 their swords of our side, so that quickly it grew a most confused 
 fight. For the narrowness of the place, the darkness of time, 
 and the uncertainty in such a tumult how to know friends from 
 .foes, made the rage of the swords rather guide than be guided 
 by their masters. For my cousin and me, truly I think we never 
 performed less in any place, doing no other hurt than the defence 
 of ourselves, and succouring them who came, for it, drove us to : 
 for not discerning perfectly, who were for, or against us, we thought 
 it less evil to spare a foe, than spoil a friend. But from the highest 
 
iS6 ARCADIA [book u. 
 
 to the lowest part of the ship there was no place left, without cries 
 of murdering, and murdered persons. The captain I happened a 
 while to fight withal, but was driven to part with him by hearing 
 the cry of the counsellor, who received a mortal wound, mistaken 
 of one of his own side. 
 
 " Some of the wiser would call to parley, and wish peace : but 
 while the words of peace were in their mouths, some of their evil 
 auditors gave them death for their hire. So that no man almost 
 could conceive hope of living, but by being last alive : and 
 therefore every one was willing to make himself room, by 
 dispatching almost any other : so that the great number in the 
 ship was reduced to exceeding few, when of those few the most 
 part weary of those troubles, leapt into the boat, which was fast 
 to the ship ; but while they that were first were cutting off the rope 
 that tied it, others came leaping in so disorderly that they drowned 
 both the boat and themselves. 
 
 " But while even in that little remnant, like the children of 
 Cadmus, we continued still to slay one another, a fire, which, 
 whether by the desperate malice of some, or intention to separate, 
 or accidentally, while all things were cast up and down, it should 
 seem had taken a good while before, but never heeded of us ; 
 who only thought to preserve or revenge, now violently burst 
 out in many places and began to master the principal parts of the 
 ship. Then necessity made us see, that a common enemy sets 
 one at a civil war : for that little all we are, as if we had been 
 waged by some man to quench a fire, straight went to resist that 
 furious enemy by all art and labour : but it was too late, for already 
 it did embrace and devour from the stern to the waist of the ship : 
 so as labouring in vain, we were driven to get up to the prow of 
 the ship, by the work of nature seeking to preserve life as long 
 as we could ; while truly it was a strange and ugly sight to see 
 so huge a fire, as it quickly grew to be in the sea ; and in the 
 night, as if it had come to light as to death. And by and by it 
 had burned off the mast, which all this while had proudly borne 
 the sail, the wind, as might seem, delighted to carry fire and blood 
 in his mouth, but now it fell overboard, and the fire growing 
 nearer us, it was not only terrible in respect of what we were to 
 attend, but insupportable through the heat of it. 
 
 " So that we were constrained to bide it no longer, but disarming 
 and stripping ourselves, and laying ourselves upon such things as 
 we thought might help our swimming to the land, too far for our 
 strength to bear us, my cousin and I threw ourselves into the sea. 
 But I had swam a very little way when I felt, by reason of a 
 wound I had, that I should not be able to abide the travel : and 
 therefore seeing the mast, whose tackling had been burnt off, float 
 
sooK 11.] Arcadia 251 
 
 clear from the ship, I swam unto it, and getting on it, I found mine 
 own sword, which by chance, when I threw it away, caught by a 
 piece of canvas, had hung to the mast. I was glad because I 
 loved it well, but gladder, when I saw at the other end the captain 
 of the ship, and of all this mischief, who having a long pike, belike 
 had borne himself up with that till he had set himself upon the - 
 mast. But when I perceived him, 'Villain,' said I, 'dost thou 
 think to over-live so many honest men whom thy falsehood hath 
 brought to destruction ? ' with that bestriding the mast, I got by 
 little and little towards him after such a manner as boys are wont, 
 if ever you saw that sport, when they ride the wild mare. And he 
 perceiving my intention, like a fellow that had much more courage 
 than honesty, set himself to resist : but I had in short space 
 gotten within him, and, giving him a sound blow, sent him to 
 feed fishes. But there myself remained, until by pirates I was 
 taken up, and among them again taken prisoner, and brought into 
 Laconia." 
 
 "But what," said Philoclea, "became of your cousin Musidorus?" 
 " Lost," said Pyrocles. " Ah, my Pyrocles," said Philoclea, " I am 
 glad I have taken you. I perceive you lovers do not always say 
 truly ; as though I knew not your cousin Dorus the shepherd ?" 
 " Life of my desires," said Pyrocles, " what is mine, even to my 
 soul, is yours, but the secret of my friend is not mine. But if you 
 know so much, then I may truly say, he is lost since he is no more 
 his own. But I perceive your noble sister and you are great friends, 
 and well doth it become you so to be." " But go forward, dear 
 Pyrocles, I long to hear out till your meeting me : for there to 
 me-ward is the best part of your story." " Ah sweet Philocleaj" 
 said Pyrocles, " do you think I can think so precious leisure as 
 this well spent in talking ? are your eyes a fit book, think you, to 
 read a tale upon ? is my love quiet enough to be an historian ? 
 dear princess, be gracious unto me." And then he fain would 
 have remembered to have forgot himself. But she with a sweetly 
 disobeying grace, desired him that her desire once for ever might 
 serve, that no spot might disgrace that love which shortly 
 she hoped should be to the world warrantable. Fain he would 
 not have heard, till she threatened anger ; and then the poor lover 
 durst not, because he durst not. "Nay, I pray thee, dear 
 Pyrocles," said she, "let me have my story." "Sweet princess," 
 said he, " give my thoughts a little respite : and if it please you, 
 since this time must be so spoiled, yet it shall suffer the less harm 
 if you vouchsafe to bestow your voice, and let me know how the 
 good queen Erona was betrayed into such danger, and why Plangus 
 sought me. For indeed I should pity greatly any mischance 
 fallen to that princess." " I will," said Philoclea, smiling, " so you 
 
252 ARCADIA tBooK It. 
 
 give me your word your hands shall be quiet auditors." " They 
 shall," said he, " because subject." 
 
 Then began she to speak, but with so pretty and delightful a 
 majesty, when she set her countenance to tell the matter, that 
 Pyrocles could not choose but rebel so far as to kiss her. She 
 would have pulled her head away, and spoke, but while she spoke, 
 he kissed, and it seemed he fed upon her words ; but she got 
 away. " How will you have your discourse," said she, " without 
 you let my lips alone ? " He yielded, and took her hand. " On 
 this," said he, " will I revenge my wrong ; " and so began to make 
 much of that hand, when her tale, and his delight were interrupted 
 by Miso, who taking her time, while Basihus's back was turned, 
 came unto them, and told Philoclea, she deserved she knew what 
 for leaving her mother, being evil at ease, to keep company with 
 strangers. But Philoclea telling her that she was there by her 
 father's commandment, she went away muttering that though her 
 back and her shoulders and her neck were broken, yet as long as 
 her tongue would wag, it should do her errand to her mother ; and 
 so went up to Gynecia, who was at that time miserably vexed with 
 this manner of dream. It seemed unto her to be in a place full of 
 thorns, which so molested her that she could neither abide standing 
 still, nor tread safely going forward. In this case she thought 
 Zelmane being upon a fair hill, delightful to the eye, and easy in 
 appearance, called her thither, whither with such anguish being 
 come, Zelmane was vanished and she found nothing but a dead 
 body like unto her husband, which seeming at the first with a 
 strange smell to infect her, as she was ready likewise within a 
 while to die ; the dead body, she thought, took her in his arms, 
 and said, " Gynecia, leave all, for here is thy only rest." 
 With that she awaked, crying very loud, " Zelmane, Zelmane.'' 
 But remembering herself, and seeing Basilius by (her guilty 
 conscience more suspecting than being suspected) she turned her 
 call, and called for Philoclea. Miso forthwith like a valiant shrew, 
 looking at Basilius, as though she would speak though she died 
 for it, told Gynecia that her daughter had been a whole hour 
 together in secret talk with Zelmane. " And " said she, " for my 
 part I could not be heard, your daughters are brought up in such 
 awe, though I told her of your pleasure sufficiently." Gynecia as 
 if she had heard her last doom pronounced against her, with a 
 side look and changed countenance, " O my lord," said she, " what 
 mean you to suffer those young folks together?" Basilius, that 
 aimed nothing at the mark of her suspicion, smiling, took her in 
 his arms : " Sweet wife," said he, " I thank you for your care of 
 your child ; but they must be youths of other metal than Zelmane 
 that can endanger her." "O but ," cried Gynecia, and there- 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 253 
 
 with she stayed, for then indeed she did suffer a right conflict 
 betwixt the force of love, and rage of jealousy. Many times was 
 she about to satisfy the spite of her mind, and tell Basilius how 
 she knew Zelmane to be far otherwise than the outward appearance. 
 But those many times were all put back by the manifold objections 
 of her vehement love. Fain she would have barred her daughter's 
 hap, but loth she was to cut off her own hope. But now, as if her 
 life had been set upon a wager of quick rising, as weak as she was, 
 she got up ; though Basilius (with a kindness flowing only from 
 the fountain of unkindness, being indeed desirous to win his 
 daughter as much time as might be) was loth to suffer it, swearing 
 he saw sickness in her face, and therefore was loth she should 
 adventure the air. 
 
 But the great and wretched lady Gynecia, possessed with those 
 devils of love and jealousy, did rid herself from her tedious 
 husband : and taking nobody with her, going toward them ; " O 
 jealousy," said she, "the frenzy of wise folks, the well-wishing 
 spite, and unkind carefulness, the self-punishment for others 
 faults, and self-misery in others happiness, the cousin of envy, 
 daughter of love, and mother of hate, how could'st thou so quietly 
 get thee a seat in the unquiet heart of Gynecia ! Gynecia," said 
 she sighing, " thought wise and once virtuous ! alas ! it is thy 
 breeder's power which plants thee there : it is the flaming agony 
 of affection, that works the chilling access of thy fever, in such 
 sort, that nature gives place ; the growing of my daughter seems 
 the decay of myself ; the blessings of a mother turn to the curses 
 of a competitor ; and the fair face of Philoclea appears more 
 horrible in my sight than the image of death." Then remembered 
 she this song, which she thought took a right measure of her 
 present mind. 
 
 With two strange fires of equal heat possessed, 
 . The one of love, the other of jealousy, 
 Both still do work, in neither I find rest : 
 
 For both, alas, their strength together tie : 
 The one aloft doth hold, the other high. 
 
 Love wakes the jealous eye, lest thence it moves : 
 The jealous eye, the more it looks it loves. 
 
 Those fires increase ; in those I daily burn. 
 
 They feed on me, and with my wings do fly : 
 My lovely joys to doleful ashes turn : 
 
 Their flames mount up, my prayers prostrate lie ; 
 They live in force ; I quite consumed die. 
 One wonder yet far passes my conceit. 
 The fuel small ; how be the fires so great ? 
 
254 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 But her unleisured thoughts ran not over the ten first words ; 
 but going with a pace not so much too fast for her body, as slow 
 for her mind, she found them together, who after Miso's departure 
 had left their tale, and determined what to say to Basilius. But 
 full abashed was poor Philoclea, whose conscience now began to 
 know cause of blushing, for first salutation, receiving an eye from 
 her mother, full of the same disdainful scorn which Pallas showed 
 to poor Arachne that durst contend with her for the price of well 
 weaving : yet did the force of love so much rule her that, though 
 for Zelmane's sake she did detest her, yet for Zelmane's sake she 
 used no harder words to her than to bid her go home, and 
 accompany her solitary father. 
 
 Then began she to display to Zelmane the store-house of her 
 deadly desires, when suddenly the confused rumour of a mutinous 
 multitude gave just occasion to Zelmane to break off any such 
 conference, for well she found they were not friendly voices they 
 heard, and to retire with as much diligence as conveniently they 
 could towards the lodge. Yet before they could win the lodge by 
 twenty paces, they were overtaken by an unruly sort of clowns, 
 and other rebels, which like a violent flood, were carried, they 
 themselves knew not whither. But as soon as they came within 
 perfect discerning those ladies, like enraged beasts, without respect 
 of their estates, or pity of their sex, they began to run against 
 them, as right villains thinking ability to do hurt to be a great 
 advancement ; yet so many as they were, so many almost were 
 their minds, all knit together only in madness. Some cried, 
 "take;" some, "kill;" some, "save." But even they that cried 
 " save," ran for company with them that meant to kill. Everyone 
 commanded, none obeyed, he only seemed chief captain, that was 
 most rageful. 
 
 Zelmane, whose virtuous courage was ever awake, drew out her 
 sword, which upon those ill-armed churls giving as many wounds 
 as blows, and as many deaths almost as wounds, lightning courage, 
 and thundering smart upon them, kept them at a bay, while the 
 two ladies got themselves into the lodge, out of the which Basilius, 
 having put on an armour long untried, came to prove his authority 
 among his subjects, or at least, to adventure his life with his dear 
 mistress, to whom he brought a shield, while the ladies trembling 
 attended by the issue of this dangerous adventure. But Zelmane 
 made them perceive the odds between an eagle and a kite, with 
 such nimble steadiness, and assured nimbleness, that while one 
 was running back for fear, his fellow had her sword in his 
 guts. 
 
 And by and by was her heart and her help well increased by 
 the coming in of Dorus, who having been making of hurdles for 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 255 
 
 his master's sheep, heard the horrible cries of this mad multitude, 
 and having straight represented before the eyes of his careful 
 love, the peril wherein the soul of his soul might be, he went to 
 Pamela's lodge, but found her in a cave hard by, with Mopsa and 
 Dametas, who at that time would not have opened the entry to 
 his father. And therefore leaving them there, as in a place safe, 
 both for being strong and unknown, he ran as the noise guided 
 him. But when he saw his friend in such danger among them, 
 anger and contempt, asking no counsel but of courage, made him 
 run among them, with no other weapon but his sheep-hook, and 
 with that overthrowing one of the villains, took away a two-hand 
 sword from him, and withal helped him from ever being ashamed 
 of losing it. Then lifting up his brave head, and flashing terror 
 into their faces, he made arms and legs go complain to the earth, 
 how evil their masters had kept them. Yet the multitude still 
 growing, and the very killing wearying them, fearing lest 
 in long fight they should be conquered with conquering, they 
 drew back towards the lodge ; but drew back in such sort, that 
 still their terror went forward like a valiant mastiff, whom, when 
 his master pulls back by the tail from the bear, with whom he had 
 already interchanged a hateful embracement, though his pace be 
 backward, his gesture is forward, his teeth and his eyes threatening 
 more in the retiring than they did in the advancing : so guided 
 they themselves homeward, never stepping step backward, but 
 that they proved themselves masters of the ground where they 
 stepped. 
 
 Yet among the rebels there was a dapper fellow, a tailor by 
 occupation, who fetching his courage only from their going back, 
 began to bow his knees, and very fencer-like to draw near to 
 Zelmane. But as he came within her distance, turning his sword 
 very nicely about his crown, Basilius, with a side blow, struck 
 off his nose, he (being suitor to a seamster's daughter, and therefore 
 not a little grieved for such a disgrace) stooped down, because he 
 had heard that if it were fresh put to, it would cleave on again. 
 But as his hand was on the ground to bring his nose to his head, 
 Zelmane with a blow sent his head to his nose. That saw a 
 butcher, a butcherly chuff indeed, who that day was sworn brother 
 to him in a cup of wine, and lifted up a great leaver, calling Zelmane 
 all the vile names of a butcherly eloquence. But she letting slip 
 the blow of the leaver, hit him so surely upon the side of the face 
 that she left nothing but the nether jaw, where the tongue still 
 wagged, as willing to say more if his master's remembrance had 
 served. " O ! " said a miller that was half drunk, " see the luck of a 
 good-fellow," and with that word ran with a pitchfork at Dorus ; but 
 the nirableness of the wine carried his head so fast that it made it 
 
2S6 ARCADIA [book n, 
 
 over-run his feet, so that he fell withal just between the legs of 
 Dorus, who setting his foot on his neck, though he offered two 
 milch kine and four fat hogs for his life, thrust his sword quite 
 through, from one ear to the other ; which took it very unkindly, 
 to feel such news before they heard of them, instead of hearing, 
 to be put to such feeling. But Dorus, leaving the miller to vomit 
 his soul out in wine and blood, with his two-hand sword struck off 
 another quite by the waist, who the night before had dreamed he 
 was grown a couple, and, interpreting it that he should be married, 
 had bragged of his dream that morning among his neighbours. 
 But that blow astonished quite a poor painter, who stood by with a 
 pike in his hands. This painter was to counterfeit the skirmish 
 between the Centaurs and Lapithes, and had been very desirous to 
 see some notable wounds, to be able the more lively to express 
 them ; and this morning, being carried by the stream of this 
 company, the foolish fellow was even delighted to see the effect 
 of blows. But this last, happening near him, so amazed him that 
 he stood stock still, while Dorus, with a turn of his sword, struck 
 off both his hands. And so the painter returned, well skilled in 
 wounds, but with never a hand to perform his skill. 
 
 In this manner they recovered the lodge, and gave the rebels a 
 face of wood of the outside. But they then, though no more 
 furious, yet more outrageous when they saw no resister, went about 
 with pickaxe to the wall, and fire to the gate, to get themselves 
 entrance. Then did the two ladies mix fear with love, especially 
 Philoclea, who ever caught hold of Zelmane, so, by the folly of 
 love, hindering the succour which she desired. But Zelmane 
 seeing no way of defence, nor time to deliberate (the number of 
 those villains still increasing, and their madness still increasing 
 with their number) thought it the only means, to go beyond their 
 expectation with an unused boldness, and with danger to avoid 
 danger, and therefore opened again the gates ; and Dorus and 
 Basilius standing ready for her defence, she issued again among 
 them. The blows she had dealt before, though all in general were 
 hasty, made each of them in particular take breath, before they 
 brought them suddenly over-near her, so that she had time to get 
 up to the judgment-seat of the prince, which, according to the 
 guess of that country, was before the court gate. There she paused 
 a while, making sign with her hand unto them, and withal, 
 speaking aloud that she had something to say unto them that 
 would please them. But she was answered a while with nothing 
 but shouts and cries ; and some beginning to throw stones at her, 
 not daring to approach her. But at length a young farmer, who 
 might do most among the country sort, and was caught in a little 
 affection towards Zelmane, hoping by his kindness to have some 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 257 
 
 good of her, desired them if they were honest men, to hear the 
 woman speak. " Fie fellows, fie," said he, " what will all the maids 
 in our town say if so many tall men shall be afraid to hear a fair 
 wench? I swear unto you, by no little ones, I had rather give 
 my team of oxen than we should show ourselves so uncivil wights. 
 Besides, I tell you true, I have heard it of old men counted 
 wisdom, to hear much, and say little." His sententious speech so 
 prevailed, that the most part began to listen. Then she, with such 
 efficacy of gracefulness, and such a quiet magnanimity represented 
 in her face in this uttermost peril, that the more the barbarbus 
 people looked, the more it fixed their looks upon her, in this sort 
 began unto them. 
 
 "It is no small comfort unto me," said she, "having to speak 
 something unto you for your own behoofs, to find that I have 
 to deal with such a people, who show indeed in themselves the 
 right nature of valour : which as it leaves no violence unattempted, 
 while the choler is nourished with resistance, so when the subject 
 of their wrath doth of itself unlooked for oflfer itself into their 
 hands, it makes them at least take a pause before they determine 
 cruelties. Now then first, before I come to the principal matter, 
 have I to say unto you ; that your prince Basilius himself in 
 person is within this lodge, and was one of the three, whom a few 
 of you went about to fight withal : " and (this she said, not 
 doubting but they knew it well enough, but because she would 
 have them imagine that the prince might think that they did not 
 know it) " by him I am sent unto you, as from a prince to his well 
 approved subjects, nay as from a father to beloved children, to 
 know what it is that hath bred just quarrel among you, or who 
 they be that have any way wronged you ; what it is with which 
 you are displeased, or of which you are desirous ? This he 
 requires, and indeed, for he knows your faithfulness, he commands 
 you presently to set down and choose among yourselves, someone, 
 who may relate your griefs or demands unto him." 
 
 This, being more than they hoped for from their prince, assuaged 
 well their fury, and many of them consented, especially the young 
 farmer helping on, who meant to make one of the demands 
 that he might have Zelmane for his wife, but when they began to 
 talk of their griefs, never bees made such a confused humming : 
 the town dwellers deinanding putting down of imposts ; the country 
 fellows laying out of commons : some would have the prince keep 
 his court in one place, some in another : all cried out to have 
 new counsellors ; but when they should think of any new, they 
 liked them as well as any other that they could remember, 
 especially they would have the treasure so looked unto, as that 
 he should never need to take any more subsidies. At length they 
 
2S8 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 fell to direct contrarieties. For the artisans they would have corn 
 and wine set at a lower price, and bound to be kept so still : the 
 ploughmen, vine-labourers, and the farmers would none of that. 
 The countrymen demanded that every man might be free in the 
 chief towns ; that could not the burgesses like of. The peasants 
 would have all the gentlemen destroyed, the citizens, especially 
 such as cooks, barbers, and those other that lived most on 
 gentlemen, would but have them reformed. And of each side 
 were like divisions, one neighbourhood beginning to find fault with 
 another ; but no confusion was greater than of particular men's 
 likings and dislikings : one dispraising such a one, whom another 
 praised, and demanding such a one to be punished, whom the 
 other would have exalted. No less ado was there about choosing 
 him, who should be their spokesman. The finer sort of burgesses, 
 as merchants, prentices, and cloth-workers, because of their riches, 
 disdaining the baser occupations ; and they because of their 
 number, as much disdaining them ; all they scorning the country- 
 men's ignorance, and the countrymen suspecting as much their 
 cunning : so that Zelmane (finding that their united rage was now 
 grown, not only to dividing, but to a crossing of one another, and 
 that the mislike grown among themselves did well allay the heat 
 against her) made tokens again unto them, as though she took great 
 care of their well-doing, and were afraid of their falling out, that she 
 would speak unto them. They now grow jealous one of another, the 
 stay having engendered division, and division having manifested 
 their weakness, were willing enough to hear, the most part striving 
 to show themselves willinger than their fellows : which Zelmane, 
 by the acquaintance she had had with such kind of humours soon 
 perceiving, with an angerless bravery, and an unabashed mildness, 
 in this manner spoke unto them. 
 
 "An unused thing it is, and I think not heretofore seen, O 
 Arcadians, that a woman should give public counsel to men, 
 a stranger to the country people, and that lastly in such a presence 
 by a private person, the regal throne should be possessed. But 
 the strangeness of your action makes that used for virtue, which 
 your violent necessity imposeth. For certainly a woman may 
 well speak to such men, who have forgotten all man-like govern- 
 ment; a stranger may with reason instruct such subjects that 
 neglect due points of subjection ; and is it marvel this place is 
 entered into by another, since your own prince, after thirty years' 
 government, dare not show his face unto faithful people? hear 
 therefore, O Arcadians, and be ashamed ; against whom hath this 
 zealous rage been stirred? whither have been bent those manful 
 weapons of yours ? in this quiet harmless lodge there be harboured 
 no Argians, your ancient enemies ; nor Laconians, your now 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 259 
 
 feared neighbours. Here be neither hard landlords, nor biting 
 usurers. Here lodge none, but such, as either you have great 
 cause to love, or no cause to hate : here being none, besides your 
 prince, princess, and their children, but myself. Is it I then, 
 
 Arcadians, against whom your anger is armed ? am I the mark 
 of your vehement quarrel ? if it be so, that innocency shall not be 
 stopped for fury ; if it be so, that the law of hospitality, so long and 
 holily observed among you, may not defend a stranger fled to 
 your arms for succour : if in fine, it be so, that so many 
 valiant men's courages can be inflamed to the mischief of one 
 silly woman ; I refuse not to make my life a sacrifice to your 
 wrath. Exercise on me your indignation, so it go no farther ; 
 
 1 am content to pay the great favours I have received among you, 
 with my life not ill-deserving: I present here unto you, O 
 Arcadians, if that may satisfy you ; rather than you, called over 
 the world the wise and quiet Arcadians, should be so vain, as 
 to attempt that alone, which all the rest of your country will abhor ; 
 than you shall show yourselves so ungrateful as to forget the fruit 
 of so many years peaceable government ; or so unnatural, as not 
 to have with the holy name of your natural prince, any fury 
 overmastered. For such a hellish madness, I know, did never 
 enter into your hearts as to attempt anything against his person ; 
 which no successor, though never so hateful, will ever leave, for 
 his own sake, unrevenged. Neither can your wonted valour be 
 turned to such a baseness, as instead of a prince, delivered unto 
 you by so many royal ancestors, to take the tyrannous yoke of 
 your fellow subject, in whom the innate means will bring forth 
 ravenous covetousness and the newness of his estate suspectful 
 cruelty. Imagine, what could your enemies more wish unto 
 you than to see your own estate with your own hands undermined ? 
 O what would your forefathers say if they lived at this time, 
 and saw their offspring defacing such an excellent principaUty, 
 which they with much labour and blood so wisely have established ? 
 do you think them fools, that saw you should not enjoy your vines, 
 your cattle, no not your wives and children without government ? 
 and that there could be no government without a magistrate, and 
 no magistrate without obedience, and no obedience where everyone 
 upon his own private passion may interpret the doings of the 
 rulers? let your wits make your present example a lesson to 
 you. What sweetness, in good faith, find you in your present 
 condition ; what choice of choice find you, if you had lost Basilius? 
 under whose ensign would you go, if your enemies should invade 
 you ? if you cannot agree upon one to speak for you, how will you 
 agree upon one to fight for you ? but with this fear of I cannot 
 tell what one is troubled, and with that past wrong another is 
 
26o ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 grieved. And I pray you did the sun ever bring you a fruitful 
 harvest but that it was more hot than pleasant ? have any of you 
 children that be not sometimes cumbersome ? have any of you 
 fathers that be not sometimes wearish ? wfhat, shall we curse the 
 sun, hate our children, or disobey our fathers — but what need I use 
 those words, since I see in your countenances, now virtuously 
 settled, nothing else but love and duty to him, by whom for your 
 only sakes, the government is embraced. For all that is done, 
 he doth not only pardon you, but thank you ; judging the action 
 by the minds, and not the minds by the action. Your griefs, and 
 desires whatsoever, and whensoever you list, he will consider of, 
 and to his consideration it is reason you should refer them. So 
 then, to conclude ; the uncertainty of his estate made you take 
 arms ; now you see him well ; with the same love lay them down. 
 If now you end, as I know you will, he will make no other account 
 of this matter, but as of a vehement, I must confess, over vehement 
 affection, the only continuance might prove a wickedness. But 
 it is not so, I see very well, you began with zeal, and will end 
 with reverence.'' 
 
 The action Zelmane used, being beautified by nature and 
 apparelled with skill, her gestures being such, that, as her words 
 did paint out her mind, so they served as a shadow to make the 
 picture more lively and sensible, with the sweet clearness of her 
 voice, rising and falling kindly as the nature of the word and 
 efficacy of the matter required, altogether in such an admirable 
 person, whose incomparable valour they had well felt, whose 
 beauty did pierce through the thick dulness of their senses, gave 
 such a way unto her speech through the rugged wilderness of 
 their imaginations, who, besides they were stricken in admiration 
 of her, as of more tharr a human creature, where cooled with 
 taking breath, and had learned doubts out of leisure that instead 
 of roaring cries_ there was now heard nothing but a confused 
 muttering, whether her saying were to be followed : betwixt fear 
 to pursue, and loathness to leave, most of them could have been 
 content it had never been begun, but how to end it, each afraid 
 of his companion, they knew not, finding it far easier to tie, than 
 to loose knots. But Zelmane thinking it no evil way in such 
 mutinies, to give the mutinous some occasion of such service as 
 they might think, in their own judgment, would countervail their 
 trespass, withal to take the more assured possession of their minds, 
 which she feared might begin to waver. 
 
 "Loyal Arcadians," said she, "now do I offer unto you the 
 manifesting of your duties : all those that have taken arms for the 
 prince's safety, let them turn their backs to the gate, with their 
 weapons bent again such as would hurt his sacred person." " O 
 
BOOK IT.] ARCADIA 261 
 
 weak trust of the many-headed multitude, whom inconstancy only 
 doth guide to well-doing, who can set confidence there where 
 company takes away shame, and each may lay the fault on his 
 fellow?" So said a crafty fellow among them, named Clinias, to 
 himself, when he saw the word no sooner out of Zelmane's mouth, 
 but there were some shouts of joy, with, " God save Basilius," and 
 divers of them with much jollity grown to be his guard that but 
 little before meant to be his murderers. 
 
 This Clinias in his youth had been a scholar so far as to learn 
 rather words than manners, and of words rather plenty than order ; ■ 
 and often had used to be an actor in tragedies, where he had 
 learned, besides a slidingness of language, acquaintance with many 
 passions, and to frame his face to bear the figure of them : long 
 used to the eyes and ears of men, and to reckon no fault but 
 shamefac'dness in nature ; a most notable coward, and yet more 
 strangely than rarely venturous in privy practices. 
 
 This fellow was become of near trust to Cecropia, Amphialus's 
 mother, so that he was privy to all the mischievous devices where- 
 with she went about to ruin Basilius and his children, for the 
 advancing of her son, and though his education had made him full 
 of tongue, yet his love to be doing, taught him in any evil to be 
 secret, and had by his mistress been used ever since the strange 
 retiring of Basilius, to whisper rumours in the people's ears : and 
 this time, finding great aptness in the multitude, was one of the 
 chief that set them in the uproar, though quite without the consent 
 of Amphialus, who would not for all the kingdoms of the world so 
 have adventured the life of Philoclea. But now perceiving the 
 flood of their fury begun to ebb, he thought in pohcy to take the 
 first of the tide, so that no man cried louder than he upon Basilius. 
 And some of the lustiest rebels not yet agreeing to the rest, he 
 caused two or three of his mates that were at his commandment to 
 lift him up, and then as if he had a prologue to utter, he began 
 with nice gravity to demand audience. But few attending what 
 he said, with vehement gesture, as if he would tear the stars from 
 the skies he fell to crying out so loud that not only Zelmane, but 
 Basilius might hear him. " O unhappy men, more mad than the 
 giants that would have plucked Jupiter out of heaven, how long 
 shall this rage continue? why do you not all throw down your 
 weapons and submit yourselves to our good prince, our good 
 Basilius, the Pelops of wisdom, and Minos of all good government ? 
 when will you begin to believe me, and other honest and faithful 
 subjects, that have done all we could to stop your fury." 
 
 The farmer that loved Zelmane could abide him no longer. For 
 as the first he was willing to speak of conditions, hoping to have 
 gotten great sovereignties, and among the rest Zelmane ; so now 
 
263 ARCADIA [BOOK ii. 
 
 perceiving, that the people, once anything down the hill from their 
 fury, would never stay till they came to the bottom of absolute 
 yielding, and so that he should be nearer fears of punishment than 
 hopes of such advancement, he was one of them that stood most 
 against the agreement : and to begin withal, disdaining this fellow 
 should play the preacher, who had been one of the cheifest make- 
 bates, struck him a great wound upon the face with his sword. 
 The cowardly wretch fell down, crying for succour, and, scrambhng 
 through the legs of them that were about him, got to the throne, 
 where Zelmane took him and comforted him, bleeding for that was 
 past, and quaking for fear of more. 
 
 But as soon as the blow was given, as if ^olus had broke open 
 the door to let all his winds out, no hand was idle, each one killing 
 him that was next, for fear he should do as much to him. For 
 being divided in minds, and not divided in companies, they that 
 would yield to Basilius were intermingled with them that would 
 not yield. Those men thinking their ruin stood upon it ; those 
 men to get favour of their prince, converted their ungracious 
 motion into their own bowels, and by a true judgment grew their 
 own punishers. None were sooner killed than those that had 
 been leaders in the disobedience : who by being so, had taught 
 them, that they did lead disobedience to the same leaders. And 
 many times it fell out that they killed them that were of their own 
 faction, anger whetting, and doubt hastening their fingers. But 
 then came down Zelmane ; and Basilius with Dorus issued, and 
 sometimes seeking to draw together those of their party, sometimes 
 laying indifferently among tbem, made such havoc, among the rest 
 Zelmane striking the farmer to the heart with her sword, as before 
 she had done with her eyes, that in a while all they of the contrary 
 side were put to flight, and fled to certain woods upon the frontiers, 
 where feeding wildly, and drinking only water, they were disciplined 
 for their drunken riots : many of them being slain in the chase, 
 about a score only escaping. But when those late rebels, now 
 soldiers, were returned from the chase, Basilius calling them 
 together, partly for policy's sake, but principally because Zelmane 
 before had spoken it, which was to him more than a divine 
 ordinance, he pronounced their general pardon, willing them to 
 return to their houses, and hereafter be more circumspect in their 
 proceedings, which they did most of them with sharp marks of 
 their folly. But imagining Clinias to be one of the chief that had 
 bred this good alteration, he gave him particular thanks, and 
 withal willed him to make him know how this frenzy had entered 
 into the people. 
 
 Clinias purposing indeed to tell him the truth of all ; saving 
 •what did touch himself, or Cecropia, first dipping his hand in the 
 
BOOK IT.] ARCADIA 263 
 
 blood of his wound : " Now by this blood," said he, " which is 
 more dear to me than all the rest that is in my body, since it is 
 spent for your safety : this tongue, perchance unfortunate, but 
 never false, shall not now begin to lie unto my prince, of me most 
 beloved." Then stretching out his hand, and making vehement 
 countenances the ushers to his speeches, in such manner of terms 
 recounted this accident. " Yesterday," said he, " being your birth- 
 day, in the goodly green two miles hence before the city of 
 Enispus, to do honour to the day, where four or five thousand 
 people, of all conditions, as I think, gathered together, spending 
 all the day in dancing and other exercises, and when night came 
 under tents and bows making great cheer, and meaning to observe 
 a wassailling watch all that night for your sake. Bacchus, the 
 learned say, was begot with thunder : I think, that made him ever 
 since so full of stir and debate. Bacchus, indeed it was which 
 sounded the first trumpet to this rude alarm. For that barbarous 
 opinion being generally among them, to think with vice to do 
 honour, and with activity in beastliness to show abundance of love, 
 made most of them seek to show the depth of their affection in the 
 depth of their draught. But being once well chafed with wine, 
 having spent all the night, and some piece of the morning in such 
 revelling, and emboldened by your absented manner of living, 
 there was no matter their ears had ever heard of that grew not to 
 be a subject of their winey conference. I speak it by proof : for 
 I take witness of the gods, who never leave perjuries unpunished, 
 that I often cried out against their impudency, and, when that 
 would not serve, stopped mine ears because I would not be 
 partaker of their blasphemies, till with buffets they forced me to 
 have mine ears and eyes defiled. Public affairs were mingled with 
 private grudges : neither was any man thought of wit, that did not 
 pretend some cause of mislike. Railing was counted the fruit of 
 freedom, and saying nothing had his uttermost praise in ignorance. 
 At the length, your sacred person, alas ! why did I live to hear it ? 
 alas ! how do I breathe to utter it ? But your commandment doth 
 not only enjoin obedience, but give me force ; your sacred person 
 I say, fell to be their table-talk : a proud word swelling in their 
 stomachs, and disdainful reproaches against so great a greatness 
 having put on the show of greatness in their little minds : till at 
 length the very unbridled use of words having increased fire in 
 their minds, which God wot thought their knowledge notable, 
 because they had at all no knowledge to condemn their own want 
 of knowledge, they descended, O never to be forgotten presumption, 
 to a direct dislike of your living from among them. Whereupon 
 it were tedious to remember their far-fetched constructions. But 
 the sum was, you disdained them : and what were the pomps of 
 
264 ARCADIA [BOOK n. 
 
 your estate, if their arms maintained you not ? who would call you 
 a prince, if you had not a people, when certain of them of wretched 
 estates, and worse minds, whose fortunes change could not impair, 
 began to say that your government was to be looked into ; how 
 the great treasures you had levied among them had been spent ; 
 why none but great men and gentlemen could be admitted into 
 counsel, that the commons, forsooth, were too plain-headed to say 
 their opinions : but yet their blood and sweat must maintain all. 
 Who could tell whether you were not betrayed in this place where 
 you lived ? nay whether you did live or no ? therefore that it was 
 time to come and see ; and if you were here, to know if Arcadia 
 were grown loathsome in your sight, why you did not rid yourself 
 of the trouble ? there would not want those that would take so fair 
 a cumber in good part. Since the country was theirs, and the 
 government an adherent to the country, why should they not 
 consider of the one as well as inhabit the other? 'nay rather,' 
 said they, 'let us begin that, which all Arcadia will follow. Let 
 us deliver our prince from danger of practices, and ourselves from 
 want of a prince. Let us do that which all the rest think. Let it 
 be said that we only are not astonished with vain titles which have 
 their force but in our force.' Lastly, to have said and heard so 
 much was as dangerous as to have attempted : and to attempt 
 they had the glorious name of liberty with them. Those words 
 being spoken, like a furious storm, presently carried away their 
 well inclined brains. What I, and some other of the honester sort 
 could do was no more than if with a puff of breath, one should go 
 about to make a sail go against a mighty wind, or, with one hand, 
 stay the ruin of a mighty wall. So general grew this madness 
 among them, there needed no drum, where each man cried, each 
 spoke to other that spoke as fast to him, and the disagreeing 
 sound of so many voices was the chief token of their unmeet 
 agreement. Thus was their banquet turned to a battle, their 
 winey mirths to bloody rages, and the happy prayers for your life 
 to monstrous threatening of your estate ; the solemnizing your 
 birth-day, tended to have been the cause of your funeral. But as 
 a drunken rage hath, besides his wickedness, that folly, that the 
 more it seeks to hurt the less it considers how to be able to hurt : 
 they never weighed how to arm themselves, but took up everything 
 for a weapon that fury offered to their hands. Many swords, 
 pikes, and bills there were ; others took pitchforks and rakes, 
 converting husbandry to soldiery : some caught hold of spits, 
 things serviceable for life, to be the instruments of death. And 
 there was some such one, who held the same pot wherein he 
 drank your health, to use it, as he could, to your mischief. Thus 
 armed, thus governed, forcing the unwilling, and heartening the 
 
BOOK 11.] ARCADIA 265 
 
 willing, adding fury to fury, and increasing rage with running, they 
 came headlong towards this lodge : no man, I dare say, resolved 
 in his own heart what was the uttermost he would do when he 
 came thither. But as mischief is of such nature, that it cannot 
 stand but with strengthening one evil by another, and so multiply 
 in itself, till it come to the highest and then fall with his own 
 weight : so to their minds one passed the bounds of obedience, 
 more and more wickedness opened itself, so that they, who first 
 pretended to preserve you, then to reform you (I speak it in my 
 conscience, and with a bleeding heart) now thought no safety for 
 them, without murdering you. So as if the gods, who preserve 
 you for the preservation of Arcadia, had not showed their miraculous 
 power ; and that they had not used for instruments, both your own 
 valour, not fit to be spoken of by so mean a mouth as mine, and 
 some, I must confess, honest minds, whom alas ! why should I 
 mention, since what we did, reached not to the hundredth part of 
 our duty? our hands, I tremble to think of it, had destroyed all 
 that, for which we have cause to rejoice that we are Arcadians." 
 
 With that the fellow did wring his hands, and wrung out tears, 
 so, that Basilius, who was not the sharpest piercer into masked 
 minds, took a good liking to him ; and so much the more as he 
 had tickled him with praise in the hearing of his mistress. And 
 therefore pitying his wound, willed him to get him home and look 
 well into it, and make the best search he could to know if there 
 were any farther depth in this matter, for which he should be well 
 rewarded. But before he went away, certain of the shepherds 
 being come, for that day was appointed for their pastorals, he sent 
 one of them to Philanax, and another to other principal noblemen, 
 and cities thereabouts, to make thorough inquiry of this uproar, 
 and withal to place such garrisons in all the towns and villages 
 near unto him, that he might thereafter keep his solitary lodge in 
 more security, upon the making of a fire, or ringing of a bell, 
 having them in readiness for him. 
 
 This Clinias, having his ear one way when his eye was another, 
 had perceived, and therefore hastened away with mind to tell 
 Crecopia that she was to take some speedy resolution, or else it 
 were danger those examinations would both discover and ruin 
 her ; and so went his way, leaving that httle company with 
 embracements, and praising of Zelmane's excellent proceeding, 
 to show, that no decking sets forth anything so much as affection. 
 For as, while she stood at the discretion of those indiscreet rebels, 
 every angry countenance any of them made seemed a knife laid 
 upon their own throats ; so unspeakable was now their joy that 
 they saw, besides her safety and their own, the same wrought, and 
 safely wrought by her means, in whom they had placed all their 
 
266 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 delights. What examples Greece could ever allege of wit and 
 fortitude, were set in rank of trifles, being compared to this action. 
 But as they were in the midst of those unfeigned ceremonies, 
 a cittern ill played on, accompanied with a hoarse voice, who 
 seemed to sing mauger the mauses, and to be merry in spite of 
 fortune, made them look the way of the ill-noised song. The song 
 was this 
 
 A hateful cure with hate to heal : 
 
 A bloody help with blood to save : 
 A foolish thing with fools to deal. 
 
 Let him be bob'd, that bobs will have. 
 
 But who by means of wisdom high 
 
 Hath sav'd his charge ? it is even I. 
 
 Let others deck their pride with scars, 
 And of their wounds make brave lame shows : 
 
 First let them die, then pass the stars. 
 When rotten fame will tell their blows : 
 But eye from blade, and ear from eye ; 
 Who hath sav'd all ? it is even L 
 
 They had soon found it was Dametas, who came with no less 
 lifted up countenance than if he had passed over the bellies of all 
 his enemies : so wise a point he thought he had performed in using 
 the natural strength of the cave. But never was it his doing to 
 come so soon thence till the coast were more assuredly clear : for it 
 was a rule with him, that after a great storm there ever fell a few 
 drops before it be fully finished. But Pamela, who had now 
 experienced how much care doth solicit a lover's heart, used this 
 occasion of going to her parents and sister, indeed as well for 
 that cause, as being unquiet, till her eye might be assured how her 
 shepherd had gone through the danger. 
 
 But Basilius with the sight of Pamela, of whom almost his head, 
 otherwise occupied, had left the wanted remembrance, was suddenly 
 stricken into a devout kind of admiration, remembering the oracle, 
 which according to the fawning humour of false hope, he interpreted 
 now his own to his own best, and with the willing blindness of 
 affection, because his mind ran wholly upon Zelmane, he thought 
 the gods in their oracles did principally mind her. 
 
 But as he was thinking deeply of the matter, one of the shepherds 
 told him that Philanax was already come with an hundred horse 
 in his company. For having by chance rode not far off the little 
 desert, he had heard of this uproar, and so was come upon the 
 spur, gathering a company of gentlemen, as fast as he could, to the 
 succour of his master ; Basilius was glad of it ; but not willing to 
 have him nor any other of the noblemen, see his mistress, he 
 
BOOK ii.j ARCADIA 267 
 
 himself went out of the lodge : and so giving order unto him of 
 placing garrisons, and examining those matters ; and Philanax 
 with humble earnestness beginning to entreat him to leave off this 
 solitary course, which already had been so dangerous unto him, 
 " Well," said Basilius, " it may be ere long I will condescend unto 
 your desire. In the meantime, take you the best order you can to 
 keep me safe in my solitariness. But," said he, " do you remember, 
 how earnestly you wrote unto me that I should not be moved by 
 that oracle's authority, which brought me to this resolution ? " 
 " Full well. Sir," answered Philanax, " for though it pleased you 
 not as then to let me know what the oracle's words were, yet all 
 oracles hold in, in my conceit, one degree of reputation, it sufficed 
 me to know it was but an oracle which led you from your own 
 course." " Well," said Basilius, " I will now tell you the words, 
 which before I thought not good to do, because when all the events 
 fall out, as some already have done, I may charge you with your 
 incredulity." So he repeated in this sort. 
 
 Thy elder care shall from thy careful face 
 
 By princely mean be stolen, and yet not lost : 
 Thy younger shall with nature's bliss embrace 
 
 An uncouth love, which nature hateth most ; 
 Both they themselves unto such two shall wed, 
 
 Who at thy bear, as at a bar, shall plead ; 
 
 Why thee, a living man, they had made dead. 
 In thine own seat a foreign state shall sit ; 
 And ere that all those blows at thy head do hit. 
 Thou, with thy wife adultery shall commit. 
 
 " For you, forsooth," said he, " when I told you that some 
 supernatural cause sent me strange visions, which being confrmed 
 with presagious chances, I had gone to Delphos, and there received 
 this answer, you replied unto me that the only supernatural causes 
 were the humours of my body, which bred such melancholy dreams, 
 and that both they framed a mind full of conceits, apt to make 
 presages of things, which in themselves were merely chanceable : 
 and withal, as I say, you remember what you wrote me touching 
 the authority of the oracle : but now I have some notable trial of 
 the truth thereof, which hereafter I will more largely communicate 
 unto you. Only now, know that the thing I most feared is already 
 performed ; I mean, that a foreign state should possess my throne. 
 For that hath been done by Zelmane, but not as I feared, to my 
 ruin, but to my preservation." But when he had once named 
 Zelmane, that name was as good as a pulley, to make the clock of his 
 praises run on in such sort that Philanax found was more exquisite 
 than the only admiration of virtue breedeth : which bis faithful 
 
268 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 heart inwardly repining at, made him shrink away as soon as he 
 could to go aljout the other matters of importance which Basilius 
 had enjoined unto him. 
 
 Basilius returned into the lodge, thus by himself construing the 
 oracle : that in that, he said, his elder care should by princely 
 mean be stolen away from him, and yet not lost, it was now 
 performed, since Zelmane had, as it were, robbed from him the 
 care of his first begotten child, yet was it not lost, since in his 
 heart the ground of it remained. That his younger should with 
 nature's bliss embrace the love of Zelmane, because he had so 
 commanded her for his sake to do, yet should it be with as much 
 hate of nature, for being so hateful an opposite to the jealousy he 
 thought her mother had of him. The sitting in that seat he deemed 
 by her already performed. But that which most comforted him 
 was his interpretation of the adultery, which he thought he should 
 commit with Zelmane, whom afterwards he should have to his 
 wife. The point of his daughter's marriage, because it threatened 
 his death withal, he determined to prevent with keeping them while 
 he lived, unmarried. But having, as he thought, gotten thus much 
 understanding of the oracle, he determined for three days after to 
 perform certain rites to Apollo : and even then began with his wife 
 and daughters to sing this hymn, and by them yearly used. 
 
 Apollo great, whose beams the greater world do light, 
 
 And in our little world do clear our inward sight, 
 
 Which ever shine, though hid from earth by earthly shade, 
 
 Whose lights do ever live, but in our darkness fade ; 
 
 Thou god, whose youth was decked with spoil of Python's skin 
 
 (So humble knowledge can throw down the snakish sin) 
 
 Latona's son, whose birth in pain and travail long 
 
 Doth teach, to learn the good what travails do belong : 
 
 In travail of our life, a, short but tedious space. 
 
 While brittle hour glass runs, guide thou our panting pace 
 
 Give us foresightful minds : give us minds to obey 
 
 What foresight tells ; our thoughts upon thy knowledge stay. 
 
 Let so our fruits grow up that nature be raaintain'd : 
 
 But so our hearts keep down, with vice they be not stain'd. 
 
 Let this assured hold our judgments overtake. 
 
 That nothing wins the heaven, but what doth earth forsake. 
 
 , As soon as he had ended his devotion (all the privileged shepherds 
 being now come) knowing well enough he might lay all his care 
 upon Philanax, he was willing to sweeten the taste of this past 
 tumult with some rural pastimes. For which, while the shepherds 
 prepared themselves in the best manner, Basilius took his daughter 
 Philocle^ aside, and with such haste, as if his ears hunted for words, 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 269 
 
 desired to know how she had found Zelmane. She humbly answered 
 him according to the agreement betwixt them, that thus much for 
 her sake Zelmane was content to descend from her former resolu- 
 tion, as to hear him whenever he would speak ; and further than 
 that she said, as Zelmane had not granted, so she neither did nor 
 ever would desire. Basihus kissed her with more than fatherly 
 thanks, and straight, like a hard-kept ward new come to his 
 lands, would fain have used the benefit of that grant, in laying his 
 sickness before his only physician. But Zelmane, that had not 
 yet fully determined with herself how to bear herself toward him, 
 made him in few words understand, that the time, in respect of the 
 company, was unfit for such a parley ; and therefore to keep his 
 brains the busier, letting him understand what she had learned of 
 his daughters, touching Erona's distress, whom in her travel she 
 had known and been greatly beholden to, she desired him to finish 
 the rest, for so far as Plangus had told him ; because, she said, and 
 she said truly, she was full of care for that lady, whose desert, only 
 except an over-base choice, was nothing agreeable to misfortune. 
 Basilius glad that she would command him anything, but more 
 glad that in executing the unfitness of that time, she argued an 
 intention to grant a fitter, obeyed her in this manner. 
 
 " Madame," said he, " it is very true that since years enabled me 
 to judge what is or is not to be pitied, I never saw anything that 
 more moved me to justify a vehement compassion on myself than 
 the estate of that prince, whom strong against all his own afflictions, 
 which yet were great as I perceive you have heard, yet true and 
 noble love had so pulled down, as to lie under sorrow for another. 
 Insomuch as I could not temper my long idle pen in that subject, 
 which I perceive you have seen. But then to leave that unrepeated, 
 which I find my daughters have told you, it may please you to 
 understand, since it pleaseth you to demand, that Antiphilus being 
 crowned, and so left by the famous princes Musidorus and Pyrocles 
 (led thence by the challenge of Anaxius, who is now in those 
 provinces of Greece, making a dishonourable inquiry after that 
 excellent prince Pyrocles, already perished) Antiphilus I say, being 
 crowned and delivered from the presence of those two, whose 
 virtues, while they were present, like good schoolmasters, 
 suppressed his vanities, he had not strength of mind enough in 
 him to make long delay of discovering what manner of man he 
 was. But straight like one carried up to so high a place that he 
 loseth the discerning of the ground over which he is, so was his 
 mind lifted so far beyond the level of his own discourse, that 
 remembering only that himself was in the high seat of a king, he 
 could not perceive that he was a king of reasonable creatures who 
 would quickly scorn follies, and repine at injuries. But imagining 
 
270 ARCADIA [book h. 
 
 no so true property of sovereignty as to do what he listed, and to 
 list whatsoever pleased his fancy, he quickly made his kingdom a 
 tennis-court, where his subjects should be the balls, not in truth 
 cruelly, but licentiously abusing them, presuming so far upon 
 himself, that what he did was liked of everybody : nay, that his 
 disgraces were favours, and all because he was a king. For in 
 nature not able to conceive the bounds of great matters, suddenly 
 borne into an unknown ocean of absolute power, he was swayed 
 withal, he knew not how, as every wind of passion puffed him. 
 Whereto nothing helped him better than that poisonous sugar of 
 flattery, which some used, out of the innate baseness of their heart, 
 straight like dogs fawning upon the greatest ; others secretly hating 
 him, and disdaining his great rising so suddenly, so undeservedly, 
 finding his humour, bent their exalting him only to his overthrow, 
 like the bird that carries the shell-fish high, to break him the 
 easier with his fall. But his mind, being an apt matter to receive 
 what form their amplifying speeches would lay upon it, danced so 
 pretty a measure to their false music, that he thought himself the 
 wisest and worthiest and best beloved that ever gave honour to 
 royal title. And being but obscurely born, he had found out 
 unblushing pedigrees that made him not only of the blood royal, 
 but true heir, though unjustly dispossessed by Erona's ancestors. 
 And like the foolish bird, that when it so hides the head that it 
 sees not itself, thinks nobody else sees it, so did he imagine that 
 nobody knew his baseness, while he himself turned his eyes 
 from it. 
 
 "Then vainness, a meagre friend to gratefulness, brought him 
 so to despise Erona, as of whom he had received no benefit, that 
 within half a year's marriage he began to pretend barrenness, and 
 making first an unlawfiil law of having more wives than one, he 
 still keeping Erona under-hand, by messages sought Artaxia ; who 
 no less hating him than loving as unlucky a choice, the naughty 
 king Plexirtus, yet to bring to pass what she purposed, was content 
 to train him into false hopes, till already his imagination had 
 crowned him king of Armenia, and had made that but the 
 foundation of more and more monarchies, as if fortune had only 
 gotten eyes to cherish him. In which time a great assembly of 
 most part of all the princes of Asia, being to do honour to the 
 never sufficiently praised Pyrocles and Musidorus, he would be 
 one ; not to acknowledge his obligation, which was as great as 
 any of the others, but looking to have been young-mastered among 
 those great estates as he was among his abusing underlings. But 
 so many valourous princes, indeed far nearer to disdain him than 
 otherwise, he was quickly, as standing upon no true ground, in- 
 wardly out of countenance with himself, till his seldom comfortless 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 271 
 
 flatterers, persuading him it was envy and fear of his expected 
 greatness, made him haste away from that company, and without 
 further delay, appointed the meeting with Artaxia, so incredibly 
 blinded with the over-bright shining of his royalty that he could 
 think such a queen would be content to be joined-patent with 
 another to have such an husband. Poor Erona to all this obeyed, 
 either vehemency of affection making her stoop to so over-base 
 a servitude, or astonished with an unlooked for fortune, dull to any 
 behooful resolution, or, as many times it falls out even in great 
 hearts when they can accuse none but themselves, desperately 
 bent to maintain it. For so went she on in that way of her love, 
 that, poor lady, to be beyond all other examples of ill-set affection, 
 she was brought to write to Artaxia, that she was content, for the 
 public good to be a second wife, and yield the first place to her ; 
 nay to extol him, and even woo Artaxia for him. 
 
 " But Artaxia, mortally hating them both for her brother's sake, 
 was content to hide her hate till she had time to show it : and 
 pretending that all her grudge was against the two paragons of 
 virtue, Musidorus and Pyrocles, even met -them half way in 
 excusing her brother's murder, as not being principal actors ; and 
 of the other side, driven to what they did by the ever-pardonable 
 necessity ; and so well handled the matter, as though she promised 
 nothing, yet Antiphilus promised himself all that she would have 
 him think. And so a solemn interview was appointed ; but, as 
 the poets say, Hymen had not there his saffron-coloured coat. 
 For Artaxia laying men secretly, and easily they might be secret, 
 since Antiphilus thought she over-ran him in love, when he came 
 even ready to embrace her, showing rather a countenance of 
 accepting than offering, they came forth, and, having much 
 advantage both in number, valour, and fore-preparation, put all 
 his company to the sword, but such as could fly away. As for 
 Antiphilus, she caused him and Erona both to be put in irons, 
 hastening back towards her brother's tomb, upon which she meant 
 to sacrifice them ; making the love of her brother stand between 
 her and all other motions of grace from which by nature she was 
 alienated. 
 
 " But great diversity in those two quickly discovered itself for 
 the bearing of that affliction : for Antiphilus, who had no greatness 
 but outward, that taken away, was ready to fall faster than calamity 
 could thrust him ; with fruitless begging of life, where reason 
 might well assure him his death was resolved, and weak bemoaning 
 his fortune, to give his enemies a most pleasing music, with many 
 promises and protestations, to as httle purpose as from a little 
 mind. But Erona, sad indeed, yet like one rather used, than new 
 fallen to sadness, as who had the joys of her heart already broken 
 
2/2 ARCADIA [BOOK n. 
 
 seemed rather to welcome than to shun that end of misery ; 
 speaking little, but what she spoke was for Antiphilus, remembering 
 his guiltiness, being at that time prisoner to Tiridates, when the 
 vahant princess slew him : to the disgrace of men, showing that 
 there are women both more wise to judge what is to be expected, 
 and more constant to bear it when it is happened. 
 
 " But her wit endeared by her youth, her affliction by her birth, 
 and her sadness by her beauty, made this noble prince Plangus, 
 who, never almost from his cousin Artaxia, was now present at 
 Erona's taking, to perceive the shape of loveliness more perfectly 
 in woe than in joyfulness, as in a picture which receive greater 
 life by the darkness of shadows than by more ghttering colours, 
 and seeing to like, and liking to love, and loving straight to feel 
 the most incident effects of love, to serve and preserve. So borne 
 by the hasty tide of short leisure, he did hastily deliver together 
 his affection, and affectionate care. But she, as if he had spoken 
 of a small matter, when he mentioned her life, to which she had 
 not leisure to attend, desired him if he loved her, to show it, in 
 finding some way to save Antiphilus. For her, she found the 
 world but a wearisome stage unto her, where she played a part 
 against her will : and therefore besought him not to cast his love 
 in so unfruitful a place, as could not love itself : but for a testimony 
 of constancy, and a suitableness to his word, to do so much 
 comfort to her mind, as that for her sake Antiphilus were saved. 
 He told me how much he argued against her tendering him who 
 had so ungratefully betrayed her and foolishly cast away himself. 
 But perceiving she did not only bend her very good wits to speak 
 for him against herself, but when such a cause could be allied to 
 no reason, yet love would needs make itself a cause, and bar her 
 rather from hearing, than yield that she should yield to such 
 arguments : he likewise, in whom the power of love, as they say 
 of spirits, was subject to the love in her, with grief consented, and 
 though backwardly, was diligent to labour the help of Antiphilus, 
 a man whom he not only hated as a traitor to Erona, but envied 
 as a possessor of Erona ; yet love swore his heart, in spite of 
 his heart, should make him become a servant to his rival. And 
 so did he, seeking all the means of persuading Artaxia, which the 
 authority of so near and so virtuous a kinsman could give unto 
 him. But she, to whom the eloquence of hatred had given revenge 
 the face of delight, rejected all such motions : but rather the 
 more closely imprisoning them in her chief city, where she kept 
 them, with intention at the birthday of Tiridates, which was very 
 near, to execute Antiphilus, and at the day of his death, which 
 was about half a year after, to use the same rigour towards Erona. 
 Plangus much grieved, because much loving, attempted the 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 273 
 
 humours of the Lycians, to see whether they would come in with 
 forces to succour their princess. But there the next inheritor 
 to the crown, with the true play that is used in the game of 
 kingdoms, had no sooner his mistress in captivity, but he had 
 usurped her place, and making her odious to her people, because 
 of the unfit election she had made, and so left no hope there : but, 
 which is worse, had sent to Artaxia, persuading the justicing her, 
 because that unjustice might give his title the name of justice. 
 Wanting that way, Plangus practised with some dear friends of 
 his, to save Antiphilus out of prison, whose day because it was 
 much nearer then Erona's, and that he well found she had twisted 
 -her life upon the same thread with his, he determined first to 
 get him out of prison ; and to that end having prepared all 
 matters, as well as in such case he could, where Artaxia had set 
 many of Tiridates's old servants to have well marking eyes, he 
 conferred wtth Antiphilus, as, by the authority he had, he found 
 means to do, and agreed with him of the time and manner how 
 he should, by the death of some of his jailors, escape. But all 
 being well ordered, and Plangus willingly putting himself into 
 the greatest danger, Antiphilus, who like a bladder, swelled ready 
 to break, while it was full of the wind of prosperity, that being out, 
 was so abjected, as apt to be trod on by everybody, when it came 
 to the point, that with some hazard he might be in apparant 
 likelihood to avoid the uttermost harm, his heart fainted, and, 
 weak fool, neither hoping nor fearing as he should, got a conceit, 
 that with betraying this practice, he might obtain pardon : and 
 therefore even a little before Plangus should have come unto him, 
 opened the whole practice to him that had the charge, with 
 unpitied tears idly protesting, he had rather die by Artaxia's 
 commandment than against her will escape ; yet begging life 
 upon any the hardest and wretchedest conditions that she would 
 lay upon him. His keeper provided accordingly, so that when 
 Plangus came, he was like himself to have been entrapped ; but 
 that finding, with a lucky insight, that it was discovered, he 
 retired ; and, caUing his friends about him, stood upon his guard, 
 as he had good cause. For Artaxia, accounting him most un- 
 grateful, considering that her brother and she had not only 
 preserved him against the malice of his father, but ever used him 
 much liker his birth than his fortune, sent forces to apprehend 
 him. But he among the martial men had gotten so great love 
 that he could not only keep himself from her malice, but work 
 in their minds a compassion of Erona's adversity. 
 
 "But for the succour of Antiphilus he could get nobody to 
 join with him, the contempt of him having not been able to 
 qualify the hatred, so that Artaxia might easily upon him perform 
 
 s 
 
274 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 her will, which was (at the humble suit of all the women of that 
 city) to deliver him to their censure, who mortally hated him for 
 having made a law of polygamy, after many tortures, forced him 
 to throw himself from a high pyramid which was built over 
 Tiridates's tomb, and so to end his false-hearted life, which had 
 planted no strong thought in him, but that he could be unkind. 
 
 " But Plangus well perceiving that Artaxia stayed only for the 
 appointed day that the fair Erona's body, consumed to ashes, 
 should make a notorious testimony how deeply her brother's 
 death was engraven in her breast, he assembled good numbers 
 of firiends, whom his virtue, though a stranger, had tied unto him 
 by force, to give her liberty. Contrariwise, Artaxia, to whom 
 anger gave more courage than her sex did fear, used her regal 
 authority, the most she could, to suppress that sedition, and have 
 her will, which, she thought, is the most princely thing that may 
 be. But Plangus, who indeed, as all men witness, is one of the 
 best captains, both for policy and valour, that are trained in the 
 school of Mars, in a conflict overthrew Artaxia's power, though 
 of far greater number ; and there took prisoner a base son of 
 her brother's whom she dearly affected, and then sent her word, 
 that he should run the same race of fortune, whatsoever it was, 
 that Erona did ; and happy was that threatening for her, for else 
 Artaxia had hastened the day of her death, in respect of those 
 tumults. 
 
 " But now, some principal noblemen of that country interposing 
 themselves, it was agreed that all persons else fully pardoned, and 
 all prisoners, except Erona, delivered, she should be put into the 
 hands of a principal nobleman, who had a castle of great strength, 
 by oath, if by the day two years from Tiridates's death, Pyrocles 
 and Musidorus did not in person combat and overcome two knights, 
 whom she appointed to maintain her quarrel against Erona and 
 them, of having by treason destroyed her brother, that then Erona 
 should be that same day burned to ashes : but if they came, 
 and had the victory, she should be delivered ; but upon no occasion 
 neither freed nor executed till that day. And hereto of both sides, 
 all took solemn oath, and so the peace was concluded ; they of 
 Plangus's party partly forcing him to agree, though he himself the 
 sooner condescended, knowing the courtesy of those two excellent 
 princes, not to refuse so noble a quarrel, and their power such, as 
 two more, like the other two, were not able to resist. But Artaxia 
 was more, and upon better ground, pleased with this action ; for 
 she had even newly received news from Plexirtus that upon the 
 sea he had caused them both to perish, and therefore she held 
 herself sure of the match. 
 
 " But poor Plangus knew not so much, and therefore seeing his 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 275 
 
 party, as most times it falls out in like case, hungry of any 
 conditions of peace, accepted them : and then obtained leave of 
 the lord that indifferently kept her to visit Erona, whom he found 
 full of desperate sorrow, suffering neither his unworthiness, nor his 
 wrongs, nor his death, which is the natural conclusion of all worldly 
 acts, either to cover with forgetfulness, or diminish with considera- 
 tion, the affection she had borne him : but even glorying in 
 affliction, and shunning all comfort, she seemed to have no delight 
 but in making herself the picture of misery. So that when Plangus 
 came to her, she fell in deadly trances, as if in him she had seen 
 the death of Antiphilus, because he had not succoured him : and 
 yet, her virtue striving, she did at one time acknowledge herself 
 bound, and profess herself injured ; instead of allowing the con- 
 clusion they had made, or writing to the princes, as he wished her 
 to do, craving nothing but some speedy death to follow her, in 
 spite of just hate, beloved Antiphilus. 
 
 " So that Plangus having nothing but a ravished kiss from her 
 hand at their parting, went away toward Greece ; whitherward he 
 understood the princes were embarked. But by the way it was his 
 fortune to intercept letters, written by Artaxia to Plexirtus, wherein 
 she signified her accepting him to her husband, whom she had ever 
 favoured, so much the rather, as he had performed the conditions 
 of her marriage, in bringing to their deserved end her greatest 
 enemies : withal thanking the sea, in such terms as he might well 
 perceive it was by some treason wrought in Plexirtus's ship. 
 Whereupon, to make more diligent search, he took ship himself, 
 and came into Laconia, inquiring, and by his inquiry finding that 
 such a ship was indeed with fight and fire perished, none, almost, 
 escaping. But for Pyrocles and Musidorus, it was assuredly 
 determined that they were cast away : for the name of such 
 princes, especially in Greece, would quickly else have been a large 
 witness to the contrary. Full of grief with that, for the loss of 
 such who left the world poor of perfection, but more sony for 
 Erona's sake, who now by them could not be relieved, a new 
 advertisement from Annenia overtook him, which multipled the 
 force of his anguish. It was a message from the nobleman who 
 had Erona in ward, giving him to understand that since his 
 departure, Artaxia, using the benefit of time, had beseiged him in 
 his castle, demanding present delivery of her, whom yet for his 
 faith given, he would not before the day appointed, if possibly, he 
 could resist ; which he foresaw, long he should not do for want of 
 victual, which he had not so wisely provided, because he trusted 
 upon the general oath taken for two years' space : and therefore 
 willed him to make haste to his succour, and come with no small 
 forces, for all they that were of his side in Armenia were consumed, 
 
276 ARCADIA [BOOK 11.' 
 
 and Artaxia had increased her might by marriage of Plexirtus, who 
 now crowned king there, sticked not to glory in the murder of 
 Pyrocles and Musidorus, as having just cause thereto, in respect of 
 the deaths of his sister Andromana, her son, his nephew and his 
 own daughter Zelmane : all whose loss he unjustly charged them 
 withal, and now openly sticked not to confess what a revenge his 
 wit had brought forth, Plangus much astonished herewith, 
 bethought himself what to do, for to return to Armenia was vain, 
 since his fiiends there were utterly overthrown. Then thought he 
 of going to his father ; but he had already, even since the death of 
 his stepmother and brother, attempted the recovering of his 
 favour, but all in vain. For they that had before joined with 
 Andromana to do him the wrong, thought now no life for them if 
 he returned ; and therefore kept him still, with new forged 
 suspicions, odious to his father. So that Plangus reserving that 
 for a work of longer time, than the saving of Erona could bear, 
 determined to go to the mighty and good king Euarchus ; who lately 
 having, to his eternal fame, fully, not only conquered his enemies, 
 but established good government in their countries, he hoped he 
 might have present succour of him, both for the justness of the 
 cause, and revenge of his children's death, by so henious a treason 
 murdered. Therefore with diligence he went to him, and by the 
 way (passing through my country) it was my hap to find him, the 
 most overthrown man with grief that ever I hope to see again. 
 For still it seemed he had Erona at a stake before his eyes, such 
 an apprehension he had taken of her danger, which in despite of 
 all the comfort I could give him, he poured out in such lamenta- 
 tions that I was moved not to let him pass till he had made a full 
 declaration, which by pieces my daughters and I have delivered 
 unto you. Fain he would have had succour of myself, but the 
 course of my life being otherwise bent, I only accommodated him 
 with some that might safely guide him to the great Euarchus. 
 For my part having had some of his speeches so feelingly in my 
 memory, that at an idle time, as I told you, I set them down 
 dialogue-wise, in such manner as you have seen. And thus, 
 excellent lady, I have obeyed you in this story ; wherein if it will 
 please you to consider what is the strange power of love, and what 
 is due to his authority, you shall exercise therein the true nobleness 
 of your judgment, and do the more right to the unfortunate 
 historian." Zelmane, sighing for Erona's sake, yet inwardly 
 comforted in that she assured herself Euarchus would not spare 
 to take in hand the just delivering of her, joined with the just 
 revenge of his children's loss, having now what she desired of 
 Basilius, to avoid his farther discourses of affection, encouraged 
 the shepherds to begin, whom she saw already ready for them. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 277 
 
 The Second ECLOGUE 
 
 The rude tumult of the Enispians gave occasion to the honest 
 shepherds to begin their pastoral this day with a dance, which 
 they called the skirmish betwixt reason and passion. For seven 
 shepherds, which were named the reasonable shepherds, joined 
 themselves, four of them making a square, and other two going a 
 little wide of either side, like wings for the main battle, and the 
 seventh man foremost, like the forlorn hope, to begin the skirmish. 
 In like order came out the seven appassionated shepherds, all 
 keeping the pace of their foot by their voice, and sundry consorted 
 instruments they held in their arms. And first, the foremost of 
 the reasonable side began to sing : 
 
 Reason. Thou rebel vile, come, to thy master yield. 
 
 And the other that met him answered : 
 
 Passion. No, tyrant, no ; mine, mine shall be the field. 
 
 R. Can Reason then a tyrant counted be ? 
 
 P. If Reason will that Passions be not free. 
 
 R. But Reason will, that Reason govern most. 
 
 P. And Passion will, that Passion rule the roast. 
 
 R. Your will is will, but Reason reason is. 
 
 P. Will hath his will, when Reason's will doth miss. 
 
 R. Whom Passion leads, unto his death is bent. 
 
 P. And let him die, so that he die content. 
 
 R. By nature you to Reason faith have sworn. 
 
 P. Not so but fellow like tog-ether born. 
 
 R. Who Passion doth ensue, lives in annoy. 
 
 P. Who Passion doth forsake, lives void of joy. 
 
 R. Passion is blind, and treads an unknown trace. 
 
 P. Reason hath eyes to see his own ill case. 
 
 Then as they approached nearer, the two of reason's side, as if 
 they shot at the other, thus sang : 
 
 R. Dare Passions then abide in Reason's light? 
 
 P. And is not Reason dim with Passion's might? 
 
 R. O foolish thing which glory doth destroy ! 
 
 P. O glorious title of a foolish toy ! 
 
 R. Weakness you are, dare you with our strength fight? 
 
 P. Because our weakness weakeneth all your might. 
 
278 ARCADIA [BOOK ti. 
 
 R. O sacred Reason, help our virtuous toils. 
 
 P. O Passion, pass on feeble Reason's spoils. 
 
 R. We with ourselves abide a daily strife. 
 
 P. We g^ladly use the sweetness of our life. 
 
 R. But yet our strife sure peace in end doth breed. 
 
 P. We now have peace, your peace we do not need. 
 
 Then did the two square battles meet, and instead of fighting, 
 embrace one another, singing thus : 
 
 R. We are too strong : but Reason seeks no blood. 
 
 P. Who be too weak, do fain they be too good. 
 
 R. Though we cannot o'ercome, our cause is just. 
 
 P. Let us o'ercome, and let us be unjust. 
 
 R. Yet Passions yield at length to Reason's stroke. 
 
 P. What shall we win by taking Reason's yoke ? 
 
 R. The joys you have shall be made permanent. 
 
 P. But so we shall with grief learn to repent. 
 
 R. Repent indeed, but that shall be your bliss. 
 
 P. How know we that, since present joys we miss ? 
 
 R. You know it not ; of Reason therefore know it, 
 
 P. No Reason yet had ever skill to show it, 
 
 R. Then let us both to heavenly rules g^ive place. 
 
 P. Which Passions kill, and Reason do deface. 
 
 Then embraced they one another, and came to the king, who 
 framed his praises of them according to Zelmane's liking ; whose 
 unrestrained parts, the mind and eye, had their free course to the 
 delicate Philoclea, whose look was not short in well requiting it, 
 although she knew it was a hateful sight to her jealous mother. 
 But Dicus, that had in this time taken a great liking of Dorus for 
 the good parts he found above his age in him, had a delight to 
 taste the fruits of his wit, though in a subject which he himself 
 most of all other despised ; and so entered speech with him in the 
 manner of this following eclogue. 
 
 DICUS AND DORUS 
 
 DICUS 
 
 Dorus, tell me, where is thy wonted motion, 
 To make those woods resound thy lamentation ? 
 Thy faint is dead, or dead is thy devotion. 
 For who doth hold his love in estimation. 
 To witness that he thinks his thoughts delicious, 
 Thinks to make each thing badge of his sweet passion. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 279 
 
 DORUS 
 
 But what doth make thee Dicus, so suspicious 
 Of my due faith, which needs must be immutable ? 
 Who others' virtues doubt, themselves are vicious : 
 Not so ; although my mettall were most mutable. 
 Her beams have wrought therein most fair impression. 
 To such a force some change were nothing suitable. 
 
 DICUS 
 
 The heart well set doth never shun confession ; 
 If noble be thy bands, make them notorious ; 
 Silence doth seem the mask of base oppression. 
 Who glories in his love, doth make love glorious : 
 
 But who doth fear, or bideth mute wilfully. 
 Shows, guilty heart doth deem his state opprobrious. 
 
 Thou then, that fram'st both words and voice most skilfully. 
 Yield to our ears a sweet and sound relation. 
 If love took thee by force, or caught thee guilefully. 
 
 DORUS 
 
 If sunny beams shame heavenly habitation, 
 If three-leav'd grass seem to the sheep unsavory ; 
 
 Then base and sour is love's most high vocation. 
 Or if sheep's cries can help the sun's own bravery. 
 
 Then may I hope, my pipe may have ability. 
 To help her praise, who decks me in her slavery. 
 
 No, no ; no words ennoble self-nobility, 
 As for your doubts, her voice was it deceived me. 
 
 Her eye the force beyond all possibility. 
 
 DICUS 
 
 Thy words well voic'd, well grac'd, had almost heaved me, 
 
 Quite from myself, to love love's contemplation ; 
 
 Till of those thoughts thy sudden end bereaved me. 
 
 Go on therefore, and tell us by what fashion, 
 
 In thy own proof he gets so strange possession 
 
 And how possessed he strengthens his invasion 
 
 DORUS 
 
 Sight is his root, in thought is his progression, 
 
 His childhood wonder, prenticeship attention, 
 
 His youth delight, his age the soul's oppression. 
 
 Doubt is his sleep, he waketh in invention. 
 
 Fancy his food, his clothing is of carefulness ; 
 
 Beauty his book, his play lover's dissention ; 
 
 His eyes are curious search, but vail'd with warefulness : 
 
 His wings desire, oft clipped with desperation. 
 
 Largess his hands could never skill of sparefulness ; 
 
28o ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 But how he doth by might, or by persuasion 
 To conquer, and his conquest how to ratify. 
 Experience doubts, and schools hold disputation. 
 
 DICUS 
 
 But so thy sheep may thy good wishes satisfy. 
 With large increase, and wool of fine perfection, 
 So she thy love, her eyes thy eyes may gratify, 
 As thou wilt give our souls a dear refection, 
 By telling how she was, how now she framed is 
 To help, or hurt in thee her own infection. 
 
 DORUS 
 
 Blest be the name wherewith my mistress named is : 
 
 Whose wounds are salves, whose yokes please more than 
 
 pleasure doth : 
 Her stains are beams : virtue the fault she blamed is, 
 The heart, eye, ear, here only find his treasure doth. 
 All numbering arts her endless graces number not : 
 Time, place, life, wit, scarcely her rare gifts measure doth, 
 Is she in rage ? so is the sun in summer hot. 
 Yet harvest brings : doth she (alas 1) absent herself? 
 The sun is hid ; his kindly shadows cumber not 
 But when to give some grace she doth content herself. 
 
 then it shines, then are the heavens distributed. 
 And Venus seems to make up her, she spent herself. 
 Thus then, I say, my mischiefs have contributed 
 
 A greater good by her divine reflection, 
 My harms to me, my bliss to her attributed. 
 Thus she is framed : her eyes are my direction, 
 Her love my life, her anger my destruction : 
 Lastly, what so she is, that's my protection. 
 
 DICUS 
 
 Thy safety sure is wrapped in destruction, 
 For that construction thine own words do bear. 
 A man to fear a woman's moody eye. 
 Makes reason lie a slave to servile sense, 
 A weak defence where weakness is thy force ; 
 So is remorse in folly dearly bought. 
 
 DORUS 
 
 If I had thought to hear blasphemous words, 
 My breast to swords, my soul to hell have sold 
 
 1 rather would, than thus mine ear defile 
 
 With words so vile, which viler breath doth breed 
 O herds take heed j for I a wolf have found, 
 Who hunting round the strongest for to kill. 
 
BOOK n.] ARCADIA 281 
 
 His breast doth fill with earth of others woe : 
 And loaden so pulls down, puU'd down destroys. 
 O shepherd boys, eschew those tongues of venom, 
 Which do envenom both the soul and senses ; 
 Our best defences are to fly those adders. 
 O tongues like ladders made to climb dishonour, 
 Who judge that honour which hath scope to slander ! 
 
 DICUS 
 
 Dorus you wander far in great reproaches, 
 So love encroaches on your charmed reason, 
 But it is season for to end our singing, 
 Such anger bringing : as for me, my fancy 
 In sick-man's frenzy rather takes compassion, 
 Than rage for rage : rather my wish I send to thee. 
 Thou soon may have some help, or change of passion : 
 She oft her looks, the stars her favour bend to thee, 
 Fortune store^ nature health, love grant persuasion. 
 A quiet mind none but thyself can lend to thee, 
 Thus I commend to thee all our former love. 
 
 DORUS 
 
 Well do I prove, error lies oft in zeal, 
 Yet it is zeal, though error of true heart ' 
 Nought could impart such hates to friendly mind, 
 But for to find thy words did her disgrace. 
 Whose only face the little heaven is : 
 
 Which who doth miss, his eyes are but delusions, 
 Bar'd from their chiefest object of delightfulness, 
 Thrown on this earth, the chaos of confusions ; 
 
 As for thy wish, to my enraged spitefulness, 
 The lovely blow, which rare reward, my prayer is : 
 Thou may' St love her, that I may see thy sightfulness. 
 
 The quiet mind (whereof myself impairer is. 
 As thou dost think) should most of all disquiet me. 
 Without her love, than any mind who fairer is : 
 
 Her only cure from surfeit woes can diet me. 
 She holds the balance of my contentation : 
 Her cleared eyes, nought else in storms can quiet me. 
 
 Nay rather than my ease discontentation 
 Should breed to her, let me for aye dejected be 
 From any joy, which might her grief occasion. 
 
 With so sweet plagues my happy arms infected be : 
 Pain wills me die, yet of death I mortify : 
 For though life irks, in life my loves protected be, 
 Thus for each change my changeless heart I fortify. 
 
 When they had ended, to the good pleasing of the assistants, 
 especially of Zelmane, who never forgot to give due commendations 
 
282 ARCADIA [BOOK n. 
 
 to her friend Dorus, Basilius called for Lamon to end his discourse 
 of Strephon and Klaius, wherewith the other day he marked 
 Zelmane to have been exceedingly delighted. But him sickness 
 had stayed from that assembly ; which gave occasion to Histor 
 and Damon, two young shepherds, taking upon them the two 
 friendly rivals' names, to present Basilius with some other of their 
 complaints eclogue-wise, and first with this double Sestine. 
 
 STREPHON AND KLAIUS 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 Ye goat-herd gods, that love the grassy mountains, 
 Ye nymphs that haunt the springs in pleasant valleys. 
 Ye satyrs joy'd with free and quiet forests, 
 Vouchsafe your silent ears to plaining music. 
 Which to my woes give still an early morning, 
 And draws the dolor on till weary evening. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 O Mercury, foregoer to the evening, 
 
 O heavenly huntress of the savage mountains, 
 
 lovely star, entitled of the morning. 
 
 While that my voice doth fill those woful valleys, 
 Vouchsafe your silent ears to plaining music. 
 Which oft hath echo tir'd in secret forests. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 1 that was once free burgess of the forests. 
 
 Where shade from sun, and sports I sought at evening, 
 
 I that was once esteem'd for pleasant music. 
 
 Am banish' d now among the monstrous mountains 
 
 Of huge despair, and foul affliction's valleys 
 
 Am grown a screech-owl to myself each morning. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 I that was once delighted every morning. 
 Hunting the wild inhabiters of forests : 
 I that was once the music of those valleys 
 So darken'd am, that all my day is evening, 
 Heart-broken so, that mole hills seem high mountains, 
 And fill the vales with cries instead of music. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 Long since, alas 1 my deadly swannish music 
 
 Hath made itself a crier of the morning : 
 
 And hath with wailing strength climb' d highest mountains. 
 
BOOK ii.l ARCADiA 283 
 
 Long since my thoughts more desert be than forests : 
 Long since I see my joys come to their evening, 
 And state thrown down to over-trodden valleys. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 Long since the happy dwellers of those valleys 
 Have pray'd me leave my strange exclaiming music, 
 Which troubles their day's work, and joys of evening : 
 Long since I hate the night, more hate the morning : 
 Long since my thoughts chase me like beasts in forests, 
 And make me wish myself laid under mountains. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 Me seems I see the high and stately mountains, 
 Transform themselves to low dejected valleys 
 Me seems I hear in these ill changed forests. 
 The Nightingales do learn of Owls their music : 
 Me seems I feel the comfort of the morning, 
 Turn'd to the mortal serene of an evening. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 Me seems I see a filthy cloudy evening, 
 As soon as sun begins to climb the mountains : 
 Me seems I feel a noisome scent, the morning 
 When I do smell the flowers of those valleys : 
 Me seems I hear, when I do hear sweet music, 
 The dreadful cries of murder'd men in forests. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 I wish to fire the trees of all those forests, 
 I give the sun a last farewell each evening, 
 I curse the fidling finders out of music : 
 With envy I do hate the lofty mountains : 
 And with despite despise the humble valleys : 
 I do detest night, evening, day and morning. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 Curse to myself my prayer is, the morning ; 
 My fire is more than can be made with forests 5 
 My state more base, than are the basest valleys i 
 I wish no evenings more to see, each evening ; 
 Shamed I hate myself in sight of mountains. 
 And stop my ears lest I grow mad with music. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 For she whose parts maintain'd a perfect music. 
 Whose beauty shin'd more than the blushing morning, 
 Who much did pass in state the stately mountains. 
 
284 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 In straightness pass'd the cedars of the forests, 
 
 Hath cast me wretch into eternal evening, 
 
 By taking her two suns from those dark valleys. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 For she, to whom compar'd, the alps are valleys 
 
 She, whose least word brings from the spheres their music. 
 
 At whose approach the sun rose in the evening. 
 
 Who where she went bare in her forehead morning. 
 
 Is gone, is gone, from those our spoiled forests. 
 
 Turning to deserts our best pastur'd mountains. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 Those mountains witness shall, so shall those valleys. 
 Those forests eke, made wretched by our music. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 Our morning hymn is this, and song at evening. 
 
 But as though all this had been but the taking of a taste of their 
 wailings, Strephon again began this Dizain which was answered 
 unto him in that kind of verse which is called the crown. 
 
 STREPHON AND KLAIUS 
 
 STREPHON 
 I joy in grief, and do detest all joys ; 
 Despise delight, am tir'd with thought of ease : 
 I turn my head to all forms of annoys, 
 And with the change of them my fancy please, 
 I study that which may me most displease. 
 And in despite of that displeasure's might, 
 Embrace that most, that most my soul destroys ; 
 Blinded with beams, fell darkness is my sight : 
 Dwell in my ruins, feed with sucking smart, 
 I think from me, not from my woes to part. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 I think from me not from my woes to part. 
 
 And loath the time call'd life, nay think that life 
 
 Nature to me for torment did impart ; 
 
 Think, my hard haps have blunted death's sharp knife. 
 
 Not sparing me, in whom his works be rife : 
 
 And thinking this, think nature, life and death 
 
 Place sorrow's triumph on my conquered heart, 
 
 Whereto I yield, and seek none other breath. 
 
 But from the scent of some infectious grave : 
 
 Nor of my fortune ought, but mischief crave. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 285 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 Nor of my fortune ought but mischief crave, 
 
 And seek to nourish that, which now contains 
 
 All what I am : if I myself will save. 
 
 Then must I save, what in me chiefly reigns, 
 
 Which is the hateful web of sorrow's pains. 
 
 Sorrow then cherish me, for I am sorrow : 
 
 No being now, but sorrow I can have : 
 
 Then deck me as thine own ; thy help I borrow. 
 
 Since thou my riches art, and that thou hast 
 
 Enough to make a fertile mind lie waste. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 Enough to make a fertile mind lie waste, 
 Is that huge storm, which pours itself on me ! 
 Hailstones of tears, of sight a monstrous blast, 
 Thunders of cries ; lightnings my wild looks be. 
 The darkened heav'n my soul, which nought can see, 
 The flying sprites which trees by roots uptear. 
 Be those despairs which have my hopes quite waft. 
 The difference is ; all folks those storms forbear. 
 But I cannot ; who then myself should fly. 
 So close unto myself my wrecks do lie. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 So close unto myself my wrecks do lie. 
 
 But cause, eifect, beginning, and the end 
 
 Are all in me : what help then can I try ? 
 
 My ship, myself, whose course to love doth bend, 
 
 Sore beaten doth her mast of comfort spend : 
 
 Her cable reason, breaks from anchor'd hope : 
 
 Fancy, her tackling torn away doth fly : 
 
 Ruin, the wind, hath blown her from her scope : 
 
 Bruised with waves of cares, but broken is 
 
 On rock despair, the burial of my bliss. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 On rock'd despair, the burial of my bliss, 
 I long do plough with plough of deep desire : 
 The seed saft meaning is, no truth to miss : 
 I harrow it with thoughts, which all conspire, 
 Favour to make my chief and only hire. 
 But woe is me, the year is gone about, 
 And now I fain would reap, I reap but this 
 Hatefully grown, absence new sprung out. 
 So that I see, although my sight impair. 
 Vain is their pain, who labour in despair. 
 
286 ARCADIA [book n, 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 Vain is their pain, who labour in despair. 
 For so did I, when with my angle will, 
 I sought to catch the fish Torpedo fair, 
 Ev'n then despair did hope already kill : 
 Yet fancy would perforce employ his skill. 
 And this hath got ; the catcher now is caught, 
 Lara'd with the angle, which itself did bear, 
 And unto death, quite drown'd in dolors, brought 
 To death, as then disguis'd in her fair face : 
 Thus, thus, alas, I had my loss in chase. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 Thus, thus, alas, I had my loss in chase. 
 
 When first that crowned Basilisk I knew ; 
 
 Whose footsteps I with kisses oft did trace, 
 
 Till by such hap, as I must ever rue. 
 
 Mine eyes did light upon her shining hue, 
 
 And hers on me, astonish'd with that sight. 
 
 Since then my heart did lose his wonted place. 
 
 Infected so with her sweet poisons might. 
 
 That, leaving me for dead, to her it went : 
 
 But ha ! her flight hath her my dead reliques spent. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 But ah ! her flight hath my dead reliques spent. 
 Her flight, from me, from me, though dead to me. 
 Yet living still in her, while her beams lent 
 Such vital spark, that her mine eyes might see. 
 But now those living lights absented be. 
 Full dead before, now I to dust should fall, 
 But that eternal pains my soul have bent. 
 And keep it still within this body thrall, 
 That thus I must while in this death I dwell. 
 In earthly fetters feel a lasting hell. 
 
 KLAIUS 
 
 In earthly fetters feel a lasting hell, 
 
 Alas I do ; from which to flnd release, 
 
 I would the earth, I would the heavens fell : 
 
 But vain it is to think those pains should cease, 
 
 Where life is death, and death cannot breed peace. 
 
 fair, O only fair, from thee alas. 
 Those foul, most foul disasters to me fell ; 
 Since thou from me, O me ! O sun did'st pass. 
 Therefore esteeming all good blessings toys, 
 
 1 joy in grief, and do detest all joys. 
 
BOOK II.1 ARCADIA 287 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 I joy in grief, and do detest all joys, 
 But now an end, O Klaius, now an end : 
 For even the herbs our hateful music destroyes, 
 And from our burning breath the trees do bend. 
 
 So well were those wailful complaints accorded to the passions 
 of all the princely hearers, while every one made what he heard of 
 another the balance of his own fortune, that they stood a long while 
 stricken in sad and silent consideration of them. Which the old 
 Geron no more marking than condemning in them, desirous to set 
 forth what counsels the wisdom of age had laid up in store against 
 such fancies, as he thought, follies of youth, yet so as it might not 
 appear that his words respected them, bending himself to a young 
 shepherd, named Philisides, who neither had danced nor sung with 
 them, and had all this time lain upon the ground at the foot of a 
 Cypress tree, leaning upon his elbow with so deep a melancholy, 
 that his senses carried to his mind no delight from any of their 
 objects, he struck him upon the shoulder with a right old man's 
 grace, that will seem livelier than his age will afford him. And thus 
 began unto him this eclogue. 
 
 GERON AND PHILISIDES 
 GERON 
 Up, up, Philisides, let sorrows go, 
 Who yields to woe, but doth increase his smart. 
 Do not thy heart to plaintful custom bring : 
 But let us sing ; sweet tunes do passions ease, 
 An old man hear who would thy fancies raise. 
 
 PHILISIDES 
 Who minds to please the mind drown'd in annoyes 
 With outward joys, which inly cannot sink. 
 As well may think with oil to cool the fire : 
 Or with desire to make such foe a friend, 
 Who doth his soul to endless malice bend. 
 
 GERON 
 But sure an end to each thing time doth give, 
 Though woes now live, at length thy woes must die : 
 Then virtue try, if she can work in thee 
 That which we see in many time hath wrought, 
 And weakest hearts to constant temper brought. 
 
 PHILISIDES. 
 Who ever taught a skilless man to teach. 
 Or stop a breach that never cannon saw ? 
 
288 ARCADIA [book ii. 
 
 Sweet virtue's law bars not a causeful moan. 
 Time shall in one my life and sorrows end, 
 And me perchance your constant temper lend. 
 
 GERON 
 
 What can amend where physick is refus'd ? 
 The wit';s abus'd that will no counsel take. 
 Yet for my sake discover us thy grief. 
 Oft comes relief when most we seem in trap. 
 The stars thy state, fortune may change thy hap. 
 
 PHILISIDES 
 
 If fortune's lap became my dwelling place, 
 And all the stars conspired to my good, 
 Still were I one, this still should be my case. 
 Ruin's relique, care's web, and sorrow's food : 
 Since she fair fierce to such a state me calls, 
 Whose wit the stars, whose fortune, fortune thralls. 
 
 GERON 
 
 Alas what falls are fall'n unto thy mind ? 
 
 That there where thou confessed thy mischief lies, 
 
 Thy wit dost use still more harms to find. 
 
 Whom wit makes vain, or blinded with his eyes j 
 
 What counsel can prevail, or light give light ? 
 
 Since all his force against himself he tries. 
 
 Then each conceit that enters in his sight, 
 
 Is made, forsooth, a jurate of his woes : 
 
 Earth, sea, air, fire, heaven, hell, and ghastly spright. 
 
 Then cries to senseless things, which neither knows 
 
 What aileth thee, and if they knew thy mind, 
 
 Would scorn in man, their king, such feeble shows. 
 
 Rebel, rebel, in golden fetters bind 
 
 This tyrant love ; or rather do suppress 
 
 Those rebel-thoughts, which are thy slaves by kind. 
 
 Let not a glittering name thy fancy dress 
 
 In painted clothes ; because they call it love : 
 
 There is no hate that can thee more oppress. 
 
 Begin, and half the work is done, to prove 
 
 By rising up, upon thyself to stand. 
 
 And think she is a she, that doth thee move. 
 
 He water ploughs, and soweth in the sand. 
 
 And hopes the flickering wind with net to hold 
 
 Who hath his hopes laid upon woman's hand. 
 
 What man is he that hath his freedom sold ? 
 
 Is he a manlike man, doth not know, man 
 
 Hath power that sex with bridle to withhold ? 
 
 A fickle sex, and true in trust to no man. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 289 
 
 A servant sex soon proud if they be coy'd : 
 And to conclude thy mistress is a woman. 
 
 PHILISIDES 
 
 O gods, how long- this old fool hath annoy'd 
 My wearied ears 1 O gods, yet grant me this, 
 That soon the world of his false tongue be void. 
 O noble age who place their only bliss, 
 In being heard until the hearer die. 
 Uttering a serpent's mind with a serpent's hiss. 
 Then who will bear a well-authorized lie 
 (And patience hath) let him go learn of him 
 What swarms of virtues did in his youth fly 
 Such hearts of brass, wise heads, and garments trim 
 Were in his days : which heard, one nothing hears. 
 If from his words the falsehood he do skim. 
 And herein most their folly vain appears, 
 That since they still allege, when they were young, 
 It shows they fetch their wit from youthful years, 
 Like beast for sacrifice, where save the tongue 
 And belly nought is left : such sure is he. 
 This life-dead man in this old dungeon flung. 
 ' Old houses are thrown down for new we see : 
 The oldest rams are culled from the flock : 
 No man doth wish his horse should aged be. 
 The ancient oak well makes a fired block : 
 Old men themselves do love young wives to choose : 
 Only fond youth admires a rotten stock. 
 Who once a white long beard, well handle does 
 (As his beard him, he his beard did bare) 
 Though cradle-witted, must not honour lose, 
 
 when will men leave off to judge by hair ; 
 And think them old that have the oldest mind, 
 With virtue fraught, and full of holy fear ! 
 
 GERON 
 
 If that thy face were hid, or I were blind, 
 
 1 yet should know a young man speaketh now, 
 Such wandering reasons in thy speech I find. 
 He is a beast, that beasts use will allow. 
 
 For proof of man, woo sprung of heav'nly fire 
 Hath strongest soul when most his reigns do bow. 
 But fondlings fond, know not your own desire 
 Loth to die young, and then you must be old. 
 Fondly blame that to which yourselves aspire. 
 But this light choler that doth make you bold. 
 Rather to wrong than unto just defence. 
 Is past with me, my blood is waxed cold, 
 T 
 
290 ARCADIA [book n. 
 
 Thy words, though full of malapert offence, 
 
 I weigh them not, but still will thee advise 
 
 How thou from foolish love mayest purge thy sense. 
 
 First think they err, that think them gaily wise, 
 
 Who well can set a passion out to show : 
 
 Such sight have they that see with goggling eyes, 
 
 Passion bears high when puffing wit doth blow. 
 
 But is indeed a toy, if not a toy. 
 
 True cause of evils : and cause of causeless woe, 
 
 If once thou mayest that fancy gloss destroy 
 
 Within thyself, thou soon wilt be ashamed 
 
 To be a player of thine own annoy. 
 
 Then let thy mind with better books be tamed. 
 
 Seek to espy her faults as well as praise. 
 
 And let thine eyes to other sports be framed. 
 
 In hunting fearful beasts, do spend some days. 
 
 Or catch the birds with pit-falls or with lime, 
 
 Or train the fox that train so crafty lays. 
 
 Lie but to sleep, and in the early prime 
 
 Seek skill of herbs in hills, haunt brooks near night. 
 
 And try with bait how fish will bite sometime. 
 
 Go graft again and seek to graft them right. 
 
 Those pleasant plants, those sweet and fruitful trees 
 
 Which both the palate and the eyes delight. 
 
 Cherish the hives of wisely painful bees. 
 
 Let special care upon thy flock be stayed. 
 
 Such active mind but seldom passion sees. 
 
 PHILISIDES 
 
 Hath any man heard what this old man said ? 
 Truly not I, who did my thoughts engage. 
 Where all my pains one look of her hath paid. 
 
 Geron was even out of countenance, finding the words, he thought 
 were so wise, win so little reputation at this young man's hands ; 
 and therefore sometimes looking upon an old acquaintance of his 
 called Mastix, one of the repiningest fellows in the world, and that 
 beheld nobody but with a mind of mislike, saying still the world 
 was amiss, but how it should be amended he knew not, sometimes 
 casting his eyes to the ground, even ashamed to see his grey hairs 
 despised, at last he spied his two dogs, whereof the elder was called 
 MelampuSj>arid the younger Lelaps (indeed the jewels he ever had 
 with him) one brawling with another ; which occasion he took to 
 restore himself to his countenance, and rating Melampus, he 
 began to speak to his dogs, as if in them a man should find more 
 obedience, than in unbridled young men. 
 
BOOK a.] ARCADIA 291 
 
 GERON AND MASTIX 
 GERON 
 
 Down, down Melampus, what ? your fellow bite ? 
 
 I set you o'er the flock I dearly love, 
 
 Them to defend, not with yourselves to fight. 
 
 Do you not think this will the wolves remove 
 
 From former fear, they had of your good minds, 
 
 When they shall such divided weakness prove ? 
 
 What if Lelaps a better morsel find 
 
 Than you erst knew ? rather take part with him 
 
 Than jarl : lo, lo, even those how envy blind. 
 
 And then Lelaps let not pride make thee brim ; 
 
 Because thou hast thy fellow overgone. 
 
 But thank'the cause, thou seest where he is dim. 
 
 Here Lelaps, here indeed, against the foe 
 
 Of my good sheep, thou never truce him took ; 
 
 Be as thou art, but be with mine at one. 
 
 For though Melampus like a wolf do look 
 
 (For age doth make him of a wolfish hue) 
 
 Yet have I seen, when like a wolf he shook. 
 
 Fool that I am, that with my dogs speak grew : 
 
 Come near good Mastix, 'tis now full twa score 
 
 Of years, alas, since I good Mastix knew. 
 
 Thou heard'st even now a young man snub me sore. 
 
 Because I read him, as I would my son. 
 
 Youth will have will ; age must to age therefore. 
 
 MASTIX 
 
 What marvel if in youth (uch fault be done, 
 
 Since that we see our saddest shepherds out, 
 
 Who have their lesson so long time begun ? 
 
 Quickly secure, and easily in doubt. 
 
 Either asleep be all, if not assail, 
 
 Or all abroad if but a cub start out 
 
 We shepherds are like them that under sail 
 
 Do speak high words, when all the coast is clear, 
 
 Yet to a passenger will bonnet vail. 
 
 I con thee thank to whom thy dogs be dear, 
 
 But commonly like curs we them treat. 
 
 Save when great need of them perforce appear, 
 
 Then him we kiss, whom late before we beat 
 
 With such intemperance, that each way grows 
 
 Hate of the first, contempt of latter feat. 
 
 And such discord 'twixt greatest shepherds flows. 
 
 That sport it is to see with how great art, 
 
 By justice work they their own faults disclose : 
 
292 ARCADIA [BOOK n. 
 
 Like busy boys to win their tutor's heart. 
 One faith, he mocks ; another faith he plays, 
 The third his lesson missed, till all do smart. 
 As for the rest, how shepherds spend their days, 
 At blow-point, hot-cockles, or else at keels. 
 While, let us pass our time each shepherd says. 
 So small account of time the shepherd feels. 
 And doth not feel, that life is not but time, 
 And when that time is past, death holds his heels ; 
 To age thus do they draw their youthful prime. 
 Knowing no more, than what poor trial shows. 
 As fish sure trial hath of muddy slime. 
 This pattern good, unto our children goes, 
 For what they see their parents love or hate. 
 Their first-caught sense prefers to teachers' blows. 
 Those cocklings cocker'd we bewail too late. 
 When that we see our off-spring gaily bent. 
 Women man-wood, and men effeminate. 
 
 GERON 
 
 Fie man, fie man : what words hath thy tongue lent ? 
 
 Yet thou art mickle warse, then e're was I, 
 
 Thy too much zeal, I fear thy brain hath spent. 
 
 We oft are angrier than the feeble fly 
 
 For business, where it appertains him not, 
 
 Than with the poisonous toads that quiet lie. 
 
 I pray thee what hath ere the Parrot got ? 
 
 And yet they say he talks in great men's bowers ; 
 
 A cage, gild&d perchance, is all his lot, 
 Who of his tongue the liquor gladly pours, 
 A good fool call'd with pain perhaps may be : 
 But even for that shall suffer mighty lowers. 
 Let swans example siker serve for thee, 
 Who once all birds, in sweetly singing past, 
 But now to silence turn'd his minstrelsy, 
 For he could sing : but others were defac'd. 
 The Peacock's pride, the Pyes pil'd flattery. 
 Cormorants glut. Kites spoil. Kingfishers waste, 
 The Falcon's fierceness, Sparrow's letchery. 
 The Cuckoo's shame, the Goose's good intent. 
 Even Turtle touch'd he with hypocrisy. 
 And worse of other more, till by assent 
 Of all the birds, but namely those were grieved. 
 Of fowls there call'd was a Parliament : 
 There was the Swan of dignity deprived, 
 And statute made he never should have voice ; 
 Since when, I think, he hath in silence lived, 
 
BOOK n.] ARCADIA 2gi 
 
 I warn thee therefore (since thou may'st have choice) 
 Let not thy tongue become a fiery match ; 
 No sword so bites, as that evil tool annoys. 
 Let our unpartial eyes a little watch 
 ■ Our own demean, and soon we wonder shall, 
 That hunting faults, ourselves we did not catch. 
 Into our minds let us a little fall, 
 And we shall find more spots than Leopard's skin. 
 Then who makes us, such Judges over all ? 
 But farewell now, thy fault is no great sin, 
 Come, come my curs, 'tis late I will go in. 
 
 And away with his dogs straight he went, as if he would be sure 
 to have the last word, all the assembly laughing at the lustiness of 
 the old fellow, who departed muttering to himself he had seen more 
 in his days than twenty of them. But Basilius, who never before 
 had heard Philisides, though having seldom appeared to be at those 
 meetings, desired him he would begin some eclogue with some 
 other of the shepherds, according to the accustomed guise. 
 Philisides, though very unwilling, at the king's commandment 
 offered to sing with Thyrsis. But he directly refused him, seeing 
 he should within few days be married to the fair Kala, and since 
 he had gotten his desire he would sing no more. Then the king 
 willed' Philisides to declare the discourse of his own fortunes, 
 unknown to them, as being a stranger in that country ; but he 
 prayed the king to pardon him, the time being far too joyful to 
 suffer the rehearsal of his miseries. But to satisfy Basilius some 
 way, he began an eclogue betwixt himself and the Echo, framing 
 his voice so in those desert places, as what words he would have 
 the Echo reply unto, those he would sing higher than the rest ; 
 and so kindly framed a disputation betwixt himself and it, which 
 with those Hexameters in the following order he uttered. 
 
 PHILISIDES AND ECHO 
 
 Fair rocks, goodly rivers, sweet woods, when shall I see peace ? 
 
 Peace. 
 Peace ? what bars me my tongue ? who is it that comes me so 
 
 nigh ? L 
 Oh ! I do know what guest I have met, it is echo. 'Tis Echo. 
 Well met echo, approach : then tell me thy will too. I will too. 
 Echo, what do I get yielding my spirit to my griefs ? Griefs. 
 What medicine may I find for a grief that draws me to death? 
 
 Death. 
 
294 ARCADIA [Book ih 
 
 O poisonous medicine 1 what worse to me can be than it ? It. 
 In what state was I then, when I took this deadly disease? 
 
 Ease. 
 And what manner u, mind which had to that humour a vain? 
 
 Vain. 
 Hath not reason enough vehemence the desire to reprove? 
 
 Prove. 
 Oft prove I: but what salve, when reason seeks to be g-one? 
 
 One. 
 Oh ! what is it ? what is it that may be a salve to my love ? 
 
 Love. 
 What do lovers seek for, long seeking for to enjoy ? Joy. 
 What be the joys, which for to enjoy they went to the pains ? 
 
 Pains. 
 Then to an earnest love what doth best victory lend ? End. 
 End ? but I can never end, love will not give me leave ? Leave. 
 How be the minds dispos'd that cannot taste thy physick? Sick. 
 Yet say again thy advice for the evils that I told thee ? I told 
 
 thee. 
 Doth th' infected wretch of his harm th' extremity know ? No. 
 But if he know not his harms, what guides hath he while he be 
 
 blind? Blind. 
 What blind guides can he liave that leans to fancie ? A fancy. 
 Can fancies want eyes, or he fall that sleepeth aloft ? Oft. 
 What causes first made those torments on me to light ? Light. 
 Can then a cause be so light that forceth a man to go die ? I. 
 Yet tell what light thing I had in me to draw me to die ? Eye. 
 Eye-sight made me to yield, but what first pierc'd to my eyes ? 
 
 Eyes. 
 Eyes hurters, eyes hurt ; but what from them to me falls ? Falls. 
 But when I first did fall, what brought most fall to my heart? 
 
 Art. 
 Art? what can be that art thou dost mean by thy speech? 
 
 Speech. 
 What be the fruits of speaking art ? what grows by the words ? 
 
 Words. 
 O much more than words : those words serv'd more me to bless. 
 
 Less. 
 Oh when shall I be known, where most to be known I do long ? 
 
 Long 
 Long be thy woes for such news, but how reek's she my 
 
 thoughts ? Oughts. 
 Then then what I do gain, since unto her will I do winde? 
 
 Winde. 
 Wind, tempests, and storms, yet in end what gives she desire ? 
 
 Ire. 
 Silly reward ! yet among women hath she of virtue the most. 
 
 Most. 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 295 
 
 What great name may I give to so heav'niy a woman ? A Wo-man. 
 Wo, but seems to me joy, that agrees to my thoughts so. I 
 
 thought so. 
 Think so, for of my desired bliss it is only the course. Curse. 
 Curs'd be thyself for cursing that which leads me to joys. Toys. 
 What be the sweet creatures where lowly demands be not heard ? 
 
 Hard. 
 What makes them be unkind? speak for th' hast narrow pry'd? 
 
 Pride. 
 Whence can pride come there, since springs of beauty be thence ? 
 
 Thence. 
 Horrible is this blasphemy unto the most holy. O lie. 
 Thou liest false echo, their minds as virtue be just. Just. 
 Mock'st thou those diamonds which only be match'd by the 
 
 gods ? Ods. 
 Ods ? what an ods is there since them to the heav'ns I prefer ? 
 
 Err. 
 Tell yet again me the names of those fair form'd to do evils? 
 
 Devils. 
 Devil ? if hell such devils do abide, to the hells I do go. Go. 
 
 Philisides was commended for the place of his echo ; but little 
 did he regard their praises, who had set the foundations of his 
 honour there where he was most despised : and therefore returning 
 again to the train of his desolate pensiveness. Zelmane seeing 
 nobody offer to fill the stage, as if her long restrained conceits did 
 now burst out of prison, she thus, desiring her voice should be 
 accorded to nothing but to Philoclea's ears, threw down the burden 
 of her mind in Anacreon's kind of verses. 
 
 My muse what ailes this ardor So may the song be famous : 
 
 To blaze my only secrets ? Or if to love thou art bent, 
 
 Alas it is no glory Recount the rape of Europa, 
 
 To sing mine own decayed state. Adonis end, Venus net, 
 
 Alas it is no comfort, The sleepy kiss the moon stale : 
 
 To speak without an answer. So may the song be pleasant. 
 
 Alas it is no wisdom 
 
 To show the wound without cure. 
 
 So great passion all feel. My muse what ailes this ardor 
 
 To think a sore so deadly To blaze my only secrets ? 
 
 I should so rashly rip up. Wherein do only flourish 
 
 The sorry fruits of anguish. 
 
 My muse what ailes this ardor? The song thereof a last will. 
 
 If that to sing thou art bent, The tunes be cries, the words 
 Go sing the fall of old Thebes, plaints. 
 
 The wars of ugly centaurs. The singer is the song's theme, 
 The life, the death of Hector ; Wherein no ear can have joy. 
 
296 ARCADIA [book II. 
 
 My muse what ailes this ardor ? Thy heated heart ray seat is 
 
 Mine eyes be dim, my limbs Wherein I burn : thy breath is 
 
 shake, My voice, too hot to keep in. 
 
 My voice is hoarse, my throat Besides, lo here the author 
 
 scorch'd, Of all thy harms : lo here she, 
 
 My tongue to this my roof That only can redress thee, 
 
 cleaves. Of her will I demand help. 
 My fancy amaz'd, my thoughts 
 
 duU'd, 
 
 My heart doth ache, my life My muse I yield, my muse I 
 
 faints, sing, 
 
 My soul begins to take leave. But all thy song herein knit. 
 
 Nor eye receive due object The life we lead is all love : 
 
 Ne pleasure here, ne fame gat. The love we hold is all death. 
 
 Nor ought I crave to feed life. 
 
 My muse what ailes this ardor? Nor ought I seek to shun death, 
 
 Alas she faith I am thine. But only that my goddess, 
 
 So are thy pains my pains too. My life my death do count hers. 
 
 Basilius, when she had fully ended her song, fell prostrate upon 
 the ground, and thanked the gods they had preserved his life so 
 long as to hear the very music they themselves used in an earthly 
 body. And then with like grace to Zelmane, never left entreating 
 her, till she had, taking a lyre Basilius held for her, sung those 
 Phaleuciacks : 
 
 Reason, tell me thy mind, if here be reason 
 In this strange violence, to make resistance. 
 Where sweet graces erect the stately banner 
 Of virtue's regiment, shining in harness 
 Of fortune's diadems, by beauty mustered: 
 Say then reason ; I say, what is thy counsel ? 
 
 Her loose hairs be the shot, the breasts the pikes be 
 Scouts each motion is, the hands be horsemen. 
 Her lips are the riches the wars to maintain. 
 Where well couched abides a coffer of pearl. 
 Her legs carriage is of all the sweet camp : 
 Say then reason j I say, what is thy counsel ? 
 
 Her cannons be her eyes, mine eyes the walls be. 
 Which at first volley gave too open entry. 
 Nor rampier did abide ; my brain was up blown, 
 Undermin'd with a speech, the piercer of thoughts. 
 Thus weakened by myself, no help remaineth j 
 Say then reason ; I say, what is thy counsel? 
 
BOOK II.] ARCADIA 297 
 
 And now fame the herald of her true honour, 
 
 Doth proclaim with a sound made all by men's mouths, 
 
 That nature sovereign of earthly dwellers, 
 
 Commands all creatures to yield obeisance 
 
 Under this, this her own, her only darling. 
 
 Say then reason ; I say what is thy counsel ? 
 
 Reason sighs, but in end he thus doth answer : 
 Nought can reason avail in heavenly matters. 
 Thus nature's diamond receive thy conquest. 
 Thus pure pearl, I do yield my senses and soul. 
 Thus sweet pain, I do yield what ere I can yield. 
 Reason look to thyself, I serve a goddess. 
 
 Dorus had long he thought kept silence, from saying somewhat 
 which might tend to the glory of her, in whom all glory to his 
 seeming was included, but now he broke it, singing those verses 
 called Asclepiadiks. 
 
 O sweet woods the delight of solitariness ! 
 
 O how much I do like your solitariness ! 
 
 Where man's mind hath a freed consideration 
 
 Of goodness to receive lovely direction. 
 
 Where senses do behold th' order of heav'nly host. 
 
 And wise thoughts do behold what the creator is : 
 
 Contemplation here holdeth his only seat : 
 
 Bounded with no limits, borne with a wing of hope, 
 
 Climbs even unto the stars, nature is under it. 
 
 Nought disturbs thy quiet, all to thy service yields, 
 
 Each sight draws on a thought, thought mother of science : 
 
 Sweet birds kindly do grant harmony unto thee. 
 
 Fair trees shade is enough fortification^ 
 
 Nor dangers to thyself, if 't be not in thyself. 
 
 O sweet woods the delight of solitariness ! 
 
 O how much do I like your solitariness ! 
 
 Here nor treason is hid, vailed in innocence, 
 
 Nor envies snaky eye finds any harbour here. 
 
 Nor flatterers venomous insinuations. 
 
 Nor coming humourists puddled opinions, 
 
 Nor courteous ruin of proffered usury, 
 
 Nor time prattled away, cradle of ignorance. 
 
 Nor causeless duty, nor cumber of arrogance. 
 
 Nor trifling title of vanity dazzleth us. 
 
 Nor golden manacles stand for a paradise. 
 
 Here wrong's name is unheard ; slander a monster is. 
 
 Keep thy spirit from abuse, here no abuse doth haunt. 
 
 What man grafts in a tree dissimulation ? 
 
29^ ARCADIA [BOOK II. 
 
 O sweet woods the delight of solitariness I 
 
 O how well I do like your solitariness ! 
 
 Yet dear soil, if a soul clos'd in a mansion 
 
 As sweet as violets, fair as a lily is, 
 
 Strait as a cedar, a voice strains the canary birds. 
 
 Whose shade safely doth hold, danger avoideth her ; 
 
 Such wisdom, that in her lives speculation : 
 
 Such goodness, that in her simplicity triumphs : 
 
 Where envy's snaky eye, winketh or else dieth. 
 
 Slander wants a pretext, flattery gone beyond : 
 
 Oh ! if such a one have bent to a lonely life, 
 
 Her steps, glad we receive, glad we receive her eyes. 
 
 And think not she doth hurt our solitariness, 
 
 For such company decks such solitariness. 
 
 The other shepherds were offering themselves to have continued 
 the sports, but the night had so quietly spent the most part of 
 herself among them that the king for that time licensed them to 
 depart. And so bringing Zelmane to her lodging, who would 
 much rather have done the same for Philoclea ; of all sides they 
 went to counterfeit a sleep in their beds, for a true one their 
 agonies could not afford them. Yet there they lay, so might they 
 be most solitary for the food of their thoughts, till it was near noon 
 the next day, after which Basilius was to continue his Apollo 
 devotions, and the other to meditate upon their private desires. 
 
ARCADIA 
 
 BOOK III 
 
 ) ' I ""HIS last day's danger, having made Pamela's love discern 
 <—' \_ what a loss it should have suffered if Dorus had been 
 destroyed, bred such tenderness of kindness in her toward 
 him that she could no longer keep love from looking out through her 
 eyes, and going forth in her words, whom before as a close prisoner 
 she had to her heart only committed ; so that finding not only by 
 his speeches and letters, but by the pitiful oration of a languishing 
 behaviour, and the easily deciphered character of a sorrowful face, 
 that despair began now to threaten him destruction, she grew 
 content both to pity him, and let him see she pitied him, as well 
 by making her own beautiful beams to thaw away the former 
 iciness of her behaviour, as by entertaining his discourses (when- 
 soever he did use them) in the third person of Musidorus, to so 
 far a degree, that in the end she said that if she had been the 
 princess whom that disguised prince had virtuously loved, she 
 would have requited his faith with faithful affection ; finding in her 
 heart that nothing could so heartily love as virtue : with many 
 more words to the same sense of noble favour, and chaste plain- 
 nessj Which when at the first it made that unexpected bliss shine 
 upon Dorus, he was like one frozen with extremity of cold, over- 
 hastily brought to a great fire, rather oppressed than relieved with 
 such a lightning of felicity. But after the strength of nature had 
 made him able to feel the sweetness of joyfulness, that again being 
 a child of passion, and never acquainted with mediocrity, could 
 not set bounds upon his happiness, nor be content to give desire 
 a kingdom, but that it must be an unlimited monarchy. So that 
 the ground he stood upon being over-high in happiness, and 
 slippery through affection, he could not hold himself from falling 
 into such an error, which with sighs blew all comfort out of his 
 
300 ARCADIA [book ni. 
 
 breast, and washed away all cheerfulness of his cheer with tears. 
 For this favour filling him with hope, hope encouraging his desire, 
 and desire considering nothing but opportunity ; one time (Mopsa 
 being called away by her mother, and he left alone with Pamela) 
 the sudden occasion called love, and that never stayed to ask 
 reason's leave, but made the too much loving Dorus take her in 
 his arms, offering to kiss her, and, as if it were, to establish a 
 trophy of his victory. But she, as if she had been ready to drink 
 a wine of excellent taste and colour, which suddenly she perceived 
 had poison in it, so did she put him away from her, looking first 
 up to heaven, as amazed to find herself so beguiled in him ; then 
 laying cruel punishment upon him of angry love, and lowering 
 beauty, showing disdain, and a despising disdain. " Away," (said 
 she), " unworthy man to love or to be loved. Assure thyself, I hate 
 myself being so deceived ; judge then what I do to thee for 
 deceiving me. Let me see thee no more, the only fall of my 
 judgment, and stain of my conscience." With that she called 
 Mopsa, not staying for any answer (which was no other but a flood 
 of tears) which she seemed not to mark (much less to pity) and 
 chid her for having left her alone. 
 
 It was not a sorrow, but it was even a death which then laid 
 hold of Dorus : which certainly at that instant would have killed 
 him, but that the fear to tarry longer in her presence (contrary to 
 her commandment) gave him life to carry himself away from her 
 sight, and to run into the woods, where, throwing himself down 
 at the foot of a tree, he did not fall into lamentation (for that 
 proceeded of pitying) or grieving for himself (which he did no 
 way) but to curses of his life, as one that detested himself. For 
 finding himself not only unhappy, but unhappy after being fallen 
 from all happiness : and to be fallen from all happiness, not by 
 any misconceiving, but by his own fault, and his fault to be done 
 to no other but Pamela ; he did not tender his own estate, but 
 despised it, greedily drawing into his mind, all conceits which 
 might more and more torment him. And so remained he two 
 days in the woods, disdaining to give his body food, or his mind 
 comfort, loving in himself nothing but the love of her. And 
 indeed that love only strove with the fury of his anguish, telling it 
 that if it destroyed Dorus, it should also destroy the image of her 
 that lived in Dorus : and when the thought of that was crept in 
 unto him, it began to win of him some compassion to the shrine 
 of that image, and to bewail not for himself (whom he hated) but 
 that so notable a love should perish. Then began he only so far 
 to wish his own good, as that Pamela might pardon him the fault, 
 though not the punishment : and the uttermost height he aspired 
 unto, was that after his death she might yet pity his error and 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 301 
 
 know that it proceeded of love, and not of boldness. That conceit 
 found such friendship in his thoughts, that at last he yielded, since 
 he was banished her presence, to seek some means by writing to 
 show his sorrow, and testify his repentance. Therefore getting 
 him the necessary instruments of writing, he thought best to 
 counterfeit his hand (fearing that already as she knew his, she 
 would cast it away as soon as she saw it) and to put it in verse, 
 hoping that would draw her on to read the more, choosing the 
 elegiac as fittest for mourning. But never pen did more quakingly 
 perform his office ; never was paper more double moistened with 
 ink and tears ; never words more slowly married together, and 
 never the muses more tired than now, with changes and re-changes 
 of his devices : fearing how to end, before he had resolved how to 
 begin, mistrusting each word, condemning each sentence. This 
 word was not significant ; that word was too plain ; this would not 
 be conceived ; the other would be ill conceived ; here sorrow was 
 not enough expressed, there he seemed too much for his own sake 
 to be sorry ; this sentence rather showed art than passion, that 
 sentence rather foolishly passionate than forcibly moving. At last, 
 marring with mending, and putting out better than he left, he 
 made an end of it ; being ended, was divers times ready to tear it, 
 till his reason assuring him, the more he studied the worse it grew, 
 he folded it up, devoutly invoking good acceptation unto it ; and 
 watching his time, when they were all gone one day to dinner, 
 saving Mopsa to the other lodge, stole up into Pamela's chamber, 
 and in her standish (which first he kissed, and craved of it a safe 
 and friendly keeping) left it there to be seen at her next using her 
 ink (himself returning again to be true prisoner to desperate 
 sorrow) leaving her standish upon her beds-head, to give her the 
 more occasion to mark it : which also fell out. 
 
 For she finding it at her afternoon return in another place than 
 she left ft, opened it. But when she saw the letter, her heart gave 
 her from whence it came ; and therefore clapping it to again she 
 went away from it as if it had been a contagious garment of an 
 infected person : and yet was not long away, but that she wished 
 she had read it, though she were loth to read it. "Shall I," said she, 
 " second his boldness so far, as to read his presumptuous letters ? 
 And yet," saith she, " he sees me not now to grow the bolder thereby : 
 and how can I tell whether they be presumptuous ? " The paper 
 came from him, and therefore not worthy to be received ; and yet 
 the paper she thought was not guilty. At last she concluded, it 
 were not much amiss to look it over, that she might out of his 
 words pick some further quarrel against him. Then she opened 
 it, and threw it away, and took it up again, till (e're she were 
 ^ware) her eyes would needs read it, containing this matter. 
 
302 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 Unto a caitiff wretch, whom long affliction holdeth, 
 
 And now fully believes help to be quite perished, 
 Grant yet, grant yet a look, to the last moment of his anguish, 
 
 O you (alas so I find) cause of his only ruin, 
 Dread not awhit (O goodly cruel) that pity may enter 
 
 Into thy heart by the sight of this Epistle I send : 
 And to refuse to behold of these strange wounds the recital. 
 
 Lest it might thee allure home to thyself to return 
 (Unto thyself, I do mean those graces dwell so within thee, 
 
 Gratefulness, sweetness, holy love, hearty regard) 
 Such thing cannot I seek (despair hath giv'n me my answer : 
 
 Despair most tragical clause to a deadly request) 
 Such thing cannot he hope, that knows thy determinate hardness. 
 
 Hard like a rich marble : hard, but a fair diamond. 
 Can those eyes, that of eyes drown'd in most hearty flowing tears 
 
 (Tears and tears of a man ? had no return to remorse) 
 Can those eyes now yield to the kind conceit of a sorrow. 
 
 Which ink only relates, but ne laments, ne replies ? 
 Ah, that, that do I not conceive (though that to ray bliss were) 
 
 More than Nestor's years, more than a King's diadem. 
 Ah, that, that do I not conceive ; to the Heaven when a Mouse 
 climbs 
 
 Then may I hope to achieve grace of a heavenly Tiger. 
 But, but alas, like a man condemned doth crave to be heard 
 speak. 
 
 Not that he hopes for amends of the disaster he feels. 
 But finding the approach of death with an inly relenting, 
 
 Gives an adieu to the world, as to his only delight : 
 Right so my boiling heart, inflam'd with fire of a fair eye. 
 
 Bubbling out doth breathe signs of his huge dolours : 
 Now that he finds to what end his life and love be reserved. 
 
 And that he thence must part, where to live only he liv'd. 
 O fair, O fairest, are such the triumphs to thy fairness ? 
 
 Can death beauty become? must I be such monument? 
 Must I be only the mark shall prove that virtue is angry ? 
 
 Shall prove that fierceness can with a white dove abide ? 
 Shall to the world appear that faith and love be rewarded 
 
 With mortal disdain, bent to unendly revenge. 
 Unto revenge ? O sweet, on a wretch wilt thou be revenged? 
 
 Shall such high planets tend to the loss of a worm ? 
 And to revenge who do bend, would in that kind be revenged 
 
 As th' offence was done, and go beyond if he can. 
 All my offence was love : with love then must I be chastened ; 
 
 And with more, by the laws that to revenge do belong. 
 If that love be a fault, more fault, more fault in you to be lovely : 
 
 Love never had me oppressed, but that I saw to be lov'd. 
 You be the cause that I lov'd : what Reason blameth a shadow. 
 
 That with a body 't goes ? since by a body it is ? 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 303 
 
 If that love you did hate, you should your beauty have hidden : 
 
 You should those fair eyes have with a veil covered. 
 But fool, fool that I am, those eyes would shine from a dark cave : 
 
 What veils then do prevail, but to a more miracle ? 
 Or those golden locks, those locks which lock me to bondag'e, 
 
 Tom you should disperse unto the blasts of a wind. 
 But fool, fool that I am, thoug-h I had but a hair of her head 
 found, 
 
 EVn as I am, so I should unto that hair be a thrall. 
 Or with fair hands, nails (O hand which nails me to this death) 
 
 You should have your face, since love is ill blemished. 
 O wretch, what do I say ? should that fair face be defaced ? 
 
 Should my too much sight cause so true a sun to be lost ? 
 First let Cimmerian darkness be my only habitation : 
 
 First be mine eyes puU'd out, first be ray brain perished, 
 E're that I should consent to do so excessive a damage 
 
 Unto the earth, by the hurt of this her heavenly jewel. 
 O not, but such love you say you could have afforded, 
 
 As might learn temp'rance, void of a rage's events. 
 O sweet simplicity ; from whence should love be so learned ? 
 
 Unto Cupid, that Boy, should a pedant be found ? 
 Well, but sulky I was : Reason to ray passion yielded, 
 
 Passion unto my rage, rage to a hasty revenge. 
 But what's this for a fault, for which such faith be abolished, 
 
 Such faith, so stainless, inviolate, violent ? 
 Shall I not? O may I not thus yet refresh the remembrance. 
 
 What sweet joys I had once, and what a place I did hold? 
 Shall I not once object, that you, you granted a favour 
 
 Unto the man, whom now such miseries you award ? 
 Bend your thoughts to the dear sweet words which then to me 
 giv'n were. 
 
 Think what a world is now, think who hath alt' red her heart. 
 What ? was I then worthy such good, now worthy such evil ? 
 
 Now fled, then cherished? then so nigh, now so remote? 
 Did not a rosed breath from lips rosy proceeding. 
 
 Say, that I well should find in what a care I was had ? 
 With much more : Now what do I find, but care to abhor me ? 
 
 Care that I sink in grief, care that I live banished? 
 And banished do I live, nor now will seek a recovery. 
 
 Since so she will, whose will is to me more than a law. 
 If then a man in most ill case may give you a farewell : 
 
 Farewell, long farewell, all ray woe, all my delight. 
 
 What this would have wrought in her, she herself could not tell, 
 for, before her reason could moderate the disputation between 
 favour and faultiness, her sister and Miso, called her down to 
 entertain Zelmane, who was come to visit the two sisters, about 
 whom, as about two poles, the sky of beauty was turned : while 
 
304 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 Gynecia wearied her bed with her melancholy sickness, and made 
 Miso's shrewdness (who like a spirit set to keep a treasure, barred 
 Zelmane from any further conference) to be the lieutenant of her 
 jealousy ; both she and her husband driving Zelmane to such a 
 straight of resolution, either of impossible granting, or dangerous 
 refusing, as the best escape she had was (as much as she could) to 
 avoid their company. So as this day, being the fourth day after 
 the uproar (Basilius being with his sick wife, conferring upon such 
 examinations as Philanax and other of his noblemen had made of 
 this late sedition, all touching Cecropia, with vehement suspicion 
 of giving either flame or fuel unto it) Zelmane came with her body, 
 to find her mind, which -was gone long before her, and had gotten 
 his seat in Philoclea, who now with a bashful cheerfulness (as 
 though she were ashamed that she could not choose but be glad) 
 joined with her sister in making much of Zelmane. 
 
 And so as they sat devising how to give more feathers to the 
 wings of time, there came to the lodge-door six maids, all in one 
 livery of scarlet petticoats, which were tucked up almost to their 
 knees, the petticoats themselves being in many places garnished 
 with leaves, their legs naked, saving that above the ankles they 
 had little black silk laces, upon which did hang a few silver bells, 
 like which they had a little above their elbows upon their bare 
 arms. Upon their hair they wore garlands of roses and gilliflowers, 
 and the hair was so dressed, as that came again above the garlands, 
 interchanging a mutual covering so that it was doubtful whether 
 the hair dressed the garlands, or the garlands dressed the hair. 
 Their breasts liberal to the eye ; the face of the foremost of them 
 in excellency fair ; and of the rest lovely, if not beautiful : and 
 beautiful might have been, if they had not suffered greedy Phoebus 
 over-often and hard, to kiss them. Their countenances full of a 
 graceful gravity, so as the gesture match with the apparel, it might 
 seem, a wanton modesty, an enticing soberness. Each of them 
 had an instrument of music in their hands, which comforting their 
 well-pleasing tunes, did charge each ear with unsensibleness that 
 did not lend itself unto them. The music entering alone into the 
 lodge, the ladies were all desirous to see from whence so pleasant 
 a guest was come : and therefore went out together, where before 
 they could take the pains to doubt, much less to ask the question 
 of their quality, the fairest of them (with a gay, but yet discreet 
 demeanour) in this sort spoke to them. 
 
 " Most excellent ladies (whose excellencies have power to make 
 cities envy those woods, and solitariness to be accounted the 
 sweetest company) vouchsafe our message your gracious hearing, 
 which as it comes from love, so comes it from lovely persons. 
 The maids of all this coast of Arcadia, understanding the often 
 
fiooKin.l ARCADIA 305 
 
 access that certain shepherds of those quarters are allowed to have 
 in this forbidden place, and that their rural sports are not disdained 
 of you, have been stirred up with emulation to them, and affection 
 to you, to bring forth something, which might as well breed your 
 contentment: and therefore hoping that the goodness of their 
 intention, and the hurtlessness of their sex, shall excuse the breach 
 of the commandment in coming to this place unsent for, they chose 
 out us to invite both your princely parents, and yourselves to a 
 place in the woods about half a mile hence, where they have 
 provided some such sports, as they trust your gracious acceptations 
 will interpret to be delightful. We have been at the other lodge, 
 but finding them there busied in weightier affairs, our trust is that 
 you will not deny the shining of your eyes upon us. The ladies 
 stood in some doubt whether they should go or not, lest Basilius 
 might be angry withal : But Miso (that had been at none of the 
 pastorals, and had a great desire to lead her old senses abroad to 
 some pleasure) told them plainly, they should nor will, nor choose, 
 but go thither, and make the honest country people know that 
 they were not so squeamish as folks thought of them. The ladies 
 glad to be warranted by her authority, with a smiling humbleness 
 obeyed her; Pamela only casting a seeking look, whether she 
 could see Dorus (who poor wretch wandered half mad for sorrow 
 in the woods, crying for pardon of her who could not hear him) 
 but indeed was grieved for his absence, having given the wound 
 to him through her own heart. But so the three ladies and Miso 
 went with those six Nymphs, conquering the length of the way 
 with the force of music, leaving only Mopsa behind, who disgraced 
 weeping with her countenance, because her mother would not 
 suffer her to show her new scoured face among them. But the 
 place appointed, as they thought, rnet them half in their way; so 
 well were they pleased with the sweet tunes and pretty conversa- 
 tion of their inviters. There found they in the midst of the thickest 
 part of the wood, a little square place, not burdened with trees, 
 but with a board covered and beautified with the pleasantgst 
 fruits that sun-burned Autumn could deliver to them. The maids 
 besought the ladies to sit down and taste of the swelling grapes, 
 which seemed great with child of Bacchus : and of the divers 
 coloured plums, which gave the eye a" pleasant taste before they 
 came to the mouth. The ladies would not show to scorn their 
 provision; but ate and' drank a little of their cool wine, which 
 
 seemed to laugh for joy to come to such lips, ' ■ -'■ ' 
 
 But after the collation was ended, and' that they footed for the 
 commg forth of such devices as were prepared fof them, there 
 rushed out of the woods twenty armed men, who round about 
 environed them, and laying hold on Zelmane before she could 
 
 u 
 
306 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 draw her sword, and taking it from her, put hoods over the heads 
 of all four, and so muffled, by force set them on horse-back, and 
 carried them away ; the sisters crying in vain for succour, while 
 Zelmane's heart was rent in pieces with rage of the injury and 
 disdain of her fortune. But when they had carried them four or 
 five miles further, they left Miso with a gag in her mouth, and 
 bound hand and foot, so to take her fortune ; and brought the 
 three ladies (by that time the night seemed with her silence to 
 conspire to their treason) to a castle about ten miles from the 
 lodges, where they were fain to take a boat which waited for them, 
 for the castle stood in the midst of a great lake upon a high rock, 
 where partly by art, but principally by nature, it was by all men 
 esteemed impregnable. But at the castle-gate their faces were 
 discovered, and there were met with a great number of torches, 
 after whom the sisters knew their aunt-in-law Cecropia. But that 
 sight increased the deadly terror of the princesses, looking for 
 nothing but death, since they were in the power of the wicked 
 Cecropia, who yet came unto them, making courtesy the outside of 
 mischief, and desiring them not to be discomforted for they were 
 in a place dedicated to their service. Philoclea (with a look where 
 love shined through the midst of fear) besought her to be good 
 unto them, having never deserved evil of her. But Pamela's 
 high heart disdaining humbleness to injury, "Aunt," said she, 
 " what you have determined of us I pray you do it speedily ; for 
 njy part I look for no service, where I find violence." 
 
 . But Cecropia, using no more words with them, conveyed them 
 all three to several lodgings (Zelmane's heart so swelling with spite 
 that she could not bring forth a word) and so left them ; first taking 
 from them their knives, because they should do themselves no 
 hurt, before she had determined of them : and then giving such 
 order that they wanted nothing but liberty and comfort, she went 
 to her son, who yet kept his bed, because of his wound he had 
 received of Zelmane, and told him whom now he had in his power. 
 Amphialus was but even then returned from far countries where he 
 had won immortal fame both of courage and courtesy, when he met 
 with the princesses, and was hurt by Zelmane, so that he was utterly 
 ignorant of all his mother's wicked devices, to which he would never 
 have consented, being (like a rose out of a briar) an excellent son 
 of an evil mother ■ and now, when he heard of this, was as much 
 amazed as if he had seen the sun fall to the earth. And therefore 
 desired his mother that she would tell him the whole discourse, 
 how 3.11 these matters had happened. " Son," said she, " I will do 
 it willingly, and since all is done for you I will hide nothing from 
 you. And howsoever I might be ashamed to tell it to strangers who 
 would think it wickedness, yet what is done for your sake (how evil 
 
BOOK 111.] ARCADIA 307 
 
 soever to others) to you is virtue. To begin then even with the 
 beginning ; this doting fool Basilius that now reigns, having lived 
 unmarried until he was nigh threescore years old (and in all his 
 speeches affirming, and in all his doings, assuring that he never 
 would marry) made all the eyes of this country to be bent upon 
 your father, his only brother (but younger by thirty years) as upon 
 the undoubted successor, being indeed a man worthy to reign, 
 thinking nothing enough for himself: where this goose (you see) 
 puts down his head, before there be anything near to touch him. 
 So that he holding place and estimation as heir of Arcadia, obtained 
 me of my father the king of Argos, his brother helping to the 
 conclusion, with protesting his bachelorly intentions, for else you 
 may be sure the king of Argos, nor his daughter, would have 
 suffered their royal blood to be stained with the base name of a 
 subjection. So that I came into this country as apparent princess 
 thereof, and accordingly was courted and followed of all the ladies 
 of this country. My port and pomp did well become a king of 
 Argos's daughter : in my presence their tongues were turned into 
 ears, and their ears were captives unto my tongue ; their eyes 
 admired my majesty, and happy was he or she, on whom I would 
 suffer the beams thereof to fall. Did I go to church ? It seemed 
 the very gods waited for me, their devotions not being solemnized 
 till I was ready. Did I walk abroad to see any delight ? Nay, 
 my walking was the delight itself : for to it was the concourse, one 
 thrusting upon another, who might show himself most diligent and 
 serviceable towards me : my sleeps were enquired after, and my 
 wakings never unsaluted : the very gate of my house full of 
 principal persons, who were glad if their presents had received a 
 grateful acceptation. And in this felicity wert thou born, the very 
 earth submitting itself unto thee to be trodden as by his prince ; 
 and to that pass had my husband's virtue (by my good help) within 
 short time brought it, with a plot we laid, as we should not have 
 needed to have waited the tedious work of a natural end of Basilius, 
 when the heavens (I think envying my great felicity) then stopped 
 thy father's breath, when he breathed nothing but power and 
 sovereignty. Yet did not thy orphancy, or my widowhood, deprive 
 us of the delightful prospect which the hill of honour doth yield, 
 while expectation of thy succession did bind dependencies unto us. 
 "But before, my son, thou wert come to the age to feel the 
 sweetness of authority, this beast (whom I can never name with 
 patience) falsely and fooUshly married this Gynecia, then a young 
 girl, and brought her to sit above me in all feasts, to turn her 
 shoulder to me-ward in all our solemnities. It is certain it is not 
 so great a spite to be surmounted by strangers as by one's own 
 allies. Think then what my mind was, since withal there is no 
 
368 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 question, the fall is greater from the first to the second, than from 
 the second to the undermost. The rage did swell in my heart so 
 much the more as it was fain to be suppressed in silence, and 
 disguised with humbleness. But above all the rest, the grief of 
 griefs was, when with these two daughters, now thy prisoners, she 
 cut off all hope of thy succession. It was a tedious thing to me 
 that my eyes should look lower than anybody's, that (myself being 
 by) another's voice than mine should be more respected. But it 
 was unsupportable unto me to think that not only I, but thou, 
 should'st spend all thy time in such misery, and that the sun should 
 see my eldest son less than a prince. And though I had been a 
 saint I could not choose, finding the change this change of fortune 
 bred unto me : for now from the multitude of followers, silence 
 grew to be at my gate, and absence in my presence. The guess 
 of my mind could prevail more before than now many of my earnest 
 requests. And thou (my dear son) by the fickle multitude no more 
 than an ordinary person (born of the mud of the people) regarded. 
 But I (remembering that in all miseries weeping becomes fools, and 
 practice wise folks) have tried divers means to pull us out of the 
 mire of subjection. And though many times fortune failed me, yet 
 did I never fail myself. Wild beasts I kept in a cave hard by the 
 lodges, which I caused by night to be fed in the place of their 
 pastorals. I as then living in my house hard by the place, and 
 against the hour they were to meet (having kept the beasts without 
 meat) then let them loose, knowing that they would seek their food 
 there, and devour what they found. But blind fortune hating sharp 
 sighted inventions, made them unluckily to be killed. After I used 
 my servant Clinias to stir a notable tumult of country people ; but 
 those louts were too gross instruments for delicate conceits. Now 
 lastly, finding Philanax's examinations grow dangerous, I thought 
 to play double or quit, and with a slight I used of my fine-witted 
 wench Artesia, with other maids of mine, would have sent those 
 goodly inheritrixes of Arcadia to have pleaded their cause before 
 Pluto, but that over fortunately for them, you made me know the 
 last day how vehemently this childish passion of love doth torment 
 you. Therefore I have brought them unto you, yet wishing rather 
 hate than love in you. For hate often begetteth victory, love 
 commonly is the instrument of subjection. It is true that I would 
 also by the same practice have entrapped the parents, but my 
 maids failed of it, not daring to tarry long about it. But this 
 sufficeth, since (these being taken away) you are the undoubted 
 inheritor, and Basilius will not long over-live this loss." 
 
 O mother," said Amphialus, " speak not of doing them hurt, no 
 more than to mine eyes, or my heart, or if I have anything more 
 dear- than eyes or heart unto me. Let others find what sweetness 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 309 
 
 they will in ever fearing, because they ever are feared ; for my 
 part, I will think myself highly entitled, if I may be once by 
 Philoclea accepted for a servant." "Well," said Cecropia, I 
 would I had born you of my mind, as well as of my body, then 
 should you not have sunk under those base weaknesses. But 
 since you have tied your thoughts in so wilful a knot, it is happy 
 my policy hath brought matters to such a pass that you may both 
 enjoy affection, and upon that build your sovereignty." " Alas !" 
 said Amphialus, "my heart would fain yield you thanks for setting 
 me in the way of felicity, but that fear kills them in me before they 
 are fully born. For if Philoclea be displeased, how can I be 
 pleased ? if she count it unkindness, shall I give tokens of kind- 
 ness? perchance she condemns me of this action, and shall I triumph, 
 perchance she drowns now the beauties I love with sorrowful tears, 
 and where is then my rejoicing?" "You have reason," said 
 Cecropia with a feigned gravity ; " I will therefore send her away 
 presently that her contentment may be recovered." " No good 
 mother," said Amphialus, " since she is here, I would not for my 
 life constrain presence, but rather would I die than consent to 
 absence." "Pretty intricate follies," said Cecropia, "but get you 
 up and see how you can prevail with her, while I go to the other 
 sister. For after, we shall have our hands full to defend ourselves 
 if Basilius hap to besiege us." But remembering herself she turned 
 back and asked him what he would have done with Zelmane, since 
 now he might be avenged of his hurt ? " Nothing but honourably," 
 answered Amphialus, "having deserved no other of me, especially 
 being (as I hear) greatly cherished of Philoclea, and therefore I 
 could wish they were lodged together." " O no," said Cecropia, 
 " company confirms resolutions, and loneliness breeds a weariness 
 of one's thoughts, and so a sooner consenting to reasonable 
 proffers." 
 
 But Amphialus (taking of his mother Philoclea's knives, which 
 he kept as a relic since she had worn them) got up, and calling for 
 his richest apparel, nothing seemed sumptuous enough for his 
 mistress's eyes ; and that which was costly, he feared was not 
 dainty ; and though the invention were delicate, he misdoubted 
 the making. As careful he was too of the colour ; lest if gay he 
 might seem to glory in his injury, and her wrong ; if mourning, it 
 might strike some evil presage unto her of her fortune. At length 
 he took a garment more rich than glaring, the ground being black 
 velvet, richly embroidered with great pearl, and precious stones, 
 but they set so among certain tuffs of cypress that the cypress was 
 like black clouds, through which the stars might yield a dark lustre. 
 About his neck he wore a broad and gorgeous collar, whereof the 
 pieces interchangeably answering, the one was of diamonds and 
 
310 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 pearl set with a white enamel, so that by the cunning of the 
 workman it seemed like a shining ice ; and the other piece being 
 of rubies and opals, had a fiery glistering, which he thought 
 pictured the two passions of fear and desire, wherein he was 
 enchained. His hurt, not yet fully well, made him a little halt, 
 but he strove to give the best grace he could unto his halting. 
 
 And in- that sort he went to Philoclea's chamber : whom he 
 found (because her chamber was over-lightsome) sitting on that 
 side of her bed which was from the window, which did cast such 
 a shadow upon her as a good painter would bestow upon Venus, 
 when under the trees she bewailed the murder of Adonis : her 
 hands and fingers (as it were) indented one within the other ; 
 her shoulder leaning to her beds head, and over her head a scarf, 
 which did eclipse almost half her eyes, which under it fixed their 
 beams upon the wall by, with so steady a manner, as if in that 
 place they might well change but not mend their object : and 
 so remained they a good while after his coming in, he not daring 
 to trouble her, nor she perceiving him, till that (a Uttle varying 
 her thoughts, something quickening her senses) she heard him 
 as he happened to stir his upper garment : and perceiving him, 
 rose up, with a demeanour, where, in the book of beauty, there 
 was nothing to be read but sorrow ; for kindness was blotted out, 
 and anger was never there. 
 
 But Amphialus who had entrusted his memory with long and 
 forcible speeches, found it so locked up in amazement that he 
 could pick nothing out of it but the beseeching her to take what 
 was done in good part, and to assure herself there was nothing 
 but honour meant unto her person. But she making no other 
 answer, but letting her hands fall one from the other, which before 
 were joined (with eyes something cast aside, and a silent sigh) 
 gave him to understand that considering his doings, she thought 
 his speech as full of incongruity, as her answer would be void 
 of purpose : whereupon he kneeling down, and kissing her hand 
 (which she suffered with a countenance witnessing captivity, but 
 not kindness) he besought her to have pity of him, whose love 
 went beyond the bounds of conceit, much more of uttering : that 
 in her hands the balance of his life or death did stand ; whereto 
 the least motion of hers would serve to determine, she being 
 indeed the mistress of his life, and he her eternal slave, and with 
 true vehemency besought her that he might hear her speak ; 
 whereupon she suffered her sweet breath to turn itself into these 
 kind of words. 
 
 " Alas ! cousin," said she, " what shall my tongue be able to do, 
 which is informed by the ears one way, and by the eyes another? 
 You call for pity, and use cruelty ; you say you love me, and yet do 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 311 
 
 the effects of enmity. You affirm your death is in my hands, but you • 
 have brought me to so near a degree of death, as when you will, 
 you may lay death upon me, so that while you say, I am mistress 
 of your life, I am not mistress of mine own. You entitle yourself 
 my slave, but I am sure I am yours. If then violence, injury, 
 terror, and depriving of that which is more dear than life itself, 
 liberty, be fit orators for affection, you may expect that I will be 
 easily persuaded. But if the nearness of our kindred breed any 
 remorse in you, or there be any such thing in you, which you 
 call love toward me, then let not my fortune be disgraced with the 
 name of imprisonment ; let not my heart waste itself by being 
 vexed with feel ng evil, and fearing worse. Let not me be a cause 
 of my parents' woeful destruction ; but restore me to myself, and 
 so doing, I shall account I have received myself of you. And 
 what I say for myself, I say for my dear sister, and my friend 
 Zelmane, for I desire no well-being without they may be partakers." 
 With that her tears rained down from her heavenly eyes, and 
 seemed to water the sweet and beautiful flowers of her face. 
 
 But Amphialus was like the poor woman, who loving a tame 
 doe she had above all earthly things, having long played withal, 
 and made it feed at her hand and lap, is constrained at length 
 by famine, all her flock being spent, and she fallen into extreme 
 poverty, to kill the deer to sustain her life. Many a pitiful look 
 doth she cast upon it, and many a time doth she draw back her 
 hand before she can give the stroke. For even so Amphialus 
 by a hunger-starved affection, was compelled to offer this injury, 
 and yet the same affection made him with a tormenting grief 
 think unkindness in himself that he could find in his heart any 
 way to restrain her freedom. But at length, neither able to grant 
 nor deny, he thus answered her : " Dear lady," said he, " I will 
 not say unto you (how justly soever I may do it) that I am neither 
 author nor accessory unto this your withholding; for since I do 
 not redress it, I am as faulty as if I had begun it. But this 
 I protest unto you (and this protestation of mine let the heavens 
 hear, and if I lie, let them answer me with a deadly thunderbolt) 
 that in my soul I wish I had never seen the Ught, or rather, that 
 I never had a father to beget such a child, than that by my means 
 those eyes should overflow their own beauties ; than by my means 
 the sky of your virtue should be overclouded with sorrow. But 
 woe is me, most excellent lady, I find myself most willing to obey 
 you : neither truly do mine ears receive the least word you speak, 
 with any less reverence than as absolute and unresistable 
 commandments. But alas, that tyrant love (which now possesseth 
 the hold of all my life and reason) will no way suffer it. It is love, 
 it is love, not I which disobey you. What then shall I say? 
 
312 ARCADIA [book III, 
 
 but that I, who am ready to lie under your feet, to venture, nay 
 to lose my life at your least commandment : I am not the stay 
 of your freedom, but love, love, which ties you in your own knots. 
 It is you yourself that imprison yourself: it is your beauty which 
 makes those castle walls embrace you : it is your own eyes which 
 reflect upon themselves this injury. Then is there no other 
 remedy, but that you some way vouchsafe to satisfy this love's 
 vehemency ; which since it grew in yourself) without question 
 you shall find it (far more than I) tractable." 
 
 But with these words Philoclea fell to so extreme a quaking, 
 and her lively whiteness did degenerate to such a deadly paleness 
 that Amphialus feared some dangerous trance : so that taking 
 her hand, and feeling that it (which was wont to be one of the 
 chief firebrands of Cupid) had all the sense of it wrapt up in 
 coldness, he began humbly to beseech her to put away all fear, 
 and to assure herself upon the vow he made thereof unto God, 
 and herself, that the uttermost forces he would ever employ 
 to conquer her affection, should be desire and desert. That 
 promise brought Philoclea again to herself, so that slowly lifting 
 up her eyes upon him, with a countenance ever courteous, but 
 then languishing, she told him that he should do well to do so, 
 if indeed he had ever tasted what true love was : for that where 
 now she did bear him goodwill, she should (if he took any other 
 way) hate and abhor the very thought of him, assuring him withal, 
 that though his mother had taken away her knives, yet the house 
 of death had so many doors that she would easily fly into it if ever 
 she found her honour endangered. 
 
 Amphialus having the cold ashes of care cast upon the coals 
 of desire, leaving some of his mother's gentlewomen to wait upon 
 Philoclea, himself indeed a prisoner to his prisoner, and making 
 all his authority to be but a foot-stool to hmnbleness, went from 
 her to his mother. To whom with words, which affection indited, 
 but amazement uttered, he delivered what had passed between 
 him and Philoclea, beseeching her to try what her persuasions 
 could do with her, while he gave order for all such things as were 
 necessary against such forces, as he looked daily Basilius would 
 bring before his castle. His mother bade him quiet himself, for 
 she doubted not to take fit times : But that the best way was, 
 first to let her own passion tire itself. 
 
 So they called Clinias and some other of their council, advised 
 upon their present affairs. First, he dispatched private letters to 
 all those principal lords and gentlemen of the country whom he 
 thought either alliance, or friendship to himself might draw, with 
 special motion from the general consideration of duty : not 
 omitting all such, whom either youthful age, or youthlike minds 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 313 
 
 did fill with unlimited desires : besides such whom any discontent- 
 ment made hungry of change, or an overspended want, made 
 want a civil war : to each (according to the counsel of his mother) 
 conforming himself after their humours. To his friend, 
 friendliness ; to the ambitious, great expectations ; to the 
 displeased, revenge ; to the greedy, spoil ; wrapping their hopes 
 with such cunning that they rather seemed given over unto them 
 as partakers, than promises sprung of necessity. Then sent he 
 to his mother's brother, the king of Argos ; but he was then 
 so over laid with war himself as from thence he could attend 
 small succour. 
 
 But because he knew how violently rumours do blow the sails 
 of popular judgments, and how few there be that can discern 
 between truth arid truth likeness, between shows and substance, 
 he caused a justification of this his action to be written, whereof 
 were sowed* abroad many copies, which with some glosses of 
 probability, might hide indeed the foulness of his treason ; and 
 from true common places, fetch down most false applications. 
 For beginning in how much the duty which is owed to the country, 
 goes beyond all other duties, since in itself it contains them all ; 
 and that for the respect thereof, not only all tender respects 
 of kindred, or whatsoever other friendships, are to be laid aside, 
 but that even long-held opinions (rather builded upon a secret 
 of government than any ground of truth) are to be forsaken ; he 
 fell by degrees to show that since the end whereto anything is 
 directed is ever to be of more noble reckoning, than the thing 
 thereto directed, that therefore the weal-public was more to be 
 regarded than any person or magistrate that thereunto was 
 ordained: the feeling consideration whereof had moved him 
 (though as near of kin to Basilius as could be, yet) to set 
 principally before his eyes, the good estate of so many thousands 
 over whom Basilius reigned, rather than so to hood-wink himself 
 with affection, as to suffer the realm to run to manifest ruin. 
 The care whereof did kindly appertain to those who being 
 subaltern magistrates and officers of the crown, were to be 
 employed, as from the prince, so for the people ; and of all other, 
 especially himself, who being descended of the royal race, and 
 next heir male, nature had no sooner opened his eyes, but that 
 the soil whereupon they did look, was to look for at his hands 
 a continual carefulness : which as from his childhood he had ever 
 carried, so now finding that his uncle had not only given over 
 all care of government, but had put into the hands of Philanax 
 (a man neither in birth comparable to many, nor for his corrupt, 
 proud, and partial dealing, liked of any) but beside, had set hi? 
 *i>. Scattered. 
 
314 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 daughters, in whom the whole estate, as next heirs thereunto, had 
 no less interest than himself, in so unfit and ill guarded a place, 
 that it were not only dangerous for their persons, but (if they 
 should be conveyed to any foreign country) to the whole common- 
 wealth pernicious, that therefore he had brought them into this 
 strong castle of his, which way, if it might seem strange, they 
 were to consider that new necessities required new remedies, 
 but there they should be served and honoured as belonged to 
 their greatness until by the general assembly of the states it 
 should be determined how they should to their best (both private 
 and public) advantage be matched ; vowing all faith and duty 
 both to the father and children, never by him to be violated. But 
 if in the meantime, before the states could be assembled, he 
 should be assailed, he would then for his own defence take arms ; 
 desiring all that either tendered the dangerous case of their 
 country, or in their hearts loved justice, to defend him in this 
 just action. And if the prince should command them otherwise, 
 yet to know that therein he was no more to be obeyed than if he 
 should call for poison to hurt himself withal : since all that was 
 done, was done for his service, howsoever he might (seduced by 
 Philanax) interpret of it : he protesting that whatsoever he should 
 do for his own defence, should be against Philanax, and no way 
 against Basilius. 
 
 To this effect, amplified with arguments and examples, and 
 painted with rhetorical colours, did he sow* abroad many 
 discourses, which as they prevailed with some of more quick than 
 sound conceit to run his fortune with him, so in many did it breed 
 a coolness, to deal violently against him, and a false-minded 
 neutrality to expect the issue. But besides the ways he used to 
 weaken the adverse party, he omitted nothing for the strengthening 
 of his own. The chief trust whereof, because he wanted men to 
 keep the field, he reposed in the surety of his castle, which at least 
 would win him much time, the mother of many mutations. To 
 that therefore he bent both his outward and inward eyes, striving 
 to make art strive with nature, to whether of them two that 
 fortification should be most beholding. The seat nature bestowed 
 but art gave the building ; which as his rocky hardness would not 
 yield to undermining force, so to open assaults he took counsel of 
 skill how to make all approaches, if not impossible, yet difficult ; 
 as well at the foot of the castle, as round about the lake, to give 
 unquiet lodgings to them, whom only enmity would make 
 neighbours. Then omitted he nothing of defence, as well simple 
 defence as that which did defend by offending, fitting instruments 
 of mischief to places whence the mischief might be roost liberally 
 
 * z!.f. Spread. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 315 
 
 bestowed. Neither was his smallest care for victuals, as well for 
 the providing that which should suffice, both in store and goodness, 
 as in well preserving it, and wary distributing it, both in quantity 
 and quality, spending that first which would keep least. 
 
 But wherein he shai-pened his wits to the piercingest point, was 
 touching his men (knowing them to be the weapon of weapons, 
 and master-spring, as it were, which makes all the rest to stir : 
 and that therefore in the art of man stood the quintessence and 
 ruling skill of all prosperous government, either peaceable or 
 military) he chose in number as many as without pestering (and 
 so danger of infection) his victual would serve for two years to 
 maintain ; all of able bodies, and some few of able minds to direct, 
 not seeking many commanders, but contenting himself that the 
 multitude should have obeying wits, everyone knowing whom he 
 should command, and whom he should obey, the place where, and 
 the matter wherein ; distributing each office as near as he could, 
 to the disposition of the person that should exercise it : knowing 
 no love, danger nor discipline can suddenly alter an habit in 
 nature. Therefore would he not emply the still man to a shifting 
 practice, nor the liberal man to be a dispenser of his victuals, nor 
 the kind-hearted man to be a punisher ; but would exercise their 
 virtues in sorts, where they might be profitable, employing his 
 chief care to know them all particularly, and thoroughly regarding 
 also the constitution of their bodies ; some being able better to 
 abide watching, some hunger, some labour, making his benefit of 
 each ability, and not forcing beyond power. Time to everything 
 by just proportion he allotted, and as well in that, as in everything 
 else, no small error winked at, lest greater should be animated. 
 Even of vices he made his profit, making the cowardly CHnias to 
 have care of the watch, which he knew his own fear would make 
 him very wakefully perform. And before the siege began, he 
 himself caused rumours to be sowed, and libels to be spread 
 against himself, fuller of malice than witty persuasion, partly to 
 know those that would be apt to stumble at such motions, that he 
 might call them from the faithfuUer band, but principally, because 
 m necessity they should not know when any such things were in 
 earnest attempted, whether it were, or not of his own invention. 
 But even tlien (before the enemies face came near to breed any 
 terror) did he exercise his men daily in all their charges, as if 
 danger had presently presented his most hideous presence- 
 himself rather mstructing by example than precept ; being neither 
 more sparmg in travel, nor spending in diet than the meanest 
 soldier; his hand and body disdaining no base matters nor 
 shrinking from the heavy. 
 
 The only odds was, that when others took breath, he sighed; 
 
3i6 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 and when others rested, he crossed his arms. For love passing 
 through the pikes of danger, and tumbling itself in the dust of 
 labour, yet still made him remember his sweet desire and beautiful 
 image. Often when he had begun to command one, somewhat 
 before half the sentence were ended, his inward guest did so 
 entertain him that he lyould break it off, and a pretty while after 
 end it, when he had (to the marvel of the standers by) sent himself 
 to talk with his own thoughts. Sometimes when his hand was 
 lifted up to do something, as if with the sight of Gorgon's head he 
 had been suddenly turned into a stone, so would he there abide 
 with his eyes planted, and hands lifted, till at length coming to 
 the use of himself, he would look about whether any had perceived 
 him ; then he would accuse, and in himself condemn all those wits 
 that durst affirm idleness to be the well-spring of love. " O," 
 would he say, " all you that affect the title of wisdom by ungrateful 
 scorning the ornaments of nature, am I now piping in a shadow ? 
 Or do slothful feathers now enwrap me? Is not hate before me, 
 and doubt behind me ? Is not danger of the one side, and shame 
 of the other ? And do I not stand upon pain and travail, and yet 
 over all, my affection triumphs? The more I stir about urgent 
 affairs, the more methinks the very stirring breeds a breath to 
 blow the coals of my love ; the more I exercise my thoughts, the 
 more they increase the appetite of my desires. O sweet Philoclea 
 (with that he would cast up his eyes, wherein some water did 
 appear, as if they would wash themselves against they should see 
 her) thy heavenly face is my astronomy ; thy sweet virtue, my 
 sweet philosophy ; let me profit therein, and farewell all other 
 cogitations. But alas ! my mind misgives me, for your planets 
 bear a contrary aspect unto me. Woe, woe is me, they threaten 
 my destruction ; and whom do they threaten this destruction ? 
 even him that loves them ; and by what means will they destroy, 
 but by loving them? O dear, though killing, eyes, shall death 
 head his dart with the gold of Cupid's arrow? shall death take 
 his aim from the rest of beauty? O beloved, though hating, 
 Philoclea, how, if thou be'st merciful, hath cruelty stolen into thee ? 
 or how, if thou be'st cruel, doth cruelty look more beautiful than 
 ever mercy did ? or alas ! is it my destiny that makes mercy cruel ; 
 like an evil vessel which turns sweet liquor to sourness ? so when 
 thy grace falls upon me, my wretched constitution makes it become 
 fierceness." Thus would he exercise his eloquence when she 
 could not hear him, and be dumb-stricken when her presence gave 
 him fit occasion of speaking : so that his wit could find out no 
 other refuge but the comfort and counsel of his mother, desiring 
 her, whose thoughts were unperplexed, to use for his sake the 
 most prevailing manners of intei'cessioja. 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 3^7 
 
 She seeing her son's safety depend thereon, though her pride 
 much disdained the name of a desirer, took the charge upon her, 
 not doubting the easy conquest of an unexpert virgin, who had 
 already with subtilty and impudency begun to undermine a 
 monarchy. Therefore weighing Philoclea's resolutions by the 
 counterpoise of her own youthful thoughts, which she then called 
 to mind, she doubted not at least to make Philoclea to receive the 
 poison distilled in sweet liquor which she with little disguising had 
 drank up thirstily. Therefore she went softly to Philoclea's 
 chamber, and peeping through the side of the door, then being a 
 little open, she saw Philoclea sitting low upon a cushion in such a 
 given-over manner, that one would have thought silence, solitari- 
 ness, and melancholy were come there under the ensign of mishap, 
 to conquer delight, and drive him from his natural seat of beauty : 
 her tears came dropping down like rain in sunshine, and she not 
 taking heed to wipe the tears, they hung upon her cheeks and lips 
 as upon cherries which the dropping tree bedeweth. In the 
 dressing of her hair and apparel, she might see neither a careful 
 art, nor an art of carelessness, but even left to a neglected chance, 
 which yet could no more unperfect her perfections than a die any 
 way cast could lose i.ts squareness. 
 
 ■ Cecropia, stirred with no other pity but for her son, came in, and 
 hailing kindness into her countenance, " What ails this sweet lady," 
 said she, " will you mar so good eyes with weeping ? shall tears 
 take away the beauty of that complexion which the women of 
 Arcadia wish for, and the men long after? Fie of this peevish 
 sadness ; insooth it is untimely for your age. Look upon your own 
 body and see whether it deserve to pine away with sorrow : see 
 whether you will have these hands (with that she took one of her 
 hands, and kissing it, looked upon it as if she were enamoured 
 with it) fade from their whiteness which makes one desire to touch 
 them ; and their softness, which rebounds again a desire to look on 
 them, and become dry, lean and yellow, and make everybody 
 wonder at the change, and say, that sure you had used some art 
 before, which now you had left ; for if the beauties had been 
 natural, they would never so soon have been blemished. Take a 
 glass, and see whether those tears become your eyes : although 
 I must confess, those eyes are able to make tears comely." " Alas ! 
 ■madam," answered Philoclea, •' I know not whether my tears 
 become my eyes, but I am sure my eyes thus beteared, become 
 my fortune." " Your fortune," said Cecropia, " if she could see to 
 attire herself, she would put on her best raiments. For I see, and 
 I see it with grief, and (to tell you true) unkindness, you misconstrue 
 everything that only for your sake is attempted. You think you 
 are ofTended, and are, indeed, defended : you esteem yourself a 
 
3i8 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 prisoner, and are, in truth, a mistress ; you fear hate, and shall 
 find love. And truly, I had a thing to say unto you, but it is no 
 matter since I find you are so obstinately melancholy as that you 
 woo his fellowship, I will spare my pains, and hold my peace : " 
 and so stayed indeed, thinking Philoclea would have had a female 
 inquisitiveness of the matter. But she, who rather wished to 
 unknow what she knew than to burden her heart with more 
 hopeless knowledge, only desired her to have pity of her, and if, 
 indeed, she did mean her no hurt, then to grant her liberty ; 
 for else the very grief and fear would prove her unappointed 
 executioners. 
 
 " For that," said Cecropia, " believe me upon the faith of a king's 
 daughter, you shall be free, so soon as your freedom may be free 
 of mortal danger, being brought hither for no other cause, but to 
 prevent such mischiefs as you know not of. But if you think, 
 indeed, to win me to have care of you, even as of mine own 
 daughter, then lend your ears unto me, and let not your mind arm 
 itself with a wilfulness to be flexible to nothing. But if I speak reason, 
 let reason have his due reward, persuasion. " Then sweet niece," 
 said she, " I pray you pre-suppose, that now, even in the midst of 
 your agonies, which you paint unto yourself most horrible, wishing 
 with sighs, and praying with vows, for a soon and safe delivery : 
 imagine niece (I say) that some heavenly spirit should appear unto 
 you, and bid you follow him through the door that goes into the 
 garden, assuring you that you should thereby return to your dear 
 mother, and what other delights soever your mind esteems delights, 
 would you (sweet niece) would you refuse to follow him, and say that 
 if he led you not through the chief gate, you would not enjoy your 
 over-desired liberty? Would you not drink the wine you thirst 
 for, without it were in such a glass as you especially fancied ? Tell 
 me (dear niece) but I will answer for you, because I know your 
 reason and wit is such, as must needs conclude that such niceness 
 can no more be in you, to disgrace such a mind, than disgraceful- 
 ness can have any place in so faultless a beauty. Your wisdom 
 would assuredly determine how the mark were hit, not whether the 
 bow were of yew or no, wherein you shot. If this be so, and thus 
 sure (my dear niece) it is, then, I pray you, imagine that I am 
 that same good angel, who grieving in your grief, and, in truth, not 
 able to suffer that bitter sighs should be sent forth with so sweet a 
 breath, am come to lead you, not only to your desired and imagined 
 happiness, but to a true and essential happiness ; not only to 
 liberty, but to liberty with commandment. The way I will show 
 you ; which if it be not the gate builded hitherto in your private 
 choice, yet shall it be a door to bring you through a garden of 
 pleasures, as sweet as this life can bring forth ; nay rather, which 
 
BOOK III. J 
 
 ARCADIA 319 
 
 makes this life to be a life : My son (let it be no blemish to him 
 that I name him my son, who was your father's own nephew ; for 
 you know I am no small king's daughter) my son, I say, far passing 
 the nearness of his kindred with nearness of goodwill, and striving 
 to match your matchless beauty with a matchless affection, doth 
 by me present unto you the full enjoying of your liberty, so that 
 with this gift you will accept a greater, which is, this castle, with 
 all the rest which you know he hath in honourable quantity, and 
 will confirm his gilt, and your receipt of both, with accepting him 
 to be yours. I might say much both for the person and matter ; 
 but who will cry out the sun shines ? It is so manifest a profit 
 unto you, as the meanest judgment must straight apprehend it ; so 
 far it is from the sharpness of yours, thereof to be ignorant. 
 Therefore (sweet niece !) let your gratefulness be my intercession 
 and your gentleness my eloquence, and let me carry comfort to a 
 heart which greatly needs it." 
 
 Philoclea looked upon her, and cast down her eye again : 
 " Aunt," said she, " I would I could be so much a mistress of my 
 own mind as to yield to my cousin's virtuous request ; for so I 
 construe of it. But my heart is already set " (and staying a while 
 on that word, she brought forth afterwards) " to lead a virgin's life 
 to my death ; for such a vow I have in myself devoutly made." 
 " The heavens prevent such a mischief," said Cecropia. " A vow, 
 quoth you ? No, no, my dear niece, nature, when you were first 
 born, vowed you a woman, and as she made you child of a mother, 
 so to do your best to be mother of a child : She gave you beauty 
 to move love ; she gave you wit to know love ; she gave you an 
 excellent body to reward love ; which kind of liberal rewarding is 
 crowned with an unspeakable felicity. For this, as it bindeth the 
 receiver, so it makes happy the bestower. This doth not im- 
 poverish, but enrich the giver. O the sweet name of a mother ! 
 
 the comfort of comforts to see your children grow up, in whom 
 you are, as it were, eternized ! if you could conceive what a heart- 
 tickling joy it is to see your own little ones with awful love come 
 running to your lap, and like little models of yourself still carry you 
 about them, you would think unkindness in your own thoughts 
 that ever they did rebel against the mean unto it. But perchance 
 
 1 set this blessedness before your eyes, as captains do victory before 
 their soldiers, to which they must come through many pains, griefs 
 and dangers : No, I am content you shrink from this my counsel, 
 if the way to come unto it be not most of all pleasant." " I know 
 not" (answered the sweet Philoclea, fearing lest silence would 
 offend for suUenness) "what contentment you speak of; but I am 
 sure the best you can make of it (which is marriage) is a burdenous 
 yoke." "Ah, dear niece," said Cecropia, "how much you are 
 
320 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 deceived : A yoke, indeed, we all bear, laid upon us in our 
 creation, which by marriage is not increased ; but thus far eased 
 that you have a yoke fellow to help to draw through the cloddy 
 cumbers of this world. O widow-nights, bear witness with me of 
 the difference ! How often, alas ! do I embrace the orphan-side 
 of my bed which was wont to be imprinted by the body of my dear 
 husband, and with tears acknowledge that I now enjoy such a 
 liberty as the banished man hath ; who may, if he list, wander 
 over the world, but is for ever restrained from his most delightful 
 home ? That I have now such a liberty as the sealed dove hath, 
 which, being first deprived of eyes, is then by the falconer cast off : 
 For believe me, niece, believe me, man's experience is woman's 
 best eye-sight. Have you ever seen a pure rose-water kept in a 
 crystal glass ? How fine it looks, how sweet it smells while that 
 beautiful glass imprisons it ? Break the prison ; and let the water 
 take its own course, doth it not embrace dust, and lose all its former 
 sweetness and fairness ? Truly so are we, if we have not the stay, 
 rather than the restraint of crystalline marriage. My heart melts 
 to think of the sweet comforts I, in that happy time, received, when 
 I had never cause to care, but the care was doubled : When I never 
 rejoiced, but {hat I saw my joy shine in another's eyes. What shall 
 I say of the free delight which the heart might embrace without the 
 accusing of the inward conscience, or fear of outward shame? 
 And is a solitary life as good as this ? Then can one string make 
 as good music as a concert ; Then can one colour set forth a beauty. 
 But it may be, the general consideration of marriage doth not so 
 much mislike you, as the applying of it to him. He is my son, I 
 must confess I see him with a mother's eyes, which if they do not 
 much deceive me, he is no such one, over whom contempt may 
 make a just challenge. He is comely, he is noble, he is rich ; but 
 that which in itself should carry all comeliness, nobility and riches, 
 he loves you ; and he loves you who is beloved of others. Drive 
 not away his affection (sweet lady) and make no other lady here- 
 after proudly brag that she hath robbed you of so faithful and 
 notable a service." 
 
 Philoclea heard some pieces of her speeches, not otherwise than 
 one doth when a tedious prattler cumbers the hearing of a 
 delightful music. For her thoughts had left her ears in that 
 captivity, and conveyed themselves to behold (with such eyes 
 as imagination could lend them) the estate of her Zelmane ; For 
 whom how wrell she thought many of those sayings might have 
 been used with a far more grateful acceptation. Therefore 
 listening not to dispute in a matter, whereof herself was resolved, 
 and desired not to inform the other ; she only told her that whilst 
 she was so captivated she could not conceive of any such 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 321 
 
 persuasions (though never so reasonable) any otherwise than as 
 constraints ; and as constraints must needs even in nature abhor 
 them, which at her liberty, in their own force of reason, might 
 more prevail with her ; and so fain would have returned the 
 strength of Cecropia's persuasions, to have procured freedom. 
 
 But neither her witty words in an enemy, nor those words, 
 made more than eloquent with passing through such lips, could 
 prevail in Cecropia, more than her persuasions could win Philoclea 
 to disavow her former vow, or to leave the prisoner Zelmane, 
 for the commanding Amphialus. So that both sides being 
 desirers, and neither granters, they broke off conference ; Cecropia 
 sucking up more and more spite out of her denial, which yet for 
 her son's sake she disguised with a vizard of kindness, leaving 
 no oflfice unperformed which might either witness, or endear 
 her son's affection. Whatsoever could be imagined likely to please 
 her was with liberal diligence performed : musics at her window, 
 and especially such musics as might (with doleful embassage) 
 call the mind to think of sorrow, and think of it with sweetness ; 
 with ditties so sensibly expressing Amphialus's case, that every 
 word seemed to be but a diversifying of the name of Amphialus. 
 Daily presents, as it were oblations to pacify an angry deity, sent 
 unto her ; wherein, if the workmanship of the form had striven 
 with the sumptuousness of the matter, as much did the invention, 
 in the application, contend to have the chief excellency : for they 
 were as so many stories of his disgraces, and her perfections ; 
 where the richness did invite the eyes, the fashion did entertain 
 the eyes, and the device did teach the eyes, the present misery of 
 the presenter himself awfully serviceable ; which was the more 
 notable, as his authority was manifest. And for the bondage 
 wherein she lived, all means used to make known that if it were a 
 bondage, it was a bondage only knit in love-knots : but she in heart 
 already understanding no language but one, the music wrought, 
 indeed, a dolefulness, but it was a dolefulness to be in his power : 
 the ditty intended for Amphialus, she translated to Zelmane : the 
 presents seemed so many tedious clogs of a thralled obligation : 
 and his service, the more diligent it was, the more it did exprobate, 
 as she thought, unto her, her unworthy estate : that even he that 
 did her service, had authority of commanding her, only construing 
 her servitude in his own nature, esteeming it a right, and a right 
 better servituae : so that all their shots, how well soever levelled, 
 being carried awry from the mark by the storm of her mislike' 
 the prince Amphialus affectionately languished, and Cecropia 
 spitefully cunning, disdained at the barrenness of their success. 
 
 Which willingly Cecropia would have revenged, but that she 
 saw her hurt could not be divided from her son's mischief; 
 
 X 
 
322 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 wherefore she bethought herself to attempt Pamela, whose beauty 
 being equal, she hoped if she might be won, that her son's 
 thoughts would rather rest on a beautiful gratefulness than still 
 be tormented with a disdaining beauty. Therefore giving new 
 courage to her wicked inventions, and using the more industry, 
 because she had missed in this, and taking even precepts of 
 prevailing in Pamela, by her failing in Philoclea, she went to her 
 chamber, and (according to her own ungracious method of subtle 
 proceeding) stood listening at the door, because that out of the 
 circumstance of her present behaviour, there might kindly arise 
 a fit beginning of her intended discourse. 
 
 And so she might perceive that Pamela did walk up and down, 
 full of deep, though patient thoughts. For her look and 
 countenance was settled, her pace soft, and almost still of one 
 measure, without any passionate gesture, or violent motion : till 
 at length, as it were awaking, and strengthening herself ; " Well," 
 said she, "yet this is the best, and of this I am sure, that 
 howsoever they wrong me, they cannot over-master God : no 
 darkness blinds his eyes, no jail bars Him out. To whom then 
 else should I fly, but to Him for succour?" and therewith kneeling 
 down even where she stood, she thus said. 
 
 " O all-seeing light, and eternal life of all things, to whom 
 nothing is either so great that it may resist, or so small that it 
 is contemned : look upon my misery wit;h Thine eye of mercy, 
 and let Thine infinite power vouchsafe to limit out some proportion 
 of deliverance unto me, as to Thee shall seem most convenient. 
 Let not injury, O Lord, triumph over me, and let my faults by 
 Thy hand be corrected, and make not mine unjust enemy the 
 minister of Thy justice. But yet, my God, if in Thy wisdom, 
 this be the aptest chastisement for my unexcusable folly, if this low 
 bondage be fittest for my over-high desires ; if the pride of my 
 not enough humble heart, be thus to be broken, O Lord, I yield 
 unto Thy will, and joyfully embrace what sorrow Thou wilt have 
 me suffer. Only thus much let me crave of Thee, let my craving, 
 O Lord, be accepted of Thee (since even that proceeds from Thee) 
 let me crave, even by the noblest title, which in my greatest 
 affliction I may give myself, that I am Thy creature, and by Thy 
 goodness, which is Thyself, that Thou wilt suffer some beam of 
 Thy majesty so to shine into my mind, that it may still depend 
 confidently upon Thee. Let calamity be the exercise, but not 
 the overthrow of my virtue : let their power prevail, but prevail 
 not to destruction : let my greatness be their prey: let my pain 
 be the sweetness of their revenge : let them (if so it seem good 
 unto Thee) vex me with more and more punishment. But, O Lord, 
 let neyer their wickedness have such a hand, but that I may carry 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 323 
 
 a pure mind in a pure body !" and pausing awhile, "And, O most 
 gracious Lord," said she, "whatever becomes of me, preserve 
 the virtuous Musidorus." 
 
 The other part Cecropia might well hear ; but this latter prayer 
 for Musidorus, her heart held it, as so jewel-like a treasure that 
 it would scarce trust her own hps withal. But this prayer sent 
 to heaven from so heavenly a creature, with such a fervent grace 
 as if devotion had borrowed her body to make of itself a most 
 beautiful representation ; with her eyes so lifted to the skyward 
 that one would have thought they had begun to fly thitherward 
 to take their place among their fellow stars ; her naked hands 
 raising up their whole length, and as it were, kissing one another, 
 as if the right had been the picture of zeal, and the left of 
 humbleness, which both united themselves to make tljeir suits 
 more acceptable. Lastly, all her senses being rather tokens than 
 instruments of her inward motions, altogether had so strange 
 a working power, that even the hardhearted wickedness of 
 Cecropia, if it found not a love of that goodness, yet it felt an 
 abashment at that goodness, and if she had not a kindly remorse, 
 yet had she an irksome accusation of her own naughtiness ; so 
 that she was put from the bias of her fore-intended lesson. For 
 well she found there was no way at that time to take that mind 
 but with some, at least, image of virtue ; and what the figure 
 thereof was, her heart knew not. 
 
 Yet did she prodigally spend her ' uttermost eloquence, leaving 
 no argument unprovided which might with any force invade her 
 excellent judgment ; the justness of the request being but for 
 marriage; the worthiness of the suiter: then her own present 
 fortune : fortune, which should not only have amendment, but 
 felicity : besides falsely making her believe that her sister would 
 think herself happy if now she might have his love, which before 
 she contemned : and obliquely touching, what danger it should 
 be for her if her son should accept Philoclea in marriage, and 
 so match the next heir apparent, she being in his power : yet 
 plentifully perjuring how extremely her son loved her, and excusing 
 the httle shows he made of it, with the dutiful respect he bare 
 unto her ; and taking upon herself that she restrained him, since 
 she found she could set no limits to his passions. And as she did 
 to Philoclea, so did she to her, with the tribute of gifts seek to 
 bring her mind into servitude : and all other means, that might 
 either estabhsh a beholdingness, or at least awake a kindness ; 
 doing it so, that by reason of their imprisonment, one sister knew 
 not how the other was wooed but each might think that only she 
 was sought. But if Philoclea with sweet and humble dealing did 
 avoid their assaults, she with the majesty of virtue did beat them off. 
 
324 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 But this day their speech was the sooner broken off, by reason 
 that he who stood as watch upon the top of the Keep* did not only 
 see a great dust rise (which the earth sent up as if it would strive 
 to have clouds as well as the air) but might spy sometimes, 
 especially when the dust (wherein the naked wind did apparel 
 itself) was carried aside from them, the shining of armour ; like 
 flashing of lightning, wherewith the clouds did seem to be with 
 child, which the sun gilding with his beams it gave a sight 
 delightful to any but to them that were to abide the terror. But 
 the watch gave a quick alarm to the soldiers within whom practice 
 already having prepared, began each, with unabashed hearts, or at 
 least countenances, to look to their charge, or obedience which was 
 allotted unto them. 
 
 Only Clinias and Amphialus did exceed the bounds of mediocrity, 
 the one in his natural coldness of cowardice, the other in heat of 
 courage. For Clinias (who was bold only in busy whisperings, 
 and even in that whisperingness rather, indeed, confident in his 
 cunning that it should not be betrayed than any way bold, if ever 
 it should be betrayed) now that the enemy gave a dreadful aspect 
 unto the castle, his eyes saw no terror, nor ear heard any martial 
 sound but that they multiplied the hideousness of it to his matted 
 mind. Before their coming he had many times felt a dreadful 
 expectation, but yet his mind (that was willing to ease itself of the 
 burden of fear) did sometimes fain unto itself possibility of let, as 
 the death of Basilius, the discord of the nobility, and, when other 
 cause failed him, the nature of chance served as a cause unto him, 
 and sometimes the hearing other men speak valiantly, and the 
 quietness of his unassailed senses would make himself believe that 
 he durst do something. But now, that present danger did display 
 itself unto his eye, and that a dangerous doing must be the only 
 mean to prevent the danger of suffering, one that had marked him 
 would have judged that his eyes would have run into him, and his 
 soul out of him, so unkindly did either take a scent of danger. He 
 thought the lake was too shallow, and the walls too thin : he 
 misdoubted each man's treason, and conjectured every possibility 
 of misfortune, not only forecasting likely perils, but such as all the 
 planets together could scarcely have conspired : and already began 
 to arm himself, though it was determined he should tarry within 
 doors ; and while he armed himself, imagined in what part of the 
 vault he would hide himself if the enemies won the castle. Desirous 
 he was that everybody should do valiantly but himself; and there- 
 fore was afraid to show his fear, but for very fear would have hid 
 his fear, lest it should discomfort others : but the more he sought 
 
 " i.e. A strong tower in the middle of a casUe, the last resort of the besieged. 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 325 
 
 to disguise it, the more the unsuitableness of a weak broken voice 
 to high brave words, and of a pale shaking countenance, to a 
 gesture of animating, did discover him. 
 
 But quite contrarily Amphialus, who, before the enemies came, 
 was careful, providently diligent, and not sometimes without 
 doubting of the issue, now the nearer danger approached (like the 
 light of a glow-worm) the less still it seemed : and now his courage 
 began to boil in choler, and with such impatience to desire to pour 
 out both upon the enemy, that he issued presently into certain 
 boats he had of purpose, and carrying with him some choice men, 
 went to the fortress he had upon the edge of the lake, which he 
 thought would be the first thing that the enemy would attempt, 
 because it was a passage, which commanding all that side of the 
 .country, and, being lost, would stop victuals, or other supply that 
 might be brought into the castle ; and in that fortress having some 
 force of horsemen, he issued out with two hundred horse and five 
 hundred footmen ; ambushed his footmen in the falling of a hill, 
 which was over-shadowed with a wood ; he with his horsemen went 
 a quarter of a mile farther ; aside hand of which he might perceive 
 the many troops of the enemy who came but to take view where 
 best to encamp themselves. 
 
 But as if the sight of the enemy had been a magnet-stone to his 
 courage, he could not contain himself, but showing his face to the 
 enemy, and his back to his soldiers, used that action as his only 
 oration, both of denouncing war to the one, and persuading help 
 from the other. Who faithfully following an example of such 
 authority, they made the earth to groan under their furious burden, 
 and the enemies to begin to be angry with them, whom in particular 
 they knew not. Among whom there was a young man, youngest 
 brother to Philanax, whose face as yet did not betray his sex with 
 so much as show of hair ; of a mind having no limits of hope, not 
 knowing why to fear; full of jollity in conversation, and lately 
 grown a lover. His name was Agenor, of all that army the most 
 beautiful : who having ridden in sportful conversation among the 
 foremost, all armed, saving that his beaver was up, to have his 
 breath in more freedom, seeing Amphialus come a pretty way 
 before his company, neither staying the commandment of the 
 captain, nor reckoning whether his face were armed, or no, set 
 spurs to his horse, and with youthful bravery casting his staff about 
 his head, put it then into his rest, as careful of comely carrying it 
 as if the mark had been but a ring, and the lookers-on ladies. But 
 Amphialas's lance was already come to the last of his descending 
 line, and began to make the full point of death against the head of 
 this young gentleman ; when Amphialus perceiving his youth and 
 beauty, compassion so rebated the edge of choler that he spared 
 
32(5 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 that fair nakedness, and let his staff fall to Agenor's vampalt*: so 
 that both with brave breaking should hurtlessly have performed 
 that match, but that the pitiless lance of Amphialus (angry with 
 being broken) with an unlucky counterbufF, full of unsparing 
 splinters, lighted upon that face, far fitter for the combats of Venus, 
 giving not only a sudden, but a foul death, leaving scarcely any 
 tokens of his former beauty ; but his hands abandoning the reins, 
 and his thighs the saddle, he fell sideward from the horse. Wliich 
 sight coming to Leontius, a dear friend of his, who in vain had 
 lamentably cried unto him to stay when he saw him begin his 
 career ; it was hard to say whether the pity of the one, or revenge 
 against the other held as then the sovereignty in his passions. 
 But while he directed his eye to his friend, and his hand to his 
 enemy, so wrongly consorted a power could not resist the ready 
 minded force of Amphialus, who perceiving his ill-directed 
 direction against him, so paid him his debt before it was lent, 
 that he also fell to the earth, only happy that one place and one 
 time did finish both their loves and lives together. 
 
 But by this time there had been a furious meeting of either side : 
 whether after the terrible salutation of warlike noise, the shaking 
 of hands was with sharp weapons : some lances according to the 
 metal they met and skill of the guider, did stain themselves in 
 blood ; some flew up in pieces, as if they would threaten heaven 
 because they failed on earth. But their office was quickly inherited, 
 either by (the prince of weapons) the sword, or by some heavy 
 mace, or biting axe ; which hunting still the weakest chase, sought 
 ever to light there where smallest resistance might worse prevent 
 mischief. The clashing of armour, the crushing of -staves, the 
 jostling of bodies, the resounding of blows, was the first part of 
 that ill-agreeing music which was beautified with the grisliness of 
 wounds, the rising of dust, the hideous falls and groans of the 
 dying. The very horses angry in their master's anger, with love 
 and obedience, brought forth the effects of hate and resistance, and 
 with minds of servitude did as if they affected glory. Some lay 
 dead under their dead masters, whom unknightly wounds had 
 unjustly punished for a faithful duty. Some lay upon their lords 
 by like accident, and in death had the honour to be borne by them, 
 whom in life they had borne. Some, having lost their commanding 
 burdens, ran scattered about the field, abashed with the madness 
 of mankind. The earth itself (wont to be a burial of men) was now, 
 as it were, buried with men, so was the face thereof hidden with 
 dead bodies, to whom death had come masked in divers manners. 
 In one place lay disinherited heads, dispossessed of their natural 
 seignories ; in another whole bodies to see to, but that their hearts 
 
 "* i.e. A g;auntlet, or iron glove. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 327 
 
 wont to be bound all over so close, were now with deadly violence 
 opened : in others, fouler deaths had uglily displayed their trailing 
 guts. There lay arms, whose fingers yet moved, as if they would 
 feel for him that made them feel : and legs, which contrary to 
 common reason, by being discharged of their burden, were grown 
 heavier. But no sword payed so large a tribute of souls to the 
 eternal kingdom as that of Amphialus ; who like a tiger, from 
 whom a company of wolves did seek to ravish a new gotten prey, 
 so he (remembering they came to take away Philoclea) did labour 
 to make valour, strength, choler and hatred, to answer the 
 proportion of his love which was infinite. 
 
 There died of his hand the old knight Eschylus, who though 
 by years might well have been allowed to use rather the exercises 
 of wisdom than of courage, yet having a lusty body and a merry 
 heart, he ever took the summons of time in jest, or else it had 
 so creepingly stolen upon him that he had heard scarcely the 
 noise of his feet, and therefore was as fresh in apparel, and as 
 forward in enterprises, as a far younger man : but nothing made 
 him bolder than a certain prophesy had been told him that he 
 should die in the arms of his son, and therefore feared the less 
 the arm of an enemy. But now when Amphialus's sword was 
 passed through his throat, he thought himself abused, but that 
 before he died, his son indeed seeing his father begin to fall, held 
 him up in his arms, till a pitiless soldier of the other side, with 
 a mace brained him, making father and son become twins in the 
 never again dying birth. As for Drialus, Memnon, Nisus and 
 Polycrates, the first had his eyes cut out so that he could not 
 see to bid the near following death welcome ; the second had met 
 with the same prophet that old Eschylus had ; and having found 
 many of his speeches true, believed this too, that he should never 
 be killed but by his own companions ; and therefore no man was 
 more valiant than he against an enemy, no man more suspicious 
 of his friends : so as he seemed to sleep in security, when he 
 went to a battle, and to enter into a battle, when he began to sleep, 
 such guards he would set about his person, yet mistrusting those 
 very guards, lest they would murder him. But now Amphialus 
 helped to unriddle his doubts ; for he overthrowing him from his 
 horse, his own companions coming with a fresh supply, pressed 
 him to death. Nisus grasping with Amphialus, was with a short 
 dagger slain. And for Polycrates, while he shunned as much as 
 he could, keeping only his face for fear of punishment, Amphialus 
 with a memorable blow struck off his head ; where, with the 
 convulsions of death, setting his spurs to his horse, he gave so 
 brave a charge upon the enemy, as it grew a proverb, that 
 Polycrates was only valiant after his head was off. But no man 
 
328 ARCADIA [book iit. 
 
 escaped so well his hands as Phebilus did : for he having long 
 loved Philoclea, though for the meanness of his estate he never 
 durst reveal it, now knowing Amphialus, setting the edge of a rival 
 upon the sword of an enemy, he held strong fight with him. But 
 Amphialus had already in the most dangerous places disarmed 
 him, and was lifting up his sword to send him away from himself ; 
 when he thinking indeed to die, " O Philoclea," said he, " yet this 
 joys me that I die for thy sake." The name of Philoclea first 
 stayed his sword, and he heard him out, though he abhorred him 
 much worse than before, yet could he not vouchsafe him the 
 honour of dying for Philoclea, but turned his sword another way, 
 doing him no hurt for over much hatred. But what good did 
 that to poor Phebilus, if escaping a valiant hand, he was 
 slain by a base soldier, who seeing him so disarmed, thrust him 
 through ? 
 
 But thus with the well-followed valour of Amphialus were the 
 others almost overthrown, when Philanax, whowas the marshal of the 
 army, came in with new force renewing the almost decayed courage 
 of his soldiers. For crying to them, and asking them whether 
 their backs or their arms were better fighters, he himself thrust 
 just into the press, and making force and fury wait upon discretion 
 and government, he might seem a brave lion, who taught his 
 young lionets, how in taking a prey, to join courage with cunning. 
 Then fortune, as if she had made chases enough of the one 
 side of the bloody tennis-court, went of the other side the 
 line, making as many fall down of Amphialus's followers as 
 before had done of Philanax, they losing the ground, as fast 
 as before they had won it, only leaving them to keep it, who 
 had lost themselves in keeping it. Then those that had killed, 
 inherited the lot of those that had been killed ; and cruel death 
 made them lie quietly together, who most in their lives had 
 sought to disquiet each other ; and many of those first over- 
 thrown, had the comfort to see their murderers over-run them 
 to Charon's ferry. 
 
 Codrus, Ctesiphon, and Milo, lost their lives upon Philanax's 
 sword. But nobody's case was more pitied than of a young squire 
 of Amphialus, called Ismenus, who never abandoning his master, 
 and making his tender age aspire to acts of the strongest manhood, 
 in this time that his side was put to the worst, and that Amphialus's 
 valour was the only stay of them from delivering themselves over 
 to a most shameful flight, he saw his master's horse killed under 
 him. Whereupon asking advice of no other thought but of 
 faithfulness and courage, he presently alighted from his own horse, 
 and with the help of some choice and faithful servants, got his 
 master up. But in the multitude that came of either side, some 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 329 
 
 to succour, some to save Amphialus, he came under the hand of 
 Philanax : and the youth perceiving he was the man that did most 
 hurt to his party, desirous even to change his life for glory, struck 
 at him as he rode by him, and gave him a hurt upon the leg that 
 made Philanax turn towards him ; but seeing him so young, and 
 of a most lovely presence, he rather took pity of him, meaning to 
 take him prisoner, and then to give him to his brother Agenor 
 to be his companion, because they were not much unlike, neither 
 in years, nor countenance. But as he looked down upon him with 
 that thought, he espied where his brother lay dead, and his friend 
 Leontius by him, even almost under the squire's feet. Then 
 sorrowing not only his own sorrow, but the past-comfort sorrow 
 which he foreknew his mother would take, who with many tears 
 and misgiving sighs had suffered him to go with his elder brother 
 Philanax, blotted out all figures of pity out of his mind, and putting 
 forth his horse, while Ismenus doubled two or three more valiant 
 than well-set blows, saying to himself, let other mothers bewail 
 an untimely death as well as mine, he thrust him through. And 
 the boy fierce, though beautiful, and beautiful though dying, not 
 able to keep his falling feet, fell down to the earth, which he bit 
 for anger, repining at his fortune, and as long as he could resisting 
 death, which might seem unwiUing too, so long as he was in taking 
 away his young struggling soul. 
 
 Philanax himself could have wished the blow ungiven, when he 
 saw him fall like a fair apple, which some uncourteous body, 
 breaking his bough, should throw down before it were ripe. But 
 the case of his brother made him forget both, that, and himself : 
 so as over-hastily pressing upon the retiring enemies, he was 
 (ere he was aware) further engaged than his own soldiers could 
 relieve him ; where being overthrown by Amphialus, Amphialus, 
 glad of him, kept head against his enemies, while some of his men 
 carried away Philanax. 
 
 But Philanax's men, as if with the loss of Philanax they had lost 
 the fountain of their valour, had their courage so dried up in fear 
 that they began to set honour at their backs, and to use the virtue 
 of patience in an untimely time, when into the press comes, as 
 hard as his horse, more afraid of the spur than the sword, could 
 carry him, a knight in armour as black as darkness could make it, 
 followed by none, and adorned by nothing; so far without 
 authonty that he was without knowledge. But virtue quickly 
 made him known, and admiration bred him such authority that 
 though they of whose side he came knew him not, yet they all 
 knew It was fit to obey him ; and while he was followed by the 
 vahantest, he made way for the vilest. For taking part with he 
 besiegers, he made the Amphialians' blood serve for a caparison 
 
330 ARCADIA [book ni. 
 
 to his horse, and a decking to his armour. His arm no oftener 
 gave blows, than the blows gave wounds, than the wounds gave 
 deaths, so terrible was his force, and yet was his quickness more 
 forcible than his force, and his judgment more quick than his 
 quickness. For though his sword went faster than eyesight could 
 follow it yet his own judgment went still before it. There died 
 of his hand, Sarpedon, Plistonax, Strophilus, and Hippolitus, men 
 of great proof in wars, and who had that day undertaken the 
 guard of Amphialus. But while they sought to save him, they 
 lost the fortresses that nature had placed them in. Then slew he 
 Megalus, who was a little before proud to see himself stained 
 in the blood of his enemies, but when his own blood came to be 
 married to theirs, he then felt that cruelty doth never enjoy a good 
 cheap glory. After him sent he Palemon, who had that day vowed, 
 with foolish bravery, to be the death of ten ; and nine already he 
 had killed, and was careful to perform his, almost performed, 
 vow, when the black knight helped him to make up the tenth 
 himself. 
 
 And now the often changing fortune began also to change the 
 hue of the battles. For at the first, though it were terrible, yet 
 terror was decked so bravely with rich furniture, gilt swords, 
 shining armours, pleasant pensils, that the eye with delight had 
 scarce leisure to be afraid : but now all universally defiled with 
 dust, blood, broken armour, mangled bodies, took away the mask, 
 and set forth horror in his own horrible manner. But neither 
 could danger be dreadful to Amphialus his undismayable courage, 
 nor yet seem ugly to him, whose truly affected mind did still paint 
 it over with the beauty of Philoclea: and therefore he, rather 
 inflamed than troubled with the increase of dangers, and glad to 
 find a worthy subject to exercise his courage, sought out this new 
 knight, whom he might easily find : for he, like a wanton rich man 
 that throws down his neighbours house to make himself the better 
 prospect, so had his sword made him so spacious a room that 
 Amphialus had more cause to wonder at the finding, than labour 
 for the seeking : which if it stirred hate in him to see how much 
 harm he did to the one side, it provoked as much emulation in 
 him to perceive how much good he did to the other side. There- 
 fore, they approaching one to the other, as in two beautiful folks, 
 love naturally stirs a desire of joining, so in their two courages 
 hate stirred a desire of trial. Then began there a combat between 
 them, worthy to have had more large lists, and more quiet beholders : 
 for with the spur of courage, and the bit of respect, each so guided 
 himself, that one might well see the desire to overcome made them 
 not forget how to overcome : in such time and proportion they 
 did employ their blows, that none of Ceres's servants could more 
 
BOOK III.J ARCADIA 33 1 
 
 cunningly place his flail : while the left foot spur set forward his 
 own horse, the right set backward the contrary horse, even some- 
 times by the advantage of the enemy's leg, while the left hand, 
 like him that held the stem, guided the horse's obedient courage. 
 All done in such order that it might seem the mind was a right 
 prince indeed, who sent wise and diligent lieutenants into each of 
 those well-governed parts. But the more they fought, the more 
 they desired to fight ; and the more they smarted, the less they 
 felt the smart : and now were like to make a quick proof to whom 
 fortune and valour would seem most friendly, when, in comes an 
 old governor of Amphialus, always a good knight, and careful of 
 his charge ; who giving a sore wound to the black knight's thigh, 
 while he thought not of him, with another blow slew his horse 
 under him. Amphialus cried to him that he dishonoured him : 
 "You say well," answered the old knight, "to stand now like a 
 private soldier, setting your credit upon particular fighting, while 
 you may see Basilius with all his host is getting between you and 
 your town." He looked that way, and found that true indeed, that 
 the enemy was beginning to encompass him about and stop his 
 return : and therefore causing the retreat to be sounded, his 
 governor led his men homeward, while he kept himself still 
 hindmost, as if he had stood at the gate of a sluice to let the 
 stream go, with such proportion as should seem good unto him, 
 and with so manful discretion performed it, that (though with loss 
 of many of his men) he returned himself safe, and content, that his 
 enemies had felt how sharp the sword could bite of Philoclea's 
 lover. The other party being sorry for the loss of Philanax, was 
 yet sorrier when the black knight could not be found: for he 
 having gotten a horse, whom his dying master had bequeathed to 
 the world, finding himself sore hurt, and not desirous to be known, 
 had in the time of the enemies retiring, retired away also ■ his 
 thigh not bleeding blood so fast, as his heart bled revenge. 'But 
 Basilius having attempted in vain to bar the safe return of 
 Amphialus, encamped himself as strongly as he could, while he, to 
 his grief, might hear the joy that was made in town by his own 
 subjects, that he had that day sped no better. For Amphialus 
 bemg well beloved of that people, when they saw him not 
 vanquished, they esteemed him as victorious, his youth setting a 
 flourishing show upon his worthiness and his great nobilitv 
 ennobling his dangers. 
 
 But the first thing Amphialus did, being returned, was to visit 
 Philoclea, and first presuming to cause his dream to be sung unto 
 her, which he had seen the night before he fell in love with 
 her, makmg a fine boy he had accord the pretty dolefulness 
 
33^ ARCADIA [book III. 
 
 The song was this. 
 Now was our heavenly vault deprived of the light, 
 With sun's depart : and now the darkness of the night, 
 Did light those beamy stars which greater light did dark ! 
 Now each thing that enjoy'd that fiery quick'ning spark 
 (Which life is call'd) were mov'd their spirits to repose, 
 And wanting use of eyes, their eyes began to close ; 
 A silence sweet each where with one consent embrac'd 
 (A music sweet to one in careful musing plac'd) 
 And mother earth, now clad in mourning weeds, did breathe 
 A dull desire to kiss the image of our death : 
 When I, disgraced wretch, not wretched then did give 
 My senses such relief, as they which quiet live, 
 Whose brains boil not in woes, nor breasts with beatings ache. 
 With nature's praise are wont in safest home to take. 
 Far from my thoughts was aiight, where to their minds aspire 
 Who under courtly pomps do hatch a base desire. 
 Free all my powers were from those captivating snares. 
 Which heav'nly purest gifts defile with muddy cares. 
 Nay could my soul itself accuse of such a fault. 
 As tender conscience might with furious pangs assault. 
 But like the feeble flower, whose stalk cannot sustain 
 His weighty top, his top downward doth drooping lean : 
 Or as the silly bird in well acquainted nest 
 Doth hide his head with cares, but only to rest : 
 So I in simple course, and unentangled mind. 
 Did suffer drowsy lids mine eyes, then clear, to blind ; 
 And laying down mine head, did nature's rule observe. 
 They first their youth forgot, then fancies lost their force ; 
 Till deadly sleep at length possess'd my living corpse. 
 A living corpse I lay : but ah my wakeful mind 
 (Which made of heav'nly stuff, no mortal change doth blind) 
 Flew up with freer wings of fleshly bondage free ; 
 And having plac'd my thoughts, my thoughts thus placed me. 
 Methought, nay sure I was, I was in fairest wood. 
 Of Samothea land, a land which whilom stood 
 An honour to the world, while honour was their end, 
 And while their line of years they did in virtue spend. 
 But there I was, and there my calmy thoughts I fed 
 On nature's sweet repast, as healthful senses led. 
 Her gifts my study was, her beauty were my sport. 
 My work her works to know, her dwelling my resort. 
 Those lamps of heav'nly fire to fixed motion bound, 
 The ever turning spheres, the never moving ground ; 
 What essence dest'ny hath, if fortune be or no ; 
 Whence our immortal souls to mortal earth do flow : 
 What life it is, and how that all these lives do gather, 
 With outward maker's force, or like an inward father. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 333 
 
 Such thoughts, methought, I thought, and strain'd my single mind, 
 
 Then void of nearer care, the depth of things to find, 
 
 When lo with hugest noise, such noise a tower makes 
 
 When it blown down with wind, a fall of ruin takes. 
 
 Or, such a noise it was, as highest thunders send. 
 
 Or cannons thunder-like, all shot together lend. 
 
 The moon asunder rent, whereout with sudden fall 
 
 (More swift than falcons' stoop to feeding falconers' call) 
 
 There came a chariot fair, by doves and sparrows guided. 
 
 Whose storm-like course stay'd not till hard by me it bided. 
 
 I wretch astonished was, and thought the deathful doom, 
 
 Of heaven, of earth, of hell, of time and place was come. 
 
 But straight there issued forth two ladies, ladies sure 
 
 They seemed to me, on whom did wait a virgin pure. 
 
 Strange were the ladies' weeds, yet more unfit than strange. 
 
 The first with clothes tucked up, as nymphs in woods do range, 
 
 Tucked up even with the knees with bow and arrows pressed : 
 
 Her right arm naked was, discovered was her breast. 
 
 But heavy was her pace, and such a meagre cheer. 
 
 As little hunting mind, God knows, did there appear. 
 
 The other had with art, more than our women know, 
 
 As stuff meant for the sale, set out to glaring show, 
 
 A wanton woman's face, and with curl'd knots had twin'd 
 
 Her hair, which by the help of painters cunning shin'd, 
 
 When I such guests did see come out of such a house, 
 
 The mountains great with child, I thought brought forth a mouse 
 
 But walking forth, the first thus to the second said. 
 
 "Venus come on : " said she " Diana you are obey'd." 
 
 Those names abash'd me much, when those great names I heard: 
 
 Although their fame (me seera'd) from truth had greatly jarr'd. 
 
 As I thus musing stood, Diana call'd to her 
 
 The waiting nymph, a nymph that did excel as far 
 
 All things that erst I saw, as orient pearls exceed 
 
 That which their mother hight, or else their silly seed, 
 
 Indeed a perfect hew, indeed a sweet consent. 
 
 Of all those graces gifts the heavens have ever lent. 
 
 And so she was attir'd, as one that did not prize 
 
 Too much her peerless parts, nor yet could them despise. 
 
 But call'd, she came apace ; apace, wherein did move 
 
 The band of beauty's all, the little world of love. 
 
 And bending humbled eyes (O eyes the sun of sight) 
 
 She waited mistress's will ; who thus disclos'd her spright ; 
 
 " Sweet Mira mine," quoth she, " the pleasure of my mind' 
 
 In whom of all my rules the perfect proof I find ; ' 
 
 To only thee, thou seest, we grant this special grace 
 
 Us to attend, in this most private time and place. 
 
 Be silent therefore now, and so be silent still 
 
 Of that thou seest ; close up in secret not thy will," 
 
334 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 She answered was with look, and well perform'd behest ; 
 
 And Mira I admir'd ; her shape sunk in my breast. 
 
 But thus with ireful eyes, and face that shook with spite 
 
 Diana did begin. " What mov'd me to invite, 
 
 Your presence, sister dear, first to my moony sphere. 
 
 And hither now, vouchsafe to take with willing ear. 
 
 I know full well you know, what discord long hath reign'd 
 
 Betwixt us two ; how much that discord foul hath stain'd 
 
 Both our estates, while each the other did deprave. 
 
 Proof speaks too much to us, that feeling trial have. 
 
 Our names are quite forgot, our temples are defac'd ; 
 
 Our offerings spoil' d, our priests from priesthood are displac'd. 
 
 Is this the fruit of strife ? those thousand churches high, 
 
 Those thousand altars fair now in the dust to lie ? 
 
 In mortal minds, our minds but planets names preserve ; 
 
 No knees once bowed, forsooth, for them they say we serve. 
 
 Are we their servants grown ? no doubt a noble stay ; 
 
 Celestial powers to worms, Jove's children serve to clay. 
 
 But such they say we be : this praise our discord bred, 
 
 While we for mutual spite, a striving passion fed. 
 
 But let us wiser be ; and what foul discord brake, 
 
 So much more strong again let fastest concord make. 
 
 Our years do it require ; you see we both do feel 
 
 The weak'ning work of time's for ever whirling wheel. 
 
 Although we be divine, our grandsire Saturn is 
 
 With ages force decay' d, yet once the heaven was his. 
 
 And now before we seek by wise Apollo's skill. 
 
 Our young years to renew, for so he saith he will, 
 
 Let us a perfect peace between us two resolve ; 
 
 Which least the ruinous want of government dissolve. 
 
 Let one the princess be, to her the other yield : 
 
 For vain equality is but contention's field. 
 
 And let her have the gifts that should in both remain ; 
 
 In her let beauty both, and chasteness fully reign. 
 
 So as if I prevail, you give your gifts to me. 
 
 If you, on you I lay what in ray office be. 
 
 Now resteth only this, which of us two is she. 
 
 To whom precedence shall of both accorded be. 
 
 For that, so that you like, hereby doth lie a youth, 
 
 She beckoned unto me, as yet of spotless truth ; 
 
 Who may this doubt discern : for better wit, then lot, 
 
 Becometh us : in us fortune determines not. 
 
 This crown of amber fair, an amber crown she held. 
 
 To worthiest let him give, when both he hath beheld : 
 
 And be it as he saith." Venus was glad to hear 
 
 Such proffer made, which she well show'd with smiling cheer, 
 
 As though she were the same, as when by Paris doom 
 
 She had chief goddesses in beauty overcome. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 335 
 
 And smirkly thus gan say, " I never sought debate, 
 
 Diana dear, my mind to love and not to hate 
 
 Was ever apt : but you my pastimes did despise. 
 
 I never spited you, but thought you overwise. 
 
 Now kindness proferr'd is, none kinder is than I j 
 
 And so most ready am this mean of peace to try ; 
 
 And let him be our judge : the lad doth please me well." 
 
 Thus both did come to me, and both began to tell ; 
 
 For both together spoke, each loath to be behind. 
 
 That they by solemn oath their deities would bind. 
 
 To stand unto my will, their will they made me know 
 
 I that was first aghast, when first I saw their show ; 
 
 Now bolder wax'd, wax'd proud, that I such sway must bear ; 
 
 For near acquaintaince doth diminish reverent fear. 
 
 And having bound them fast by Styx, they should obey 
 
 To all what I decreed, did thus my verdict say. 
 
 " How ill both you can rule, well hath your discord taught ; 
 
 Nay yet for ought I see, your beauties merit ought. 
 
 To yonder Nymph therefore, to Mira I did point, 
 
 The crown above you both for ever I appoint." 
 
 I would have spoken out ; but out they both did cry ; 
 
 "Fie, fie, what have we done? ungodly rebel, fie. 
 
 But now we needs must yield, to that our oaths require. 
 
 Yet thou shalt not go free," quoth Venus, " Such a fire 
 
 Her beauty kindle shall within thy foolish mind, 
 
 That thou full oft shall wish thy judging eyes were blind." 
 
 "Nay then," Diana said, "the chasteness I will give. 
 
 In ashes of despair, though burnt, shall make thee live." 
 
 " Nay thou," said both, " shalt see such beams shine in her face, 
 
 That thou shalt never dare seek help of wretched case." 
 
 And with that cursed curse away to heaven they fled 
 
 First having all their gifts upon fair Mira spread. 
 
 The rest I cannot tell ; for therewithal I wak'd. 
 
 And found with deadly fear that all my sinews shak'd. 
 
 Was it a dream ? O dream, how hast thou wrought in me 
 
 That I things erst unseen should first in dreaming see ? 
 
 And thou, O traitor sleep, made for to be our rest ; 
 
 How hast thou fram'd the pain wherewith I am oppress'd ? 
 
 O coward Cupid thus dost thou thy honour keep, 
 
 Unarm'd, alas ! unwarn'd to take a man asleep ? 
 
 Laying not only the conquest, but the heart of the conqueror at 
 her feet. But she receiving him after her wonted sorrowful but 
 otherwise unmoved, manner, it made him think his good success 
 was but as a pleasant monument of a doleful burial : Joy itself 
 seemmg bitter unto him, since it agreed not to her taste. 
 
 Therefore, still craving his mother's help to persuade her, he 
 himself sent for Philanax unto him, whom he had not only long 
 
336 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 hated but now had his hate greatly increased by the death of his 
 squire Ismenus. Besides, he had made him as one of the chief 
 causes that moved him to this rebellion, and therefore was inclined, 
 to colour the better his action, and the more to embrew the hands 
 of his accomplices by making them guilty of such a trespass, in 
 some formal sort to cause him to be executed, being also greatly 
 egged thereunto by his mother, and some other, who long had 
 hated Philanax ; only because he was more worthy than they to 
 be loved. 
 
 But while that deliberation was handled, according rather to the 
 humour, than the reason of each speaker ; Philoclea coming to the 
 knowledge of the hard plight wherein Philanax stood, she desired- 
 one of the gentlewomen appointed to wait upon her to go in her 
 name and beseech Amphialus, that, if the love of her had. any 
 power of persuasion in his mind, he would lay no farther punish- 
 ment than imprisonment upon Philanax. This message was 
 delivered even as Philanax was entering to the presence of 
 Amphialus, coming, according to the warning was given him, to 
 receive judgment of death. But when he, with manful resolution, 
 attended the fruit of such a tyrannical sentence, thinking it wrong, 
 but no harm to him that should die in so good a cause ; Amphialus 
 turned quite the form of his pretended speech, and yielded him 
 humble thanks that by his means he had come to that happiness, 
 as to receive a commandment of his lady : and therefore he 
 willingly gave him liberty to return in safety whither he would, 
 quitting him not only of all former grudge, but assuring him that 
 he would be willing to do him any friendship and service : only 
 desiring thus much of him, that he would let him know the 
 discourse and intent of Basilius's proceeding. 
 
 " Truly, my Lord," answered Philanax, " if there were any such, 
 known to me, secret in my master's counsel, as that the revealing 
 thereof, might hinder his good success, I should loathe the keeping 
 of my blood with the loss of my faith, and would think the just 
 name of a traitor a hard purchase of a few years' living. But since 
 it is so, that my master hath indeed no way of privy practice ; but 
 means openly and forcibly to deal against you, I will not stick, in 
 few words, to make your required declaration." Then told he him 
 in what a maze of amazement, both Basilius and Gynecia were 
 when they missed their children and Zelmane. Sometimes apt to 
 suspect some practice of Zelmane, because she was a stranger; 
 sometimes doubting some relic of the late mutiny, which doubt 
 was rather increased than any wise satisfied, by Miso, who, being 
 found almost dead for hunger by certain country people, brought 
 home word with what cunning they were trained out, and with 
 what violence they were carried away. But that within a few 
 
BOOK m.l AkCADiA %if 
 
 days they came to knowledge where they were by Amphialus's 
 own letters sent abroad to procure confederates in his attempts ; 
 that Basilius's purpose was never to leave the siege of the town 
 till he had taken it, and revenged the injury done unto him. That 
 he meant rather to win it by time and famine, than by force of 
 assault ; knowing how valiant men he had to deal withal in the 
 town : that he had sent orders that supplies of soldiers, pioneers, 
 and all things else necessary, should daily be brought unto him : 
 so as, " My Lord," said Philanax, " let me now, having received 
 my life by your grace, let me give you your life and honour by my 
 counsel ; protesting unto you, that I cannot choose but love you, 
 being my master's nephew ; and that I wish you well in all causes 
 but this. You know his nature is as apt to forgive as his power 
 is able to conquer. Your fault passed is excusable, in that love 
 persuaded, and youth was persuaded. Do not urge the effects of 
 angry victory, but rather seek to obtain that constantly by courtesy, 
 which you can never assuredly enjoy by violence." 
 
 One might easily have seen in the cheer of Amphialus that 
 disdainful choler would fain have made the answer for him, but 
 the remembrance of Philoclea served for forcible barriers between 
 anger, and angry effects : so as he said no more, but that he would 
 not put him to the trouble to give him any farther counsel, but 
 that he might return, if he listed, presently. Philanax glad to 
 receive an uncorrupted liberty, humbly accepted his favourable 
 convoy out of the town ; and so departed, not visiting the princesses, 
 thinking it might be offensive to Amphialus, and no way fruitful to 
 them, who were no way, but by force, to be rescued. 
 
 The poor ladies, indeed, not suffered either to meet together 
 or to have conference with any other, but such as Cecropia had 
 already framed, to sing all their songs to her tune, she herself 
 omitting no day, and catching hold of every occasion to move 
 forward her son's desire, and remove their own resolutions ; using 
 the same arguments to the one sister, as to the other ; determining 
 that whom she could win first, the other should, without her son's 
 knowledge, by poison be made away. But though the reasons 
 were the same to both, yet the handling was diverse, according as 
 she saw their humours to prepare a more or less aptness of 
 apprehension. This day having long speech to Philoclea, amplify- 
 ing not a little the great dutifulness her son had shown in delivering 
 Philanax ; of whom she could get no answer, but a silence sealed 
 up in virtue, and so sweetly graced, as that in one instant it carried 
 with it both resistance and humbleness : Cecropia threatening in 
 herself to run a more rugged race with her, went to her sister 
 Pamela, who that day having wearied herself with reading, and 
 with the height of her heart disdaining to keep company with any 
 
 Y 
 
338 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 of the gentlewomen appointed to attend her, whom she accounted 
 her jailors, was working upon a purse certain roses and lilies, as 
 by the fineness of the work, one might see she had borrowed her 
 wits of the sorrow that then owed them, and lent them wholly to 
 that exercise. For the flowers she had wrought carried such life 
 in them that the cunningest painter might have learned of her 
 needle, which with so pretty a manner made his careers to and fro 
 through the cloth, as if the needle itself would have been loth to 
 have gone fromward such a mistress but that it hoped to return 
 thitherward very quickly again, the cloth looking with many eyes 
 upon her, and lovingly embracing the wounds she gave it : the 
 shears also were at hand to behead the silk that was grown too 
 short. And if at any time she put her mouth to bite it off, it 
 seemed, that where she had been long in making of a rose with 
 her hands, she would in an instant make roses with her lips ; as 
 the lilies seemed to have their whiteness rather of the hand that 
 made them than of the matter whereof they were made, and that 
 they grew there by the suns of her eyes, and were refreshed by 
 the most, in discomfort, comfortable air, which an unawares sigh 
 might bestow upon them. But the colours for the ground were 
 so well chosen, neither sullenly dark, nor glaringly lightsome ; and 
 so well proportioned, as that, though much cunning were in it, yet 
 it was but to serve for ornament of the principal work ; that it was 
 not without marvel to see how a mind which could cast a careless 
 semblant upon the greatest conflicts of fortune could command 
 itself to take care for so small matters. Neither had she neglected 
 the dainty dressing of herself ; but as if it had been her marriage 
 time to affliction, she rather seemed to remember her own 
 worthiness than the unworthiness of her husband. For well might 
 one perceive she had not rejected the counsel of a glass, and that 
 her hands had pleased themselves in paying the tribute of 
 undeceiving skill to so high perfections of nature. 
 
 The sight whereof so divers from her sister, who rather suffered 
 sorrow to dress itself in her beauty than that she would bestow 
 any entertainment of so unwelcome a guest the made Cecropia 
 take a sudden assuredness of hope that she should obtain somewhat 
 of Pamela : thinking, according to the squaring out of her own 
 good nature that beauty carefully set forth, would soon prove a 
 sign of an unrefusing harbour. Animated therewith, she sat down 
 by Pamela, and taking the purse, and with affected curiosity 
 looking upon the work : " Fully happy is he," said she, " at least 
 if he knew his own happiness, to whom a purse in this manner, 
 and by this hand wrought, is dedicated. In faith he shall have 
 cause to account it, not as a purse for treasure, but as a treasure 
 itself, worthy to be pursed up in the purse of his own heart" " And 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 339 
 
 think you so indeed?" said Pamela, half smiling, "I promise 
 you I wrought it but to make some tedious hours believe that I 
 thought not of them ; for else I valued it but even as a very purse." 
 "It is the right nature," said Cecropia, "of beauty to virork 
 unwitting effects of wonder." " Truly," said Pamela, " I never 
 thought till now that this outward gloss, entitled beauty, which it 
 pleaseth you to lay to my (as I think) unguilty charge, was but a 
 pleasant mixture of natural colours, delightful to the eye, as music 
 is to the ear, without any farther consequence, since it is a thing, 
 which not only beasts have, but even stones and trees many of them 
 do greatly excel in it." " That other things," answered Cecropia, 
 "have some portion of it, takes not away the excellency of it, 
 where indeed it doth excel : since we see that even those beasts, 
 trees and stones are in the name of beauty only highly praised. 
 But that the beauty of human persons is beyond all other things, 
 there is great likelihood of reason, since to them only is given the 
 judgment to discern beauty ; and among reasonable wights, as it 
 seems, that our sex hath the pre-eminence, so that in that pre- 
 eminence, nature countervails all other liberalities wherein she may 
 be thought to have dealt more favourably toward mankind. How do 
 men crown, think you, themselves with glory for having either by 
 force brought others to yield to their mind, or with long study, and 
 premeditated orations, persuaded what they would have persuaded ? 
 and see, a fair woman shall not only command without authority, 
 but persuade without speaking. She shall not need to procure 
 attention, for their own eyes will chain their ears unto it. Men 
 venture lives to conquer, she conquers lives without venturing. 
 She is served, and obeyed, which is the most notable, not because 
 the laws so command it, but because they become laws themselves 
 to obey her ; not for her parents' sake, but for her own. She need 
 not dispute, whether to govern by fear or love, since without her 
 thinking thereof, their love will bring forth fear, and their fear will 
 fortify their love ; and she need not seek offensive or defensive force 
 since her only lips may stand for ten thousand shields, and ten 
 thousand inevitable shot go from her eyes. Beauty, beauty, dear 
 niece, is the crown of the feminine greatness ; which gift on 
 whomsoever the heavens (therein most niggardly) do bestow 
 without question, she is bound to use it to the noble purpose for 
 which it is created ; not only winning, but preserving, since that 
 indeed is the right happiness which is not only in itself happy, 
 but can also derive the happiness to another." " Certainly, Aunt," 
 said Pamela, "I fear you will make me not only think myself 
 fairer than ever I did, but think my fairness a matter of greater 
 value than heretofore I could imagine it. For I ever, till now 
 conceived those conquests you speak of rather to proceed from the 
 
340 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 weakness of the conquered than from the strength of the conquer- 
 ing power I as they say, the Cranes overthrow whole battles of 
 Pigmies, not so much of their cranish courage, as because the other 
 are Pigmies ; and that we see young babes think babies of wonderful 
 excellency, and yet the babies are but babies. But since your 
 older years, and abler judgment find beauty to be worthy of so 
 incomparable estimation, certainly, methinks, it ought to be held 
 in dearness, according to the excellency, and no more than we 
 would do of things which we account precious, never to suffer it to 
 be defiled." 
 
 "Defiled?" said Crecopia, "Marry, God forbid that my speech 
 should tend to any such purpose as should deserve so foul a title. 
 My meaning is, to join your beauty to love, your youth to delight. 
 For, truly, as colours should be as good as nothing if there were 
 no eyes to behold them ; so is beauty nothing, without the eye of 
 love behold it : and therefore so far is it from defiling it, that it 
 is only the honouring of it, only the preserving of it ; for beauty 
 goes away, devoured by time, but where remains it ever flourishing, 
 but in the heart of a true lover ? and such a one, if ever there were 
 any, is my son, whose love is so subjected unto you, that rather 
 than breed any offence unto you, it will not delight itself in 
 beholding you." "There is no effect of his love," answered 
 Pamela, " better pleaseth me than that : but as I have often 
 answered you, so resolutely I say unto you, that he must get my 
 parents' consent, and then he shall know further of my mind : for, 
 without that I know I should offend God." " O sweet youth," said 
 Cecropia, " how untimely subject it is to devotion ? no, no, sweet 
 niece, let us old folks think of such precise considerations : do you 
 enjoy the heaven of your age, whereof you are sure ; and like good 
 householders, which spend those things that would not be kept, 
 so do you pleasantly enjoy that which else will bring an over late 
 repentance, when your glass shall accuse you to your face what a 
 change there is in you. Do you see how the spring-time is full of 
 flowers, decking itself with them, and not aspiring to the fruits of 
 autumn ? what lesson is that unto you, but that in the April of your 
 age, you .should be like April? let not some of them for whom 
 already the grave gapeth, and perhaps envy the felicity in you, 
 which themselves cannot enjoy, persuade you to loose the hold of 
 occasion, while it may not only be taken, but offers, nay sues to be 
 taken, which if it be not now taken, will never hereafter be over- 
 taken. Yourself know how your father hath refused all offers 
 made by the greatest princes about you, and will you suffer 
 your beauty to be hidden in the wrinkles of his peevish thoughts ? " 
 " If he be peevish," said Pamela, " yet he is my father ; and 
 how beautiful soever I be, I am his daughter : so that God 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 34^ 
 
 claims at ray hands obedience, and makes me no judge of his 
 
 imperfections." . „ , ■, r- 
 
 These often replies upon conscience m Pamela, made Lecropia 
 think that there was no righter way for her than as she had, in her 
 opinion, set her in liking of beauty, with persuasion not to suffer it 
 to be void of purpose ; so if she could make her less feelmg of 
 those heavenly conceits, that then she might easily wind her to her 
 crooked bias. Therefore employing the uttermost of her mis- 
 chievous wit, and speaking the more earnestly, because she spoke 
 as she thought, she thus dealt with her. 
 
 " Dear niece, or rather dear daugher, if my affection and wish 
 might prevail therein, how much doth it increase, through you, the 
 earnest desire I have of this blessed match, to see these virtues of 
 yours knit fast with such zeal of devotion (indeed the best bond) 
 which the most politic wits have found to hold man's wit in well 
 doing ? For as children must first by fear be induced to know that 
 which after when they do know, they are most glad of, so are these 
 bugbears of opinions brought by great clerks into the world to 
 serve as shields to keep them from those faults, whereto else the 
 vanity of the world, and weakness of senses might pull them. But 
 in you, niece, whose excellency is such as it need not to be held up 
 by the staff of vulger opinions, I would not you should love virtue 
 servilely, for fear of I know not what, which you see not, but even 
 for the good effects of virtue which you see. Fear, and indeed 
 foolish fear, and fearful ignorance, was the first inventor of those 
 conceits ; for when they heard it thunder, not knowing the natural 
 cause, they thought there was some angry body above that spake 
 so loud : and ever the less they did perceive, the more they did 
 conceive ; whereof they knew no cause, that grew straight a 
 miracle : foolish folks not marking that the alterations be but upon 
 particular accidents, the universality being always one. Yesterday 
 was but as to-day, and to-morrow will tread the same footsteps of 
 his foregoers : so as it is manifest enough that all things follow but 
 the course of their own nature, saving only man, who while by the 
 pregnancy of his imagination he strives to things supernatural, 
 meanwhile he loseth his own natural fehcity. Be wise, and that 
 wisdom shall be a God unto thee ; be contented, and that is thy 
 heaven : for else to think that those powers, if there be any such, 
 above are moved either by the eloquence of our prayers, or in a 
 chafe at the folly of our actions, carries as much reason, as if flies 
 should think that men take great care which of them hums sweetest 
 and which of them flies nimblest." 
 
 She would have spoken further, to have enlarged and confirmed 
 her discourse, when Pamela, whose cheeks were dyed in the 
 beautifuUest grain of virtuous anger, with eyes which glistered 
 
342 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 forth beams of disdain, thus interrupted her. "Peace, wicked 
 woman, peace, unworthy to breathe, that dost not acknowledge the 
 breath giver ; most unworthy to have a tongue which speaketh 
 against him, through whom thou speakest : keep your affection to 
 yourself, which like a bemired dog, would defile with fawning. 
 You say yesterday was as to-day. O foolish woman, and most 
 miserably foolish, since wit makes you foohsh ; what doth that 
 argue but that there is a constancy in the everlasting governor? 
 Would you have an inconstant God, since we count a man foolish 
 that is inconstant? He is not seen, you say, and would you think 
 him a God who might be seen by so wicked eyes as yours ? Which 
 yet might see enough if they were not like such, who for sport's sake, 
 willingly hoodwink themselves to receive blows the easier. But 
 though I speak to you without any hope of fruit in so rotten a 
 heart, and there be nobody else here to judge of my speeches, yet 
 be thou my witness, O captivity, that my ears shall not be willingly 
 guilty of my creator's blasphemy. You say because we know not 
 the causes of things, therefore fear was the mother of superstition ; 
 nay, because we know that each effect hath a cause that hath 
 engendered a true and lively devotion. For this goodly work of which 
 we are, and in which we live, hath not his being by chance ; on which 
 opinion it is beyond marvel, by what chance any brain could stumble. 
 For if it be eternal, as you would seem to conceive of it, eternity 
 and chance are things unsufferable together. For that is chance- 
 able which happeneth ; and if it happen, there was a time before 
 it happened when it might not have happened ; or else it did not 
 happen, and, if so chanceable, not eternal. And as absurd it is 
 to think, that if it had a beginning, his beginning was derived 
 from chance : for chance could never make all things of nothing ; 
 and there were substances before, which by chance should meet 
 to make up this work ; thereon follows another bottomless pit 
 of absurdities. For then those substances must needs have been 
 from ever, and so eternal : and that eternal causes should bring 
 forth chanceable effects, is as sensible as that the sun should be 
 the author of darkness. Again, if it were chanceable, then was 
 it not necessary ; whereby you take away all consequence. But 
 we see in all things, in some respect or other, necessity of 
 consequence : therefore in reason we must needs know that the 
 causes were necessary. Lastly, chance is variable, or else it is 
 not to be called chance : but we see this work is steady and 
 permanent. If nothing but chance had glued those pieces of this 
 All, the heavy parts would have gone infinitely downward, the 
 light infinitely upward, and so never have met to have made up 
 this goodly body. For before there was a heaven, or earth, there 
 ^as neither a heaven to stay the height of the ring, ox an eartl^ 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 343 
 
 which (in respect of the round walls of heaven) should become 
 a centre. Lastly, perfect order, perfect beauty, perfect constancy, 
 if these be the children of chance, let wisdom be counted the root 
 of wickedness. But, you will say, it is so by nature ; as much as 
 if you said, it is so, because jt is so. If you mean of many natures 
 conspiring together, as in a popular government to establish this 
 fair estate ; as if the elementisb and ethereal parts should in their 
 town-house set down the bounds of each one's office : then consider 
 what follows, that there must needs have been a wisdom which 
 made them concur : for their natures being absolutely contrary, 
 in nature rather would have sought each others' ruin, than have 
 served as well consorted parts to such an unexpressible harmony. 
 For that contrary things should meet to make up a perfection 
 without force and wisdom above their powers, is absolutely 
 impossible unless that you will fly to that hissed-out opinion of 
 chance again. But you may, perhaps, affirm that one universal 
 nature, which hath been for ever, is the knitting together of these 
 many parts to such an excellent unity. If you mean a nature of 
 wisdom, goodness and providence, which knows what it doth ; 
 then say you that which I seek of you, and cannot conclude those 
 blasphemies with which you defiled your mouth, and mine ears : 
 but if you mean a nature, as we speak of the fire, which goeth 
 upward, it knows not why ; and of the nature of the sea, which 
 in ebbing and flowing seems to observe so just a dance, and yet 
 understands no music, it is but still the same absurdity super- 
 scribed with another title. For this word. One, being attributed 
 to that which is All, is but one mingling of many, and many ones ; 
 as in a less matter, when we say one kingdom which contains 
 many cities, or one city which contains many persons, wherein 
 the under-ones, if there be not a superior power and wisdom 
 cannot by nature have regard to any preservation but of 
 themselves : no more we see they do, since the water willingly 
 quenches the fire, and drowns the earth, so far as they from a 
 conspired unity ; but that a right heavenly nature indeed, as it 
 were unnaturing them, doth so bridle them. Again, it is as absurd 
 in nature, that from an unity many contraries should proceed still 
 kept in an unity ; as that from the number of contrarieties an 
 unity should arise. I say still, if you banish both a singularity 
 and plurality of judgment from among them, then (if so earthly 
 a mmd can lift itself up so high) do but conceive how a thing 
 whereto you give the highest and most excellent kind of being 
 which IS eternity, can be of a base and vilest degree of being' 
 and next to a not being : which is so to be, as not to enjoy his own 
 bemg? I will not here call all your senses to witness, which can 
 JJW nor see nothing, which yields not most evident evidence pf 
 
344 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 the unspeakableness of that wisdom : each thing being directed 
 to an end, and an end of preservation, so proper effects of 
 judgment, as speaking and laughing, are of mankind. But what 
 mad fury can ever so inveigle any conceit, as to see our mortal 
 and corruptible selves to have a reason, and that this universality, 
 whereof we are but the least pieces, should be utterly devoid 
 thereof: as if one should say, that one's foot might be wise, and 
 himself foolish : this heard I once alleged against such a godless 
 mind as yours, who being driven to acknowledge this beastly 
 absurdity that our bodies should be better than the whole world, 
 if it had the knowledge whereof the other were void ; he sought, 
 not able to answer directly, to sift it off in this sort ; and if that 
 reason were true, then must it follow also that the world must have 
 in it a spirit, that could write and read too, and be learned, since 
 that was in us commendable. Wretched fool, not considering that 
 books be but supplies of defects, and so are praised because they 
 help our want, and therefore cannot be incident to the eternal 
 intelligence, which need no recording of opinions to confirm his 
 knowledge, no more than the sun wants wax to be the fuel of his 
 glorious lightfiilness. This world therefore cannot otherwise 
 consist but by a mind of wisdom, which governs it ; which whether 
 you will allow to be the creator thereof, as undoubtedly he is, or 
 the soul and governor thereof, most certain it is, that whether he 
 govern all, or make all, his power is above either his creatures, or 
 his government. And if his power be above all things, then 
 consequently it must needs be infinite, since there is nothing 
 above it to limit it. For beyond which there is nothing, must 
 needs be boundless and infinite : if his power be infinite, then 
 likewise must his knowledge be infinite : for else there should be 
 an infinite proportion of power which he should not know how 
 to use, the unsensibleness whereof I think even you can conceive : 
 and if infinite, then must nothing, no not the estate of flies, which 
 you with so unsavoury scorn did jest at, be known unto him. For 
 if there were, then there were his knowledge bounded, and so not 
 infinite : if his knowledge and power be infinite, then must needs 
 his goodness and justness march in the same rank : for infiniteness 
 of power and knowledge, without like measure of goodness must 
 necessarily bring forth destruction and ruin, and not ornament and 
 preservation. Since then there is a God, and an all-knowing God, 
 so as he seeth into the darkness of all natural secrets, which is 
 the heart of man ; and sees therein the deepest dissembled 
 thoughts, nay sees the thought before they be thought : since Jie 
 is just to exercise his might, and mighty to perform his justice, 
 assure thyself, most wicked woman, that has so plaguily a corrupted 
 jnind that thou canst not keep thy sickness to thyself, but mu^t 
 
BOOK III.] 
 
 ARCADIA 345 
 
 most wickedly infect others ; assure thyself, I say, for what I say 
 depends on everlasting and unremovable causes, that the time will 
 come when thou shalt know that power by feehng it ; when thou 
 Shalt see His wisdom in the manifesting thy ugly shamefulness, 
 and shalt only perceive him to have been a creator in thy 
 destruction." . . 
 
 Thus she said, thus she ended, with so fair a majesty of un- 
 conquered virtue, that captivity might seem to have authority over 
 tyranny: so foully was the filthiness of impiety discovered by 
 the shining of her unstained goodness, so far as either Cecropia 
 saw indeed, or else the guilty amazement of a self-excusing 
 conscience made her eyes untrue judges of their natural object, 
 that there was a light more than human, which gave a lustre to 
 her perfections. But Cecropia, like a bat, which though it have 
 eyes to discern that there is a sun, yet hath so evil eyes that it 
 cannot delight in the sun, found a truth but could not love it. 
 But as great persons are wont to make the wrong they have done, 
 to be a cause to do the more wrong, her knowledge rose to no 
 higher point, but to envy a worthier ; and her will was no otherwise 
 bent, but the more to hate, the more she found her enemy provided 
 against her. Yet all the while she spoke, though with eyes cast 
 like a horse that would strike at the stirrup, and with colour which 
 blushed through yellowness, she sat rather still than quiet, and 
 after her speech rather muttered than replied : for the war of 
 wickedness in herself, brought forth disdainful pride to resist 
 cunning dissimulation ; so that, saying little more unto her, but 
 that she should have leisure enough better to bethink herself, she 
 went away repining, but not repenting, condemning greatly, as 
 she thought, her son's over-feeble humbleness, and purposing to 
 egg him forward to a course of violence. For herself, determining 
 to deal with neither of them both any more in manner of a suitor : 
 for what majesty of virtue did in the one, that did silent humbleness 
 in the other. But finding her son over-apt to lay both condemna- 
 tion, and execution of sorrow upon himself, she sought to mitigate 
 his mind with feigned delays of comfort, who (having this inward 
 overthrow in himself) was the more vexed that he could not utter 
 the rage thereof upon his outward enemies. 
 
 But Basilius, taught by the last day's trial, what dangerous 
 effects chosen courages can bring forth, rather used the spade 
 than the sword ; or the sword, but to defend the spade, girding 
 about the whole town with trenches ; which beginning a good way 
 off from the town, with a number of well directed pioneers, he still 
 carried before him, till they came to a near distance, where he 
 built forts, one answering the other, in such sort, as it was a pretty 
 consideration in the discipline of war, to see building used for thg 
 
346 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 instrument of ruin, and the assailer intrenched as if he was besieged. 
 But many sallies did Amphialus make to hinder their working-. 
 But they (exercising more melancholy than choler in their 
 resolution) made him find, that if by the advantage of the place, 
 few are able to defend themselves from many, that many must 
 needs have power (making themselves strong in seat) to repel few", 
 referring the revenge rather to the end, than to a present requital. 
 Yet oftentimes they dealt some blows in light skirmishes, each side 
 having a strong retiring place, and rather fighting with many 
 alarms to vex the enemy, than for any hope of great success. 
 
 Which every way was a tedious cumber to the impatient courage 
 of Amphialus ; till the fame of this war, bringing thither diverse, 
 both strangers and subjects, as well of princely, as noble houses, 
 the gallant Phalantus, who refrained his sportful delights as then, 
 to serve Basilius (whom he honoured for received honours) when 
 he had spent some time in considering the Arcadian manner in 
 marching, encamping and fighting, and had learned in what points 
 of government and obedience their discipline differed from others, 
 and so had satisfied his mind in the knowledges, both for the 
 cutting off the enemies helps, and furnishing one's self, which 
 Basilius's orders could deliver unto him, his young spirits (weary 
 of wanting cause to be weary) desired to keep his valour in 
 knowledge by some private act, since the public policy restrained 
 him ; the rather, because his old mistress Artesia might see whom 
 she had so lightly forsaken : and therefore demanding and obtaining 
 leave of Basilius, he caused a herald to be furnished with apparel 
 of his office, and tokens of a peaceable message, and so sent him 
 to the gate of the town to demand audience of Amphialus : who, 
 understanding thereof, caused him both safely and courteously to 
 be brought into his presence : who, making lowly reverence unto 
 him, presented his letters, desiring Amphialus, that whatsoever 
 they contained, he would consider he was only the bearer, and not 
 the inditer. Amphialus with noble gentleness assured him both 
 by honourable speeches, and a demeanour which answered for him, 
 that his revenge, whensoever, should sort unto itself a higher 
 subject. But opening the letters, he found them to speak in this 
 
 Phalantus of Corinth, to Amphialus of Arcadia, sendeth the 
 greeting of a hateless enemy. The liking of martial matter without 
 any dislike of your person hath brought me rather to the company 
 than to the mind of your besiegers : where languishing in idleness, 
 I desire to refresh my mind with some exercise of arms, which might 
 make known the doers, with delight of the beholders. Therefore 
 if there be any gentleman in your town that either for the love of 
 jbonour, or honour of his Jove^ well armed on hor^ebapk^ with lance 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 347 
 
 and sword, win another, or lose himself, to be prisoner at discretion 
 of the conqueror, I will to-morrow morning: by sunrising-, with 
 a trumpet and a squire only, attend him in like order furnished. 
 The place I think fittest, the island within the lake, because it stands 
 so well in the view of your castle, as that the ladies may have the 
 pleasure of seeing the combat : which, though it be within the 
 commandment of your castle, I desire no better security than the 
 promise I make to myself of your virtue. I attend your answer, 
 and wish you success as may be to your honour, rather in yielding 
 to that which is just than in maintaining wrong by violence. 
 
 Amphialus read it with cheerful countenance, and thinking but a 
 little with himself, called for pen and paper, and wrote this answer : 
 
 Amphialus of Arcadia, to Phalantus of Corinth, wisheth all his own 
 wishes, saving those which may be hurtful to another. The matter 
 of your letters to fit for a worthy mind, and the manner so suitable 
 to the nobleness of the matter, give me cause to think how happy 
 I might account myself, if I could get such a friend ; who esteem 
 it no small happiness to have met with so noble an enemy. Your 
 challenge shall be answered, and both time, place, and weapon 
 accepted. For your security from any treachery (having no hostage 
 worthy to countervail you) take my word, which I esteem above 
 all respects. Prepare therefore your arms to fight, but not your 
 heart to malice, since true valour needs no other whetstone than 
 desire of honour. 
 
 Having written and sealed his letter, he delivered it to the herald, 
 and withal took a fair chain from off his own neck and gave it him. 
 And so with safe convoy sent him away from out his city : and he 
 being gone, Amphailus showed unto his mother, and some other of 
 his chief counsellors what he had received, and how he had 
 answered, telling them withal, that he was determined to answer 
 the challenge in his own person. His mother, with prayers 
 authorized by motherly commandment ; his old governor, with 
 persuasions mingled with reprehension (that he would rather affect 
 the glory of a private fighter than of a wise general) Clinias with 
 falling down at his feet, and beseeching him to remember that all 
 their lives depended upon his safety, sought all to dissuade him. 
 But Amphialus (whose heart was inflamed with courage, and 
 courage inflamed with affection) made an imperious resolution, cut 
 off the tediousness of replies, giving them a charge what they 
 should do upon all occasions, and particularly to deliver the ladies, 
 if otherwise than well happened unto him : only desiring his 
 mother that she would bring Philoclea to a window, whence she 
 might with ease perfectly discern the combat. And so soon as the 
 snorning began to draw dew from the feirest greens to wasji hpx 
 
348 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 face withal against the approach of the burning sun, h'e went to 
 his stable, where himself chose out a horse, whom (though he 
 was near twenty years old) he preferred for a piece of sure service, 
 before a great number of younger. His colour was of a brown 
 bay, dappled thick with black spots ; his forehead marked with a 
 white star ; to which, in all his body there was no part suitable, 
 but the left foot before ; his mane and tail black and thick, of 
 goodly and well proportioned greatness. He caused him to be 
 trimmed with a sumptuous saddle of tawny and gold enamel, 
 enriched with precious stones ; his furniture was made into the 
 fashion of branches of a tree, from which the leaves were falling, 
 and so artificially were the leaves made, that, as the horse moved, 
 it seemed indeed that the leaves wagged as when the wind plays 
 with them ; and being made of a pale cloth of gold, they did bear 
 the straw coloured livery of ruin. His armour was also of tawny 
 and gold, but formed into the figures of flames darkened, as when 
 they newly break the prison of a smoky furnace. In his shield he 
 had painted the Torpedo fish. And so appointed, he caused 
 himself with his trumpet and squire (whom he had taken since the 
 death of Ismenus) to be ferried over into the island, a place well 
 chosen for such a purpose. For it was so plain that there was 
 scarcely any bush, or hillock, either to unlevel or shadow it : of 
 length and breadth enough, to try the uttermost both of lance and 
 sword ; and the one end of it facing the castle, the other extending 
 itself toward the camp, and no access to it, but by water, there 
 could on secret treachery be wrought ; and for manifest violence, 
 either side might have time enough to succour their party. 
 
 But there he found Phalantus, already waiting for him upon a 
 horse milk white, but that upon his shoulders and withers he was 
 freckled with red stain, as when a few strawberries are scattered 
 into a dish of cream. He had caused his mane and tail to be dyed 
 in carnation, his reins were vine branches, which engendering one 
 with the other, at the end, when he came to the bit, there for the 
 boss brought forth a cluster of grapes by the workman made so 
 lively that it seemed, as the horse champed on his bit, he chopped 
 for them, and that it did make his mouth water to see the grapes 
 so near him. His furniture behind was of vines, so artificially 
 made that it seemed the horse stood in the shadow of the vine, 
 so prettily were clusters of ruby grapes dispersed among the 
 trappings which embraced his sides. His armour was blue like the 
 heaven, which a sun did with his rays (proportionably delivered) 
 gild in most places. His shield was beautified with this device: 
 a greyhound which over-running his fellow, and taking the hare, 
 yet hurts it not when it takes it. The words were, " The glory, 
 not the prey." 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 349 
 
 But as soon as Amphialus landed, he sent his squire to Phalantus 
 to tell him that there was the knight ready to know whether he had 
 anything to say to him. Phalantus answered that his answer now 
 must be in the language of lances ; and so each attended the 
 warning of the trumpets, which were to sound at the appointment 
 of four judges, who with consideration of the same had divided the 
 ground. Phalantus's horse young, and feeling the youth of his 
 master, stood curveting, which being well governed by Phalantus, 
 gave such a glittering grace as when the sun in a clear day shines 
 upon a waving water. Amphialus's horse stood pawing upon the 
 ground, with his further hoof before, as if he would for his master's 
 cause begin to make himself angry : till the trumpets sounding 
 together, together they set spurs to their horses, together took their 
 lances from their thighs, conveyed them up into the rest together, 
 together let them sink downward, so as it was a delectable sight 
 in a dangerous effect ; and a pleasant consideration that there was 
 so perfect agreement in so mortal disagreement ; like a music made 
 of cunning discords. But their horses keeping an even line their 
 masters had skilfully allotted unto them, passed one by another 
 without encountering, although either might feel the angry breath 
 of the other. But the staves being come to a just descent, even 
 when the mark was ready to meet them, Amphialus was run through 
 the vamplate, and under the arm, so that the staff appearing behind 
 him, it seemed to the beholders, he had been in danger. But he 
 struck Phalantus just upon the gorget, so that he battered the lams 
 thereof, and made his head almost touch the back of his horse. 
 But either side having stayed the spur, and used the bit to stop 
 their horse's fury, casting away the truncheons of their staves, and 
 drawing their swords, they attended the second summons of the 
 death-threatening trumpet which quickly followed ; and they as 
 soon making their horses answer their hands, with a gentle gallop, 
 set one toward the other, till they being come to the nearness of a 
 little more than a stave's length. Amphialus trusting more to the 
 strength, than to the nimbleness of his horse, put him forth with 
 speedy violence, and making his head join to the other's flank, guided 
 his blow with discretion, and strengtheningjt with the course of 
 his horse, struck Phalantus upon the head in such sort that his 
 feeling sense did both dazzle his sight, and astonish his hearing. 
 But Phalantus (not accustomed to be ungrateful to such benefits) 
 struck him upon the side of his face, with such force that he 
 thought his jaw had been cut asunder ; though the faithfulness of 
 his armour indeed guarded him from further damage. And so 
 remamed they awhile, rather angry with fighting, than fighting for 
 anger, till Amphialus's horse leaning hard upon the other, and 
 wmning ground, the other horse feeling himself pressed, began to 
 
350 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 rise a little before, as he was wont to do in his curvet, which 
 advantage Amphialus taking, set forward his own horse with the 
 further spur, so that Phalantus's horse came over with his master 
 under him. Which Amphialus seeing, lighted with the intention to 
 help Phalantus. But his horse that had faulted, rather with untimely 
 art than want of force, got up from burdening his burden, so that 
 Phalantus, in the fall having gotten his feet free off the stirrup, 
 could, though something bruised, arise, and seeing Amphialus near 
 him, he asked him whether he had given him any help in 
 removing his horse. Amphialus said "No." "Truly,"' said 
 Phalantus, " I asked it, because I would not willingly have fought 
 with him that had had my life in his mercy. But now," said 
 Phalantus, "before we proceed farther, let me know who you are, 
 because never did any man bring me to the like fortune." 
 Amphialus, listing to keep himself unknown, told him he was a 
 gentleman to whom Amphialus that day had given armour and 
 horse to try his valour, having never before been in any combat 
 worthy remembrance. "Ah," said Phalantus in a rage, "and 
 must I be the exercise of your prentice age ? " and with that, choler 
 took away either the bruise, or the feeling of the bruise, so that he 
 entered afresh into the combat, and boiling into his arms the 
 disdain of his heart, struck so thick upon Amphialus, as if every 
 blow would fain have been foremost. But Amphialus, that many 
 like trials had taught, great spending to leave small remnants, let 
 pass the storm with strong wards, and nimble avoidings, till his 
 time fit, both for distance and nakedness, he struck him so cruel a 
 blow on the knee that the poor gentleman fell down withal in a 
 swoon. 
 
 But Amphialus, pitying approved valour, made precious by 
 natural courtesy, went to him, and taking off his headpiece to 
 give him air, the young knight (disdaining to buy life with yielding, 
 bade him use his fortune, for he was resolved never to yield. 
 " No more you shall," said Amphialus, " if it be not to my request 
 that you will account yourself to have great interest in me." 
 Phalantus more overcome by his kindness, than by his fortune, 
 desired yet once again to know his name, who in his first beginning 
 had shown such fury in his face, and yet such stay in his fury. 
 Amphialus then named himself, telling him withal he would think 
 his name much bettered if it might be honoured by the title of his 
 friend. But no balm could be more comfortable to his wound than 
 the knowledge thereof was to his mind, when he knew his 
 mishap should be excused by the renowned valour of the other. 
 And so promising each to other assuredness of goodwill, 
 Phalantus, of whom Amphialus would have no other ransom but 
 his word of friendship, was conveyed into the camp, where he 
 
BooKiiT.l ARCADIA 351 
 
 would but little remain among the enemies of Amphialus, but went 
 to seek his adventures other-where. 
 
 As for Amphialus, he was received with triumph into the castle, 
 although one might see by his eyes (humbly lifted up to the window 
 where Philoclea stood) that he was rather suppliant than victorious : 
 which occasion Cecropia taking, who as then stood by Philoclea, 
 and had lately left Pamela in another room, whence also she might 
 see the combat. "Sweet lady," said she, "now you may see 
 whether you have cause to love my son, who then lies under your 
 feet, when he stands upon the neck of his bravest enemies." 
 "Alas!" said Philoclea, "a simple service to me, methinks it is, 
 to have those who come to succour me destroyed : if it be my duty 
 to call it love, be it so : but the effects it bring forth, I confess I 
 account hateful." Cecropia grew so angry with this unkind answer 
 that she could not abstain from telling her that she was like them 
 that could not sleep, when they were softly laid : but that if 
 her son would follow her counsel, he should take another course 
 with her : and so flung away from her. 
 
 Yet, knowing the desperate melancholy of Amphialus in like 
 cases, framed to him a very thankful message, powdering it with 
 some hope-giving phrases, which were of such joy to Amphialus 
 that he, though against public respect and importunity of dissuaders, 
 presently caused it to be made known to the camp that whatsoever 
 knight would try the like fortune as Phalantus did, he should in like 
 sort be answered : so that divers of the vahantest, partly of them- 
 selves, partly at the instigation of Basilius, attempted the combat 
 with him ; and according to everyone's humour, so were the causes 
 of the challenge grounded : one laying treason to his charge ; 
 another preferring himself in the worthiness to serve Philoclea ; a 
 third exalting some lady's beauty beyond either of the sisters ; 
 a fourth laying disgrace to love itself naming it the bewitcher of 
 the wit, the rebel to reason, the betrayer of resolution, the defiler 
 of thoughts, the underminer of magnanimity, the flatterer of vice 
 the slave of weakness, the infection-of youth, the madness of age, 
 the curse of life, and reproach of death ; a fifth disdaining to cast 
 at less than at all, would make the cause of his quarrel the causers 
 of love, and proclaim his blasphemies against womankind ; that 
 namely, that sex was the oversight of nature, the disgrace of reason- 
 ableness, the obstinate cowards, the slave born tyrants, the shops 
 of vanities, the gilded weather cocks, in whom conscience is but 
 peevishness, chastity, waywardness, and gratefulness a miracle. 
 But all these challenges, how well soever indited, were so well 
 answered, that some by death taught others, though past learning 
 themselves, and some by yielding gave themselves the lie for 
 having blasphemed ; to the great grief of Basilius to see his rebel 
 
352 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 prevail, and in his own sight, to crown himself with deserved 
 honour^ 
 
 Whereupon thirsting for revenge, and else not hoping to prevail, 
 the best of his camp being already overthrown, he sent a messenger 
 to Argalus, in whose approved courage and force he had, and had 
 cause, to have great confidence, with a letter, requiring him to 
 take his quarrel in hand, from which he had hitherto spared him 
 in respect of his late marriage. But now his honour, and (as he 
 esteemed it) felicity standing upon it, he could no longer forbear 
 to challenge of him his faithful service. 
 
 The messenger made speed, and found Argalus at a castle of 
 his own, sitting in a parlour with the fair Parthenia, he reading in 
 a book the stories of Hercules, she by him, as to hear him read : 
 but while his eyes looked on the book, she looked on his eyes, and 
 sometimes staying him with some pretty question, not so much to 
 be resolved of the doubt, as to give him occasion to look upon 
 her : a happy couple, he joying in her, she joying in herself, but in 
 herself, because she enjoyed him : both increased their riches by 
 giving to each other ; each making one life double, because they 
 made a double life one ; where desire never wanted satisfaction, 
 nor satisfaction ever bred satiety ; he ruling, because she would 
 obey, or rather because she would obey, he therein ruling. 
 
 But when the messenger came in with letters in his hand, and 
 haste in his countenance, though she knew not what to fear, yet 
 she feared because she knew not ; but she rose, and went aside, 
 while he delivered his letters and message : yet afar off she looked, 
 now at the messenger, and then at her husband : the same fear, 
 which made her loth to have cause of fear, yet making her seek 
 cause to nourish her fear. And well she found there was some 
 serious matter : for her husband's countenance figured some 
 resolution between lothness and necessity : and once his eye cast 
 upon her, and finding hers upon him, he blushed, and she blushed, 
 because he blushed, and yet straight grew pale because she knew 
 not why he had blushed. But when he had read, and heard, and 
 dispatched away the messenger, like a man in whom honour could 
 not be rocked asleep by affection, with promise quickly to follow ; 
 he came to Parthenia, and as sorry as might be for parting, and 
 yet more sorry for her sorrow, he gave her the letter to read. She 
 with fearful slowness took it, and with fearful quickness read it, 
 and having read it. " Ah my Argalus," said she, " and have you 
 made such haste to answer? and are you so soon resolved to leave 
 me?" but he discoursing unto her how much it imported his 
 honour, which since it was dear to him, he knew it would be dear 
 unto her, her reason overclouded with sorrow, suffered her not 
 presently to reply, but left the charge thereof to tears, and sighs. 
 
BOOK HI.] ARCADIA 3Si 
 
 which he not able to bear, left her alone, and went to give order 
 for his present departure. 
 
 But by that time he was armed, and ready to go, she had 
 recovered a little strength of spirit again, and coming out, and 
 seeing him armed, and wanting nothing for his departure but her 
 farewell, she ran to him, took him by the arm, and kneeling down 
 without regard who either heard her speech, or saw her demeanour. 
 "My Argalus, my Argalus," said she, "do not thus forsake me. 
 Remember, alas remember that I have interest in you, which I 
 will never yield shall be thus adventured. Your valour is already 
 sufficiently known : sufficiently have you already done for your 
 country : enough, enough there are beside you to lose less worthy 
 lives. Woe is me, what shall become of me if you thus abandon 
 me ? then was it time for you to follow those adventures, when you 
 adventured nobody but yourself, and were nobody's but your own. 
 But now pardon me, that now, or never, I claim mine own ; mine 
 you are, and without me you can undertake no danger : and will 
 you endanger Parthenia ? Parthenia shall be in the battle of your 
 fight : Parthenia shall smart in your pain, and your blood must be 
 bled by Parthenia." "Dear Parthenia," said he, "this is the first 
 time that ever you resisted my will : I thank you for it, but 
 persevere not in it ; and let not the tears of these most beloved 
 eyes be a presage unto me of that which you would not should 
 happen, I shall live, doubt not : for so great a blessing as you are 
 was not given unto me so soon to be deprived of it. Look for me, 
 therefore, shortly, and victorious ; and prepare a joyful welcome, 
 and I will wish for no other triumph." She answered not, but 
 stood as it were thunder-stricken with amazement ; for true love 
 made obedience stand up against all other passions. But when he 
 took her in his arms, and sought to print his heart in her sweet 
 lips, she fell in a swoon, so that he was fain to leave her to her 
 gentlewomen, and carried away by the tyranny of honour, though 
 with many a back cast look and hearty groan, went to the camp. 
 Where understanding the notable victories of Amphialus, he 
 thought to give him some days respite of rest, because he would 
 not have his victory disgraced by the other's weariness. In which 
 days, he sought by all means (having leave to parley with him) to 
 dissuade him from his enterprize : and then imparting his mind to 
 Basilius, because he found Amphialus was inflexible, wrote his 
 defy unto him in this manner. 
 
 Right famous Amphialus, if my persuasion in reason, or prayer in 
 goodwill, might prevail with you, you should by better meana be 
 like to obtain your desire. You should make many brave enemies 
 become your faithful servants, and make your honour fly up to 
 heaven, being carried up by both wings of valour and justice; 
 
 Z 
 
354 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 whereof now it wants the latter. But since my suit nor counsel can 
 get no place in you, disdain not to receive a mortal challenge, from 
 a man so inferior unto you in virtue, that I do not so much raislike 
 of the deed, as I have the doer in admiration. Prepare therefore 
 yourself, according- to the noble manner you have used, and think 
 not lightly of never so weak an arm, which strikes with the sword 
 of justice. 
 
 To this he quickly received this answer. 
 
 Much more famous Argalus, I whom never threatenings could make 
 afraid, am now terrified by your noble courtesy. For well I know, 
 from what height of virtue it doth proceed, and what cause I have 
 to doubt such virtue bent to my ruin : but love, which justifieth the 
 injustice you lay unto me, doth also animate me against all dangers, 
 since I come full of him by whom yourself have been (if I be not 
 deceived) sometimes conquered. I will therefore attend your 
 appearance in the isle, carrying this advantage with me, that as it 
 shall be a singular honour, if I get the victory, so there can be no 
 dishonour in being overcome by Argalus. 
 
 The challenge thus denounced and accepted, Argalus was armed 
 in white armour, which was all gilded over with knots of women's 
 hair, which came down from the crest of his head-piece and spread 
 itself in rich quantity over all his armour ; his furniture was cut 
 out in the fashion of an eagle, whereof the beak (made into a rich 
 jewel) was fastened to the saddle, the tail covered the crupper of 
 of the horse, and the wings served for trappings ; which falling off 
 each side, as the horse stirred, the bird seemed to fly. His petrel 
 and reins were embroidered with feathers suitable unto it : upon 
 his right arm he wore a sleeve which his dear Parthenia had made 
 for him, to be worn in a jouSt, in the time that success was 
 ungrateful to their well deserved love : it was full of bleeding 
 hearts, though never intended to any bloody enterprize. In his 
 shield (as his own device) he had two palm trees near one another, 
 with a word signifying, " In that sort flourishing." His horse was 
 of fiery sorrel, with black feet, and black list on his back, who with 
 open nostrils breathed war, before he could see an enemy : and 
 now up with one leg, and then with another, seemed to complain 
 of nature that she had made him any whit earthy. 
 
 But he had scarcely viewed the ground of the island, and 
 considered the advantages, if any were, thereof, before the castle 
 boat had dehvered Amphialus, in all points provided to give a 
 h-ard entertainment. And then sending each to other their squires 
 in honourable manner, to know whether they should attend any 
 further ceremony, the trumpets sounding, the horses with smooth 
 
sooKiii.] ARCADIA .. 3?S 
 
 running, the staves with unshaken motion, obediently performed 
 their choleric commandments. But when they drew near, Argalus's 
 horse being hot, pressed in with his head, which Amphialus 
 perceiving, knowing if he gave him his side it should be to his 
 disadvantage, pressed in also with him, so that both the horses 
 and men met shoulder to shoulder, so that the horses (hurt as 
 much with the striking as being stricken) tumbled down to the 
 earth, dangerously to their masters, but that they, by strength 
 nimble, and by use skilful in the falling, shunned the harm of the 
 fall, and without more respite drew out their swords with a gallant 
 bravery, each striving to show himself the less endamaged, and to 
 ijiake known that they were glad they had now nothing else to 
 trust to but their own virtue. True it is that Amphialus was the 
 sooner up, but Argalus had his sword out the sooner ; and then 
 fell they to the cruellest coinbat, that any present eye had seen. 
 Their swords first, Uke canons, battering down the walls of their 
 armour, making breaches almost in every place for troops of 
 wounds to enter. Among the rest, Argalus gave a great wound to 
 Amphialus's disarmed face, though part of the force of it Amphailus 
 warded upon his shield, and withal, first casting his eye up to 
 Philoclea's window, as if he had fetched his courage thence, 
 feigning to extend the same sort of blow, turned his sword, and, 
 with a mighty reverse, gave a cruel wound to the right arm of 
 Argalus, the unfaithful armour yielding to the swords strong-guided 
 sharpness. But though the blood accused the hurt of Argalus, yet 
 would he in no action of his confess it : but keeping himself in a 
 lower ward, stood watching with timely thrusts to repair his loss, 
 which quickly he did. For Amphialus, following his fawning 
 fortune, laid on so thick upon Argalus that his shield had almost 
 fallen piece-meal to the earth, when Argalus, coming in with his 
 right foot, and something stooping to come under his armour, 
 thrust him into the belly dangerously ; and mortally it would have 
 been, but that with the blow before, Amphialus had over sticken 
 himself so, that he fell sideward down, and with falling saved 
 himself from ruin, the sword by that means slipping aside and not 
 piercing more deeply. Argalus seeing him fall, threatening with 
 voice and sword, bade him yield. But he striving without answer 
 to rise, Argalus struck him with all his might upon his head. But 
 his hurt arm not able to master so sound a force, let the sword fall 
 so that Amphialus, though astonished with the blow, could arise : 
 which Argalus considering, ran in to grasp with him, and so closed 
 together; falling so to the ground, now one getting above, and 
 then the other ; at length, both weary of so unlovely embracements, 
 with a dissenting consent got up, and went to their swords but 
 happened, each on his enemies ; where Argalus finding his foe's 
 
356 ARCADIA [book m, 
 
 sword garnished in blood, his heart rose with the same sword to 
 revenge it, and on that blade to ally their bloods together. But 
 his mind was evil waited on by his lamed force, so that he received 
 still more and more wounds, which made all his armour seem to 
 blush, that it had defended his master no better. But Amphialus 
 perceiving it, and weighing the small hatefulness of their quarrel 
 with the worthiness of the knight, desired him to take pity of 
 himself. But Argalus, the more repining, the more he found 
 himself in disadvantage, filling his veins with spite instead of 
 blood, and making courage arise against faintness (like a candle, 
 which a little before it goes out, gives then the greatest blaze) so 
 did he unite all his force, that casting away the little remnant of 
 his shield, and taking his sword in both hands, he struck such a 
 notable blow, that he cleft his shield, armour, and arm almost to 
 the bone. 
 
 But then Amphialus forgot all ceremonies, and with cruel blows 
 made more of his best blood succeed the rest ; till his hand being 
 stayed by his ear, his ear filled with a pitiful cry, the cry guided his 
 sight to an excellent fair lady, who came running as fast as she 
 could, and yet because she could not so fast as she would, she sent 
 her lamentable voice before her : and being come, and being 
 known to them both to be the beautiful Parthenia, who had that 
 night dreamed she saw her husband in such estate as she then 
 found him, which made her make such haste thither, they both 
 marvelled. But Parthenia ran between them, fear of love making 
 her forget the fear of nature, and then fell down at their feet, 
 determining so to part them, till she could get breath to sigh out 
 her doleful speeches : and when her breath, which running had 
 spent, and disraayedness made slow to return, had by sobs gotten 
 into her sorrow-closed breast, for a while she could say nothing, 
 but, "O wretched eyes of mine, O wailful sight, O day of 
 darkness ! " At length turning her eyes, wherein sorrow swam, to 
 Amphialus, "My Lord," said she, "it is said you love; in the 
 power of that love, I beseech you to leave off this combat, as ever 
 your heart may find comfort in his affection, even for her sake, I 
 crave it : or if you be mortally determined, be so pitiful unto me, 
 as first to kill me, that I might not see the death of Argalus." 
 Amphialus was about to have answered, when Ai-galus, vexed with 
 his fortune, but most vexed that she should see him in that fortune ; 
 " Ah Parthenia," said he, " never until now unwelcome unto me, 
 do you come to get my life by request ? and cannot Argalus live 
 but by request ? is that a life ?" With that he went aside, for fear 
 of hurting her, and would have began the combat afresh. But 
 Amphialus not only conjured by that which held the monarchy of 
 his mind, but even in his noble heart melting with compassion at 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 357 
 
 so passionate a sight, desired him to withhold his hands, for that 
 he should strike one who sought his favour, and would not make 
 resistance. A notable example of the wonderful effects of virtue, 
 where the conqueror sought for friendship of the conquered, and 
 the conquered would not pardon the conqueror : both indeed 
 being of that mind to love each other for accepting, but not for 
 giving mercy, and neither affected to outlive a dishonour : so that 
 Argalus, not so much striving with Amphialus, for if he had him 
 in the like sort, in like sort he would have dealt with him, as 
 labouring against his own power, which he chiefly despised, set 
 himself forward, stretching his strength to the uttermost. But the 
 fire of that strife, blown with his inward rage, boiled out his blood 
 in such abundance that he was driven to rest himself upon the 
 pommel of his sword : and then each thing beginning to turn 
 round in the dance of death before his eyes, his sight both dazzled 
 and dimmed, till, thinking to sit down, he fell in a swoon. 
 Parthenia and Amphialus both hastily went unto him : Amphialus 
 took off his helmet, and Parthenia laid his head in her lap, tearing 
 off her linen sleeves and partlet to serve about his wounds : to 
 bind which she took off her hairlace, and would have cut off her 
 fair hair herself, but that the squires and judges came in with 
 fitter things for that purpose : while she bewailed herself with so 
 lamentable sweetness, as was enough to have taught sorrow to the 
 gladdest thoughts, and have engraved it in the minds of hardest 
 metal. 
 
 " O Parthenia, no more Parthenia," said she, " what art thou ? 
 what seest thou ? how is thy bliss in a moment fallen ? how wert 
 thou even now before all ladies the example of perfect happiness 
 and now the gazing stock of endless misery ? O God, what hath 
 been my desert, to be thus punished ? Or if such had been my 
 desert, why was I not myself punished? O wandering life to 
 what wilderness wouldst thou lead me. But sorrow, I hope thou 
 art sharp enough to save my labour from other remedies. Argalus 
 Argalus, I will follow thee, I will follow thee." 
 
 But with that Argalus came out of his swoon, and lifting up his 
 languishing eyes, which a painful rest and iron sleep did seek to 
 lock up, seeing her in whom, even dying, he lived, and himself 
 seated in so beloved a place, it seemed a little cheerful blood came 
 up to his cheeks, like a burning coal, almost dead, if some breath 
 a little revive it: and forcing up,, the best he could, his feeble 
 voice, "My dear, my better half," said he, "I find I must now 
 leave thee : and by that sweet hand, and fair eyes of thine I swear 
 that death brings nothing with it to grieve me but that I must 
 leave thee, and cannot remain to answer part of thy infinite deserts 
 with being some comfort unto thee. But since so it pleaseth Him 
 
3S8 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 whose wisdom and goodness guideth all, put thy confidence in 
 Him, and one day we shall blessedly meet again, never to depart : 
 meanwhile live happily, dear Parthenia, and I persuade myself, it 
 will increase the blessedness of my soul so to see thee. Love well 
 the remembrance of thy loving, and truly loving Argalus : and let 
 not," with that word he sighed, " this disgrace of mine make thee 
 one day think thou hadst an unworthy husband." They could 
 scarcely understand the last words : for death began to seize 
 himself of his heart, neither could Parthenia make answer, so full 
 was her breast of anguish. But while the other sought to stanch 
 his remediless wounds, she with her kisses made him happy : for 
 his last breath was delivered into her mouth. 
 
 But when indeed she found his ghost was gone, then sorrow lost 
 the wit of utterance, and grew rageful, and mad, so that she tore 
 her beautiful face, and rent her hair, as though they could serve 
 for nothing, since Argalus was gone ; till Amphialus (so moved 
 with pity of that sight as that he honoured his adversary's death 
 with tears) caused her, with the help of her women that came with 
 her, partly by force to be conveyed into the boat, with the dead 
 body of Argalus, from which she would not depart. And being 
 come on the other side, there she was received by Basilius himself, 
 with all the funeral pomp of military discipline, trailing all their 
 ensigns upon the ground, making their warlike instruments sound 
 doleful notes, and Basilius with comfort in his mouth and woe in 
 his face, sought to persuade some ease into Parthenia's mind : but 
 all was as easeful to her, as the handling of sore wounds : all the 
 honour done, being to her but the triumph of her ruin, she finding 
 no comfort but in desperate yielding to sorrow : and rather 
 determined to hate herself if ever she would find ease thereof. 
 And well might she hear as she passed through the camp the 
 great praises spoken of her husband, which were all records of her 
 loss. But the more excellent he was, being indeed counted second 
 to none in all Greece, the more did the breath of those praises bear 
 up the wings of Amphialus's fame : to whom yet such was his case, 
 that trophy upon trophy, strll did but build up the monument of 
 his thraldom ; he ever finding himself in such favour of Philoclea 
 that she was most absent when he was present with hef ; and ever 
 sorriest when he had best success : which would have made him 
 renounce all comfort, but that his mother with diversity of devices 
 kept up his heart. 
 
 But while he allayed thus his outward glory with inward 
 discomfort, he was like to have been overtaken with a notable 
 treason, the beginning whereof (though merely ridiculous) had like 
 to have brought forth to him a weeping effect. 
 
 Among other that attended Basilius in this expedition, Dametas 
 
BOOK III.] '" ARCADIA 3S9 
 
 was one j whether to be present with him, or absent from Miso, 
 once, certain it was without any mind to make his sword cursed by 
 any widow. Now being in the camp, while each talk seemed 
 injurious, which did not acknowledge some duty to the fame of 
 Amphialus, it fell out sometimes in communication, that as the 
 speech of heaven doth often beget the mention of hell, so the 
 admirable prowess of Amphialus (by a contrary) brought forth the 
 remembrance of the cowardice of Clinias : insomuch, as it grew 
 almost to a proverb, " As very a coward as Clinias ; " describing 
 him in such sort, that in the end Dametas began to think with 
 himself that if he made a challenge unto him he would never 
 answer it ; and that then he should greatly increase the favourable 
 conceit of Basilius. This fancy of his he uttered to a young 
 gentleman that waited upon Philanax, in whose friendship he had 
 especial confidence, because he haunted his company, laughing 
 often merrily at his speeches, and not a little extolling the goodly 
 dotes of Mopsa. The young gentleman as glad as if he had 
 found a hare sitting, egged him on, breaking the matter with 
 Philanax, and then, for fear the humour should quail in him, wrote 
 a challenge himself for Dametas, and brought it to him. But 
 when Dametas read it, putting his head on his shoulder, and 
 somewhat smiling, he said. It was pretty indeed, but that it had 
 not a lofty style enough ; and so, would needs indite it in this sort. 
 
 O Clinias, thou Clinias, the wickedest worm that ever went upon 
 two legs ; the very fritter of fraud, and seething pot of iniquity : I 
 Dametas, chief governor of all the royal cattle, and also of Pamela 
 (whom thy master most perniciously hath suggested out of my 
 dominion) do defy thee in a mortal affray from the bodkin to the 
 pike upward : Which if thou dost presume to take in hand, I will, 
 out of that superfluous body of thine, make thy soul to be evacuated. 
 
 The young gentleman seemed dumb-stricken with admiration, 
 and presently took upon him to be the bearer thereof, while the 
 heat of the fit lasted ; and having gotten leave of Basilius (every- 
 body helping on to ease his mind, oyercharged with melancholy) 
 he went into the town, according to the manner before time used, 
 and, in the presence of Amphialus, delivered this letter to Clinias ; 
 desiring to have an answer, which might be fit for his reputation. 
 Clinias opened it, read it, and, in the reading, his blood, not 
 daring to be in so dangerous a place, went out of his face, and hid 
 itself more inwardly : and his very words, as if they were afraid of 
 blows, came very slowly out of his mouth : but, as well as his 
 panting breath would utter it, he bade him tell the lout that sent 
 him, that he disdained to have anything to do with him. But 
 AmphJ^HS, perceiving the matter, took him aside, and verjr 
 
36o ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 earnestly dealt with him, not to shame himself ; Amphialus only 
 desirous to bring it to pass, to make some sport to Philoclea : but, 
 not being able to persuade him, Amphialus licensed the gentleman, 
 telling him that by next morning he should have an answer. 
 
 The young gentleman, sorry he had sped no better, returned to 
 Dametas, who had fetched many a sower-breathed sigh, for fear 
 Clinias would accept the challenge. But when he perceived, by 
 his trusty messenger, that this delay was in effect a denial, there 
 being no disposition in him to accept it, then lo, Dametas began 
 to speak his loud voice, to look big, to march up and down, and, 
 in his march, to lift his legs higher than he was wont, swearing, by 
 no mean devotions, that the walls should not keep the coward 
 from him, but he would fetch him out of his coney-burrow : and 
 then was hotter than ever to provide himself of horse and armour, 
 saying he would go to the island bravely addubed, and show 
 himself to his charge Pamela. To this purpose many willing 
 hands were about him, letting him have reins, petrel, with the rest 
 of the furniture, and very brave bases ; but all coming from 
 divers houses, neither colour nor fashion, showed any kindred one 
 with another. But that liked Dametas the better, for that he 
 thought would argue, that he was master of many brave furnitures. 
 Then gave he order to a painter for his device ; which was a 
 plough with the oxen loosed from it, a sword, with a great number 
 of arms and legs cut off : and lastly, a great army of pen and ink- 
 horns, and books. Neither did he stick to tell the secret of his 
 intent ; which was that he had left off the plough to do such 
 bloody deeds with his sword, as many ink-horns and books should 
 be employed about the historifying of them : and being asked, why 
 he set no word unto it, he said, that was indeed like the painter, 
 that faith in his picture, here is the dog, and there is the hare : 
 and with that he laughed so perfectly, as was great consolation to 
 the beholders. Yet remembering that Miso would not take it well 
 at his return, if he forgot his duty to her, he caused in a border 
 about to be written, Miso, mine own pigsnie, thou shalt hear news 
 of Dametas. 
 
 Thus all things being condignly ordered, with an ill-favoured 
 impatience he waited until the next morning, that he might make 
 a muster of himself in the island, often asking them that very 
 diligently waited upon them, whether it were not pity that such 
 a coward as Clinias should set his run-away feet upon the face of 
 the earth. 
 
 But as he was, by divers principal young gentlemen, to his no 
 small glory, lifted up on horseback, comes a page of Ataphialus, 
 who with humble smiling reverence, delivered a letter unto him 
 from Chnias, whom Amphialus had brought to this ; first with 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 361 
 
 persuasions (that for certain, if he did accept the combat, 
 Dametas would never dare to appear, and that then the honour 
 should be his) but principally threatening him that if he refused it, 
 he would turn him out of the town to be put to death for a traitor 
 by Basilius : so as the present fear (ever to a coward most terrible) 
 of being turned out of the town, made him, though full unwillingly, 
 undertake the other fear, wherein he had some show of hope, that 
 Dametas might hap either to be sick, or not to have the courage 
 to perform the matter. But when Dametas heard the name of 
 Clinias, very aptly suspecting what the matter might be, he bade 
 the page carry back his letter, like a naughty boy as he was ; for 
 he was in no humour, he told him, of reading letters. But 
 Dametas his friend, first persuading him, that for certain it was 
 some submission, took upon him so much boldness as to open the 
 letter, and to read it aloud, in this sort. 
 
 Filthy drivel, unworthy to have thy name set in any letter by a 
 soldier's handwriting, could thy wretched heart think it was 
 timerousness that made Clinias suspend awhile his answer? no, 
 caitiff, no : it was but as a ram, which goes back to return with the 
 greater force : Know therefore, that thou shalt no sooner appear 
 (appear now if thou darest) I say thou shalt no sooner appear in the 
 island (O happy thou if thou dost not appear) but that 1 will come 
 upon thee with all my force, and cut thee in pieces (mark what I 
 say) joint after joint, to the eternal terror of all presumptuous villains. 
 Therefore look what thou dost ; for I tell thee, horrible smart and 
 pains shall be thy lot, if thou wilt needs be so foolish, I having given 
 thee no such cause as to meet with me. 
 
 These terrible words Clinias used, hoping they would give a 
 cooling to the heat of Dametas's courage : and so indeed they did 
 that he did groan to hear the thundering of those threatenings! 
 And when the gentlemen had ended the reading of them, Dametas 
 told them, that in his opinion he thought this answer came too 
 late, and that therefore he might very well go and disarm himself 
 especially considering the other had in courteous manner warned 
 him not to come : but they having him now on horseback, led him 
 into the ferry, and so into the island ; the clashing of his own 
 armour striking miserable fear into him, and in his mind thinking 
 great unkindness in his friend that he had brought him to a matter 
 so contrary to his complexion. There stayed he but a little (the 
 gentleman that came with him teaching him how to use his sword 
 and lance, while he cast his eye about, to see which way he mi?ht 
 run away, cursing all islands for being evil situated) when Chnias 
 with a brave sound of trumpets landed at the other end- who 
 came all the way debating with himself, what he had deserved of 
 Amphialus to drive him to those inconveniences. Sometimes his wij 
 
362 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 made him bethink himself what was best to be done : but fear did 
 so corrupt his wit, that whatsoever he thought was best, he still 
 found danger therein ; fearfulness (contrary to all other vices) 
 making him think the better of another, the worse he found 
 himself, rather imagining in himself what words he would use (if 
 he were overcome) to get his life of Dametas, than how to 
 overcome, whereof he could think with no patience. But often- 
 times looking to the earth, pitifully complaining, that a man of 
 such sufficiency, as he thought himself, should in his best years 
 be swallowed up by so base an element : fain he would have 
 prayed, but he had not heart enough to have confidence in prayer ; 
 the glittering of the armour, and sounding of trumpets giving such 
 an assault to the weak breach of his false senses, that he grew 
 from the degree of fear to an amazement, not almost to know what 
 he did, till two judges (chosen for the purpose) making the trumpet 
 cease, and taking the oath of these champions, that they came 
 without guile or witchcraft, set them at wonted distance, one from 
 the other. 
 
 Then the trumpets sounding, Dametas's horse (used to such 
 causes) when he thought least of the matter, started out so lustily, 
 that Dametas was jogged back with head and body, and pulling 
 withal his bridle-hand, the horse, that was tender of mouth, made 
 half a stop, and fell to bounding, so that Dametas threw away his 
 lance, and with both his hands held by the pommel, the horse half 
 running, half leaping, till he met with Clinias ; who fearing he 
 should miss his rest, had put his staff therein before he began his 
 career : neither would he then have begun, but that at the trumpets 
 warning, one (that stood behind) struck on his horse, who running 
 swiftly, the wind took such hold of his staff, that it crossed quite 
 over his breast, in that sort gave a flat bastinado to Dametas : 
 who half out of his saddle, went near to his old occupation of 
 digging the earth, but with the crest of his helmet. Clinias when 
 he was past him, not knowing what he had done, but fearing lest 
 Dametas were at his back, turned with a wide turn ; and seeing 
 him on the ground, he thought then was his time, or never, to 
 tread him under his horse's feet ; and withal, if he could, hurt him 
 with his lance, which had not broken, the encounter was so easy. 
 But putting forth his horse, what with the falling of the staff too 
 low before the legs of the horse, and the coming upon Dametas, 
 who was then scrambling up, the horse fell over and over, and lay 
 upon Clinias. Which Dametas, who was gotten up, perceiving, 
 drew out his sword, prying which way he might best come to kill 
 Clinias behind. But the horse that lay upon him, kept such 
 a pawing with his feet, that Dametas durst not approach, but very 
 leisurely, so as the horse, being lusty, got up, and withal begap 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 363 
 
 to strike, and leap, that Dametas started back a good way, and 
 gave Clinias time to rise, but so bruised in body, and broken in 
 heart, that he meant to yield himself to mercy ; and with that 
 intent drew out his sword, intending when he came nearer to 
 present the pommel of it to Dametas. But Dametas, when he 
 saw him coming with his sword drawn, not conceiving any such 
 intent, went back as fast as his back and heels would lead him. 
 But as Clinias found that he began to think a possibility in the 
 victory, and therefore followed him with the cruel haste of a 
 prevailing coward ; laying upon Dametas, who did nothing but 
 cry out to him to hold his hand, sometimes that he was dead, 
 sometimes that he would complain to Basilius ; but still bore the 
 blows ungratefully, going back, till at length he came into the 
 water with one of his feet. 
 
 But then a new fear of drowning took him, so that daring not 
 to go back, nor to deliberate (the blows still so lighted on him) 
 nor to yield, because of the cruel threatenings of Clinias, fear being 
 come to the extremity, fell to a madness of despair ; so that 
 (winking as hard as ever he could) he began to deal some blows, 
 and his arm (being used to the flail in his youth) laid them on so 
 thick that Clinias now began with lamentable eyes to see his own 
 blood come out in many places : and before he had lost half an 
 ounce, finding in himself that he fainted, cried out aloud to 
 Dametas that he yielded. "Throw away thy sword then," said 
 Dametas, "and I will save thee ;" but still laying on as fast as 
 he could. Clinias straight obeyed, and humbly craved mercy, 
 telling him his sword was gone. Then Dametas first opened his 
 eyes, and seeing him indeed unweaponed, made him stand a good 
 way off from it ; and then willed him to lie down upon the earth 
 as flat as he could ; Clinias obeyed ; and Dametas (who never 
 could think himself safe, till Clinias were dead) began to think 
 with himself, that if he struck at him with his sword, if he did not 
 kill him at the first blow, that then Clinias might hap to rise, and 
 revenge himself. Therefore he thought best to kneel down upon 
 him, and with a great whittle he had (having disarmed his head) 
 to cut his throat, which he had used so with calves, as he had no 
 small dexterity in it. But while he sought for his knife, which 
 under his armour he could not well find out, and that Clinias lay 
 with so sheepish a quietness, as if he would have been glad to have 
 his throat cut for fear of more pain, the judges came in, and took 
 Dametas from off him, telling him he did against the law of arms, 
 having promised life if he threw away his sword. Dametas was 
 loath to consent, till they swore, they would not suffer him to fight 
 any more, when he was up ; and then more forced, then persuaded, 
 he let him ris^ avwing over him, and warning him to take heed 
 
364 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 how he dealt any more with any that came of his father's kindred. 
 But thus this combat of cowards being finished, Dametas was with 
 much mirth and melody received into the camp as victorious, 
 never a page there failing to wait upon his triumph. 
 
 But Clinias, though he wanted heart to prevent shame, yet he 
 wanted not wit to feel shame ; not so much repining at it for the 
 abhorring of shame, as for the discommodities, that to them that 
 are ashamed, ensue. For well he deemed, it would be a great bar 
 to his practice, and a pulling on of injuries, when men needed not 
 care how they used him. Insomuch, that Clinias (finding himself 
 the scorning-stock of every company) fell with repining, to hate 
 the cause thereof; and hate in a coward's heart, could set itself no 
 other limits, but death. Which purpose was well egged on by 
 representing unto himself, what danger he lately was in ; which 
 still kept no less ugly figure in his mind than when it was present ; 
 and quickly (even in his dissembling countenance) might be 
 discerned a concealed grudge. For though he forced himself to a 
 far more diligent oiificiousness toward Amphialus than ever before, 
 yet a leering eye upon the one side at him, a countenance still 
 framed to smiling before him (how little cause soever there was of 
 smiling) and grumbling behind him at any of his commandments, 
 with an uncertain manner of behaviour : his words coming out, 
 though full of flattery, yet slowly, and hoarsely pronounced, might 
 well have blazed what arms his false heart bore. But despised, 
 because of his cowardliness, and not marked because despised, he 
 had the freer scope of practice. Which he did the more desperately 
 enter into, because the daily dangers Amphialus did submit 
 himself unto, made Clinias assuredly look for his overthrow, and 
 for his own consequently, if he did not redeem his former treason 
 to Basilius, with a more treasonable falsehood toward Amphialus. 
 His chief care therefore was, to find out among all sorts of the 
 Amphialians, whom either like fear, tediousness of the siege, or 
 discontent of some unsatisfied ambition would make apt to dig in 
 the same mine that he did : and some already of wealthy weary 
 folks, and unconstant youths (who had not found such sudden 
 success as they had promised themselves) he had made stoop to 
 his lure. But of none he made so good account as of Artesia, 
 sister to the late slain Ismenus, and the chief of the six maids, who 
 had trained out the princesses to their banquet of misery : so 
 much did the sharpness of her wit countervail, as he thought, any 
 other defects of her sex : for she had undertaken that dangerous 
 practice by the persuasion of Cecropia, who assured her that the 
 two princesses should be made away, and then Amphialus would 
 marry her, which she was the apter to believe, by some false 
 persuasion her glass had given her of her own incomparable 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 365 
 
 excellencies, and by the great favour she knew he bare to her 
 brother Istnenus, which, like a self-flattering woman, she conceived 
 was done for her sake. But when she had achieved her attempt, 
 and that she found the princesses were so far from their intended 
 death, as that one of them was like to be her sovereign ; and that 
 neither her service won of Amphialus much more than an ordinary 
 favour, nor her over-large offering herself to a mind otherwise owed, 
 had obtained a looked for acceptation : disdain to be disdained, 
 spite of a frustrate hope, and perchance unquenched lust-grown 
 rage, made her unquiet thoughts find no other rest, but malice ; 
 which was increased by the death of her brother, whom she 
 judged neither succoured against Philanax, nor revenged upon 
 Philanax. But all these coals were well blown by the company 
 she especially kept with Zelmane all this time of her imprisonment. 
 For finding her presence uncheerful to the mourning Philodea, 
 and condemned of the high hearted Pamela, she spent her time 
 most with Zelmane : Who though at the first hardly brooking 
 the instrument of their misery, learning cunning in the school of 
 adversity, in time framed herself to yield her acceptable entertain- 
 ment. For Zelmane, when she had by that unexpected mischief 
 her body imprisoned, her valour over-mastered, her wit beguiled, 
 her desires barred, her love eclipsed ; assured of evil, fearing 
 worse, able to know Philoclea's misfortune, and not able to succour 
 her, she was a great while before the greatness of her heart could 
 descend to sorrow, but rather rose boiling up in spite and disdain, 
 reason hardly making courage believe that it was distressed ; but 
 as if the walls would be afraid of her, so would her looks shoot out 
 threatenings upon them. But the fetters of servitude, growing 
 heavier with wearing, made her feel her case, and the httle 
 prevailing of repining : and then grief got a seat in her softened 
 mind, making sweetness of passed comforts, by due title, claim 
 tears of present discomforts : and since her fortune made her able 
 to help as little as anybody, yet to be able to wail as much as 
 anybody ; solitary sorrow, with a continual circle in herself, going 
 out at her own mouth, to come in again at her own ears. Then 
 was the name of Philoclea graved in the glass windows, and by 
 the foolish idolatry of affection, no sooner written, than adored ; 
 and no sooner adored, than pitied : all the wonted praises (she 
 was wont to give unto her) being now but figures of rhetoric to 
 amplify the injuries of misfortune ; against which being alone, she 
 would often make invective declamations, methodised only by 
 raging sorrow. 
 
 But when Artesia did insinuate herself into her acquaintance, 
 she gave the government of her courage to wit, and was content to 
 familiarize herself with her : so much the rather, as that she 
 
366 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 perceived in her certain flaws of ill concealed discontentment : 
 insomuch that when Zelmane would sweeten her mouth with the 
 praise of the sisters, especially setting forth their noble gratefulness 
 in never forgetting well-intended services, and invoking the justice 
 of the gods not to suffer such treasures to be wrongfully hidden, 
 and sometimes with a kind of unkindness charging Artesia that 
 she had been abused to abuse so worthy persons : Artesia, though 
 falsely, would protest that she had been beguiled in it, never 
 meaning other matter than recreation ; and yet withal by alleging 
 how ungratefully she was dealt with, it was easy to be seen it was 
 the unrewarding, and not the evil employing her service, which 
 grieved her. But Zelmane, using her own bias to bowl near the 
 mistress of her own thoughts, was content to lend her belief, and 
 withal to magnify her desert, if willingly she would deliver, whom 
 vinwillingly she had imprisoned ; leaving no argument which might 
 tickle ambition, or flatter revenge. So that Artesia, pushed forward 
 by Clinias, and drawn onward by Zelmane, bound herself to that 
 practice ; wherein Zelmane, for her part, desired no more but to 
 have armour and weapons brought into her chamber, not doubting 
 therewith to perform anything, how impossible soever, which 
 longing love can persuade, and invincible valour dare promise. 
 
 But Clinias, whose faith could never comprehend the mysteries 
 of courage, persuaded Artesia, while he by corruption had drawn 
 the guard of one gate, to open it, when he would appoint the time 
 to the enemy, that she should impoison Amphialus, which she 
 might the easier do, because she herself had used to make the 
 broths, when Amphialus, either wearied or wounded, did use such 
 diet. And all things already were ready to be put in execution, 
 when they thought best to break this matter with the two excellent 
 sisters, not doubting of their consent in a thing so behoveful to 
 themselves : their reasons being that the princesses knowing their 
 service, might be sure to preserve them from the fury of the 
 entering soldiers : whereof Clinias, even so, could scarcely be 
 sufficiently certain : and withal, making them privy to their action, 
 to bind them afterwards to a promised gratefulness towards them. 
 They went therefore at one time, when they knew them to be 
 alone, Clinias to Philoclea, and Artesia to Pamela ; and Clinias, 
 with no few words, did set forth what an exploit was intended for 
 her service. But Philoclea, in whose clear mind, treason could 
 find no hiding-place, told him that she would be glad if he could 
 persuade her cousin to deliver her, and that she wouldnever forget 
 his service therein ; but that she desired him to lay dovim any such 
 way of mischief, for, that for her part, she would rather yield to 
 perpetual imprisonment than consent to the destroying her cousin, 
 who, she knew, loved her, though wronged her. This unlooked- 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 367, 
 
 for answer amazed Clinias, so that he had no other remedy in his 
 mind but to kneel down to Philoclea, and beseech her to keep 
 it secret, considering that the intention was for her service, and 
 vowing, since she misliked it, to proceed no farther therein, she 
 comforted him with promise of silence, which she performed. 
 
 But that little availed ; for Artesia having in like sort opened 
 this device to Pamela, she, in whose mind virtue governed with 
 the sceptre of knowledge, hating so horrible a wickedness, and 
 straight judging what -was fit to do : " Wicked woman," said she, 
 "whose unrepenting heart can find no way to amend treason, 
 but by treason, now the time is come that thy wretched wiles have 
 caught thyself in thine own net : as for me, let the gods dispose 
 of me as shall please them ; but sure it shall be no such way, nor 
 way-leader, by which I will come to liberty." This she spoke 
 something with a louder voice than she was wont to use, so that 
 Cecropia heard the noise, who was, sooner than Artesia imagined 
 she would, come up, to bring Pamela to a window where she 
 might see a notable skirmish happened in the camp, as she 
 thought among themselves : and being a cunning fisher in troubled 
 waters, straight found by their voices and gestures there was some 
 matter of consequence, which she desired Pamela to tell her. 
 "Ask of her," said Pamela, "and learn to know, that who do 
 falsehood to their superiors, teach falsehood to their inferiors." 
 More she would not say. But Cecropia taking away the each-way 
 guilty Artesia, with fear of torture, got of her the whole practice : 
 so that Zelmane was the more closely imprisoned, and Clinias 
 with the rest of his corrupted mates, according to their merits' 
 executed : for as for Artesia, she was but locked up in her chamber] 
 Amphialus not consenting, for the love he bore to Ismenus, that 
 farther punishment should be laid upon her. 
 
 But the noise they heard in the camp was by occasion of the 
 famous prince Anaxius, nephew to the giant Euardes, whom 
 Pyrocles slew ; a prince of body exceedingly strong, in arms so 
 skilful and fortunate, as no man was thought to excel him • of 
 courage that knew not how to fear ; of parts worthy praise, if thev 
 had not been guided by pride, and followed by injustice. For by 
 a strange composition of mind, there was no man more tenderly 
 sensible in anything offered to himself, which in the farthest- 
 fetched construction might be wrested to the name of wron? ■ 
 no man that in his own actions could worse distinguish between 
 valour and vidence: so proud, that he could not abstain from 
 a Thraso-like boastmg, arid yet,:so unlucky a lodging his vi tuS 
 had gotten, he would never boast more than he would accompS 
 •falsely accounting an inflexible anger a courageous constan y 
 esteeming fear and astonishment righter causes of admiration 
 
368 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 than love and honour. This man had four sundry times fought 
 with Amphialus, but Mars had been so impartial an arbiter, that 
 neither side got advantage of the other. But in the end, it 
 happened that Anaxius found Amphialus, unknown in great 
 danger, and saved his life : whereupon, loving his own benefit, 
 began to favour him, so much the more, as thinking so well of 
 himself, he could not choose but like him, whom he found a match 
 for himself : which at last grew to as much friendship towards him, 
 as could by a proud heart be conceived. So as in this travel 
 (seeking Pyrocles to be revenged of his uncle's death) hearing of 
 this siege, never taking pains to examine the quarrel, like a man 
 whose will was his god, and his hand his law, taking with him 
 his two brothers, men accounted little inferior to himself in martial 
 matters, and two hundred chosen horsemen, with whom he thought 
 himself able to conquer the world, yet commanding the rest of 
 his forces to follow, he himself upon such an unexpected suddenness 
 entered in upon the back of Basilius, that many with great 
 unkindness took their death, not knowing why, nor how they were 
 so murdered. There, if ever, did he make known the wonderfulness 
 of his force. But the valiant and faithful Philanax, with well 
 governed speed, made such head against him as would have 
 showed how soon courage falls in the ditch which hath not the 
 eye of wisdom ; but that Amphialus at the same time issued out 
 and winning with abundance of courage one of the sconces which 
 Basilius had builded, made way for his friend Anaxius, with great 
 loss of both sides, but especially of the Basilians, such notable 
 monuments had those two swords especially left of their master's 
 redoubted worthiness. 
 
 There, with the respect fit to his estate, the honour due to his 
 worthiness, and the kindness which accompanies friendship, made 
 fast by interchanged benefits,' did Amphialus enforce himself, 
 as much as in a besieged town he could, to make Anaxius know 
 that his succour was not so needful as his presence grateful. 
 For causing the streets and houses of the town to witness his 
 welcome, making both soldiers and magistrates in their 
 countenances to show their gladness of him, he led him to his 
 mother, whom he besought to entertain him with no less love and 
 kindness, than as one who once had saved her son's life, and now 
 came to save both life and honour. " Tush," said Anaxius, 
 speaking aloud, looking upon his brothers, " I am only sorry there 
 are not half-a-dozen kings more about you, than what Anaxius 
 can do might be the better manifested." His brothers smiled, 
 as though he had over-modestly spoken, far underneath the pitch 
 of his power. Then was he disarmed at the earnest request of 
 Amphialus : for Anaxius boiled with desire to issue out upon the 
 
BOOK III.]" ARCADIA 369 
 
 enemies, persuading himself that the sun should not be set before 
 he had overthrown them. And having reposed himself, Amphialus 
 asked him whether he would visit the young princesses. But 
 Anaxius whispered him in the ear, "In truth," said he, "dear 
 friend Amphialus, though I am none of those that love to speak 
 for themselves, I never came yet in company of ladies but that 
 they fell in love with me. And that I in my heart scorn them as 
 a peevish paltry sex, nor worthy to communicate with my virtues, 
 would not do you the wrong : since, as I hear, you do debase 
 yourself so much as to affect them." The courteous Amphialus 
 could have been angry with him for those words ; but knowing 
 his humour, suffered him to dance to his own music : and gave 
 himself to entertain both him and his brothers, with as cheerful 
 a manner as could issue from a mind whom unlucky love had 
 filled with melancholy. For to Anaxius he yielded the direction 
 of all. He gave the watch-word, and if any grace were granted, 
 the means were to be made to Anaxius. And that night when 
 supper was ended wherein Amphialus would needs himself wait 
 upon him, he caused in boats upon the lake an excellent music 
 to be ordered ; which, though Anaxius might conceive was for his 
 honour, yet indeed he was but the brick wall to convey it to the 
 ears of the beloved Philoclea. 
 
 The music was of cornets, whereof one answering the other, with 
 a sweet emulation striving for the glory of music, and striking 
 upon the smooth face of the quiet lake, was then delivered up to 
 the castle walls, which with a proud reverberation, spreading it 
 into the air, it seemed before the harmony came to the ear, that 
 it had enriched itself in travel, the nature of those places adding 
 melody to that melodious instrument. And when a while that 
 instrument had made a brave proclamation to all possessed minds 
 of attention, an excellent concert straight followed, of five viols, 
 and as many voices ; which all being but orators of their master's 
 passions, bestowed this song upon her that thought upon another 
 matter. 
 
 The fire to see my wrongs for anger burneth ; 
 
 The air in rain for my affection weepeth : 
 
 The sea to ebb for grief his flowing turneth : 
 The earth with pity dull his centre keepeth. 
 
 Fame is with wonder blazed ; 
 
 Time runs away for sorrow : 
 
 Place standeth still amazed, 
 To see my night of evils, which hath no morrow. 
 
 Alas all only she no pity taketh 
 To know my miseries, but chaste and cruel, 
 
 My fall her glory maketh ; 
 
370 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 Yet still her eyes give to my flame their fuel. 
 Fire, burn me quite, till sense of burning: leave me ! 
 Air, let me draw thy Breath no more in anguish : 
 Sea, drown'd in thee of tedious life bereave me ; 
 Earth, take this Earth wherein my spirits languish. 
 
 Fame, say I was not born : 
 
 Time, haste my dying hour. 
 
 Place, see my grave up torn : 
 Fire, air, sea, earth, fame, time, place, show your power. 
 
 Alas from all their help I am exiled : 
 For hers am I, and death fears her displeasure. 
 
 Fie death thou art beguiled ; 
 Though I be hers, she makes of me no treasure. 
 
 But Anaxius, seeming a-weary before it was ended, told Amphialus, 
 that for his part he liked no music but the neighing of horses, the 
 sound of trumpets, and the cries of yielding persons : and therefore 
 desired, that the next morning they should issue upon the same 
 place where they had entered that day, not doubting to make them 
 quickly a-weary of being the besiegers of Anaxius. Amphialus, 
 who had no whit less courage, though nothing blown up with 
 pride, willingly condescended : and so the next morning, giving 
 false alarm to the other side of the camp, Amphialus at Anaxius's 
 earnest request, staying within the town to see it guarded, Anaxius 
 and his brethren, Lycurgus and Zoilus sallied out with the best 
 chosen men. But Basilius, having been the last day somewhat 
 unprovided, now had better fortified the overthrown sconce ; and 
 so well had prepared everything for defence, that it was impossible 
 for any valour from within to prevail. Yet things were performed 
 by Anaxius beyond the credit of the credulous : for thrice, 
 valiantly followed by his brothers, did he set up his banner upon 
 the rampire of the enemy ; though thrice again by the multitude, 
 and advantage of the place, but especially by the coming of three 
 valiant knights, he was driven down again. Numbers there were 
 that day, whose deaths and overthrows were excused by the well 
 known sword of Anaxius : but the rest by the length of time and 
 injury of historians have been wrapped up in dark forgetfulness ; 
 only Tressenius is spoken of, because when all abandoned the 
 place, he only made head to Anaxius ; till having lost one of his 
 legs, yet not lost the heart of fighting, Lycurgus, second brother 
 to Anaxius, cruelly murdered him ; Anaxius himself disdaining 
 any farther to deal with them. 
 
 But so far had Anaxius at the third time prevailed, that now the 
 Basilians began to let their courage descend to their feet ; Basilius 
 and Philanax in vain striving with reverence of authority to bridle 
 the flight of astonishment, and to teach fear, discretion ; So that 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 371 
 
 Amphialus, seeing victory show such a flattering countenance to 
 him, came out with all his force, hoping that day to end the siege. 
 But that fancy altered quickly, by the sudden coming to the 
 other side of the three knights, whereof the one was in white 
 armour, the other in green, and the third by his black armour and 
 device, straight known to be the notable knight who the first day 
 had given fortune so short a stop with his notable deeds, fighting 
 hand to hand with the deemed invincible Amphialus. For the 
 very cowards no sooner saw him, but as borrowing some of his 
 spirit, they went like young eagles to the prey, under the wing of 
 their dam. For the three adventurers, not content to keep them 
 from their rampire, leapt down among them, and entered into a 
 brave combat with the three valiant brothers. But to whether 
 side fortune would have been partial, could not be determined. 
 For the Basihans, lightened with the beams of their strangers' 
 valour, followed so thick, that the Amphialians were glad with 
 some haste to retire to the wall-ward : though Anaxius neither 
 reason, fear, nor example, could make him assuage the fury of his 
 fight : until one of the Basilians (unworthy to have his name 
 registered, since he did it cowardly, sideward, when he least looked 
 that way) almost cut off one of his legs, so that he fell down, 
 blaspheming heaven, that all the influences thereof had power to 
 overthrow him : and there death would have seized on his proud 
 heart, but that Amphialus took in hand the black knight, while 
 some of his soldiers conveyed away Anaxius, so requiting life for 
 life unto him. 
 
 And for the love and example of Amphialus, the fight began to 
 enter into a new fit of heat : when Basilius, that thought enough 
 to be done for that day, caused retreat to be sounded ; fearing lest 
 his men following over-earnestly, might be the loss of those 
 excellent knights whom he desired to know. The knights as soon 
 as they heard the retreat, though they were eagerly set, knowing 
 that courage without discipline, is nearer beastliness than manhood 
 drew back their swords, though hungry of more blood : especially 
 the black knight, who knowing of Amphialus, could not refrain to 
 tell him, that this was the second time he escaped out of his hands 
 but that he would shortly bring him a bill of all the former 
 accounts. Amphialus seeing it fit to retire also, most of his people 
 being hurt, both in bodies and hearts, withdrew himself with so 
 well-seated a resolution, that it was as far from anger, as from 
 dismayedness, answering no other to the black knight's threats 
 but that when he brought him his account, he should find a good 
 paymaster. 
 
 The fight being ceased, and each side withdrawn within their 
 strengths, Basilius sent Philanax to entertain the strange knights 
 
372 ARCADIA [book m, 
 
 and to bring them unto him that he might acknowledge what 
 honour was due to their virtue. But they excused themselves, 
 desiring to be known first by their deeds, before their names should 
 accuse their unworthiness : and though the other replied according 
 as they deserved, yet (finding that unwelcome courtesy is a degree 
 of injury) he suffered them to retire themselves to a tent of their 
 own without the camp, where they kept themselves secret : Philanax 
 himself being called away to another strange knight ; strange not 
 only by the unlooked-for-ness of his coming, but by the strange 
 manner of his coming. 
 
 For he had before him four damsels, and so many behind him, 
 all upon palfreys, and all apparelled in mourning weeds ; each of 
 them a servant on each side, with hke liveries of sorrow. Himself 
 in an armour, all painted over with such a cunning of shadow, that 
 it represented a gaping sepulchre ; the furniture of his horse was 
 all of cypress branches : wherewith in old time they were wont to 
 dress graves. His bases, which he wore so long, as they came 
 almost to his ankle, were embroidered only with black worms, 
 which seemed to crawl up and down, as ready to devour him. In 
 his shield, for Impresa, he had a beautiful child, but having two 
 heads, whereon the one showed that it was already dead ; the 
 other alive, but in that case, necessarily looking for death. The 
 word was : No way to be rid from death, but by death. 
 
 This knight of the tomb, for so the soldiers termed him, sent to 
 Basilius to demand leave to send a damsel into the town, to call 
 out Amphialus, according as before time some others had done. 
 Which being granted, as glad any would undertake the charge, 
 which nobody else in that camp was known willing to do, the 
 damsel went in, and having with tears sobbed out a brave challenge 
 to Amphialus, from the knight of the tomb, Amphialus honourably 
 entertaining the gentlewoman, and desiring to know the knight's 
 name, which the doleful gentlewoman would not discover, accepted 
 the challenge, only desiring the gentlewoman to say thus much to 
 the strange knight from him, that if his mind were like to his title, 
 there were more cause of affinity than enmity between them. And 
 therefore presently, accordingly as he was wont, as soon as he 
 perceived the knight of the tomb, with his damsels and judge, was 
 come into the island, he also went over in accustomed manner ; 
 and yet for the courtesy of his nature, desired to speak with him. 
 
 But the knight of the tomb, with silence and drawing his horse 
 back, showed no will to hear, nor speak : but with lance on thigh, 
 made him know, it was fit for him to go to the other end of the 
 career, whence waiting the start of the unknown knight, he likewise 
 made his spurs claim haste of his horse. But when his staff was 
 in his rest, coming down to meet with the knight, now very near 
 
eooK m.] ARCADIA 373 
 
 him, he perceived the knight had missed his rest : wherefore the 
 courteous Amphialus would not let his lance descend : but with a 
 gallant grace, ran over the head of his therein friended enemy : 
 and having stopped his horse^ and with the turning of him, blessed 
 his sight with the window where he thought Philoclea might stand, 
 he perceived the knight had lighted from his horse, and thrown 
 away his staff, angry with his misfortune, as of having missed his 
 rest, and drawn his sword, to make that supply his fellow's fault ; 
 he also alighted, and drew his sword, esteeming victory with 
 advantage, rather robbed than purchased : and so the other 
 coming eagerly toward him, he with his shield out ; and sword 
 aloft, with more bravery than anger drew unto him, and straight 
 made their swords speak for them a pretty while with equal 
 fierceness. But Amphialus, to whom the earth brought forth few 
 matches, having both much more skill to choose the places, and 
 more force to work upon the chosen, had already made many 
 windows in his armour for death to come in at, when in the 
 nobleness of his nature abhorring to make the punishment overgo 
 the offence, he stepped a little back, and withal, " Sir knight," said 
 he, " you may easily see that it pleaseth God to favour my cause ; 
 employ your valour against them that wish you hurt, for my part I 
 have not deserved hate of you." " Thou liest, false traitor," said 
 the other, with an angry, but weak voice ; but Amphialus, in whom 
 abused kindness became spiteful rage. "Ah barbarous wretch," 
 said he, "only courageous in discourtesy, thou shalt soon see 
 whether thy tongue hath betrayed thy heart, or no : " and with 
 that redoubled his blows, gave him a great wound upon his neck, 
 and closing with him, over-threw him, and with the fall thrust him 
 mortally into the body, and with that went to pull off his helmet, 
 with intention to make him give himself the lie, for having so said, 
 or to cut off his head. 
 
 But the headpiece was no sooner off, but that there fell about 
 the shoulders of the overcome knight the treasure of fair golden 
 hair, which with the face, soon known by the badge of excellency, 
 witnessed that it was Parthenia, the unfortunately virtuous wife of 
 Argalus; her beauty then, even in the despite of the passed 
 sorrow, or coming death, assuring all beholders that it was nothing 
 short of perfection. For her exceeding fair eyes, having with 
 continual weeping gotten a little redness about them, her round 
 sweetly swelling lips a little trembling, as though they kissed their 
 neighbour death ; in her cheeks the whiteness striving by little 
 and little to get upon the rosiness of them ; her neck, a neck 
 indeed of alabaster, displaying the wound, which with most dainty 
 blood laboured to drown his own beauties ; so that here was a 
 river of purest red, there an island of perfectest white, each giving 
 
i74 Arcadia [book hi. 
 
 lustre to the other, with the sweet countenance, God knows, full of 
 an unaffected languishing: though these things to, a grossly 
 conceiving sense might seem disgraces, yet indeed were they but 
 apparelling beauty in a new fashion, which all looked upon through 
 the spectacles of pity, did even increase the lines of her natural 
 fairness ; so that Amphialus was astonished with grief, compassion 
 and shame, detesting his fortune that made him unfortunate in 
 victory. 
 
 Therefore putting off his headpiece and gauntlet, kneeling down 
 unto her, and with tears testifying his sorrow, he offered his, by 
 himself accursed, hands to help her, protesting his life and power 
 to be ready to do her honour. But Parthenia, who had inward 
 messengers of the desired death's approach, looking upon him, and 
 straight turning away her feeble sight, as from a delightless object, 
 drawing out her words, which her breath, loth to depart from so 
 sweet a body, did faintly deliver : " Sir," said she, " I pray you, if 
 prayers have place in enemies, to let my maids take my body 
 untouched by you : the only honour I now desire by your means, 
 is, that I have no honour of you. Argalus made no such bargain 
 with you, that the hands which killed him, should help me. I have 
 of them, and I do not only pardon you, but thank you for it, the 
 service which I desired. There rests nothing now, but that I go 
 live with him, since whose death I have done nothing but die." 
 Then pausing, and a little fainting, and again coming to herself ; 
 " O sweet life, welcome," said she, " now feel I the bands united of 
 the cruel death, which so long hath held me. And O life, O death, 
 answer for me, that my thoughts have not so much as in a dream 
 tasted any comfort, since they were deprived of Argalus. I come, 
 my Argalus, I come : and, O God, hide my faults in thy mercies, 
 and grant, as I feel thou dost grant, that in thy eternal love, we 
 
 may love each other eternally. And this, O Lord : " but there 
 
 Atropos* cut off her sentence : for with that, casting up both eyes 
 and hands to the skies, the noble soul departed (one might well 
 assure himself) to heaven, which left the body in so heavenly a 
 demeanour. 
 
 But Amphialus, with a heart oppressed with grief, because of 
 her request, withdrew himself: but the judges, as full of pity, had 
 been all this while disarming her, and her gentlewomen with 
 lamentable cries labouring to staunch the remediless wounds : and 
 a while she was dead before they perceived it, death being able to 
 divide the soul, but not the beauty from that body. But when 
 the infallible tokens of death assured them of their loss, one 
 of the women would have killed herself, but that the squire of 
 Amphialus perceiving, by force held her. Others that had as 
 
 » One of the three sisters which are said to cut the thread of life. 
 
BOOK III.I ARCADIA 375 
 
 strong passion, though weaker resolution, fell to cast dust upon 
 their heads, to tear their garments ; all falling upon the earth, and 
 crying upon their sweet mistress, as if their cries could persuade 
 the soul to leave the celestial happiness, to come again into the 
 elements of sorrow; one time calling to remembrance her virtue, 
 chasteness, sweetness, and goodness to them ; another time 
 accursing themselves that they had obeyed her ; being deceived 
 by her words, who assured thera that it was revealed unto her that 
 she should have her heart's desire in the battle against Amphialus, 
 which they wrongly understood. Then kissing her cold hands 
 and feet, weary of the world, since she was gone who was their 
 world, the very heavens seemed with a cloudy countenance to lour 
 at the loss, and fame itself (though by nature glad to tell such rare 
 accidents) yet could not choose but deliver it in lamentable accents, 
 and in such sort went it quickly all over the camp : and as if the 
 air had been infected with sorrow, no heart was so hard, but was 
 as subject to that contagion ; the rareness of the accident, matching 
 together, the rarely matched together, pity with admiration. 
 Basilius himself came forth, and brought the fair Gynecia with 
 him, who was come into the camp under colour of visiting her 
 husband, and hearing of her daughters : but indeed Zelmane was 
 the saint to which her pilgrimage was intended, cursing, envying, 
 blessing, and in her heart kissing the walls which imprisoned her. 
 But both they, with Philanax, and the rest of the principal nobility, 
 went out to make honour triumph over death, conveying that 
 excellent body (whereto Basilius himself would needs lend his 
 shoulder) to a church a mile from the camp, where the vahant 
 Argalus lay entombed ; recommending to that sepulchre the blessed 
 rehcs of a faithful and virtuous love, giving order for the making 
 of two marble images to represent them, and each way enriching 
 the tomb : upon which Basilius himself caused this epitaph to be 
 written, 
 
 His Being was in her alone. 
 And he not Being she was none. 
 
 They joy'd One joy. One grief they griev'd, 
 One love they lov'd, One life they liv'd. 
 The hand was One, One was the sword 
 That did his death, her death afford. 
 
 As all the rest ; so now the stone 
 That tombs the Two is justly One, 
 
 ARGALUS AND PARTHENIA. 
 
37<5 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 Then with eyes full of tears, and mouths full of her praises, 
 returned they to the camp, with more and more hate against 
 Amphialus, who, poor gentleman, had therefore greater portion 
 of woe than any of them. For that courteous heart, which would 
 have grieved but to have heard the like adventure, was rent with 
 remembering himself to be the author ; so that his wisdom could 
 not so far temper his passion, but that he took his sword, counted 
 the best in the world (which with much blood he had once 
 conquered of a mighty giant) and broke it into many pieces, which 
 afterwards he had good cause to repent, saying, that neither it was 
 worthy to serve the noble exercise of chivalry, nor any other worthy 
 to feel that sword, which had stricken so excellent a lady; and 
 withal, banishing all cheerfulness of his countenance he returned 
 home : where he got him to his bed, not so much to rest 
 his restless mind, as to avoid all company ; the sight whereof 
 was tedious unto him. And then melancholy, only rich in 
 unfortunate remembrances, brought before him all the mishaps 
 with which his life had wrestled ; taking this, not only as a 
 confirming of the former, but a presage of following misery, and 
 to his heart, already overcome by sorrowfulness, even trifling 
 misfortunes came, to fill up the roll of a grieved memory, 
 labouring only his wits to pierce farther and farther into his own 
 wretchedness. So as all that night, in despite of darkness, he 
 held his eyes open; and in the morning, when the light began 
 to restore to each body his colour, then with curtains barred he 
 himself from the enjoying of it ; neither willing to feel the comfort 
 of the day, nor the ease of the night, until his mother (who never 
 knew what love meant, but only to him-ward) came to his bedside, 
 and beginning with loving earnestness to lay a kind chiding upon 
 him, because he would suffer the weakness of sorrow to conquer the 
 strength of his virtues ; he did with a broken piece-meal speech, 
 as if the tempest of passion unorderly blew out his words, 
 remember the mishaps of his youth, the evils he had been the 
 cause of, his rebelling with shame, and that shame increased with 
 shameful accidents, the deaths of Philoxenus and Parthenia, 
 wherein he found himself hated of the ever-ruling powers, but 
 especially (and so especially, as the rest seemed nothing when he 
 came to that) his fatal love to Philoclea : to whom he had so 
 governed himself as one that could neither conquer, nor yield ; 
 being of the one side a slave, and of the other a jailor : and withal 
 almost upbraiding unto his mother the little success of her large 
 hoping promises, he in effect finding Philoclea nothing mollified, 
 and now himself, so cast down as he thought himself unworthy 
 of better. But his mother, as she had plentiful cause, making 
 him see that of his other griefs there was little or no fault in 
 
BOOK m.] ARCADIA ^TJ 
 
 himself, and therefore there ought to be little or no grief in him ; 
 when she came to the head of the sore, indeed seeing that she 
 could no longer patch up her former promises (he taking a 
 desperate deafness to all delaying hopes) she confessed plainly 
 that she could prevail nothing : but the fault was his own, who 
 had marred the young girl by seeking to have that by prayer, 
 which he should have taken by authority. That it were an 
 absurd cunning to make high ladders to go in a plain way ; so 
 was it an untimely and foolish flattery, there to beseech, where 
 one might command, pufiSng them up by being besought, with 
 such a self pride of superiority, that it was not, forsooth, to be held 
 out but by denial. " O God," said Amphialus, " how well I thought 
 my fortune would bring forth this end of your labours? assure 
 yourself, mother, I will sooner pull out these eyes, than they should 
 look upon the heavenly Philoclea, but as upon a heaven whence 
 they have their light, and to which they are subject. If they will 
 pour down any influences of comfort : O happy I : but if by the 
 sacrifice of a faithful heart, they will not be called unto me, let me 
 languish and wither with languishing, and grieve with withering, 
 but never so much as repine with never so much grieving- 
 Mother, O Mother, lust may well be a tyrant, but true love where 
 it is indeed, it is a servant. Accursed more than I am, may I be, 
 if ever I did approach her, but that I freezed as much in a fearful 
 reverence, as I burned in a vehement desire. Did ever man's 
 eye look through love upon the majesty of virtue, shining through 
 beauty, but that he became, as it well became him, a captive? 
 and it is the style of the captive to write, 'Our will and 
 pleasure?'" 
 
 "Tush, tush, son," said Cecropia, "if you say you love, but withal 
 you fear, you fear lest you should offend. Offend ? and how know 
 you that you should offend? because she doth deny. Deny? 
 now by my truth, if your sadness would let me laugh, I could laugh 
 heartily to see that you are ignorant, that No is no Negative in 
 a woman's mouth. My son, believe me, a woman speaking of 
 women ; a lover's modesty among us is much more praised, than 
 liked : or if we like it, so well we Hke it, that for marring of his 
 niodesty, he shall never proceed farther. Each virtue hath his 
 time ; if you command your soldier to march foremost, and he for 
 courtesy put others before him, would you praise his modesty? 
 love is your general, he bids you dare, and will Amphialus be 
 a dastard? let example serve: do you think Theseus should ever 
 have gotten Antiope with sighing and crossing his arms? he 
 •ravished her, and ravished her that was an Amazon, and therefore 
 had gotten a habit of stoutness above the nature of a woman: 
 but having ravished her, he got a child of her. And I say no 
 
378 ARCADIA [book tii. 
 
 more, but that, they say, is not gotten without consent on both 
 sides. lole had her own father killed by Hercules, and herself 
 ravished, by force ravished, and yet ere long this ravished and 
 unfathered lady could sportfully put on the lion's skin upon her 
 own fair shoulders, and play with the club with her own delicate 
 hands : so easily had she pardoned the ravisher, that she could 
 not but delight in those weapons of ravishing. But above all 
 mark Helen, daughter to Jupiter, who could never brook her 
 mannerly-wooing Menelaus, but disdained his humbleness, and 
 loathed his softness. But so well she could like the force of 
 enforcing Paris, that for him she could abide what might be 
 abidden. But what? Menelaus takes heart, he recovers her by 
 force, by force carries her home, by force enjoys her; and she 
 who would never like him for serviceableness, ever after loved 
 him for violence. For what can be more agreeable than upon 
 force to lay the fault of desire, and in one instant to join a dear 
 delight with a just excuse ? or rather the true cause is (pardon me, 
 O woman-kind, for revealing to mine own son the truth of this 
 mystery) we think there wants fire, where we find no sparkles, at 
 least of fury. Truly I have known a great lady, long sought by 
 most great, most wise, most beautiful, and most valiant persons, 
 never won, because they did over-superstitiously solicit her: the 
 same lady brought under by another, inferior to all them in all 
 those qualities, only because he could use that imperious master- 
 fulness which nature gives to men above women. For indeed, 
 son, I confess unto you, in our very creation we are servants : 
 and who prayeth his servants, shall never be well obeyed : but 
 as a ready horse straight yields when he finds one that will make 
 him yield, the same falls to bounds when feels a fearful horseman. 
 Awake thy spirits, good Amphialus, and assure thyself, that though 
 she refuseth, she refuseth but to endear the obtaining. If she weep, 
 and chide, and protest before it be gotten, she can but weep, and 
 chide, and protest, when it is gotten. Think, she would not strive, 
 but that she means to try thy force; and my Amphialus, know 
 thyself a man, and show thyself a man ; and, believe me upon my 
 word, a woman is a woman." 
 
 Amphialus was about to answer her, when a gentleman of his 
 made him understand that there was a messenger come, who had 
 brought a letter unto him from out of the camp : whom he 
 presently calling for, took, opened, and read the letter, importing 
 this. 
 
 To thee Amphialus of Arcadia, the forsaken knight wisheth health 
 and courage, that by my hand thou mayest receive punishment for 
 thy treason, according to thine own offer, which wickedly occasioned, 
 thou hast proudly begun, and accursedly maintained, I will 
 
BOOK in.j ARcAbtA if0 
 
 presently (if thy mind faint thee not for his own guiltiness) meet 
 thee in thy island, in such order, as hath by the formef been used : 
 or if thou likest not the time, place, or weapon, I am ready to take 
 thy own reasonable choice in any of them, so as thou do jjerform 
 the substance. Make me such answer as may show that thou hast 
 some taste of honour : and so I leave thee, to live till I meet thee, 
 
 Amphialus read it, and with a deep sigh (according to the 
 humour of inward affliction) seemed even to condemn himself, 
 as though indeed his reproaches were true. But howsoever the 
 dulness of melancholy would have languishingly yielded thereunto, 
 his courage, unused to such injuries, desired help of anger to make 
 him this answer. 
 
 Forsaken knight, though your nameless challenge might carry 
 in itself excuse for a man of my birth and estate, yet herein set your 
 heart at rest, you shall not be forsaken. I will, without stay, 
 answer you in the wonted manner, and come both armed in your 
 foolish threatenings, and yet the more fearless, expecting weak 
 blows, where I find so strong words. You shall not therefore long 
 attend me in the island, before proof teach you, that of my life you 
 have made yourself too large a promise. In the meantime, farewell. 
 
 This being written, and delivered, the messenger told him that 
 his lord would, if he liked the same, bring two knights with him 
 to be his patrons. Which Amphialus accepted, and withal shaking 
 off, with resolution, his mother's importunate persuasions, he 
 furnished himself for the fight, but not in his wonted furniture. 
 For now, as if he would turn his inside outward, he would needs 
 appear all in black ; his decking both for himself, and horse, being 
 cut out into the fashion of very rags : yet all so daintily joined 
 together with precious stones, as it was a brave raggedness, and 
 a rich poverty : and so cunningly had the workman followed his 
 humour in his armour, that he had given it a rusty show, and yet so 
 that any man might perceive was by art, and not negligence ; carry- 
 ing at one instant a disgraced handsomeness, and a new oldness. 
 In his shield he bare for his device, a Night, by an excellent 
 painter, excellently painted, with a sun with a shadow, and upon 
 the shadow a speech signifying, that it only was barred from 
 enjoying that, whereof it had his life ? or from whose I am, 
 banished. In his crest he carried Philoclea's knives, the only 
 token of her forced favour. 
 
 So passed he over into the island, taking with him the two 
 brothers of Anaxius, where he found the forsaken knight attired 
 in his own livery, as black as sorrow itself could see itself in the 
 blackest glass : his ornaments of the same hue, but formed into 
 the figures of ravens, which seemed to gape for carrion : only his 
 
3S0 ARCADIA [BOOK nn 
 
 reins were snakes, which finely wrapping themselves one within 
 the other, their heads came together to the cheeks and bosses of 
 the bit, where they might seem to bite at the horse, and the horse, 
 as he champed the bit, to bite at them, and that the white foam 
 was engendered by the poisonous fury of the combat. His Impresa 
 was a Catoblepa*, which so long lies dead, as the moon, whereto it 
 hath so natural a sympathy, wants her light. The word signified, 
 that the moon wanted not the light, but the poor beast wanted the 
 moon's light. He had in his headpiece, a whip to witness a self- 
 punishing repentance. Their very horses were coal black too, not 
 having so much as one star to give light to their night of blackness : 
 so as one would have thought they had been the two sons of sorrow 
 and were come hither to fight for their birthright in that sorry 
 inheritance. 
 
 Which alliance of passions so moved Amphialus, already tender 
 minded by the afflictions of love, that without staffer sword drawn, 
 he trotted fairly to the forsaken knight, willing to have put off this 
 combat, to which his melancholy heart did, more than ever in like 
 occasion, misgive him : and therefore saluting him, " Good knight," 
 said he, " because we are men, and should know reason why we do 
 things, tell me the cause, that makes you thus eager to fight with 
 me." " Because I affirm," answered the forsaken knight, " that thou 
 dost most rebellious injury to these ladies to whom all men owe 
 service." " You shall not fight with me," said Amphialus, " upon 
 the quarrel : for I confess the same too : but it proceeds from their 
 own beauty, to enforce love to offer this force." " I maintain then," 
 said the forsaken knight, "that thou art not worthy so to love." 
 " And that I confess too," said Amphialus, " since the world is not 
 so richly blessed, as to bring forth anything worthy thereof. But 
 no more unworthy than any other, since in none can be a 
 more worthy love." " Yes, more unworthy than myself," said the 
 forsaken knight, " for though I deserve contempt, thou deservest 
 both contempt and hatred." 
 
 But Amphialus by that thinking, though wrongly, each indeed 
 mistaking other, that he was his rival, forgot all mind of reconcilia- 
 tion, and having all his thoughts bound up in choler, never staying 
 either judge, trumpet, or his own lance, drew out his sword, and 
 saying, " Thou hest, false villain," unto him, his words and blows 
 came so quick together, as the one seemed a lightning of the 
 other's thunder. But he found no barren ground of such seed : for 
 it yielded him his own with such increase, that though reason and 
 amazement go rarely together, yet the most reasonable eyes that 
 saw it, found reason to be amazed at the fury of their combat. 
 Never game of death better played ; never fury set itself forth in 
 
 * The Catoblepa is a beast bred near the rise of Nile. See Pln^ Nat. Hist. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 381 
 
 greater bravery. The courteous Vulcan, when he wrought at his 
 more courteous wife's request ./Eneas an armour, made not his 
 hammer beget a greater sound than the swords of these noble 
 knights did : they needed no fire to their forge, for they made the 
 fire to shine at the meeting of their swords and armours, each side 
 fetching still new spirit from the castle window, and careful o^ 
 keeping their sight that way as a matter of greater consideration in 
 their combat, than either the advantage of sun or wind ; which sun 
 and wind, if the astonished eyes of the beholders were not by the 
 astonishment deceived, did both stand still to be beholders of this 
 rare match. For neither could their amazed eyes discern motion 
 of the sun, and no breath of wind stirred, as if either for fear it 
 would not come among such blows, or with delight had eyes so 
 busy, as it had forgot to open his mouth. This sight being the 
 more cruel, since both love and hatred conspired to sharpen their 
 humours, that hard it was to say whether love with one trumpet, 
 or hatred with another, gave the louder alarm to their courages. 
 Spite, rage, disdain, shame, revenge, came waiting upon hatred : 
 of the other side came with love, longing desire, both invincible 
 hope, and fearless despair, with rival-like jealousy, which, although 
 brought up within doors in the school of Cupid, should show them- 
 selves no less forward than the other dusty band of Mars, to make 
 themselves notable in the notableness of this combat. Of either side 
 confidence, unacquainted with loss, but assuring trust to overcome, 
 and good experience how to overcome : now seconding their terrible 
 blows with cunning labouring the horses to win ground of the enemy; 
 now unlooked-for parting one from the other to win advantages 
 by an advantageous return. But force against force, skill against 
 skill, so interchangeably encountered that it was not easy to 
 determine whether enterprising, or preventing came former : both 
 sometimes at one instant, doing and suffering wrong, and choler 
 no less rising of the doing than of the suffering. But as the fire 
 the more fuel is put to it, the more hungry still it is to devour more 
 so the more they struck, the more, unsatisfied they were with 
 striking. Their very armour by piecemeal fell away from them ; 
 and yet their flesh abode the wounds constantly, as though it were 
 less sensible of smart, than the senseless armour : their blood in 
 most places staining their black colour, as if it would give a more 
 lively colour of mourning than black can do. And so long a space 
 they fought, while neither virtue nor fortune seemed partial of 
 either side : which so tormented the unquiet heart of Amphialus, 
 that he resolved to see a quick end : and therefore with the- 
 violence of courage, adding strength to his blow, he struck in such 
 wise upon the side of the other's head that his remembrance left that 
 battered lodging, so that he was quite from himself, casting his 
 
382 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 arms abroad, and ready to fall down ; his sword likewise went out 
 of his hand, but that being fast by a chain to his arm, he could not 
 lose. And Amphialus used the favour of occasion, redoubling his 
 blows : but the horse, weary to be beaten, as well as the master, 
 carried his master away, till he came unto himself. But then who 
 could have seen him, might well have discerned shame in his 
 cheeks, and revenge in his eyes : so that setting his teeth together 
 with rage, he came running upon Amphialus, reaching out his arm, 
 which had gathered up his sword, meaning with that blow to have 
 cleaved Amphialus in two. But Amphialus, seeing the blow 
 coming, shunned it with nimble turning his horse aside ; wherewith 
 the forsaken knight overstrake himself, so as almost he came down 
 with his own strength : but the more hungry of his purpose, the 
 more he was barred the food of it : disdaining the resistance, both 
 of force and fortune, he returned upon the spur again, and ran with 
 such violence upon Amphialus that his horse with the force of the 
 shock rose up before, almost overturned : which Amphialus 
 perceiving, with rein and spur put forth his horse, and withal gave 
 a mighty blow in the descent of his horse, upon the shoulder of 
 the forsaken knight, from whence sliding, it fell upon the neck of 
 his horse, so as horse and man fell to the ground : but he was 
 scarce down before he was upon his feet again, with brave gesture 
 showing rising of courage, in the falling of fortune. But the 
 courteous Amphialus excused himself, for having, against his will, 
 killed his horse. "Excuse thyself for viler faults," answered the 
 forsaken knight, " and use this poor advantage the best thou canst, 
 for thou shalt quickly find thou hast need of more." " Thy folly," 
 said Amphialus, " shall not make me forget myself : " and therefore, 
 trotting a little aside, alighted from his horse, because he would 
 not have fortune come to claim any part of the victory. Which 
 courteous act would have mollified the noble heart of the forsaken 
 knight, if any other had done it besides the jailor of his mistress; 
 but that was a sufficient defeasance of the firmest bond of good 
 nature ; and therefore he was no sooner alighted but that he ran 
 unto him, re-entering into as cruel a fight as eye did ever see, or 
 thought could reasonably imagine ; far beyond the reach of weak 
 words to be able to express it. For what they had done on horse- 
 back, was but a morsel to keep their stomachs in appetite in 
 comparison of that which now (being themselves) they did. Nor 
 ever glutton by the change of dainty diet could be brought to fresh 
 feeding, when he might have been satisfied before, with more 
 earnestness, than those, by the change of their manner of fight, 
 fell clean to a new fight, though any else would have thought they 
 had their fill already. Amphialus being the taller man, for the 
 most part stood with his right leg before, his shield at the uttermost 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 383 
 
 length of his arm ; his sword high, but with the point towards his 
 enemy. But when he struck, which came so thick, as if every blow 
 would strive to be foremost, his arm seemed still a postilion of 
 death. The forsaken knight showed with like skill, unlike gesture, 
 keeping himself in continual motion, proportioning the distance 
 between them to anything that Amphialus attempted ; his eye 
 guided his foot, and his foot conveyed his hand ; and since nature 
 had made him something the lower of the two, he made art follow, 
 and not strive with nature ; shunning rather than warding his 
 blows; like a cunning mastiff who knows the sharpness of the 
 horn and strength of the bull, fights low to get his proper 
 advantage ; answering mightiness with nimbleness, and yet at 
 times employing his wonderful force, wherein he was second to 
 none. In sum, the blows were strong, the thrusts thick, and the 
 avoidings cunning. But the forsaken knight, that thought it a 
 degree of being conquered to be long in conquering, struck him so 
 mighty a blow, that he made Amphialus put knee to the ground, 
 without any humbleness. But when he felt himself stricken down, 
 and saw himself stricken down by his rival, then shame seemed one 
 arm, and disdain another ; fury in his eyes, and revenge in his 
 heart ; skill and force gave place and they took the place of skill 
 and force, with so unweariable a manner that the forsaken knight 
 was driven also to leave the stern of cunning, and gave himself 
 wholly to be guided by the storm of fury : there being in both, 
 because hate would not suffer admiration, extreme disdain to find 
 themselves so matched. 
 
 "What," said Amphialus to himself, "am I Amphialus, before 
 whom so many monsters and giants have fallen dead, when I only 
 sought causeless adventures? and can one knight now withstand 
 me in the presence of Philoclea, and fighting for Philoclea, or since 
 I lost my liberty, have I lost my courage, have I gotten the heart 
 of a slave as well as the fortune ? If an army were against me in 
 the sight of Philoclea, could it resist me ? O beast, one man resists 
 thee : thy rival resists thee : or am I indeed Amphialus ? have not 
 passions killed him, and wretched I, I know not how, succeeded 
 into his place?" Of the other side the forsaken knight with no 
 less spite fell out with himself ; " Hast thou broken," said he to 
 himself, "the commandment of thy only princess, to come now 
 into her presence, and in her presence to prove thyself a coward ? 
 Doth Asia and Egypt set up trophies unto thee to be matched here 
 by a traitor? O noble Barsanes, how shamed will thy soul be, 
 that he that slew thee, should be resisted by this one man? O 
 incomparable Pyrocles, more grieved wilt thou be with thy friend's 
 shame, than with thine own imprisonment, when thou shalt know 
 how little I have been able to do for the delivery of thee, and these 
 
384 ARCADIA [book in, 
 
 heavenly princesses. Am I worthy to be friend to the most 
 valorous prince that ever was entitled valorous, and show myself 
 so weak a wretch ? no shamed Musidorus, worthy for nothing but 
 to keep sheep, get thee a sheep-hook again, since thou canst use a 
 sword no better." 
 
 Thus at times did they, now with one thought, then with another, 
 sharpen their over-sharp humours ; like the lion that beats himself 
 with his own tail, to make himself the more angry. These thoughts 
 indeed not staying, but whetting their angry swords, which now 
 had put on the apparel of cruelty : they bleeding so abundantly, 
 that everybody that saw them, fainted for them, and yet they 
 fainted not in themselves : their smart being more sensible to other 
 eyes than to their own feeling. Wrath and courage barring the 
 common sense from bringing any message of their case to the 
 mind : pain, weariness, and weakness, not daring to make known 
 their case, though already in the limits of death, in the presence of 
 so violent fury : which filling the veins with rage instead of blood, 
 and making the mind minister spirits to the body, a great while held 
 out their fight, like an arrow shot upward by the force of the bow, 
 though by his own nature he would go downward. The forsaken 
 knight had the more wounds, but Amphialus had the sorer ; which 
 the other, watching time and place, had cunningly given unto him : 
 who ever saw a well manned galley fight with a tall ship, might 
 make unto himself some kind of comparison of the difference of 
 these two knights ; a better couple than which the world could not 
 brag of. Amphialus seemed to excel in strength, the forsaken 
 knight in nimbleness ; and yet did the one's strength excel in 
 nimbleness, and the other's nimbleness excel in strength ; but now 
 strength and nimbleness were both gone, and excess of courage 
 only maintained the fight. Three times had Amphialus, with his 
 mighty blows driven the forsaken knight to go staggering back- 
 ward, but every one of these times he requited pain with smart, 
 and shame with repulse. And now whether he had cause, or that 
 over-much confidence, an over-forward scholar of unconquered 
 courage, made him think he had cause, he began to persuade 
 himself he had the advantage of the combat though the advantage 
 he took himself to have was only that he should be the later to die : 
 which hope, hate, as unsecret as love, could not conceal, but 
 drawing himself a little back from him, broke out in these manner 
 of words. 
 
 " Ah Amphialus," said the forsaken knight, " this third time thou 
 shalt not escape me, but thy death shall satisfy thy injury and my 
 malice, and pay for the cruelty thou showedst in killing the noble 
 Argalus, and the fair Parthenia." " In troth," said Amphialus, 
 " thou art the best knight thqt ever I fought withal, which would 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 385 
 
 make' me willing to grant thee thy life, if thy wit were as good as 
 thy courage ; that, besides other follies, layest that to my charge, 
 which most against my will was committed. But whether my 
 death be in thy power, or no, let this tell thee ; " and upon the 
 word waited a blow, which parted his shield in two pieces ; and 
 despising the weak resistance of his already broken armour, made 
 a great breach into his heart side, as if he would make a passage 
 for his love to get out at. 
 
 But pain rather seemed to increase life, than to weaken life in 
 these champions. For the forsaken knight coming in with his 
 right leg, and making it guide the force of the blow, struck 
 Amphialus upon the belly so horrible a wound, that his guts came 
 out withal. Which Amphialus perceiving (fearing death, only 
 because it should come with overthrow) he seemed to conjure all 
 his strength for one moment's service ; and so lifting up his sword 
 with both hands, hit the forsaken knight upon the head, a blow, 
 wherewith his sword broke. But, as if it would do a notable 
 service before it died, it prevailed so, even in the instant of breaking, 
 that the forsaken knight fell to the ground, quite for that instant 
 forgetting both love and hatred : and Amphialus (finding himself 
 also in such weakness, as he looked for speedy death) glad of 
 the victory, though little hoping to enjoy it, pulled up his vizor, 
 meaning with his dagger to give him death ; but instead of death, 
 he gave him life : for the air so revived his spirits, that coming to 
 himself, and seeing his present danger, with a life conquering 
 death, he took Amphialus by the thigh, and together rose himself, 
 and overturned him. But Amphialus scrambled up again, both 
 now so weak indeed, as their motions rather seemed the after-drops 
 of a storm, than any matter of great fury. 
 
 But Amphialus might repent himself of his wilful breaking his 
 sword : for the forsaken knight (having with the extremity of 
 justly conceived hate, and the unpitifulness of his own near 
 threatening death, blotted out all compliments of courtesy) let fly 
 at him so cruelly, that though the blows were weak, yet weakness 
 upon a weakened subject, proved such strength, that Amphialus 
 having attempted in vain once or twice to close with him, receiving 
 wound upon wound, sent his whole burden to strike the earth with 
 falling, since he could strike his foe no better in standing : giving 
 no other tokens of himself, than as of a man even ready to take his 
 oath to be death's true servant. 
 
 Which when the hardy brothers of Anaxius perceived, not 
 reckoning law of arms, nor use of chivalry, they flew in to defend 
 their friend, or revenge their loss of him. But they were forthwith 
 encountered with the two brave companions of the forsaken knight, 
 whereof the one being all in green, both armour and furniture, it 
 
 2 B 
 
386 ARCADIA [book in. 
 
 seemed a pleasant garden, wherein grew orange trees ; which with 
 their golden fruits, cunningly beaten in and embroidered, greatly 
 enriched the eye-pleasing colour of green. In his shield was a 
 sheep feeding in a pleasant field, with this word. Without fear or 
 envy. And therefore was called the knight of the sheep. The 
 other knight was all in milk white, his attiring else all cut in stars, 
 which made of cloth of silver, and silver spangles, each way seemed 
 to cast many aspects. His device was the very pole itself, about 
 which many stars stirring, but the place itself left void. The word 
 was. The best place yet reserved. But these four knights inheriting 
 the hate of their friends, began a most fierce combat : the forsaken 
 knight himself not able to help his side, but was driven to sit him 
 down, with the extreme faintness of his more and more fainting 
 body. But these valiant couples seeking honour by dishonouring, 
 and to build safety upon ruin, gave new appetites to the almost 
 glutted eyes of the beholders ; and now blood began to put sweat 
 from the full possession of their outsides, no advantage being yet 
 to be seen, only the knight of the sheep seeming most inclined to 
 deliver, and effecting most of all that viewed him, when a company 
 of soldiers sent by Cecropia, came out in boats to the island, and 
 all came running to the destruction of the three knights, whereof 
 one was utterly unable to defend himself. 
 
 But then did the other two knights show their wonderful 
 courage and fidelity, for turning back to back, and both bestriding 
 the black forsaken knight (who had fainted so long till he had lost 
 the feeling of faintness) they held play against the rest, though the 
 two brothers unknightly helped them ; till Philanax, who watchfully 
 attended such traitorous practices, sent likewise over, both by -boat 
 and swimming, so choice a number, as did put most of the others 
 to the sword. Only the two brothers, with some of the bravest of 
 them, carrying away the body of Amphialus, which they would 
 rather have died, than have left behind them. 
 
 So was the forsaken knight, laid upon cloaks, carried home to 
 the camp. But his two friends knowing his earnest desire not to 
 be known, covering him from anybody's eyes, conveyed him to 
 their own tent : Basilius himself conquering his earnest desire to 
 see him, with fear to displease him, who had fought so notably in 
 his quarrel. But fame set the honour upon his back, which he 
 would not suffer to shine in his face : no man's mouth being barren 
 of praises to the noble knight that had battered the most esteemed 
 knight in the world ; everybody praying for his life, and thinking 
 that therein they prayed for themselves. But he himself, when by 
 the diligent care of friends, and well applied cunning of surgeons, 
 he came to renew again the league between his mind and body ; 
 then fell he to a fresh war with his own thoughts, wrongfully 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 387 
 
 condemning his manhood, laying cowardice to himself, whom thp 
 impudentest backbiter would not have so wronged. For his courage 
 (used to use victory as an inheritance) could brook no resistance 
 at any time : but now that he had promised himself not only the 
 conquest of him, but the scaling of the walls, and delivery of 
 Pamela, though he had done beyond all others' expectation, yet so 
 short was he of his own, that he hated to look upon the sun that 
 had seen him do so weakly : and so much abhorred all visitation 
 or honour, whereof he thought himself unworthy, that he besought 
 his two noble friends to carry him away to a castle not far off, 
 where he might cure his wounds, and never be known till he made 
 success excuse this, as he thought, want in him. They lovingly 
 obeyed him, leaving Basilius and all the camp very sorry for the 
 parting of these three unknown knights, in whose prowess they 
 had reposed the greatest trust of victory. 
 
 But they being gone, Basilius and Philanax gave good order to 
 the strengthening of the siege, fortifying themselves, so that they 
 feared no more any such sudden onset, as that of Anaxius. And 
 they within (by reason of Anaxius's hurt, but especially of 
 Amphialus's) gave themselves only to a diligent watch and ward, 
 making no sallies out, but committing the principal trust to Zoilus 
 and Lycurgus. For Anaxius was yet forced to keep his chamber. 
 And as for Amphialus, his body had such wounds, and he gave 
 such wounds to his mind, as easily it could not be determined 
 whether death or he made the greater haste one to the other : for 
 when the diligent care of cunning surgeons had brought hfe to the 
 possession of his own right, sorrow and shame, like two corrupted 
 servants, came waiting of it, persuading nothing but the giving 
 over of itself to destruction. They laid before his eyes his present 
 case, painting every piece of it in most ugly colours : they showed 
 him his love wrapped in despair, his fame blotted by overthrow ; 
 so that if before he languished, because he could not obtain his 
 desiring, he now lamented, because he durst not desire the 
 obtaining. " Recreant Amphialus," would he say to himself, 
 " how darest thou entitle thyself the lover of Philoclea, that hath 
 neither showed thyself a faithful coward, or a vahant rebel, but 
 both rebellious and cowardly, which no law can quit, nor grace 
 have pity of? alas ! life ! what little pleasure thou dost me, to give 
 me nothing but sense of reproach, and exercise of ruin ? I would, 
 sweet Philoclea, I had died, before thy eyes had seen my weakness : 
 and then perchance with some sigh thou wouldst have confessed, 
 thou hadst lost a worthy servant. But now, caitiff that I am, 
 whatever I have done, serves but to build up my rival's glory." 
 
 To these speeches he would couple such gestures of vexation, 
 &nd would fortify the gestures with such effects of fury, as some- 
 
388 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 times offering to tear up his wounds, sometimes to refuse the 
 sustenance of meat, and council of physicians, that his perplexed 
 mother was driven to make him by force to be tended, with extreme 
 courtesy to herself, and annoyance to him : till in the end he was 
 contented to promise her he would attempt no violence upon 
 himself, upon condition he might be troubled by nobody but only 
 his physicians : his melancholy detesting all company, so that the 
 very surgeons nor servants durst speak unto him in doing him 
 service ; only he had prayed his mother, as she tendered his life, 
 she would procure him grace, and that without that she would 
 never come at him more. 
 
 His mother, who had confined all her love only unto him, set 
 only such about him as were absolutely at her commandment, 
 whom she forbade to let him know anything that passed in the 
 castle, till his wounds were cured, but as she from time to time 
 should instruct them : she, for herself, being resolved, now she 
 had the government of all things in her own hands, to satisfy her 
 son's love by their yielding, or satisfy her own revenge in their 
 punishment. Yet first, because she would be the freer from 
 outward force, she sent a messenger to the camp to denounce unto 
 Basilius, that if he did not presently raise his siege, she would 
 cause the heads of the three ladies, prisoners, to be cut off before 
 his eyes. And to make him the more fear a present performance, 
 she caused his two daughters and Zelmane to be led unto the 
 walls, where she had made a scaffold, easy to be seen by Basilius : 
 and there caused them to be kept, as ready for the slaughter, till 
 answer came from Basilius. A sight full of pity it was, to see 
 these three (all excelling in all those excellencies, wherewith nature 
 can beautify anybody : Pamela giving sweetness to majesty ; 
 Philoclea enriching nobleness with humbleness, Zelmane setting 
 in womanly beauty manlike valour) to be thus subjected to the 
 basest injury of unjust fortune. One might see in Pamela a 
 willingness to die, rather than to have life at other's discretion ; 
 though sometimes a princely disdain would sparkle out of her 
 princely eyes, that it should be in other's power to force her to die. 
 In Philoclea a pretty fear came up, to endamask her rosy cheeks : 
 but it was such a fear, as rather seemed a kindly child to her innate 
 humbleness, than any other dismayedness : or if she were dismayed, 
 it was more for Zelmane, than for herself ; or if more for herself, 
 it was because Zelmane should lose her. As for Zelmane, as she 
 went with her hands bound (for they durst not adventure on her 
 well-known valour, especially among a people, which perchance 
 might be moved by such a spectacle to some revolt) she was the 
 true image of overmastered courage, and of spite, that sees no 
 remedy. For her breast swelled withal, the blood burst out at her 
 
«ooK ni.l ARCADIA '^Sg 
 
 nose, and she looked paler than accustomed, with her eyes cast 
 upon the ground, with such a grace, as if she were fallen out with 
 the heavens, for suffering such an injury. The lookers on were so 
 moved withal, as they misliked what themselves did, and yet still 
 did what themselves misliked. For some glad to rid themselves 
 of the dangerous annoyances of this siege, some willing to shorten 
 the way to Amphialus's succession, whereon they were dependants, 
 some, and the greatest some, doing because others did, and 
 suffering because none durst begin to hinder, did in this sort set 
 their hands to this, in their own conscience, wicked enterprize. 
 
 But when this message was brought to Basilius, and that this 
 pitiful preparation was a sufficient letter of credit for him to believe 
 it, he called unto him his chief counsellors : among which, those 
 he chiefly trusted were Philanax and Kalander, lately come to the 
 camp at Basilius's commandment, and in himself weary of his 
 solitary life, wanting his son's presence, and never having heard 
 from his beloved guests since they departed from him. Now in 
 this doubt what he should do, he willed Kalander to give him his 
 advice : who spoke njuch to this purpose. " You command me. 
 Sir," said he, "to speak, rather because you will keep your wonted 
 grave and noble manner, to do nothing of importance without 
 counsel, than that in this cause, which indeed hath but one way, 
 your mind needs to have any counsel : so that my speech shall 
 rather be to confirm what you have already determined, than to 
 argue against any possibility of other determination. For what 
 sophistical scholar can find any question in this, whether you will 
 have your incomparable daughters live or die? whether since you 
 be here to cause their deliverance, you will make your being here 
 the cause of their destruction? for nothing can be more insensible 
 than to think what one doth, and to forget the end why it is done. 
 Do therefore as I am sure you mean to do, remove the siege, and 
 after seek by practice, or other gentle means, to recover that which 
 by force you cannot : and therefore is indeed, when it pleaseth 
 you, more counsel to be taken. Once, in extremities the winning 
 of time IS the purchase of life, and worse by no means than their 
 deaths can befall unto you. A man might use more words if it 
 were to any purpose to gild gold, or that I had any cause to doubt 
 of your ramd : but you are wise, and are a father." He said no 
 more, for he durst not attempt to persuade the marrying of his 
 daughter to Amphialus, but left that to bring in at another con- 
 sultation. But Basilius made sign to Philanax, who standing a 
 while in a maze as inwardly perplexed, at last thus delivered his 
 opinion. 
 
 "If ever I could wish my faith untried, and my counsel untrusted 
 It should be at this time, when in truth I must confess I would be 
 
390 Arcadia [book m. 
 
 content to purchase silence with discredit. But since you command, 
 I obey : only let me say thus much, that I obey not to these 
 excellent ladies' father, but to my prince : and a prince it is to 
 whom I give counsel. Therefore as to a prince I say, that the 
 grave, and, I well know, true-minded counsel of my Lord Kalander 
 had come in good time when you first took arms, before all your 
 subjects got notice of your intention, before so much blood was 
 spent, and before they were driven to seek this shift for their last 
 remedy. But if now, this force you away, why did you take arms, 
 since you might be sure when ever they were in extremity they 
 would have recourse to this threatening ? and for a wise man to 
 take in hand that which his enemy may with a word overthrow, 
 hath in my conceit great incongruity, and as great, not to forethink 
 what his enemy in reason will do. But they threaten they will kill 
 your daughters. What if they promised you, if you removed your 
 siege, they would honourably send home your daughters ? would 
 you be angry at their promises ? truly no more ought you to be 
 terrified by their threatenings. For yet of the two, promise binds 
 faith more than threatening. But indeed a prince of judgment 
 ought not to consider what his enemies promise, or threaten, but 
 what the promisers and threateners in reason will do; and the 
 nearest conjecture thereunto, is what is best for their own behoof 
 to do. They threaten, if you remove not, they will kill your 
 daughters : and if you do remove, what surety have you but that 
 they will kill them ? since if the purpose be to cut off all impediments 
 of Amphialus's ambition, the same cause will continue when you 
 are away ; and so much the more encouraged, as the revenging 
 power is absent, and they have the more opportunity to draw their 
 factious friends about them ; but if it be for their security only, the 
 same cause will bring forth the same effects : and for their security 
 they will preserve them. But it may be said, no man knows what 
 desperate folks will do ; it is true, and as true that no reason nor 
 policy can prevent what desperate folks will do : and therefore 
 they are among those dangers, which wisdom is not to reckon. 
 Only let it suffice to take away their despair, which may be by 
 granting pardon for what is past ; so that the ladies may be freely 
 delivered. And let them that are your subjects trust you that are 
 their prince ; do not you subject yourself to trust them, who are 
 so untrusty as to be manifest traitors. For if they find you so base- 
 minded, as by their threatening to remove your force, what 
 indignity is it, that they would not bring you unto still by the same 
 threatening ? since then if love stir them, love will keep them from 
 murdering what they love : and if ambition provoke them, ambitious 
 they will be when you are away, as well as while you are here : 
 take not away your force, which bars not the one, and bridles the 
 
*ooK III.] ARCADIA 39' 
 
 other. For as for their shows and words, they are but fear-babes, 
 not worthy once to move a worthy man's conceit, which must still 
 consider what in reason they are like to do. Their despair, I 
 grant, you shall do well to prevent : which as it is the last of all 
 resolutions, so no man falls into it, while so good a way as you 
 may offer, is open unto them. In sum, you are a prince, and a 
 father of people, who ought with the eye of wisdom, the hand of 
 fortitude, and the heart of justice, to set down all private conceits, 
 in comparison of what for the public is profitable." 
 
 He would have proceeded on, when Gynecia came running in 
 amazed for her daughter Pamela, but mad for Zelmane : and 
 falling at Basilius's feet, besought him to make no delay, using 
 such gestures of compassion instead of stopped words, that 
 Basilius, otherwise enough tender-minded, easily granted to raise 
 the siege, which he saw dangerous to his daughters ; but indeed 
 more careful for Zelmane, by whose besieged person the poor old 
 man was straightly besieged : so as to rid him of the famine of his 
 mind, he went in speed away, discharging his soldiers : only 
 leaving the authority, as before, in Philanax's hands, he himself 
 went with Gynecia to a strong castle of his, where he took counsel 
 how first to deliver Zelmane, whom he called the poor stranger, 
 as though only law of hospitality moved him ; and for that purpose 
 sent divers messengers to traffic with Cecropia. 
 
 But she by this means rid of the present danger of the siege, 
 desiring Zoilus and Lycurgus to take the care, till their brother 
 recovered, of revictualling and furnishing the city, both with men 
 and what else wanted, against any new occasion should urge them, 
 she herself disdaining to hearken to Basilius, without he would 
 grant his daughter in marriage to her son, which by no means 
 he would be brought unto, bent all the sharpness of her malicious 
 wit, how to bring a comfortable grant to her son, whereupon she 
 well found no less than his life depended. Therefore for a while 
 she attempted all means of eloquent praying, and flattering 
 persuasions, mingUng sometimes gifts, sometimes threatenings, 
 as she had cause to hope, that either open force or undermining 
 would best win the castle of their resolution. And ever as much as 
 she did to Philoclea, so much did she to Pamela, though in manner 
 sometimes differing, as she found fit to level at the one's noble 
 height, and the other's sweet lowliness. For though she knew her 
 son's heart had wholly given itself to Philoclea, yet seeing the 
 equal gifts in Pamela, she hoped a fair grant would recover the 
 sorrow of a fair refusal ; cruelly intending the present impoisoning 
 the one, as soon as the other's affection were purchased. 
 
 But in vain were all her vain oratory employed. Pamela's 
 determination was built upon so brave a rock that no shot of hers' 
 
39^ ARCADIA (book Hi. 
 
 could reach unto it : and Philoclea, though humbly seated, was 
 
 so environed with sweet rivers of clear virtue, as could neither 
 
 be battered nor undermined : her witty persuasions had wise 
 
 answers ; her eloquence recompensed with sweetness ; her 
 
 threatenings repelled with disdain in the one, and patience in the 
 
 other ; her gifts either not accepted, or accepted to obey, but not 
 
 to bind. So as Cecropia in nature violent, cruel, because 
 
 ambitious ; hateful, for old rooted grudge to their mother, and 
 
 now spiteful, because she could not prevail with girls, as she 
 
 counted them : lastly, drawn on by her love to her son, and held 
 
 up by a tyrannical authority, forthwith followed the bias of her own 
 
 crooked disposition, and doubling and redoubling her threatenings, 
 
 fell to confirm some of her threatened effects ; first withdrawing 
 
 all comfort both of servants and service from them. But that 
 
 these excellent ladies had been used unto, even at home, and then 
 
 found in themselves how much good the hardness of education 
 
 doth to the resistance of misery. Then dishonourably using them 
 
 both in diet and lodging, by a contempt to pull down their 
 
 thoughts to yielding. But as before, the consideration of a prison 
 
 had disgraced all ornaments, so now the same consideration made 
 
 them attend all diseasefulness. Then still as she found those not 
 
 prevail, would she go forward with giving them terrors, sometimes 
 
 with noise of horror, sometimes with sudden frightings in the 
 
 night, when the solitary darkness thereof might easier astonish 
 
 the disarmed senses. But as all virtue and love resisted, 
 
 strengthened one by the other, when each found itself over 
 
 vehemently assaulted ; Cecropia still sweetening her fierceness 
 
 with fair promises, if they would promise fair, that feeling evil, 
 
 and seeing' a way far better, their minds might the sooner be 
 
 mollified. But they that could not taste her behaviour, when it 
 
 was pleasing indeed, could worse now, when they had lost all 
 
 taste by her injuries. 
 
 She resolving all extremities rather than fail of conquest, pursued 
 on her rugged way ; letting no day pass without new and new 
 perplexing the poor ladies' minds, and troubling their bodies; 
 and still swelling the more she was stopped, and growing hot with 
 her own doings ; at length abominable rage carried her to absolute 
 tyrannies ; so that taking with her certain old women, of wicked 
 dispositions, and apt for envy's sake to be cruel to youth and 
 beauty, with a countenance impoisoned with malice, flew to the 
 sweet Philoclea, as if so many kites should come about a white 
 dove, and matching violent gestures with mischievous threatenings, 
 she having a rod in her hand, like a fury that should carry wood 
 to the burning of Diana's temple, fell to scourge that most beautiful 
 body : love in vain holding the shield of beauty against her blind 
 
BOOK III.] Arcadia ig^ 
 
 cruelty. The sun drew clouds up to hide his face from so pitiful 
 a sight, and the very stone wall did yield drops of sweat for agony 
 of such a mischief: each senseless thing had sense of pity, only 
 they that had sense were senseless. Virtue rarely found her 
 worldly weakness more, than by the oppression of that day : and 
 weeping Cupid told his weeping mother, that he was sorry he 
 was not deaf as well as blind, that he might never know so lament- 
 able a work. Philoclea, with tearful eyes and sobbing breast, as 
 soon as her weariness rather than compassion gave her respite, 
 kneeled down to Cecropia, and making pity in her face honourable, 
 and torment delightful, besought her since she hated her, for what 
 cause she took God to witness she knew not, that she would at 
 once take away her life, and not please herself with the tormenting 
 of a poor gentlewoman. " If," said she, " the common course of 
 humanity cannot move you, nor the having me in your own walls 
 cannot claim pity, nor womanly mercy, nor near alliance, nor 
 remembrance, how miserable soever now, that I am a prince's 
 daughter, yet let the love, you have often told me, your son bears 
 me, so much procure, that for his sake one death may be thought 
 enough for me. I have not lived so many years but that one 
 death may be able to conclude them. Neither have my faults 
 I hope, been so many, but that one death may satisfy them. It 
 is no great suit to an enemy, when but death is desired. I crave 
 but that. As for the granting your request, know for certain 
 you lose your labours, being every day farther off minded from 
 becoming his wife, who useth me like a slave." 
 
 But that, instead of getting grace, renewed again Cecropia's 
 fury; so that, excellent creature, she was newly again tormented 
 by these hellish monsters: Cecropia using no other words, but 
 that she was a proud and ungrateful wench, and that she would 
 teach her to know her own good, since of herself she would not 
 conceive it. So that with silence and patience (like a fair gorgeous 
 armour, hammered upon by an ill-favoured smith) she abode her 
 pitiless dealing with her; till rather reserving her for more, than 
 meaning to end, they left her to an uncomfortable leisure, to 
 consider with herself her fortune; both helpless, herself being 
 a prisoner; and hopeless, since Zelmane was a prisoner; who 
 therein only was short of the bottom of misery, that she knew not 
 how unworthily her angel, by these devils, were abused: but 
 wanted, God wot, no stings of grief when those words did but 
 strike upon her heart, that Philoclea was a captive, and she not 
 able to succour her. For well she knew the confidence Philoclea 
 had m her, and well she knew Philoclea had cause to have 
 confidence, and all trodden under foot by the wheel of senseless 
 fortune. Yet if there be that imperious power in the soul, that 
 
394 Arcadia [vook m. 
 
 it can deliver knowledge to another without bodily organs j so 
 vehement were the working of their spirits, that one met with the 
 other, though themselves perceived it not, but only thought it 
 to be the doubling of Iheir own loving fancies. And that was the 
 only worldly thing whereon Philoclea rested her mind, that she 
 knew she should die beloved of Zelmane, and would die rather 
 than to be false to Zelmane. And so this most dainty nymph, 
 easing the pain of her mind with thinking of another's pain ; and 
 almost forgetting the pain of her body, through the pain of her 
 mind, she wasted even longing for the conclusion of her tedious 
 tragedy. 
 
 But for a while she was unvisited, Cecropia employing her time 
 in using the like cruelty upon Pamela, her heart growing not only 
 to desire the fruit of punishing them, but even to delight in the 
 punishing them. But if ever the beams of perfection shined through 
 the clouds of aifliction, if ever virtue took a body to show his (self 
 unconceivable) beauty, it was in Pamela. For when reason taught 
 her there was no resistance, for to just resistance first her heart 
 was inclined, then with so heavenly a quietness, and so graceful a 
 calmness, did she suffer the divers kinds of torments she used to 
 her, that while they vexed her fair body, it seemed that she rather 
 directed than obeyed the vexation. And when Cecropia ended, 
 and asked whether her heart would yield, she a little smiled, but 
 such a smiling as showed no love, and yet could not but be lovely. 
 " And then, beastly woman," said she, " follow on, do what thou 
 wilt and canst upon me : for I know thy power is not unlimited. 
 Thou mayest well wreck this silly body, but thou canst never 
 overthrow. For my part I will not do thee the pleasure to desire 
 death of thee : but assure thyself, both my life and death shall 
 triumph with honour, laying shame upon thy detestable tyranny." 
 
 And so, in effect, conquering their doing with her suffering, 
 while Cecropia tried as many sorts of pains, that might rather vex 
 them than spoil them (for that she would not do while she was in 
 any hope to win either of them for her son) Pamela remained 
 almost as much content with trial in herself, what virtue could do, 
 as grieved with the misery wherein she found herself plunged ; 
 only sometimes her thoughts softened in her, when with open 
 wings they flew to Musidorus. For then she would think with 
 herself, how grievously Musidorus would take this her misery ; 
 and she that wept not for herself, wept yet Musidorus's tears which 
 he would weep for her. For gentle love did easier yield to 
 lamentation, than the constancy of virtue would else admit. Then 
 would she remember the case wherein she had left her poor 
 shepherd, and she that wished death for herself, feared death for 
 him ; and she that condemned in herself the feebleness of sorrow, 
 
BOOK III.] Arcadia 39I 
 
 yet thought it great reason to be sorry for his sorrow : and she 
 that long had prayed for the virtuous joining themselves together, 
 now thinking to die herself, heartily prayed that long time their 
 fortunes might be separated. " Live long, my Musidorus," would 
 she say, "and let my name live in thy mouth, in thy heart my 
 memory. Live long, that thou mayest love long the chaste love of 
 thy dead Pamela." Then she would wish to herself that no other 
 woman might ever possess his heart : and yet scarcely the wish 
 was made a wish, when herself would find fault with it, as being 
 too unjust that so excellent a man should be banished from the 
 comfort of life. Then would she fortify her resolution, with 
 bethinking the worst, taking the counsel of virtue, and comfort of 
 love. 
 
 So these diamonds of the world, whom nature had made to be 
 preciously set in the eyes of men, to be the chief works of her 
 workmanship, the chief ornaments of the world, and princesses of 
 feUcity, by rebellious injury were brought to the uttermost distress 
 that an enemy's heart could wish, or a woman's spite invent : 
 Cecropia daily in one or other sort punishing them, still with her 
 evil torments giving them fear of worse, making the fear itself the 
 sorest torment of all, that in the end, weary of their bodies, they 
 should be content to bestow them at her appointment. 
 
 But, as in labour, the more one doth exercise it, the more by the 
 doing one is enabled to do, strength growing upon the work ; so 
 that what at first would have seemed impossible, after grows easy ; 
 so these princesses, second to none, and far from any second, only 
 to be matched by themselves, with the use of suffering, their minds 
 got the habit of suffering so that all fears and terrors were to them 
 but summons to a battle, whereof they knew beforehand they 
 should be victorious, and which in the suffering was painful, being 
 suffered was a trophy to itself; whereby Cecropia found herself 
 still farther off: for whereat first she might perchance have 
 persuaded them to have visited her son, and have given him some 
 comfort in his sickness, drawing near to the confines of death's 
 kingdom, now they protested that they would never otherwise 
 speak to him than as to the enemy of most unjust cruelty towards 
 them, that any time or place could ever make them know. 
 
 This made the poison swell in her cankered breast, perceiving 
 that, as in water, the more she grasped the less she held ; but yet 
 now having run so long the way of rigour, it was too late in reason, 
 and too contrary to her passion to return to a course of meekness. 
 And therefore, taking counsel of one of her old associates (who so 
 far excelled in wickedness, as that she had not only lost all feeling 
 of conscience, but had gotten a very glory in evil) in the end they 
 determined, that beating, and other such sharp dealing, did not so 
 
39^ ARCAblA [book iti. 
 
 much pull down a woman's heart as it bred anger, and that 
 nothing was more enemy to yielding than anger; making their 
 tender hearts take on the armour of obstinacy : for thus did their 
 wicked minds, blind to the light of virtue, and owly-eyed in the 
 night of wickedness, interpret it ; and that therefore was no more 
 to be tried. And for fear of death (which no question would do 
 most with them) they had been so often threatened, as they began 
 to be familiarly acquainted with it, and learned to esteem threaten- 
 ing words to be but words. Therefore the last, but the best way 
 now was, that the one seeing indeed the other's death, should 
 perceive there was no dallying meant: and then there was no 
 doubt, that a woman's soul would do so much, rather than leave 
 so beautiful a body. 
 
 This being concluded, Cecropia went to Philoclea and told her, 
 that now she was to come to the last part of the play, for her part 
 though she found her hard-hearted obstinacy such that neither the 
 sweetness of loving means, nor the force of hard means could 
 prevail with her, yet before she would pass to a farther degree of 
 extremity, she had sought to win her sister ; in hopes that her son 
 might be in time satisfied with the love of so fair a lady ; but 
 finding her also rather more than less wilful, she was now minded 
 that one of their deaths should serve for an example to the other, 
 that despising worthy folks, was more hurtful to the despiser than 
 the despised : that yet because her son especially affected her, and 
 that in her own self she was more inclinable to pity her than she 
 had deserved, she would begin with her sister, who that afternoon 
 should have her head cut off before her face ; if in the meantime 
 one of them did not pull out their ill-wrought stitches of unkindness, 
 she bade her look for no other, nor longer time than she told her. 
 There was no assault given to the sweet Philoclea's mind, that 
 entered so far, as this : for where to all pains and dangers of 
 herself, foresight, with his lieutenant resolution, had made ready 
 defence, now with the love she bare her sister, she was driven to a 
 stay, before she determined : but long she stayed not, before this 
 reason did shine unto her, that since in herself she preferred death 
 before such a base servitude, Iwe did teach her to wish the same 
 to her sister. Therefore crossing her arms, and looking a sideward 
 upon the ground, " Do what you will," said she, " with us : for my 
 part heaven shall melt before I be removed. But if you will follow 
 my counsel, for your own sake (for as for prayers for my sake I 
 have felt how little they prevail) let my death first serve for 
 example'to win her, who perchance is not so resolved against 
 Amphialus, and so shall you not only justly punish me, who indeed 
 do hate both you and your son, but, if that may move you, you 
 shall do more virtuously in preserving one most worthy of life, and 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 397 
 
 killing another most desirous of death: lastly, in winning her, 
 instead of peevish unhappy creature that I am, you shall bless 
 your son with the most excellent woman in all praise-worthy 
 things, that the world holdeth." But Cecropia, who had already 
 set down to herself what she would do, both with bitter terms and 
 countenance, told her, that she should not need to woo death over- 
 eagerly : for if her sister going before her did not teach her wit, 
 herself should quickly follow. 
 
 For since they were not to be gotten, there was no way for her 
 son's quiet, but to know that they were past getting. And so since 
 no entreating, nor threatening might prevail, she bade her prepare 
 her eyes for a new play, which she should see within a few hours 
 in the hall of that castle. 
 
 A place indeed over-fit for so unfit a matter : for being so stately 
 made, that the bottom of it being even with the ground, the roof 
 reached as high as any part of the castle, at either end it had 
 convenient lodgings. In the one end was, one storey from the 
 ground, Philoclea's abode ; in the other of even height, Pamela's, 
 and Zelmane's in a chamber above her ; but also vaulted of strong 
 and thick built stone, as one could no way hear the other, each of 
 these chambers had a little window to look into the hall, but 
 because the sisters should not have so much comfort, as to look 
 one to the other, there was, of the outsides, curtains drawn, which 
 they could not reach with their hands, so barring the reach of their 
 sight. But when the hour came that the tragedy should begin, and 
 the curtains were withdrawn from before the windows of Zelmane 
 and Philoclea : a sufiicient challenge to call their eyes to defend 
 themselves in such an encounter. And by and by came in at one 
 end of the hall, with about a dozen armed soldiers, a lady, led by a 
 couple, with her hands bound before her : from above her eyes to 
 her lips muffled with a fair handkerchief, but from her mouth to 
 her shoulders all bare : and so was led on to a scaffold raised 
 a good deal from the floor, and all covered with crimson velvet. 
 But neither Zelmane, nor Philoclea needed to be told who she was : 
 for the apparel she wore, made them too well assured that it was 
 the admirable Pamela. Whereunto the rare whiteness of her 
 naked neck gave sufficient testimony to their astonished senses. 
 But the fair lady being come to the scaffold, and then made to 
 kneel down, and so left by her unkind supporters, as it seemed that 
 she was about to speak somewhat (whereunto Philoclea, poor soul, 
 earnestly listened, according to her speech, even minding to frame 
 her mind, her heart never till then almost wavering to save her 
 sister's life) before the unfortunate lady could pronounce three 
 words, the executioner cut off the one's speech, and the other's 
 attention, with making his sword do his cruel office upon that 
 
393 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 beautiful neck. Yet the pitiless sword had such pity of so precious 
 an object, that at first it did but hit flat-long. But that little 
 availed, since the lady falling down astonished withal, the cruel 
 villain forced the sword with another blow, to divorce the fair 
 marriage of the head and body. 
 
 And this was done so in an instant, that the very act did over- 
 run Philoclea's sorrow (sorrovv not being able so quickly to 
 thunderbolt her heart through her senses, but first only oppressed 
 her with a storm of amazement) but when her eyes saw that 
 they did see, as condemning themselves to have seen it, they 
 became weary of their own power of seeing, and her soul then 
 drinking up woe with great draughts, she fell down to deadly 
 trances: but her waiting jailors with cruel pity brought loathed 
 life unto her ; which yet many times took his leave, as though he 
 would indeed depart : but when he was stayed by force, he kept 
 with him deadly sorrow, which thus exercised her mourning speech : 
 " Pamela, my sister, my sister, Pamela, woe is me for thee, I 
 would I had died for thee. Pamela never more shall I see thee ; 
 never more shall I enjoy thy sweet company, and wise counsel. 
 Alas ! thou art gone to a beautiful heaven, and hast left me here, 
 who have nothing good in me, but that I did ever love thee, and 
 ever will lament thee. Let this day be noted of all virtuous folks foi' 
 most unfortunate : let it never be mentioned but among curses, and 
 cursed be they that did this mischief, and most cursed be mine 
 eyes that beheld it. Sweet Pamela, that head is stricken off, where 
 only wisdom might be spoken withal; that body is destroyed, 
 which was the living book of virtue. Dear Pamela, how hast thou 
 left me to all wretchedness and misery ? yet while thou livedst, in 
 thee I breathed, of thee I hoped. O Pamela, how much did I for 
 thy excellency honour thee more than my mother, and love thee 
 more than myself ! never more shall I lie with thee ; never more 
 shall we bathe in the pleasant river together ; never more shall I 
 see thee in thy shepherds' apparel. But thou art gone, and where 
 am I? Pamela is dead, and live I ? O my God ! " And with that 
 she fell again in a swoon, so that it was a great while before they could 
 bring her to herself again ; but being come to herself. " Alas ! " 
 said she, "unkind woman, since you have given me so many 
 deaths, torment me not now with life : for God's sake let me go, 
 and excuse your hands of more blood. Let me follow my Pamela, 
 whom ever I sought to follow. Alas ! Pamela, they will not let 
 me come to thee. But if they keep promise I shall tread thine 
 own steps after thee. For to what am I bom, miserable soul ! but 
 to be most unhappy in myself, and yet more unhappy in others ? 
 But O that a thousand more miseries had chanced unto me, so 
 thou hadst not died : Pamela, my sister Pamela." And so like a 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 399 
 
 lamentable Philomela, complained she the horrible wrong done to 
 her sister, which if it stirred not in the wickedly closed minds of 
 her tormentors, a pity of her sorrow, yet bred it a weariness of her 
 sorrow: so that only leaving one to prevent any harm she should 
 do herself, the rest went away, consulting again with Cecropia, 
 how to make profit of this their late bloody act. 
 
 In the end, that woman that used most to keep company with 
 Zelmane, told Cecropia that she found by many more sensible 
 proofs in Zelmane, that there was never woman so loved another, 
 as she loved Philoclea: which was the cause that she, farther than 
 the commandment of Cecropia, had caused Zelmane's curtains to 
 be also drawn : because having the same spectacle that Philoclea 
 had, she might stand in the greater fear for her, whom she loved so 
 well : and that indeed she had hit the needle in that device : for 
 never saw she creature so astonished as Zelmane, exceeding sorrow 
 for Pamela, but exceedingly exceeding that exceedingness in fear 
 for Philoclea. Therefore her advice was, she should cause Zelmane 
 to come and speak with Philoclea. For there being such 
 vehemency of friendship between them, it was most likely both to 
 move Zelmane to persuade, and Philoclea to be persuaded. 
 Cecropia liked well of the counsel, and gave order to the same 
 woman to go deal therein with Zelmane, and to assure her with 
 oath, that Cecropia was determined Philoclea should pass the same 
 way that Pamela had done, without she did yield to satisfy the 
 extremity of her son's affection: which the woman did, adding 
 thereunto many, as she thought, good reasons to make Zelmane 
 think Amphialus a fit match for Philoclea. 
 
 But Zelmane (who had from time to time understood the cruel 
 dealing they had used to the sisters, and now had her own eyes 
 wounded with the sight of one's death) was so confused withal 
 (her courage still rebelling against her wit, desiring still with force 
 to do impossible matters) that as her desire was stopped with 
 power, so her conceit was darkened with a mist of desire. For blind 
 love, and invincible valour still would cry out, that it could not be, 
 Philoclea should be in so miserable estate, and she not relieve her : 
 and so while she hailed her wit to her courage, she drew it from his 
 own limits. But now Philoclea's death, a word able to marshal all 
 his thoughts in order, being come to so short a point, either with 
 small delay to be suffered, or by the giving herself to another to be 
 prevented, she was driven to think and to desire some leisure of 
 thinking, which the woman granted for that night unto her. A 
 night that was not half so black, as her mind ; nor half so silent, as 
 was fit for her musing thoughts. At last he that would fain have 
 desperately lost a thousand lives for her sake, could not find in his 
 heart, that she should lose any life for her own sake ; and he that 
 
400 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 despised his own death in respect of honour, yet could well nigh 
 dispense with honour itself in respect of Philoclea's death; for 
 once the thought could not enter into his heart, nor the breath 
 issue out of his mouth, which could consent to Philoclea's death 
 for any bargain. Then how to prevent the next degree to death, 
 which was her being possessed by another, was the point of his 
 mind's labour: and in that he found no other way but that 
 Philoclea should pretend a yielding unto Cecropia's request ; and 
 so by speaking with Amphialus, and making fair, but delaying, 
 promises, procure liberty for Zelmane; who only wished but to 
 come by a sword, not doubting then to destroy them all, and 
 deliver Philoclea: so little did both the men, and their forces 
 seem in her eyes, looking down upon them from the high top of 
 affection's tower. 
 
 With that mind therefore, but first well bound, she was brought 
 to Philoclea, having already plotted out in her conceit how she 
 should deal with her : and so came she with heart and eyes, which 
 did each sacrifice other to love upon the altar of sorrow : and there 
 had she the pleasing displeasing sight of Philoclea: Philoclea, 
 whom already the extreme sense of sorrow had brought to a 
 dulness therein, her face not without tokens that beauty had been 
 by many miseries cruelly battered, and yet showed it most the 
 perfection of that beauty, which could remain unoverthrown by such 
 enemies. But when Zelmane was set down by her, and the woman 
 gone away (because she might be the better persuaded when 
 nobody was by, that had heard her say she would not be persuaded) 
 then began first the eyes to speak, and the hearts to cry out : 
 sorrow a while would needs speak his own language, without using 
 their tongues to be his interpreters. At last Zelmane broke silence, 
 but spoke with the only eloquence of amazement : for all her long 
 methodised oration was inherited only by such kind of speeches. 
 " Dear lady, in extreme necessities we must not. But alas ! 
 unfortunate wretch that I am that I live to see this day. And I 
 take heaven and earth to witness, that nothing," and with that her 
 breast swelled so with spite and grief, that her breath had not 
 leisure to turn itself into words. But the sweet Philoclea that had 
 already died in Pamela, and of the other side had the heaviness 
 of her heart something quickened in the most beloved sight of 
 Zelmane, guessed somewhat at Zelmane's mind, and therefore 
 spoke unto her in this sort : " My Pyrocles," said she, " I know 
 this exceeding comfort of your presence, is not brought unto me 
 for any goodwill that is owed unto me : but, as I suppose, to make 
 you persuade me to save my life with the ransom of mine honour : 
 although nobody should be so unfit a pleader in that cause as 
 yourself, yet perchance you would have me live." " Your honour ? 
 
BOOK Itl.] 
 
 ARCADIA 461 
 
 God forbid," said Zelmane, "that ever, for any cause, I should 
 yield to any touch of it. But a while to pretend some affection, till 
 time, or my liberty might work something for your service, this if 
 my astonished senses would give me leave, I would fain have 
 
 persuaded you." .,„,-,, « r 
 
 "To what purpose, my Pyrocles?" said Philoclea, of a 
 miserable time what gain is there ? hath Pamela's example wrought 
 no mo're in me? is a captive life so much worth? can it ever go 
 out of these lips, that I love any other but Pyrocles ? shall my 
 tongue be so false a traitor to my heart, as to say I love any other 
 but Pyrocles? and why should I do all this to hve? O Pamela, 
 sister Pamela, why should I live? only for thy sake Pyrocles, I 
 would live : but to thee I know too well I shall not live; and if 
 not to thee hath thy love so base allay, my Pyrocles, as to wish 
 me to live? for dissimulation, my Pyrocles, my simplicity is such, 
 that I have hardly been able to keep a straight way, what shall I 
 do in a crooked? But in this case there is no mean of dissimula- 
 tion, not for the cunningest : present answer is required, and 
 present performance upon the answer. Art thou so terrible, O 
 death ? no my Pyrocles ; and for that I do thank thee, and in my 
 soul thank thee : for I confess the love of thee is herein my 
 chiefest virtue. Trouble me not therefore dear Pyrocles, nor 
 double not my death by tormenting my resolution : since I cannot 
 live with thee, I will die for thee. Only remember me, dear 
 Pyrocles, and love the remembrance of me : and if I may crave 
 so much of thee, let me be thy last love ; for though I be not 
 worthy of thee, who indeed art the worthiest creature living, yet 
 remember that my love was a worthy love." 
 
 But Pyrocles was so overcome with sorrow (which wisdom and 
 virtue made just in so excellent a lady's case, full of so excellent 
 kindness) that words were ashamed to come forth, knowing how 
 weak they were to express his mind, and her merit ; and therefore 
 so stayed in a deadly silence, forsaken of hope, and forsaking 
 comfort ; till the appointed guardians came in, to see the fruits of 
 Zelmane's labour : and then Zelmane warned by their presence, 
 fell again to persuade, though scarcely herself could tell what ; but 
 in sum, desirous of delays. But Philoclea, sweetly continuing 
 constant, and in the end, punishing her importunity with silence, 
 Zelmane was fain to end. Yet craving another time's conference, 
 she obtained it, and divers others ; till at the last. Cecropia found 
 it to no purpose, and therefore determined to follow her own way. 
 Zelmane yet still desirous to win, by any means, respite, even 
 wasted with sorrow and uncertain, whether in worse case in her 
 presence, or absence, being able to do nothing for- Philoclea's 
 succour, but by submitting the greatest courage of the earth to 
 
 2 c 
 
402 ARCADIA [book III. 
 
 fall at the feet of Cecropia, and crave stay of their sentence till the 
 uttermost was seen what her persuasions might be. 
 
 Cecropia seemed much to be moved by her importunity, so as 
 divers days were won of painful life to the excellent Philoclea ; 
 while Zelmane suffered some hope to cherish her mind, especially 
 trusting upon the help of Musidorus, who, she knew, would not be 
 idle in this matter ; till one morning a noise awaked Zelmane, 
 from whose over-watchful mind the tired body had stolen a httle 
 sleep : and straight with the first opening of her eyes, care taking 
 his wonted place, she ran to the window which looked into the 
 hall (for that way the noise guided her) and there might she see 
 (the curtain being left open ever since the last execution) seven or 
 eight persons in a cluster upon the scaffold : who by and by 
 retiring themselves, nothing was to be seen thereupon, but a basin 
 of gold pitifully enamelled with blood, and in the midst of it, the 
 head of the most beautiful Philoclea. The horribleness of the 
 mischief was such, that Pyrocles could not at first believe his 
 own senses, but bent his woeful eyes to discern it better ; where too 
 well he might see it was Philoclea's self, having no veil, but beauty 
 over her face, which still appeared to be alive, so did these eyes 
 shine, even as they were wont, and they were wont more than any 
 other: and sometimes as they moved, it might well make the 
 beholder think, that death therein had borrowed her beauty, and 
 not they any way disgraced by death, so sweet and piercing a 
 grace they carried with them. 
 
 It was not a pity, it was not an amazement, it was not a sorrow 
 which then laid hold on Pyrocles, but a wild fury of desperate 
 agony : so that he cried out, " O tyrant heaven, traitor earth, blind 
 providence, no justice, how is this done ? how is this suffered ? 
 hath this world a government ? if it have, let it pour out all his 
 mischiefs upon me, and see whether it have power to make me 
 more wretched than I am. Did she excel for this ? have I prayed 
 for this? abominable hand that did it; detestable devil that 
 commanded it; cursed light that beheld it; and if the light be 
 cursed, what are then mine eyes that have seen it ? and have I 
 seen Philoclea dead, and do I hve ? and do I live not to help her, 
 but to talk of her? and stand I still talking?" and with that, 
 carried by the madness of anguish, not having a readier way to 
 kill himself, he ran as hard as ever he could with his head against 
 the wall, with intention to brain himself; but the haste to do it 
 made the doing the slower. For as he came to give the blow, his 
 foot tripped, so that it came not with the full force : yet forcible 
 enough to strike him down, and withal to deprive him of his senses, 
 so that he lay a while comforted by the hurt, in that he felt not his 
 discomfort. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 403 
 
 And when he came again to himself, he heard, or he thought he 
 heard a voice, which cried. Revenge, Revenge, unto him : whether 
 indeed it were his good angel which used that voice to stay him 
 from unnatural murdering of himself, or that his wandering spirits 
 lighted upon that conceit, and by their weakness, subject to 
 apprehensions, supposed they heard it. But that indeed helped 
 with virtue and her valiant servant anger, stopped him from present 
 destroying of himself; yielding in reason and manhood, first to 
 destroy man, woman, and child, that were any way of kin to them 
 that were accessary to this cruelty ; then to raze the castle, and to 
 build a sumptuous monument for her sister, and a most sumptuous 
 one for herself, and then himself to die upon her tomb. This 
 determining in himself to do, and to seek all means how, for that 
 purpose, to get out of prison, he was content a while to bear the 
 thirst of death : and yet went he again to the window, to kiss the 
 beloved head with his eyes; but there saw he nothing but the 
 scaffold, all covered over with scarlet, and nothing but solitary 
 silence to mourn this mischief. But then, sorrow having dispersed 
 itself from his heart into his noble parts, it proclaimed his 
 authority in cries and tears, nor with a more gentle dolefulness 
 could pour out his inward evil. 
 
 " Alas ! " said he, " is that head taken away too, so soon from 
 my eyes? What, mine eyes, perhaps they envy the excellency 
 of your sorrow? indeed, there is nothing now left to become the 
 eyes of all mankind, but tears ; and woe be to me, if any exceed 
 me in wofulness. I do conjure you all my senses, to accept no 
 object but of sorrow, be ashamed, nay abhor to think of comfort. 
 Unhappy eyes, you have seen too much, that ever the light should 
 be welcome to you : unhappy ears, you shall never hear the music 
 of music in her voice : unhappy heart that hast lived to feel these 
 pangs. Thou hast done thy worst, world, and cursed be thou, 
 and cursed art thou, since to thine ownself thou hast done the 
 worst thou couldst do. Exiled beauty, let only now thy beauty 
 be blubbered faces. Widowed music, let now thy tunes be 
 roarings and lamentations. Orphan virtue, get thee wings, and 
 fly after her into heaven: here is no dwelling-place for thee. 
 Why lived I, alas! alas, why loved I? to die wretched, and to 
 be the example of heaven's hate? and hate and spare not, for 
 your worst blow is stricken. Sweet Philoclea, thou art gone, and 
 hast carried with thee my love; and hast left thy love in me, and 
 I wretched man do live ; I live, to die continually, till thy revenge 
 do give me leave to die, and then die I will, my Philoclea, my 
 heart willingly makes this promise to itself. Surely he did not 
 look on thee when he gave the cruel blow, for no eye could have 
 abiden to see such beauty overthrown by such- mischief. Alas! 
 
404 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 why should they divide such a head from such a body? no other 
 body is worthy of that head; no other head is worthy of that 
 body : O yet if I had taken my last leave, if I might have taken 
 a holy kiss from that dying mouth! where art thou hope, which 
 promisest never to leave a man while he liveth? tell me, what canst 
 thou hope for ? nay tell me, what is there that I would willingly 
 hope after? wishing power which is accounted infinite, what now 
 is left to wish for ; she is gone, and gone with her all my hope, all 
 my wishing. Love be ashamed to be called love. Cruel hate, 
 unspeakable hate is victorious over thee. Who is there now left 
 that can justify thy tyranny, and give reason to thy passion? O 
 cruel divorce of the sweetest marriage that ever was in nature: 
 Philoclea is dead, and dead with her is all goodness, all sweetness, 
 all excellency. Philoclea is dead, and yet life is not ashamed to 
 continue upon the earth. Philoclea is dead : O deadly word, 
 which c^ntaineth in itself the uttermost of all misfortunes. But 
 happy word when thou shalt be said of me, and long it shall 
 not be, before it be said." 
 
 Then stopping his words with sighs, drowning his sighs in tears, 
 and drying again his tears in rage, he would sit a while in a 
 wandering muse, which represented nothing but vexations unto 
 him; then throwing himself sometimes upon the floor, and 
 sometimes upon the bed: then up again, till walking was 
 wearisome, and rest loathsome: and so neither suffering food, 
 nor sleep to help his afflicted nature, all that day and night he 
 did nothing but weep Philoclea, sigh Philoclea, and cry out 
 Philoclea; till as it happened (at that time upon his bed) toward 
 the dawning of the day he heard one stir in his chamber, by the 
 motion of garments : and with an angry voice asked. Who was 
 there ? a poor gentlewoman, answered the party, that wishes long 
 life unto you. "And I soon death to you," said he, "for the 
 horrible curse you have given me." "Certainly," said she, "an 
 unkind answer, and far unworthy the excellency of your mind, but 
 not unsuitable to the rest of your behaviour. For most part of 
 this night I have heard you (being let into your chamber, you 
 never perceiving it, so was your mind estranged from your senses) 
 and have heard nothing of Zelmane, in Zelmane, nothing but weak 
 wailing, fitter for some nurse of a village, than so famous a creature 
 as you are." " O God," cried out Pyrocles, " that thou wert a man 
 that usest these words unto me. I tell thee I am sorry, I tell thee 
 I will be sorry, in the despite of thee, and all them that would have 
 me joyful." " And yet," replied she, " perchance Philoclea is not 
 dead, whom you so much bemoan." " I would we were both dead 
 on that condition," said Pyrocles. " See the folly of your passion," 
 said she, " as though you should be nearer to her, you being dead, 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 405 
 
 and she alive, than she being dead and you alive? and if she 
 be dead, was she not born to die ? what then do you cry out for ? 
 not for her, who must have died one time or other ; but for some 
 few years: so as it is time and this world, that seem so lovely 
 things, and not Philoclea unto you." " O noble sisters," cried 
 Pyrocles, "now you be gone, who were the only exalters 
 of all womankind, what is left in that sex, but babbling and 
 business?" "And truly," said she, "I will yet a little longer 
 trouble you." " Nay, I pray you do," said Pyrocles, " for I wish for 
 nothing in my short life but mischiefs and cumbers: and I am 
 content you shall be one of them." " In truth," said she, " you 
 would think yourself a greatly privileged person, if since the 
 strongest building, and lastingest monarchies are subject to end, 
 only your Philoclea, because she is yours, should be exempted. 
 But indeed you bemoan yourself who have lost a friend; you 
 cannot her, who hath in one act both preserved her honour, and 
 left the miseries of this world." " O woman's philosophy, childish 
 folly," said Pyrocles, "as though I do bemoan myself: I have 
 not reason so to do, having lost more than any monarchy, nay 
 then my life can be worth unto me." "Alas !" said she, "comfort 
 yourself; nature did not forget her skill, when she made them: 
 and you shall find many their superiors, and perchance such, 
 as when your eyes shall look abroad, yourself will like better." 
 
 But that speech put all good manners out of the conceit of 
 Pyrocles, insomuch, that leaping out of his bed, he ran to have 
 stricken her ; but coming near her (the morning then winning the 
 field of darkness) he saw, or he thought he saw, indeed the very 
 face of Philoclea ; the same sweetness, the same grace, the same 
 beauty: with which carried into a divine astonishment, he fell 
 down at her feet. " Most blessed angel," said he, "well hast thou 
 done to take that shape, since thou wouldst submit thyself to 
 mortal sense; for a more angelical form could not have been 
 created for thee. Alas, even by that excellent beauty, so beloved 
 of me, let it be lawful, for me to ask of thee, what is the cause 
 that she, that heavenly creature, whose form you have taken 
 should by the heavens be destined to so unripe an end? why 
 should injustice so prevail? why was she seen to the world so soon 
 to be ravished from us ? why was she not suffered to live, to teach 
 the world perfection?" "Do not deceive thyself," answered she, 
 " I am no angel ; I am Philoclea, the same Philoclea, so truly loving 
 you, so truly beloved of you." " If it be so," said he, " that you are 
 indeed the soul of Philoclea, you have done well to keep your own 
 figure, for no heaven could have given you a better. Then alas ! why 
 have you taken the pains to leave your blissful seat to come to this 
 place most wretched, to me, who am wretchedness itself, and not 
 
4o6 ARCADIA [book ni. 
 
 rather obtain for me, that I might come where you are, there 
 eternally to behold, and eternally to love your beauties? You 
 know, I know, that I desire nothing but death, which I only stay 
 to be justly revenged of your unjust murderers." " Dear Pyrocles," 
 said she, " I am thy Philoclea, and as yet living : not murdered 
 as you supposed, and therefore be comforted." And with that 
 gave him her hand. But the sweet touch of that hand seemed 
 to his estrayed powers so heavenly a thing, that it rather for 
 a while confirmed him in his former belief: till she with vehement 
 protestations (and desire that it might be so, helping to persuade 
 that it was so) brought him to yield ; yet doubtfully to yield to this 
 height of all comfort that Philoclea lived : which witnessing with 
 tears of joy; "Alas!" said he, "how shall I believe mine eyes 
 any more ? or do you yet but appear thus unto me, to stay me from 
 some desperate end? for alas, I saw the excellent Pamela 
 beheaded, I saw your head, the head indeed, and chief part indeed 
 of all nature's works, standing in a dish of gold, too mean a shrine, 
 God wot, for such a relic. How can this be, my only dear, and 
 you live? Or if this be not so, how can I believe mine own 
 senses ? And if I cannot believe them, why should I believe these 
 blessed tidings they bring me ? " 
 
 "The truth is," said she, "my Pyrocles, that neither I, as you 
 find, nor yet my dear sister is dead : although the mischievously 
 subtle Cecropia used slights to make either of us think so of other. 
 For, having in vain attempted the farthest of her wicked eloquence 
 to make either of us yield to her son : and seeing that neither it, 
 accompanied with great flatteries and rich presents, could get any 
 ground of us, nor yet the violent way she fell into, of cruelly 
 tormenting our bodies, could prevail with us, at last she made 
 either of us think the other dead, and so hoped to have wrested 
 our minds to the forgetting of virtue : and first she gave to mine 
 eyes the miserable spectacle of my sister's, as I thought, death ; 
 but indeed it was not my sister, it was only Artesia, she who so 
 cunningly brought us to this misery. Truly I am sorry for the 
 poor gentlewoman, though justly she be punished for her double 
 falsehood : but Artesia muffled so, that you could not easily discern 
 her, and in my sister's apparel, which they had talien from her 
 under colour of giving her other, did they execute : and when I, 
 for thy sake especially, dear Pyrocles, could by no force nor fear 
 be one, they assayed the like with my sister, by bringing me down 
 under the scaffold, and making me thrust my head up through a 
 hole they had made therein, they did put about my neck a dish of 
 gold, whereout they had beaten the bottom, so as having set blood 
 in it, you saw how I played the part of death, God knows even 
 wUiing to have done it in earnest, and so they had set m^ tb^t I 
 
BOOK III.J 
 
 ARCADIA 407 
 
 reached but on tiptoes to the ground, so as I scarcely could breathe, 
 much less speak : and truly if they had kept me there any whit 
 longer, they had strangled me, instead of beheading me : but when 
 they took me away, and seeking to see their issue of this practice, 
 they found my noble sister, for the dear love she vouchsafeth to 
 bear me, so grieved withal, that she willed them to do their utter- 
 most cruelty unto her : for she vowed never to receive sustenance 
 of them that had been the causers of my murder : and finding both 
 of us even given over, not likely to live many hours longer, and 
 my sister Pamela rather worse than myself, the strength of her 
 heart worse bearing those indignities, the good woman Cecropia, 
 with the same pity as folks keep fowls, when they are not fat 
 enough for their eating, made us know her deceit, and let us come 
 one to another ; with what joy you can well imagine, who I know 
 feel the like, saving that we only thought ourselves reserved to 
 miseries, and therefore fitter for condohng than congratulating. 
 For my part I am fully persuaded it is but with a httle respite, to 
 have a more feeling sense of the torment she prepares for us. 
 True it is, that one of my guardians would have me to believe that 
 this proceeds from my gentle cousin Amphialus; who having 
 heard some inkling that we were evil intreated, had called his 
 mother to his bedside, from whence he never rose since his last 
 combat, and besought and charged her, upon all the love she bore 
 him, to use us with all kindness : vowing with all the imprecations 
 he could imagine, that if ever he understood, for his sake, that I 
 received farther hurt than the want of liberty, he would not Uve an 
 hour longer. And the good woman swore to me that he would 
 kill his mother, if he knew how I had been dealt with, but that 
 Cecropia keeps him from understanding things how they pass, 
 only having heard a whispering, and myself named, he had (of 
 abundance, forsooth, of honourable love) given this charge for us • 
 whereupon this enlargement of mine was grown : for my part I 
 know too well their cunning, who leave no money unoffered that 
 may buy mine honour, to believe any word they say, but, my dear 
 Pyrocles, even look for the worst, and prepare thyself for the same. 
 Yet I must confess, I was content to rob from death, and borrow 
 of my misery the sweet comfort of seeing my sweet sister, and 
 most sweet comfort of thee my Pyrocles. And so having leave I 
 came stealing into your chamber : where, O Lord, what a joy it 
 was unto me, to hear you solemnize the funerals of the poor 
 Philoclea. That I myself might live to hear my death bewailed? 
 And by whom ? By my dear Pyrocles. That I saw death was not 
 strong enough to divide thy love from me ? O my Pyrocles, I am 
 too well paid for my pains. I have suffered ; joyful is my woe for 
 «) noble a cause ; and welcome be all my miseries, since to thee I 
 
408 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 am so welcome. Alas how I pitied to hear thy pity of me ; and 
 yet a great while I could not find in my heart to interrupt thee, 
 but often had even pleasure to weep with thee: and so kindly 
 came forth thy lamentations, that they forced me to lament too, as 
 if indeed I had been a looker on, to see poor Philoclea die. Till 
 at last I spoke with you, to try whether I could remove thee from 
 sorrow, till I had almost procured myself a beating." 
 
 And with that she prettily smiled; which mingled with her 
 tears ; one could not tell whether it was a mourning pleasure, or a 
 delightful sorrow : but like when a few April drops are scattered 
 by a gentle Zephirus among fine coloured flowers. But Pyrocles, 
 who had felt, with so small distance of time, in himself the overthrow 
 both of hope and despair, knew not to what key he should frame 
 his mind, either of joy or sorrow. But finding perfect reason in 
 neither, suffered himself to be carried by the tide of his imagination, 
 and his imaginations to be raised even by the sway which hearing 
 or seeing might give unto them : he saw her alive, he was glad to 
 see her alive ; he saw her weep, he was sorry to see her weep ; he 
 heard her comfortable speeches, nothing more gladsome; he 
 heard her prognosticating her own destruction, nothing more 
 doleful. But when he had a little taken breath from the panting 
 motion of such contraries in passions, he fell to consider with her 
 of her present estate, but comforting her, that certainly the worst 
 of this storm was past, since already they had done the worst, 
 which man's wit could imagine ; and that if they had determined 
 to have killed her, now they would have done it, and also earnestly 
 counselling her, and enabling his counsels with vehement prayers, 
 that she would so far second the hopes of Amphialus, as that she 
 might but procure him liberty ; promising then as much to her, 
 as the liberality of loving courage durst promise to himself. 
 
 But who could lively describe the manner of these speeches, 
 should paint out the lightsome colours of affection, shaded with 
 the deepest shadows of sorrow, finding them between hope and 
 fear, a kind of sweetness in tears ; till Philoclea content to receive 
 a kiss, and but a kiss of Pyrocles, sealed up his moving lips, and 
 closed them up in comfort : and herself, for the passage was left 
 between them open, went to her sister ; with whom she had stayed 
 but a while, fortifying one another while Philoclea tempered 
 Pamela's just disdain, and Pamela ennobled Philoclea's sweet 
 humbleness, when Amphialus came unto them : who never since 
 he had heard Philoclea named, could be quiet in himself, although 
 none of them about him (fearing more his mother's violence than 
 his power) would discover what had passed : and many messengers 
 he sent to know her estate, which brought answer back, according 
 as it pleased Cecropia to indite them, till his heart full of unfortunate 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 409 
 
 affection, more and more misgiving him, having impatiently borne 
 the delay of the night's unfitness, this morning he got up, and 
 though full of wounds, which not without danger could suffer such 
 exercise, he apparelled himself, and with the countenance that 
 showed strength in nothing but in grief, he came where the 
 sisters were, and weakly kneeling down, he besought them 
 to pardon him ; if they had not been used in that castle 
 according to their worthiness, and his duty, beginning to excuse 
 small matters, poor gentleman, not knowing in what sort they 
 had been handled. 
 
 But Pamela's high heart, having conceived mortal hatred for the 
 injury offered to her and her sister, could scarcely abide his sight, 
 much less hear out his excuses, but interrupted him with these 
 words : " Traitor," said she, " to thine own blood, and false to the 
 profession of so much love as thou hast vowed, do not defile our 
 ears with thy excuses, but pursue on thy cruelty, that thou and thy 
 godly mother have used towards us : for my part, assure thyself, 
 and so do I answer for my sister, whose mind I know, I do not 
 more desire mine own safety than thy destruction." Amazed with 
 this speech, he turned his eye full of humble sorrowfulness, to 
 Philoclea : " And is this, most excellent lady, your doom of me 
 also." She, sweet lady, sat weeping; for as her most noble 
 kinsman she had ever favoured him, and loved his love, though 
 she could not be in love with his person ; and now partly 
 unkindness of his wrong, partly pity of his case, made her sweet 
 mind yield some tears before she could answer ; and her answer 
 was no other, but that she had the same cause as her sister had. 
 He replied no further, but delivering from his heart two or three 
 untaught sighs, rose, and with most low reverence went out of 
 their chamber, and straight, by threatening torture, learned of one 
 of the women in what terrible manner these princesses had been 
 used. But when he heard it, crying out, " O God ! " and then not 
 able to say any more, for his speech went back to rebound woe 
 upon his heart, he needed no judge to go upon him ; for no man 
 could ever think any other worthy of greater punishment, than 
 he thought himself. Full therefore of the horriblest despair, which 
 a most guilty conscience could breed, with wild looks, promising 
 some terrible issue, understanding his mother was upon the top 
 of the leads, he caught one of his servant's swords from him, and 
 none of them daring to stay him, he went up, carried by fury 
 instead of strength, where she was at that time, musing how to 
 go through with this matter, and resolving to make much of her 
 nieces in show, and secretly to impoison them ; thinking since 
 they were not to be won, her son's love would no otherwise be 
 mitigated. 
 
4IO ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 But when she saw him come in with a sword drawn, and a look 
 more terrible than the sword, she straight was stricken with the 
 guiltiness of her own conscience: yet the well-known humbleness 
 of her son somewhat animated her, till he coming near her, and 
 crying to her, "Thou damnable creature, only fit to bring forth 
 such a monster of unhappiness as I am;" she fearing he would, 
 have stricken her, though indeed he meant it not, but only intended 
 to kill himself in her presence, went back so far, till e'er she were 
 aware, she overthrew herself from over the leads, to receive her 
 death's kiss at the ground: and yet was she not so happy as 
 presently to die, but that she had time with hellish agony to see 
 her son's mischief, whom she loved so well, before her end, when 
 she confessed, with most desperate but not repenting mind, the 
 purpose she had to impoison the princesses, and would then have 
 had them murdered. But .everybody seeing, and glad to see her 
 end, had left obedience to her tyranny. 
 
 And, if it could be, her ruin increased woe in the noble heart of 
 Amphialus, who when he. saw her fall, had his own rage stayed a 
 little with the suddenness of her destruction: "And was I not 
 miserable enough before," said he, " but that before my end I must 
 be the death of my mother? Who, how wicked soever, yet I 
 would she had received her punishment by some other: O 
 Amphialus, wretched Amphialus, thou hast lived to be the death of 
 thy most dear companion and friend Philoxenus, and of his father, 
 thy most careful foster-father. Thou hast lived to kill a lady with 
 thine own hands, and so excellent and virtuous a lady as the fair 
 Parthenia was ; thou hast lived to see thy faithful Ismenus slain in 
 succouring thee, and thou not able to defend him ; thou hast lived 
 to show thyself such a coward, as that one unknown knight could 
 overcome thee in thy lady's presence : thou hast lived to bear arms 
 against thy rightful prince, thine own uncle : thou hast lived to be 
 accounted, and justly accounted a traitor, by the most excellent 
 persons that this world holdeth : thou hast lived to be the death of 
 her that gave thee life. But ah wretched Amphialus, thou hast 
 lived for thy sake, and by thy authority, to have Philoclea 
 tormented. O heavens, in Amphialus's castle, where Amphialus 
 commanded, tormented, tormented. Torment of my soul, Philoclea 
 tormented, and thou hast had such comfort in thy life, as to live 
 all this while. Perchance this hand, used only to mischievous 
 acts, thinks it were too good a deed to kill me : or else filthy hand, 
 only worthy to kill women, thou art afraid to strike a man. Fear 
 not cowardly hand, for thou shalt kill but a cowardly traitor : and 
 do it gladly, for thou shalt kill him whom Philoclea hateth. With 
 that furiously he tore open his doublet, and setting the pommel 
 pf the ?wprd to the ground^ and the point to bis breast^ he fell ujpon 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 41 1 
 
 it. But the sword more merciful than he to himself, with the 
 slipping of the pommel the point swerved, and razed him but upon 
 the side : yet with the fall his other wounds opened so that he bled 
 in such extremity, that Charon's boat might very well be carried in 
 that flood : which yet he sought so hasten by this means. As he 
 opened his doublet, and fell, there fell out Philoclea's knives which 
 Cecropia at the first had taken from her, and delivered to her son; 
 and he had ever worn them next his heart, as the only relic he had 
 of his saint: now seeing them by him, his sword being so, as 
 weakness could not well draw it out from his doublet, he took the 
 knives, and pulling one of them out, and many times kissing it, 
 and then, first with the passions of kindness and unkindness 
 melting in tears. " O dear knives, you are come in good time to 
 revenge the wrong I have done you all this while, in keeping you 
 from her blessed side; and wearing you without your mistress's 
 leave. Alas ! be witness with me, yet before I die, and well you 
 may, for you have lain next my heart, that but my consent, your 
 excellent mistress should have had as much honour as this poor 
 place could have brought forth for so high an excellency; and now 
 I am condemned to die by her mouth. Alas ! other, far other 
 hope would my desire often have given me; but other event it 
 hath pleased her to lay upon me. Ah Philoclea," with that his 
 tears gushed out as though they would strive to overflow his blood, 
 " I would yet thou knowest how I love thee. Unworthy I am, 
 unhappy I am, false I am ; but to thee alas ! I am not false. But 
 what a traitor am I, any way to excuse him, whom she condemneth ? 
 since there is nothing left me wherein I may do her service, but in 
 punishing him who hath so offended her. Dear knife, then do 
 your noble mistress's commandment." With that, he stabbed 
 himself into divers places of his breast and throat, until these 
 wounds, with the old, freshly bleeding, brought him to the senseless 
 gate of death. By which time, his servants, having, with fear of 
 his fury, abstained a while from coming unto him, one of them, 
 prefering dutiful affection before fearful duty, came in and there 
 found him swimming in his own blood, giving a pitiful spectacle, 
 where the conquest was the conqueror's overthrow, and self ruin 
 the only triumph of a battle, fought between him and himself. 
 The time full of danger, the person full of worthiness, the manner 
 full of horror, did greatly astonish all the beholders: so as by and 
 by all the town was full of it, and they of all ages came running up 
 to see the beloved body ; everybody thinking their safety bled in 
 his wounds, and their honour died in his destruction. 
 
 But when it came, and quickly it came to the ears of his proud 
 friend Anaxius, who by that time was grown well of his wound, but 
 sever h^d come abroad^ disdaining to abase himself fo the 
 
412 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 company of any other but of Amphialus, he was exceedingly vexed 
 either with kindness or, if a proud heart be not capable thereof, 
 with disdain, that he, who had the honour to be called the friend 
 of Anaxius, should come to such an unexpected ruin. Therefore 
 then coming abroad, with a face red in anger, and engrained in 
 pride, with lids raised, and eyes levelled from top to toe of them 
 that met him, treading as though he thought to make the earth 
 shake under him, with his hand upon his sword ; short speeches, 
 and disdainful answers, giving straight order to his two brothers, 
 to go take the oath of obedience, in his name, of all the soldiers 
 and citizens in the town : and withal to swear them to revenge the 
 death of Amphialus upon Basilius ; he himself went to see him, 
 calling for all the surgeons and physicians there, spending some 
 time in viewing the body, and threatening them all to be hanged, 
 if they did not heal him. But they, taking view of his wounds, 
 and falling down at Anaxius's feet, assured him that they were 
 mortal, and no possible means to keep him above two days alive : 
 and he stood partly in doubt, to kill, or save them, between his 
 own fury, and their humbleness. But vowing with his own hands 
 to kill the two sisters, as causers of his friend's death : when his 
 brothers came to him, and told him they had done his command- 
 ment, in having received the oath of allegiance, with no great 
 difficulties, the most part terrified by their valour, and force of 
 their servants; and many that had been forward actors in the 
 rebellion, willing to do anything, rather than come under the 
 subjection of Basilius again ; and such few as durst gainsay, being 
 cut off by present slaughter. 
 
 But withal, as the chief matter of their coming to him, they told 
 Anaxius, that the fair queen Helen was come, with an honourable 
 retinue, to the town : humbly desiring leave to see Amphialus, 
 whom she had sought in many places of the world; and lastly, 
 being returned into her own country, she heard together of the 
 late siege, and of his combat with the strange knight, who had 
 dangerously hurt him. Whereupon full of loving care (which she 
 was content even to publish to the world, how ungratefully soever 
 he dealt with her) she had gotten leave of Basilius, to come by his 
 frontiers, to carry away Amphialus with her, to the excellentest 
 surgeon then known, whom she had in her country, but so old, 
 as not able to travel: but had given her sovereign anointments, 
 to preserve his body withal, till he might be brought unto him: 
 and that Basilius had granted leave ; either natural kindness 
 prevailing over all the offences done, or rather glad to make any 
 passage which might lead him out of his country, and from his 
 daughters. This discourse Lycurgus understanding of Helen, 
 delivered to his brother, with her vehement desire to see the 
 
BOOK m.] ARCADIA 413 
 
 body, and take her last farewell of him. Anaxius, though he were 
 fallen out with all womankind, in respect of the hate he bore the 
 sisters, whom he accounted murderers of Amphialus, yet at his 
 brother's request, granted her leave. And she, poor lady, with 
 grievous expectation, and languishing desire, carried her faint 
 legs to the place where he lay, either not breathing, or in all 
 appearance breathing nothing but death. 
 
 In which piteous plight when she saw him, though sorrow had 
 set before her mind the pitifuUest conceit thereof that it could 
 paint, yet the present sight went beyond all the former 
 apprehensions : so that beginning to kneel by the body, her sight 
 ran from her service, rather than abide such a sight ; and she fell 
 in a swoon upon him, as if she could not choose but die of his 
 wounds. But when her breath, aweary to be closed up in woe, 
 broke the prison of her fair lips, and brought memory with his 
 servant senses to his natural office, she made yet the breath 
 convey these doleful words with it. " Alas ! " said she, " Amphialus, 
 what strange disasters be these, that having sought thee so long, 
 I should be now sorry to find thee ? that these eyes should look 
 upon Amphialus, and be grieved withal .' that I should have thee 
 in my power without glory, and embrace thee without comfort ? 
 how often have I blest the means that might bring me near thee ? 
 now woe worth the cause that brings me so near thee. Often, 
 alas ! often hast thou disdained my tears : but now, my dear 
 Amphialus, receive them : these eyes can serve for nothing else 
 but to weep for thee : since thou wouldst never vouchsafe them 
 thy comfort, yet disdain not them thy sorrow. I would they had 
 been more dear unto thee ; for then hadst thou lived. Woe is me 
 that thy noble heart could love who hated thee, and hate who 
 loved thee. Alas why should not my faith to thee cover my other 
 defects, who only sought to make my crown thy footstool, myself 
 thy servant, that was all my ambition; and alas thou disdainest 
 it, to serve them, by whom thy incomparable self wert disdained. 
 Yet, O Philoclea, wheresoever you are, pardon me if I speak in 
 the bitterness of my soul, excellent may you be in all other things, 
 and excellent sure you are since he loved you, your want of pity, 
 where the fault only was infiniteness of desert, cannot be excused. 
 I would, O God, I would that you had granted his deserved suit 
 of marrying you, and that I had been your serving-maid, to have 
 made my estate the foil of your felicity, so he had lived. How 
 many weary steps have I trodden after thee, while my only 
 complaint was, that thou wert unkind? alas! I would now thou 
 wert to be unkind. Alas, why wouldst thou not command my 
 service, in persuading Philoclea to love thee? who could, or if 
 everyone could, who would have recounted thy perfection so well 
 
^4^14 ■ " ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 as I ? who with such kindly passions could have stirred pity for 
 thee as I ? who should have delivered not only the words, but the 
 tears I had of thee : and so shouldst thou have exercised thy 
 disdain in me, and yet used my service for thee." 
 
 With that the body moving somewhat, and giving a groan, full 
 of death's music, she fell upon his face, and kissed him, and withal 
 cried out; " O miserable I, that have only favour by misery ;'' and 
 then would she have returned to a fresh career of complaints, when 
 an aged and wise gentleman came to her, and besought her to 
 remember what was fit for her greatness, wisdom, and honour : and 
 withal, that it was fitter to show her love in carrying the body to 
 her excellent surgeon, first applying such excellent medicines as she 
 had received of him for that purpose, rather than only show herself 
 a woman-lover in fruitless lamentations. She was straight warned 
 with the obedience of an overthrown mind, and therefore leaving 
 some surgeons of her own to dress the body, went herself to 
 Anaxius, and humbling herself to him, as low as his own pride 
 could wish, besought him, that since the surgeons there had utterly 
 given him over, that he would let her carry him away in her litter 
 with her, since the worst he could have should be to die, and to 
 die in her arms that loved him above all things ; and where he should 
 have such monuments erected over him, as were fit for her love, 
 and his worthiness: beseeching him withal, since she was in a 
 country of enemies, where she trusted more to Anaxius's valour, 
 than Basilius's promise, that he would convey them safely out of 
 these territories. Her reasons something moved him, but nothing 
 thoroughly persuaded him, but the last request of his help ; which 
 he straight promised: warranting all security, as long as that 
 sword had his master alive. She as happy therein as unhappiness 
 could be, having received as small comfort of her own surgeons as 
 of the others, caused yet the body to be easily conveyed into the 
 litter: all the people then beginning to roar and cry, as though 
 never till then they had lost their lord. And if the terror of 
 Anaxius had not kept them under, they would have mutinied, 
 rather than suffered his body to be carried away. 
 
 But Anaxius himself riding before the litter, with the choice men 
 of that place, they were afraid even to cry, though they were ready 
 to cry for fear ; but because that they might do, everybody forced, 
 even with harming themselves, to do honour to him: some 
 throwing themselves upon the ground; some tearing their clothes, 
 and casting dust upon their heads, and some even wounding 
 themselves, and sprinkling their own blood in the air. 
 
 The general consort of whose mourning performed so the 
 natural tunes of sorrow, that even to them, if any such were, that 
 felt not the loss, yet others' grief taught them grief; having before 
 
BOOK iil] ARCADIA 41 S 
 
 both their compassionate sense so passionate a spectacle of a young 
 man, of great beauty, beautified with great honour, honoured by 
 great valour, made of inestimable value by the noble using of it, 
 to lie there languishing under the arrest of death, and a death 
 where the manner could be no comfort to the discomfortableness of 
 the matter. But when the body was carried through the gate, and 
 the people, saving such as were appointed, not suffered to go 
 farther, then was such an universal cry, as if they had all had but 
 one life, and all received but one blow. 
 
 Which so moved Anaxius to consider the loss of his friend, that, 
 his mind apter to revenge than tenderness, he presently giving 
 order to his brothers to keep the prisoners safe, and unvisited till 
 his return from conveying Helen, he sent a messenger to the sisters 
 to tell them this courteous message: that at his return, with his 
 own hands, he would cut off their heads, and send them for tokens 
 to their father. 
 
 This message was brought unto the sisters, as they sat at that time 
 together with Zelmane, conferring how to carry themselves, having 
 heard of the death of Amphialus. And as no expectation of death 
 is so painful, as where the resolution is hindered by the intermixing 
 of hopes, so did this new alarm, though not remove, yet move 
 somewhat the constancy of their minds, which were so unconstantly 
 dealt with. But within a while, the excellent Pamela had brought 
 her mind again to his old acquaintance : and then as careful for her 
 sister, whom she most dearly loved, " Sister," said she, " you see 
 how many acts our tragedy hath: fortune is not yet aweary of 
 vexing us : but what ? a ship is not counted strong by biding one 
 storm : it is but the same trumpet of death, which now perhaps 
 gives the last sound : and let us make that profit of our former 
 miseries, that in them we learned to die willingly." " Truly," said 
 Philoclea, " dear sister, I was so beaten with the evils of life, that 
 though I had not virtue enough to despise the sweetness of it, yet my 
 weakness bred that strength to be weary of the pains of it : only I 
 must confess that little hope, which by these late accidents was 
 awakened in me, was at the first angry withal. But even in the 
 darkness of that horror, I see a light of comfort appear ; and how 
 can I tread amiss, that see Pamela's steps ? I would only, O that 
 my wish might take place, that my school-mistress might live, to 
 see me say my lesson truly." " Were that a life, my Philoclea ? " 
 said Pamela. "No, no," said she, "let it come, and put on his 
 worst face : for at -the worst it is but a bugbear. Joy it is tome to 
 see you so well resolved, and since the world will not have us, let it 
 lose us. Only," with that she stayed a little and sighed, " only my 
 Philoclea," then she bowed down, and whispered in her ear, "only 
 Musidorus, my shepherd, comes between me and death, and 
 
4i6 ARCADIA [book in, 
 
 makes me think I should not die, because I know he would not I 
 should die." With that Philoclea sighed also, saying no more, but 
 looking upon Zelmane, who was walking up and down the chamber, 
 having heard this message from Anaxius, and having in time past 
 heard of his nature, thought him like enough to perform it, which 
 winded her again into the former maze of perplexity. Yet debating 
 with herself of the manner how to prevent it, she continued her 
 musing humour, little saying, or indeed, little finding in her heart 
 to say, in a case of such extremity, where peremptorily death was 
 threatened : and so stayed they ; having yet that comfort, that 
 they might tarry together. Pamela nobly, Philoclea sweetly, and 
 Zelmane sadly and desperately ; none of them entertaining sleep, 
 which they thought should shortly begin never to awake. 
 
 But Anaxius came home, having safely conducted Helen ; and 
 safely he might well do it ; for though many of Basilius's knights 
 would have attempted something upon Anaxius, by that means to 
 deliver the ladies, yet Philanax having received his master's 
 commandment, and knowing his word was given, would not 
 consent unto it. And the black knight, who by then was able to 
 carry abroad his wounds, did not know thereof ; but was bringing 
 force, by force to deliver his lady. So as Anaxius, interpreting it 
 rather fear than faith, and making even chance an argument of his 
 virtue, returned: and as soon as he was returned, with a felon 
 heart calling his brothers up with him, he went into the chamber, 
 where they were all three together, with full intention to kill the 
 sisters with his own hands, and send their heads for tokens to their 
 father, though his brothers, who were otherwise inclined, dissuaded 
 him ; but his reverence stayed their persuasions. But when he was 
 come into the chamber, with the very words of choleric threatening 
 climbing up his throat, his eyes first lighted upon Pamela; who 
 hearing he was coming, and looking for death, thought she would 
 keep her own majesty in welcoming it; but the beams thereof so 
 struck his eyes, with such a counterbuff upon his pride, that if his 
 anger could not so quickly love, nor his pride so easily honour, yet 
 both were forced to find a worthiness. 
 
 Which while it bred a pause in him, Zelmane, who had already 
 in her mind both what and how to say, stepped out unto him, and 
 with a resolute steadiness, void either of anger, kindness, disdain, 
 or humbleness, spoke in this sort. " Anaxius," said she, " if fame 
 hath not been over-partial to thee, thou art a man of exceeding 
 valour. Therefore I do call thee even before that virtue, and will 
 make it the judge between us. And now I do affirm, that to the 
 eternal blot of all the fair acts that thou hast done, thou dost weakly, 
 in seeking without danger to revenge his death, whose life with 
 danger thou mightest perhaps have preserved : thou dost cowardly 
 
BOOK m.] ARCADIA 417 
 
 in going about by the death of these excellent ladies, to prevent 
 the just punishment that hereafter they by the powers, which they 
 better than their father, or any other could make, might lay upon 
 thee, and dost most basely, in once presenting thyself as an 
 executioner, a vile office upon men, and in a just cause ; beyond 
 the degree of any vile word, in so unjust a cause, and upon ladies, 
 and such ladies. And therefore, as a hangman, I say, thou art 
 unworthy to be counted a knight, or to be admitted into the 
 company of knights. Neither for what I say, will I allege other 
 reasons of wisdom, or justice, to prove my speech, because I know 
 thou dost disdain to be tied to their rules, but even in thine own 
 virtue, whereof thou so much gloriest, I will make my trial : and 
 therefore defy thee, by the death of one of us two, to prove or 
 disprove these reproaches. Choose thee what arms thou likest: I 
 only demand that these ladies, whom I defend, may in liberty see 
 the combat." 
 
 When Zelmane began her speech, the excellency of her beauty 
 and grace made him a little content to hear. Besides that, a new 
 lesson he had read in Pamela, had already taught him some 
 regard. But when she entered into a bravery of speech, he 
 thought at first, a mad and railing humour possessed her; till 
 finding the speeches hold well together, and at length come to a 
 flat challenge of combat, he stood leaning back with his body and 
 head, sometimes with bent brows looking upon the one side of 
 her, sometimes of the other, beyond marvel marvelling, that he, 
 who had never heard such speeches from any knight, should be thus 
 rebuffed by a woman, and that marvel made him hear out her 
 speech : which ended, he turned his head to his brother Zoilus, and 
 said nothing, but only lifting up his eyes, smiled. But Zelmane finding 
 his mind, " Anaxius," said she, " perchance thou disdainest to answer 
 me, because, as a woman, thou thinkest me not fit to be fought 
 withal. But I tell thee that I have been trained up in martial 
 matters, with so good success, that I have many times overcome 
 braver knights than thyself: and am well known to be equal in 
 feats of arms to the famous Pyrocles, who slew thy valiant uncle 
 the gia;nt Evardes." The remembrance of his uncle's death 
 something nettled him, so as he answered thus. 
 
 " Indeed," said he, " any woman may be as vaUant as that 
 coward and traitorly boy, who slew my uncle traitorously, and 
 after ran from me in the plain field. Five thousand such could 
 not have overcome Evardes, but ■ by falsehood. But I sought 
 him all over Asia, following him still from one of his coney-holes 
 to another, till coming into this country, I heard of my friend 
 being besieged, and so came to blow away the wretches that 
 troubled him. But wheresoever the miserable boy fly, heaven, nor 
 
 3 D 
 
4t8 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 hell shall keep his heart from being torn by these hands." " Thou 
 liest in thy throat," said Zelmane, "that boy, wherever he went, 
 did so noble acts, as thy heart, as proud as it is, dares not think of, 
 much less perform. But to please thee the better with my presence, 
 I tell thee, no creature can be nearer of kin to him than myself: 
 and so well we love, that he would not be sorrier for his own death 
 than for mine : I being begotten by his father, of an Amazon lady. 
 And therefore, thou canst not devise to revenge thyself more upon 
 him, than by killing me : which if thou darest do, manfully do it, 
 otherwise, if thou harm these incomparable ladies, or myself with- 
 out daring to fight with riie, I protest before these knights, and 
 before heaven and earth, that will reveal thy shame, that thou art 
 he beggarliest dastardly villain that dishonoureth the earth with 
 his steps : and if thou lettest me over-live them, so will I blaze 
 thee " But all this could not move Anaxius, but that he only said, 
 " Evil should it become the -terror of the world to fight, much 
 worse to scold with thee." 
 
 " But," said he, " for the death of these same," pointing to the 
 princesses, " of my grace I give them life." And withal going to 
 Pamela, and offering to take her by the chin, "And as for you, 
 minion," said he, " yield but gently to my will, and you shall not 
 only live, but live so happily : " he would have said farther, when 
 Pamela, displeased both with words, matter and manner, putting 
 him away with her fair hand ; " proud beast," said she, " yet thou 
 playest worse thy comedy, than thy tragedy. For my part, assure 
 thyself, since my destiny is such, that each moment my life and 
 death stand in equal balance, I had rather have thee, and think 
 thee far fitter to be my hangman, than my husband." Pride and 
 anger would fain have cruelly revenged so bitter an answer, 
 but already Cupid had begun to make it his sport to pull his 
 plumes : so that unused to a way of courtesy, and put out of his 
 bias of pride, he hastily went away, grumbling to himself: between 
 threatening and wishing ; leaving his brothers with them : the 
 elder of whom Lycurgus, liked Philoclea, and Zoilus would needs 
 love Zelmane, or at least entertain themselves with making them 
 believe so. Lycurgus more bragged, and near his brother's 
 humour, began, with setting forth their blood, their deeds, how 
 many they had despised of most excellent women ; how much 
 they were bound to them, that would seek that of them. In sum, 
 in all his speeches, more like the bestower than the desirer of 
 felicity. Whom it was an excellent pastime, to those that would 
 delight in the play of virtue, to see with what a witty ignorance 
 she would not understand : and how acknowledging his perfec- 
 tions, she would make that one of his perfections, not to be 
 injurious to ladies. But when he knew not how to reply, then 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 419 
 
 would he fall to touching and toying, still viewing his graces in no 
 glass but self-liking. To which Philoclea's shamefacedness and 
 humbleness were as strong resisters as choler and disdain: for 
 though she yielded not, he thought she was to be overcome : and 
 that thought a while stayed him from farther violence. But 
 Zelmane had eye to his behaviour, and set it in her memory upon 
 the score of revenge, while she herself was no less attempted by 
 Zoilus ; who less fond of brags was forwardest in offering, indeed, 
 dishonourable violence. 
 
 But when after their fruitless labours they had gone away, 
 called by their brother, who began to be perplexed between new 
 conceived desires, and disdain to be disdained, Zelmane, who with 
 most assured quietness of judgment looked into their present 
 estate, earnestly persuaded the two sisters, that to avoid the 
 mischiefs of proud outrage, they would only so far suit their 
 behaviour to their estates, as they might win time, which, as it 
 could not bring them to worse case than they were, so it might 
 bring forth unexpected relief. "And why," said Pamela, "shall 
 we any longer flatter adversity ? why should we delight to make 
 ourselves any longer balls to injurious fortune, since our own 
 parents are content to be tyrants over us, since our own kin are 
 content traitorously to abuse us ? certainly in mishap it may be 
 some comfort to us that we are lighted in these fellows hands, who 
 yet will keep us from having cause of being miserable by our 
 friend's means. Nothing grieves me more than that you, noble 
 lady Zelmane, to whom the world might have made us able to do 
 honour, should receive only hurt by the contagion of our misery. 
 As for me and my sister, undoubtedly it becomes our birth to think 
 of dying nobly, while we have done or suffered nothing which 
 might make our soul ashamed at the parture from these bodies. 
 Hope is the fawning traitor of the mind, while under colour of 
 friendship it robs it of his chief force of resolution." " Virtuous 
 and fair lady," said Zelmane, " What you say is true, and that truth 
 may well make up a part in the harmony of your noble thoughts. 
 But yet the time, which ought always to be one, is not tuned for it, 
 while that may bring forth any good, do not bar yourself thereof : 
 for then will be the time to die nobly, when you cannot live nobly." 
 Then so earnestly she persuaded with them both, to refer them- 
 selves to their father's consent, in obtaining whereof they knew 
 some while would be spent, and by that means to temper the 
 minds of their proud woers ; that in the end Pamela yielded to her, 
 because she spoke reason, and Philoclea yielded to her reason, 
 because she spoke it. 
 
 And so when they were again solicited in that little pleasing 
 petition, Pamela forced herself to make answer to Anaxius, that if 
 
420 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 her father gave his consent she would make herself believe, that 
 such was the heavenly determination, since she had no means to 
 avoid it. Anaxius who was the most frank promiser to himself of 
 success, nothing doubted of Basilius's consent, but rather assured 
 himself, he would be his orator in that matter ; and therefore he 
 chose out an officious servant, whom he esteemed very wise, 
 because he never found him but just of his opinion, and willed him 
 to be his ambassador to Basilius, and to make him know, that if 
 he meant to have his daughters both safe and happy, and desired 
 himself to have such a son-in-law, as would not only protect him 
 in his quiet course, but, if he listed to accept it, would give him 
 the monarchy of the world, that then he should receive Anaxius, 
 who never before knew what it was to pray anything. That if he 
 did not, he would make him know that the power of Anaxius was 
 in everything beyond his will, and yet his will not to be resisted 
 by any other power. His servant, with smiling and cast-up look, 
 desired God to make his memory able to contain the treasure of 
 that wise speech : and therefore besought him to repeat it again, 
 that by the oftener hearing it his mind might be the better 
 acquainted with the divineness thereof; and that being graciously 
 granted he then doubted not by carrying with him in his conceit 
 the grace wherewith Anaxius spoke it, to persuade rocky minds to 
 their own harm ; so little doubted he to win Basilius to that, 
 which he thought would make him think the heavens opened when 
 he heard but the proffer thereof. Anaxius gravely allowed the 
 probabiUty of his conjecture ; and therefore sent him away, 
 promising him he should have the bringing up of his second son 
 by Pamela. 
 
 The messenger with speed performed his lord's commandment 
 to Basilius ; who by nature quiet, and by superstition made 
 doubtful, was loth to take any matter of arms in hand, wherein 
 already he had found so slow success ; though Philanax vehemently 
 urged him thereunto, making him see that his retiring back did 
 encourage injuries. But Basilius, betwixt the fear of Anaxius's 
 might, the passion of his love, and jealousy of his estate, was so 
 perplexed, that not able to determine, he took the common course 
 of men, to fly only then to devotion, when they want resolution : 
 therefore detaining the messenger with delays, he deferred the 
 directing of his course to the counsel of Apollo, which because 
 himself at that time could not go well to require, he entrusted the 
 matter to his best trusted Philanax ; who, as one in whom 
 obedience was a sufficient reason unto him, went with diligence to 
 Delphos, where being entered into the secret place of the temple, 
 and having performed the sacrifices usual, the spirit that possessed 
 the prophesying woman, with a sacred fury attended pot hig 
 
BOOK III.] ARCAblA 421 
 
 demand, but as if it would argue him of incredulity, told him, not 
 in dark wonted speeches, but plainly to be understood, what he 
 came for, and that he should return to Basilius, and will him to 
 deny his daughters to Anaxius and his brothers ; for that they 
 were reserved for such as were better beloved of the Gods, that 
 he should not doubt, for they should return unto him safely and 
 speedily ; and that he should keep on his solitary course till both 
 Philanax and Basilius fully agreed in the understanding of the 
 former prophecy : withal commanding Philanax from thence 
 forward to give tribute, but not oblation to human wisdom. 
 
 Philanax then finding that reason cannot show itself more 
 reasonable than to leave reasoning in things above reason, returns 
 to his lord, and like one that preferred truth before the maintaining 
 of an opinion, hid nothing from him, nor from thenceforth durst 
 any more dissuade him from that which he found by the celestial 
 providence directed ; but he himself looking to repair the 
 government, as much as in so broken an estate by civil dissention 
 he might, and fortifying with notable art both the lodges, so that 
 they were almost made unapproachable, he left Basilius to bemoan 
 the absence of his daughters, and to bewail the imprisonment of 
 Zelmane ; yet wholly given holily to obey the oracle, he gave a 
 resolute negative unto the messenger of Anaxius, who all this 
 while had waited for it ; yet in good terms desiring him to show 
 himself in respect of his birth and profession, so princely a knight, 
 as without forcing him to seek the way of force, to deliver in noble 
 sort these ladies unto him, and so should the injury have been by 
 Amphialus, and the benefit in him. 
 
 The messenger went back with this answer, yet having ever 
 used to sugar anything which his master was to receive, he told 
 him, that when Basilius first understood his desires, it did over- 
 reach so far all his most hopeful expectations that he thought it 
 were too great a boldness to hearken to such a man, in whom the 
 heavens had such interest, without asking the Gods counsel ; and 
 therefore had sent his principal counsellor to Delphos, who 
 although he kept the matter ever so secret, yet his diligence 
 inspired by Anaxius's privilege over all worldly things, had found 
 out the secret, which was, that he should not presume to marry his 
 daughter to one who already was enrolled among the demi-gods, 
 and yet much less he should dare the attempting to take them out 
 of his hands. 
 
 Anaxius, who till then had made fortune his creator, and force 
 his god, now began to find another wisdom to be above, that 
 judged so rightly of him : and where in this time of his servant's 
 waitmg for Basilms's resolution, he and his brothers had courted 
 their ladies, as whom they vouchsafed to have for their wives • he 
 
422 ARCAblA tBOOK Mi. 
 
 resolved now to dally no longer in delays, but to make violence 
 his orator, since he had found persuasions had gotten nothing but 
 answers. Which intention he opened to his brothers, who having 
 all this while wanted nothing to take that away but his authority, 
 gave spurs to his runnings ; and, worthy men, neither feeling 
 virtue in themselves, nor tendering it in others, they went headlong 
 to make that evil consort of love and force, when Anaxius had 
 word, that from the tower there were descried some companies of 
 armed men, marching towards the town, wherefore he gave present 
 order to his servants and soldiers to go to the gates and walls, 
 leaving none within but himself and his brothers : his thoughts 
 then so full of their intended prey, that Mars his loudest trumpet 
 could scarcely have awaked him. 
 
 But while he was directing what he would have done, his 
 youngest brother Zoilus, glad that he had the commission, went in 
 the name of Anaxius to tell the sisters, that since he had answer 
 from their father, that he and his brother Lycurgus should have 
 them in what sort it pleased them, that they would now grant them 
 no longer time, but presently to determine whether they thought it 
 more honourable <:omfort to be compelled or persuaded. Pamela 
 made him answer, that in a matter whereon the whole state of her 
 life depended, and wherein she had ever answered she would not 
 lead, but follow her parents' pleasure, she thought it reason she 
 should either by letter, or particular messenger, understand 
 something from themselves, and not have their belief bound to the 
 report of their partial servant : and therefore as to their words, she 
 and her sister had ever a simple and true resolution, so against 
 their unjust force, God, they hoped, would either arm their lives, 
 or take away their lives. " Well, ladies," said he, " I will leave my 
 brothers, who by and by will come unto you to be their own 
 ambassadors : for my part I must now do myself service ; and 
 with that turning up his mustaches, and marching as if he would 
 begin a paven*, he went toward Zelmane. But Zelmane having 
 heard all this while of the messenger's being with BasiHus, had 
 much to do to keep these excellent ladies from seeking by the 
 passport of death to escape these base dangers whereunto they 
 found themselves subject, still hoping that Musidorus would find 
 some means to deliver them ; and therefore had often, both by her 
 own example and comfortable reasons, persuaded them to overpass 
 many insolent indignities of their proud suitors, who thought -it 
 was a sufficient favour not to do the uttermost injury, now come 
 again to the strait she most feared for them, either of death or 
 dishonour, if heroical courage would have let her, she had been 
 beyond herself amazed : but that yet held up her wit, to attend 
 
 * i.e. A dance. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 423 
 
 the uttermost occasion, which even then brought his hairy forehead 
 unto her : for Zoilus smacking his lips, as for the prologue of a 
 kiss, and something advancing himself, "Darling," said he, "let 
 thy heart be full of joy, and let thy "fair eyes be of counsel with it, 
 for this day thou shalt have Zoilus, whom many have longed for, 
 but none shall have him but Zelmane. And oh ! how much glory 
 I have to think what a race will be between us ? The world, by 
 the heavens, the world will be too htde for them." And with that 
 he would have put his arm about her neck ; but she withdrawing 
 herself from him, "My lord," said she, "much good may your 
 thoughts do you : but that I may not dissemble with you, my 
 nativity being cast by one that never failed in any of his prognosti- 
 cations, I have been assured that I should never be apt to bear 
 children ; but since you will honour me with so high a favour, I 
 must only desire that I may perform a vow, which I made among 
 my countrywomen, the famous Amazons, that I would marry none, 
 but such one as was able to withstand me in arms : therefore, 
 before I make mine own desire serviceable to yours, you must 
 vouchsafe to lend me armour and weapons, that at least with a 
 blow or two of the sword I may not find myself perjured to myself." 
 But Zoilus, laughing with a hearty loudness, went by force to 
 embrace her ; making no other answer, but since she had a mind 
 to try his knighthood, she should quickly know what a man of 
 arms he was ; and so without reverence to the ladies, began to 
 struggle with her. 
 
 But in Zelmane then disdain became wisdom, and anger gave 
 occasion. For abiding no longer abode in the matter, she that 
 had not put off, though she had disguised Pyrocles, being far 
 fuller of stronger nimbleness, tripped up his feet so that he fell 
 down at hers. And withal, meaning to pursue what she had 
 begun, pulled out his sword which he wore about him : but before 
 she could strike him withal, he got up, and ran to a fair chamber, 
 where he had left his two brethren, preparing themselves to come 
 down to their mistresses. But she followed at his heels, and even 
 as he came to throw himself into their arms for succour, she hit 
 him with his own sword such a blow upon the waist that she 
 almost cut him asunder: once she sundered his soul from his 
 body, sending it to Proserpina, an angry goddess against ravishers. 
 But Anaxius, seeing before his eyes the miserable end of his 
 brother, fuller of despite than wrath, and yet fuller of wrath than 
 sorrow, looking with a woeful eye upon his brother Lycurgus; 
 " Brother," said he, " chastise this vile creature, while I go down 
 and take order lest farther mischief arise : " and so went down 
 to the ladies, whom he visited, doubting there had been some 
 farther practice than yet he conceived. But finding them only 
 
424 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 strong in patience, he went and locked a great iron gate, by 
 which only anybody might mount to that part of the castle ; rather 
 to conceal the shame of his brother, slain by a woman, than for 
 doubt of any other annoyance : and then went up to receive some 
 comfort of the execution, he was sure his brother had done of 
 Zelmane. But Zelmane no sooner saw these brothers, of whom 
 reason assured her she was to expect revenge, but that she leaped 
 to a target, as one that well knew the first mark of valour to be 
 defence. And then accepting the opportunity of Anaxius going 
 away, she waited not the pleasure of Lycurgus, but without any 
 words, which she ever thought vain, when resolution took the 
 place of persuasion, gave her own heart the contentment to be 
 the assailer. Lycurgus, who was in the disposition of his nature 
 hazardous, and by the lucky passing through many dangers, grown 
 confident in himself, went toward her, rather as to a spoil than 
 to fight ; so far from fear, that his assuredness disdained to hope. 
 But when her sword made demonstrations above all flattery of 
 arguments, and that he found she pressed so upon him, as showed 
 that her courage sprang not from blind despair, but was guarded 
 both with cunning and strength ; self-love then first in him 
 divided itself from vain glory, and made him find that the world 
 of worthiness had not his whole globe comprised in his breast, 
 but that it was necessary to have strong resistance against so 
 strong assailing. And so between them, for a few blows, Mars 
 himself might have been delighted to look on. But Zelmane, who 
 knew that in her case, slowness of victory was little better than 
 ruin, with the bellows of hate blew the fire of courage ; and he 
 striking a main blow at her head, she warded it with the shield, 
 but so warded, that the shield was cut in two pieces while it 
 protected her : and withal she ran in to him, and thrusting at his 
 breast, which he put by with his target, as he was lifting up his 
 sword to strike again, she let fall the piece of her shield, and with 
 her left hand catching his sword on the inside of the pommel, 
 with nimble and strong slight she had gotten his sword out of 
 his hand, before his sense could convey to his imagination what 
 was to be doubted. And having now two swords against one 
 shield, meaning not foolishly to be ungrateful ttJ good fortune, 
 while he was no more amazed with his being unweaponed, than 
 with the suddenness thereof, she gave him such a wound upon his 
 head, in despite of the shield's over-weak resistance, that withal 
 he fell to the ground astonished with the pain, and aghast with 
 fear. But seeing Zelmane ready to conclude her victory in his 
 death, bowing up his head to her with a countenance that had 
 forgotten all pride, " Enough, excellent lady," said he, " the honour 
 is yours ; whereof you shall want the best witness if you kill me. 
 
Book in.| ARCAOtA 4^§ 
 
 As you have taken from men the glory of manhood, return so now 
 again to your own sex for mercy. I will redeem my life of you 
 with no small services; for I will undertake to make my brother 
 obey all your commandments. Grant life, I beseech you, for your 
 own honour, and for the person's sake that you love best." 
 
 Zelmane repressed a while her great heart, either disdaining to 
 be cruel or pitiful, and therefore not cruel ; and now the image of 
 the human condition began to be an orator unto her of compassion, 
 when she saw, as if he lifted up his arms with a suppliant's grace 
 about one of them, unhappily tied a garter with a jewel, which, 
 given to Pyrocles by his aunt of Thessalia, and greatly esteemed 
 by him, he had presented to, Philoclea, and with inward rage 
 promising extreme hatred, had seen Lycurgus with a proud force, 
 and not without some hurt to her, pull away from Philoclea, 
 because at entreaty she would not give it him. But the sight of 
 that was like a cypher, signifying all the injuries which Philoclea 
 had of him -suffered, and that remembrance feeding upon wrath, 
 trod down all conceits of mercy. And therefore saying no more, 
 but, "No villian, die: it is Philoclea that sends thee this token 
 for thy love." With that she made her sword drink the blood 
 of his heart, though he wresting his body, and with a countenance 
 prepared to excuse, would fain have delayed the receiving of 
 death's ambassadors. But neither stayed Zelmane's hand, nor 
 yet Anaxius's cry unto her ; who having made fast the iron gate, 
 even then came to the top of the stairs, when contrary to all 
 his imaginations, he saw his brother lie at Zelmane's mercy. 
 Therefore crying, promising, and threatening to her to hold her 
 hand : the last groan of his brother was the only answer he could 
 get to his unrespected eloquence. But then pity would fain have 
 drawn tears, which fury in their spring dried; and anger would 
 fain have spoken, but that disdain sealed up his lips ; but in his 
 heart he blasphemed heaven, that it could have such a power over 
 him, no less ashamed of the victory he should have of her, than 
 of his brother's overthrow: and no more spited that it was yet 
 unrevenged, than that the revenge should be no greater than 
 a woman's destruction. Therefore with no speech, but such 
 a groaning cry as often is the language of sorrowful anger, he 
 came running at Zelmane; use of fighting then serving instead of 
 patient consideration what to do. Guided wherewith, though he 
 did not with knowledge, yet he did according to knowledge, 
 pressing upon Zelmane in such a well defended manner, that in 
 all the combats that ever she had fought, she had never more need 
 of quick senses, and ready virtue. For being one of the greatest 
 men of stature then living; as he did fully answer that stature 
 in greatness of might; so did he exceed both in greatness of 
 
426 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 courage, which with a countenance formed by the nature both of 
 his mind and body, to an almost horrible fierceness, was able to 
 have carried fear to any mind that was not privy to itself of a true 
 and constant worthiness. But Pyrocles, whose soul might well 
 be separated from his body, but never alienated from the 
 remembering of what was comely, if at the first he did a little 
 apprehend the dangerousness of his adversary, whom once before 
 he had something tried, and now perfectly saw as the very picture 
 of forcible fury ; yet was that apprehension quickly stayed in him, 
 rather strengthening than weakening his virtue by that wrestling, 
 like wine growing the stronger by being moved. So that they 
 both prepared in hearts, and able in hands, did honour solitariness 
 there with such a combat, as might have demanded, as a right 
 of fortune, whole armies of beholders. But no beholders needed 
 there, where manhood blew the trumpet, and satisfaction did 
 whet as much as glory. There was strength against nimbleness : 
 rage against resolution; fury against virtue; confidence against 
 courage ; pride against nobleness : love in both breeding mutual 
 hatred, and desire of revenging the injuries of his brother's 
 slaughter, to Anaxius, being like Philoclea's captivity to Pyrocles. 
 Who had seen the one, would have thought nothing could have 
 resisted: who had marked the other, would have marvelled that 
 the other had so long resisted. But like two contrary tides, either 
 of which are able to carry worlds of ships and men upon them, 
 with such swiftness that nothing seems able to withstand them, 
 yet meeting one another, with mingling their watery forces, and 
 struggling together, it is long to say, whether stream gets the 
 victory; so between these, if Pallas had been there, she could 
 scarcely have told, whether she had nursed better in the feats 
 of arms. The Irish greyhound against the EngUsh mastiff; the 
 sword-fish against the whale ; the rhinoceros against the elephant, 
 might be models, and but models of this combat. Anaxius was 
 better armed defensively: for (besides a strong cask bravely 
 covered, wherewith he covered his head) he had a huge shield, 
 such perchance, as Achilles showed to the pale walls of Troy, 
 wherewithal that great body was covered. But Pyrocles utterly 
 unarmed for defence, to offend had the advantage, for, in either 
 hand he had a sword, and with both hands nimbly performed that 
 office. And according as they were diversely furnished, so they 
 did differ in the manner of fighting : for Anaxius most by warding, 
 and Pyrocles oftenest by avoiding, resisted the adversary's assault. 
 Both hasty to end, yet both often staying for advantage. Time, 
 distance and motion, custom made them so perfect in, that as 
 if they had been fellow counsellors, and not enemies, each knew 
 the other's mind, and knew how to prevent it. So as their 
 
BOOK III.] Arcadia 427 
 
 strength failed tliem sooner than their skill, and yet their breath 
 failed them sooner than their strength. And breathless indeed 
 they grew, before either could complain of any loss of blood. 
 
 So that consenting by the meditation of necessity to a breathing 
 time of truce, being withdrawn a litrie one from the other, Anaxius 
 stood leaning upon his sword with his grim eye so settled upon 
 Zelmane, as is wont to be the look of an earnest thought. Which 
 Zelmane marking, and according to the Pyroclean nature, fuller of 
 gay bravery in the midst than in the beginning of danger : "What 
 is it," said she, " Anaxius, that thou so deeply musest on ? doth thy 
 brother's example make thee think of thy fault past, or of thy 
 coming punishment?" "I think," said he, "what spiteful god it 
 should be, who envying my glory, hath brought me to such a 
 wayward case, that neither thy death can be a revenge, nor 
 thy overthrow a victory." "Thou dost well indeed," said 
 Zelmane, "to impute thy case to the heavenly providence, 
 which will have thy pride find itself, even in that whereof 
 thou art most proud, punished by the weak sex which thou 
 most contemnest." 
 
 But then having sufficiently rested themselves, they renewed 
 again their combat far more terrible than before: like nimble 
 vaulters, who at the first and second leap do but stir, and, as it 
 were, awake the fiery and airy parts, which after in the other leaps 
 they do with more excellency exercise. For in this pausing, each 
 had brought to his thoughts the manner of the other's fighting, 
 and the advantages, which by that, and by the quality of their 
 weapons they might work themselves, and so again repeated the 
 lesson they had said before, more perfectly by the using of it; 
 Anaxius oftener used blows, his huge force, as it vvere, more 
 delighting therein, and the large protection of his shield animating 
 him unto it. Pyrocles, of a more fine and deliberate strength, 
 watching his time, when to give fit thrusts, as, with the quick 
 obeying of his body, to his eye's quick commandment, he shunned 
 any harm Anaxius could do to him : so would he soon have made 
 an end of Anaxius, if he had not found him a man of wonderful 
 and almost matchless excellency in matters of arms. Pyrocles 
 used divers feignings to bring Anaxius on into some inconvenience, 
 but Anaxius keeping a sound manner of fighting, never oflfered 
 but seeing fair cause, and then followed it with well governed 
 violence. Thus spent they a great time, striving to do, and with 
 striving to do, wearying themselves more than with the very doing. 
 Anaxius finding Zelmane so near unto him, that with little motion 
 he might reach her, knitting all his strength together, at that time 
 mainly foiled at her face. But Zelmane strongly putting it by with 
 her right hand sword, coming in with her left foot and hand, would 
 
428 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 have given a sharp visitation to his right side, but that he was fain 
 to leap away. Whereat ashamed, as having never done so much 
 before in his Hfe. * The fire of rage then burning contempt out 
 of his breast, did burst forth in flames through his eyes, and in 
 smoke from his mouth ; so that he was returning with a terrible 
 madness (all the strength of his whole body transferred to the one 
 hand for a singular service) which the resolute Zelmane did 
 earnestly observe with a providently all despising courage, whilst 
 the ears of Anaxius were suddenly arrested by a sound, whereof 
 they were only capable, which, in consort with his own humour, 
 could only of him with authority have challenged a due attendance : 
 straight a martial noise (raised by the violence of invaders ; and 
 distractedness of others, dreadfully tumultuous) giving him 
 intelligence what a bloody scene was acting without in the court 
 of the castle, where he was expected as a special actor ; though 
 his eye, as harbinger of his blow, had already marked the room, 
 where his bended arm threatened to lodge it ; yet his feet did so 
 suddenly ravish away the rest of his body, that even his own 
 thoughts, much more Zelmane's, were prevented by the suddenness 
 of his flight, a flight indeed, not from the fighting with one, but to 
 the fighting with many, where he did not look for an object worthy 
 of the wrath of Anaxius. So that vanishing away, as carried in a 
 cloud of whirlwind, Zelmane either could not, or else would not 
 reach him : as disdaining the base advantage of these dishonourable 
 wounds, which though greatest shame to the flying receiver, can 
 give no glory to the unresisted giver. . 
 
 The impetuous storm that transported the spirit of Anaxius, had 
 quickly blown him down the stairs, and up the door, his sword 
 ushering his way, till his eyes were encountered with the beams 
 of the lightning weapons of a small number, which rather seemed 
 surprised within the castle, than to have surprised the castle. Yet 
 they had speedily purchased a great room for so small a company, 
 challenging as their own all the bounds that their swords could 
 compass : and in eff'ect their enemies proved their fewness many, 
 reckoning the black knight and his second (as cyphers are esteemed 
 when valued by others, over which they are raised) not for the 
 number which indeed they were, but for the number which they 
 were worth. These three were quickly known by their wonted 
 arms; but more by their wonted valour. The court had been a 
 fitter list for two, than a field for so many, where the narrowness 
 of the place, not giving place to sleight, there was no way but by 
 plain force ; so that the greatest cowards were as forward as the 
 most courageous, fear making them bold, who saw no refuge but 
 
 * A chasm being occasioned in this place, by the loss of some of the Author's 
 invaluable papers ; it was excellently supplied, as follows, by Sir W. A. 
 
BOOK m.] ARCADIA 429 
 
 by fighting; which made the conflict exceeding cruel, either of the 
 parties having more spurs than one to draw blood. 
 
 The Amphialians, besides their rage for being abused by an 
 unexpected stratagem, and their desire to defend the place, being 
 bound both by private interest and public vows ; they had added 
 farther, to make up the accomplishment of a just wrath, the means 
 of revenge, as they thought, on their master's murderer; looking 
 no otherwise on the black knight than as on him who had buried 
 all their hopes in the ruins of Amphialus, whereof to their farther 
 grief, they had been idle witnesses. All this made them desperately 
 endeavour that the eyes of Anaxius might be entertained with their 
 victory, before his ears could be burdened with their error ; chiefly 
 at his coming, those of his own train kindled their courage at the 
 torches of his eyes, prodigious comets of a deluge of blood. As 
 for the pursued pursuers, like those who landing to make war in 
 an island burn the ships which brought them thither, by the 
 impossibility of their return to show the desperate necessity of 
 their victory ; they were assured they could neither advance nor 
 retire, but over the bellies of their enemies; yet were they not so 
 desperate of their retreat, as confident of their victory. The black 
 knight, though all the giants that fought against the gods had been 
 there, he thought they could not hinder him from going where his 
 heart was already, nor from prevailing where the prize was the 
 delivery of his lady, and friend, the double treasures of his soul, 
 whereof any was valued above his life, yea, both were balanced 
 with his honour; so that he did show not only the height of valour, 
 but a ravishing of his soul, and a transportation of magnanimity, 
 far from the level of ordinary aims, and even scarce within the 
 prospect of more lofty thoughts. Yet neither love nor courage 
 could blind his judgment, in seeing his advantage : marching with 
 his company ever the next wall, to prevent being compassed: 
 though sometimes making brave sallies. Which Anaxius at his 
 first approach espying, upbraided his own troop as unworthy of 
 his attendance, and all as traitors in receiving, or dastards in not 
 expelling that, in his eyes, contemned crew, oftentimes urging 
 them by their retiring to make way for him, and he alone would 
 either beat them over the walls, or in the walls : for the truth is 
 they seemed all too small a sacrifice to appease his high indigna- 
 tion. It was superfluous labour for Alecto to inflame his soul with 
 poisonous inspirations; for his soul might have furnished aU the 
 infernal furies with fury, and yet have continued the most fiirious 
 of all itself Rage and disdain, burning his bosom, made him 
 utter a roanng voice, as if his breath had been able to have blown 
 away the world, which for the sound that his sword made, could 
 not distinctly be understood. 
 
43° ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 The first whom he encountered, lifting up his hand to strike, 
 and withal opening his mouth, as if intending some speech, his 
 proposition was prevented by an active answer, cutting him from 
 the lips to the ears, so by opening his mouth, restraining his speech. 
 The knight of the sheep succeeding in his place, a vindictive heir, 
 was exchanging blows with Anaxlus with no disadvantage, when 
 suddenly a dart, none knew to whose hand the honour of it was 
 due, did wound him in the thigh, which he doubtful to whom he 
 stood debtor, did pay back to many, an extraordinary interest, 
 with the death of someone striving to defray every drop of his 
 blood. 
 
 The black knight, black indeed to all his adversaries, when 
 viewing the wonderful valour of Anaxius, with whom then rival in 
 fame he entertained a terrible emulation, what bred terror in 
 others, bred in him contentment ; that his conquest, whereof he 
 never doubted, might be endeared by the difficulty, and his victory 
 be honoured by so honourable an enemy, with whom, above all 
 others, he laboured to meet, by the ruin of many making a room 
 where they might fight. 
 
 But in the meantime the torrent of the violence of Anaxius was 
 interrupted by a sudden tumult ; seeming to proceed from an 
 ambushment broken forth from the houses behind them. And no 
 wonder though all thought so : the two swords of Zelmane being 
 riotous in their charges, were so covetous to extend their confines. 
 She following, or rather, as a falcon in an earnest chase, flying 
 down the stairs after him, did not overtake Anaxius but with her 
 eyes till he was walled about with the armed multitude, and then, 
 like a lioness lately enraged, that had been long famished in 
 prison, she ranged over all for her prey : but yet like a cunning 
 hound, that out of a whole herd of deer, doth only single him out 
 with whom she had entered first in hostility (a little drop of his 
 blood having betrayed all the rest) she disdained to fight with any 
 other but would be resisted by none till she might unbend all her 
 forces on Anaxius, whose sight as soon as her eyes had greedily 
 swallowed, she burst forth : " Base dastard, who hast abused the 
 world with shadows of worth, yet art void of all valour, having 
 doubly forfeited the usurped title of honour, in offering injurious 
 violence to a woman, and yet flying the just violence of a woman, 
 to hide thyself (being protected by the shield of some trusted 
 attender) where the sufficiency of others may conceal thy cowardice : 
 but all this shall not defraud my wrath, nor prevent thy 
 punishment." 
 
 Ana>dus, more troubled with these words, than if all the swords 
 of the enemies had lighted upon him (whom for the highest of all 
 his wishes, would have but wished her a man, yea an army of men) 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 431 
 
 looked over his shoulder with an eye burning with disdain, as if 
 one of his looks might have served to consume a woman, and at 
 the same instant, uttering his rage another way, with a blow 
 worthy of his arm, he did cleave one before him through the 
 helmet to the shoulders, making him so, by being two headed, 
 headless. But seeing Zelmane press near him, though he hoped 
 for no honour from her, yet to prevent dishonour from her (shame 
 kindling rage, and rage quenching reason) he commanded 
 Armagines his nephew, a youth of great valour, to take these 
 foohsh fellows prisoners who durst adventure within that castle 
 without his leave, and to shut all the gates, that none of them 
 might escape; and therewith whirling about, and casting a 
 sideward look on Zelmane, made an imperious sign with a 
 threatening allurement (a disinviting inviting of her) to follow, 
 which she performed with a countenance witnessing as great 
 contentment, as ever Venus did to most with Mars; Mars and 
 Venus at the same time having met within her mind, to make, 
 though a less loving, yet a more martial meeting. 
 
 The crowds of people in their way were quickly dispersed by 
 the tempestuous breath of Anaxius, so that they had no hindrance : 
 he being feared of all, and she hated of none. Neither was their 
 solitary retiring, in respect of their different seeming sex, 
 suspiciously censured by any: the disdainfulness of their 
 countenance bearing witness, that they were led by hate to 
 honour, and not by love to the contrary. 
 
 The place appointed by fortune to be famous by the famousness 
 of this combat, was a back court, which they found out at that 
 time emptied of inhabitants; the stronger being gone to pursue 
 others, and the weaker run to hide themselves : mediocrity being 
 no more a virtue, where all was at height, to make excellency 
 eminent in extremity. 
 
 They two came here alone, for they would have no seconds, 
 or rather were so far first as they could have no seconds, and every 
 one of them being confident in his own worth could not mistrust 
 another's. As if words had been too weak messengers of their 
 wrath, and swords only worthy to utter their minds, they began 
 with that wherewith they hoped to end ; none of them now could 
 flatter himself so far against the proof of his own experienced 
 knowledge, as to contemn his fellow. 
 
 Anaxius at the first, rioting in rage, and burning with a 
 voluptuous appetite of blood, did abandon his hands to their 
 accustomed prodigality, which contrary to the nature of that vice, 
 was hurtful to the receiver, and profitable for the spender. But 
 Zelmane, well weighing with whom she had to deal, was more 
 wary in her charges, and circumspectly managing the treasure 
 
432 ARCADIA [book in. 
 
 of her strength, would not idly bestow it, but was liberal when 
 occasion offered. It was hard to say, whether the one was more 
 frank, or the other more thankful: the guerdon never deferred, 
 oft preventing the gift, above the desire of the receiver, yet short 
 of the giver's mind. Their thought, eye, hand, and foot seemed 
 chained to one motion, as all being tuned by violence, to make 
 up a harmony in horror. Never was courage better supported 
 by skill and strength nor skill and strength better accompanied 
 by courage ; the blows of every one of them seemed not only 
 to strive with the others, but even among themselves, for 
 singularity; the latter still (by being more observable) seeking 
 to bury the remembrance of the former. 
 
 It seemed that these two were not retired from the battle, 
 but that the battle was transferred where they were. The eye 
 might well have taken them to be two, but the ear would never 
 have been persuaded that so mighty sounds could be sent but 
 from the weapons of a number; the environing windows with a 
 sad solitariness seemed to bewail their want of eyes, which 
 defrauded them the entertainment of that delectable terror, 
 transporting sports. 
 
 Anaxius more angry with himself than with his enemy, that he 
 should be so long in vanquishing, where, when victorious, he 
 would be but ashamed of the victory, all his active powers being 
 highly bended, both by choler and courage, he thus discharged his 
 tongue : " What spiteful god, jealous of my greatness, or envying 
 my glory, hath sent this devil in a woman's shape (as a cloud for 
 Tuno to Ixion) to mock me ? but all this is one : though thou be a 
 devil in a woman, or all the devils in one devil, I swear by this 
 blow I will beat thee hence to the hells, to the eternal terror of all 
 the dark region ; " and with that lighted on Zelmane with such a 
 huge force, that all she could- procure by the mediation of one of 
 her swords, was, that what was intended wholly at her. head, by 
 the wrying of her body, did but wound her a little on the shoulder. 
 This was so far from dismaying her, that it did confirm, increase 
 it could not, her resolution already at a height : Yet, though not 
 more courage, she pretended more fury, compassing him about to 
 espy advantages, and oft giving him feigned alarms, as bragging 
 to make a breach in his breast, advanced her right-hand sword, 
 which Anaxius beat down, and withal encroached to usurp a room 
 in her right ride : but Zelmane suddenly inclining to the left, gave 
 him a flat blow with that hand's sword, which returned back clad 
 with the spoils of that part of the body which it had forced. 
 
 Both thus being already allied by blood, yet did strive for a 
 more strict affinity : wounds, in regard of their frequency, being no 
 more respected than blows were before. Though they met in 
 
BOOK in.] 
 
 ARCADIA 433 
 
 divers colours, now both were clad in one livery, as most suitable 
 to their present estate : being servants to one master, and rivals in 
 preferment Neither could showers of blood quench the winds of 
 their wrath, which did blow it forth in great abundance, till faintness 
 would have fain persuaded both that they were mortal, and though 
 neither of them by another, yet both overcomable by death. Then 
 despair came to reinforce the fight, joining with courage, not as a 
 companion, but as a servant : for courage never grew desperate, 
 but despair grew courageous ; both being resolved, if not conquering, 
 none of them should survive the other's conquest, nor owe trophy 
 but to death. 
 
 The greatest grief of the one was to die by a woman ; and of the 
 other, to die as a woman : both in respect of her apparel, and, as 
 she thought, action; being matched by one man, who had o'er- 
 matched multitudes of men. At last the great storm of blows 
 being past, she rested one of her swords on the earth, either forced 
 by faintness, or intending art, offering a thrust with the other, 
 which Anaxius perceiving, did speedily repel: and with that 
 (gathering his distressed strength together, as ready to remove, 
 but first bent to give a gallant farewell) ran forward with such a 
 violent violence on Zelmane (nought being able to resist his 
 unresistable force) that she presently interposing her reposed 
 sword, though it ran him through the heart, or rather he his heart 
 upon it, it could not hinder him from running her through the 
 body, and both to the earth, a brave flash of a dying hght ! a 
 mighty thunder of a quenched lightning ! Thus did he overthrow 
 his overthrower : not falling till none was able to stand before 
 him ; whilst though he were vanquished, none could vaunt of the 
 victory. His breast fell above the hand with the sword, as if he 
 would needs die embracing it, even after death adoring that idol 
 of his life, and his dead weight striving with Zelmane's weak life, 
 whilst she struggling to rise did break the sword, a part remaining 
 under him, and the rest within her : thus hard it was to force 
 Anaxius, though he was dead, and impossible while he lived. 
 
 Zelmane, after her rising, did draw the other sword out of him, 
 as bent to return not interested in anything. She was stepping 
 forward with a sword in each hand, and a part of one in her breast : 
 a trophy of victory, yet a badge of ruin ; never better weaponed, 
 never more unfit for fighting; when lo all the followers of Anaxius, 
 discomforted by his absence, but more by the black knight's 
 presence, Armagines having his death honoured by his hand, the rest 
 were quickly discomfitted, and, despairing to save the castle, 
 sought to save themselves. 
 
 The black knight committed the following of their flight to 
 others, as a dangerless action, and therefore not worthy of him; 
 
 2 E 
 
434 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 then fearing that elsewhere for another which he could no more 
 find there for himself, he went by the direction of his eyes, and the 
 information of his ears, to seek out the two retired champions, 
 when suddenly he encountered his other self, marching like Pallas 
 from the giant's overthrow. 
 
 As soon as the eyes of Pyrocles, no, his soul was ravished with 
 the sight of Musidorus, it having infused a fresh vigour in his 
 feeble members, and that physic applied to his mind, triumphing 
 over the infirmity of his body; he threw away his swords, only 
 conquerable by kindness, and pulled out that which was in his 
 body, that nothing might hinder him from embracing the image 
 of his soul, which reflected his own thoughts. Their souls by a 
 divine sympathy did first join, preventing the elemental masses of 
 the bodies : but ah ! whilst they were clasped in each other's arms 
 (Uke two grafts grafted in one stock) the high tide of over-flowing 
 affection restraining their tongues with astonishment, as unable to 
 express an unexpressible passion. 
 
 Pyrocles weakened with the loss of blood, the effects of hate, 
 and in that weakness surcharged with kindness, the fruits of love, 
 npt able to abide the interchoking of such extremities, the paleness 
 of his face witnessed the parting of his spirits, so that not able to 
 stand, Musidorus was forced to fall with him, or else would not 
 stand after him. And at the suddenness of his unexpected 
 adventure, or vehemently respectable misadventure ; like one (who 
 unawares slipping from a great height) is choked betwixt the 
 height and the lowness, e'er he can consider, either whence he 
 fell, or where he falls. Being thrown from the top of contentment, 
 to be drowned in the depths of misery, he had his reasonable part 
 so hastily overwhelmed with confusion, that he remained dead 
 alive, as the other was living in death. At last, re-assembling his 
 confounded senses from the rocks of ruin, grief had gathered so 
 much strength through weakness, as to attempt an impossibility in 
 manifesting itself. 
 
 " O what a monster of misery am I ! even when most fortunate, 
 most unfortunate, who never had a lightning of comfort, but that 
 it was suddenly followed with a thunder of confusion. Twice was 
 my felicity by land (that it might be washed for ever away) made a 
 prey to the inexorable waves, whilst the relenting destinies pitying 
 the rigour of their own decrees, to prevent their threatened effects,. 
 w;ould have drowned me in (respecting the ocean of sorrow 
 prepaijed to swallow me) that little drop of the sea. And, O thrice 
 happy I, if I had perished whilst I was altogether unhappy ; then, 
 when a dejected shepherd offensive to the perfection of the world, 
 I could hardly, being oppressed by contempt, make myself worthy 
 to be disdained, disdain to be despised, being a degree of grace. 
 
BOOK III.1 ARCADIA 435 
 
 would to God that I had died obscurely, whilst my life miglit 
 still have lived famous with others, and my death have died wit a 
 myself; whilst my not being known might have kept my dishonour 
 unknown, even then when matched, matched by one, and in the 
 presence of many fighting for one who was more dear to me than all 
 the world. Ah me ! most miserable, in not being more miserable. 
 Such a pestilentious influence poisoned the time of my nativity, that 
 
 1 have had a spark of happiness, to clear me the way to destruction. 
 I was carried high to be fit for a precipice, and that from that 
 height I might behold how low the dungeons were wherein I was 
 to fall. Even now I was so far from fear, that I was higher than 
 hope, being in imagination master of all my wishes ; yet at an 
 instant, as if all that could be inflicted on myself were not sufficient 
 to afilict me, being armed with resolution, both to brave the terrors 
 of death, and to contemn the flatteries of life, I am tormented in 
 another, whose sufferings could only make me tenderly sensible. 
 And with that, sorrow, as it were sorry to be interrupted by 
 utterance, did damn itself up to swell higher, feeding on the 
 contemplation of itself within : where, when absolute tyrant of the 
 breast, it might rather burst him, than burst out." 
 
 Then he was lying down senselessly on his senseless friend, as 
 in all estates striving to be still like him, when lo he felt his breast 
 beat, and thereafter saw his unclouded eyes weakly strive to shine 
 again; thus first re-saluting the light, "Oh where am I?" 
 Musidorus replied: "With him who is hasting to die with you." 
 " No," said he, " I have hastened to live with you." " Death or life," 
 said Musidorus, " either of them must join us, but neither of them 
 is able to part us." With that Pyrocles, weakly rising, entrusted 
 his feet with their own burden, but Musidorus, jealous of the 
 carriage of so precious a treasure, would needs aid them with his 
 arm, his strength strengthening Pyrocles, and the weakness of 
 Pyrocles weakening him. 
 
 Thus, whilst guided by one, who was acquainted with the castle, 
 they were seeking out a room, where Pyrocles reposing might 
 cause take a trial of the estate of his body, and repair the bloody 
 breaches of the late battery; it being, though evil fortified, yet 
 well defended: as they were walking along a gallery, they heard 
 from a chamber neighbouring the side of it, a dolorous sound, but 
 so heavily delivered with a disorderly convoy, that choked with 
 sobs, else drowned with tears, the pains of the bearer had so 
 spoiled the birth that it could not be known; yet a secret 
 sympathy, by an unexpressible working, did more wound the mind 
 of Pyrocles, than it was wounded by all the wounds of his body he 
 pitying his complaint, though not knowing from whom nor' for 
 what: "0 how the soul, apt for all impressions transcending 
 
436 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 reason, can comprehend unapprehensible things;" this was the 
 lamentation of the lamentable Philoclea. 
 
 The ladies after the departure of Zelmane, by the inundation in 
 their ears of horrible sounds, were violently invited to come 
 fearfully to a window overlooking the court, where they beheld the 
 bloody effects of that, whereof they were the innocent causes. At 
 first the lilies of their cheeks overgrowing the roses, paleness had 
 almost displaced beauty, were it not beauty was so powerful as to 
 make paleness beautiful; yet their often travelled memory 
 instructed their judgment, that misery being at a height, could not 
 but of force either work the end of itself, or a beginning of comfort, 
 and they could expect no worse estate than that in which they 
 were. 
 
 Pamela would fain have flattered herself to think that it was 
 Musidorus come to deliver her, but she had rather have still 
 remained captive than to have drawn him to such a danger for 
 her delivery; and having once apprehended that he was there, 
 never a blow was given but that she was wounded with it, being 
 ever sorry for the overthrown, never glad for the overthrower ; 
 either pity prevailing with the tenderness of her sex, or because 
 she knew no danger could come by overcoming. 
 
 As for Philoclea, she who through the gentleness of her own 
 nature would have smarted for any other who had been in danger, 
 when she remembered the hazard of her treasure Zelmane, who, as 
 she knew, did not use to be an idle spectator of so earnest a game, 
 a multitude of thoughts, without art artificial, did paint fear in her 
 face, and engrave grief in her bosom. Whilst they continued thus, 
 Pamela, in vain striving to match majesty with affection, stood 
 with a distracted stateliness, and with a stately astonishment, where 
 grief and fear in Philoclea made easily a consort in sorrow, with 
 watery eyes, like the sun shining in a shower, weakly clearing a 
 cloudy countenance ; when suddenly they heard one cry, since the 
 castle was won to set the ladies at liberty ; but they who were well 
 acquainted both with the frowns and smiles of fortune, as they had 
 ever triumphed over the one, would not suffer themselves to be led 
 captives by the other ; neither could this accomplish their content- 
 ment, till they had the lords of that pleasant bondage, which they 
 did value more than unvaluable liberty ; the constrained activity of 
 the body having nothing diminished the voluntary thraldom of 
 the mind. 
 
 But ah ! this smooth calm came only to make them the more 
 sensible of the succeeding tempest, which the breath of one from 
 below, roaring forth the death of Zelmane, did thunder up upon them. 
 Pamela (like a rock amidst the sea, beaten both with the winds 
 and with the waves, yet itself immoveable) did receive this rigorous 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 437 
 
 charge with a constant, though sad countenance, and with fixed 
 eyes witnessing the moving of her mind, yet neither uttering word, 
 nor tear, as disdaining to employ their weakness in so great a 
 grief. Such might have been the gesture of Niobe hearing the 
 news of her children's death, e'er she was metamorphosed into a 
 stone; like one, majesty triumphing over misery, who would 
 rather burst strongly within than be disburdened by bursting out 
 in an abject manner. 
 
 But, ah me, the confounded Philoclea, who, being the weaker, 
 had received the sharpest assault, an affectionate fury forcing from 
 her an absolute passion, which a dutiful kindness through 
 compassion only provoked in her sister, she, smothered with so 
 monstrous a weight, did sink down under it to the earth. 
 
 This made Pamela forget her other grief without any comfort, 
 transferring her affection from her friend to her more than friendly 
 sister ; for whom she saw at that time her care might be more 
 serviceable, wherewith she brought her to herself, and she herself 
 to sorrow. At first the tongue and the eyes being too feeble 
 instruments for so violent a passion, she used her hands, beating 
 that breast which the most barbarous creature else in the world 
 could not have done ; offering those torn hairs as oblations to 
 him after death, which had been the delights of his life ; and 
 deforming that face, the register of nature's wonders, confirmed 
 by the admiration of men. Which when Pamela, of a patient 
 became a physician, sought to hinder, she thus said : " Alas ! 
 sister, you do not know what a treasure I have lost, even a 
 treasure more worth than all the world was worthy to 
 enjoy. Ah, pardon me thou, whom even death is not able 
 to kill in my soul : pardon me, who have ever concealed thy 
 secret, now to discover mine own, for while my life lasts, short 
 may it be, and long it shall not be, I will show to all the world 
 that, which, whilst thou livedst, I would have been ashamed to have 
 shown to thyself even thy perfection and mine affection. Neither 
 do I regard how the conceits of others censure my carriage in this ; 
 for there is no eye now, wherein I desire to appear precious, nor 
 no opinion, whereof I crave to make a purchase ; death may end 
 my life, but not my love, which, as it is infinite, must be immortal. 
 I would gladly use means to dispatch this miserable life ; but it 
 were a shame for me, if, after so great a disaster, sorrow only were 
 not sufficient to kill me." And with that beauty in the heaven of 
 her face, two suns eclipsed, being wrapped up in paleness, she fell 
 down grovelling on the ground. 
 
 Pyrocles, imagining what report might be made, and not doubt- 
 ing what effect it would work, bent to furnish physic for her mind, e'er 
 he sought any for his own body, came in at the door, whom Pamela^ 
 
438 ARCADIA [book ni. 
 
 her arms and her tongue rivals in kindness, embracing, said, " Never 
 more welcome, though ever welcome, Zelmane ; thou who ever art 
 victorious, hast thou likewise brought thyself away a trophy from 
 death ? " " Sweet ladies," replied she, " who would faint to fight 
 for such divine creatures as you are ? and who could have force to 
 fight against you ? " 
 
 Philoclea, who at first, either dull through excessive dolor, did 
 not conceive her sister's words ; or else suspecting, as she thought, 
 her impossible desire to please her, all being doubtful to trust what 
 they do extremely affect, did misconceive her meaning. She was 
 raising her eyes to examine her ears : but the most trusty of her 
 senses preventing both, by a palpable proof, gave her an absolute 
 assurance ; so that e'er she could think Zelmane was at all to be 
 embraced, finding herself embraced by Zelmane, she was lifted up 
 to a heaven of joy, as before she had been sunk down in a hell of 
 grief ; never absolutely her own ; but either ravished or ruined. 
 Spying the blood on Zelmane's garment, not knowing whether her 
 own, or her enemies', she grew pale ; and then, looking on her 
 sister, she blushed, suspecting that she suspected the cause of her 
 paleness, conferring it with her former plaints, to be more than a 
 friendly kindness ; but Zelmane, fearing what might be the effects 
 of her fear, said, that she expected a congratulation of her victory, 
 and not condoling of past danger, which was acquitted with the 
 speechless answer of an affectionate look, and a passionate pressing ; 
 of her hand. 
 
 Then Pamela, inquiring the perilous course of her short progress, 
 she told how fortified with their fortune, trusting more to it than 
 to her own valour, which, like their beauty, could not but prevail, 
 she had first overthrown the two brethren of Anaxius ; and 
 thereafter, fighting with himself, it was her chance, God strengthen- 
 ing her weakness to punish his injustice, to kill him ; she could 
 not say overcome him, no, she was not ashamed to affirm, that 
 though he was killed, she thought him not overcome, seeing both 
 he died with opinion, and in action of victory ; death preventing 
 the knowledge of his last success. A rare happiness, his life and 
 fortune having both but one bound. 
 
 Both highly praising her valour, and admiring her modesty, and 
 glad of their own delivery, whereof they thought her the author, 
 thoughts striving to express themselves the more powerfully 
 without words, they were acknowledging the fame with a grateful 
 countenance, and kindly affecting looks, when Zelmane, not 
 complementally hunting that which she fled, but like one who with 
 a glass reflects the force of the sun somewhere else, earnestly 
 protested that she would be loth to usurp that which was due to 
 another, especially in the owner's presence. And, turning towards 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 439 
 
 the black knight, who all the time stood aside as her attender, 
 though armed, trembling for fear of one unarmed, who unarmed, 
 would not have been so afraid of an army in arms, she freely 
 affirmed, " There is the deliverer of us all, from whom we receive 
 our liberty, to whom we owe ourselves, since it is that which makes 
 us ourselves." 
 
 Then the black knight, invited by the willing countenance of the 
 princess, abasing his helmet, advanced more fearfully than to a 
 battle, to kiss her hand : when Zelmane, courteously retired 
 Philoclea a little distance from thence, as glad to confer with her, 
 as to give her friend occasion to confer with Pamela, who presently, 
 whilst the roses of his lips made a flower of affection with the lilies 
 of her hands, knowing her own Dorus, at the suddenness of the 
 assault, the moving of her mind was betrayed by the changes of 
 her countenance, the blood of her face ebbing and flowing according 
 to the tide of affection ; yet borrowing a mask from hate, wherewith 
 to hide love, she thus charged him, who already had yielded : 
 " How durst you thus presume to present yourself in my presence, 
 being discharged it, when you deserved the uttermost that reason 
 could devise, or fury execute .? Hath my dejected estate emboldened 
 you to exalt yourself against me .' " Then he, gathering courage 
 from the extremity of despair, thus cleared his intention : " True 
 it is, lady of my hfe, and shall be of my death, I was worthy then 
 to have been banished from the world. But what of a world of 
 worlds ? I was banished from your sight, and, which is worst of 
 all, deservedly. Neither come I now of contempt, but only to 
 testify my obedience, which otherwise at this time might have been 
 construed to a cowardice. Such a love as mine, wedded to virtue 
 can never be so adulterated by any accident, no, nor yet ravished 
 by passion, as to bring forth a bastard disobedience, whereof my 
 very conscience not being able to accuse my thoughts, I come to 
 clear myself. But now, having performed all that was within the 
 compass of my power, a part of my blood witnessing my affection, 
 which I wish were confirmed by the rest : you may see, directness 
 of my destiny, that no force can force me to anything, much less 
 from your sight, save only your own will, which is unto me a law, 
 yea, an oracle. And now when you see I do it not for fear of 
 others, but only out of a reverence to you ; if not for your 
 satisfaction, yet for my punishment, so to persecute him whom you 
 hate, I will go waste the remnant of my wretched days in some 
 remote wilderness as not worthy to be seen of any, since odious in 
 your sight : having, I hope, by many proofs prevailed thus much 
 with your opmion, that after my death you will think there was 
 some worth in me ; though not worthy of your love." When he 
 full of humble affection, was retiring himself with a courtesy as low 
 
440 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 as his thoughts ; she, thinking enough done to try him, yet without 
 seeming to trust him, whilst, though guihy of grief, her countenance 
 could accuse her of no care, as out of a fresh remembrance, said, 
 " That she would not have Dametas to lose a servant, nor Mopsa a 
 suitor, by her means ; and if he would needs return towards the 
 lodges, that he should first expect some employment homewards 
 from her." Then he, as one, who fallen in the bottom of some deep 
 water, coming to float above, in sight of land, receiveth some 
 comfort, though still in danger, began to re-assemble his dispersed 
 spirits again, looking more cheerfully. But e'er his thoughts, 
 every one of them overflowing another, could settle themselves in 
 words, she, preventing the violence of so sudden a change, did call 
 to her sister, by accusing their indiscretion, in holding these two so 
 long by talking with them, from looking to themselves. Which 
 Philoclea allowed, trembling with an earnest fear, to know in what 
 estate Zelmane stood. 
 
 They two, injured by this courtesy, with an unwilling obedience 
 accepted of it ; more respecting the pleasure of others, than their 
 own necessity. Pamela as only aflfecting Zelmane, offered her 
 either all, or a part of their chamber: and she, her tongue 
 rebelling against her heart, refused what she desired, pretending 
 a lothness to trouble them. Then the sisters offered to accompany 
 them; but, after they had a while coloured true kindness with 
 ordinary compliments, Zelmane prevailed against herself, to 
 go accompanied as she came : yet both looking as if they would 
 have left their eyes behind them, as well as their hearts ; as soon 
 as they were by themselves in a chamber, Zelmane disapparelling 
 herself, the black knight, though better skilled in giving, than in 
 curing of wounds, yet lately experienced by passing the like 
 danger, he would needs prove a surgeon: and after he had 
 purchased the things necessary, having considered his wounds, 
 he found none, save the last that went through the body, 
 dangerous; and yet not deadly: thereafter mehing their minds 
 in discourses, either of them had his own contentment doubled 
 by hearing of the others. 
 
 Then the black knight, taking leave for a while, locking the 
 door behind him, went down to the court, to try if any spark of 
 the late fire remained as yet to quench. For after the opposite 
 party, as if their arms- were not sufficient to arm them, unless their 
 arms were armed with walls, ran to fortify themselves within 
 houses, which had no strength save that which men were to afford 
 them: he, who thought his own good fortune no better than 
 a misfortune, till he was assured that his friend had the like, 
 without whom no happiness of his could be accomplished, re- 
 comxnending the remnant of the adversary's ruins to his two 
 
BooKiii.] ARCADIA 441 
 
 companions, had gone to learn if he were alike happy in all places : 
 and they, fear freezing the courage, and dissolving the hearts 
 of their scattered enemies, found quickly more throwing themselves 
 weaponless at their feet, than they could have leisure severally 
 to raise, so that they were more weary, though more contented 
 with pardoning than they had been with punishing. 
 
 Some more crafty, or more fearful, cried out at the windows 
 that they would surrender upon security of pardon. But they, 
 scorning to capitulate with fugitives, who would not have done 
 it with them when fighters : and disdaining all that, by the most 
 large construction, could be wrested to the sense of constraint, 
 they would not equal them with those who wei-e already humble 
 till they submitted in a more submissive manner, depending only 
 on their free disposition. Which they, either trusting to the virtue 
 of others, or mistrusting their own, having done the knight of the 
 sheep was constrained, his wound bleeding in great abundance, 
 which being made by an impoisoned dart, had inflamed all his 
 body, to retire. The other, having received the keys of the gate, 
 committed the chief captives to keepers, till the black knight's 
 coming, who presently thereafter exacting what conditions he 
 pleased, did discharge them all. Then sentinels were set on the 
 wall, and a conjpany appointed to watch all night ; when suddenly 
 one came from their friend, to desire them to come and take 
 their last farewell of him : a request wonderfully grieving them, 
 yet quickly granted ; yea, performed e'er answered. 
 
 Being met, and all others retired, he with these words deeply 
 wounded their souls. "Dear friends, whom I may justly call 
 so, though none of us as yet doth know another ; You see, I have 
 acted my part, and the curtain must quickly be drawn. Death, 
 the only period of all respects, doth dispense with a free speech. 
 At a tilting in Iberia, where I was born, dedicated to the memory 
 of the queen Andromana's marriage, a novice in arms, amongst 
 others, I ran in a pastoral show against the Corinthian knights, 
 whom the success had preferred in the opinion of the beholders : 
 till the worthily admirable princes, Musidorus and Pyrocles, 
 drawn forth by the young prince Palladius, brought back the 
 reputation to our party, and there did such things as might have 
 honoured Mars, if he had been in any of their places, and made 
 either of them worthy of his. Thereafter being drawn away from 
 that country by an accident, the report whereof craves a longer 
 time, and a stronger breath than the heavens are like to afford me, 
 their glory tyrannizing over my rest, did kindle such flames in my 
 bosom, that, burning with a generous ardour, I did resolve 
 leaving my own country, as too strict a bound for my thoughts, 
 Xo try my fortune^ where I might either hve famouSj, or die 
 
442 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 unknown; vowing withal to travel, till these princes were either 
 the subject or witnesses of my valour. What passed in my way 
 I pass over: perchance others may remember. At last, invited 
 by fame, I came to this fatal country, it the band of my heart was, 
 and now must be of my body : where first carried with curiosity, 
 the fever of youth, I went to the Arcadian pastorals for my 
 recreation, but found the ruin of my rest. There, blinded with 
 beholding, and tormented with delight, my earnest eyes surfeited 
 on the excellencies of the pattern of perfection, the quintessence 
 of worth, even the most divinely divine Philoclea. Ah too 
 adventurous eyes! Neither could this content them, but they 
 would needs offer up her picture on the altar of my heart; where, 
 by my thoughts their choice might be allowed, yea, and idolatrously 
 advanced. For they, scorning the simple rudeness of the eyes, 
 as easily defrauded of their too forwardly affected object, would 
 securely entreasure it in a more precious place, by a piercing 
 apprehension sinking it in the soul for ever. For a time, suffered 
 as a. stranger, and a shepherd, known as you know, by the name 
 of Philisides, amongst the rest, I had the means to pour forth my 
 plaints before her, but never to her, and, though overthrown, 
 not rendered, I had concluded never to have thrown the dice 
 betwixt hope and despair, so betraying my estate to the tyranny 
 of another's will. No, I was resolved she should never know 
 her power in me, till I had known her mind of me: so that, 
 if she would not raise me^, she should not have means to insult 
 over me. Thus if I had not procured pity, I should not have 
 exposed myself to disdain. 
 
 In the haughtiness of my heart, thinking nothing impossible, 
 I durst promise myself, that, my deeds having purchased reputation, 
 with words worthy of respect, I might venture the process of my 
 affection. In the meantime I joined joyful with you in this late 
 war now ended: though professing a general desire of glory, 
 yet for a particular end, and happy end, since I send for her. 
 But since whilst I lived, I had not the means, as I wished, to 
 content her. I crave not, by the knowledge of this, after death 
 to discontent her. It shall satisfy me, that I die before my hopes ; 
 and she cannot grieve for the loss of that which she never knew 
 to be hers. 
 
 With this, the oth|f sliding apart to bear and bury his sorrow 
 privately, the black knight, weeping, embraced him in his arms, 
 and told him what he was, saying, he was glad that his vow was 
 performed; he being a benefitted witness, not the endangered 
 subject of his valour. Then contentment, budding forth in his 
 countenance, flourished in a smile, and having kissed his friends, 
 desiring to live in their memory, wished them as contented lives, 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 443 
 
 as his was a death. He died as joyful as he left them sorrowful, 
 who had known him a mirror of courage and courtesy, of learning 
 and arms; so that it seemed that Mars had begotten him upon 
 one of the muses. 
 
 Musidorus, exceedingly sorrowful for this irreparable loss, was 
 yet more sorrowful when he remembered himself to be in danger 
 of a greater; and recommending the direction of all below to the 
 knight of the pole, he went himself up to.visit his patient, whom 
 he found, though lying, yet resting; and though not sleeping, 
 yet dreaming. As soon as he heard Musidorus, starting as one 
 awakened out of a slumber, he looked on his face, grieved to see 
 the impression of grief in it, he not knowing the cause, with an 
 inquisitive amazement. But the other preventing that threatened 
 tempest, did blow away the clouds that were gathered in his 
 countenance ; telling him that he had no interest in the anguish 
 which then did afflict him. "What," said Pyrocles, being 
 passionately moved, "can Musidorus have anything wherein 
 I have no interest ? " " I," said he, " and for the present a greater 
 wonder ; my grief may breed you joy, I having lost a friend, and 
 you a rival. Then he began to discourse unto him what was 
 passed. And beside that, which was justly deserved, pity 
 adorning praise and praise augmenting pity, a generous passion 
 so conquered the unconquerable Pyrocles, that he lamented 
 him dead, whom he had not known ; no, nor would never 
 have loved alive, and undoubtedly would have wished him no 
 better success than he had. Yea the very thing which before 
 might have most discontented him, did then most content 
 him ; having his judgment confirmed by the like, in one of such 
 worth. 
 
 After that, laid down in one bed together, friendship making 
 them free, and solitariness bold, whilst their minds began to 
 be delivered of all, wherewith they had a long time travelled, 
 a maid came to the door, sent by the two sisters, to visit Zelmane, 
 who hearing two, where she expected but one, and the one by the 
 manner of his speech likely to be a man, did presently return, 
 and reported to the ladies, who were lying together, that whereof 
 her ears had given her sufficient assurance. At which news 
 Pamela, burning within, sparkled forth these words to her sister : 
 "What wonder though strangers ever wandering, wander from 
 all things. Chiefly those of our sex, who being born to be bounded 
 within houses, when they cannot be bounded within kingdoms, 
 how can they be bounded by modesty ? Yet, though I hate the 
 deed, the respect of the doer, but more of us whose company 
 she hath haunted, left her reproach, by the commentary of fame, 
 be too largely extended, binds me to conceal her shame, that 
 
444 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 we blush not at it. But we must either free ourselves from her, 
 or she herself from this slander." 
 
 " Oh," but answered the ever (and now more than ever) mild 
 Philoclea, " we must not, sister, rashly condemn those whom we 
 have oftentimes considerately approved, lest the change be in our 
 judgment, and not in them. No doubt, because of the indisposition 
 of her body, it was necessary that she should have someone to 
 accompany her; perchance a woman mistaken, and if a man, who 
 knows for what end? She, who being sound would acquaint 
 herself with none, in this estate could not be acquainted with any." 
 " It is an easy matter," replied Pamela, "for one who can deceive 
 to dissemble; neither is this a new acquaintance. You might 
 have seen her use that knight who did come in with her, rather 
 kindly than courteously ; a preceding friendship overpassing present 
 respects : for where a great familiarity is, no ceremonial duty can 
 be observed." Then Philoclea, having found her, could hardly 
 restrain the violence of a just laughter. " As for that which you 
 affirm last," said she, I cannot deny it : no, I dare assure you, and 
 assure yourself I will assure nothing without assurance, that knight 
 is the man of the world whom Zelmane most dearly loves, and yet 
 I know, that neither would he offer nor she suffer her honour to be 
 wronged, as you imagine." This last wound was too deep for 
 Pamela to speak after it : so that she, abandoning her heart to 
 throw itself over the rock of unkindness, in danger to be drowned 
 with her own tears, was thus prevented by Philoclea : " Dear 
 sister and if any word can express more dearness more dear than 
 that, your using me not only as a sister, but as a friend in the 
 highest degree of trust, would make me ashamed to mistrust you, 
 or that you should be beholden to any other than to me for my 
 secret. So might my strangeness justify your unkindness, though 
 you should discover and condemn that which I know you will 
 conceal, perchance approve, and farther being by my imparting of 
 it to you, made of the party, e'er the report of others make you 
 a judge ; be bold my tongue : though my cheeks blush, yet they 
 cover you. Be not ashamed, nay even glory to tell that Zelmane 
 is the prince Pyrocles: he, whom you have heard so oft, yet 
 ever to his honour named; and, to define him unto you more 
 particularly, the friend of Musidorus, over whom with him you are 
 jealous; they lying now in one bed, with no less love than I told 
 you. Why he goes disguised with others, and why I am plain 
 with you I need not tell; you may imagine. One God hath 
 metamorphosed both, the one in a shepherd, the other in a woman ; 
 and we only can restore them to themselvee, and themselves to 
 the world, that they may grace it with the glory of their actions 
 as they were wont .to do-" 
 
BUUK m.j 
 
 ARCADIA 445 
 
 Then Philoclea, exchanging estates with her sister, words 
 arrested by thoughts, she became sad, and the other joyful; who 
 thinking herself well revenged of the passed scorn, and having a 
 sufficient pledge of her sister's secrecy, began to complain of their 
 father's strict using of them, by surmisings of his own minding to 
 mar their fortunes, so that where he should rejoice at such an 
 occasion, if coming to the knowledge thereof, he would not fail to 
 disappoint it, perchance with the ruin of the princes ; which would 
 not only prove a particular loss for them, but, which she lamented 
 more, a general loss for all the world ; depriving it of these 
 patterns of virtue, who in all their actions did but point out the 
 height of perfection, and encourage others to follow their footsteps 
 in the way of worth. Therefore it behoved them to regard 
 themselves, and seriously to consider a matter of so great 
 importance. Then, both beginning to muse, night did cast the 
 nets of sleep over their eyes, yet could not hinder their earnest 
 thoughts from prosecuting the course of their own fancies : for 
 what they were thinking when waking, they still dreamed when 
 sleeping. 
 
 But e'er the morning star began to retire, as giving place to a 
 greater light, whose coming, it, as a forerunner, had only warned 
 the world to attend, both awaked complaining of the night's length, 
 and having with passionate discourses worn away darkness, as 
 weary of them, they arose and hastily apparelled themselves, 
 though not in a curious, yet in a comely manner. Then, with a 
 pretended charity, they would needs go visit the diseased patient, 
 being themselves impatient. A little before their coming, Musidorus 
 being gone to give order for the burial of Philisides, and, at the 
 earnest desire of Pyrocles, of Anaxius, whose valour now had the 
 full praise, from which his own presumption had derogated much 
 whilst he lived: as they approached to his chamber door, they 
 heard Pyrocles preparing his voice for the convoy of a sadly 
 conceived, and weakly delivered song, which they resolved not to 
 interrupt, attending the letter which followed. 
 
 / 
 More dangerous darts than death, love throws I spy, 
 Who by experience now know both their wounds : 
 Death pierc'd me all, yet could not make me die : 
 Love with a thought me in effect confounds. 
 
 The power of death, art sometimes may restrain, 
 Where love, I find, can never physic find : 
 Death only plagues the body but with pain, 
 Where love with pleasure doth torment the mind. 
 Death still to all alike none free doth leave; 
 Where partial love shafts but at some doth send ; 
 
446 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 Death with more mercy kills than love doth save : 
 Death's end breeds rest, love never rests to end. 
 Death doth enlarge, where love imprisons still j 
 Death forc'd by fates ; love willingly doth kill. 
 
 As soon as this song was ended, Pamela opened the door, 
 saluting him still (so to disguise her knowledge) by the name of 
 Zelmane ; and asked in what estate she was with herself, who 
 returned this answer ; " How can I smart having such angels to 
 give me comfort ? Or how can I feel pain in their presence, whose 
 faces are heavens of pleasure?" "Since," said Pamela, "being 
 only unfortunate by falling in our company, the hazard of your life 
 hath procured our liberty, so that accidentally, though far from our 
 intention, we have been the causes of all your trouble, how can we 
 think of your pain, but as of our own ? Or have any delight whilst 
 you rest grieved?" "Wonders of worth,'' said Zelmane, " I shall 
 ever, whilst I live, reckon for my highest happiness my being 
 honoured by your company ; and as for my travels in this, they are 
 by the success abundantly rewarded, since I could aspire to no 
 higher good than I have compassed, having purchased you any 
 contentment." 
 
 Whilst that passionate Zelmane, with an animated fervency, did 
 incorporate her hand with Philoclea's, whose speaking looks, 
 however some time out of modesty obliquely moving, had a 
 continual revolution about his face ; the black knight's coming in 
 drew Pamela's spirits from her thoughts to her eyes. A gentleman 
 followed him, directed from Basilius ; who after his duty done to 
 the ladies, having shown them that their father and mother were 
 in good health, invited by their enquiring attendants, told how the 
 first, whom prodigal fame had breathed forth with news, hastened 
 by himself, as who carried an acceptable message in hope of 
 benefit or thanks, certified the king how the castle was won, and 
 his daughters delivered by the black knight, who before had put 
 a period to the victories of Amphialus. At this Pamela looking on 
 Musidorus, blushed ; and he, though by no gesture betraying his 
 joy rejoiced, not because he heard himself praised, but because 
 she heard him praised, and that Anaxius in a single combat was 
 killed by Zelmane, she not long over-living the victory. 
 
 The king hearing this, who of his gracious nature would rather 
 save one friend than destroy all his enemies, as if the delivery of 
 his daughters had been a matter of small moment, and a gain too 
 light to counterpoise so great a loss, did abandon his soul to the 
 tyranny of sorrow, even more than majesty in a prince, or virtue 
 in affliction, in the balances of reason, would have allowed of such 
 weight. At this Zelmane's smile was accompanied with Philoclea's. 
 
BOOK m.] ARCADIA 447' 
 
 But when he spoke of Gytiecia's griefs overgrowing the other, they 
 grew pale, being afraid of the fountain from whence her tears did 
 flow, lest it should drown them. 
 
 But whilst Gynecia (the messenger insisted) as run mad with 
 anguish, enclosed in a chamber, would suffer none to come unto 
 her ; all wondered that her children being safe, a stranger's death, 
 or her husband's grief, could weaken the known strength of her 
 mind so much. The next messenger came, being the latter, 
 and thereby the better informed, who sugared the first news with 
 the assurance of Zelmane's safety. Then the queen coming forth 
 as after a great tempest, the sky of her countenance cleared, 
 looking brighter than before. The king would have come himself 
 here in person, but he was persuaded to send Philanax with 
 a number of chosen men, to receive the castle and ladies ; 
 eftsoons being curious to know who cured Zelmane ; when it was 
 told him that the knight who won the castle would trust none 
 with that save himself, he was sorry that one of his worth should 
 be put to such trouble, and would needs have an ordinary surgeon 
 sought out to undertake the charge. " In the meantime the queen 
 came and brought out of a box a sovereign balm, which she hath 
 sent by me to be applied to your wounds, fair Zelmane, not 
 doubting but they will quickly become sound if her direction 
 be observed, which is only that you rest and keep yourself quiet 
 from company now, and by the way till she herself may use other 
 remedies. And for this effect she entreats you, miracles of nature, 
 her daughters, to forbear her company during this time ; that your 
 example, whose authority abused might embolden the indiscretion 
 of inferiors, may be a law for others : and she assured me that she 
 ^vould by a secret spy learn how she were obeyed in this. Such 
 a care hath she of this sweet lady's health." 
 
 By the end of this commission well did Zelmane and Philoclea 
 know at whom in particular those general injunctions did only 
 aim. This enjoined abstinence did give Zelmane a surfeit in 
 sorrow, who had rather have continued still infirm, than to have 
 recovered by so cruel a physic. And yet her misery was multiplied 
 when she remembered the cause, whereof this, in respect of that 
 which she did expect, was a slender issue, and but a little fury,; 
 sent to afflict her out of that hell of Gynecia's breast, into whose 
 company she was shortly to enter. Now the black knight, 
 purposing to depart before Philanax arrived, brought his 
 companion, the knight of the pole, as a partner of his victory, 
 to kiss the ladies' hands extenuating his own part, and preferring 
 his: Those who have true worth in themselves, can never envy 
 it in another. Thereafter advising him privately to have their 
 little company in a readiness, he went with an uncounterfeited. 
 
448 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 reverence, humbling himself before the idol of his soul, to know 
 her will : telling her what he had done, being only done for her, 
 he would attend thanks from no other; neither would he be 
 known till he might be known for hers : and she, her countenance 
 rather lightening courtesy than affection, desired him to return 
 to his old master, and he should be restored to the estate which 
 by his fault he had before justly forfeited ; wishing that he would 
 carry himself more moderately hereafter, if he would not incur 
 her indignation, and raise all regard of him out of her memory. 
 
 Then Musidorus, as contented as one who had been brought 
 from hell to heaven, with many vehement attestations to win 
 trust with her, and imprecations against himself in case of perjury, 
 wished, if ever his mind were so unhappy as to be surprised by 
 any purpose tending in the least degree to grieve her, that he 
 might never live till it took effect, but die e'er it were discovered. 
 And like a wary gamester, who having once advantage is loth 
 to adventure again, willing to seal up his ears with the acceptable 
 sounds which they had received, he took leave, leaving his heart 
 with her, and taking hers with him. Then went he towards 
 Pyrocles, the joy of his heart shining through his face, and 
 acquainted him with his unwilling absenting himself, referring 
 all farther conference till their meeting at the arbour. And 
 having in a complimental manner craved, but not desired 
 employment from Philoclea, in any service after the funerals were 
 performed, he marched with his troop away, the most part thinking 
 that he went to meet Philanax: whilst Pamela from a window 
 followed with her eyes, till clouds of dust did bury their object 
 in the air. 
 
 Soon after their departure from the castle, about this time, 
 Philanax arrived, who, immediately after he had received the 
 castle in the king's name, sought for the knight, whose gift, though 
 not given by him, he esteemed it to be. For he, being generously 
 judicious, thought it more fit that princes should defray obligations 
 by rewards, every man being inferior to him to whom he stands 
 indebted, than to be behind with any by being beholden; and 
 hearing that he was gone by public enquiry for him, and praises 
 of him, he witnessed to the world how highly his valour was 
 valued. After he had saluted the princesses, he visited Zelmane, 
 and told her how careful his master was to have those wounds 
 cured, which in his service had been procured, that thereafter 
 he might otherwise express his gratefulness. But Zelmane affirmed 
 that though that blood which was shed had been followed by 
 all the rest of her body ; with the king's former courtesies towards 
 her the deserving by the recompense was both preceded and 
 exceeded. Then Philanax, loth to strive with deeds in words, 
 
BOOK III. J 
 
 ARCADIA 449 
 
 desired her, if her health might serve, to provide for her removing 
 with the rest to-morrow, otherwise, that should be done for her 
 which she herself would direct. . 
 
 Immediately after his departure Zelmane arose; and having 
 apparelled herself, began to walk, not so much to try how she 
 might comport with the intended journey, as that she might 
 pretend any means which might afford her the satisfaction of 
 Philoclea's presence; where, violently carried by her thoughts, she 
 came soon, but not so soon as she wished, and was wished : where 
 Pamela apart entertaining her thoughts, she thus entered with 
 Philoclea: "Dear love. Oh in what an ocean of troubles doth our 
 estate continually float, yet hath never so much as attained the 
 sight of any secure port. I see that this freedom will but bring us 
 to a greater bondage : we are led from captivity, only to become 
 captives. For where before those senseless walls were thought 
 sufficient to guard us, we shall be watched now by one 
 more jealous than Juno, with more eyes than ever Argus had. 
 I would willingly convey you where I might enjoy you, and you 
 a kingdom : but this, my infirmity first hindered, and the coming 
 of Philanax hath altogether prevented. In the meantime, till 
 for performing of that, a longed for occasion come, I must arm 
 myself against your father's folly, and your mother's fury. The 
 one's might easily be deluded, but the other's cannot be resisted, 
 but by a show of yielding, which I must cunningly counterfeit: 
 and therefore trust no external show ; for whoever have my 
 countenance, you have my heart." Philoclea's words were, that 
 she cared not where she went, so it were with him, nor what she 
 did, so it were warranted by his direction, as bent rather to burn 
 her breast, than to let it lodge any thought which durst but doubt 
 of the sufficiency of his intentions, since whatever circle they 
 made, having always for their centre the excellency of his own 
 worth. So parting, as if they had been to go to live in sundry 
 kingdoms ; though going to live in one company, night invited 
 them to repose. 
 
 The next morning being saluted by the trumpet's sounds, and 
 all ready to remove, they were quickly transported over the lake ; 
 and as quickly, when landed, mounted by the provident care 
 of Philanax, to finish their journey. But e'er they came two or 
 three miles off' the lodges, Basilius met them, who embraced his 
 daughters ; not that he would go first to them, but that he would 
 be last with Zelmane, whom he had kissed with his eyes, e'er 
 his lips were drawn from his daughters. And as soon as he had 
 shown as much affection, encountering her, as his state before so 
 many would permit ; he said, that notwithstanding her countenance 
 was the treasure in the world whereof he was most covetous, 
 
 2 F 
 
450 ARCADIA [book in. 
 
 yet it grieved him that another should be so happy as to have 
 procured her liberty rather than himself; and that it was his 
 purpose, as a private adventurer, to have manifested his affection, 
 fighting as a knight, not as a king, for her delivery. 
 
 Zelmane replying, that it had been against all reason, that so 
 great a prince, on whom the lives of so many did depend, should 
 have been hazarded for the life of one whose fall could extend no 
 farther than to her own ruin ; " Your ruin," said he, " I wish that 
 mine were first; for it could not but follow after. And do not 
 think that the black knight, or any other durst do more for you 
 than I : yet such is the miserable estate of us kings, that 
 we cannot prove men, but are compelled to move in our own 
 sphere." 
 
 The journey's end cutting off their discourse, Gynecia was 
 waiting on their alighting, and having first duty — tyrannizing over 
 affection — carelessly kissed Pamela, disdainfully Philoclea, and 
 vehemently Zelmane, thereafter enquiring of her wounds, thanks 
 (though bestowing nothing defraying much) were courteously 
 returned for the balm which was sent ; she protesting that if no 
 other thing could help, she would pull out her own heart, when 
 Basilius interrupted them, coming to have lightened his heart, by 
 burdening his body with his mistress's alighting. 
 
 Dametas came starting and leaping like a giddy kid to meet 
 with Pamela ; and as soon as she was aUghted, for the first saluta- 
 tion, told her how much she was beholden to him, having shown 
 his manhood and goodwill as much as the best fellow in these 
 bounds could have done, swearing that he had ventured more for 
 her than he would do for all the world again, and for his own life 
 too ; " I," quoth he, " and when my man Dorus durst not be seen, 
 who was thought a brave fellow, yet he feigned a business far from 
 the noise of war, to seek sheep ; but the truth is, to hide himself, 
 whilst my deeds made all our army laugh for joy : so that during 
 all that time of trouble, which I tremble yet to think upon, I never 
 heard of him, till even now he sent me word by a shepherd, whom 
 he met on the way, that he had found the ewes which had strayed, 
 with great difficulty, and was driving them at leisure, for fear they 
 should miscarry. But when he comes, I promise I will make his 
 cowardice be known for leaving me, when I would fain have left 
 myself for fear." " O but," said Pamela, '' you must not be offended, 
 though every man be not so stout as you are ; he may be an evil 
 soldier, but yet a good shepherd : and I hope you keep him that 
 he may keep sheep, not that he may kill men." " Now in good 
 faith," said he, " I see you are not changed, for you were ever wise, 
 and so you do continue still. I may well chide the fellow, but I 
 will not beat him." 
 
BooKui.] ARCADIA 45 1 
 
 Then all entering the lodge with Basilius, though the supper 
 was ready, Gynecia would dress Zelmane's wounds first, and 
 Basilius would see them dressed; so by his despised importunate- 
 ness restraining the torrent of Gynecia's passions, which would 
 but burst forth more furiously thereafter. This freeing Zelmane's 
 ears at that time, was but a relief to her, as they find who expel 
 poison by counterpoison, she being as weary of him, as afraid of 
 the other. 
 
 Then sitting down to the supper, more curious of a surfeit to 
 their eyes, than for their sustenance to the rest of the body: the 
 eyes of Basilius were ever feeding on the face of Zelmane with a 
 fearful earnestness, save sometimes when they were constrained 
 to retire by the violence of his wife's looks, thinking that they with 
 a jealous anger had upbraided his error, which she, otherwise 
 busied, had never so much as observed. The one of her eyes was 
 settled like a fixed star on Zelmane, the other like a wandering 
 comet threatening confusion where it shined, strayed betwixt 
 Zelmane, and her daughter Philoclea, watching and chastising 
 with her look her stolen looks. Zelmane's languishing lights 
 made the table envied, whilst her dejected looks did only bless it, 
 as scorning to look on any, since she might not look where she 
 liked. Philoclea chained by thoughts to Zelmane, did imitate her 
 being pensive, because she was pensive : yet like a cunning painter, 
 who having fully fed his eyes with the affected object, turns back 
 within himself, that his imagination may engrave it the more 
 exactly within his memory, she would sometimes with a thievishly 
 adventurous look spy Zelmane's gesture, that she might the better 
 counterfeit it in her countenance. As for Pamela, she kept her 
 accustomed majesty, being absent where she was, and present 
 where she was not. Then, the supper being ended, after some 
 ambiguous speeches, which might, for fear of being mistaken, be 
 taken in two senses, or else were altogether estranged from the 
 speaker's mind ; speaking as in a dream, not what they thought, 
 but what they would be thought to think : everyone retired to the 
 lodge where they had used afore to he; Basilius having first 
 invited them the next morning to see a pastoral represented by the 
 ordinary shepherds, to congratulate their prosperous return.* 
 
 • From hence the history is again continued out of the author's Papers. If this 
 little essay have not that perfection which is required for supplying the want of that 
 place for which it was intended, yet shaU it serve for a shadow to give a lustre to the 
 rest I have only herein conformed myself to that which preceded my beginning and 
 was known to be that admirable author's own, but to differ in some things from' that 
 which follows, especiaUyin the death of Philisides, making choice of a course, whereby 
 I might best manifest, what affection I bear to the memory of him, whom I toot to 
 he alluded unto by that name, and whom I only by this imperfect parcel (designinff 
 morel had a mujd to honour. If, A. ^ - t. 
 
452 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 After that Basilius, according to the oracle's promise, had 
 received home his daughters, and settled himself again in his 
 solitary course and accustomed company, there passed not many 
 days e'er the now fully recomforted Dorus, having waited a time 
 of Zelmane's walking alone towards her little arbour took leave of 
 his master Dametas's husbandry to follow her. Near whereunto 
 overtaking her, and sitting down together among the sweet flowers, 
 whereof that place was very plentiful, under the pleasant shade of 
 a broad leaved sycamore, they recounted one to another their 
 strange pilgrimage of passions, omitting nothing which open 
 hearted friendship is wont to lay forth, where there is cause to 
 communicate both joys and sorrows, for indeed there is no sweeter 
 taste of friendship than the coupling of souls in this mutuality, 
 either of condoling or comforting ; where the oppressed mind finds 
 itself not altogether miserable, since it is sure of one which is 
 feelingly sorry for his misery: and the joyful spends not his joy, 
 either alone, or there where it may be envied ; but may freely send 
 it to such a well-grounded object, from whence he shall be sure to 
 receive a sweet reflection of the same joy, and, as in a clear mirror of 
 sincere goodwill, see a hvely picture of his own gladness. But 
 after much discourse on either part, Dorus, his heart scarce serving 
 him to come to the point whereunto his then coming had been 
 wholly directed, as loth in the kindest sort to discover to his friend 
 his own unkindness, at length, one word emboldening another, 
 made known to Zelmane, how Pamela upon his vehement oath to 
 oifer no force unto her, till he had invested her in the duchy of 
 Thessalia, had condescended to his stealing her away to the next 
 seaport. That besides the strange humours she saw her father 
 more and more falling into, and unreasonable restraint of her 
 liberty, whereof she knew no cause but light grounded jealousies, 
 added to the hate of that manner of life, and confidence she had 
 in his virtue, the chiefest reason had won her to this was the late 
 danger she stood in of losing him, the like whereof, not unlike to 
 fall if this course were continued, she chose rather to die than 
 again to undergo. That now they waited for nothing else but 
 some fit time for their escape, by the absence of their three 
 loathsome companions, in whom folly engendered suspicion. 
 "And therefore now," said Dorus, "my dear cousin, to whom 
 nature began my friendship, education confirmed it, and virtue 
 hath made it eternal ; here have I discovered the very foundation 
 whereupon my life is built : be you the judge betwixt me and my 
 fortune. The violence of love is not unknown to you, and I know 
 my case shall never want pity in your consideration. How all the 
 joys of my heart do leave me, in thinking I must for a time be 
 absent from you, the eternal truth is witness unto me, I know I 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 453 
 
 should not so sensibly feel the pangs of my last departure. But 
 this enchantment of my restless desire hath such authority m 
 myself above myself, that I am become a slave unto it, I have no 
 more freedom in mine own determination. My thoughts are now 
 all bent how to carry away my burdenous bliss. Yet, most beloved 
 cousin, rather than you should think I do herein violate that holy 
 band of true friendship wherein I unworthy am knit unto you, 
 command me stay. Perchance the force of your commandment 
 may work such impression into my heart that no reason of mine 
 own can imprint into it. For the gods forbid, the foul word of 
 abandoning Pyrocles might ever be objected to the faithful 
 Musidorus. But if you can spare my presence, whose presence 
 no way serves you, and by the division of those two lodges is not 
 oft with you : nay, if you can think my absence may, as it shall, 
 stand you in stead, by bringing such an army hither, as shall make 
 Basilius, wiUing or unwilling, to know his own hap, in granting 
 you Philoclea, then I will cheerfully go about this my most desired 
 enterprize, and shall think the better half of it already achieved, 
 being begun in the fortunate hour of my friend's contentment." 
 
 These words, as they were not knit together with such a 
 constant course of flowing eloquence as Dorus was wont to use, so 
 was his voice interrupted with sighs, and his countenance with 
 interchanging colour dismayed. So much his own heart did find 
 him faulty to unbend any way the continual use of their dear 
 friendship. But Zelmane, who had all this while gladly hearkened 
 to the other tidings of their friends happy success, when this last 
 determination of Dorus struck her attentive ears, she stayed a 
 great while oppressed with a dead amazement. There came 
 straight before her mind, made tender with woes, the images of 
 her own fortune, her tedious longings, her causes to despair, the 
 cumbersome folly of Basilius, the enraged jealousy of Gynecia, 
 herself a prince without retinue ; a man annoyed with the troubles 
 of womankind, loathsomely loved, and dangerously loving. And 
 now for the perfecting of all, her friend to be taken away by 
 himself, to make the loss the greater by the unkindness. But 
 within a while she resolutely passed over all inward objections ; 
 and preferring her friend's profit to her own desire, with a quiet, 
 but heavy look, she thus answered him : " If I bear thee this love 
 virtuous Musidorus, for mine own sake, and that our friendship 
 grew, because I, for my part, might rejoice to enjoy such a friend, 
 I should now so thoroughly feel my own loss, that I should call 
 the heavens and earth to witness how cruelly you rob me of my 
 greatest comfort, measuring the breach of friendship by mine own 
 passion. But because indeed I love thee for thyself, and in my 
 judgment judge of thy worthiness to be loved, I am content to 
 
454 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 build my pleasure upon thy comfort, and then will I deem my hap 
 in friendship great when I shall see thee, whom I love, happy. 
 Let me be only sure thou lovest me still, the only price of true 
 affection : go therefore on, worthy Musidorus, with the guide of 
 virtue and service of fortune. Let thy love be loved, thy desires 
 prosperous, thy escape safe, and thy journey easy. Let every- 
 thing yield his help to thy desert, for my part absence shall not 
 take thee from mine eyes, nor affliction shall bar me from gladding 
 in thy good, nor a possessed heart shall keep thee from the place 
 it hath for ever allotted unto thee." 
 
 Dorus would fain have replied again, to have made a liberal 
 confession that Zelmane had of her side the advantage of well 
 performing friendship : but partly his own grief of parting from 
 one he loved so dearly, partly the kind care in what state she 
 should leave Zelmane, bred such a conflict in his mind, that many 
 times he wished he had either never attempted, or never revealed 
 his secret enterprise. But Zelmane, who had now looked to the 
 utmost of it, and established her mind upon an assured determina- 
 tion : " My only friend," said she, " since to so good towardness 
 your courteous destinies have conducted you, let not a ceremonial 
 consideration of our mutual love be a bar unto it. I joy in your 
 presence, but I joy more in your good ; that friendship brings forth 
 the fruits of enmity which prefers his own tenderness before his 
 friend's damage. For my part, my greatest grief herein shall be, 
 I can be no farther serviceable unto you." "O Zelmane," said 
 Dorus, with his eyes even covered with water, " I did not think so 
 soon to have displayed my determination unto you, but to have 
 made my way first in your loving judgment. But alas ! as your 
 sweet disposition drew me so far, so doth it now strengthen me in 
 it. To you therefore be the due commendation given ; who can 
 conquer me in love, and love in wisdom. As for me, then shall 
 goodness turn to evil, and ungratefulness be the token of a true 
 heart when Pyrodes shall not possess a principal seat in my soul, 
 when the name of Pyrocles shall not be held of me in devout 
 reverence. 
 
 They would never have come to the cruel instant of parting, nor 
 to the ill-faring word of farewell, had not Zelmane seen afar off the 
 old Basilius, who having performed a sacrifice to Apollo, for his 
 daughters', but principally for his mistress's happy return, had 
 since been everywhere to seek her. And now being come within 
 compass of discerning her, he began to frame the loveliest 
 countenance he could, stroking up his legs, setting his beard in 
 due order, and standing bolt upright. " Alas ! " said Zelmane, 
 " behold an evil fore-token of your sorrowful departure. Yonder 
 see I one of my furies, which doth daily vex me, farewell, farewell 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 455 
 
 my Musidorus, the gods make fortune to wait on thy virtues, and 
 make me wade through this lake of wretchedness." Dorus burst 
 out into a flood of tears, wringing her fast by the hand. " No, 
 no," said he, " I go blindfold whither the course of my ill hap 
 carries me : for now, too late, my heart gives me this our separating 
 can never be prosperous. But if I live, attend me here shortly 
 with an army." Thus both apparelled with the grievous renting 
 of their first combination, having first resolved with themselves 
 that whatsoever fell upon them, they should never upon any 
 occasion utter their names, for the conserving the honour of their 
 royal parentage, but keep the names of Diaphantus and Palladius, 
 as before had been agreed between them, they took divers ways : 
 Dorus to the lodge-ward, where his heavy eyes might be something 
 refreshed ; Zelmane towards Basilius, saying to herself, with a 
 scornful smiling, " Yet hath not my friendly fortune deprived me 
 of a pleasant companion." But he, having with much search come 
 to her presence, doubt and desire bred a great quarrel in his mind. 
 For his former experience had taught him to doubt ; and true 
 feeling of love made doubts dangerous, but the working of his 
 desire had e'er long won the field. And therefore, with the most 
 submissive manner his behaviour could yield, " O goddess," said 
 he, " towards whom I have the greatest feeling of religion, be not 
 displeased at some show of devotion I have made to Apollo, since 
 he, if he knew anything, knows that my heart bears far more awful 
 reverence to yourself, than to his, or any other the like deity." 
 " You will ever be deceived in me," answered Zelmane : I will 
 make myself no competitor with Apollo, neither can blasphemies 
 to him be duties to me." With that Basilius took out of his bosom 
 certain verses he had written, and kneeling down, presented them 
 to her. They contained this : 
 
 Phoebus, farewell, a sweeter .saint I serve, 
 The high conceits, thy heav'nly wisdom's breed. 
 
 My thoughts forget : my thoughts which never swerve 
 From her in whom is sown their freedom's seed, 
 And in whose eyes my daily doom I read. 
 
 Phoebus, farewell, a sweeter saint I serve. 
 Thou art far off, thy kingdom is above ; 
 
 She heav'n on earth with beauties doth preserve, 
 Thy beams I like, but her clear rays I love : 
 Thy force I fear, her force I still do prove. 
 
 Phoebus yield up thy title in my mind ; 
 She doth possess, thy image is defac'd, 
 
 But if thy rage some brave revenge will find. 
 On her, who hath in me thy temple raz'd, 
 Employ thy might, that she my fires may taste. 
 
 And how much more her worth surmounteth thee • 
 Make her as much more base by loving me. ' 
 
456 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 "This is my hymn to you,'' said he, "not left me by my 
 ancestors, but begun in myself. The temple wherein it is daily 
 sung is my soul ; and the sacrifice I offer to you withal is all 
 whatsoever I am." Zelmane, who ever thought she found in his 
 speeches the ill taste of a medicine, and the operation of a poison, 
 would have suffered a disdainful look to have been the only witness 
 of her good acceptation but that Basilius began afresh to lay before 
 her many pitiful prayers and in the end to conclude that he was 
 fully of opinion it was only the unfortunateness of that place that 
 hindered the prosperous course of his desires. And therefore 
 since the hateful influence, which made him embrace this solitary 
 life was now past over him, as he doubted not the judgment of 
 Philanax would agree with his, and his late mishaps had taught 
 him how perilous it was to commit a prince's state to a place so 
 weakly guarded, he was now inclined to return to his palace in 
 Mantinea, and there he hoped he should be better able to show 
 how much he desired to make all he had hers : with many other 
 such honey words, which my pen grows almost weary to set down. 
 This indeed nearly pierced Zelmane : for the good beginning she 
 had obtained of Philoclea made her desire to continue the same 
 trade, till the more perfecting of her desires ; and to come to any 
 public place she did deadly fear, lest her mask by many eyes 
 might the sooner be discovered, and so her hopes stopped, and 
 the state of her joys endangered. Therefore a while she rested, 
 musing at the daily changing labyrinth of her own fortune, but in 
 herself determined it was her only best to keep him there, and 
 with favours to make him love the place where the favours were 
 received, as disgraces had made him apt to change the soil. 
 
 Therefore, casting a kind of corner look upon him, "It is truly 
 said," said she, "that age cooleth the blood. How soon, good 
 man, you are terrified before you receive any hurt ? Do you not 
 know that daintiness is kindly unto us ? And that hard obtaining, 
 is the excuse of woman's granting ? Yet speak I not as though 
 you were like to obtain, or I to grant. But because I would not 
 have you imagine I am to be won by courtly vanities, or esteem a 
 man the more because he hath handsome men to wait on him, 
 when he is afraid to live without them." You might have seen 
 Basihus humbly swell, and, with a lowly look, stand upon his 
 tiptoes ; such diversity her words delivered unto him. " 
 Hercules " answered he, " Basilius afraid ? Or his blood cold that 
 boils in such a furnace ? Care I who is with me while I enjoy 
 your presence ? Or is any place good or bad to me, but as it 
 pleaseth you to bless or curse it ? O let me be but armed in your 
 good grace, and I defy whatsoever there is or can be against me, 
 No no, your love is forcible, and my age is not without vigour," 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 457 
 
 Zelmane thought it not good for his stomach to receive a 
 surfeit of too much favour, and therefore thinking he had enough 
 for the time to keep him from any sudden removing, with a certain 
 gracious bowing down of her head towards him, she turned away, 
 saying she would leave him at this time to see how temperately he 
 could use so bountiful a measure of her kindness. Basilius, that 
 thought every drop a flood that bred any refreshment, durst not 
 farther press her, but with ancient modesty left her to the sweet 
 repast of her own fancies. Zelmane, as soon as he was departed, 
 went toward Pamela's lodge in hope to have seen her friend Dorus, 
 to have pleased herself with another painful farewell, and farther 
 to have taken some advice with him touching her own estate, 
 whereof before sorrow had not suffered her to think. But being 
 come even near the lodge, she saw the mouth of a cave, made as 
 it should seem by nature in despite of art, so fitly did the rich 
 growing marble serve to beautify the vault of the first entry. 
 Under foot the ground seemed mineral, yielding such a glistering 
 show of gold in it as they say the river Tagus carries in his sandy 
 bed. The cave framed out into many goodly spacious rooms, 
 such as self-liking men have with long and learned delicacy found 
 out the most easeful : there ran through it a little sweet river, 
 which had left the face of the earth to drown herself for a small 
 way in this dark but pleasant mansion. The very first show of 
 the place enticed the melancholy mind of Zelmane, to yield herself 
 over there to the flood of her own thoughts. And therefore, 
 sitting down in the first entry of the cave's mouth, with a song she 
 had lately made, she gave a doleful way to her bitter affects, and 
 sung to this effect : 
 
 Since that the stormy rage of passions dark 
 (Of passions dark,' made dark by beauty's light) 
 
 With rebel force, hath clos'd in dungeon dark 
 My mind, e'er now led forth by reason's light. 
 
 Since all the things which give mine eyes their light. 
 Do foster still the fruits of fancies dark : 
 
 So that the windows of my inward light 
 Do serve to make my inward powers dark. 
 
 Since, as I say, both mind and senses dark 
 Are hurt, not help'd, with piercing of the light : 
 
 While that the light may show the horrors dark, 
 But cannot make resolved darkness light : 
 
 t like this place, where at the least the dark 
 May keep my thoughts from thought of wonted light. 
 
458 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 Instead of an instrument, her song was accompanied with the 
 wringing of her hands, the closing of her weary eyes, and even 
 sometimes cut off with the swelling of her sighs, which did not 
 suffer the voice to have his free and native passage. But, as she 
 was a while musing upon her song, raising up her spirits, which . 
 were something fallen into the weakness of lamentation, considering 
 solitary complaints do no good to him whose help stands without 
 himself, she might afar off first hear a whispering sound, which 
 seemed to come from the inmost part of the cave, and being kept 
 together with the close hoUowness of the place, had, as in a trunk, 
 the more liberal access to her ears, and by and by she might 
 perceive the same voice deliver itself into musical tunes, and with 
 a base Lyra give forth this song : 
 
 Hark, plaintful ghosts, infernal furies, hark 
 Unto my woes the hateful heavens do send, 
 
 The heavens conspir'd to make my vital spark 
 A wretched wreck, a glass of ruin's end. 
 
 Seeing, alas, so mighty powers bend 
 Their ireful shot against so weak a mark, 
 
 Come cave, become my grave, come death, and lend 
 Receipt to me, within thy bosom dark. 
 
 For what is life to daily dying mind. 
 Where, drawing breath, I suck the air of woe : 
 
 Where too much sight makes all the body blind, 
 And highest thoughts downward most headlong throw? 
 
 Thus then my form, and thus my state I find, 
 
 Death wrapp'd in flesh, to living grave assign'd. 
 
 And pausing but a little, with mournful melody it continued this 
 octave : 
 
 Like those sick folks in whom strange humours flow, 
 Can taste no sweets, the sower only please, 
 
 So to my mind, while passions daily grow, 
 Whose fiery chains, upon his freedom seize ; 
 
 Joys strangers seem, I cannot bide their show, 
 
 Nor brook aught else but well acquainted woe. 
 Bitter griefs taste best, pain is my ease. 
 Sick to the death, still loving my disease. 
 
 « O Venus," said Zelmane, " who is this so well acquainted with 
 me that can make so lively a portraiture of my miseries ? It is 
 surely the spirit appointed to have care of me, which doth now, in 
 this dark place, bear part with the complaint of his unhappy 
 charge. For if it be so, that the heavens have at all times a 
 measure of their wrathful harms, surely so many have come to my 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 459 
 
 ifeless lot that the res,t of the world hath too small a portion to 
 make with cause so wailful a lamentation. But," said she, 
 "whatsoever thou be, I will seek thee out, for thy music well 
 assures me we are at least-hand fellow-prentices to one ungracious 
 master." So rose she and went, guiding herself by the still plaining 
 voice, till she saw upon a stone a little wax-light set, and under it 
 a piece of paper, with these verses very lately, as it should seem, 
 written in it : 
 
 How is my sun, whose beams are shining bright, 
 Become the cause of my dark ugly night ? 
 Or how do I, captiv'd in this dark plight, 
 Bewail the case, and in the cause delight ? 
 
 My mangled mind huge horrors still do fright. 
 With sense possessed, and claim'd by reason's right ; 
 Betwixt which two in me I have this sight : 
 Where who so wins, I put myself to flight. 
 
 Come cloudy fears, close up my dazzled sight, 
 Sorrows suck up the marrow of my might. 
 Due sighs blow out all sparks of joyful light, 
 Tire on despair upon my tired spright. 
 
 An end, an end, ray duU'd pen cannot write, 
 Nor maz'd head thinks nor falt'ring tongue recite. 
 
 And hard underneath the sonnet were these words written : 
 
 This cave is dark, but it had never light. 
 This wax doth waste itself, yet painless dies. 
 These words are full of woes, yet feel they none. 
 
 I darkened am, who once had clearest sight. 
 I waste my heart, which still new torments tries. 
 I plain with cause, my woes are all mine own. 
 
 No Cave, no wasting wax, no words of grief. 
 Can hold, show, tell my pains without relief. 
 
 She did not long stay to read the words, for not far off from the 
 stone she might discern in a dark corner, a lady lying with her 
 face so prostrate upon the ground that she could neither know nor 
 be known. But, as the general nature of man is desirous of 
 knowledge, and sorrow especially glad to find fellows, she went, as 
 softly as she could convey her feet, near unto her, where she heard 
 these words come with vehement sobbings from her. " O darkness," 
 said she, "which dost lightsomely, methink, make me see the 
 picture of my inward darkness : since I have chosen thee to be 
 
460 ARCADIA [BOOK III. 
 
 the secret witness of my sorrows, let me receive a false receipt in 
 thee ; and esteem them not tedious, but, if it be possible, let the 
 uttering them be some discharge to my over-laden breast. Alas ! 
 sorrow, now thou hast the full sack of my conquered spirits, rest 
 thyself awhile, and set not still new fire to thy own spoils : O 
 accursed reason, how many eyes thou hast to see thy evils, and 
 how dim, nay blind thou art in perceiving them ? Forlorn creature 
 that I am ! I would I might be freely wickedj since wickedness 
 doth prevail : but the footsteps of my overtrodden virtue lie still 
 as bitter accusations against me. I am divided in myself, how 
 can I stand? I am overthrown in myself, who shall raise me? 
 Vice is but a nurse of new agonies, and the virtue I am divorced 
 from, makes the hateful comparison the more manifest. No, no, 
 virtue, either I never had but a shadow of thee, or thou thyself are 
 but a shadow. For how is my soul abandoned ? How are all my 
 powers laid waste ? My desire is pained because it cannot hope, 
 and if hope came, his best should be but mischief. O strange 
 mixture of human minds ; only so much good left, as to make us 
 languish in our own evils. Ye infernal furies, for it is too late for 
 me to awake my dead virtue, or to place my comfort in the angry 
 gods, ye infernal furieS, I say, aid one that dedicates herself unto 
 you ; let my rage be satisfied, since the effect of it is fit for your 
 service. Neither be afraid to make me too happy, since nothing 
 can come to appease the smart of my guilty conscience, I desire 
 but to assuage the sweltering of my hellish longing dejected 
 Gynecia." 
 
 Zelmane no sooner heard the name of Gynecia, but that, with a 
 cold sweat all over her, as if she had been ready to tread upon a 
 deadly stinging adder, she would have withdrawn herself, but her 
 own passion made her yield more unquiet motions than she had 
 done in coming. So that she was perceived, and Gynecia suddenly 
 risen up, for indeed it was Gynecia, gotten into the cave, the same 
 cave wherein Dametas had safely kept Pamela in the late uproar, 
 to pass her pangs, with change of places. And as her mind ran 
 still upon Zelmane, her piercing lover's eye had soon found it was 
 she. And seeing in her countenance to fly away, she fell down at 
 her feet, and catching fast hold of her : " Alas ! " said she, 
 " whither, or from whom dost thou fly away ? The savagest beasts 
 are won with service, and there is no flint but ihay be mollified : 
 how is- Gynecia so unworthy in thine eyes? or whom cannot 
 abundance of love make worthy? O think not that cruelty, or 
 ungratefulness can flow from a good mind ! O weigh, alas 1 weigh 
 with thyself the new effects of this mighty passion, that I, unfit for 
 my estate, uncomely for my sex, must become a suppliant at thy 
 feet 1 By the happy woman that bare thee, by all the joys of thy 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 461 
 
 heart, and success of thy desire, I beseech thee turn thyself to some 
 consideration of me, and rather show pity in now helping me, than 
 in too late repenting my death, which hourly threatens me." 
 Zelmane imputing it to one of her continual mishaps, thus to have 
 met with this lady, with a full weary countenance ; " Without 
 doubt. Madam," said she, "where the desire is such as may be 
 obtained, and the party well deserving as yourself, it must be a 
 great excuse that may well colour a denial : but when the first 
 motion carries with it a direct impossibility, then must the only 
 answer be, comfort without help, and sorrow to both parties; to 
 you not obtaining, to me not able to grant." " O," said Gynecia, 
 "how good leisure you have to frame these scornful answers? Is 
 Gynecia thus to be despised? Am I so vile a worm in your sight? 
 No, no, trust to it hard-hearted tiger, I will not be the only actor 
 of this tragedy : since I must fall, I will press down some others 
 with my ruins ; since I must burn, my spiteful neighbours shall 
 feel my fire. Dost thou not perceive that my diligent eyes have 
 pierced through the cloudy mask of thy disguisement ? Have I 
 not told thee, O fool (if I were not much more fool) that I knew 
 thou wouldst abuse us with thy outward show? wilt thou still 
 attend the rage of love in a woman's heart ? The girl, thy well 
 chosen mistress, perchance shall defend thee when Basilius shall 
 know how thou hast sotted his mind with falsehood, and falsely 
 sought the dishonour of his house. Believe it, believe it, unkind 
 creature, I will end my miseries with a notable example of revenge 
 and that accursed cradle of mine shall feel the smart of my wound 
 thou of thy tyranny, and lastly (I confess) myself of mine own 
 work." 
 
 Zelmane that had long before doubted herself to be discovered 
 by her, and now plainly finding it was, as the proverb saith, 
 like them that hold the wolf by the ears, bitten while they 
 hold, and slain if they loose. If she held her off in these wonted 
 terms, she saw rage would make her love work the effects of hate ; 
 to grant unto her, her heart was so bound upon Philoclea, it had 
 been worse than a thousand deaths. Yet found she it was 
 necessary for her to come to a resolution, for Gynecia's sore could 
 bide no leisure, and once discovered, besides the danger of 
 Philoclea, her desires should be for ever utterly stopped. She 
 remembered withal the words of Basilius, how apt he was to leave 
 this life, and return to his court, a great bar to her hopes. Lastly, 
 she considered Dorus's enterprise might bring some strange 
 alteration of this their well-liked fellowship. So that encompassed 
 with these instant difficulties, she bent her spirits to think of a 
 remedy, which might at once both save her from them, and serve 
 her to the accomplishment of her only pursuit. Lastly, she 
 
462 ARCADIA [BOOK III. 
 
 determined thus, that there was no way but to yield to the violence 
 of their desires, since striving did the more chafe them. And that 
 following their own current, at length of itself it would bring her 
 to the other side of her burning desires. 
 
 Now in the meanwhile, the divided Dorus, long divided between 
 love and friendship, and now for his love divided from his friend, 
 though indeed without prejudice of friendship's loyalty, which doth 
 never bar the mind from his free satisfaction : yet still a cruel 
 judge over himself, thought he was some ways faulty, and applied 
 his mind how to amend it with a speedy and behoveful return. 
 But then was his first study, how to get away, whereto already he 
 had Pamela's consent confirmed and concluded under the name of 
 Mopsa in her own presence ; Dorus taking this way, that whatso- 
 ever he would have of Pamela he would ask her, whether in such 
 a case it were liot best for Mopsa so to behave herself, in that sort 
 making Mopsa's envy an instrument of that she did envy. So 
 having passed over his first and most feared difficulty, he busied ' 
 his spirits how to come to the harvest of his desires, whereof he 
 had so fair a show. And thereunto (having gotten leave for some 
 days of his master Dametas, who now accounted him as his son- 
 in-law) he roamed round about the desert, to find some unknown 
 way that might bring him to the next seaport, as much as might 
 be out of all course of other passengers : which all very well 
 succeeding him, and he having hired a barque for his life's traffic, 
 and provided horses to carry her thither, returned homeward, now 
 come to the last point of his care, how to go beyond the loathsome 
 watchfulness of these three uncomely companions, and therein did 
 wisely consider how they were to be taken with whom he was to 
 deal, remembering that in the particularities of everybody's mind 
 and fortune, there are particular advantages, by which they are to 
 be held. The muddy mind of Dametas he found most easily 
 stirred with covetousness. The cursed mischievous heart of Miso, 
 most apt to be tickled with Jealousy, as whose rotten brain could 
 think well of nobody. But young mistress Mopsa, who could open 
 her eyes upon nothing that did not all to be-wonder her, he 
 thought curiosity the fittest bait for her. And first for Dametas, 
 Dorus having employed a whole day's work, about a ten mile off 
 from the lodge, quite contrary way to that he meant to take with 
 Pamela, in digging and opening the ground under an ancient oak 
 that stood there, in such sort as he might longest hold Dametas's 
 greedy hopes in some show of comfort, he came to his master 
 with a countenance mixed between cheerfulness and haste, and 
 taking him by the right hand, as if he had a great matter of secrecy 
 to reveal unto him : " Master," said he, " I did never think that 
 the gods had appointed my mind freely brought up to have so 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 463 
 
 longing a desire to serve you, but that they minded thereby to 
 bring some extraordinary fruit to one so beloved of them as your 
 honesty makes me think you are. This binds me even in 
 conscience to disclose that which I persuade myself is allotted 
 unto you, that your fortune may be of equal balance with your 
 deserts." He said no farther, because he would let Dametas play 
 upon the bit a while, who not understanding what his words 
 intended, yet well finding they carried no evil news, was so much 
 the more desirous to know the matter, as he had free scope to 
 imagine what measure of good hap himself would. Therefore 
 putting off his cap to him, which he never had done before, and 
 assuring him he should have Mopsa, though she had been all 
 made of cloth of gold, he besought Dorus not to hold him long in 
 hope, for that he found a thing his heart was not able to bear. 
 " Master," answered Dorus, " you have so satisfied me with 
 promising me the utmost of my desired' bliss, that if my duty 
 bound me not, I were in it sufficiently rewarded. To you therefore 
 shall my good hap be converted, and the fruit of my labour 
 dedicated. Therewith he told him, how under an ancient oak 
 (the place he made him easily understand by sufficient marks he 
 gave to him) he had found digging but a little depth, scattering 
 lying a great number of rich medals, and that, piercing farther into 
 the ground he had met with a great stone, which, by the hollow 
 sound it yielded, seemed to be the cover of some greater vault, and 
 upon it a box of cypress, with the name of the valiant Aristomenes, 
 graven upon it : and that within the box he found certain verses 
 which signified that some depth again under that all his treasures 
 lay hidden, what time for the discord fell out in Arcadia, he lived 
 banished. Therewith he gave Dametas certain medals of gold he 
 had long kept about him, and asked him, because it was a thing 
 much to be kept secret, and a matter one man in twenty hours 
 might easily perform, whether he would have him go and seek the 
 bottom of it, which he refrained to do till he knew his mind 
 promising he would faithfully bring him what he found, or else 
 that he himself would do it, and be the first beholder of that 
 comfortable spectacle ; no man need doubt which part Dametas 
 would choose, whose fancy had already devoured all this great 
 riches, and even now began to grudge at a partner, before he saw 
 his own share. Therefore taking a strong jade, laden with spades 
 and mattocks, which he meant to bring back otherwise laden he 
 went in all speed thitherward, taking leave of nobody, only desiring 
 Dorus he would look well to the princess Pamela, promising him 
 mountains of his own labour, which nevertheless he little meant to 
 perform, like a fool, not considering, that no man is to be moved 
 with part, that neglects the whole. Thus away went Dametas 
 
464 ARCADIA [BOOK in. 
 
 having already made an image in his fancy, what palaces he would 
 build, how sumptuously he would fare, and among all other things 
 imagined what money to employ in making coffers to keep his 
 money ; his ten miles seemed twice so many leagues, and yet 
 contrary to the nature of it, though it seemed long, it was not 
 wearisome. Many times he cursed his horse's want of consideration, 
 that in so important a matter would make no greater speed : many 
 times he wished himself the back of an ass to help to carry away 
 the new sought riches (an unfortunate wisher, for if he had as well 
 wished the head, it had been granted him). At length being come 
 to the tree, which he hoped should bear so golden acorns, down 
 went all his instruments, and forthwith to the renting up of the 
 hurtless earth, where by and by he was caught with the lime of a 
 few promised medals, which was so perfect a pawn unto him of his 
 farther expectation that he deemed a great number of hours well 
 employed in groping farther into it, which with logs and great 
 stones was made as cumbersome as might be, till at length, with 
 sweaty brow, he came to the great stone. A stone, God knows, 
 full unlike to the cover of a monument, but yet there was the 
 cypress box with Aristomenes graven upon it, and these verses 
 written in it, 
 
 A banish'd man, long barr'd from his desire 
 By inward lets, of them his state possessed, 
 
 Hid here his hopes, by which he might aspire 
 To have his harms with wisdom's help redressed. 
 
 Seek then and see what man esteemeth best, 
 All is but this, this is our labour's hire : 
 
 Of this we live, in this we find our rest ; 
 Who holds this fast no greater wealth require, 
 
 Look farther then, so shalt thou find at least, 
 
 A bait most fit for hungry minded guest. 
 
 He opened the box, and to his great comfort read them, and 
 with fresh courage went about to lift up that stone. But in the 
 meantime, e'er Dametas was half-a-mile gone to the treasure-ward, 
 Dorus came to Miso, whom he found sitting in the chimney's end, 
 babbling to herself, and showing by all her gestures that she was 
 loathsomely weary of the world, not for any hope of a better life, 
 but finding no one good, neither in mind nor body, whereout she 
 might nourish a quiet thought, having long since hated each thing 
 else, began now to hate herself. Before this sweet humoured 
 dame Dorus set himself, and framed towards her such a smiling 
 countenance, as might seem to be mixed between a tickled mirth 
 and a forced pity. Miso, to whom cheerfulness in others was ever 
 a sauce of envy in herself, took quickly mark of his behaviour, 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 465 
 
 and with a look full of sworn spite : " Now the devil," said she, 
 "take these villains that can never leave grinning, because I am 
 not so fair as mistress Mopsa, to see how this skipjack looks 
 at me." Dorus, that had the occasion he desired, "Truly 
 mistress," answered he, "my smiling is not at you, but at them 
 that are from you, and indeed I must needs a little accord my 
 countenance with others' sport." And therewithal took her in his 
 arms, and rocking her to and fro, " In faith mistress," said he, 
 " it is high time for you to bid us good night for ever, since others 
 can possess your place in your own time." Miso, that was never 
 void of malice enough to suspect the uttermost evil, to satisfy 
 a farther shrewdness, took on a present mildness, and gently 
 desired him to tell her what he meant; "For," said she, "I am 
 like enough to be knavishly dealt with by that churl my husband." 
 Dorus fell off from the matter again, as if he had meant no such 
 thing, till by much refusing her entreaty, and vehemently stirring 
 up her desire to know, he had strengthened a credit in her to 
 that he should say. And then with a formal countenance, as if 
 the conscience of the case had touched himself. " Mistress," said 
 he, " I am much perplexed in mine own determination, for my 
 thoughts do ever will me to do honestly, but my judgment 
 fails me what is honest, betwixt the general rule, that entrusted 
 secrecies are holily to be deserved, and the particular exception, 
 that the dishonest secrecies are to be revealed ; especially there, 
 where by reveaUng they may either be prevented, or at least 
 amended. Yet in this balance your judgment weighs me 
 down, because I have confidence in it, that you will use what 
 you know moderately, and rather take such faults as advantage 
 to your own good desert, than by your bitter using it be 
 contented to be revenged on others with your own harms. So 
 it is, mistress," said he, "that yesterday driving my sheep up 
 to the stately hill which lifts his head over the fair city of 
 Mantinea, I happened upon the side of it, in a little falling 
 of the ground, which was a rampier against the sun's rage, to 
 perceive a young maid, truly of the finest stamp of beauty; and 
 that which made her beauty the more admirable, there was at all 
 no art added to the helping of it : for her apparel was but such 
 as shepherds' daughters are wont to wear; and as for her hair, 
 it hung down at free liberty of his goodly length, but that sometimes 
 falling before the clear stars of her sight, she was forced to put 
 it behind her ears, and so open again the treasures of her 
 perfection, which that for a while had in part hidden. In her lap 
 there lay a shepherd so wrapped up in that well-liked place, that 
 I could discern no piece of his face, but as mine eyes were intent 
 in that, her angel-like voice struck mine ears with this song. 
 
 2 G 
 
466 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 My true love hath my heart, and I have his, 
 By just exchange, one for the other giv'n : 
 
 I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss ; 
 There never was a bargain better driv'n. 
 
 His heart in me, keeps me and him in one. 
 My heart in him, his thoughts and senses guide : 
 
 He loves my heart, for once it was his own, 
 I cherish his, because in me it bides. 
 
 His heart his wound received from my sight : 
 My heart was wounded with his wounded heart. 
 
 For as from me, on him his hurt did light ; 
 So still me thought in me his heart did smart : 
 
 Both equal hurt, in this change sought our bliss. 
 
 My true love hath my heart, and I have his. 
 
 But as if the shepherd that lay before her had been organs, 
 which were only to be blown by her breath, she had no sooner 
 ended with the joining her sweet lips together, but that he 
 recorded to her music this rural poesy. 
 
 O words which fall like summer dew on me, 
 O breath more sweet, than is the growing bean ; 
 
 O tongue in which all honeyed liquors be, 
 O voice that doth the thrush in shrillness strain ; 
 
 Do you say still, this is her promise due. 
 
 That she is mine, as I to her am true. 
 
 Gay hair, more gay than straw when harvest lies. 
 Lips red and plump, as cherry ruddy side. 
 
 Eyes fair and great like fair great ox's eyes ; 
 O breast in which two white sheep swell in pride : 
 
 Join you with me, to seal this promise due, 
 
 That she be mine, as I to her am true. 
 
 But thou white skin, as white as curds well pressed, 
 So smooth as sleek stone, like it smooths each part : 
 
 And thou dear flesh, as soft as wool new dressed. 
 And yet as hard as brawn, made hard by art : 
 
 First four but say, next four their saying seal. 
 
 But you must pay the gage of promis'd weal. 
 
 " And with the conclusion of his song he embraced her about 
 the knees. ' O sweet Charita,' said he, ' when shall I enjoy 
 the rest of my toiling thoughts; and when shall your blissful 
 promise, now due, be verified with just performance. With that 
 I drew nearer to them and saw, for now he had lifted up his face 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 467 
 
 to glass himself in her fair eyes, that it was my master Dametas " ; 
 but here Miso interrupted his tale with railing at Dametas, with 
 all those exquisite terms, which I was never good scold enough 
 to imagine. But Dorus, as if he had been much offended with 
 her impatiency, would proceed no farther till she had vowed 
 more stillness: "for," said he, "if the first drum thus chafe you, 
 what will you be when it comes to the blows." Then he told her, 
 how after many famihar entertainments betwixt them, Dametas, 
 laying before her his great credit with the king, and withal giving 
 her very fair presents, with promise of much more, had at length 
 concluded together to meet that night at Mantinea in the 
 Oudemian Street, at Charita's uncle's house, about ten of the 
 clock. After which bargain Dametas had spied Dorus, and, 
 calling him to him, had with great bravery told him all his good 
 hap, willing him in any case to return to the old witch Miso; 
 " for so indeed, mistress of liveliness, and not of illwill, he termed 
 you, and to make some honest excuse of his absence. ' For,' said 
 he, kissing Charita, ' if thou didst know what a hfe I lead with 
 that drivel, it would make thee even of pity receive me into thy 
 only comfort.' ' Now mistress,' said he, ' exercise your discretion, 
 which if I were well assured of, I would wish you to go yourself 
 to Mantinea, and (lying secret in some one of your gossip's houses 
 till the time appointed come) so may you find them together, 
 and using mercy reform my master from his evil ways.' " 
 
 There had nothing more enraged Miso than the praises Dorus 
 gave to Charita's beauty, which made her jealousy swell the more 
 with the poison of envy. And that being increased with the 
 presents she heard Dametas had given her, which all seemed torn 
 out of her bowels, her hollow eyes yielded such wretched looks, as 
 one might well think Pluto at that time might have had her soul, 
 very good, cheap. But when the fire of spite had fully caught 
 hold of all her inward parts, then whosoever would have seen the 
 picture of Alecto, or with what manner of countenance Medea 
 killed her own children, needed but take Miso for the full satisfac- 
 tion of that point of his knowledge. She that could before scarce 
 go but supported by crutches, now flew about the house, borne up 
 by the wings of anger ; there was no one sort of mortal revenge 
 that had ever come to her ears, but presented itself now to her 
 gentle mind. At length with few words, for her words were choked 
 up with the rising of her revengeful heart, she ran down, and with 
 her own hands saddled a mare of hers ; a mare that seven years 
 before had not been acquainted with the saddle, and so to Mantinea 
 she went, casting with herself how she might couple shame with 
 the punishment of her accursed husband : but the person is not 
 worthy in whose passion I should too long stand. 
 
468 ARCADIA [book in. 
 
 Therefore now must I tell you that mistress Mopsa, who was the 
 last party Dorus was to practice his cunning withal, was at the 
 parting of her parents attending upon the princess Pamela, whom, 
 because she found to be placed in her father's house, she knew it 
 was for suspicion the king had of her. This made Mopsa with a 
 right base nature, which joys to see any hard hap happen to them 
 they deem happy, grow proud over her, and use great ostentation 
 of her own diligence, in prying curiously into each thing that 
 Pamela did. Neither is there anything sooner overthrows a weak 
 heart than opinion of authority, like too strong a liquor for so 
 feeble a glass; which joined itself to the humour of envying 
 Pamela's beauty, so far that oft she would say to herself, if she had 
 been born a princess as well as Pamela, her perfections then 
 should have been as well seen as Pamela's. With this manner of 
 woman, and placed in these terms, had Dorus to play his last part, 
 which he would have quickly dispatched in tying her up in such a 
 manner that she should little have hindered his enterprise. But 
 that the virtuous Pamela, when she saw him so minded, by 
 countenance absolutely forbid it, resolutely determining she would 
 not leave behind her any token of wrong : since the wrong done 
 to herself was the best excuse of her escape : so that Dorus was 
 compelled to take her in the manner he first thought of, and 
 accordingly Pamela sitting musing at the strange attempt she had 
 condescended unto, and Mopsa hard by her (looking in a glass 
 with very partial eyes) Dorus put himself between them, and 
 casting up his face to the top of the house, struggling all over his 
 body, and stamping sometimes upon the ground, gave Mopsa 
 occasion (who was as busy as a bee to know anything) to ask her 
 lover Dorus what ailed him, that made him use so strange a 
 behaviour : he, as if his spirits had been ravished with some 
 supernatural contemplation, stood still mute, sometimes rubbing 
 his forehead, sometimes starting in himself, that he set Mopsa in 
 such an itch of inquiry that she would have offered her maidenhead, 
 rather than be long kept from it. Dorus not yet answering to the 
 purpose, still keeping his amazement: "O Hercules," said he, 
 " resolve me in this doubt. A tree to grant one's wishes ! Is this 
 the cause of the king's solitary life? which part shall I take? 
 happy in either, unhappy because I cannot know which were my 
 best hap." These doubtful self-speeches, made Mopsa yet in a 
 farther longing of knowing the matter : so that the pretty pig, 
 laying her sweet burden about his neck, "My Dorus," said she, 
 "tell me these words, or else I know not what will befall me, 
 honey Dorus, tell them me." Dorus having stretched her mind 
 upon a right last : " extremely loved Mopsa," said he, " the matters 
 be so great, as my heart fails me in the telling them : but since 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 469 
 
 you hold the greatest seat in it, it is reason your desire should 
 add life unto it." Therewith he told her a far fetched tale ; how 
 that many millions of years before, Jupiter fallen out with Apollo, 
 had thrown him out of heaven, taking from him the privilege of a 
 god. So that poor Apollo was fain to lead a very miserable life, 
 unacquainted to work, and never used to beg, that in this order 
 having in time learned to be Admetus's herdsman, he had upon 
 occasion of fetching a certain breed of beasts out of Arcadia, come 
 to that very desert, where wearied with travel, and resting himself 
 in the boughs of a pleasant ash tree, which stood a little off from 
 the lodge, he had with pitiful complaints, gotten his father Jupiter's 
 pardon, and so from that tree was received again to his golden 
 sphere. But having that right nature of a god, never to be 
 ungrateful, to Admetus he had granted a double life : and because 
 that tree was the chapel of his prosperous prayers, he had given 
 it this quality, that whatsoever of such estate, and in such manner 
 as he then was, sat down in that tree, they should obtain whatsoever' 
 they wished. This Basilius having understood by the oracle, was 
 the only cause which had made him try, whether framing himself 
 to the state of an herdsman, he might have the privilege of wishing 
 only granted to that degree ; but that having often in vain attempted 
 it, because indeed he was not such, he had now opened the secret 
 to Dametas, making him swear he should wish according to his 
 direction. "But because," said Dorus, "Apollo was at that time 
 with extreme grief, muffled round about his face, with a scarlet 
 cloak Admetus had given him, and because they that must wish, 
 must be muffled in like sort, and with like stuff, my master 
 Dametas is gone I know not whither, to provide him a scarlet 
 cloak, and to-morrow doth appoint to return with it. My mistress 
 I cannot tell how, having gotten some inkling of it, is trudged to 
 Mantinea, to get herself a cloak before him, because she would 
 have the first wish. My master at his parting, of great trust told 
 me this secret, commanding me to see nobody should climb that 
 tree. But now Mopsa," said he, " I have here the hke cloak of 
 mine own, and am not so very a fool, as though I keep his 
 commandments in others, to bar myself. I rest only extremely 
 perplexed, because having nothing in the world I wish for, but the 
 enjoying you and your favour, I think it a much pleasanter 
 conquest to come to it by your own consent, than to have it by 
 such a charming force as this is. Now therefore choose, since 
 have you I will, in what sort I shall have you." But never child 
 was so desirous of a gay puppet, as Mopsa was to be in the tree, 
 and therefore without squeamishness, promising all he would, she 
 conjured him by all her precious loves that she might have the 
 first possession of the wishing tree, assuring him that for the 
 
470 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 enjoying her, he would never need to climb far. Dorus, to whom 
 time was precious, made no great ceremonies with her; but 
 helping her up to the top of the tree, from whence likewise she 
 could ill come down without help, he muffled her round about the 
 face, so truly, that she herself could not undo it. And so he told 
 her the manner was, she should hold her mind in continual 
 devotion to Apollo, without making at all any noise, till at the 
 farthest within twelve hours' space, she should hear a voice call 
 her by name three times, and that till the third time she must in 
 no wise answer; "and then you shall not need to doubt your 
 coming down, for at that time," said he, " be sure to wish wisely, 
 and in what shape soever he come unto you, speak boldly unto 
 him, and your wish shall have as certain effects as I have a desire 
 to enjoy your sweet love." In this plight did he leave Mopsa, 
 resolved in her heart to be the greatest lady in the world, and 
 never after to feed on worse than furmetry. 
 
 Thus Dorus having delivered his hands of his three tormentors, 
 took speedily the benefit of his device, and mounting the gracious 
 Pamela upon a fair horse he had provided for her, he thrust 
 himself forthwith into the wildest part of the desert, where he had 
 left marks to guide him from place to place to the next seaport, 
 disguising her very fitly with scarfs; although he rested assured 
 he should meet that way with nobody, till he came to his bark, 
 into which he meant to enter by night. But Pamela, who all this 
 while transported with desire and troubled with fear, had never 
 free scope of judgment to look with perfect consideration into her 
 own enterprize, but even by the laws of love, had bequeathed the 
 care of herself upon him, to whom she had given herself; now 
 that the pang of desire, with evident hope was quieted, and most 
 part of the fear passed, reason began to renew his shining in her 
 heart, and make her see herself in herself; and weigh with what 
 wings she flew out of her country ; and upon what ground she 
 built so strong a determination. But love, fortified with her lover's 
 presence, kept still his ovra in her heart ; so that as they rode 
 together, with her hand upon her faithful servant's shoulder, suddenly 
 casting her bashful eyes to the ground, and yet binding herself 
 towards him (like the client that commits the cause of all his worth 
 to a well-trusted advocate) from a mild spirit said unto him these 
 sweetly delivered words : " Prince Musidorus, for so my assured 
 hope is I may justly call you, since with no other my heart would 
 ever have yielded to go ; and if so I do not rightly term you, all 
 other words are as bootless, as my deeds miserable, and I as 
 unfortunate, as you wicked, my prince Musidorus, I say now that 
 the vehement shows of your faithful love towards me have brought 
 my mind to answer it in so due a proportion, that contrary to 
 
BOOK m.] ARCADIA 471 
 
 all general rules of reason, I have laid in you my estate, my life, 
 my honour : it is your part to double your former care, and make 
 me see your virtue no less in preserving, than in obtaining : and 
 your faith to be a faith as much in freedom, as bondage. Tender 
 now your own workmanship, and so govern your love towards me, 
 that I may still remain worthy to be loved. Your promise you 
 remember, which here by the eternal givers of virtue I conjure 
 you to observe, let me be your own as I am, but by no unjust 
 conquest; let not our joys which ought ever to last, be stained 
 in our own consciences, let no shadow of repentance steal into 
 the sweet consideration of our mutual happiness ; I have yielded 
 to be your wife, stay then till the time that I may rightly be so; 
 let no other defiled name burden my heart, what should I more 
 say? if I have chosen well, all doubt is past, since your action 
 only must determine, whether I have done virtuously or shamefully 
 in following you." 
 
 Musidorus, that had more abundance of joy in his heart than 
 Ulysses had what time with his own industry he stole the fatal 
 Palladium, imagined to be the only relic of Troy's safety, taking 
 Pamela's hand, and many times kissed it. "What I am," said 
 he, " the gods I hope will shortly make your own eyes judge ; 
 and of my mind towards you, the meantime shall be my pledge 
 unto you ; your contentment is dearer to me than mine own, and 
 therefore doubt not of his mind, whose thoughts are so thralled 
 unto you, as you are to bend or slack them as it shall seem best 
 unto you. You do wrong to yourself, to make any doubt that 
 a base estate could ever undertake so high an enterprize or a 
 spotted mind be able to behold your virtues. Thus much only 
 I confess, I can never do, to make the world see you have chosen 
 worthily, since all the world is not worthy of you." In such 
 dehghtful discourses, kept they on their journey, maintaining their 
 hearts in that right harmony of affection, which doth interchange- 
 able deliver each to other the secret workings of their souls till 
 with the unusual travel, the princess being weary, they alighted 
 down in a fair thick wood, which did entice them with the 
 pleasantness of it to take their rest there. It was all of pine trees 
 whose broad heads meeting together, yielded a perfect shade to 
 the ground, where their bodies gave a spacious and pleasant room 
 to walk in, they were set in so perfect an order that every way 
 the eye being full, yet no way was stopped. And even in the 
 midst of them, were there many sweet springs which did lose 
 themselves upon the face of the earth. Here Musidorus drew out 
 such provisions of fruits and other cates, as he had brought for 
 that day's repast, and laid it down upon the fair carpet of the 
 green grass. But Pamela had much more pleasure to walk under 
 
472 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 those trees, making in their barks pretty knots, which tied together 
 the names of Musidorus and Pamela, sometimes intermixedly 
 changing them, to Pammidorus and Musimela, with twenty other 
 flowers of her travelling fancies, which had bound themselves to 
 a gfreater restraint than they could without much pain well endure ; 
 and to one tree more beholding to her than the rest, she entrusted 
 the treasure of her thoughts in these verses : 
 
 Do not disdain, O straight up raised pine. 
 That wounding thee, my thoughts in thee I grave : 
 
 Since that my thoughts as straight as straightness thine, 
 No smaller wound, alas I far deeper have. 
 
 Deeper engraved, which salve nor time can save, 
 Giv'n to my heart, by my forewounded eye : 
 
 Thus cruel to myself how canst thou crave 
 My inward hurt should spare thy outward rine ? 
 
 Yet still fair tree, lift up thy stately line, 
 Live long, and long witness my chosen part. 
 Which barr'd desires, barr'd by myself, impart. 
 
 And in this growing-bark grow verses mine. 
 My heart my word, my word hath giv'n my heart j 
 The giver giVn from gift shall never part. 
 
 Upon a root of the tree, that the earth had left something barer 
 than the rest, she wrote this couplet : 
 
 Sweet root say thou, the root of my desire 
 Was virtue clad in constant love's attire. 
 
 Musidorus, seeing her fancies drawn up to such pleasani 
 contemplations, accompanied her in them, and made the trees 
 as well bear badges of his passions, as this song engraved in then 
 did testify: 
 
 You goodly pines, which still with brave ascent. 
 In nature's pride your heads to heav'nward heave ; 
 
 Though you besides such graces earth hath lent, 
 Of some late grace a greater grace receive. 
 
 By her who was (O blessed you) content 
 With her fair hand, your tender barks to cleave. 
 
 And so by you (O blessed you) hath sent. 
 Such piercing words as no thoughts else conceive. 
 
 Yet yield your grant, a baser hand may leave 
 His thoughts in you, where so sweet thoughts were spent, 
 
 For how would you the mistress's thoughts bereave 
 Of waiting thoughts all to her service meant. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 473 
 
 Nay higher thoughts (though thralled thoughts) 
 My thoughts then hers, who first your rind did rent : 
 
 Than hers, to whom my thoughts a lonely thrall 
 Rising from low, are to the highest bent ; 
 
 Where hers, whom worth makes highest over all 
 
 Coming from her, cannot but downward fall. 
 
 While Pamela sitting her down under one of them, and making 
 a poesy of the fair undergrowing flowers, filled Musidorus's ears 
 with the heavenly sound of her music, which before he had never 
 heard, so that it seemed unto him a new assault given to the 
 castle of his heart, already conquered : which to signify, and 
 withal reply to her sweet notes, he sung in a kind of still, but 
 ravishing tune, a few verses: her song was this, and his reply 
 follows. 
 
 PAMELA 
 
 Like divers flowers, whose divers beauties serve 
 To deck the earth with his well coloured weed, 
 
 Though each of them, his private form preserve. 
 Yet joining forms one sight of beauty breed. 
 
 Right so my thoughts, whereon my heart I feed : 
 Right so my inward parts, and outward glass, 
 
 Though each possess a divers working kind ; 
 Yet all well knit to one fair end do pass : 
 
 That he to whom these sundry gifts I bind. 
 
 All what I am, still one, his own, do find. 
 
 MUSIDORUS 
 
 All what you are still one, his own to find. 
 You that are born to be the world's eye ; 
 
 What were it else but to make each thing blind ! 
 And to the sun with waxen wings to fly. 
 
 No, no, such force with my small force to try. 
 Is not my skill, or reach of mortal mind : 
 
 Call me but yours, my title is most high ; 
 Ho'd me most yours, then my long suit is sign'd. 
 
 You none can claim but you yourself a right, 
 For you do pass yourself, in virtue's might. 
 
 So both are yours : I bound with gaged heart ! 
 You only yours, too far beyond desert. 
 
474 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 In this virtuous wantonness, suflfering their minds to descend 
 to each tender enjoying their united thoughts, Pamela having 
 tasted of the fruits, and growing extreme sleepy, having been 
 long kept from it with the perplexity of her dangerous attempt, 
 laying her head in his lap, was invited by him to sleep with these 
 softly uttered verses : 
 
 Look up, fair lids, the treasure of my heart, 
 Preserve those beams, this age's only light : 
 
 To her sweet sense, sweet sleep some ease impart, 
 Her sense too weak to bear her spirit's might. 
 
 And while, O sleep, thou closest up her sight. 
 Her sight where love did forge his fairest dart, 
 
 O harbour all her parts in easeful plight : 
 Let no strange dream make her fair body start. 
 
 But, O dream, if thou wilt not depart 
 In this rare subject from thy common right : 
 But wilt thyself in such a seat delight, 
 
 Then take my shape, and play a lover's part : 
 Kiss her from me, and say unto her sprite, 
 Till her eyes shine, I live in darkest night. 
 
 The sweet Pamela was brought into a sweet sleep with this 
 song, which gave Musidorus opportunity at leisure to behold her 
 excellent beauties. He thought her fair forehead was a field 
 where all his fancies fought, and every hair of her head seemed 
 a strong chain that tied him. Her fairer lids then hiding her 
 fairer eyes, seemed unto him sweet boxes of mother-of-pearl, rich 
 in themselves, but containing in them far richer jewels. Her 
 cheeks with their colour most delicately mixed, would have 
 entertained his eyes some while, but that the roses of her lips, 
 whose separating was wont to be accompanied with most wise 
 speeches, now by force drew his sight to mark how prettily they 
 lay one over the other, uniting their divided beauties ; and through 
 them the eye of his fancy delivered to his memory the lying, as 
 in ambush, under her lips of those armed ranks, all armed in most 
 pure white, and keeping the most precise order of military 
 discipline. And lest this beauty might seem the picture of some 
 excellent artificer, forth there stole a soft breath, carrying good 
 testimony of her inward sweetness : and so stealing it came out, 
 as it seemed loath to leave his contentful mansion, but that it 
 hoped to be drawn in again to that well-closed paradise, which 
 did so tyrannize over Musidorus's effects, that he was compelled 
 to put his face as low to hers, as he could, sucking the breath with 
 such joy that he did determine in himself there had been no life 
 
BOOK in.] ARCADIA 475 
 
 to a Chameleon's if he might be suffered to enjoy that food. But 
 long he was not suffered, being within a while interrupted by the 
 coming of a company of clownish villains, armed with divers sorts 
 of weapons, and for the rest both in face and apparel so forewasted 
 that they seemed to bear a great conformity with the savages; 
 who, miserably in themselves, taught to increase their mischiefs 
 in other body's harms, came with such cries that they both awaked 
 Pamela, and made Musidorus turn unto them full of a most violent 
 rage, with the look of a she tiger when her whelps are stolen 
 away. 
 
 But Zelmane, whom I left in the cave hardly bestead, having 
 both great wits and stirring passions to deal with, makes me lend 
 her my pen a while to see with what dexterity she could put by 
 her dangers. For having in one instant both to resist rage, and 
 go beyond wisdom, being to deal with a lady that had her wits 
 awake in everything but in helping her own hurt, she saw now 
 no other remedy in her case, but to qualify her rage with hope, 
 and to satisfy her wit with plainness : Yet lest too abrupt falling 
 into it, should yield too great advantage unto her, she thought 
 good to come to it by degrees with this kind of insinuation. 
 "Your wise, but very dark speeches, most excellent lady, are 
 woven up in so intricate a manner that I know not how to 
 proportion mine answer unto them: so are your prayers mixed 
 with threats, and so is the show of your love hidden with the name 
 of revenge, the natural effect of mortal hatred ; you seem displeased 
 with the opinion you have of my disguising, and yet if I be not 
 disguised, you must needs be much more displeased. Hope then, 
 the only succour of perplexed minds, being quite cut off, you desire 
 my affection, and yet you yourself think my affection already 
 bestowed. Your pretend cruelty, before you have the subjection, 
 and are jealous of keeping that which as yet you have not gotten. 
 And that which is strangest in your jealousy, is both the injustice 
 of it, in being loth that should come to your daughter, which you 
 deem good; and the vainness, since you two are so in divers 
 respects, that there is no necessity one of you should fall to be 
 a bar to the other. For neither, if I be such as you fancy, can 
 I marry you, which must needs be the only end I can aspire to 
 in her: neither need the marrying of her keep me from a grateful 
 consideration, how much you honour me in the love you vouchsafe 
 to bear me." Gynecia, to whom the fearful agonies she still lived 
 in made any small reproval sweet, did quickly find her words 
 falling to a better way of comfort, and therefore, with a mind 
 i^ady to show nothing could make it rebellious against Zelmane 
 but too extreme tyranny, she thus said : "Alas, too much beloved 
 Zelmane, the thoughts are but overflowings of the mind, and the 
 
4;6 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 tongue is but a servant of the thoughts; therefore marvel not 
 that my words suffer contrarieties, since my mind doth hourly 
 suffer in itself whole armies of mortal adversaries. But, alas, if 
 I had the use of mine own reason, then should I not need, for 
 want of it, to find myself in this desperate mischief: but because 
 my reason is vanished, so have I likewise no power to correct my 
 unreasonableness. Do you therefore accept the protection of my 
 mind which hath no other resting place, and drive it not, by being 
 unregarded, to put itself into unknown extremities. I desire but 
 to have my affection answered, and to have a right reflection of 
 my love in you. That granted, assure yourself mine own love 
 will easily teach me to seek your contentment; and make me 
 think my daughter a very mean price to keep still in mine 
 eyes the food of my spirits. But take heed that contempt 
 drive me not into despair, the most violent cause of that miserable 
 effect." 
 
 Zelmane who already saw some fruit of her last determined fancy, 
 so far as came to a moUifying of Gynecia's rage, seeing no other 
 way to satisfy suspicion which was held open with the continual 
 pricks of love, resolved now with plainness to win trust, which 
 trust she might after deceive with a greater subtilty. Therefore 
 looking upon her with Si more relenting grace than ever she had 
 done before, pretending a great bashfulness before she could come 
 to confess such a fault, she thus said unto her : " Most worthy 
 lady, I did never think till now, that pity of another could make 
 me betray myself, nor that the sound of words could overthrow 
 any wise body's determination. But your words, I think, have 
 charmed me, and your grace bewitched me. Your compassion 
 makes me open my heart to you, and leave unharboured my own 
 thoughts ; for proof of it, I will disclose my greatest secret, which 
 well you might suspect, but never know, and so have your wandering 
 hope in a more painful wilderness, being neither way able to be 
 lodged in a perfect resolution. I will, I say, unwrap my hidden 
 estate, and after make you judge of it, perchance director. The 
 truth is, I am a man : nay, I will say farther to you, I am born a 
 prince. And to make up your mind in a thorough understanding 
 of me since I came to this place, I may not deny I have had some 
 sprinkling of I know not what good liking to my lady Philoclea. 
 For how could I ever imagine the heavens would have rained 
 dovra so much of your favour upon me, and of that side there was 
 a show of possible hope, the most comfortable counsellor of love. 
 The cause of this my changed attire, was a journey two years' ago 
 I made among the Amazons, where, having sought to try my 
 unfortunate valour, I met not one in all the country but what was 
 too hard for me, till in the end, in the presence of their queen 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 477 
 
 Marpesia, I hoping to prevail against her, challenged an old 
 woman of fourscore years, to fight on horseback to the uttermost 
 with me. Who having overthrown me, for the saving of my life, 
 made me swear I should go like an unarmed Amazon, till the 
 coming of my beard did, with the discharge of my oath deliver me 
 of that bondage.'' 
 
 Here Zelmane ended, not coming to a full conclusion, because 
 she would see what it wrought in Gynecia's mind, having in her 
 speech sought to win a belief of her, and, if it might be, by disgrace 
 of herself to diminish Gynecia's affection. For the first it had 
 much prevailed ; but Gynecia, whose end of loving her was not 
 her fighting, neither could her love, too deeply grounded, receive 
 diminishment ; and besides, she had seen herself sufficient proofs 
 of Zelmane's admirable prowess. Therefore slightly passing over 
 that point of her feigned dishonour, but taking good hold of the 
 confessing her manly sex, with the shame faced look of that suitor, 
 who having already obtained much, is yet forced by want to 
 demand more, put forth her sorrowful suit in these words : " The 
 gods," said she, " reward thee for thy virtuous pity of my over- 
 laden soul, who yet hath received some breath of comfort, by 
 finding thy confession to maintain some possibility of my 
 languishing hope. But alas ! as they who seek to enrich themselves 
 by mineral industry, the first labour is to find the mine, which to 
 their cheerful comfort being found, if after any unlooked for stop, 
 or casual impediment keep them from getting the desired ore, they 
 are so much the more grieved, as the late conceived hope adds 
 torment to their former want. So falls it out with me happy or 
 hapless woman, as it pleaseth you to ordain, who am now either 
 to receive some guerdon of my most woeful labours, or to return 
 into a more wretched darkness, having had some glimmering of 
 my blissful sun. O Zelmane, tread not upon a soul that lies under 
 your foot : let not the abasing of myself make me more base in 
 your eyes, but judge of me according to that I am, and have been, 
 and let my errors be made excusable by the immortal name of 
 love." With that, under a feigned rage, tearing her clothes, she 
 discovered some parts of her fair body, which if Zelmane's heart 
 had not been so fully possessed that there was no place left for 
 any new guest, no doubt it would have yielded to that gallant 
 assault. But Zelmane so much the more arming her determination, 
 as, she saw such force threatened, yet still remembering she must 
 wade betwixt constancy and courtesy, embracing Gynecia, and 
 once or twice kissing her, « Dear lady," said she, "he were a great 
 enemy to himself, that would refiase such an offer, in the purchase 
 of which a man's life were blessedly bestowed. Nay, how can I 
 ever yield due recompense for so excessive a favour? but having 
 
478 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 nothing to give you but myself, take that : I must confess a small 
 
 but a very free gift : what other affection so ever I have had shall 
 
 give place to as great perfection, working besides upon the bond 
 
 of gratefulness. The gods forbid I should be so foolish as not to 
 
 see, or so wicked, as not to remember, how much my small deserts 
 
 are over-balanced by your unspeakable goodness. Nay, happy 
 
 may I well account my mishap among the Amazons, since that 
 
 dishonour hath been so true a path to my greatest honour, and the 
 
 changing of my outward raiment hath clothed my mind in such 
 
 inward contention. Take therefore, noble lady, as much comfort 
 
 to your heart, as the full commandment of me can yield you ; wipe 
 
 your fair eyes, and keep them for nobler services. And now I will 
 
 presume thus much to say unto you, that you make much of 
 
 yourself for my sake, that my joys of my new obtained riches may 
 
 be accomplished in you. But let us leave this place, lest you be 
 
 too long missed, and henceforward quiet your mind from any 
 
 farther care, for I will now, to my too much joy, take the charge 
 
 upon me, within few days to work your satisfaction, and my 
 
 felicity.'' Thus much she said, and withal led Gynecia out of the 
 
 cave, for well she saw the boiling mind of Gynecia did easily 
 
 apprehend the fitness of that lonely place. But indeed this direct 
 
 promise of a short space, joined with the cumbersome familiarness 
 
 of womankind, I mean modesty, stayed so Gynecia's mind that she 
 
 took thus much at that present for good payment, remaining with 
 
 a painful joy, and a wearisome kind of comfort, not unlike to the 
 
 condemned prisoner, whose mind still running upon the violent 
 
 arrival of his death, hears that his pardon is promised, but not yet 
 
 signed. In this sort they both issued out of that obscure mansion : 
 
 Gynecia already half persuaded in herself, weakness of human 
 
 conceit, that Zelmane's affection was turned towards her. For 
 
 such, alas ! we are all, in such a mould are we cast, that with the 
 
 too much love we bear ourselves, being first our own flatterers, we 
 
 are easily hooked vdth others' flattery, we are easily persuaded 
 
 of others love. 
 
 But Zelmane,'who had now to play her prize, seeing no way 
 things could long remain in that state, and now finding her 
 promise had tied her trial to a small compass of time, began to 
 throw her thoughts into each corner of her invention, how she 
 might achieve her life's enterprise : for well she knew deceit cannot 
 otherwise be maintained but by deceit : and how to deceive such 
 heedful eyes, and how to satisfy, and yet not satisfy such hopeful 
 desires it was no small skill. But both their thoughts were called 
 from themselves with the sight of Basilius, who then lying down 
 by his daughter Philoclea, upon the fair, though natural, bed of 
 green grass, seeing the sun what speed he made to leave our west 
 
BOOK in.l ARCADIA 479 
 
 to do his office in the other hemisphere, his inward muses made 
 him in his best music, sing this Madrigal. 
 
 Why dost thou haste away 
 
 O Titan fair, the giver of the day ? 
 It is not to carry news 
 
 To western wights, what stars in east appear? 
 
 Or dost thou think that here 
 Is left a sun, whose beams thy place may use? 
 Yet stay and well peruse. 
 
 What be her gifts, that make her equal thee. 
 
 Bend all thy light to see 
 In earthly clothes enclos'd a heavenly spark : 
 Thy running course cannot such beauties mark. 
 
 No, no, thy motions be 
 Hastened from us with bar of shadow dark. 
 Because that thou the author of our sight 
 Disdain'st we see thee stain'd with others' light. 
 
 And having ended; " Dear Philoclea," said he, "sing something 
 that may divert my thoughts from the continual task of their 
 ruinous harbour:" she, obedient to him, and not unwilling to 
 disburden her secret passion, m.ade her sweet voice be heard in 
 these words. 
 
 O stealing time, the subject of delay 
 (Delay, the rack of unrestrain'd desire) 
 
 What strange design hast thou my hopes to stay. 
 My hopes which do but to mine own aspire ? 
 
 Mine own ? O word on whose sweet sound doth prey 
 My greedy soul, with gripe of inward fire : 
 
 Thy title great I justly challenge may. 
 Since in such phrase his faith he did attire. 
 
 O time, become the chariot of my joys, 
 As thou drawest on, so let my bliss draw near. 
 
 Each moment lost, part of my hap destroys. 
 Thou art the father of occasion dear : 
 
 Join with thy son to ease my long annoys. 
 In speedy help, thank-worthy things appear. 
 
 Philoclea broke ofif her song as soon as her mother with Zelmane 
 came near unto them, rising up with a kindly bashfulnes, being not 
 ignorant of the spite her mother bare her, and stricken with the 
 sight of that person, whose love made all those troubles seem 
 fair flowers of her dearest garland, nay, rather all those troubles 
 made the love increase. For as the arrival of enemies makes 
 a town to fortify itself as ever after it remains stronger, so that 
 
48o ARCADIA 
 
 [book in. 
 
 a man may say, enemies were no small cause of the town's 
 strength: so to a mind once fixed in a well-pleased determination, 
 who hopes by annoyance to overthrow it, does but teach it to 
 knit together all his best grounds, and so perchance of a 
 chanceable purpose, make an unchangeable resolution. But no 
 more did Philoclea see the wonted signs of Zelmane's affection 
 towards her, she thought she saw another light in her eyes, with 
 a bold and careless look upon her, which was wont to be dazzled 
 with her beauty; and the framing of her courtesies rather 
 ceremonious than affectionate, and that which worst liked her, 
 was, that it proceeded with such quiet settledness, that it rather 
 threatened a full purpose than any sudden passion. She found 
 her behaviour bent altogether to her mother, and presumed in 
 herself she discerned the well-acquainted face of his fancies now 
 turned to another subject. She saw her mother's worthiness, and 
 too well knew her affection. These joining their divers working 
 powers together in her mind, but yet a prentice in the painful 
 mystery of passions, brought Philoclea into a new traverse of her 
 thoughts, and made her keep her careful look the more attentive 
 upon Zelmane's behaviour, who indeed, though with much pain, 
 and condemning herself to commit a sacrilege against the sweet 
 saint that lived in her inmost temple, yet strengthening herself in 
 it ; being the surest way to make Gynecia bite of her other baits, 
 did so quite over-rule all wonted shows of love to Philoclea, and 
 convert them to Gynecia, that the part she played did work in 
 both a full and lively persuasion; to Gynecia, such excessive 
 comfort, as the being preferred to a rival doth deliver to swelling 
 desire, but to the delicate Philoclea, whose calm thoughts were 
 unable to nourish any strong debate, it gave so stinging a hurt, 
 that, fainting under the force of her inward torment, she withdrew 
 herself to the lodge, and there, weary of supporting her own 
 burden, cast herself upon her bed, suffering her sorrow to melt 
 itself into abundance of tears ; at length closing her eyes, as if 
 each thing she saw was a picture of her mishap, and turning upon 
 her heart-side, which, with vehement panting did summon her 
 to consider her fortune, she thus bemoaned herself. 
 
 "Alas! Philoclea, is this the price of all thy pains? is this the 
 reward of thy given- way liberty? hath too much yielding bred 
 cruelty? or can too great acquaintance make me held for a 
 stranger ? hath the choosing of a companion made me left alone ; 
 or doth granting desire, cause the desire to be neglected? alas! 
 despised Philoclea, why didst thou not hold thy thoughts in their 
 simple course, and content thyself with the love of thine own 
 virtue, which would never have betrayed thee? Ah silly fool, 
 didst thou look for truth in him that with his own mouth confessed 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 481- 
 
 his falsehood? for plain proceeding in him that still goes disguised? 
 They say the falsest men will yet bear outward shows of a pure 
 mind. But he that even outwardly bears the badge of treachery, 
 what hells of wickedness must needs in the depth be contained? 
 But O wicked mouth of mine, how darest thou thus blaspheme 
 the ornament of the earth, the vessel of all virtue ? O wretch that 
 I am, that will anger the gods in dispraising their most excellent 
 work: O no, no, there was no fault but in me, that could ever 
 think so high eyes would look so low, or so great perfections 
 would stain themselves with my unworthiness. Alas! why could 
 I not see I was too weak a band to tie so heavenly an heart? I was 
 not fit to limit the infinite course of his wonderful destinies. Was 
 it ever like that upon only Philoclea his thoughts should rest? 
 Ah silly fool, that couldst please thyself with so impossible an 
 imagination! an universal happiness is to flow from him. How 
 was I so inveigled to hope, I might be the mark of such a mind? 
 He did thee no wrong, O Philoclea, he did thee no wrong, it was 
 thy weakness to fancy the beams of the sun should give light to 
 no eyes but to thine! And yet, O Prince Pyrocles, for whora 
 I may well begin to hate myself, but can never leave to love thee, 
 what triumph canst thou make of this conquest? What spoils 
 wilt thou carry away of this my undeserved overthrow? could thy 
 force find out no fitter field than the feeble mind of a poor maid, 
 who at the first sight did wish thee all happiness? Shall it be said, 
 the mirror of mankind hath been employed to destroy a hurtless 
 gentlewoman? O Pyrocles, Pyrocles, let me yet call thee before 
 the judgment of thy virtue, let me be accepted for a plaintiff 
 in cause which concerns my life : what need hadst thou to arm thy 
 face with the enchanting mask of thy painted passions? what need 
 hadst thou to fortify thy excellencies with so exquisite a cunning, 
 in making our own arts betray us ? what needest thou descend 
 so far from thy incomparable worthiness, as to take on the habit 
 of weak womankind. Was all this to win the undefended castle 
 of a friend, which being won, thou wouldst after raze ? Could so 
 small a cause allure thee? or did not so unjust a cause stop thee? 
 
 me, what say I more? this is my case, my love hates me, virtue 
 deals wickedly with me, and he does me wrong, whose doings 
 
 1 can never acccount a wrong." With that the sweet lady turning 
 herself upon her weary bed she happily saw a lute, upon the belly 
 of which Gynecia had written • this song, what time Basilius 
 imputed her jealous motions to proceed of the doubt she had of 
 his untimely loves. Under which veil she, contented to cover her 
 never ceasing anguish, had made the lute a monument of her 
 mind, which Philoclea had never much marked, till now the fear 
 of a competitor more stirred her, than before the care of a mother. 
 
 2 H 
 
482 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 The verses were these : 
 
 My lute within thyself thy tunes enclose, 
 Thy mistress's song is now a sorrow's cry, 
 
 Her hand benumb'd with fortune's daily blows, 
 Her mind amaz'd can neither's help apply. 
 
 Wear these my words as mourning weeds of woes, 
 Black ink becomes the state wherein I die, 
 
 And though my moans be not in music bound, 
 Of written griefs, yet be the silent ground. 
 
 The world doth yield such ill consorted shows. 
 With circled course, which no wise stay can try, 
 
 That childish stuff which knows not friends from foes, 
 (Better despis'd) be wonder gazing eye. 
 
 Thus noble gold, down to the bottom goes, 
 When worthless cork, aloft doth floating lie. 
 
 Thus in thyself least strings are loudest found, 
 And lowest stops do yield the highest sound. 
 
 Philoclea read them, and throwing down the lute, " Is this the 
 legacy you have bequeathed me, O kind mother of mine," said 
 she ? " did you bestow the light upon me for this ? or did you 
 bear me to be the author of my burial? a trim purchase you have 
 made of your own shame, robbed your daughter to ruin yourself? 
 the birds unreasonable, yet use so much reason, as to make nests 
 for their tender young ones; my cruel rnother turns me out of 
 mine own harbour ; alas, plaint boots not, for my case can receive 
 no help ; for who should give me help? shall I fly to my parents? 
 they are my murderers : shall I go to him, who already being won 
 and lost, must needs have killed all pity ? alas ! I can bring no 
 new intercessions; he knows already what I am is his. Shall 
 I come home again to myself? O me, contemned wretch ; I have 
 given away myself." With that the poor soul beat her breast, 
 as if that had been guilty of her faults, neither thinking of revenge, 
 nor studying for remedy, but, sweet creature, gave grief a free 
 dominion, keeping her chamber a few days after, not needing to 
 feign herself sick, feeling even in her soul the pangs of extreme 
 
 pain. 
 
 But little did Gynecia reck that, neither when she saw her go 
 away from them, neither when she after found that sickness made 
 her hide her fair face, so much had fancy prevailed against nature. 
 But O you that have ever known, how tender to every motion 
 love makes the lover's heart, how he measures all his joys upon 
 her contentment : and doth with respectful eye hang his behaviour 
 upon her eyes: judge I pray you now of Zelmane's troubled 
 thoughts when she saw Philoclea, with an amazed kind of sorrow. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 4S3 
 
 carry away her sweet presence, and easily found, so happy a 
 conjecture unhappy affection hath, that her demeanour was guilty 
 of that trespass. There was never foolish soft-hearted mother, 
 that, forced to beat her child, did weep first for his pains, and 
 doing that she was loth to do, did repent before she began, 
 did find half that motion in her weak mind that Zelmanedid, 
 now that she was forced by reason to give an outward blow 
 to her passions, and for the lending of a small time, to seek the 
 usury of her desires. The unkindness she conceived Philoclea 
 might conceive, did wound her soul, each tear she doubted she 
 spent, drowned all her comfort. Her sickness was a death unto 
 her. Often would she speak to the image of Philoclea, which 
 lived and ruled in the highest of her inward part, and use 
 vehement oaths, and protestations unto her; that nothing should 
 ever falsify the free chosen vow she had made. Often would she 
 desire her, that she would look well to Pyrocles's heart, for as for 
 her she had no more interest in it to bestow it any way : " Alas ! " 
 would she say, " only Philoclea hast thou not so much feeling 
 of thine own force as to know no new conqueror can prevail 
 against thy conquests? Was ever any dazzled with the moon 
 that used his eyes to the beams of the sun ? Is he carried away 
 with a greedy desire of acorns that hath had his senses ravished 
 with a garden of most delightful fruits? O Philoclea, Philoclea, 
 be thou but as merciful a princess to my mind as thou art a true 
 possessor, and I shall have as much cause of gladness, as thou 
 hast no cause of misdoubting ? O no, no, when a man's own heart 
 is the gage of his debt, when a man's own thoughts are willing 
 witnesses to his promise; lastly, when a man is the jailor over 
 himself; there is little doubt of breaking credit, and less doubt 
 of such an escape." 
 
 In this combat of Zelmane's doubtful imaginations, in the end 
 reason, well-backed with the vehement desire to bring her matter 
 soon to the desired haven, did over-rule the boiling of her inward 
 kindness, though as I say with such a manifest strife, that both 
 Basilius and Gynecia's well waiting eyes, had marked her muses 
 had laboured in deeper subjects, than ordinary : which she likewise 
 perceiving they had perceived, awaking herself out of those 
 thoughts, and principally caring how to satisfy Gynecia, whose 
 judgment and passion she stood most in regard of, bowing her 
 head to her attentive ears. " Madam," said she, " with practice of 
 my thoughts, I have found out a way, by which your contentment 
 shall draw on my happiness." Gynecia delivering in her face as 
 thankful a joyfulness as her heart could hold, said, " It was then 
 time to retire themselves to their rest, for what with riding abroad 
 the day before, and late sitting up for eclogues, their bodies had 
 
484 ARCADIA [BOOK m. 
 
 dearly purchased that night's quiet." So went they home to their 
 lodge, Zelmane framing of both sides bountiful measures of loving 
 countenances to either's joy, and neither's jealousy, to the special 
 comfort of Basilius, whose weaker bowels were straight full with 
 the least liquor of hope. So that still holding her by the hand, 
 and sometimes tickling it, he went by her with the most gay 
 conceits that ever had entered his brains, growing now so hearted 
 in his resolution that he little respected Gynecia's presence. But 
 with a lustier note than wonted, clearing his voice, and cheering 
 his spirits, looking still upon Zelmane, whom now the moon did 
 beautify with her shining almost at the full, as if her eyes had been 
 his song-book, he did the message of his mind in singing these 
 verses. 
 
 When two suns do appear, 
 
 Some say it doth betoken wonders near, 
 As princes lose or change : 
 
 Two gleaning suns of splendour like I see, 
 
 And seeing feel in me 
 Of princes' heart quite lost the ruin strange. 
 
 But now each where doth range 
 With ugly cloak the dark envious night : 
 Who full of guilty spite, 
 Such living beams should her black seat assail, 
 Too weak for them our weaker sight doth vail. 
 
 No says fair moon, my light 
 Shall bar that wrong, and though it not prevail 
 Like to my brother's rays, yet those I send 
 Hurt not the face, which nothing can amend. 
 
 And by that time being come to the lodge, and visited the 
 sweet Philoclea, with much less than natural care of the parents, 
 and much less than wanted kindness of Zelmane, each party full 
 fraught with diversly working fancies, made their pillows weak 
 props of their over-laden heads. Yet of all other were Zelmane's 
 brain most turmoiled, troubled with love both active and passive ; 
 and lastly, and especially with care, how to use her short limited 
 time to the best purpose, by some wise and happy diverting her 
 two lovers' unwelcome desires. Zelmane having had the night, her 
 only counsellor in the busy enterprise she was to undertake, and 
 having all that time mused, and yet not fully resolved, how she 
 might join prevailing with preventing, was offended with the day's 
 bold entry into her chamber, as if he had now by custom grown 
 an assured bringer of evil news. Which she taking a cittern to 
 her did lay to Aurora's charge, with these well sung verses : 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 48s 
 
 Aurora now thou showest thy blushing light, 
 Which oft to hope lays out a guileful bait, 
 
 That trusts in time to find the way aright, 
 To ease those pains, which on desire do wait. 
 
 Blush on for shame : that still with thee do light 
 On pensive souls (instead of restful bait) 
 
 Care upon care (instead of doing right) 
 To over pressed breasts, more grievous weight. 
 
 As oh ! myself, whose woes are never light 
 (Tied to the stake of doubt) strange passion's bait. 
 
 While thy known course observing nature's right. 
 Stirs me to think what dangers lie in wait, 
 
 For mishiefs great, day after day doth show, 
 
 Make me still fear, thy fair appearing show. 
 
 " Alas ! " said she, " am I not run into a strange gulf, that am 
 fain for love to hurt her I love ? and because I detest the others, 
 to please them I detest ? O only Philoclea, whose beauty is matched 
 with nothing but with the unspeakable beauty of thy fairest mind, 
 if thou didst see upon what rack my tormented soul is set, little 
 would you think I had any scope now to leap to any new change." 
 With that with hasty hands she got herself up, turning her sight 
 to everything, as if change of objects might help her invention. 
 So went she again to the cave, where forthwith it came into her 
 head that should be the fittest place to perform her exploit, of 
 which she had now a kind of confused conceit, although she had not 
 set down in her fancy, the meeting with each particularity that might 
 fall out. But as the painter doth at the first but show a rude 
 proportion of the thing he imitates, which after with more curious 
 hand he draws to the representing each lineament, so had her 
 thoughts, beating about it continually, received into them a 
 ground-plot of her device, although she had not in each part 
 shaped it according to a full determination. But in this sort having 
 early visited the morning's beauty in those pleasant deserts, she 
 came to the king and queen, and told them that for the performance 
 of certain country devotions, which, only were to be exercised 
 in solitariness, she did desire their leave she might for a few days 
 lodge herself in the cave, the fresh sweetness of which did greatly 
 delight her in that hot country ; and that for that small space they 
 would not otherwise trouble themselves in visiting her, but at such 
 times as she would come to wait upon them, which should be 
 every day at certain hours ; neither should it be long, she would 
 desire this privileged absence of them. They, whose minds had 
 already taken out that lesson, perfectly to yield a willing obedience 
 
486 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 to all her desires, with consenting countenance made her soon see 
 her pleasure was a law unto them. Both indeed inwardly glad of 
 it, Basilius hoping that her dividing herself from them, might yet 
 give him some fitter occasion of coming in secret to her, whose 
 favourable face had lately strengthened his fainting courage. But 
 Gynecia of all other most joyous, holding herself assured that this 
 was but a prolog;ue to the play she had promised her. 
 
 Thus both flattering themselves with diversly grounded hopes, 
 they rang a bell, which served to call certain poor women which 
 ever lay in cabins not far off, to do the household services of both 
 lodges, and never came to either but being called for, and 
 commanded them to carry forwith Zelmane's bed and furniture of 
 her chamber into the pleasant cave, and to deck it up as finely as 
 it was possible for them, that their soul's rest might rest her body 
 to her best pleasing manner ; that was with all diligence performed 
 of them, and Zelmane already in possession of her new chosen 
 lodging ; where she like one of Vesta's nuns, entertained herself 
 for a few days in all show of straightness, yet once a day coming 
 to her duty to the king and queen, in whom the seldomness of the 
 sight increased the more unquiet longing, though somewhat 
 qualified, as her countenance was decked to either of them with 
 more comfort than wonted ; especially to Gynecia, who seeing her, 
 wholly neglected her daughter Philoclea, had now promised herself 
 a full possession of Zelmane's heart, still expecting the fruit of the 
 happy and hoped for invention. But both she and Basilius kept 
 such a continual watch about the precincts of the cave, that either 
 of them was a bar to the other from having any secret communing 
 with Zelmane. 
 
 While in the meantime the sweet Philoclea forgotten of her- 
 father, despised of her mother, and in appearance left of Zelmane, 
 had yielded up her soul to be a prey to sorrow and unkindness, 
 not with raging conceit of revenge, as had passed through the wise 
 and stout heart of her mother, but with a kindly meekness taking 
 upon her the weight of her own woes, and suffering them to have 
 so full a course, as it did exceedingly weaken the estate of her 
 body; as well for which cause, as for that she could not see. 
 Zelmane, without expressing, more than she would, how far now 
 her love was imprisoned in extremity of sorrow, she bound herself 
 first to the limits of her own chamber, and after (grief breeding 
 sickness) of her bed. But Zelmane having now a full liberty to 
 cast about every way how to bring her conceived attempt to a 
 desired success, was oft so perplexed with the manifold difficulty 
 of it that sometimes she would resolve by force to take her away, 
 though it were with the death of her parents, sometimes to go 
 away with Musidorus, and bring both their forces, so to win her. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 487 
 
 But lastly, even the same day that Musidorus by feeding the 
 humour of his three loathsome guardians, had stolen away the 
 princess Pamela (whether it were that love meant to match them 
 every way, or that her friend's example had helped her invention, 
 or that indeed Zelmane forbare to practise her device till she found 
 her friend had passed thro' his) : the same day, I say, she 
 resolved on a way to rid out of the lodge her two cumbersome 
 lovers, and in the night to carry away Philoclea : whereunto she 
 was assured her own love no less than her sister's, would easily 
 win her consent ; hoping that although their abrupt parting had 
 not suffered her to demand of Musidorus which way he meant to 
 direct his journey ; yet either they should by some good fortune 
 find him ; or if that course failed, yet they might well recover 
 some town of the Helots, near the frontiers of Arcadia, who being 
 newly again up in arms against the nobility, she knew would be 
 as glad of her presence, as she of their protection. Therefore 
 having taken order for all things requisite for their going, and first 
 put on a slight under-suit of man's apparel, which before for such 
 purposes she had provided, she curiously trimmed herself to the 
 beautifying of her beauties, that being now at her last trial she 
 might come unto it in her bravest armour. And so putting on 
 that kind of mild countenance, which doth encourage the looker 
 on to hope for a gentle answer, according to her received manner, 
 she left the pleasant darkness of her melancholy cave, to go take 
 her dinner of the King and Queen, and give unto them both a 
 pleasant food of seeing the owner of their desires. But even as 
 the Persians were anciently wont to leave no rising-sun unsaluted, 
 but as his fair beams appeared clearer unto them, would they more 
 heartily rejoice, laying upon them a great foretoken of their 
 following fortune : so was there no time that Zelmane encountered 
 their eyes with her beloved presence, but that it bred a kind of 
 burning devotion in them, yet so much the more gladding their 
 greedy souls, as her countenance was cleared with more favour 
 unto them ; which now being determinately framed to the greatest 
 descent of kindness, it took such hold of her unfortunate lovers, 
 that like children about a tender father from a long voyage 
 returned, with lovely childishness hang about him, and yet with 
 simple fear measure by his countenance, how far he accepts their 
 boldness, so were these now thrown into so serviceable an affection, 
 that the turning of Zelmane's eyes was a strong stern enough to 
 all their motions, winding no way but as the enchanting force of 
 it guided them. But having made a light repast of the pleasant 
 fruits of that country, interlarding their food with such manner of 
 general discourses as lovers are wont to cover their passion, when 
 respect of a third person keeps them from plain particulars, at the 
 
488 ARCADIA [book „,. 
 
 earnest entreaty of Basilius, Zelmane first saluting the muses with 
 a base viol hung hard by her, sent this ambassage in versified 
 music to both her ill requited lovers. 
 
 Beauty hath force to catch the human sight ; 
 Sight doth bewitch the fancy evil awaked, 
 
 Fancy we feel includes all passion's might, 
 Passion rebell'd oft reasons strength hath shaked. 
 
 No wonder then, though sight my sight did taint, 
 And though thereby my fancy was infected. 
 
 Though, yoked so, my mind with sickness faint. 
 Had reason's weight for passion's ease rejected. 
 
 But now the fit is past ; and time hath giv'n 
 Leisure to weigh what due desert requireth. 
 
 All thoughts so sprung, are from their dwelling driv'n. 
 And wisdom to his wonted seat aspireth ; 
 
 Crying in me : eye-hopes deceitful prove ; 
 Things rightly priz'd : love is the band of love. 
 
 And after her song with an affected modesty she threw down 
 her eye, as if the conscience of a secret grant her inward mind 
 made, and suddenly cast a bashful veil over her. Which BasiUus 
 finding, and thinking now was the time to urge his painful petition, 
 beseeching his wife with more careful eye to accompany his sickly 
 daughter Philoclea, being rid for that time of her; who was 
 content to grant him any scope, that she might after have the like 
 freedom ; with a gesture governed by the force of his passions, 
 making his knees best supporters, he thus said unto her; "If 
 either," said he, " O lady of my life, my deadly pangs could bear 
 delay, or that this were the first time the same were manifested 
 unto you, I would now but maintain still the remembrance of my 
 misfortune, without urging any farther reward, than time and pity 
 might procure for me. But, alas ! since my martyrdom is no less 
 painful than manifest, and that I no more feel the miserable 
 danger, than you know the assured truth thereof, why should my 
 tongue deny his service to my heart? Why should I fear the 
 breath of my words, who daily feel the flame of your works? 
 Embrace in your sweet consideration, I beseech you, the misery 
 of my case, acknowledge yourself to be the cause, and think it is 
 reason for you to redress the effects. Alas ! let no certain 
 imaginative rules whose truth stands but upon opinion, keep so 
 wise a mind fi-om gratefulness and mercy, whose never failing laws 
 nature hath planted in us. I plainly lay my death unto you, 
 the death of him that loves you, the death of him whose life you 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 489 
 
 may save ; say your absolute determination, for hope itself is a 
 pain, while it is over-mastered with fear ; and if you do resolve to. 
 be cruel, yet is the speediest condemnation, as in evils, most 
 welcome." Zelmane, who had fully set to herself the train she 
 should keep, yet knowing that who soonest means to yield, doth 
 well to make the bravest parley, keeping countenance aloft ; 
 "Noble prince," said she, "your words are too well couched to 
 come out of a restless mind, and thanked be the Gods, your face 
 threatens no danger of death. These are but those swelling 
 speeches which give the uttermost name to every trifle, which all 
 were worth nothing, if they were not enamelled with the goodly 
 outside of love. Truly love were very unlovely if it were half so 
 deadly, as you lovers, still living, term jt. I think well it may 
 have a certain childish vehemency, which for the time to one 
 desire will engage all the soul, so long as it lasteth. But with 
 what impatience you yourself show, who confess the hope of it a 
 pain, and think your own desire so unworthy that you would fain 
 be rid of it ; and so with over-much love sue hard for a hasty 
 refusal." " A refusal ! " cried out Basilius, amazed with all, but 
 pierced with the last, " Now assure yourself whensoever you use 
 that word definitively it will be the undoubted doom of my 
 approaching death. And then shall your own experience know 
 in me, how soon the spirits dried up with anguish leave the 
 performance of their ministry, whereupon our life dependeth. But 
 alas ! what a cruelty is this, not only to torment but to think the 
 torment slight ? The terriblest tyrants would say by no man they 
 killed, he died not ; nor by no man they punished, that he escaped 
 free : for of all other, there is least hope of mercy where there is 
 no acknowledging of the pain ; and with like cruelty are my words 
 breathed out from a flamy heart, accounted as messengers of a 
 quiet mind. If I speak nothing I choke myself, and am in no way 
 of relief; if simply, neglected: if confusedly, not understood: if 
 by the bending together all my inward powers, they bring forth 
 any lively expressing of that they truly feel, that is a token, 
 forsooth, the thoughts are at too much leisure. Thus is silence 
 desperate, folly punished, and wit suspected : but indeed it is vain 
 to try any more, for words can bind no belief. Lady, I say, 
 determine of me, I must confess I cannot bear this battle in my 
 mind, and therefore let me soon know what I may account of 
 myself; for it is a hell of dolors when the mind still in doubt for 
 want of resolution, can make no resistance." 
 
 " Indeed," answered Zelmane, « if I should grant to your request 
 I should show an example in myself that I esteem the holy band 
 of chastity to be but an imaginative rule, as you termed it, and not 
 the truest observance of nature, the most noble commandment 
 
490 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 that mankind can have over themselves, as indeed both learning 
 teacheth, and inward feeling assureth. But first shall Zelmane's 
 grave become her marriage bed, before my soul shall consent to 
 his own shame, before I will leave a mark in myself of an 
 unredeemable trespass. And yet must I confess that if ever my 
 heart were stirred, it hath been with the manifest and manifold 
 shows of the misery you live in for me. For in truth so it is, nature 
 gives not to us her degenerate children any more general precept 
 than one to help the other, one to feel a true compassion of the 
 other's mishap. But yet if I were never so contented to speak 
 with you (for farther, never, O Basilius, never look for at my 
 hands) I know not how you can avoid your wife's jealous attendance 
 but that her suspicion shall bring my honour into question." 
 Basilius, whose small sails the least wind did fill, was forthwith as 
 far gone into a large promising himself his desire, as before he 
 was stricken down with a threatened denial. And therefore 
 bending his brows, as though he were not a man to take the 
 matter as he had done ; " What," said he, " shall my wife become 
 my mistress ? Think you not that thus much time hath taught me 
 to rule her ? I will mew the gentlewoman till she have cast all her 
 feathers if she rouse herself against me." And with that he 
 walked up and down, nodding bis head, as though they mistook 
 him much that thought he was not his wife's master. But Zelmane 
 now seeing it was time to conclude : " Of your wisdom and 
 manhood," said she, " I doubt not, but that sufficeth not me, for 
 both they can hardly tame a malicious tongue, and impossibly bar 
 the freedom of thought, which be the things that must be only 
 witnesses of honour or judges of dishonour. But that you may see 
 I do not set light your affection, if to-night after your wife be 
 assuredly asleep, whereof by your love I conjure you to have a 
 most precise care, you will steal handsomely to the cave unto me, 
 there do I grant you as great proportion as you will take of free 
 conference with me, ever remembering you seek no more, for so 
 shall you but deceive yourself, and for ever lose me." 
 
 Basilius, who was old enough to know that women are wont to 
 not appoint secret night meetings for the purchasing of land, 
 holding himself already an undoubted possessor of his desires, 
 kissing her hand, and lifting up hjs eyes to heaven, as if the 
 greatness of the benefit did go beyond all measure of thanks, said 
 no more, lest stirring of more words might bring forth some, 
 perhaps, contrary matter. In which trance of joy Zelmane went 
 from him, saying she would leave him to the remembrance of 
 their appointment, and for her, she would go visit the Lady 
 Philoclea, into whose chamber being come, keeping still her late 
 jtaken-on gravity, and asking her how she did, rather in the way of 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 491 
 
 dutiful honour than in any special affection, with extreme inward 
 anguish to them both, she turned from her, and taking the Queen 
 Gynecia, led her into a bay window of the same chamber, 
 determining in herself, not to utter to so excellent a wit as Gynecia 
 had, the uttermost point of her pretended device, but to keep the 
 clause of it for the last instant, when the shortness of the time 
 should not give her spirits leisure to look into all -those doubts 
 that easily enter to an open invention. But with smiling eyes, and 
 with a delivered over grace, feigning as much love to her, as she 
 did counterfeit little love to Philoclea, she began with more 
 credible, than eloquent speech, to tell her, that with much con- 
 sideration of a matter so nearly importing her own fancy, and 
 Gynecia's honour, she had now concluded that the night following 
 should be the fittest time for the joining together their several 
 desires, what time sleep should perfectly do his office upon the 
 king her husband, and that the one should come to the other into 
 the cave : which place as it was the first receipt of their promised 
 love, so it might have the first honour of the due performance. That 
 the cause why those few days past, she had not sought the like, 
 was, lest the new change of her lodging might make the king 
 more apt to mark any sudden event ; which now the use of it 
 would take out of his mind. " And therefore most excellent lady," 
 said she, " there resteth nothing, but that quickly after supper, you 
 train up the king to visit his daughter Philoclea, and then feigning 
 yourself not well at ease, by your going to bed, draw him not long 
 to be after you. In the meantime I will be gone home to my 
 lodging, where I will attend you, with no less devotion, but -as I 
 hope with better fortune than Thisbe did the too much loving, and 
 too much loved Pyramus." The blood that quickly came into 
 Gynecia's fair face, was the only answer she made, but that one 
 might easily see, contentment and consent were both to the full in 
 her ; which she did testify with the wringing Zelmane fast by the 
 hand, closing her eyes, and letting her head fall, as if she would 
 give her to know, she was not ignorant of her fault, although she 
 were transported with the violence of her evil. 
 
 But in this triple agreement did the day seem tedious of all sides, 
 till his never erring course had given place to the night's 
 succession : and the supper by each hand hasted, was with no less 
 speed ended, when Gynecia presenting a heavy sleepiness in her 
 countenance, brought up both Basilius and Zelmane to see 
 Philoclea, still keeping her bed, and far more sick in mind than 
 body, and more grieved than comforted with any such visitation. 
 Thence Zelmane wishing easeful rest to Philoclea, did seem to 
 take that night's leave of this princely crew, when Gynecia likewise 
 seeming somewhat diseased, desired Basilius to stay a while with 
 
492 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 his daughter, while she recommended her sickness to her bed's 
 comfort, indeed desirous to determine again of the manner of her 
 stealing away ; to no less comfort to Basilius, who the sooner she 
 was asleep, the sooner hoped to come by his long pursued prey. 
 Thus both were bent to deceive each other, and to take the 
 advantage of either other's disadvantage. But Gynecia having 
 taken Zelmane into her bed-chamber, to speak a little with her of 
 their sweet determination ; Zelmane upon a sudden, as though she 
 had never thought of it before. " Now the Gods forbid," said she, 
 " so great a lady as you are should come to me ; or that I should 
 leave it to the hands of fortune, if by either the ill-governing of 
 your passion, or your husband's sudden waking, any danger might 
 happen unto you ; no, if there be any superiority in the points of 
 true love, it shall be yours ; if there be any danger, since myself 
 am the author of this device, it is reason it should be mine. 
 Therefore do you but leave with me the keys of the gate, and upon 
 yourself take my upper garment, that if any of Ddjnetas's house 
 see you they may think you be myself, and I will presently lie 
 down in your place, so muffled for your supposed sickness, as the 
 king shall nothing know me. And then as soon as he is asleep, 
 will I, as it much better becomes me, wait upon you. But if the 
 uttermost of mischiefs should happen, I can assure you the king's 
 life shall sooner pay for it than your honour. And with the 
 ending of her words she threw off her mantle, not giving Gynecia 
 any space to take the full image of this new change into her fancy. 
 But seeing no ready objection against it in her heart, and knowing 
 that there was no time then to stand long disputing; besides 
 remembering the giver was to order the manner of his gift, yielded 
 quickly to this conceit, indeed not among the smallest causes 
 tickled thereunto by a certain wanton desire that her husband's 
 deceit might be the more notable. In this sort did Zelmane 
 nimbly disarraying herself, possess Gynecia's place hiding her 
 head in such a close manner, as grievous and over watched 
 sickness is wont to invite to itself the solace of sleep. And of 
 the other side the queen putting on Zelmane's outmost apparel, 
 went first into her closet, there quickly to beautify herself with the 
 best and sweetest night-deckings. But there casting an hasty eye 
 over her precious things, which ever since Zelmane's coming, her 
 head otherwise occupied, had left unseen, she happened to see a 
 bottle of gold, upon which down along were graved these verses : 
 
 Let him drink this, whom long in arms to fold 
 Thou dost desire, and with free power to hold. 
 
 She remembered the bottle, for it had been kept of long time 
 by the kings of Cyprus, as a thing of rare virtue, and given to 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 493 
 
 her by her mother, when she being very young married to her 
 husband of much greater age, her mother persuaded it was of 
 property to force love with love effects, had made a precious 
 present of it to this her beloved child, though it had been received 
 rather by tradition to have such a quality than by any approved 
 experiment. This Gynecia (according to the common disposition, 
 not only, though especially of wives, but of all other kinds of 
 people, not to esteem much one's own, but to think the labour 
 lost employed about it) had never cared to give her husband, but 
 suffered his affection to run according to his own scope. But now 
 that love of her particular choice had awakened her spirits, and 
 perchance the very unlawfulness of it had a little blown the coal, 
 among her other ornaments with glad mind she took most part 
 of this liquor, putting it into a fair cup all set with diamonds : 
 for what dares not love undertake armed with the night, and 
 provoked with lust ? And thus down she went to the cave- ward, 
 guided only by the moon's fair shining, suffering no other 
 thought to have any familiarity with her brains, but that which 
 did present under her a picture of her approaching contentment. 
 She that had long disdained this solitary life her husband had 
 entered into, now wished it much more solitary, so she might only 
 obtain the private presence of Zelmane. She that before would 
 not have gone so far, especially by night, and to so dark a place, 
 now took a pride in the same courage, and framed in her mind 
 a pleasure out of the pain itself. Thus with thick doubled paces 
 she went to the cave, receiving to herself, for her first contentment, 
 the only lying where Zelmane had done ; whose pillow she kissed 
 a thousand times, for having born the print of that beloved head. 
 And so keeping with panting heart her travelling fancies so 
 attentive that the wind could stir nothing, but that she stirred 
 herself, as if it had been the space of the longed for Zelmane, 
 she kept her side of the bed, descending only and cherishing the 
 other side with her arms, till after a while waiting, counting with 
 herself how many steps were betwixt the lodge and the cave, 
 and of accusing Zelmane of more curious stay than needed, she 
 was visited with an unexpected guest. 
 
 For Basilius, after his wife was departed to her feigned repose, 
 as long as he remained with his daughter, to give his wife time 
 of unreadying herself, it was easily seen it was a very thorny 
 abode he made there: and the discourses with which he 
 entertained his daughter, not unlike to those of earnest players, 
 when in the midst of their game, trifling questions be put unto 
 them, his eyes still looking about, and himself still changing 
 places, beginning to speak of a thing, and breaking it off before 
 it were half done. To any speech Philoclea ministered unto him, 
 
49+ ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 with a sudden starting and casting up his head, made an answer 
 far out of all grammar; a certain deep musing, and by and by 
 out of it : uncertain motions, unstayed graces. Having borne out 
 the limit of a reasonable time, with as much pain as might be, 
 he came darkling into his chamber, forcing himself to tread as 
 softly as he could. But the more curious he was, the more he 
 thought everything creaked under him; and his mind being 
 out of the way with another thought, and his eyes not serving 
 his turn in that dark place, each coffer or cupboard he met, one 
 saluted his shins, another his elbows ; sometimes ready in revenge 
 to strike them again with his face. Till at length, fearing his 
 wife were not fully asleep, he came lifting up the clothes as gently 
 as I think poor Pan did, when, instead of loles's bed, he came into 
 the rough embracing of Hercules; and laying himself down, 
 as tenderly as a new bride, rested a while with a very open ear, 
 to mark each breath of his supposed wife. And sometimes he 
 himself would yield a long-fetched sigh, as though that had been 
 a music to draw on another to sleep, till within a very little while, 
 with the other party's well counterfeit sleep, who was as willing 
 to be rid of him as he was to be gone thence, assuring himself 
 he left all safe there, in the same order stole out again, and 
 putting on his night gown, with much groping and scrambling 
 he got himself out of the little house, and then did the moonlight 
 serve to guide his feet. Thus, with a great deal of pain, did 
 Basilius go to her whom he fled, and with much cunning left 
 the person for whom he had employed all his cunning. But when 
 Basilius was once gotten, as he thought, into a clear coast, what 
 joy he then made, how each thing seemed vile in his sight, in 
 comparison of his fortune, how far already he deemed himself 
 in the chief towers of his desires, it were tedious to tell : once his 
 heart could not choose but yield this song, as a fairing of his 
 contentment. 
 
 Get hence foul grief the canker of the mind : 
 
 Farewell complaint, the miser's only pleasure. 
 
 Away vain cares, by which few men do find 
 
 Their sought-for treasure. 
 
 Ye helpless sighs, blow out your breath to nought, 
 Tears drown yourselves, for woe, your cause is wasted ; 
 Thought, think to end, too long the fruit of thought 
 My mind hath tasted. 
 
 But thou, sure hope, tickle my leaping heart : 
 Comfort, step thou in place of wonted sadness, 
 Fore-felt desire, begin to favour part 
 
 Of coming gladness. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 495 
 
 Let voice of sighs into clear music run ; 
 Eyes, let your tears with gazing now be mended, 
 Instead of thought, true pleasure be begun. 
 And never ended. 
 
 Thus imagining as then with himself, his joys so held him up, 
 that he never touched ground. And like a right old beaten soldier, 
 that knew well enough the greatest captains do never use long 
 orations, when it comes to the very point of execution, as soon 
 as he was gotten into the cave, to the joyful, though silent, 
 expectation of Gynecia, come close to the bed, never recking his 
 promise to look for nothing but conference, he leaped in that side • 
 reserved for a more welcome guest. And laying his loving'st hold 
 upon Gynecia: "O Zelmane," said he, "embrace in your favour 
 this humble servant of yours : hold within me my heart, which 
 pants to leave his master to come unto you." In what case poor 
 Gynecia was, when she knew the voice, and felt the body of her 
 husband, fair ladies, it is better to know by imagination than 
 experience. For straight was her mind assaulted, partly with the 
 being deprived of her unquenched desire, but principally with the 
 doubt that Zelmane had betrayed her to her husband, besides the 
 renewed sting of jealousy, what in the meantime might befall her 
 daughter. But of the other side her love with a fixed persuasion 
 she had taught her to seek all reason of hopes. And therein 
 thought best before discovering of herself, to mark the behaviour 
 of her husband; who, both in deeds and words still using her, 
 as taking her to be Zelmane, made Gynecia hope that this might 
 be Basilius's own enterprise, which Zelmane had not stayed, 
 lest she should discover the matter which might be performed at 
 another time. Which hope accompanied with Basilius's manner 
 of dealing, he being at that time fuller of liveher fancies than 
 many years before he had been, besides the remembrance of her 
 daughter's sickness, and late strange countenance betwixt her 
 and Zelmane, all coming together into her mind, which was loth 
 to condemn itself of an utter overthrow, made her frame herself, 
 not truly with a sugared joy, but with a determinate patience to 
 let her husband think he had found a very gentle and supple- 
 minded Zelmane ; which he good man making full reckoning of, 
 did melt in as much gladness as she was oppressed with divers 
 ungrateful burdens. 
 
 But Pyrocles, who had at this present no more to play the 
 part -of Zelmane, having so naturally measured the manner of his 
 breathing, that made no doubt of his sound sleeping, and lain 
 a pretty while with the quiet unquietness to perform his intended 
 enterprise, as soon as by the debate between Basilius's shins and 
 the unregarding forms, he perceived that he had fully left the 
 
49<5 ARCADIA [book hi. 
 
 lodge : after him went he with his stealing steps, having his sword 
 under his arm, still doubting lest some mischance might turn 
 Basilius back again, down to the gate of the lodge. Which not 
 content to lock fast, he barred and fortified with as many devices, 
 as his wit and haste would suffer him, that so he might have full 
 time both for making ready Philoclea, and convf-ng her to her 
 horse, before any might come in to find them mis ^i-.i j. For farther 
 ends of those ends, and what might ensue of this action, his love 
 and courage well-matched never looked after, holding for an 
 assured ground, that "whatsoever in great things will think 
 to prevent all objections must lie still and do nothing." This 
 determination thus weighed, the first part was thus performed, 
 up to Philoclea's chamber door when Pyrocles, rapt from himself 
 with the excessive fore feeUng of his, as he assured himself, 
 near-coming contentment. Whatever pains he had taken, what 
 dangers he had run into, and especially those saucy pages of love, 
 doubts, griefs, languishing hopes, and threatening despairs, came 
 all now to his mind, in one rank to beautify his expected blissfulness, 
 and to serve for a most fit sauce, whose sourness might give a 
 kind of life to the delightful cheer his imagination fed upon. 
 All the great estate of his father, all his own glory, seemed unto 
 him but a trifling pomp, whose good stands in other men's conceit, 
 in comparison of the true comfort he found in the depth of his 
 mind, and the knowledge of any misery that might ensue his 
 joyous adventure, was recked of but as a slight purchase of 
 possessing the top of happiness j for so far were his thoughts 
 past through all perils, that already he conceived himself safely 
 arrived with his lady at the stately palace of Pella, among the 
 exceeding joys of his father, and infinite congratulations of his 
 friends, giving order for the royal entertaining of Philoclea, and 
 for sumptuous shows and triumphs, against their marriage. In 
 the thought whereof as he found extremity of joy, so well found he 
 that the extremity is not without a certain joyful pain, by extending 
 the heart beyond his wonted limits, and by so forcible a holding 
 all the senses to one object, that it confounds their mutual working, 
 not without a charming kind of ravishing them from the free use 
 of their own function. Thus grieved only with too much gladness, 
 being come to the door which should be the entry to his happiness, 
 he was met with the latter end of a song, which Philoclea like 
 a solitary nightingale, bewaiUng her guiltless punishment, and 
 helpless misfortune, had newly delivered over, meaning none 
 should be judge of her passion, but her own conscience. The 
 song having been accorded to a sweetly played on lute, contained 
 these verses, which she had lately with some art curiously written,, 
 to enwrap her secretand resolute woes. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 497 
 
 12 3 12 3 
 
 Virtue, beauty, and speech, did strike, wound, charm, 
 1 2 S 12 3 
 
 My heart, eyes, ears, with wonder, love, dehght : 
 12 3 12 3 
 
 First, second, last, did bind, enforce and arm, 
 12 3 12 3 
 
 His works, shows, suits, with wit, grace and vows might, 
 12 3 12 3 
 
 Thus honour, liking, trust, much, far, and deep, 
 12 3 12 3 
 
 Held, pierc'd, possess'd, my judgment, sense and will. 
 1 2 3 12 3 
 
 Till wrong, contempt, deceit did grow, steal, creep, 
 12 3 12 3 
 
 Bands, favour, faith, to break, defile and kill, 
 
 1 2 3 12 3 
 
 Then grief, unkindness, proof, took, kindled, taught, 
 1 2 3 12 3 
 
 Well-grounded, noble, due, spite, rage, disdain 
 12 3 12 3 
 
 But ah, alas 1 (in vain) my mind, sight, thought, _ 
 1 2 3 12 3 
 
 Doth him, his face, his words, leave, shun, refrain, 
 
 12 3 12 3 
 
 For no thing, time, nor place, can lose, quench, ease, 
 
 12 3 12 3 
 
 Mine own, embraced, sought, knot, fire, disease. 
 
 The force of love to those poor folk that feel it is many ways 
 very strange, but no way stranger than that it doth so enchain the 
 lover's judgment upon her that holds the reins of his mind, that 
 whatsoever she doth is ever in his eyes best. And that best, being 
 the continual motion of our changing life, turned by her to any 
 other thing that thing again becometh best. So that nature in 
 each kind suffering but one superlative, the lover only admits no 
 positive. If she sits still, that is best, for so is the conspiracy of 
 her several graces, held best together to make one perfect figure of 
 beauty. If she walk, no doubt that is best, for, besides, the making 
 happy the more places by her steps, the very stirring adds a 
 pleasing life to her native perfections. If she be silent, that without 
 comparison is best, since by that means the untroubled eye most 
 freely may devour the sweetness of his object. But if she speak, 
 he will take it upon his death that is best, the quintessence of each 
 word being distilled down into his affected soul : example of this 
 was well to be seen in the given-over Pyrocles, who with panting 
 breath, and sometimes sighs, not such as sorrow restraining the 
 inward parts doth make them glad to deliver, but such as the 
 impatience of delay, with the unsurety of never so sure hope, is 
 
 2 I 
 
498 ARCADIA [book in. 
 
 wont to breathe out. Now being at the door, of the one side 
 hearing her voice, which he thought if the philosopher said true of 
 the heavenly seven-sphered harmony, was by her not only 
 represented, but far surmounted, and of the other having his eyes 
 over-filled with her beauty, for the king at his parting had left the 
 chamber open, and she at that time lay, as the heat of that country 
 did well suffer, upon the top of her bed, having her beauties 
 eclipsed with nothing but with a fair smock, wrought all in flames 
 of ash-colour silk and gold lying so upon her right side, that the 
 left thigh down to the foot, yielded his delightful proportion to the 
 full view, which was seen by the help of a rich lamp, which through 
 the curtains a little drawn cast forth a Ught upon her, as the moon 
 doth when it shines into a thin wood : Pyrocles I say was stopped 
 with the violence of so many darts cast by Cupid altogether upon 
 him, that quite forgetting himself, and thinking therein already he 
 was in the best degree of felicity, he would have lost much of his 
 time, and with too much love omitted the enterprise undertaken for 
 his love, had not Philoclea's pitiful accusing of him forced him to 
 bring his spirits again to a new bias ; for she laying her hand 
 under her fair cheek, upon which there did privily trickle the sweet 
 drops of her delightful, though sorrowful tears, made these words 
 wait upon her moanful song. "And hath that cruel Pyrocles," 
 said she, " deserved thus much of me, that I should for his sake 
 lift up my voice in my best tunes, and to him continually, with 
 pouring out my plaint, make a disdained oblation ? shall my soul 
 still do this honour to his unmerciful tyranny, by my lamenting 
 his loss, to show his worthiness and my weakness? He hears thee 
 not, simple Philoclea, he hears thee not ; and if he did, some 
 hearts grow the harder the more they find their advantage. Alas ! 
 what a miserable constitution of mind have I! I disdain my 
 fortune and yet reverence him that disdains me. I accuse his 
 ungratefulness, and have his virtue in admiration. O ye deaf 
 heavens, I would either his injury could blot out mine affection, 
 or my affection could forget his injury." With that giving a pitiful 
 but sweet shriek, she took again the lute, and began to sing this 
 sonnet, which might serve as an explaining to the other. 
 
 The love which is imprinted in my soul 
 With beauty's seal, and virtue fair disguis'd, 
 
 With inward cries puts up a bitter roll 
 Of huge complaints, that now it is despis'd. 
 
 Thus, thus the more I love, the wrong the more 
 Monstrous appears, long truth received late, 
 
 Wrong stirs remorsed Grief, griefs deadly sore 
 Unkindness breeds, unkindness fostereth hate. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 499 
 
 But ah, the more I hate, the more I think 
 Whom I do hate ; the more I think on him. 
 
 The more his matchless gifts do deeply sink 
 Into my breast, and loves renewed swim. 
 
 What medicine then can such disease remove. 
 
 Where love draws hate, and hate engendereth love? 
 
 But Pyrocles, that had heard his name accused and condemned 
 by the mouth, which of all the world, and more than all 
 the world, he most loved, had then cause enough to call 
 his mind to his home, and with the most haste he could, for 
 true love fears the accident of an instant, to match the excusing 
 of his fault, with declaration of his errand thither. And 
 therefore blown up and down with as many contrary passions 
 as .iEolus sent out winds upon the Trojan relics guided upon the 
 sea by the valiant jEneas, he went into her chamber with such 
 a pace as reverend fear doth teach, where kneeling down, and 
 having prepared a long discourse for her, his eyes were so filled 
 with her sight, that as if they would have robbed all their fellows 
 of their services, both his heart fainted, and his tongue failed in 
 such sort that he could not bring forth one word, but referred her 
 understanding to his eyes' language. But she in extremity amazed 
 to see him there, at so undue a season, and ashamed that her 
 beautiful body made so naked a prospect, drawing in her delicate 
 limbs into the weak guard of the bed, and presenting in her face 
 to him such a kind of pitiful anger, as might show this was only 
 a fault; therefore, because she had a former grudge unto him, 
 turning away her face from him, she thus said unto him : 
 
 " O Zelmane or Pyrocles, for whether name I use, it much skills 
 not, since by the one I was first deceived, and by the other now 
 betrayed, what strange motion is the guide of thy cruel mind 
 hither? Dost thou not think the day-torments thou hast given 
 me sufficient, but that thou dost envy me the night's quiet ? Wilt 
 thou give my sorrows no truce, but by making me see before mine 
 eyes how much I have lost, offer me due cause of confirming my 
 plaint? or is thy heart so full of rancour that thou dost desire 
 to feed thine eyes with the wretched spectacle of thine overthrown 
 enemy, and so to satisfy the full measure of thy undeserved rage 
 with the receiving into thy sight the unrelievable ruins of my 
 desolate life! O Pyrocles, Pyrocles, for thy own virtue's sake, 
 let miseries be no music unto thee, and be content to take to 
 thyself some colour of excuse, that thou didst not know to what 
 extremity thy inconstancy, or rather falsehood hath brought me." 
 
 Pyrocles, to whom every syllable she pronounced was a 
 thunderbolt to his Tieart, eqtially distracted betwixt amazement 
 and sorrow, abashed to see such a stop of his desires, grieved 
 
500 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 with her pain, but tormented to find himself the author of it, with 
 quaking lips, and pale cheer, "Alas ! divine lady," said he, "your 
 displeasure is so contrary to my desert, and your words so far 
 beyond all expectations that I have least ability now I have most 
 need to speak in the cause upon which my life dependeth. For 
 my troth is so undoubtedly constant unto you, my heart is so 
 assured a witness to itself, of his unspotted faith, that having no 
 one thing in me, whereout any such sacrilege might arise ; I have 
 likewise nothing in so direct a thing to say for myself, but sincere 
 and vehement protestations; for in truth there may most words 
 be spent, where there is some probability to breed of both sides 
 conjectural allegations. But so perfect a thing as my love is of 
 you, as it suffers no question, so it seems to receive injury by 
 any addition of any words unto it. If my soul could have been 
 polluted with treachery it would likewise have provided for itself 
 due furniture of colourable answers, but as it stood upon the 
 naked conscience of his untouched duty, so I must confess it is 
 altogether unarmed against so unjust a violence as you lay upon 
 me. Alas 1 let not the pains I have taken to serve you, be now 
 accounted injurious unto you, let not the dangerous cunning I have 
 used to please you, be deemed a treason against you : since I have 
 deceived them whom you fear for your sake, do not you destroy 
 me for their sake; what can I. without you farther do? or to what 
 more forwardness can any counsel bring our desired happiness? 
 I have provided whatsoever is needful for our going, I have rid 
 them both out of the lodge, so that there is none here to be 
 hinderers or knowers of our departure, but only the almighty 
 powers, whom I invoke as triers of mine innocency, and witnesses 
 of my well-meaning. And if ever my thoughts did receive so 
 much as a fainting in their affections, if they have not continually 
 with more and more ardour from time to time pursued the 
 possession of your sweetest favour, if ever in that possession they 
 received either spot or falsehood, then let their most horrible 
 plagues fall upon me, let mine eyes be deprived of the light, which 
 did abase the heavenly beams that struck them, let my falsified 
 tongue serve to no use but to bemoan mine own wretchedness, 
 let my heart impoisoned with detestable treason, be the seat of 
 infernal sorrow, let my soul with the endless anguish of his 
 conscience become his own tormentor." "O false mankind!" 
 cried out the sweet Philoclea. " How can an imposthumed heart 
 but yield forth evil matter by his mouth? are oaths there to be 
 believed, where vows are broken? no no, who doth wound the 
 eternal justice of the gods, cares little for abusing their names, 
 and who in doing wickedly doth not fear due recompensing plagues, 
 doth little fear th^t invoking of plagues will make them come 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADiA 5oi 
 
 ever a whit the sooner. But alas! what aileth this new 
 conversation, have you yet another sleight to pay, or do you 
 think to deceive me in Pyrocles's form, as you have done in 
 Zelmane's : or rather, now you have betrayed me in both, is some 
 third sex left you, to transform yourself into, to inveigle my 
 simplicity? enjoy, enjoy the conquest you have already won : and 
 assure yourself you are to come to the farthest point of your 
 cunning. For my part, unkind Pyrocles, my only defence shall 
 be belief of nothing, my comfort my faithful innocency, and the 
 punishment I desire of you, shall be your own conscience.'' , 
 
 Philoclea's hard persevering in this unjust condemnation of him, 
 did so overthrow all the might of Pyrocles's mind, who saw that 
 time would not serve to prove by deeds, and that the better words 
 he used, the more they were suspected of deceitful cunning. That 
 void of all counsel, and deprived of all comfort, finding best deserts 
 punished, and nearest hopes prevented, he did abandon the succour 
 of himself, and suffered grief so to close his heart, that his breath 
 failing him with a dreadful shutting of his eyes, he fell down at 
 her bedside. Having had time to say no more but, " oh ! whom 
 dost thou kill Philoclea ?" she that little looked for such an extreme 
 event of her doings, started out of her bed, hke Venus rising from 
 her mother the sea, not so much stricken down with amazement 
 and grief of her fault, as lifted up with the force of love, and desire 
 to help, she laid her fair body over his breast, and throwing no 
 other water in his face, but the stream of her tears, not giving him 
 other blows, but the kissing of her well-formed mouth, her only 
 cries were these lamentations : " O unfortunate suspicion," said 
 she, "the very mean to lose what we most suspect to lose. O 
 unkind kindness of mine, which returns an imagined wrong with 
 an effectual injury. O fool to make quarrel my supplication, or to 
 use hate as the mediator of love : childish Philoclea, hast thou 
 thrown away the jewel wherein all thy pride consisted.? Hast 
 thou with too much haste over-run thyself.?" Then would she 
 renew her kisses, and yet not finding the life return, redouble her 
 plaints in this manner. " O divine soul," said she, " whose virtue 
 can possess no less than the highest place in heaven, if for mine 
 eternal plague thou hast utterly left this most sweet mansion, 
 before I follow thee with Thisbe's punishment for my rash 
 unweariness, hear this protestation of mine : that as the wrong I 
 have done thee proceeded of a most sincere, but unresistable 
 affection, so led with this pitiful example, it shall end in the mortal 
 hate of myself, and, if it may be, I will make my soul a tomb of 
 thy memory." At that word with anguish of mind and weakness 
 of body increased one by the other, and both augmented by this 
 fearful accident, she had fallen down in a swoon, but that Pyrocles 
 
5o2 Arcadia (book m. 
 
 then first severing his eyelids and quickly apprehending her 
 danger, to him more than death, beyond all powers striving to 
 recover the commandment of all his powers, stayed her from 
 falling, and then lifting the sweet burden of her body in his arms, 
 laid her again in her bed. So that she, but then the physician, 
 was now become the patient, and he to whom her weakness had 
 been serviceable, was now enforced to do service to her weakness, 
 which performed by him with that hearty care which the most 
 careful love on the best loved subject in greatest extremity could 
 employ, prevailed so far, that e'er long she was able, though in 
 strength exceedingly dejected, to call home her wandering senses, 
 to yield attention to that her beloved Pyrocles had to deliver. 
 But he lying down on the bed by her, holding her hand in his, 
 with so kind an accusing her of unkindness, as in accusing her he 
 condemned himself, began from point to point to discover unto 
 her all that had passed between his loathed lovers and him. How 
 he had entertained, and by entertaining deceived, both Basilius 
 and Gynecia ; and that with such a kind of deceit, as either might 
 see the cause in the other, but neither espy the effect in themselves. 
 That all his favours to them had tended only to make them 
 strangers to this his action ; and all his strangeness to her, to the 
 final obtaining of her long promised, and now to be performed 
 favour. Which device seeing it had so well succeeded to the 
 removing all other hindrances, that only her resolution remained 
 for the taking their happy journey, he conjured her by all the love 
 she had ever borne him, she would make no longer delay to 
 partake with him whatsoever honours the noble king of Macedon, 
 and all other Euarchus's dominions might yield him, especially 
 since in this enterprise he had now waded so far, as he could not 
 possibly retire himself back, without being overwhelmed with 
 danger and dishonour : he needed not have used farther persuasion : 
 for that only conjuration had so forcibly bound all her spirits that 
 could her body have seconded her mind, or her mind have 
 strengthened her body, without respect of any worldly thing, but 
 only fear to be again unkind to Pyrocles, she had condescended 
 to go with him. But raising herself a little in her bed, and finding 
 her own inability in any sort to endure the air: " My Pyrocles," 
 said she, with tearful eyes and a pitifiil countenance, such as well 
 witnessed she had no will to deny anything, she had power to 
 perform, "if you can convey me hence in such plight as you see 
 me, I am most willing to make my extremes! danger a testimony, 
 that I esteem no danger in regard of your virtuous satisfaction." 
 But she fainted so fast that she was not able to utter the rest of 
 her conceived speech ; which also turned Pyrocles's thoughts from 
 expecting farther answer, to the necessary care of reviving her, in 
 
BOOK iii.J ARCADIA 503 
 
 whose fainting, himself was more than overthrown. And that 
 having affected with all the sweet means his wits could devise, 
 though his highest hopes were by this unexpected downfall sunk 
 deeper than any degree of despair : yet lest the appearance of his 
 inward grief might occasion her farther discomfort, having wracked 
 his face to a more comfortable semblance, he sought some show 
 of reason, to show she had no reason, either for him, or for herself 
 to be afflicted. Which in the sweet minded Philoclea, whose 
 consideration was limited by his words, and whose conceit pierced 
 no deeper than his outward countenance, wrought within a while 
 such quietness of mind, and that quietness again such repose of 
 body, that sleep by his harbinger's weakness, weariness, and watch- 
 fulness, had quickly taken up his lodging in all her senses. Then 
 indeed had Pyrocles leisure to sit in judgment on himself, and to 
 hear his reason accuse his rashness, who, without forecast of doubt, 
 without knowledge of his friend, without acquainting Philoclea 
 with his purpose, or being made acquainted with her present 
 estate, had fallen headlong into that attempt, the success whereof 
 he had long since set down to himself as the measure of all his 
 other fortunes. But calling to mind how weakly they do, that 
 rather find fault with what cannot be mended than seek to amend 
 wherein they have been faulty : he soon turned him from 
 remembering what might have been done, to considering what 
 was now to be done, and when that consideration failed, what was 
 now to be expected. Wherein having run over all the thoughts, 
 his reason, called to the strictest accounts, could bring before him, 
 at length he lighted on this. That as long as Gynecia betrayed 
 not the matter, which he thought she would not do, as well for 
 her own honour and safety, as for the hope she might still have of 
 him, which is loth to die in a lover's heart, all the rest might turn 
 to a pretty merriment, and inflame his lover Basilius, again to cast 
 about for the missed favour. And as naturally the heart stuffed 
 up with wofulness, is glad greedily to suck the thinnest air of 
 comfort, so did he at first embrace this conceit, as offering great 
 hope, if not assurance of well-doing, fill looking more nearly into 
 it, and not able to answer the doubts and difficulties he saw therein 
 more and more arising, the night being also far spent, his thoughts 
 even weary of his own burdens, fell to a straying kind of 
 uncertainty; and his mind standing only upon the nature of 
 inward intelligences, left his body to give a sleeping respite to his 
 vital spirits, which he according to the quality of sorrow received 
 with greater greediness than ever in his hfe before : according to 
 the nature of sorrow, I say, which is past care's remedy ; for care 
 stirring the brains, and making thin the spirits, breaketh rest: 
 but those griefs wherein one is determined there is no preventing, 
 
S04 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 do breed a dull heaviness which easily clothes itself in sleep, so as 
 laid down so near, the beauty of the word, Philoclea, that their 
 necks were subjects each to other's chaste embracements, it seemed 
 love had come thither to lay a plot in that picture of death, how 
 gladly, if death came, their souls would go together. 
 
 ECLOGUS 
 
 Thyrsis not with many painted words nor falsified promises had 
 won the consent of his beloved Kala, but with a true and simple 
 making her know he loved her, not forcing himself beyond his 
 reach to buy her affection, but giving her such pretty presents, as 
 neither could weary him with the giving, nor shame her for the 
 taking. Thus, the first strawberries he could find, Were ever in a clean 
 washed dish, sent to Kala ; thus posies of the spring flowers were 
 wrapped up in a little green silk, and dedicated to Kala's breasts ; 
 thus sometimes his sweetest cream, sometimes the best cakebread 
 his mother made, were reserved for Kala's taste. Neither would 
 he stick to kill a lamb when she would be content to come over 
 the way unto him. But then lo, how the house was swept, and 
 rather no fire than any smoke left to trouble her. Then love songs 
 were not dainty, when she would hear them, and as much mannerly 
 silence, when she would not : in going to church great worship to 
 Kala. So that all the parish said, never a maid they knew so well 
 waited on ; and when dancing was about the may-pole, nobody 
 taken out but she, and he after a leap or two to show her his own 
 activity, would frame all the rest of his dancing only to grace her. 
 As for her father's sheep, he had no less care of them than his 
 own : so that she might play her as she would, warranted with 
 Thyrsis's carefulness. But if he spied Kala favoured any one of 
 the flock more than his fellows, then that was cherished : shearing 
 him so (when shorn he must be) as might most become him : but 
 while the wood was on, wrapped within it some verses, wherein 
 Thyrsis had a special gift, and making the innocent beast his 
 unweeting messenger. Thus constantly continuing, though he 
 were none of the fairest, at length he won Kala's heart, the 
 honestest wench in all those quarters. And so with consent of 
 both parents, without which neither Thyrsis would ask, nor Kala 
 grant, their marrying day was appointed, which because it fell out 
 in this time I think it shall not be impertinent, to remember a little 
 our shepherds, while the other great persons, are either sleeping 
 or otherwise troubled. Thyrsis's marriage-time once known, there 
 needed no inviting of the neighbours in that valley, for so well was 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA Soj 
 
 Thyrsis beloved, that they were all ready to do him credit, neither 
 yet came they like harpies to devour him ; but one brought a fat 
 pig, the other a tender kid, the third a great goose ; as for cheese, 
 milk and butter, were the gossips' presents. Thither came of 
 strange shepherds only the melancholy Philisides ; for the virtuous 
 Coridon had long since left off all joyful solemnities. And as for 
 Strephon and Claius, they had lost their mistress, which put them 
 into such extreme sorrows, as they could scarcely abide the light 
 of the day, much less the eyes of men. But of the Arcadian bom 
 shepherds, thither came good old Geron, young Histor, though 
 unwilling, and upright Dicus, merry Pas, and jolly Nico. As for 
 Dametas, they durst not presume, his pride was such, to invite 
 him, and Dorus they found might not be spared. And thereunder 
 a bower was made of boughs, for Thyrsis's house was not able to 
 receive them, every one placed according to his age. The women, 
 for such was the manner of the country, kept together to make 
 good cheer among themselves, from which otherwise a certain 
 painful modesty restrains them, and there might the sadder 
 matrons give good counsel to Kala, who poor fool wept for fear 
 of that she desired. But among the shepherds was all honest 
 Uberty, no fear of dangerous telltales, who hunt greater preys, nor 
 indeed minds in them to give telltales any occasion, but one 
 questioning with another of the manuring his ground, and governing 
 his flock, the highest point they reached to, was, to talk of the 
 holiness of marriage ; to which purpose, as soon as their sober 
 dinner was ended, Dicus instead of thanks, sung this song, with 
 a clear voice and cheerful countenance. 
 
 Let mother earth now deck herself in flowers, 
 To see her offspring, seek a good increase, 
 
 Where justest love doth vanquish Cupid's powers 
 And war of thoughts is swallowed up in peace. 
 
 Which never may decrease, 
 
 But like the turtles fair, 
 
 Live one in two, a well united pair ; 
 
 Which that no chance may stain, 
 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
 O Heav'n awake, show forth thy stately face, 
 Let not these slumbering clouds thy beauties hide 
 
 But with thy cheerful presence help to grace 
 The honest bridegroom and the bashful bride 
 
 Whose loves may ever bide, 
 
 Like to the elm and vine. 
 
 With mutual embracements them to twine ; 
 
 In which delightful pain, 
 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
5o6 ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 Ye muses all which chaste affects allow, 
 And have to Thyrsis showed your secret skill, 
 
 To this chaste love your sacred favours bow, 
 And so to him and her your gifts distil, 
 
 That they all vice may kill. 
 
 And like to lillies pure, 
 
 May please all eyes, and spotless may endure. 
 
 Where that all bliss may reign, 
 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
 Ye nymphs which in the water's empire have. 
 Since Thyrsis music oft doth yield your praise, 
 
 Grant to the thing which we for Thyrsis crave. 
 Let one time, but long first, close up their days. 
 
 One grave their bodies seize : 
 
 And like two rivers sweet, 
 
 When they, thought divers, do together meet, 
 One stream both streams contain : 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
 Pan, father Pan the God of silly sheep. 
 Whose care is cause that they in number grow. 
 
 Have much more care of them than them do keep. 
 Since from these good the other's good doth flow. 
 
 And make their issue show 
 
 In number like the herd 
 Of younglings, which thyself with love hast rear'd ; 
 
 Or like the drops of rain. 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
 Virtue, if not a God, yet God's chief part, 
 Be thou their knot of this their open vow. 
 
 That still he be her head, she be his heart ; 
 He lean to her, she unto him do bow : 
 
 Each other still allow ; 
 
 Like oak and mistletoe. 
 
 Her strength from him, his praise from her do grow ; 
 
 In which most lovely train, 
 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
 But thou foul Cupid, sire to lawless lust. 
 Be thou far hence with thy impoison'd dart, 
 
 Which though of glitt'rlng gold, shall here take rust. 
 Where simple love, which chastness doth impart, 
 
 Avoids thy hurtful art, 
 
 Not needing charming skill. 
 
 Such minds with sweet affections for to fill. 
 Which being pure and plain, 
 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 50/ 
 
 All churlish words, shrewd answers, crabbed looks, 
 All privateness, self-seeking, inward spite, 
 
 All waywardness, which nothing kindly brooks, 
 All strife for toys, and claiming master's right. 
 
 Be hence, aye put to flight : 
 
 All stirring husband's hate 
 
 'Gainst neighbour's good for womanish debate, 
 Be fled as things most vain, 
 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
 All peacock pride, and fruits of peacock's pride, 
 Longing to be with loss of substance gay. 
 
 With wretchlessness what may thy house betide, 
 So that you may on higher flippers stay, 
 
 For ever hence away : 
 
 Yet let not sluttery 
 
 The sink of filth, be counted housewifery ; 
 But keeping wholesome mean, 
 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
 But above all, away vile jealousy, 
 The evil of evils, just cause to be unjust. 
 
 How can he love suspecting treachery ? 
 How can she love where love cannot win trust? 
 
 Go snake, hide thee in dust, 
 
 Nay dare once show thy face. 
 
 Where open hearts do hold so constant place, 
 That they thy sting restrain, 
 
 O Hymen, long their coupled joys maintain. 
 
 The earth is deck'd with flowers, the heav'ns display'd, 
 Muses grant gifts, nymphs long and joined life, 
 
 Pan store of babes, virtue their thoughts well staid, 
 Cupid's lust gone, and gone is bitter strife, 
 
 Happy Man, happy Wife, 
 
 No pride shall them oppress. 
 
 Nor yet shall yield to loathsome sluttishness, 
 And jealousy is slain : 
 
 For Hymen will their coupled joys maintain. 
 
 "Truly Dicus," said Nico, "although thou didst not grant me 
 the prize the last day, when undoubtedly I won it, yet must I needs 
 say thou for thy part hast sung well and thriftily. Pas straight 
 desired all the company they would bear witness that Nico had 
 once in his hfe spoken wise : " For," said he, " I will tell it his 
 Father, who will be a glad man when he hears such news" 
 "Very true," said Nico, "but indeed so would not thine in like 
 case, for he would look thou should'st live but one hour longer 
 
5o8 ARCADIA 
 
 [BOOK III. 
 
 than a discreet word wandered out of thy mouth : " " And I pray 
 thee," said Pas, "gentle Nico, tell me, what mischance it was that 
 brought thee to taste so fine a meat ? " " Marry goodman block- 
 head," said Nico, " because he speaks against jealousy, the filthy 
 traitor to true afiection, and yet disguising itself in the raiment 
 of love." "Sentences, sentences," cried Pas. "Alas, how ripe 
 witted these young folks be nowadays but well counselled shall 
 that husband be, when this man comes to exhort him not to be 
 jealous." " And so shall he," answered Nico, " for I have seen a 
 fresh example, though it be not very fit to be known." "Come, 
 come," said Pas, "be not so squeamish, I know thou longest 
 more to tell it than we to hear it." But for all his words, Nico, 
 would not bestow his voice, till he was generally entreated of all 
 the rest. And then with a merry marriage-look he sung this 
 following discourse, for with a better grace he could sing than 
 tell. 
 
 A neighbour mine not long ago there was, 
 But nameless he, for blameless he shall be, 
 
 That married had a trick and bonny lass, 
 As in a summer day a man might see : 
 
 But he himself a foul unhandsome groom. 
 
 And far unfit to hold so good a room. 
 
 Now whether moved with self-unworthiness, 
 Or with her beauty fit to make a prey ; 
 
 Fell jealousy did so his brain oppress, 
 That if he absent were but half a day, 
 
 He guessed the worst (you wot what is the worst) 
 
 And in himself new doubting causes nurst. 
 
 While thus he feared the silly innocent, 
 Who yet was good, because she knew none ill, 
 
 Unto his house a jolly shepherd went. 
 To whom our prince did bear a great good will ; 
 
 Because in wrestling, and in a pastoral. 
 
 He far did pass the rest of shepherds all. 
 
 And therefore he a courtier was be-named, 
 And as a courtier was with cheer received 
 
 (For they have tongues to make a poor man blamed, 
 If he to them his duty misconceived) 
 
 And for this courtier should well like his table, 
 
 The good man bade his wife be serviceable. 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 509 
 
 And so she was, and all with good intent ; 
 But few days past when she good manner used j 
 
 But that her husband thought her service bent 
 To such an end as he might be abased. 
 
 Yet like a coward fearing stranger's pride, 
 
 He made the simple wench his wrath abide ; 
 
 With chumpish looks, hard words, and secret nips, 
 Grumbling at her when she his kindness sought. 
 
 Asking her how she tasted courtier's lips, 
 He forced her to think that which she never thought. 
 
 In fine, he made her guess, there was some sweet, 
 
 In that which he so fear'd that she should meet. 
 
 When once this entered was in woman's heart, 
 
 And that it had inflamed a new desire, 
 There rested then to play a woman's part j 
 
 Fuel to seek, and not to quench the fire. 
 But (for his jealous eye she well did find) 
 She studied cunning how the same to blind. 
 
 And thus she did. One day to him she came. 
 And, though against his will, on him she leaned : 
 
 And out gan cry, " Ah well away for shame. 
 If you help not, our wedlock will be stained." 
 
 The good man starting, asked what her did move ? 
 
 She sigh'd and said, " The bad guest sought her love." 
 
 He little looking that she should complain 
 Of that, whereto he fear'd she was inclin'd : 
 
 Bussing her oft, and in his heart full fain. 
 He did demand what remedy to find, 
 
 How they might get that guest from them to wend, 
 
 And yet the prince that lov'd him not offend. 
 
 "Husband," quoth she, "go to him by and by, 
 And tell him you do find I do him love: 
 
 And therefore pray him that of courtesy 
 He will absent himself, lest he should move 
 
 A young girl's heart, to that were shame for both 
 
 Whereto you know his honest heart were loath. 
 
 Thus shall you show that him you do not doubt, 
 And as for me, sweet husband, I must bear;" 
 
 Glad was the man when he heard her out. 
 And did the same, although with mickle fear. 
 
 For fear he did, lest he the young man might 
 
 Jn choler put, with whom he would not fight. 
 
5IO ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 The courtly shepherd much aghast at this, 
 Not seeing erst such token in the wife, 
 
 Though full of scorn, would not his duty miss, 
 Knowing that ill become a household strife, 
 
 Did go his way, but sojourn'd near thereby. 
 
 That yet the ground thereof he might espy. 
 
 The wife thus having settled husband's brain. 
 Who would have sworn his spouse Diana was. 
 
 Watched when she a farther point might gain. 
 Which little time did fitly bring to pass. 
 
 For to the court her man was called by name ; 
 
 Whither he needs must go for fear of blame. 
 
 Three days before that he must sure depart, 
 She written had, but in a hand disguised, 
 
 A letter such, which might from either part, 
 Seem to proceed, so well it was devised. 
 
 She seal'd it first, then she the sealing brake. 
 
 And to her jealous husband did it take. 
 
 With weeping eyes (her eyes she taught to weep) 
 She told him that the courtier had it sent : 
 
 "Alas," quoth she, "thus woman's shame doth creep.'' 
 The good man read on both sides the content, 
 
 It title had. Unto my only love : 
 
 Subscription was. Yours most, if you will prove. 
 
 Th' epistle self such kind of words it had ; 
 " My sweetest joy, the comfort of my sprite. 
 
 So may thy flocks increase thy dear heart glad, 
 So may each thing e'en as thou wishest light. 
 
 As thou wilt deign to read, and gently read 
 
 This mourning ink in which my heart doth bleed. 
 
 " Long have I lov'd, alas thou worthy art. 
 Long have I lov'd, alas love craveth love. 
 
 Long have I lov'd thyself, alas my heart 
 Doth break, now tongue unto thy name doth move ; 
 
 And think not that thy answer answer is. 
 
 But that it is my doom of bale or bliss. 
 
 " The jealous wretch must now to court be gone ; 
 Ne can he fail, for prince hath for him sent : 
 
 Now !s the time we may be here alone. 
 And give a long desire a sweet content. 
 
 Thus shall you both reward a lover true, 
 
 And eke revenge his wrong suspecting you.'' 
 
BOOKin.] ARCADIA gn 
 
 And this was all, and this the husband read 
 With chafe enough, till she him pacified : 
 
 Desiring that no grief in him be bred, 
 Now that he had her words so truly tried : 
 
 But that he would to him the letter show. 
 
 That with his fault be might her goodness know. 
 
 That straight was done with many a boist'rous threat, 
 That to the king he would his sin declare ; 
 
 But now the courtier gan to smell the feat. 
 And with some words which showed little care ; 
 
 He stayed until the good man was departed, 
 
 Then gave he him the blow which never smarted. 
 
 Thus may you see the jealous wretch was made 
 The pander of the thing he most did fear. 
 
 Take heed therefore, how you ensue that trade, 
 Lest the same marks of jealousy you bear. 
 
 For sure, no jealousy can that prevent. 
 
 Whereto two parties once be full content. 
 
 "Behold," said Pas, "a whole dicker of wit : he had picked out 
 such a tale with intention to keep a husband from jealousy, which 
 was enough to make a sanctified husband jealous, to see subtilities 
 so much in the feminine gender." " But," said he, " I will strike 
 Nice dead, with the wise words that shall flow out of my gorge." 
 And without farther entreaty thus sang : 
 
 Who doth desire that chaste his wife should be, 
 First be he true, for truth doth truth deserve : 
 
 Then such be he, as she his worth may see. 
 And one man still credit with her preserve. 
 
 Not toying kind, nor causelessly unkind. 
 Not stirring thoughts, nor yet denying right. 
 
 Not spying faults, nor in plain errors blind, 
 Never hard hand, nor ever reins too light. 
 
 As far from want, as far from vain expense 
 (The one doth force, the latter doth entice) 
 
 Allow good company, but keep from thence 
 All filthy mouths that glory in their vice. 
 
 This done, thou hast no more, but leave the rest, 
 
 To virtue, fortune, time and woman's breast. 
 
 "Well concluded," said Nico, " when he hath done all, he leaves 
 the matter to his wife's discretion. Now whensoever thou marriest 
 let her discretion deck thy head with ActEeon's ornament." Pas 
 
512 ARCADIA [book III. 
 
 was so angry with his wish, being indeed towards marriage, that 
 they might perchance have fallen to buffets, but that Dicus desired 
 Philisides, who as a stranger sat among them, revolving in his 
 mind all the tempests of evil fortune he had passed, that he would 
 do so much grace to the company, as to sing one of his country 
 songs. Philisides, knowing it no good manners to be squeamish 
 of his coming, having put himself into their company, without 
 farther study began to utter that, wherewith his thoughts were 
 then, as always, most busied : and to show what a stranger he 
 was to himself, spoke of himself, as of a third person in this sort : 
 
 The lad Philisides 
 Lay by a river side. 
 In flow'ry field a gladder eye to please ; 
 His pipe was at his foot, 
 His lambs were him beside, 
 
 A widow turtle near on bared root 
 Sat wailing without boot. 
 Each thing both sweet and sad 
 Did draw his boiling brain 
 To think, and think with pain 
 
 Of Mira's beams, eclips'd by absence bad, 
 And thus, with eyes made dim 
 With tears, he said, or sorrow said for him ; 
 
 O earth, once answer give, 
 So may thy stately grace 
 
 By north, or south still rich adorned live. 
 So Mira long may be 
 On thy then blessed face 
 
 Whose foot doth set a heav'n on cursed thee, 
 I ask, now answer me : 
 If th' author of thy bliss, 
 Phoebus, that shepherd high. 
 Do turn from thee his eye, 
 
 Doth not thyself, when he long absent is, 
 Like rogue, all ragged go, 
 And pine away with daily wasting woe? 
 
 Tell me you wanton brook. 
 So may your sliding race 
 Shun loathed loving banks with cunning crook: 
 So in you ever new 
 Mira may look her face. 
 
 And make you fair with shadow of her hue : 
 So when to pay your due 
 To mother sea you come. 
 She chid you not for stay, 
 Nor beat you for your play, 
 Tell me if your diverted springs become 
 
BOOK III.] ARCADIA 513 
 
 Absented quite from you, 
 
 Are you not dried? can you yourselves renew? 
 
 Tell me you flowers fair, 
 Cowslip and columbine, 
 
 So may you make this wholesome springf-time air 
 With you embraced lie, 
 And lately thence untwine : 
 
 But with dewdrops engender children high : 
 So may you never die, 
 But pull'd by Mira's hand, 
 Dress bosom hers, or head. 
 Or scatter on her bed. 
 
 Tell me, if husband spring-time leave your land, 
 When he from you is sent. 
 Whither not you, languish'd with discontent ? 
 
 Tell me, my silly pipe, 
 So may thee still betide, 
 A cleanly cloth thy moistness for to wipe : 
 So may the cherries red 
 Of Myra's lips divide 
 
 Their sugared selves to kiss thy happy head ; 
 So may her ears be led 
 Her ears where music lives. 
 To hear and not despise 
 Thy lyric-liring cries ; 
 
 Tell, if that breath, which thee thy sounding gives, 
 Be absent far from thee. 
 Absent alone canst thou then piping be ? 
 
 Tell me my lamb of gold. 
 So may'st thou long abide 
 The day well fed, the night in faithful fold : 
 So grow thy wool of note. 
 In time that richly dy'd 
 
 It may be part of Mira's petticoat, 
 Tell me, if wolves the throat 
 Have caught of thy dear dam. 
 Or she from thee be stay'd. 
 Or thou from her be stray' d, 
 
 Canst thou poor lamb, become another's lamb ? 
 Or rather till you die. 
 Still for thy dam, with baa-waymenting cry ? 
 
 Tell me, O turtle true, 
 So- may no fortune breed 
 To make thee nor thy better-loved rue : 
 So may thy blessings swarm. 
 That Mira may thee feed 
 
 With hand and mouth; with laps and breaks keep warm: 
 Tell me of greedy arm, 
 
 2 K 
 
SH ARCADIA [book m. 
 
 Do fondly take away 
 With traitor lime the one 
 The other left alone : 
 
 Tell me poor wretch, parted from wretched prey 
 Disdain not you the green, 
 Wailing till death, shun you not to be seen ? 
 
 Earth, brook, flow'rs, pipe, lamb, dove, 
 Say all and I with them. 
 
 Absence is death or worse, to them that love. 
 So I unlucky lad 
 Whom hills from her do hem. 
 
 What fits me now but tears, and sighings sad ? 
 O fortune too too tad, 
 
 I rather would my sheep 
 Th'adst killed with a stroke. 
 Burnt Caban, lost my cloke, 
 
 Then want one hour those eyes which my joys keep. 
 Oh ! what doth wailing win ? 
 Speech without end had better not begin. 
 
 My song climb thou the wind. 
 Which Holland sweet now gently sendeth in. 
 
 That on his wings the level thou may'st find 
 To hit, but kissing hit 
 Her ears the weights of wit. 
 
 If thou know not for whom thy master dies, 
 These marks shall make thee wise : 
 She is the herdess fair that shines in dark. 
 And gives her kids no food, but willows bark. 
 
 This said, at length he ended. 
 His oft sigh broken ditty, 
 
 Then raise, but raise no legs with faintness bended. 
 With skin in sorrow died. 
 With face the plot of pity. 
 
 With thoughts, which thoughts their own tormentors tried. 
 He rose, and straight espied 
 
 His ram, who to recover 
 The ewe another loved, 
 With him proud battle proved. 
 
 He envied such a death in sight of lover, 
 And always westward eyeing, 
 More envied Phoebus for his western flying. 
 
 The whole company would gladly have taken this occasion 
 of requesting Philisides in plainer sort to discover unto them 
 his estate. Which he willing to prevent, as knowing the relation 
 thereof more fit for funerals than the time of a marriage, began 
 to sing this song he had learned before he had ever subjected 
 his thoughts to acknowledge no master, but a mistress. 
 
BooKiii.] ARCADIA 515 
 
 As I my little flock on Ister bank 
 (A little flock ; but well my pipe they couth) 
 
 Did piping lead, the sun already sank 
 Beyond our world, and e'er I got my booth. 
 Each thing with mantle black the night doth sooth ; 
 
 Saving the glow-worm which would courteous be 
 
 Of that small light oft watching shepherds see. 
 
 The welkin had full niggardly enclosed 
 In coffer of dim clouds his silver groats, 
 
 Ycleped stars ; each thing to rest disposed, 
 The caves, were full, the mountains void of goats 
 The bird's eye clos'd; closed their chirping notes. 
 
 As for the nightingale, wood music's king: 
 
 It August was, he deign'd not then to sing. 
 
 Amid my sheep, though I saw naught to fear, 
 Yet (for I nothing saw) I feared sore; 
 
 Then found I which thing is a charge to bear, 
 As for my sheep I dreaded mickle more 
 Than ever for myself since I was bore. 
 
 I sat me down : for see to go he could. 
 
 And sang unto my sheep lest stray they should. 
 
 The song I sang old Lanquet had rae taught, 
 Lanquet, the shepherds best swift Ister knew. 
 
 For clerkly read, and hating what is naught. 
 For faithful heart, clean hands, and mouth as true : 
 With sweet skill my skilless youth he drew. 
 
 To have a feeling taste of him that fits 
 
 Beyond the heaven, far more beyond your wits. 
 
 He said the music best thilk power pleased 
 Was jump concord between our wit and will; 
 
 Where highest notes to godliness are raised. 
 And lowest sink not down to jot of ill: 
 With old true tales he wont mine ears to fill. 
 
 How shepherds did of yore, how now they thrive. 
 
 Spoiling their flock, or while 'twixt them they strive. 
 
 He liked me, but pitied lustful youth : 
 His good strong staff my flipp'ry years upbore : 
 
 He still hop'd well because I loved truth : 
 Till forc'd to part with heart and eyes e'en sore. 
 To worthy Corydon he gave me o'er. 
 
 But thus in oaks true shade recounted be. 
 
 Which now in night's deep shade sheep heard of me. 
 
5i6 ARCADIA [BooKin. 
 
 Such manner time there was (what time I not) 
 When all this earth, this dam or mould of ours 
 
 Was only won'd with such as beasts beg'ot : 
 Unknown as then were they that builded towers : 
 The cattle wild, or tame, in nature's bowers 
 
 Might freely roam, or rest, as seemed them : 
 
 Man was not man their dwellings in to hem. 
 
 The beasts had sure some beastly policy : 
 For nothing can endure where order n'is. 
 
 For once the lion by the lamb did lie, 
 The fearful hind the leopard did kiss. 
 Hurtless was tiger's paw, and serpent's hiss. 
 
 This think I well the beasts with courage clad. 
 
 Like senators a harmless empire had. 
 
 At which whether the others did repine. 
 For envy harb'reth most in feeblest hearts 
 
 Or that they all to changing did incline, 
 As e'en in beasts their dams leave changing parts 
 The multitude to Jove a suit imparts, 
 
 With neighing, blaying, braying, and barking. 
 
 Roaring and howling for to have a king. 
 
 A king, in language theirs they said they would : 
 (For then their language was a perfect speech) 
 
 The birds likewise with chirps, and puing could 
 Cackling, and chatt'ring that of Jove beseech. 
 Only the owl still warn'd them not to seech 
 
 So hastily that which they would repent ; 
 
 But saw they would, and he to deserts went, 
 
 Jove wisely said (for wisdom wisely says) 
 O beasts, take heed what you of me desire. 
 
 Rulers will think all things made them to please. 
 And soon forget the swink due to their hire : 
 But since you will, part of my heav'nly fire, 
 
 I will you lend ; the rest yourselves must give. 
 
 That it both seen and felt may with you live. 
 
 Full glad they were, and took the naked spright. 
 Which straight the earth clothed in his clay : 
 
 The lion heart j the ounce gave active might ; 
 The horse, good shape ; the sparrow, lust to play ; 
 Nightingale, voice, enticing songs to say. 
 
 Elephant gave a perfect memory : 
 
 And parrot, ready tongue, that to apply. 
 
BOOK III. j Arcadia §i; 
 
 The fox gave craft j the dog gave flattery ; 
 Ass patience ; the mole, a working thought ; 
 
 Eagle, high look j wolf, secret cruelty : 
 Monkey, sweet breath ; the cow, her fair eyes brought ; 
 The ermine, whitest skin, spotted with nought ; 
 
 The sheep, mild seeming face ; climbing, the bear. 
 
 The stag did give the harm eschewing fear. 
 
 The hare, her sleights ; the cat, his melancholy ; 
 Ant, industry ; and conney, skill to build j 
 
 Cranes, order ; storks, to be appearing holy j 
 Cameleon, ease to change ; duck, ease to yield : 
 Crocodile, tears, which might be falsely spill'd : 
 
 Ape, great thing gave, though he did mowing stand, 
 
 The instrument of instruments, the hand, 
 
 Each other beast likewise his present brings : 
 And but thy dread their prince they ought should want, 
 
 They all consented were to give him wings : 
 And aye more awe towards him for to plaint, 
 To their own work this privilege they grant, 
 
 That from thenceforth to all eternity. 
 
 No beast should freely speak, but only he. 
 
 Thus man was made ; thus man their lord became ; 
 Who at the first, wanting, or biding pride. 
 
 He did to beasts best use his cunning frame 
 With water drink, herbs meat, and naked hide. 
 And fellow like let his dominion slide ; 
 
 Not in his sayings, saying I, but we ; 
 
 As if he meant his lordship common be. 
 
 But when his seat so rooted he had found. 
 That they now skill'd not how from him to wend ; 
 
 Then gain in g^uiltless earth full many a wound. 
 Iron to seek, which 'gainst itself should bend, 
 To tear the bowels, that good corn should send. 
 
 But yet the common dam none did bemoan j 
 
 Because though hurt, they never heard her groan. 
 
 Then 'gan the factions in the beasts to breed ; 
 Where helping weaker sort, the nobler beasts 
 
 (As tigers, leopards, bears, and lion's feed) 
 Disdain'd with this, in deserts sought their rests : 
 Where famine ravin taught their hungry chests, 
 
 That craftily he forc'd them to do ill. 
 
 Which being done, he afterwards would kill. 
 
Si8 ARCADIA fsooK tii. 
 
 For murders done, which never erst was seen, 
 By those freat beasts, as for the weakers gfood, 
 
 He chose themselves his guarders for to been, 
 'Gainst those of might, of whom in fear they stood, 
 As horse, and dog, not great, but gentle blood : 
 
 Blithe were the common cattle of the field, 
 
 Tho' when they saw their foe'n of greatness kill'd. 
 
 But they or spent, or made of slender might, 
 Then quickly did the meaner cattle find. 
 
 The great beam's gone, the house on shoulder's light : 
 For by and by the horse fair bits did bind : 
 The dog was in a collar taught his kind. 
 
 As for the gentle birds like case might rue, 
 
 When falcon they, and gjross hawk saw in mew. 
 
 Worst fell to smallest birds, and meanest herd, 
 Whom now his own, full like his own he used. 
 
 Yet first but wool, or feathers off he tear'd : 
 And when they were well us'd to be abused : 
 For hungry teeth their flesh with teeth he bruised ; 
 
 At length for glutton taste he did them kill: 
 
 At last for sport their silly lives did spill. 
 
 But yet, O man, rage not beyond thy need : 
 Deem it not glory to swell in tyranny. 
 
 Thou art of blood, joy not to see things bleed ! 
 Thou fearest death : think they are loth to die, 
 A plaint of guiltless hurt doth pierce the sky. 
 
 And you poor beasts in patience bide your hell, 
 
 Or know your strengths, and then you shall do well. 
 
 Thus did I sing and pipe eight sullen hours 
 To sheep, whom love, not knowledge, made to hear. 
 
 Now fancies fits, now fortune's baleful flowers ; 
 But then I homeward call'd my lambkins dear ; 
 For to ray dimmed eyes began to appear 
 
 The night grown old, her black head waxen grey, 
 
 Sure shepherd's sign, that morn should soon fetch day. 
 
 According to the nature of divers ears, divers judgments soon 
 followed : some praising his voice, others his words fit to frame a 
 pastoral style, others the strangeness of the tale, and scanning 
 what he should mean by it. But old Geron, who had borne him 
 a grudge ever since in one of their eclogues he had taken him up 
 over-bitterly, took hold of this occasion to make his revenge, and 
 said, he never saw a thing worse proportioned, than to bring in a 
 
.,^^«. i...j ARCADIA 519 
 
 tale of he knew not what beasts at such a sport-meeting, when 
 rather some song of love, or matter for joyful melody was to be 
 brought forth. " But," said he, "this is the right conceit of young 
 men, who think then they speak wiseliest, when they cannot 
 understand themselves. But little did the melancholic shepherd 
 regard either his dispraises, or the other's praises, who had set the 
 foundation of his honour there, where he was most despised. And 
 therefore he returning again to the train of his desolate pensiveness, 
 Geron invited Histor to answer him in eclogue-wise ; who indeed 
 having been long in love with the fair Kala, and now by Lalus over- 
 gone, was grown into a detestation of marriage. But thus it was. 
 
 GERON AND HISTOR 
 
 GERON 
 
 In faith, good Histor, long is your delay, 
 From holy marriage, sweet and surest mean : 
 
 Our foolish lust in honest rules to stay, 
 
 I pray you do to Lalus' sample lean : 
 Thou seest how frisk, and jolly now he is. 
 
 That last day seem'd, he could not chew a bean. 
 Believe me man, there is no greater bliss, 
 
 Than is the quiet joy of loving wife : 
 Which whoso wants, half of himself doth miss. 
 
 Friend without change, playfellow without strife, 
 Food without fulness, counsel without pride, 
 
 Is this sweet doubling of our single life. 
 
 HISTOR 
 
 No doubt, to whom so good chance did betide, 
 As for to find a pasture strewed with gold, 
 
 He were a fool if there he did not bide. 
 Who would not have a Phoenix if he could; 
 
 The humming wasp if it had not a sting. 
 Before all flies the wasp accept I would ; 
 
 But this bad world, few golden fields doth bring; 
 Phoenix but one, of crows we millions have. 
 
 The wasp seems gay, but is a cumbrous thing. 
 If many Kala's our Arcadia gave, 
 
 Lalus' example I would soon ensue. 
 And think, I did myself from sorrow save. 
 
 But of such wives we find a slender crew; 
 Shrewdness so stirs, pride so puffs up the heart. 
 
 They seldom ponder what to them is due. 
 With meagre looks, as if they stiU did smart 
 
 Puling or whimpering, or else scolding flat, 
 
S20 ARCADIA t^ooic iji. 
 
 Make home more pain than following of the cart. 
 
 Either dull silence, or eternal chat ; 
 Still contrary to what her husband says ; 
 
 If he do praise the dog, she likes the cat. 
 Austere she is, when he would honest p'ays ; 
 
 And gamesome then, when he thinks on his sheep, 
 She bids him go, and yet from journey stays. 
 
 She war doth ever with his kinsfolk keep, 
 And makes them fremb'd, who friends by nature are, 
 
 Envying shallow toys with malice deep. 
 And if forsooth there come some new found ware. 
 
 The little coin his sweating brows have got. 
 Must go for that if for her lowers he care : 
 
 Or else ; Nay faith, mine is the luckiest lot. 
 That ever fell to honest woman yet : 
 
 No wife but I hath such a man, god wot : 
 Such is their speech, who be of sober wit : 
 
 But, who do let their tongues show well their rage, 
 Lord, what bye-words they speak, what spite they spit ? 
 
 The house is made a very loathsome cage. 
 Wherein the bird doth never sing, but cry. 
 
 With such a will as nothing can assuage. 
 Dearly their servants do their wages buy, 
 
 Revil'd for each small fault, sometimes for none; 
 They better live that in a jail do lie 
 
 Let other fouler sports away be blown, 
 For I seek not their shame, but still methinks 
 A better life it is to live alone. 
 
 GERON 
 
 Who for such fickle fear from virtue shrinks, 
 Shall in his life embrace no worthy thing : 
 
 No mortal man the cup of surety drinks. 
 The heav'ns do not good haps in handfuls bring. 
 
 But let us pick our good from out much bad : 
 That still our little world may know his king. 
 
 But certainly so long we may be glad. 
 While that we do what nature doth require. 
 
 And for th' event we never ought be sad. 
 Man oft is plagu'd with air, is burnt with fire, 
 
 In water drown' d, in earth his burial is: 
 And shall we not therefore their use desire? 
 
 Nature above all things requireth this. 
 That we our kind do labour to maintain : 
 
 Which drawn-out line doth hold all human bliss. 
 Thy father justly may of thee complain 
 
 If thou do not repay his deeds for thee. 
 In granting unto him a grandsire's gain. 
 
BooKiii.] ARCADIA ' 52* 
 
 Thy Commonwealth may rightly grieved be, 
 Which must by this immortal be preserved, 
 
 If thus thou murder thy posterity. 
 His very being he hath not deserved, 
 
 Who for a self-conceit will that forbear. 
 Whereby that being, aye must be, conserved. 
 
 And God forbid women such cattle were 
 As you paint them : but well in you I find, 
 
 No man doth speak aright who speaks in fear, 
 Who only sees the ill is worse than blind. 
 
 These fifty winters married have I been j 
 And yet find no such faults in womankind. 
 
 I have a wife worthy to be a queen. 
 So well she can command, and yet obey: 
 
 In ruling of a house so well she's seen. 
 And yet in all this time betwixt us twa. 
 
 We wear our double yoke of such content, 
 That never past soul word, I dare well say : 
 
 But these are your love toys, which still are spent 
 In lawless games, and love not as you should, 
 
 But with much study learn late to repent. 
 How well last day before our prince you could 
 
 Blind Cupid's works with wonder testify? 
 Yet now the root of him abase you would. 
 
 Go to, go to, and Cupid now apply. 
 To that where thou thy Cupid may'st avow. 
 
 And thou shalt find in women virtues lie. 
 Sweet supple minds which soon to wisdom bow 
 
 Where they by wisdom's rule directed are. 
 And are not forc'd fond thraldom to allow. 
 
 As we to get are fram'd, so they to spare : 
 We made for pain, our pains they made to cherish : 
 
 We care abroad, and they of home have care, 
 O Histor, seek within thyself to flourish : 
 
 Thy house by thee must live, or else be gone : 
 And then who shall the name of Histor nourish? 
 
 Riches of children pass a prince's throne; 
 Which touch the father's heart with secret joy, 
 
 When without shame he saith, these be mine own. 
 Marry therefore, for marriage will destroy 
 
 Those passions which to youthful head do climb, 
 Mothers and nurses of all vain annoy. 
 
 HISTOR 
 
 Perchance I will, but now methinks it time 
 
 To go unto the bride, and use this day, 
 
 To speak with her while freely speak we may. 
 
522 ARCADIA [BOOK III. 
 
 He spoke these words with such affection, as a curious eye 
 might easily have perceived he liked Thyrsis fortune better than 
 he loved his person. But then indeed did all arise, and went to 
 the women, where spending all the day, and good part of the 
 night in dancing, carolling and wassailing ; lastly, they left Thyrsis, 
 where he long desired to be left, and with many unfeigned thanks 
 returned every man to his home. But some of them having to 
 cross the way of the two lodges, might see a lady making doleful 
 lamentation over a body which seemed dead unto them. But 
 methinks Dametas cries unto me, if I come not the sooner to 
 comfort him, he will leave off his golden work, that hath already 
 cost him so much labour and longing, 
 
ARCADIA 
 
 BOOK IV 
 
 THE almighty wisdom evermore delighting to show the world 
 that by unlikeliest means greatest matters may come to 
 conclusion ; that human reason may be the more humbled, 
 and more willingly give place to divine providence; as at the first 
 it brought in Dametas to play a part in this royal pageant, so 
 having continued him still an actor, now that all things were 
 grown ripe for an end, made his folly the instrument of revealing 
 that which far greater cunning had sought to conceal. For so 
 it fell out that Dametas having spent the whole day in breaking 
 up the cumbersome work of the pastor Dorus, and feeling in all 
 his labour no pain so much as that his hungry hopes received 
 any stay, having with the price of much sweat and weariness 
 gotten up the huge stone, which he thought should have such 
 a golden lining, the good man in the great bed that stone had 
 made, found nothing but these two verses written upon a broad 
 piece of vellum. 
 
 Who hath his hire, hath well his labour plac'd ; 
 Earth thou didst seek, and store of Earth thou hast. 
 
 What an inward discontentment it was to master Dametas, to 
 find his hope of wealth turned to poor verses, for which he never 
 cared much, nothing can describe, but either the feeling in one's 
 self the state of such a mind Dametas had, or at least the 
 bethinking what was Midas's fancy, when after the great pride 
 he conceived to be made judge between the Gods, he was rewarded 
 with the ornament of an ass's ears. Yet the deep apprehension 
 he had received of such riches, could not so suddenly lose the 
 colour that had so thoroughly dyed his thick brain, but that he 
 turned and tossed the poor bowels of the innocent earth, till the 
 
524 ARCADIA tsooK iv. 
 
 coming on of the night, and the tediousness of his fruitless labour 
 made him content rather to exercise his discontentation at home 
 than there. But forced he was, his horse being otherwise burdened 
 with digging instruments, to return as he came, most part of the 
 way on foot, with such grudging lamentations as a nobler mind 
 would, but more nobly, make for the loss of his mistress. For so 
 far had he fed his fooUsh soul with the expectation of that which 
 he reputed felicity, that he no less accounted himself miserable, 
 than if he had fallen from such an estate his fancy had embraced. 
 So then home again went Dametas, punished in conceit, as in 
 conceit he had erred, till he found himself there from a fancied 
 loss fallen to essential misery: for entering into his house three 
 hours before night, instead of the . lightsome countenance of 
 Pamela, which gave such an inward decking to that lodge, as 
 proudest palaces might have cause to envy it, and of the grateful 
 conversation of Dorus, whose witty behaviour made that loneliness 
 to seem full of good company, instead of the loud scolding of 
 Miso, and the busy rumbling up and down of Mopsa, which though 
 they were so short, as quite contrary to the others praise worthiness, 
 yet were they far before them in filling of a house, he found nothing 
 but a solitary darkness, which as naturally it breeds a kind of 
 irksome ghastfulness, so it was to him a most present terror, 
 remembering the charge he had left behind, which he well knew 
 imported no less than his life unto him. Therefore lighting 
 a candle, there was no place a mouse could have dwelled in but 
 that he with quaking diligence sought into. But when he saw 
 he could see nothing of that he most cared for, then became he 
 the right pattern of a wretch dejected with fear : for crying and 
 howling, knocking his head to the wall, he began to make pitiful 
 complaints, where nobody could hear him; and, with too much 
 dread he should not recover her, left all consideration how 
 to recover her. But at length looking like a she goat when 
 she casts her kid, for very sorrow he took in his own behalf, 
 out of the lodge he went running as hard as he could, having 
 now received the very form of hanging into his consideration. 
 Thus running, as a man that would gladly have run from himself, 
 it was his foolish fortune to espy, by the glimmering light the 
 moon did then yield him, one standing aloft among the boughs 
 of a fair ash. He that would have asked counsel at that time of 
 a dog, cast up his face, as if his tooth had been drawing; and with 
 much' bending his sight, perceived it was Mopsa, fitly seated 
 there for her wit and dignity. There, I will not say with joy, for 
 how could he taste of joy, whose imagination was fallen from 
 a palace to the gallows ? But yet with some refreshing of comfort, 
 in hopes he should learn better tidings of her, he began to ciy out, 
 
BOOK IV.] 
 
 ARCADIA 52< 
 
 "O Mopsa, my beloved chicken, here am I thine own father 
 Dametas, never in such a towardness of hanging if thou canst not 
 help me." But never a word could his eloquence procure of 
 Mopsa, who indeed was there attending for greater matters. 
 This was yet a new burden to poor Dametas, who thought all the 
 world was conspiring against him, and therefore with a silly choler 
 he began another tune. "Thou vile Mopsa," said he, "now the 
 vengeance of my fatherly curse overthwart thee if though do not 
 straightways answer me." But neither blessing nor cursing could 
 prevail. Mopsa, who was now great with child with the 
 expectation of her may-game hopes did long to be delivered with 
 the third time of being named. Which by and by followed, for 
 Dametas rubbing his elbow, stamping and whining, seeing neither 
 of these take place, he began to throw stones at her, and withal 
 to conjure her by the natpe of hellish Mopsa. But when he had 
 named her the third time, no chime can more suddenly follow the 
 striking of a clock, than she verily thinking it was the god that 
 used her father's voice, throwing her arms abroad, and not 
 considering that she was muffled upon so high a tree, came 
 fluttering down like a hooded hawk, likely enough to have broken 
 her neck but that the tree full of boughs tossed her from one 
 bough to another, and lastly, well bruised, brought her to receive 
 an unfriendly salutation of the earth. Dametas, as soon as she 
 was down, came running to her, and finding her so close wrapt, 
 pulled off the scarlet cloak, in good time for her, for with the 
 soreness of the fall, if she had not had breath given her, she had 
 delivered a foolish soul to Pluto. 
 
 But when Dametas began afresh to desire his daughter not 
 to forget the pains he had taken for her in her childhood, which 
 he was sure she could remember, and to tell where Pamela was. 
 "O good Apollo," said Mopsa, "if ever thou didst bear love to 
 Phaeton's mother let me have a king to my husband." "Alas, 
 what speakest thou of Phaeton?" said Dametas. "If by thy 
 circumspect means I find not out Pamela, thy father will be hanged 
 to-morrow." " It is no matter though he be hanged," answered 
 Mopsa, "do but thou make Dorus a king, and let him be my 
 husband, good Apollo, for my courage doth much prick me 
 toward him." "Ah Mopsa," cried out Dametas, "where is thy 
 wit? Dost thou not know thy father? How hast thou forgotten 
 thyself?" "I do not ask wit of thee, mine own God," said she, 
 "but I see thou wouldst have me remember my father, and indeed 
 forget myself. No, no, a good husband." "Thou shalt have thy 
 fill of husbands," said Dametas, "and do but answer me my 
 question." " O I thank thee," said Mopsa, " with all my heart 
 heartily, but let them be all kings." Dametas seeing no other 
 
526 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 way prevail, fell down on his knees, "Mopsa, Mopsa," said he, 
 " do not thus cruelly torment me ; I am already wretched enough, 
 alas ! either help me, or tell me thou canst not." She that would 
 not be behind Apollo in courtesy, kneeled down on the other side ; 
 " I will never leave tormenting thee," said Mopsa, " until thou hast 
 satisfied my longing ; but I will proclaim thee a promise-breaker, 
 that even Jupiter shall hear it." " Now by the fostering thou hast 
 received in this place, save my life," said Dametas. " Now by the 
 fair ash," answered Mopsa, "where thou didst receive so great 
 a good turn, grant post haste to my burning fancy." " O where 
 is Pamela?" said Dametas. "O a lusty husband," said Mopsa. 
 " Dametas, who now verily assured himself his daughter was mad, 
 began utterly to despair of his life; and therefore amazedly 
 catching her in his arms, to see whether he could bring her to 
 herself, he felt the weight of a great cudgel light upon his shoulder, 
 and for the first greeting he knew his wife Miso's voice, by the 
 calling him ribald villain, and asking him whether she could not 
 serve his turn as well as Charita? For Miso having, according 
 to Dorus's counsel, gone to Mantinea, and there harboured herself 
 in an old acquaintance's house of hers, as soon as ten of the 
 clock had stricken (where she had remained closely all that while, 
 I think with such an amiable cheer, as when jealous Juno sat 
 cross-legged to hinder the child birth of her husband's love) with 
 open mouth she went to the magistrate appointed over such 
 matters, and there, with the most scolding invective, her rage 
 rather than eloquence could bring forth, she required his aid 
 to take Dametas, who had left his duty to the king and his 
 daughter, to commit adultery in the house of Charita's uncle, in 
 the Oudemian Street. But neither was the name of Charita 
 remembered, nor any such street known. Yet such was the 
 general mislike all men had of Dametas's unworthy advancement, 
 that every man was glad to make himself a minister of that which 
 might redound to his shame ; and therefore, with panic cries and 
 laughters, there was no suspected place in all the city but was 
 searched for under the title of Dametas, Miso ever foremost, 
 encouraging them with all the shameful blazings of his demeanour, 
 increasingthe sport of hunting her husband, with her diligent barking, 
 till at length, having done both him and herself as much infamous 
 shame as such a tongue in such an action might perform, in the 
 end not being able to find a thing that was not, to her mare again 
 she went, having neither suspicion nor rage anything mitigated. 
 But, leaving behind her a sufficient comedy of her tragical fancies, 
 away homeward she came, imputing the not finding her husband, 
 to any chance rather than to his innocency. For her heart being 
 apt to receive and nourish a bitter thought, it had so swallowed 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 527 
 
 up a determinate condemnation, that in the very anatomy of her 
 spirits one should have found nothing but devilish disdain, and 
 hateful jealousy. In this sort grunting out her mischievous spite, 
 she came by the tree, even as Dametas was making that ill- 
 understood intercession to his foolish Mopsa. As soon as she 
 heard her husband's voice, she verily thought she had her play ; 
 and therefore stealing from her mare as softly as she could, she 
 came creeping and halting behind him, even as he (thinking his 
 daughter's little wits had quite left her great noul) began to take 
 her in his arms, thinking perchance her feeling sense might call 
 her mind's parts unto her. But Miso, who saw nothing but 
 through the choler of revengeful anger, established upon the fore- 
 judgment of his trespass, undoubtedly resolving that Mopsa was 
 Charita, Dorus had told her of, mumping out her hoarse chase, 
 she gave him the wooden salutation you heard of; Dapietas, 
 that was not so sensible in anything as in blows, turned up his 
 blubbered face like a great lout new whipped : " Alas ! thou 
 woman," said he, " what hath thy poor husband deserved to have 
 his own ill luck loaden with displeasure ? Pamela is lost, Pamela 
 is lost." Miso still holding on the course of her former fancy, 
 "what tellest thou me, naughty varlet, of Pamela; Dost thou 
 think that doth answer me for abusing the laws of marriage? 
 Have I brought thee children, have I been a true wife unto thee, 
 to be despised in mine old age? And ever among she would 
 sauce her speeches with such bastinadoes, that poor Dametas 
 began now to think, that either a general madding was fallen 
 or else that all this was but a vision. But as for visions the smart 
 of the cudgel put out of his fancy; and therefore again turning 
 to his wife, not knowing what in the world she meant, "Miso" 
 said he, "hereafter thou mayest examine me, do but now tell me 
 what IS become of Pamela." " I will first examine this drab » said 
 she, and withal let fall her staff as hard as she could upon Monsa 
 still taking her for Charita. But Mopsa that was already anL' 
 thinking that she had hindered her from Apollo, leaped up and 
 caught her by the throat, like to have strangled her, but that 
 Dametas from a condemned man was fain to become a jud^e 
 and part this fray, such a picture of rude discord, where each was 
 out with the other two. And then getting the opportunhy of 
 their falling out to hold himself in surety, who was indeed the 
 venest^coward of the three, he renewed his earnest demand 
 
 But it was a sport to see, how the former conceits Dorus had 
 tl^TmTo T r^^'^^r ■ '^^P* ^'"^ -=h dominion r hem 
 
 Mopsf vet d7rh"°> ''' '""""^ ^"' '''' '' -- h« dauSr 
 Mopsa, yet did Chanta continually pass through her thoughts 
 
528 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 which she uttered with such crabbed questions to Dametas, that 
 he not possibly conceiving any part of her doubt, remained 
 astonished, and the astonishment increased her doubt. And as 
 for Mopsa, as first she did assuredly take him to be Apollo, and 
 thought her mother's coming did but mar the bargain ; so now 
 much talking to and fro had delivered so much light into the 
 misty mould of her capacity, as to know him to be her father. Yet 
 remained there such footsteps of the foretaken opinion that she 
 thought verily her father and mother were hasted thither to get the 
 first wish. And therefore to whatsoever they asked of her, she 
 would never answer, but embracing the tree, as if she feared it had 
 been running away, " Nay," says she, " I will have the first wish, 
 for I was here first;" which they understood no more than 
 Dametas did what Miso meant by Charita ; till at length with 
 much urging them, being indeed better able to persuade both, than 
 to meet hand to hand with either, he prevailed so much with them, 
 as to bring them into the lodge to see what loss their negligence 
 had suffered. Then indeed the near neighbourhood they bare to 
 themselves, made them leave other toys, and look into what 
 dangerous plight they were all fallen, as soon as the king should 
 know his daughter's escape. And as for the women, they began 
 afresh to enter into their brawling, whether were in the fault. But 
 Dametas, who did fear that among his other evils, the thunderbolt 
 of that storm would fall upon his shoulders, slipped away from 
 them, but with so maugre a cheer, as might much sooner engender 
 laughter than pity. " O true Arcadia," would he say (tearing his 
 hair and beard, and sometime for too much woe, making unwieldy 
 former-faults) how darest thou bear upon thee such a felonious 
 traitor as I am ? And you false hearted trees, why would you make 
 no noise to make her ungracious departure known ? Ah Pamela, 
 Pamela, how often when I brought thee in fine poesies of all 
 coloured flowers, wouldst thou clap me on the cheek, and say 
 thou wouldst be one day even with me ? Was this thy meaning, 
 to bring me to an even pair of gallows ? ah ill taught Dorus, 
 that camest hither to learn good manners of me? did I ever 
 teach thee to make thy master sweat out his heart for nothing, 
 and in the meantime to run away with thy mistress? O my dun 
 cow I did think some evil was towards me ever since the last day 
 thou didst run away from me, and held up thy tail so pitifully : did 
 I not see an eagle kill a cuckoo, which was a plain foretoken unto 
 me Pamela should be my destruction ? O wise Miso, if I durst say 
 it to thy face, why didst thou suspect thy husband that loveth a 
 piece of cheese better than a woman ? and thou little Mopsa, that 
 shall inherit the shame of thy father's death, .was it time for thee 
 to climb trees, which should so shortly be my best burial ? O that 
 
SOOK IV.] 
 
 ARCADIA 529 
 
 I could live without death, or die before I were aware ! O heart, 
 why hast thou no hands at commandment to dispatch thee ? O 
 hands, why want you a heart to kill this villain ? in this sort did he 
 inveigh against everything, sometimes thinking to run away, while 
 it was yet night : but he that had included all the world withm his 
 sheep coat, thought that worse than any death ; sometime fot 
 dread of hanging he meant to hang himself; finding, as indeed it 
 is, that fear is far more painful to cowardice, than death to a trua 
 courage." 
 
 But his fingers were nothing nimble in that action, and anything 
 was let enough thereto, he being a true lover of himself without 
 any rival. But, lastly, guided by a far greater constellation than 
 his own, he remembered to search the other lodge, where it might 
 be Pamela that night had retired herself. So thither with 
 trembling hams he carried himself; but employing his double key, 
 which the king for special credit had unworthily bestowed upon 
 him, he found all the gates so barred, that his key could not 
 prevail, saving only one trap door which went down into the vault 
 by the cellar, which as it was unknown of Pyrocles, so had he left 
 it unregarded. But Dametas, that ever knew the buttery better 
 than any other place, got in that way, and passing softly to 
 Philoclea's chamber, where he thought most likely to find Pamela; 
 the door being left open, he entered in, and by the light of the 
 lamp he might discern one on the bed by her ; which although he 
 took to be Pamela, yet thinking no surety enough in a matter 
 touching his neck, he went hard to the bedside of these unfortunate 
 lovers, who at that time being not much before the break of day 
 (whether it were they were so divinely surprised, to bring this 
 whole matter to the destined conclusion, or that the umesistable 
 force of their sorrows had overthrown the wakeful use of their 
 senses) were as then possessed with a mutual sleep, yet not 
 forgetting with viny embracements to give any eye a perfect model 
 of affection. But Dametas looking with the lamp in his hand, 
 but neither with such a face nor mind upon these excellent 
 creatures, as Phyche did upon her unknown lover, and giving 
 every way freedom to his fearful eyes, did not only perceive it was 
 Zelmane, and therefore much different from the lady he sought : 
 but that this same Zelmane did more differ from the Zelmane he 
 and others had ever taken her for, wherein the change of her 
 apparel chiefly confirmed his opinion ; satisfied with that, and not 
 thinking it good to awake the sleeping lion, he went down again, 
 taking with him Pyrocles's sword (wherewith upon his slight under- 
 suit Pyrocles came only apparelled thither) being sure to leave no 
 weapon in the chamber, and so making the doors as fast as he 
 could on the outside, hoping with the revealing of this, as he 
 
 2L 
 
530 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 thought greater fault, to make his own the less, or at least that 
 this injury would so fill the king's head, that he should not have 
 leisure to chastise his negligence (like a fool, not considering, 
 that the more rage breeds the crueller punishment), he went first 
 into the king's chamber, and not finding him there, he ran down 
 crying with open mouth, the king was betrayed, and that Zelmane 
 did abuse his daughter. The noise he made, being a man of no 
 ■few words, joined to the yelping sound of Miso, and his unpleasant 
 inheritrix, brought together sortie number of the shepherds, to 
 whom he without any regard of reserving it for the king's knowledge, 
 spattered out the bottom of his stomach, swearing by him that he 
 never knew that Zelmane, whom they had taken all the while to be 
 a woman, was as arrant a man as himself was, whereof he had 
 seen sufficient signs and tokens, and that he was as close as a 
 butterfly with the lady Philoclea. 
 
 The poor men jealous of their prince's honour, were ready with 
 weapons to have entered the lodge ; standing yet in some pause, 
 whether it were not best, first to hear some news from the king 
 himself, when by the sudden coming of other shepherds, which 
 with astonished looks ran from the one cry to the other, their 
 griefs were surcharged with the evil tidings of the king's death. 
 Turning therefore all their minds and eyes that way, they ran to 
 the cave where they said he lay dead, the sun beginning now to 
 send some promises of coming light, making haste, I think, to be 
 a spectator of the following tragedies. For Basilius having past 
 over the night more happy in contemplation than action, having 
 had his spirits subhmed with the sweet imagination of embracing 
 the most desired Zelmane, doubting lest the cave's darkness might 
 deceive him in the day's approach, thought it now season to return 
 to his wedlock-bed, remembering the promises he had made to 
 Zelmane, to observe true orders towards Gynecia. Therefore 
 departing, but not departing without bequeathing by a will of 
 words, sealed with many kisses, a full gift of all his love and life 
 to his misconceived bedfellow, he went to the mouth of the cave, 
 there to apparel himself ; in which doing, the motion of his joy 
 could not be bridled from uttering such like words : " Blessed be 
 thou, O night," said he, " that hast with thy sweet wings shrouded 
 me in the vale of bliss, it is thou that art the first gotten child of 
 time, the day hath been but an usurper upon thy delightful 
 inheritance, thou invitest all living things to comfortable rest, thou 
 art the stop of strife, and the necessary truce of approaching 
 battles." And therewith he sung these verses to confirm his 
 former praises. 
 
BOOK ir.] ARCADIA S3t 
 
 O night, the ease of care, the pledge of pleasure, 
 Desire's best mean, harvest of hearts affected, 
 The seat of peace, the throne which is erected, 
 
 Of humane life to be the quiet measure. 
 
 Be victor still of Phoebus golden treasure, 
 Who hath our sight with too much sight infected. 
 Whose light is cause we have our lives neglected, 
 
 Turning all nature's courses to self displeasure. 
 
 These stately stars in their now shining faces, 
 With senseless sleep, and silence wisdom's mother, 
 
 Witness his wrong, which by the help is eased. 
 Thou art therefore of these our desert places 
 
 The sure refuge ; by thee and by no other 
 My soul is blest, sense joy'd, and fortune raised. 
 
 And yet farther would his joys needs break forth. " O Basilius," 
 said he, " the rest of thy time hath been but a dream unto thee ; it 
 is now only thou beginnest to live, now only thou hast entered into 
 the way of blissfulness. Should fancy of marriage keep me from 
 this paradise.'' or opinion of I know not what promise bind me 
 from paying the right duties to nature and affection? O who 
 would have thought there could have been such difference betwixt 
 women? Be jealous no more, O Gynecia, but yield to the pre- 
 eminence of more excellent gifts, support thyself with such marble 
 pillars as she doth, deck thy breast with those alabaster bowls that 
 Zelmane doth ; then accompanied with such a title, perhaps thou 
 mayest recover the possession of my otherwise inclined love. But 
 alas ! Gynecia thou canst not show such evidence, therefore thy 
 plea is vain." Gynecia heard all this he said, who had cast about 
 her Zelmane's garment, wherein she came thither, and had followed 
 Basilius to the cave entry, full of inward vexation, betwixt the 
 deadly accusation of her own guiltiness, and the spiteful doubt she 
 had Zelmane had abused her. But because of the one side, finding 
 the king did think her to be Zelmane, she had liberty to imagine 
 it might rather be the king's own unbridled enterprise, which had 
 barred Zelmane, than Zelmane's cunning deceiving of her ; and 
 that of the other, if she should headily seek a violent revenge, her 
 own honour might be as much interested, as Zelmane endangered ; 
 she fell to this determination : First with fine handling of the 
 king to settle in him a perfect good opinion of her, and then as 
 she should learn how things had passed, to taste into herself new 
 devised counsel: but this being her first action, having given 
 unlocked for attendance to the king, she heard with what partiality 
 ie did prefer her to herself, she saw in him how much fancy doth 
 
532 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 not only darken reason, but beguile sense, she found opinion 
 mistress of the lover's judgment, which serving as a good lesson 
 to her good conceit, she went out to Basilius, setting herself in a 
 grave behaviour and stately silence before him ; until he (who at 
 the first thinking her by so much shadow as he could see to be 
 Zelmane, was beginning his loving ceremonies) did now being 
 helped by the peeping light wherewith the morning did overcome 
 the night's darkness, know her face and his error, which 
 acknowledging in himself with starting back from her, she thus 
 with a modest bitterness spoke unto him : " Alas ! my Lord, well 
 did your words decipher your mind, and well be those words 
 confirmed with this gesture. Very loathsome must that woman 
 be from whom a man hath cause to go back ; and little better 
 liked is that wife, before whom the husband prefers them he never 
 knew. Alas ! hath my faithful observing my part of duty made 
 you think yourself ever a whit the more exempted? hath that 
 which should claim gratefulness, been a cause of contempt.' Is 
 the being mother of Pamela become an odious name unto you? 
 if my life hitherto led have not avoided suspicion, if my violated 
 truth to you be deserving of any punishment, I refuse not to be 
 chastised with the most cruel torment of your displeasure ; I refuse 
 not misery, purchased by mine own merit. Hard I must needs 
 say (although till now I never thought I should have had cause 
 to say) is the destiny of womankind, the trial of whose virtue must 
 stand upon the loving of them that employ all their industry not 
 to be beloved. If Zelmane's young years had not had so much 
 gravity hidden under a youthful face, as your gray hairs have been 
 but the vizor of unfitting youthfulness, your vicious mind had 
 brought some fruits of repentance, and Gynecia might then have 
 been with much more right so basely despised." 
 
 Basilius, that was more ashamed to see himself overtaken, than 
 Vulcan was, when with much cunning he proved himself a cuckold, 
 began to make certain extravagant excuses : but the matter in 
 itself hardly brooking any purgation, with the suddenness of the 
 time, which barred any good conjoined invention, made him 
 sometimes allege one thing, to which by and by, he would bring 
 in a contrary, one time with flat denial, another time with 
 mitigating the fault ; now brave, then humble, use such a 
 stammering defensive that Gynecia, the violence of whose sore 
 indeed ran another way, was content thus to fasten up the last 
 stitch of her anger. "Well, well my Lord," said she, "it shall 
 well become you to govern yourself, as you may be fit rather to 
 direct me than to be judged of me, and rather to be a wise master 
 of me, that an unskilful pleader before me. Remember the wrong 
 you have done, is not only to me, but to your children whom you 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 533 
 
 had of me : to your country, when they shall find they are 
 commanded by him that cannot command his own indecent 
 appetites ; lastly, to yourself, since with these pains you do but 
 build up a house of shame to dwell in : if from those movable 
 goods of nature (wherewith, in my first youth my royal parents 
 bestowed me upon you) bearing you children, and increase of 
 years have withdrawn me, consider I pray you that as you are the 
 cause of the one, so in the other, time hath not left to work his 
 never-failing effects in you. Truly, truly, Sir, very untimely are 
 these fires in you ; it is time for us both to let reason enjoy his 
 due sovereignty. Let us not plant anew those weeds, which by 
 nature's course are content to fade." 
 
 Basilius that would rather than his life the matter had been 
 ended, the best rhetoric he had, was flat demanding pardon of her, 
 swearing it was the very force of Apollo's destiny which had 
 carried him thus from his own bias ; but that now like as far 
 travellers were taught to love their own country, he had such a 
 lesson without book, of affection unto her, as he would repay the 
 debt of this error with the interest of a great deal more true honour 
 than ever before he had done her. " Neither am I to give pardon 
 to you, my Lord," said she, " nor you to bear honour to me. I 
 have taken this boldness for the unfeigned love I owe unto you, 
 to deliver my sorrow unto you ; much more for the care I have of 
 your well-doing, than for any other self fancy. For well I know 
 that by your good estate my life is maintained, neither, if l" would, 
 can I separate myself from your fortune. For my part therefore 
 I claim nothing but that which may by safest for yourself; my life, 
 will, honour, and whatsoever else, shall be but a shadow of that 
 body." How much Basilius's own shame had found him culpable, 
 and had already even in soul read his own condemnation, so much 
 did this unexpected mildness of Gynecia captive his heart unto 
 her, which otherwise perchance would have grown to a desperate 
 carelessness. Therefore embracing her, and confessing that her 
 virtue shined in his vice, he did even with a true resolved mind 
 vow unto her, that as long as he, unworthy of her, did live, she 
 should be the farthest and only limit of his affection. He thanked 
 the destinies that had wrought her honour out of his shame, and 
 that made his own striving to go amiss, to be the best means ever 
 after to hold him in the right path. Thus reconciled to Basilius's 
 great contentation, who began something to mark himself in his own 
 doings his hard hap guided his eye to the cup of gold wherein 
 Gynecia had put the liquor meant for Zelmane, and having failed 
 of that guest, was now carrying it home again. But he whom 
 perchance sorrow, perchance some long disaccustomed pains, had 
 made extremely thirsty, took it out of her hands, although she 
 
534 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 directly told him both of whom she had it, what the effect of it 
 was, and the little proof she had seen thereof: hiding nothing 
 from him, but that she meant to minister it to another patient. 
 But the king, whose belly had no ears, and much drought kept 
 from the desiring a taster, finding it not unpleasant to his palate, 
 drank it almost off, leaving very little to cover the cup's bottom. 
 But within a while that from his stomach the drink had delivered 
 to his principal veins his noisome vapours, first with a painful 
 stretching, and forced yawning, then with a dark yellowness dying 
 his skin, and a cold deadly sweat principally about his temples, 
 his body by natural course longing to deliver his heavy burden 
 to his earthly dam, wanting force in his knees, which utterly 
 abandoned him, with a heavy fall gave some proof whether the 
 operation of that unknown potion tended. For, with pang-like 
 groans, and ghastly turning of his eyes, immediately all his limbs 
 stiffened, and his eyes fixed, he having had time to declare his 
 case only in these words ; " O Gynecia, I die ; have care." Of 
 what, or how much farther he would have spoken, no man can 
 tell : For Gynecia having well perceived the changing of his 
 colour, and those other evil signs, yet had not looked for such a 
 sudden overthrow, but rather had bethought herself what was best 
 for him, when she suddenly saw the matter come to that period, 
 coming to him, and neither with any cries getting a word of him, 
 nor with any other possible means, able to bring any living action 
 from him ; the height of all ugly sorrows did so horribly appear 
 before her amazed mind, that at the first it did not only distract 
 all power of speech from her, but almost wit to consider, remaining 
 as it were quick buried in a grave of miseries. Her painful 
 memory had straight filled her with the true shapes of all 
 the fore-past mischiefs ; her reason began to cry out against the 
 filthy rebellion of sinful sense, and to tear itself with anguish 
 for having made so weak a resistance, her conscience a terrible 
 witness of the inward wickedness, still nourishing this debateful 
 fire ; her complaint now not having an end to be directed unto, 
 from something to disburthen sorrow, but a necessary downfall 
 of inward wretchedness. She saw the rigour of the laws was like 
 to lay a shameful death upon her, which being for that action 
 undeserved, made it the more insupportable, and yet in depth of 
 her soul most deserved, made it more miserable. At length, 
 letting her tongue go as dolorous thoughts guided it, she thus with 
 lamentable demeanour spoke : 
 
 " O bottomless pit of sorrow, in which I cannot contain myself, 
 having the firebrands of all furies within me, still falling, and yet 
 by the infiniteness of it never fallen. Neither can I rid myself, 
 being fettered with the everlasting consideration of it For 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA S3S 
 
 whither should I recommend the protection of my dishonored fall ? 
 to the earth ? it hath no life, and waits to be increased by the relics 
 of my shamed carcass : to men ? who are always cruel in their 
 neighbour's faults, and make other's overthrow become the badge 
 of their ill masked virtue ? to the heavens ? O unspeakable torment 
 of conscience, which dare not look unto them. No sin can enter 
 there, O there is no receipt for polluted minds. Whither then wilt 
 thou lead this captive of thine, O snaky despair ! Alas, alas, was 
 this the free-holding power that accursed poison hath granted unto 
 me, that to be held the surer it should deprive life ? was this the 
 folding in mine arms promised, that I should fold nothing but a 
 dead body, O mother of mine what a dreadful fuck have you given 
 me ? O Philoclea, Philoclea, well hath my mother revenged upon 
 me my unmotherly hating of thee. O Zelmane, to whom yet, lest 
 any misery should fail me, remain some sparks of my detestable 
 love, if thou hast, as now alas ! now my mind assures me thou 
 hast, deceived me, there is a fair stage prepared for thee, to see the 
 tragical end of thy hated lover." With that word there flowed out 
 two rivers of tears out of her fair eyes, which before were dry, the 
 remembrance of her other mischiefs being dried up in a furious fire 
 of self detestation, love only, according to the tempter of it, melting 
 itself into those briny tokens of passion. Then turning her eyes 
 again upon the body, she remembered a dream she had had some 
 nights before, wherein thinking herself called by Zelmane, passing 
 a troublesome passage; she found a dead body which told her 
 there should be her only rest : This no sooner caught hold of her 
 remembrance, than she determined with herself, it was a direct 
 vision of her fore-appointed end, took a certain resolution to 
 embrace death, as soon as it should be offered unto her, and no 
 way seek the prolonging of her annoyed life. And therefore 
 kissing the cold face of Basilius ; " And even so will I rest, said 
 she, "and join this faulty soul of mine to thee, if so much the 
 angry gods will grant me." 
 
 As she was in this plight, the sun now climbing over the horizon ; 
 the first shepherds came by, who seeing the king in that case, and 
 hearing the noise Dametas made of the Lady Philoclea, ran with 
 the doleful tidings of Basilius's death unto him, who presently with 
 all his company cam% to the cave's entry, where the king's body 
 lay ; Dametas for his part more glad for the hope he had of his 
 private escape, than sorry for the public loss of his country received 
 for a prince not to be misliked. But in Gynecia nature prevailed 
 above judgment, and the shame she conceived to be taken in that 
 order, overcame for that instant the former resolution ; so that as 
 soon as she saw the foremost of the pastoral troop, the wretched 
 princess ran to have hid her face in the next woods ; but with such 
 
536 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 a mind, that she knew not almost herself what she could wish to 
 be the ground of her safety. Dametas that saw her run away in 
 Zelmane's upper raiment, and judging her to be so, thought 
 certainly all the spirits in hell were come to play a tragedy in these 
 woods, such strange change he saw every way. The king dead 
 at the cave's mouth ; the queen, as he thought, absent ; Pamela 
 fled away with Dorus ; his wife and Mopsa in divers frenzies. 
 But of all other things Zelmane conquered his capacity, suddenly 
 from a woman grown to a man ; and from a locked chamber 
 gotten before him into the fields, which he gave the rest quickly to 
 understand ; for instead of doing anything as the exigent required, 
 he began to make circles, and all those fanatical defences that he 
 had ever heard were fortification against devils. But the other 
 shepherds who hath both better wits, and more faith, forthwith 
 divided themselves, some of them running after Gynecia, and 
 esteeming her running away a great condemnation of her own 
 guiltiness : others going to their prince, to see what service was 
 left for them, either in recovery of his life, or honouring his death. 
 They that went after the queen, had soon overtaken her, in whom 
 now the first fears were staid, and the resolution to die had 
 repossessed his place in her mind. But when they saw it was the 
 queen, to whom besides the obedient duty they owed to her state, 
 they had always carried a singular love, for her courteous liberalities, 
 and other wise and virtuous parts, which had filled all that people 
 with aifection and admiration. They were all suddenly stopped, 
 beginning to ask pardon for their following her in that sort ; and 
 desiring her to be their good lady, as she had ever been. But the 
 queen, who now thirsted to be rid of herself, whom she hated 
 above all things ; with such an assured countenance as they have, 
 who already have dispensed with shame and digested the sorrows 
 of death, she thus said unto them, " Continue, continue, my 
 friends ; your doing is better than your excusing ; the one argues 
 assured faith, the other want of assurance. If you loved your 
 prince, when he was able and willing to do you much good, which 
 you could not then requite to him ; do you now publish your 
 gratefulness, when it shall be seen to the world, there are no hopes 
 left to lead you unto it ; Remember, remember you have lost 
 Basilius, a prince to defend you, a father to care for you, a 
 companion in your joys, a friend in your wants. And if you loved 
 him, show you hate the author of his loss. It is I, faithful 
 Arcadians, that have spoiled the country of their protector. I, 
 none but I, was the minister of his unnatural end. Carry 
 therefore my blood in your hands, to testify your own innocency, 
 neither spare for my title's sake, but consider it was he that so 
 entitled me. And if you think of any benefits by my means, think 
 
BOOK IV,] ARCADIA 537 
 
 with it that I was but the instrument and he the spring. What 
 stay ye shepherds, whose great shepherd Is gone ? you need not 
 fear a woman, reverence your lord's murderer, nor hath pity of her, 
 who hath no pity'of herself." 
 
 With this she presented her fair neck to some by name, others 
 by signs, desiring them to do justice to the world, duty to their 
 good king, honour to themselves, and favour to her. The poor 
 men looked one upon the other, unused to be arbiters in princes' 
 matters, and being now fallen into a great perplexity, between 
 a prince dead, and a princess alive. But once for them she might 
 have gone whither she would, thinking it a sacrilege to touch her 
 person, when she finding she was not a sufificient orator to persuade 
 her own death by their hands; "Well," said she, "it is but so 
 much more time of misery; for my part, I will not give my life 
 so much pleasure from henceforward as to yield to his desire of 
 his own choice of death ; since all the rest is taken away, yet let 
 me excel in misery. Lead me therefore whither you will; only 
 happy, because I cannot be more wretched." But neither so much 
 would the honest shepherds do, but rather with many tears 
 bemoaned this increase of their former loss, till she was fain to 
 lead them with a very strange spectacle, either that a princess 
 should be in the hands of shepherds, or a prisoner should direct 
 her guardians: lastly, before either witness or accuser, a lady 
 condemn herself to death. But in such moanful march they went 
 towards the other shepherds, who in the meantime had left nothing 
 unassayed to revive the king, but all was bootless : and their 
 sorrow increased the more they had suffered any hopes vainly 
 to arise. Among other trials they made to know at least the 
 cause of his end, having espied the unhappy cup, they gave the 
 little liquor that was left to a dog of Dametas, in which within 
 a short time it wrought the like effect; although Dametas did 
 so much to recover him, that for very love of his life he dashed out 
 his brains. But now altogether, and having Gynecia among them, 
 who, to make herself the more odious, did continually record 
 to their minds the access of their loss, they yielded themselves 
 over to all those forms of lamentation, that doleful images do 
 imprint in the honest, but over-tender hearts; especially when 
 they think the rebound of the evil falls to their own smart. 
 Therefore after the ancient Greek manner, some of them 
 remembering the nobility of his birth, continued by being like his 
 ancestors; others his shape, which though not excellent, yet 
 favour and pity drew all things now to the highest point ; others 
 his peaceable government, the thing which most pleaseth men, 
 resolved to live of their own ; others his liberality, which though 
 it cannot lij^ht upon all men, yet all men naturally hoping it may 
 
538 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 be, they make it a most amiable virtue. Some calling in question 
 the greatness of his power, which increased the comparison to 
 see the present change, having a doleful memory how he had 
 tempered it with such familiar courtesy among them, that they 
 did more feel the fruits than see the pomps of his greatness, all 
 with one consent giving him the sacred titles of good, just, 
 merciful, the father of the people, the life of his country, they ran 
 about his body, tearing their beards and garments ; some sending 
 their cries to heaven, others inventing particular howling music; 
 many vowing to kill themselves at the day of his funeral, generally 
 giving a true testimony that men are loving creatures when 
 injuries put them not from their natural course: and how easy 
 a thing it is for a prince by succession, deeply to sink into the 
 souls of his subjects, a more lively monument than Mausolus's 
 tomb. But as with such hearty lamentation, they dispersed among 
 those words their resounding shrieks, the sun, the perfectest mark 
 of time, having now gotten up two hours' journey in his daily 
 changing circle, their voice helped with the only answering echo, 
 came to the ears of the faithful and worthy gentleman Philanax: 
 who at that time was coming to visit the king, accompanied with 
 divers of the worthy Arcadian lords, who with him had invited 
 the place adjoining for the more assurance of Basilius's solitariness, 
 a thing after the late mutiny he had usually done : and since the 
 princess's return more diligently continued; which having now 
 likewise performed, thinking it as well his duty to see the king, 
 as of a good purpose, being so near, to receive his further direction : 
 accompanied as above-said he was this morning coming unto 
 him, when these unpleasant voices gave his mind an uncertain 
 presage of his near approaching sorrow. For by and by he saw 
 the body of his dearly esteemed prince, and heard Gynecia's 
 lamenting: not such as the turtle-like dove is wont to make for 
 the over-soon loss of her only beloved mate, but with cursings 
 of her life, detesting her own wickedness, seeming only therefore 
 not to desire death, because she would not show a love of anything. 
 The shepherds, especially Dametas, knowing him to be the second 
 person in authority, gave forthwith relation unto him, what they 
 knew and had proved of this dolorous spectacle, besides the other 
 accidents of his children. But he principally touched with his 
 master's loss, lighting from his horse with a heavy cheer, came 
 and kneeled down by him, where, finding he could do no more 
 than the shepherds had for his recovery, the constancy of his 
 mind, surprised before he might call together his best rules, could 
 not refrain such like words. "Ah dear master," said he, "what 
 change it hath pleased the Almighty justice to work in this place. 
 How soon, not to your loss, who having lived long to nature, 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 539 
 
 and to time longer by your well deserved glory, but longest of 
 all in the eternal mansion you now possess. But how soon I say 
 to our ruin, have you left the frail bark of your estate? O that 
 the words I in most faithful duty delivered unto you, when you 
 first entered this solitary course might have wrought as much 
 persuasion in you, as they sprang from truth in me, perchance 
 your servant Philanax should not now have cause in your loss 
 to bewail his own overthrow." And therewith taking himself: 
 "And indeed evil fitteth it me," said he, "to let go my heart to 
 womanish complaints, since my prince being undoubtedly well, 
 it rather shows love of myself, which makes me bewail mine own 
 loss. No, the true love must be proved in the honour of your 
 memory, and that must be showed with seeking just revenge 
 upon your unjust and unnatural enemies, and far more honourable 
 it will be for your tomb to have the blood of your murderers 
 sprinkled upon it than the tears of your friends. And if your soul 
 look down upon this miserable earth, I doubt not it had much 
 rather your death were accompanied with well-deserved 
 punishment of the causers of it, than with the heaping on it 
 more sorrows with the end of them, to whom you vouchsafed your 
 affection : let them lament that have woven the web of lamentation ; 
 let their own deaths make them cry out for your death, that were 
 the authors of it." Therewith carrying manful sorrow and 
 vindicative resolution in his face, he rose up, so looking on the 
 poor guiltless princess transported with an unjust justice, that his 
 eyes were sufficient heralds for him, to denounce a mortal hatred. 
 She, whom furies of love, firebrands of her conscience, shame of 
 the world, with the miserable loss of her husband, towards whom 
 now the disdain of herself bred more love ; with the remembrance 
 of her vision, wherewith she resolved assuredly the gods had 
 appointed that shameful end to be her resting place, had set her 
 mind to no other way but to death, used such like speeches, to 
 Philanax, as she had before to the shepherds; willing him not 
 to look upon her as a woman, but a monster; not as a queen, 
 but as a traitor to his prince; not as Basilius's wife, but as 
 Basilius's murderer. She told how the world required at his 
 hands, the just demonstration of his friendship ; if he now forgot 
 his king, he should show he had never loved but his fortune : 
 like those vermin that suck of the living blood, and leave the body 
 as soon as it is dead; poor queen needlessly seeking to kindle 
 him, who did most deadly detest her, which he uttered in this 
 bitter answer. " Madam," said he, " you do well to hate yourself, 
 for you cannot hate a worse creature ; and though we feel enough 
 your hellish disposition, yet we need not doubt you are of counsel 
 to yourself of much worse than we know. But now fear not; 
 
540 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 you shall not long be cumbered with being guided by so evil 
 a soul; therefore prepare yourself, that if it be possible you may 
 deliver up your spirit so much purer, as you more wish your 
 wickedness with repentance." Then having presently given order 
 for the bringing from Mantinea, a great number of tents ; for the 
 receipt of the principal Arcadians: the manner of that country 
 being, that where the king died, their should be orders taken for 
 the country's government, and in the place any murder was 
 committed, the judgment should be given there, before the body 
 was buried, both concurring in this matter, and already great part 
 of the nobility being arrived, he delivered the queen to a 
 gentleman of great trust; and as for Dametas, taking from him 
 the keys of both the lodges, calling him the moth of his king's 
 estate, and only spot of his judgment, he caused- him, with his 
 wife and daughter,, to be fettered up in as many chains and clogs 
 as they could bear, and every third hour to be cruelly whipped, 
 till the determinate judgment should be given of all these matters. 
 That done, having sent already at his coming, to all the quarters 
 of the country to seek Pamela, although with small hope of 
 overtaking them, he himself went well accompanied to the lodge, 
 where the two unfortunate lovers were attending a cruel conclusion 
 of their long, painful, and late most painful affection. Dametas's 
 clownish eyes, having been the only discoverers of Pyrocles's 
 stratagem, had no sooner taken a full view of them, which in some 
 sights would rather have bred anything, than an accusing mind, 
 and locked the door upon these two young folks, now made 
 prisoners for love, as before they had been prisoners to love ; but 
 that immediately upon his going down, whether with noise 
 Dametas made, or with the creeping in of the light, or rather 
 that as extreme grief had procured his sleep, so extreme care had 
 measured his sleep, giving his senses very early salve to come 
 to themselves, Pyrocles awaked, and being up, the first evil 
 handful he had of the ill case wherein he was, was the seeing 
 himself deprived of his sword, from which he had never separated 
 himself in any occasion, and even that night first by the king's 
 bed, and then there had laid it, as he thought safe : putting great 
 part of the trust of his well-doing in his own courage so armed. 
 For indeed the confidence in one's self is the chief nurse of 
 magnanimity, which confidence notwithstanding doth not leave 
 the care of necessary furnitures for it: and therefore of all the 
 Grecians, Homer doth ever make Achilles the best armed. But 
 that, as I say, was the first ill token ; but by and by he perceived 
 he was a prisoner before any arrest : for the door which he had 
 left open was made so fast of the outside, that for all the force 
 he <:ould employ unto it, he could not undo Dametas's doing ; then 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 541 
 
 went he to the windows, to see if that way there were any escape 
 for him and his dear lady. But as vain he found all his 
 employment there, not having might to break out but only one 
 bar; wherein notwithstanding he strained his sinews to the 
 uttermost: and that he rather took out to use for other service, 
 than for any possibility he had to escape; for even then it was 
 that Dametas having gathered together the first coming shepherds, 
 did blabber out what he had found in the lady Philoclea's chamber. 
 Pyrocles markingly hearkened to all that Dametas said, whose 
 voice and mind acquaintance had taught him sufficiently to know. 
 But when he assuredly perceived that his being with the Lady 
 Philoclea was fully discovered: and by the folly or malice, or 
 rather malicious folly of Dametas, her honour therein touched 
 in the highest degree: remembering withal the cruelty of the 
 Arcadian laws, which without exception did condemn all to death 
 who were found, as Dametas reported of them, in act of marriage, 
 without solemnity of marriage, assuring himself, besides the law, 
 the king and the queen would use so much the more hate against 
 their daughter, as they had found themselves sotted by him in 
 the pursuit of their love. Lastly, seeing they were not only in 
 the way of death, but fitly incaged for death, looking with a hearty 
 grief upon the honour of love, the fellowless Philoclea, whose 
 innocent soul now enjoying his own goodness did little know the 
 danger of his ever fair, then sleeping harbour, his excellent wit 
 strengthened with virtue, but guided by love, had soon described 
 to himself a perfect vision of their present condition, wherein 
 having presently cast a resolute reckoning of his own part of the 
 misery, not only the chief but sole burden of his anguish consisted 
 in the unworthy case, which was like to fall upon the best deserving 
 Philoclea. He saw the misfortune, not the mismeaning of his 
 work, was like to bring that creature to end, in whom the world, 
 as he thought, did begin to receive honour: he saw the weak 
 judgment of man would condemn that as death deserving vice 
 in her, which had in troth never broken the bonds of a true living 
 virtue : and how oft his eye turned to his attractive adamant, so 
 often did an unspeakable horror strike his noble heart to consider 
 so unripe years, so faultless a beauty, the mansion of so pure 
 goodness, should have her youth so untimely cut off, her natural 
 perfections so unnaturally consumed, her virtue rewarded with 
 shame : sometimes he would accuse himself of negligence, that 
 had not more curiously looked to all the house-entries, and yet 
 could he not imagine the way Dametas was gotten in: and to 
 call back what might have been, to a man of wisdom and courage, 
 carries but a vain shadow of discourse ; sometimes he could not 
 choose but with a dissolution of his inward might lamentably 
 
542 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 consider with what face he might look upon his, till then, joy 
 Philoclea, when the next hght waking should deliver unto her, 
 should perchance be the last of her hurtless life. And that 
 the first time she should bend her excellent eyes upon him, she 
 should see the accursed author of her dreadful end, and even 
 this consideration more than any other, did so set itself in his 
 well-disposed mind, that dispersing his thoughts to all the ways 
 that might be of her safety, finding a very small discourse in so 
 narrow limits of time and place, at length in many difficulties he 
 saw none bear any likelihood for her life, but his death. For then 
 he thought it would fall out, that when they found his body dead, 
 having no accuser but Dametas, as by his speech he found there 
 was not, it might justly appear that either Philoclea in defending 
 her honour, or else he himself in despairing of achieving, had 
 left his carcass proof of his intent, but witness of her clearness. 
 Having a small while stayed upon the greatness of his resolution, 
 and looked to the farthest of it : " Be it so," said the valiant 
 Pyrodes, "never life for better cause, nor to better end was 
 bestowed; for if death be to follow this doing, which no death 
 of mine could make me leave undone, who is to die so justly 
 as myself? and if I must die, who can be so fit executioners as 
 mine own hands, which as they were accessories to the doing, 
 so in killing me they shall suffer their own punishment ? " but then 
 arose there a new impediment ; for Dametas having carried away 
 anything which he thought might hurt as tender a man as himself, 
 he could find no fit instrument which might give him a final 
 dispatch : at length making the more haste, least his lady should 
 awake, taking the iron bar, which being sharper somewhat at the 
 one end than the other, he hoped, joined to his willing strength, 
 might break off the feeble thread of mortality. " Truly," said he, 
 " fortune thou hast well preserved mine enemy, that will grant me 
 no fortune but to be unfortunate, nor let me have an easy passage 
 now I am to trouble thee no more. But," said he, " O bar blessed 
 in that thou hast done service to the chamber of the paragon of 
 life, since thou couldst not help me to make a perfecter escape, 
 yet serve my turn I pray thee, that I may escape from myself,'' 
 therewithal yet once looking to fetch the last repass of his eyes, 
 and now again transported with the pitiful case he left her in, 
 kneeling down he thus prayed. 
 
 " O great maker and great ruler of this world," said he, " to Thee 
 do I sacrifice this blood of mine, and suffer. Lord, the errors of my 
 youth to pass away therein, and let not the soul by Thee made, 
 and ever bending unto Thee, be now rejected of Thee, neither be 
 offended that I do abandon this body, to the government of which 
 Thou hadst placed me, without Thy leave ; since how can I know 
 
BOOK IT.] ARCADIA 543 
 
 but that Thy unsearchable mind is I should so do, since Thou hast 
 taken from me all means longer to abide in it ? and since the 
 difference stands but in a short time of dying, Thou that hast 
 taken from me all means longer to abide in it? and since the 
 difference stands but in a short time of dying, Thou that hast 
 framed my soul inclined to do good, how can I in this small space 
 of mine benefit so much all the human kind, as in preserving Thy 
 perfectest workmanship, their chieftest honour? O justice itself, 
 howsoever thou determines! of me, let this excellent innocency not 
 be oppressed ? let my life pay her loss, O Lord give me some sign 
 that I may die with this comfort." (And paused a little as if he 
 had hoped for some token) whensoever to the eternal darkness of 
 the earth she doth follow me, let our spirits possess one place, and 
 let them be more happy in that uniting. With that word striking 
 the bar upon his heart side, with all the force he had, and falling 
 withal upon it to give the thorougher passage, the bar in troth was 
 too blunt to do the effect, although it pierced his skin, and bruised 
 his ribs very sore, so that his breath was almost past him. But 
 the noise of his fall drove away sleep from the quiet senses of the 
 dear Philoclea, whose sweet soul had an early salutation of a 
 deadly spectacle unto her, with so much more astonishment, as the 
 falling asleep but a little before she had retired herself from the 
 utmost point of wofulness, and saw now again before her eyes the 
 most cruel enterprise that human nature can undertake, without 
 discerning any cause thereof. But the lively print of her affection 
 had soon taught her not to stay long upon deliberation in so urgent 
 a necessity ; therefore getting with speed her weak, though well 
 accorded hmbs, out of her sweetened bed, as when jewels are 
 hastily pulled out of some rich coffer, she spared not the nakedness 
 of her tender feet, but I think borne as fast with desire as fear 
 carried Daphne, she came running to Pyrocles, and finding his 
 spirits something troubled with the fall, she put by the bar that 
 lay close to him, and straining him in her most beloved embrace- 
 ments : " My comfort, my joy, my life," said she, "what haste have 
 you to kill your Philoclea with the most cruel torment that ever 
 lady suffered ? Do you not yet persuade yourself that any hurt of 
 yours is a death unto me ; and that your death should be my hell. 
 Alas ! if any sudden mislike of me, for other cause I see none, 
 have caused you to loathe yourself; if any fault or defect of mine 
 hath bred this terrible rage in you, rather let me suffer the bitterness 
 of it, for so -shall the deserver be punished, mankind preserved 
 from such a ruin, and I for my part shall have that comfort, that I 
 die by the noblest hand that ever drew sword.'! Pyrocles, grieved 
 with his fortune, that he had not in one instant cut off all such 
 deliberation, thinking his life only reserved to be bound to be the 
 
544 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 unhappy newsteller : "Alas," said he, "my only star, why do you 
 this wrong to God, yourself, and me, to speak of faults in you ? 
 No, no, most faultless, most perfect lady, it is your excellency that 
 makes me hasten my desired end ; it is the right I owe to the 
 general nature, that, though against private nature, makes me seek 
 the preservation of all that she hath done in this age, let me, 
 let me die. There is no way to save Ufe, most worthy to be 
 conserved, than that my death be your clearing." Then did he 
 with far more pain and backward loathness, than the so near 
 killing himself was, but yet driven with necessity to make her yield 
 to that he thought was her safety, make her a short but pithy 
 discourse, what he had heard by Dametas's speeches, confirming 
 the rest with a plain demonstration of their imprisonment. And 
 then sought he a new means of stopping his breath ; but that by 
 Philoclea's labour, above her force, he was stayed to hear her. In 
 whom a man might perceive what a small difference in the working 
 there is, betwixt a simple voidness of evil and a judicial habit of 
 virtue. For she, not with an unshaken magnanimity, wherewith 
 Pyrocles weighed" and despised death, but with an innocent 
 guiltiness, not knowing why she should fear to deliver her unstained 
 soul to God, helped with the true loving of Pyrocles, which made 
 her think no life without him, did almost bring her mind to as 
 quiet attending all accidents, as the unmastered virtue of Pyrocles. 
 Yet having with a pretty paleness, which did leave milken lines 
 upon her rosy cheeks, paid a Uttle duty to human fear, taking the 
 prince by his hand, and kissing the wound he had given himself : 
 " O the only life of my life, and if it fall out so, the comfort of my 
 death,'' said she, " far, far from you be the doing of me such wrong 
 as to think I will receive my life as a purchase of your death, but 
 well may you make my death so much more miserable, as it shall 
 anything be delayed after my only felicity. Do you think I can 
 account of the moment of death, like the unspeakable afflictions 
 my soul should suffer, so oft as I call Pyrocles to my mind, which 
 should be as oft as I breathed ? Should these eyes guide my steps, 
 that had seen your murderer ? Should these hands feed me, that 
 had not hindered such a mischief? Should this heart remain 
 within me, at every pant to count the continual clock of my 
 miseries ? O no, if die we must, let us thank death, he hath not 
 divided so true a union. And truly, my Pyrocles, I have heard my 
 father and other wise men say that the killing of one's self is but a 
 false colour of true courage, proceeding rather of a fear of a further 
 evil, either of torment or shame. For if it were not a respecting 
 the harm, that would likewise make him not respect what might 
 be done unto him : and hope, being of all other the most contrary 
 thing to fear ; this being an utter banishment of hope, h seems to 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 545 
 
 receive his ground in fear. Whatsoever, would they say, comes out 
 of despair, cannot bear the title of valour, which should be lifted 
 up to such a height, that holding all things under itself, it should 
 be able to maintain his greatness even in the midst of miseries. 
 Lastly, they would say, God had appointed us captains of these 
 our bodily forts, which without treason to that majesty, were never 
 to be delivered over till they were re-demanded." 
 
 Pyrocles, who had that for a law unto him, not to leave Philoclea 
 in anything unsatisfied, although he still remained in his former 
 purpose, and knew that time would grow short for it, yet hearing 
 no noise, the shepherds being as then run to Basilius, with settled 
 and humble countenance, as a man that should have spoken of a 
 thing that did not concern himself, bearing even in his eyes 
 sufficient shows, that it was nothing but Philoclea's danger which 
 did anything burden his heart, far stronger than fortune, having 
 with vehement embracings of her got yet some fruit of his delayed 
 end, he thus answered the wise innocency of Philoclea. " Lady, 
 most worthy not only of life, but to be the very life of all things ; 
 the more notable demonstrations you make of love so far beyond 
 my desert, with which it pleaseth you to overcome fortune, in 
 making me happy ; the more am I, even in course of humanity, to 
 leave that love's force which I neither can nor will leave, bound to 
 seek requital's witness, that I am not ungrateful to do which, the 
 infiniteness of your goodness being such as I cannot reach unto it, 
 yet doing all I can, and paying my life, which is all I have, though 
 it be far, without measure, short of your desert, yet shall I not die 
 in debt to mine own duty. And truly, the more excellent arguments 
 you made, to keep me from this passage, imagined far more 
 terrible than it is, the more plainly it makes me to see what reason 
 I have, to prevent the loss not only of Arcadia, but all the face of 
 the earth should receive, if such a tree, which even in his first 
 spring, doth not only bear most beautiful blossoms, but most rare 
 fruit, should be so untimely cut off. Therefore, O most truly 
 beloved lady, to whom I desire for both our goods that these may 
 be my last words, give me your consent even out of that wisdom 
 which must needs see, that, besides your unmatched betterness 
 which perchance you will not see, it is fitter one die than both! 
 And since you have sufficiently showed you love me, let me claim 
 by that love you will be content rather to let me die contentedly 
 than wretchedly, rather with a clear and joyful conscience than 
 with desperate condemnation in myself, that I, accursed villain, 
 should be the means qf banishing from the sight of men the true 
 example of virtue. And because there is nothing left me to be 
 imagined, which I so much desire, as that the memory of Pyrocles 
 may ever have an allowed place in your wise judgment, I am 
 
 2 M 
 
546 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 content to draw so much breath longer, as by answering the 
 sweet objections you alleged, may bequeath, as I think, a right 
 conceit unto you, that this my doing is out of judgment, and not 
 sprung of passion. Your father, you say, was wont to say, that 
 this like action doth more proceed of fear of farther evil or shame 
 than of a true courage : truly first, they put a very guessing case, 
 speaking of them who can never after come to tell with what mind 
 they did it. And as for my part, I call the immortal truth to witness 
 that no fear of torment can appal me ; who know it is but diverse 
 manners of apparelling death ; and have long learned to set 
 bodily pain but in the second form of my being. And as for 
 shame, how can I be ashamed of that for which my well meaning 
 conscience will answer for me to God, and your unresistable beauty 
 to the world ? But to take that argument in his own force, and 
 grant it done for avoiding of farther pain or dishonour : (for as for 
 the name of fear, it is but an odious title of a passion, given to that 
 which true judgment performeth) grant, I say, it is to shun a 
 worse case, and truly I do not see but that true fortitude, looking 
 into all human things with a persisting resolution, carried away 
 neither with wonder of pleasing things, nor astonishment of the 
 unpleasant, doth not yet deprive itself of the discerning the 
 difference of evil, but rather is the only virtue, which with an 
 assured tranquility shuns the greater by valiantly entering into the 
 less. Thus for his country's safety he will spend his life, for the 
 saving of a limb he will not niggardly spare his goods ; for the 
 saving of all his body he will not spare the cutting off a limb, 
 where indeed the weak-hearted man will rather die than see the 
 face of a surgeon, who might with as good reason say, that the 
 constant man abides the painful surgery for fear of a farther evil : 
 but he is content to wait for death itself, but neither is true ; for 
 neither had the one any fear, but a well-chosen judgment : nor the 
 other hath any contentment, but only fear, and not having a heart 
 actively to perform a matter of pain, is forced passively to abide a 
 greater damage. For to do, requires a whole heart ; to suffer 
 falleth easiliest in the broken minds. And if in bodily torment 
 thus, much more in shame, wherein since valour is a virtue, and 
 virtue is ever limited, we must not run so infinitely as to think the 
 valiant man is willingly to suffer anything, since the very suffering 
 of some things is a certain proof of want of courage. And if 
 anything unwillingly, among the chiefest may shame go ; for if 
 honour be to be held dear, his contrary is to be abhorred, and that 
 not for fear, but of a true election. For which is the less 
 inconvenient, either the loss of some years more or less (when 
 once we know our lives be not immortal) or the submitting 
 ourselves to each unworthy misery which the foolish world may 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 547 
 
 lay upon us? as for their reason, that fear is contrary to hope, 
 neither do I defend fear, nor much yield to the authority of hope, 
 to either of which great inclining shows but a feeble reason which 
 must be guided by his servants ; and who builds not upon hope, 
 shall fear no earthquake of despair. Their last alleging of the 
 heavenly powers, as it bears the greatest name, so it is the only 
 thing that at all breeds any combat in my mind, and yet I do not 
 see but that if God had made us masters of anything, it is of our 
 own lives out of which, without doing wrong to anybody, we are to 
 issue at our own pleasure. And the same argument would as 
 much prevail to say we should for no necessity lay away from us 
 any of our joints, since they being made of Him, without His 
 warrant we should not depart from them ; or if that may be, for 
 a greater cause we may pass to a greater degree. And if we be 
 lieutenants of God in this little castle, do you not think we must 
 take warning of Him to give over our charge when He leaves us 
 unprovided of good means to tarry in it ? " " No certainly do I not," 
 answered the sorrowful Philoclea, " since it is not for us to appoint 
 that mighty majesty what time He will help us ; the uttermost 
 instant is scope enough for Him to revoke everything to one's own 
 desire. And therefore to prejudicate His determination is but a 
 doubt of goodness in Him Who is nothing but goodness. But when 
 indeed He doth either by sickness, or outward force lay death upon 
 us, then are we to take knowledge that such is His pleasure, and to 
 know that all is well that He doth. That we should be masters of 
 ourselves, we can show at all no title nor claim ; since neither we 
 made ourselves, nor bought ourselves, we can stand upon no other 
 right but His gift, which He must limit as it pleaseth Him. Neither 
 is there any proportion betwixt the loss of any other limb, and 
 that, since the one bends to the preserving of all, the other to the 
 destruction of all ; the one takes not away the mind from the 
 actions for which it is placed in the world, the other cuts off all 
 possibility of his working. And truly my most dear Pyrocles, I 
 must needs protest unto you, that I cannot think your defence 
 even in rules of virtue sufficient. Sufficient and excellent it were, 
 if the question were of two outward things, wherein a man might 
 by nature's freedom determine, whether he would prefer shame to 
 pain ; present smaller torment, to greater following, or no. But to 
 this, besides the comparison of the matter's valour, there is added 
 of the one part a direct evil doing, which maketh the balance of 
 that side too much unequal ; since a virtuous man without any 
 respect, whether the grief be less or more, is never to do that 
 which he cannot assure himself is allowable before the everliving 
 rightfulness ; but rather is to think honours or shames which stand 
 in other men's true or false judgments, pains or not pains, which 
 
548 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 yet never approach our souls, to be nothing in regard of an 
 unspotted conscience. And these reasons do I remember, I have 
 heard good men bring in, that since it hath not his ground in an 
 assured virtue, it proceeds rather of some other disguised passion." 
 Pyrocles was not so much persuaded as delighted, by her well- 
 conceived and sweetly pronounced speeches : but when she had 
 closed her pitiful discourse, and as it were sealed up her delightful 
 lips, with the moistness of her tears, which followed still one 
 another like a precious rope of pearl, now thinking it high time : 
 " Be it as you say," said he, " most virtuous beauty, in all the rest, 
 but never can God himself persuade me that Pyrocles's life is not 
 well lost, for to preserve the most admirable Philoclea. Let that 
 be, if it be possible, written on my tomb, and I will not envy 
 Codrus's honour." With that he would again have used the bar, 
 meaning if that failed, to leave his brains upon the wall, when 
 Philoclea now brought to that she most feared, kneeled down unto 
 him, and embracing so his legs, that without hurting her (which 
 for nothing he would have done) he could not rid himself from 
 her, she did with all the conjuring words, which the authority of 
 love may lay, beseech him he would not now so cruelly abandon 
 her, he would not leave her comfortless in that misery to which he 
 had brought her. That then indeed she would even in her soul 
 accuse him to have most foully betrayed her ; that then she would 
 have cause to curse the time that ever the name of Pyrocles came 
 to her ears, which otherwise no death could make her do. " Will 
 you leave me," said she, "not only dishonoured, as supposed 
 unchaste with you, but as a murderer of you ? Will you give mine 
 eyes such a picture of hell, before my near approaching death, as 
 to see the murdered body of him I love more than all the lives 
 nature can give ? " With that she swore by the highest cause of 
 all devotions, that if he did persevere in that cruel resolution, she 
 would, though untruly, not only confess to her father that with her 
 consent this act had been committed, but if that Would not serve 
 (after she had pulled out her own eyes made accursed by such a 
 sight) she would give herself so terrible a death, as she might 
 think the pain of it would countervail the never dying pain of her 
 mind. " Now therefore kill yourself to crown this virtuous action 
 with infamy : kill yourself to make me, whom you say you love, 
 as long as I after live, change my loving admiration of you to a 
 tletestable abhorring your name. And so indeed you shall have 
 the end you shoot at : for instead of one death, you shall give me 
 a thousand, and yet in the meantime, deprive me of the help God 
 may send me." Pyrocles, even over-weighed with her so wisely 
 uttered affection, finding her determination so fixed that his end 
 should but deprive them both of a present contentment, and not 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA , 549 
 
 avoid a coming evil (as a man that ran not into it by a sudden 
 qualm of passion, but by a true use of reason, preferrmg her life 
 to his own) now that wisdom did manifest unto him that way 
 would not prevail, he retired himself with as much tranquility 
 from it as before he had gone unto it. Like a man that had set 
 the keeping or leaving of the body as a thing without himself, and 
 so had thereof a freed and untroubled consideration. Therefore 
 throwing away the bar from him, and taking her up from the 
 place, where he thought the consummating of all beauties, very 
 worthily lay, suffering all his senses to devour up their chiefest 
 food, which he assured himself they should shortly after for ever 
 be deprived of: "Well," said he, "most dear lady, whose content- 
 ment I prefer before mine own, and judgment esteem more than 
 mine own, I yield unto your pleasure. The gods send you have 
 not won your own loss. For my part they are my witnesses that 
 I think I do more at your commandment in delaying my death 
 than another would in bestowing his life. But now," said he, " as 
 thus far I have yielded unto you, so grant me in recompense thus 
 much again, that I may find your love in granting, as you have 
 found your authority in obtaining. My humble suit is, you will 
 say I came in by force into your chamber, for so am I resolved 
 now to affirm, and that will be the best for us both, Ijut in no case 
 name my name that, whatsoever come of me, my house be not 
 dishonoured." 
 
 Philodea fearing lest refusal would turn him back again to his 
 violent refuge, gave him a certain countenance that might show she 
 did yield to his request, the latter part whereof indeed she meant 
 for his sake to perform. Neither could they spend more words 
 together ; for Philanax with twenty of the noblest personages of 
 Arcadia after him, were come into the lodge, Philanax making the 
 rest to stay below, for the reverence he bare to womanhood, as 
 stilly as he could came up to the door, and opening it, drew the 
 eyes of these two doleful lovers upon him. Philodea closing 
 again for modesty's sake, within her bed the riches of her beauties, 
 but Pyrocles took hold of his bar, minding at least to die, before 
 the excellent Philodea should receive any outrage. But Philanax 
 rested a while upon himself, stricken with admiration at the goodly 
 shape of Pyrocles, whom before he had never seen, and withal 
 remembering, besides others, the notable act he had done, when 
 with his courage and eloquence, he had saved Basilius, perchance 
 the whole state from utter ruin, he felt a kind of relenting mind 
 towards him. But when that same thought came waited on with 
 the remembrance of his master's death, which he by all probabilities 
 thought he had been of council unto with the queen, compassion 
 turned to hateful passion, and left in Philanax a strange medley, 
 
550 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 betwixt pity and revenge, betwixt liking and abhorring. " O lord," 
 said he to himself, " what wonders doth nature in our time to set 
 wickedness so beautifully garnished ? and that which is strangest, 
 out of one spring to make wonderful effects both of virtue and 
 vice to issue?" Pyrocles seeing him in such a muse, neither 
 knowing the man, nor the cause of coming, but assuring himself it 
 was for no good, yet thought best to begin with him in this sort. 
 " Gentleman," said he, " what is the cause of your coming to my 
 lady Philoclea's chamber? is it to defend her from such violence 
 as I might go about to offer unto her? if it be so, truly your 
 coming is vain, for her own virtue hath been a sufficient resistance ; 
 there needs no strength to be added to so inviolate chastity, the 
 excellency of her mind makes her body impregnable. Which for 
 my own part I had soon yielded to confess, with going out of this 
 place, where I found but little comfort being so disdainfully 
 received, had I not been, I know not by whom presently upon my 
 coming hither, so locked into this chamber that I could never 
 escape hence ; where I was fettered in the most guilty shame that 
 ever man was, seeing what a paradise of unspotted goodness, my 
 filthy thoughts sought to defile. If for that therefore you come, 
 already I assure you your errand is performed ; but if it be to bring 
 me to any punishment whatsoever, for having undertaken so 
 inexcusable presumption ; truly I bear such an accuser about me 
 in mine own conscience, that I willingly submit myself unto it. 
 Only thus much let me demand of you, that you will be a witness 
 unto the king what you hear me say, and oppose yourself, that 
 neither his sudden fury, nor any other occasion may offer any hurt 
 to this lady ; in whom you see nature hath accomplished so much 
 that I am fain to lay mine own faultiness as a foil of her purest 
 excellency. I can say no more, but look upon her beauty, 
 remember her blood, consider her years, and judge rightly of her 
 virtues, and I doubt not a gentleman's mind will then be a 
 sufficient instructor unto you, in this, I may term it miserable 
 chance, happened unto her by my unbridled audacity." 
 
 Philanax was content to hear him out, not for any favour he 
 owed him, but to see whether he would reveal anything of the 
 original cause and purpose of the king's death. But finding it so 
 far from that, that he named Basilius unto him, as supposing him 
 alive, thinking it rather cunning than ignorance : " Young man," 
 said he, " whom I have cause to hate before I have mean to know, 
 you use but a point of skill by confessing the manifest smaller 
 fault, to be believed hereafter in the denial of the greater. But for 
 that matter, all passeth to one end, and hereafter we shall have 
 leisure by torments to seek the truth, if the love of the truth itself 
 will not bring you unto it. As for my Lady Philoclea, if it so fall 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 551 
 
 out as you say, it shall be the more fit for her years, and comely 
 for the great house that she is come of, that an ill-governed beauty 
 hath not cancelled the rules of virtue. But howsoever it be, it is 
 not for you to teach an Arcadian what reverend duty we owe unto 
 any of that progeny. But," said he, " come you with me without 
 resistance, for the one cannot avail, and the other may procure 
 pity." " Pity ! " said Pyrocles, with a bitter smiling, disdaining 
 with so currish an answer, " no, no, Arcadian, I can quickly have 
 pity of myself, and would think my life most miserable, which 
 should be a gift of thine. Only I demand this innocent lady's 
 security, which until thou hast confirmed unto _ me by an oath, 
 assure thyself the first that lays hands upon her shall leave his 
 life for a testimony of his sacrilege. Philanax, with an inward 
 scorn, thinking it most manifest they were both, he at least, of 
 council with the king's death ; " Well," said he, " you speak much 
 to me of the king : I do here swear unto you, by the love I have 
 ever borne him, she shall have no worse howsoever it fall out than 
 her own parents." " And upon that word of yours I yield," said 
 the poor Pyrocles, deceived by him that meant not to deceive him. 
 Then did Philanax deliver him into the hands of a nobleman in 
 the company, everyone desirous to have him in his charge, so 
 much did his goodly presence, wherein true valour shined, breed 
 a delightful admiration in all the beholders. Philanax himself 
 stayed with Philoclea, to see whether of her he might learn some 
 disclosing of his former conclusion. But she, sweet lady, whom 
 first a kindly shamefulness had separated from Pyrocles, having 
 been left in a more open view than her modesty would well bear 
 then the attending her father's coming, and studying how to 
 behave herself towards him for both their safeties, had called her 
 spirits all within her; now that upon a sudden Pyrocles was 
 delivered out of the chamber from her, at the first she was so 
 surprised with the extreme stroke of the woful sight, that like 
 those that in their dreams are taken with some ugly vision, they 
 would fain cry for help but have no force, so remained she a while 
 quite deprived not only of speech but almost of any other lively 
 action. But when indeed Pyrocles was quite drawn from her eyes, 
 and that her vital strength began to return unto her, now not 
 knowing what they did to Pyrocles, but, according to the nature 
 of love, fearing the worst, wringing her hands, and letting 
 abundance of tears be the first part of her eloquence, bending 
 her amber crowned head over her bedside to the hard-hearted 
 Philanax. « O Philanax, Philanax," said she, « I know how much 
 authority you have with my father : there is no man whose wisdom 
 he so much esteems, nor whose face he so much reposes upon 
 Kemember how oft you have promised your service unto me' 
 
SS2 ARCADIA [book IV. 
 
 how oft you have given me occasion to believe that there was no 
 lady in whose favour you more desired to remain: and if the 
 remembrance be not unpleasant to your mind, or the rehearsal 
 unfitting for my fortune, remember there was a time when I could 
 deserve it. Now my chance is turned, let not your truth turn. 
 I present myself unto you, the most humble and miserable 
 suppliant living, neither shall my desire be great: I seek for no 
 more life than I shall be found worthy of If my blood may wash 
 away the dishonour of Arcadia, spare it not, although through me 
 it hath indeed never been dishonoured. My only suit is, you will 
 be a mean for me, that while I am suffered to enjoy this life, I may 
 not be separated from him, to whom the gods have joined me, 
 and that you determine nothing of him more cruelly than you do 
 of me. If you rightly judge of what hath past, wherein the gods, 
 that should have been of our marriage, are witnesses of our 
 innocencies, then procure, we may live together. But if my father 
 will not so conceive of us, as the fault, if any were, was united, 
 so let the punishment be united also." There was no man that 
 ever loved either his prince, or anything pertaining to him, with 
 a truer zeal than Philanax did. This made him, even to the depth 
 of his heart, receive a most vehement grief, to see his master made 
 as it were more miserable after death. And for himself, calling to 
 mind in what sort his life had been preserved by Philoclea, what 
 time taken by Amphialus, he was like to suffer a cruel death, there 
 was nothing could have kept him from falling to all tender pity but 
 the perfect persuasion he had that all this was joined to the pack 
 of his master's death, which the misconceived speech of marriage 
 made him the more believe. Therefore first muttering to himself 
 such like words: "the violence the gentleman spoke of, is now 
 turned to marriage : he alleged Mars, but she speaks of Venus : 
 O unfortunate master! this hath been that fair devil Gynecia; 
 sent away one of her daughters, prostituted the other, impoisoned 
 thee, to overthrow the diadem of Arcadia." But at length thus 
 unto herself he said : " If your father. Madam, were now to speak 
 unto, truly there should nobody be found a more ready advocate 
 for you than myself For I would suffer this fault, though very 
 great, to be blotted out of my mind, by your former led life, your 
 benefit towards myself, and being daughter to such a father. But 
 since among yourselves you have taken him away, in whom was 
 the only power to have mercy, you must be clothed in your own 
 working, and look for none other than that which dead pitiless 
 laws may allot unto you. For my part, I loved you for your virtue, 
 but now where is that ? I loved you in respect of a private benefit, 
 what is that in comparison of the public loss ? I loved you for your 
 father, unhappy folks you have robbed the world of him." These 
 
BOOK iv.j ARCADIA 553 
 
 words of her father were so little understood by the only well- 
 understanding Philoclea, that she desifed him to tell her, what he 
 meant to speak in such dark sort unto her of her lord and father, 
 whose displeasure was more dreadful unto her than her punishment : 
 that she was free in her own conscience, she had never deserved 
 evil of him, no not in this last fact : wherein, if it pleased him to 
 proceed with patience, he should find her choice had not been 
 unfortunate. He that saw her words written in the- plain table 
 of her fair face, thought it impossible there should therein be 
 contained deceit: and therefore so much the more abashed: 
 " Why," said he, " Madam, would you have me think, you are not 
 of conspiracy with the Princess Pamela's flight, and your father's 
 death?" With that word the sweet lady gave a pitiful cry, having 
 straight in her face and breast abundance of witnesses that her 
 heart was far from any such abominable consent. " Ah of all 
 sides utterly ruined Philoclea," said she, " now indeed I may well 
 suffer all conceit of hope to die in me. Dear father, where was 
 I that might not do you my last service before, soon after 
 miserably following you ? " Philanax, perceived the demonstration 
 so lively and true in her that he easily acquitted her in his heart 
 of that fact, and the more was moved to join with her in most 
 hearty lamentation. But remembering him, that the burden of 
 the state, and punishment of his master's murderers, lay all upon 
 him : " Well," said he, " Madam, I can do nothing, without all the 
 states of Arcadia : what they will determine of you, I know not : 
 for my part your speeches would much prevail with me, but that 
 I find not how to excuse your giving over your body to him that 
 for the last proof of his treason lent his garments to disguise your 
 miserable mother, in the most vile fact she hath committed. Hard 
 sure will it be to separate your causes, with whom you have so 
 nearly joined yourself." " Neither do I desire it," said the sweetly 
 weeping Philoclea: "Whatsoever you determine of him, do that 
 likewise to me, for I know from the fountain of virtue nothing but 
 virtue could ever proceed, only as you find him faultless, let him 
 find you favourable, and build not my dishonour upon surmises." 
 Philanax, feeling his heart more and more mollifying unto her 
 renewed the image of his dead master in his fancy, and using that 
 for the spurs of his revengeful choler, went suddenly without any 
 more speech from the desolate lady, to whom now fortune seemed 
 to threaten unripe death, and undeserved shame among her least 
 evils. But Philanax leaving good guard upon the lodge, went 
 himself to see the order of his other prisoners, whom even then 
 as he issued, he found increased by this unhoped means. 
 
 The noble Pamela having delivered over the burden of her 
 fearful cares, to the natural ease of ^ well-refreshing sleep, reposed 
 
554 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 both mind and body upon the trusted support of her princely 
 shepherd, when with the braying cries of a rascal company she 
 was robbed of her quiet, so that at one instant she opened her 
 eyes, and the enraged Musidorus rose from her, enraged betwixt 
 the doubt, he had what these men would go about, and the spite 
 he conceived against their ill-pleasing presence. But the clowns 
 having with their hideous noise brought them both to their 
 feet, had soon knowledge what guests they had found, for 
 indeed these were the scummy remnants of those rebels, whose 
 naughty minds could not trust so much to the goodness of their 
 prince, as to lay their hangworthy necks upon the constancy of his 
 promised pardon. Therefore when the rest, who as sheep had but 
 followed their fellows, so sheepishly had submitted themselves, 
 these only committed their safety to the thickest part of these 
 desert woods, who as they were in the constitution of their minds 
 little better than beasts, so were they apt to degenerate to a beastly 
 kind of life, having now framed their gluttonish stomachs to have for 
 food the wild benefits of nature, the uttermost end they had being 
 but to draw out as much as they could the line of a tedious life. 
 In this sort vagabonding in those untrodden places, they were 
 guided by the everlasting justice, using themselves to be punishers 
 of their faults, and making their own actions the beginning of their 
 chastisements, unhappily both for him and themselves, to light on 
 Musidorus. Whom as soon as they saw turned towards them, 
 they full well remembered it was he, that, accompanied with 
 Basilius, had come to the succour of Zelmane, and had left among 
 some of them bloody tokens of his valour. As for Pamela, they 
 had many times seen her. Thus first stirred up with a rustical 
 revenge against him, and then desire of spoil to help their miserable 
 wants, but chiefly thinking it was the way to confirm their own 
 pardon, to bring the princess back unto her father, whom they were 
 sure he would never have sent so far so slightly accompanied 
 without any other denouncing of war, set all together upon the worthy 
 Musidorus. Who being beforehand as much inflamed against 
 them, gave them so brave a welcome, that the smart of some made 
 the rest stand farther off, crying and prating against him, but like 
 bad curs, rather barking than closing : he, in the meantime, placing 
 his trembling lady to one of the pine trees, and so setting himself 
 before her, as might show the cause of his courage grew in himself, 
 but the effect was only employed in her defence ; the villains that 
 now had a second proof, how ill-wards they had for such a sword, 
 turned all the course of their violence into throwing darts and 
 stones, indeed the only way to overmaster the valour of Musidorus. 
 Who finding them some already touched, some fall so near 
 his chiefest life Pamela, that in the end some one or other 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA SSS 
 
 might hap to do an unsuccourable mischief, setting all his hope in 
 despair, ran out from his lady among them. Who straight like so 
 many swine when a hardy mastiff sets upon them, dispersed 
 themselves. But the first he overtook as he ran away, carrying 
 his head as far before him, as those manner of runnings are wont to 
 do, with one blow struck it so clean off, that it falling betwixt the 
 hands, and the body falling upon it, it made a show as though the 
 fellow had had great haste to gather up his head again. Another 
 the speed he made to run for the best game, bare him full butt 
 against a tree, so that tumbling back with a bruised face, and a 
 dreadful expectation, Musidorus was straight upon him, and 
 parting with his sword one of his legs from him, left him to make 
 a roaring lamentation that his mortar-treading was marred for 
 ever. A third finding his feet too slow, as well as his hands too 
 weak, suddenly turned back, beginning to open his lips for mercy. 
 But before he had well entered a rudely compiled oration, 
 Musidorus's blade was come between his jaws into his throat, and 
 so the poor man rested there for ever with a very evil mouth full of 
 an answer. Musidorus in this furious chase would have followed 
 some other of these hateful wretches, but that he heard his lady 
 cry for help, whom three of this villainous crew had, whilst 
 Musidorus followed their fellows, compassing about some trees, 
 suddenly come upon and surprised, threatening to kill her if she 
 cried, and meaning to convey her out of sight, whilst the prince 
 was making his bloodthirsty chase. But she that was resolved no 
 worse thing could fall unto her than the being deprived of him, on 
 whom she had established all her comfort, with a pitiful cry fetched 
 his eyes unto her : who then thinking so many weapons thrust into 
 his eyes, as with his eyes he saw bent against her, made all hearty 
 speed to her succour. But one of them wiser than his companions, 
 set his dagger to her alabaster throat, swearing if he threw not 
 away his sword, he would kill her presently. There was never 
 poor scholar, that having instead of his book some playing toy 
 about him, did more suddenly cast it from him, at the child-feared 
 presence of a cruel schoolmaster, than the valiant Musidorus 
 discharged himself of his only defence, when he saw it stood upon 
 the instant point of his lady's life. And holding up his noble hands 
 to so unworthy audience, " O Arcadians, it is I that have done you 
 the wrong, she is your princess," said he, "she never had will to 
 hurt you, and you see she hath no power. Use your choler upon 
 me that have better deserved it, do not yourselves the wrong to do 
 her any hurt, which in no time or place will ever be forgiven you." 
 They that yet trusted not to his courtesy, bid him stand farther 
 off from his sword, which he obediently did. So far was love 
 above all other thoughts in him. Then did they call together the 
 
556 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 rest of their fellows, who though they were few, yet according to 
 their number, possessed many places. And then began these 
 savage senators to make a consultation what they should do : 
 some wishing to spoil them of their jewels and let them go on their 
 journey, for that if they carried them back, they were sure they 
 should have least part of their prey, others preferring their old 
 homes to anything, desired to bring them to Basilius as pledges of 
 their surety. And there wanted not which cried, the safest way 
 was to kill them both ; to such an unworthy thraldom were these 
 great and excellent personages brought. But the most part 
 resisted to the killing of the princes, foreseeing their lives would 
 never be safe after such a fact committed : and began to wish 
 rather the spoil than death of Musidorus : when the villain that 
 had his leg cut off came crawling towards them, and being helped 
 to them by one of the company, began with a groaning voice, and 
 a disfigured face, to demand the revenge of his blood, which since 
 he had spent with them in their defence, it were no reason he should 
 be suffered by them to die discontented. The only contentment he 
 required was, that by their help with his own hands he might put 
 his murderer to some cruel death : he would fain have cried more 
 against Musidorus, but that the much loss of blood helped on with 
 this vehemency, choked up the spirits of his life, leaving him to 
 make betwixt his body and soul an ill-favoured partition. But 
 they seeing their fellow in that sort die before their faces, did swell 
 in new mortal rages : all resolved to kill him, but now only 
 considering what manner of terrible death they should invent for 
 him. Thus was a while the agreement of his slaying broken by 
 disagreement of the manner of it ; and extremity of cruelty. At 
 length they were resolved every one to have a piece of him, and to 
 became all as well hangmen as judges : when Pamela tearing her 
 hair, and falling down among them, sometimes with all the sort of 
 humble prayers, mixed with promises of great good turns, which 
 they knew her state was able to perform, sometimes threatening 
 them, that if they killed him and not her, she would not only 
 revenge it upon them, but upon all their wives and children : 
 bidding them consider that though they migiit think she was come 
 away in her father's di spleasure, yet they might be sure he would ever 
 show himself a father ; that the gods would never, if she lived, put 
 her in so base estate but that she should have ability to plague 
 such as they were : returning afresh to prayers and promises, 
 and mixing the same again with threatenings, brought them who 
 were now grown colder in their fellow's cause, who was past 
 aggravating the matter with his cries, to determine with them- 
 selves there was no way, but either to kill them both, or save them 
 both, as for the killing, already they having answered themselves 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 557 
 
 that that was a way to make them citizens of the woods for ever, 
 they did in fine conclude they would return them back again to 
 the king, which they did not doubt would be cause of a great 
 reward, besides their safety from their fore-deserved punishment. 
 
 Thus having either by fortune or the force of these two lovers 
 inward working virtue, settled their cruel hearts to this gentler 
 course, they took the two horses, and having set upon them their 
 princely prisoners, they returned towards the lodge. The villains 
 having decked all their heads with laurel branches, as thinking 
 they had done a notable act, singing and shouting, ran by them, 
 in hope to have brought them the same day again to the king. 
 But the time was so far spent that they were forced to take up 
 that night's lodging in the midst of the woods. Where while the 
 clowns continued their watch about them, now that the night, 
 according to his dark nature, did add a kind of desolation to 
 the pensive hearts of these two afflicted lovers, Musidorus taking 
 the tender hand of Pamela, and bedewing it with his tears, in 
 this sort gave an issue to the swelling of his heart's grief. " Most 
 excellent lady," said he, " in what case think you am I with myself, 
 how unmerciful judgments do I lay upon my soul, now that I know 
 - not what god hath so reversed my well-meaning enterprise, that, 
 instead of doing you that honour which I hoped, and not without 
 reason hoped, Thessalia should have yielded unto you, am now 
 like to become a wretched instrument of your discomfort ? alas 1 
 how contrary an end have all the inclinations of my mind taken : 
 my faith falls out a treason unto you, and the true honour I bear 
 you is the field wherein your dishonour is like to be sown ! but 
 I invoke that universal and only wisdom, which examining the 
 depth of hearts, hath not his judgment fixed upon the event, to 
 bear testimony with me that my desire, though in extremes! 
 vehemency, yet did not so overcharge my remembrance, but that 
 as far as man's will might be extended I sought to prevent all 
 things that might fall to your hurt. But now that all the evil 
 fortunes of evil fortune have crossed my best framed intent, I am 
 most miserable in that, that I cannot only not give you help, 
 but, which is worst of all, am barred from giving you counsel. 
 For how should I open my mouth to counsel you in that, wherein 
 by my counsel you are most undeservedly fallen ? " The fair and 
 wise Pamela, although full of cares of the unhappy turning of this 
 matter, yet seeing the grief of Musidorus only stirred for her, 
 did so tread down all other motions with the true force of virtue 
 that she thus answered him, having first kissed him, which before 
 she had never done, love commanding her, which doubted how 
 long they should enjoy one another, or of a lively spark of 
 nobleness, to descend in most favour to one when he is lowest 
 
SS8 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 in affliction. " My dear and ever dear Musidorus," said she, " a 
 greater wrong do you to yourself, that will torment you thus with 
 grief for the fault of fortune. Since a man is bound no farther 
 to himself than to do wisely : chance is only to trouble them that 
 stand upon chance. But greater is the wrong, at least, if anything 
 that comes from you may bear the name of wrong, you do unto 
 me, to think me either so childish as not to perceive your faithful 
 faultlessness, or perceiving it, so basely disposed as to let my 
 heart be overthrown, standing upon itself in so unspotted a 
 pureness. Hold for certain, most worthy Musidorus, it is yourself 
 I love, which can no more be diminished by these showers of evil 
 hap than flowers are marred with the timely rains of April. For 
 how can I want comfort that have the true living comfort of thy 
 unblemished virtue ? And how can I want honour, as long as 
 Musidorus, in whom indeed honour is, doth honour me ? Nothing 
 bred from myself can discomfort me; and fools' opinions I will 
 not reckon as dishonour." Musidorus looking up to the stars, 
 " O mind of mine ! " said he, " the living power of all things, which 
 dost with all these eyes behold our ever-varying actions, accept 
 into thy favourable ears this prayer of mine : if I may any longer 
 hold out this dwelling on the earth, which is called a life, grant 
 me ability to deserve at this lady's hands the grace she hath 
 showed unto me; grant me wisdom to know her wisdom, and 
 goodness so to increase my love of her goodness, that all mine 
 own chosen desires, be to myself but second to her determination. 
 Whatsoever I be let it be to her service: let me herein be 
 satisfied, that for such infinite favours of virtue I have some way 
 wrought her satisfaction. But if my last time approacheth, and 
 that I am no longer to be amongst mortal creatures, make yet 
 my death serve her to some purpose, that hereafter she may not 
 have cause to repent herself that she bestowed so excellent a mind 
 upon Musidorus." 
 
 Pamela could not choose but accord the conceit of their fortune 
 to these passionate prayers, in so much that their constant eyes 
 yielded some tears, which wiping from her face with Musidorus's 
 hand, speaking softly unto him, as if she had feared more any- 
 body should be witness of her weakness, than of anything else 
 she had said, " Vou see,'' said she, "my prince and only lord, what 
 you work in me by your too much grieving for me. I pray you 
 think I have no joy 'but in you, and if you fill that with sorrow, 
 what do you leave for me? What is prepared for us we know 
 not, but that with sorrow we cannot prevent it, we know. Now 
 let us turn from these things, and think you how you will have me 
 behave myself towards you in this matter." Musidorus finding 
 the authority of her speech confirmed with direct necessity, the 
 
BOOK .v.] ARCADIA SS9 
 
 first care came to his mind was of his dear friend and cousin 
 Pyrocles; with whom long before he had concluded what naines 
 they should bear, if upon any occasion they were forced to give 
 themselves out for great men, and yet not make themselves fully 
 known. Now fearing, lest if the princess should name him for 
 Musidorus, the fame of their two being together would discover 
 Pyrocles; holding her hand betwixt his hands a good while 
 together: "I did not think, most excellent princess," said he, 
 "to have made any farther request unto you, for having been 
 already unto you so unfortunate a suitor, I know not what modesty 
 can bear any farther demand. But the state of one young man, 
 whom, next to you, far above myself, I love more than all the 
 world, one worthy of all well-being for the notable constitution 
 of his mind, and most unworthy to receive hurt by me, whom he 
 doth in all faith and constancy love, the pity of him only goes 
 beyond all resolution to the contrary." Then did he, to the 
 princess's great admiration, tell her the whole story as far as he 
 knew of it, and that when they made the grievous disjunction of 
 their long combination, they had concluded Musidorus should 
 entitle himself Palladius, prince of Iberia, and Pyrocles should 
 be Diaphantus of Lycia. 
 
 " Now," said Musidorus, "he keeping a woman's habit, is to use 
 no other name than Zelmane ; but I that find it best of the one 
 side for your honour, you went away with a prince, and not with a 
 shepherd ; of the other side, accounting my death less evil than 
 the betraying of that sweet friend of mine, will take this mean 
 betwixt both, and using the name of Palladius, if the respect of a 
 prince will • stop your father's fury, that will serve as well as 
 Musidorus, until Pyrocles's fortune being some way estabhshed, I 
 may freely give good proof that the noble country of Thessalia is 
 mine ; and if that will not mitigate your father's opinion to me- 
 wards, nature, I hope, working in your excellency, will inake him 
 deal well with you : for my part the image of death is nothing 
 fearful unto me, and this good I shall have reaped by it, that I 
 shall leave my most esteemed friend in no danger to be disclosed 
 by me. And besides, since I must confess I am not without a 
 remorse of her case, my virtuous mother shall not know her son's 
 violent death hid under the fame will go of Palladius. But as long 
 as her years, now of good number, be counted among the living, 
 she may joy herself with some possibility of my return." Pamela 
 promising him upon no occasion ever to name him, fell into 
 extremity of weeping, as if her eyes had been content to spend all 
 their seeing moistness, now that there was a speech of the loss of 
 that which they held as their chiefest light. So that Musidorus 
 was forced to repair her good counsels with sweet consolations, 
 
S6o ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 which continued betwixt them till it was about midnight, that sleep 
 having stolen into their heavy senses, and now absolutely com- 
 manding in their vital powers, left them delicately wound one in 
 another's arms, quietly to wait for the coming of the morning ; 
 which as soon as she apppeared to play her part, laden, as you 
 have heard, with so many well occasioned lamentations, their 
 lobbish guard, who all night had kept themselves awake, with 
 prating how valiant deeds they had done when they ran away ; 
 and how fair a death their fellow had died, who at his last gasp 
 sued to be a hangman, awaked them, and set them upon their 
 horses, to whom the very shining force of excellent virtue, though 
 in a very hanish subject, had wrought a kind of reverence in them : 
 Musidorus as he rode among them, of whom they had no other 
 hold but of Pamela, thinkihg it want of a well squared judgment 
 to leave any means unassayed of saving their lives, to this purpose 
 spoke to his unseemly guardians, using a plain kind of phrase to 
 make his speech the more credible. 
 
 " My masters," said he, " there is no man that is wise but hath, in 
 whatsoever he doth, some purpose whereto he directs his doings, 
 which so long he follows till he see that either that purpose is not 
 worth the pains, or that another doing carries with it a better 
 purpose. That you are wise in what you take in hand, I have to 
 my cost learned ; that makes me desire you tell me what is your 
 end in carrying the princess and me back to her father." "Pardon," 
 said one ; " reward," cried another. " Well," said he, " take both, 
 although I know you are so wise to remember that hardly they 
 both will go together, being of so contrary a making ; for the 
 ground of pardon is an evil, neither any man pardons but 
 remembers an evil done : the cause of reward is the opinion of 
 some good act, and whoso rewardeth, that holds the chief place of 
 his fancy. Now one man of one company, to have the same 
 consideration of good and evil, but that the conceit of pardoning, 
 if it be pardoned, will take away the mind of rewarding, is very 
 hard, if not impossible. For either even in justice will he punish 
 the fault, as well as reward the desert, or else in mercy balance the 
 one by the other : so that the not chastising shall be a sufficient 
 satisfying. Thus then you may see that in your own purpose rests 
 great uncertainty. But I will grant that by this your deed you 
 shall obtain your double purpose. Yet consider, I pray you, 
 whether by another means that may not better be obtained, and 
 then I doubt not your wisdom will teach you to take hold of the 
 better. I am sure you know, anybody were better have no need of 
 a pardon than enjoy a pardon ; for as it carries with it the surety 
 of a preserved life, so bears it a continual note of a deserved death. 
 This therefore, besides the danger you may run into, my Lady 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 561 
 
 Pamela being the undoubted inheritrix of this state, if she shall 
 hereafter seek to revenge the wrong done her shall be continually- 
 cast in your teeth, as men dead by the law : the honester sort will 
 disdain your company, and your children shall be the more basely 
 reputed of, and you yourselves in every slight fault hereafter, as 
 men once condemned, aptest to be overthrown. Now if you will, 
 I doubt not but you will, for you are wise, turn your course, and 
 guard my Lady Pamela thitherward, whither she was going : first, 
 you need not doubt to adventure your fortune where she goes, 
 and there shall you be assured in a country as good and rich as 
 this is, of the same manners and language to be so far from the 
 conceit of a pardon, as we both shall be forced to acknowledge we 
 have received by your means whatsoever we hold dear in this life. 
 And so for reward, judge you whether it be not more likely, you 
 shall there receive it where you have done no evil, but singular and 
 undeserved goodness ; or here, where this service of yours shall be 
 diminished by your duty, and blemished by your former fault. 
 Yes I protest and swear unto you, by the fair eyes of that lady, 
 there shall no gentleman in all that country be preferred : you 
 shall have riches, ease, pleasure, and that which is best to such 
 worthy minds, you shall not be forced to cry mercy for a good fact. 
 You only, of all the Arcadians shall have the praise, in continuing 
 in your late valiant attempt, and not be basely brought under a 
 halter for seeking the liberty of Arcadia." 
 
 These words in their minds, who did nothing for any love of 
 goodness, but only as their senses presented greater shows of 
 profit, began to make them waver, and some to clap their hands 
 and scratch their heads, and swear it was the best way. Others 
 that would seem wiser than the rest, to capitulate what tenements 
 they should have, what subsidies they should pay ; others to talk 
 of their wives, in doubt whether it were best to send for them, or 
 to take new where they went : most, like fools, not readily thinking 
 what was next to be done, but imagining what cheer they would 
 make when they came there, one or two of the last discoursers 
 beginning to turn their faces towards the woods which they had 
 left. But being now come within the plain, near to the lodges, 
 unhappily they espied a troop of horsemen. But then their false 
 hearts had quickly, for the present fear, forsaken their last hopes : 
 and therefore keeping on the way toward the lodge, with songs 
 and cries of joy, the horsemen, who were some of them Philanax 
 had sent out to the search of Pamela, came galloping unto them 
 marvelling who they were that in such a general mourning durst 
 sing joyful tunes, and in so public a ruin wear the laurel token of 
 victory. And that which seemed strangest, they might see two 
 among them unarmed like prisoners, but riding like captains. 
 
 ^ N 
 
$62 ARCADIA [BOOK iv. 
 
 But when they came nearer, they perceived the one was a lady, 
 and the Lady Pamela. Then glad they had by hap found that 
 which they so little hoped to meet withal, taking these clowns, 
 who first resisted them, for the desire they had to be the deliverers 
 of the two excellent prisoners, learning that they were of those 
 rebels which had made the dangerous uproar, as well under colour 
 to punish that, as this their last withstanding them, but indeed 
 their principal cause being, because they themselves would have 
 the only praise of their own quest, they suffered not one of them 
 to live. Marry three of the stubbornest of them they left their 
 bodies hanging upon the trees, because their doing might carry 
 the likelier form of judgment. Such an unlooked-for end did the 
 life of justice work for the naughty-minded wretches, by subjects 
 to be executed, that would have executed princes : and to suffer 
 that without law, which by law they had deserved. And thus 
 these young folks twice prisoners, before any due arrest, delivered 
 of their jailors, but not of their jail, had rather change than respite 
 of misery ; these soldiers that took them with very few words of 
 entertainment, hasting to carry them to their lord Philanax, to 
 whom they came, even as he, going out of the Lady Philoclea's 
 chamber, had overtaken Pyrocles, whom before he had delivered 
 to the custody of a nobleman of that country. When Pyrocles, 
 led towards his prison, saw his friend Musidorus, with the noble 
 Lady Pamela in that unexpected sort returned, his grief, if any 
 grief were in a mind which had placed everything according to 
 his natural worth, was very much augmented ; for besides some 
 small hope he had, if Musidorus had once been clear of Arcadia, 
 by his dealing and authority to have brought his only gladsome 
 desires to a good issue : the hard estate of his friend did no less, 
 nay rather more vex him than his own. For so indeed it is ever 
 found, where valour and friendship are perfectly coupled in one 
 heart ; the reason being that the resolute man having once-digested 
 in his judgment the worst extremity of his own case, and having 
 either quite expelled or at least repelled all passion which ordinarily 
 follows an overthrown fortune, not knowing his friend's mind so 
 well as his own, nor with what patience he brooks his case, which 
 as it were the material cause of making a man happy or unhappy, 
 doubts whether his friend accounts not himself more miserable, 
 and so indeed be more lamentable. But as soon as Musidorus 
 was brought by the soldiers near unto Philanax, Pyrocles not 
 knowing whether ever after he should be suffered to see his friend, 
 and determining there could be no advantage by dissembling a 
 not-knowing of him, leaped suddenly from their hands that held 
 him, and passing, with a strength strengthened with a true 
 affection, through them that encompassed Musidorus, he embraced 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 5^3 
 
 him as fast as he could in his arms. And kissing his cheeks, " O 
 my Palladius," said he, "let not our virtue now abandon us; let 
 us prove our minds are no slaves to fortune, but in adversity can 
 triumph over adversity." " Dear Diaphantus," answered Musidorus, 
 seeing by his apparel his being a man was revealed, " I thank you 
 for this best care of my best part : but fear not, I have kept too 
 long company with you to want now a thorough determination of 
 these things ; I well know, there is nothing evil but within us, the 
 rest is either natural or accidental." Philanax, finding them of so 
 near acquaintance, began presently to examine them apart : but 
 such resolution he met with in them, that by no such means he 
 could learn further than it pleased them to deliver. So that he 
 thought best to put them both in one place, with espial of their 
 words and behaviour, that way to sift out the more of these 
 surpassed mischiefs. And for that purpose gave them both unto 
 the nobleman, who before had the custody of Pyrocles, by name 
 Sympathus, leaving a trusty servant of his own to give diligent 
 watch to what might pass betwixt them. No man that hath ever 
 passed through the school of affection, needs doubt what a 
 tormenting grief it was to the noble Pamela, to have the company 
 of him taken from her, to whose virtuous company she had bound 
 her life. But weighing with herself, it was fit for her honour, till 
 her doings were clearly manifested, that they should remain 
 separate, kept down the rising tokens of grief; showing passion 
 in nothing but her eyes, which accompanied Musidorus even unto 
 the tent, whither he and Pyrocles were led. Then, with a 
 countenance more princely than she was wont, according to the 
 wont of highest hearts, like the palm tree striving most upwards, 
 when he is most burdened, she commanded Philanax to bring her 
 to her father and mother, that she might render them an account 
 of her doings. Philanax showing a sullen kind of reverence unto 
 her, as a man that honoured her as his master's heir, but much 
 misliked her for her, in his conceit, dishonourable proceedings, 
 told her what was past, rather to answer her, than that he thought 
 she was ignorant of it. But her good spirit did presently suffer 
 a true compassionate affliction of those hard adventures, which 
 with crossing her arms, looking a great while upon the ground, 
 with those eyes which let fall many tears, she well declared. But 
 in the end, remembering how necessary it was for her, not to lose 
 herself in such an extremity, she strengthened her well-created 
 heart, and stoutly demanded Philanax, what authority then they 
 had to lay hands on her person, who being the undoubted heir, 
 was then the lawful princess of that kingdom ? Philanax answered) 
 her grace knew the ancient laws of Arcadia were, she was to have 
 no sway of government till she came to one and twenty years of 
 
564 ARCADIA [BOOK IV. 
 
 age, or were married. "And married I am," replied the wise 
 princess, " therefore I demand your due allegiance." " The gods 
 forbid," said Philanax, "Arcadia should be a dowry of such 
 marriages." Besides, he told her all the states of her country 
 were evil satisfied touching her father's death, which likewise 
 acording to the statutes of Arcadia, was even that day to be judged 
 of, before the body were removed to receive his princely funeral. 
 After that passed, she should have such obedience, as by the laws 
 were due unto her, desiring God she would show herself better 
 in public government than she had done in private. She would 
 have spoken to the gentlemen and people gathered about her, but 
 Philanax fearing lest thereby some commotion might arise, or at 
 least a hinderance of executing his master's murderers, which he 
 longed after more than anything, hasted her up to the lodge, 
 where her sister was, and there was a chosen company of soldiers 
 to guard the place, left her with Philoclea, Pamela protesting they 
 laid violent hands on her, and that they entered into rebellious 
 attempts against her. But high time it was for Philanax so to 
 do, for already was all the whole multitude fallen into confiised 
 and dangerous divisions. 
 
 There was a notable example, how great dissipations monarchical 
 government is subject unto. For now their prince and guide had 
 left them, they had not experience to rule, and had not whom to 
 obey. Public matters had ever been privately governed, so that 
 they had no lively taste what was good for themselves. But every- 
 thing was either vehemently desireful, or extremely terrible, 
 Neighbours' invasions, civil dissention, cruelty of the coming prince, 
 and whatsoever in common sense carries a dreadful show, was in 
 all men's heads, but in few how to prevent : hearkening on every 
 rumour, suspecting everything, condemning them whom before 
 they had honoured, making strange and impossible tales of the 
 king's death, while they thought themselves in danger, wishing 
 nothing but safety ; as soon as persuasion of safety took them, 
 desiring farther benefits, as amendment of fore-passed faults, which 
 faults notwithstanding none could tell either the grounds or effects 
 of, all agreeing in the universal names of liking or misliking, but 
 of what in especial points, infinitely disagreeing. Altogether like 
 a falling steeple, the parts whereof, as windows, stones, and 
 pinacles were well, but the whole mass ruinous. And this was the 
 general cause of all, wherein notwithstanding was an extreme 
 medly of diversified thoughts, the great men looking to make 
 themselves strong by factions, the gentlemen some bending to 
 them, some standing upon themselves, some desirous to overthrow 
 those few which they thought were over them ; the soldiers 
 (JesirjoDs of trouble, as the nurse of spoil, and not much unlike to 
 
lOOK IV.] ARCADIA $6$ 
 
 hem though in another way, were all the needy sort, the rich 
 jarful, the wise careful. This composition of conceits brought 
 arth a dangerous tumult, which yet would have been more 
 iangerous, but that it had so many parts that nobody well knew 
 gainst whom chiefly to oppose themselves. For some there were 
 tat cried to have the state altered, and governed no more by a 
 irince ; marry, in the alteration, many would have the Lacedemonian 
 overnment of a few chosen senators, others the Athenian, where 
 lie people's voice held the chief authority. But these were rather 
 he discoursing sort of men, than the active, being a matter more 
 1 imagination than practice. But they that went nearest to the 
 iresent case, as in a country that knew no government without a 
 irince, were they that strove whom they should make. Whereof 
 , great number there were that would have the Princess Pamela 
 iresently to enjoy it : some disdaining that she had as it were 
 bandoned her own country, inclining more to Philoclea ; and 
 here wanted not of them, which wished Gynecia were delivered, 
 .nd made regent till Pamela were worthily married. But great 
 aultitudes there were, which having been acquainted with the just 
 government of Philanax, meant to establish him as lieutenant of 
 he state ; and these were the most popular sort, who judged by 
 he commodities they felt. But the principal men in honour and 
 night, who had long before envied his greatness with Basilius, did 
 nuch more spurn against any such preferment of him. For yet 
 lefore their envy had some kind of breathing out his rancour, by 
 aying his greatness as a fault to the prince's judgment, who 
 ihowed in Dametas he might easily be deceived in men's value : 
 )ut now if the prince's choice, by so many mouths should be 
 :onfirmed, what could they object to so rightly esteemed an 
 :xcellency, they therefore were disposed sooner to yield to any 
 hing than to his raising ; and were content, for to cross Philanax, 
 o stop those actions, which otherwise they could not but think 
 [ood. Philanax himself as much hindered by those that did 
 mmoderately honour him, which brought both more envy and 
 iuspicion upon him, as by them that did manifestly resist him : 
 )ut, standing only upon a constant desire of justice, and a clear 
 :onscience went forward stoutly in the action of his master's 
 evenge, which he thought himself particularly bound to. For the 
 ■est, as the ordering of the government, he accounted himself but 
 IS one wherein notwithstanding he would employ all his loyal 
 indeavour. 
 
 But among the noblemen, he that most openly set himself 
 .gainst him was named Timautus, a man of middle age, but of 
 ixtreme ambition, as one that had placed his uttermost good in 
 greatness, thinking small difference by what means he came by it 
 
566 ARCAbiA [BOOK IV. 
 
 Of commendable wit, if he had not made it a servant to unbridled 
 desires. Cunning to creep into men's favours, vi^hich he prized 
 only as they were serviceable unto him. He had been brought up 
 in some soldiery, which he knew how to set out with more than 
 deserved ostentation. Servile, though envious, to his betters ; and 
 no less tyrannically minded to them he had advantage of. Counted 
 revengeful, but indeed measuring both revenge and reward, as the 
 party might either help or hurt him. Rather shameless than bold, 
 and yet more bold in practice than in personal adventures. In 
 some, a man that could be as evil as he listed, and listed as much 
 as any advancement might thereby be gotten. As for virtue he 
 counted it but a school-name. He even at the first assembling 
 together, finding the great stroke Philanax carried among the 
 people, thought it his readiest way of ambition to join with him : 
 which though his pride did hardly brook, yet the other vice 
 carrying with it a more apparent object prevailed over the weaker, 
 so that with those liberal protestations of friendship, which men 
 that care not for their word are wont to bestow, he offered unto 
 him the choice in marriage of either the sisters, so he would 
 likewise help him to the other, and make such a partition of 
 the Arcadian estate. Wishing him that since he loved his master, 
 because he was his master, which showed the love began in 
 himself, he should rather now occasion was presented seek his 
 own good substantially than affect the smoke of a glory by showing 
 an untimely fidelity to him that could not reward it : and have all 
 the fruit he could get, in men's opinions, which would be as divers 
 as many ; few agreeing to yield him due praise of his true heart. 
 But Philanax, who had limited his thoughts in that he esteemed 
 good, to which he was neither carried by the vain tickling of 
 uncertain fame, nor from which he would be transported by 
 enjoying anything, whereto the ignorant world gives the excellent 
 name of goods, with great mishke of his offer, he made him so 
 peremptory an answer, not without threatening, if he found him 
 foster any such fancy, that Timautus went with an inward spite 
 from him, whom before he had never loved : and measuring all 
 men's marches by his own pace, rather thought it some farther 
 fetch of Philanax, as that he would have all to himself alone, than 
 was any way taken with the lovely beauty of his virtue, whose 
 image he had so quite defaced in his own soul that he bad left 
 himself no eyes to behold it, but stayed waiting fit opportunity to 
 execute his desires both for himself and against Philanax, which 
 by the bringing back of Pamela, the people being divided into 
 many motions, which both with murmuring noises, and putting 
 themselves in several troops, they well showed, he thought apt time 
 was laid before him, the waters being, as the proverb saith, 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 567 
 
 troubled, and so the better for his fishing. Therefore going among 
 the chiefest lords, whom he knew principally to repine at Philanax, 
 and making a kind of convocation of them, he inveighed against 
 his proceeding, drawing everything to the most malicious 
 interpretation, that malice itself could instruct him to do. He said, 
 it was season for them to look to such a weed, that else would 
 over-grow them all. It was not now time to consult of the dead, 
 but of the living : since such a sly wolf was entered among them, 
 that could make justice the cloak of tyranny, and love of his late 
 master the destruction of his now being children. " Do you not 
 see," said he, " how far his corruption hath stretched, that he hath 
 such a number of rascals' voices to declare him lieutenant, ready to 
 make him prince, but that he instructs them, matters are not yet 
 ripe for it? as for us, because we are too rich to be bought, he 
 thinks us the fitter to be killed. Hath Arcadia bred no man but 
 Philanax? is she become a stepmother to all the rest, and hath 
 given all her blessings to Philanax ? or if there be men amongst 
 us, let us show we disdain to be servants to a servant. Let us 
 make him know we are far worthier not to be slaves than he to be 
 a master. Think you he hath made such haste in these matters to 
 give them over to another man's hand ? think you he durst become 
 the jailor of his princess, but either meaning to be her master, or 
 her murderer? and all this for the dear goodwill, forsooth, he bears 
 to the king's memory, whose authority as he abused in his life, so 
 he would now persevere to abuse his name after his death. O 
 notable affection, for the love of the father to kill the wife and 
 disinherit the children ! O single minded modesty, to aspire to no 
 less than to the princely diadem, no, no, he hath veered all this 
 while, but to come the sooner to his aflfected end. But let us 
 remember what we be, in quality his equals, in number far before 
 him : let us deliver the queen and our natural princesses, and 
 leave them no longer under his authority, whose proceedings 
 would rather show that he himself had been the murderer of the 
 king, then a fit guardian of his posterity." 
 
 These words pierced much into the minds already inclined that 
 way, insomuch that most part of the nobility confirmed Timautus's 
 speech, and were ready to execute it : when Philanax came among 
 them, and with a constant, but reverent behaviour, desired them 
 they would not exercise private grudges in so common a necessity. 
 He acknowledged himself a man, and a faulty man : to the clearing 
 or satisfying of which, he would at all times submit himself; since 
 his end was to bring all things to an upright judgment, it should 
 evil fit him to fly the judgment. "But," said he, "my lords, 
 let not Timautus's railing speech, who whatsoever he finds evil 
 in his own soul can with ease lay it upon -another, make me lose 
 
568 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 your good favour. Consider that all well-doing stands so in the 
 middle betwixt his two contrary evils that it is a ready matter 
 to cast a slanderous shade upon the most approved virtues. Who 
 hath an evil tongue, can call severity cruelty, and faithful diligence, 
 diligent ambition. But my end is not to excuse myself, nor to 
 accuse him: for both those hereafter will be time enough. There 
 is neither of us, whose purging or punishing may so much import 
 to Arcadia. Now I request you, for your own honour's sake, and 
 require you by the duty you owe to this estate, that you do 
 presently, according to the laws, take in hand the chastisement 
 of our master's murderers, and laying order for the goverment by 
 whomsoever it be done, so it be done, and justly done, I am 
 satisfied. My labour hath been to frame things so that you might 
 determine ; now it is in you to determine. For my part, I call the 
 heavens to witness, the care of my heart stands to repay that, 
 wherein both I and most of you were tied to that prince, with 
 whom all my love of worldly action is dead." 
 
 As Philanax was speaking his last words there came one running 
 to him with open mouth and fearful eyes, telling him that there 
 was a great number of the people which were bent to take the 
 young men out of Sympathus's hands, and as it should seem by 
 their acclamations, were like enough to proclaim them princes. 
 " Nay," said Philanax, speaking aloud, and looking with a just 
 anger upon the noblemen, " it is no season to hear Timautus's idle 
 slanders while strangers become our lords, and Basilius's murderers 
 sit in his throne. But whosoever is a true Arcadian let him follow 
 me." With that he went toward the place he heard of, followed 
 by those that had ever loved him, and some of the noblemen. 
 Some other remaining with Timautus, who in the meantime was 
 conspiring by strong hands to deliver Gynecia, of whom the 
 weakest guard was had. But Philanax, where he went found them 
 all in an uproar, which thus was fallen out. The greatest multitude 
 of people that were come to the death of Basilius, were the 
 Mantineans, as being the nearest city to the lodges. Among these 
 the chief man both in authority and love was Kalandar, he that 
 not long before had been host to the two princes ; whom though 
 he knew not so much as by name, yet besides the obligation he 
 stood bound to them in for preserving the lives of his son and 
 nephew, their noble behaviour had bred such love in his heart 
 towards them that both with tears he parted from them when they 
 left him, under promise to return, and did keep their jewels and 
 apparel as the relics of two demi-gods. Among others he had 
 entered the prison and seen them, which forthwith so invested his 
 soul, both with sorrow and desire to help them, whom he tendered 
 as his children, that calling his neighbours the Mantineans unto 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 569 
 
 him, he told them all the praises of these two young men, swearing 
 he thought the gods had provided for them better than they 
 themselves could have imagined. He willed them to consider 
 that when all was done Basilius's children must enjoy the state, 
 who since they had chosen, and chosen so that all the world could 
 not mend their choice, why should they resist God's doing, and 
 their princess's pleasure? this was the only way to purchase 
 quietness without blood, where otherwise they should at one 
 instant crown Pamela with a crown of gold, and a dishonoured 
 title? which whether ever she would forget, he thought it fit for 
 them to weigh : " Such," said he, " heroical greatness shines in 
 their eyes, such an extraordinary majesty in all their actions, as 
 surely either fortune by parentage, or nature in creation, hath 
 made them princes. And yet a state already we have, we need 
 but a man, who since he is presented unto you by the heavenly 
 providence, embraced by our undoubted princess, worthy for their 
 youth of compassion, for their beauty of admiration, for their 
 excellent virtue to be monarchs of the world; shall we not be 
 content with our own bliss? shall we put out our eyes because 
 another man cannot see ? or rather like some men, when too much 
 good happens unto them, they think themselves in a dream and 
 have not spirits to taste their own goods ? No, no, my friends, 
 believe me, I am so impartial, that I know not their names, but 
 so overcome with their virtue that I shall then think the destinies 
 have ordained a perpetual flourishing to Arcadia, when they shall 
 allot such a governor unto it." 
 
 This spoken by a grave man in years, great in authority, near 
 allied to the prince, and known honest, prevailed so with all the 
 Mantineans, that with one voice they ran to deliver the two 
 princes. But Philanax came in time to withstand them, both 
 sides standing in arms, and rather wanting a beginning than minds 
 to enter into a bloody conflict. Which Philanax foreseeing, 
 thought best to remove the prisoners secretly, and if need were' 
 rather without form of justice to kill them, than against justice' 
 as he thought, to have them usurp the state. But there again 
 arose a new trouble. For Sympathus, the nobleman that kept 
 them, was so stricken in compassion with their excellent presence 
 that as he would not falsify his promise to Philanax to give them 
 liberty so yet would he not yield them to himself, fearing he would 
 do them violence. Thus tumult upon tumult arising, the sun 
 I think, weary to see their discords had already gone down to 
 bs western lodging. But yet to know what the poor shepherds 
 iid, who were the first discriers of these matters, will not to some 
 ;ars perchance be a tedious digression. 
 
S76 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 ECLOGUES 
 
 The shepherds finding no place for them in these garboils, to 
 which their quiet hearts, whose highest ambition was in keeping 
 themselves up in goodness, had at all no aptness, retired themselves 
 from among the clamorous multitude: and as sorrow desires 
 company, went up together to the western side of an hill, whose 
 prospect extended it so far that they might well discern many 
 of Arcadia's beauties. And there looking upon the sun's as then 
 declining race, the poor men sat pensive of their present miseries, 
 as if they found a weariness of their woful words: till at last 
 good old Geron, who as he had longest tasted the benefits of 
 Basilius's government, so seemed to have a special feeling of 
 the present loss, wiping his eyes and long white beard, bedewed 
 with great drops of tears, began in this sort to complain : " Alas ! 
 poor sheep," said he, " which hitherto have enjoyed your fruitful 
 pasture in such quietness, as your wool among other things hath 
 made this country famous, your best days are now past : now you 
 must become the victual of an army, and perchance an army of 
 foreign enemies, you are now not only to fear home-wolves, but 
 alien lions : now, I say, now that our right Basilius is deceased. 
 Alas ! sweet pastures, shall soldiers that know not how to use you, 
 possess you ? shall they that cannot speak the Arcadian language 
 be lords over your shepherds ? for alas with good cause may we 
 look for any evil, since Basilius our only strength is taken from 
 
 us." 
 
 To that all the other shepherds present uttered pitiful voices, 
 especially the very bom Arcadians. For as for the other, though 
 humanity moved them to pity human cases, especially in a pince 
 under whom they had found a refuge of their miseries, and 
 justice equally administered, yet could they not so naturally feel 
 the lively touch of sorrow. Nevertheless, of that number one 
 Agelastus notably noted among them as well for his skill in 
 poetry as for an austerely maintained sorrowfulness, wherewith 
 he seemed to despise the works of nature, framing an universal 
 complaint in that universal mischief, uttered it in this Seistine. 
 
 Since wailing is a bud of causeful sorrow, 
 Since sorrow is the follower of evil fortune. 
 Since no evil fortune equals public damage ; 
 Now princes loss hath made our damage public. 
 Sorrow pay we to thee the rights of nature, 
 And inward grief fail up with outward wailing. 
 
looK ivj Arcadia §7* 
 
 Why should we spare our voice from endless wailing, 
 Who justly make our hearts the seat of sorrow? 
 In such a case where it appears that nature 
 Doth add her force unto the sting of fortune : 
 Choosing alas, this our theatre public. 
 Where they would leave trophies of cruel damage. 
 
 Then, since such powers conspired unto our damage 
 (Which may be known, but never help with wailing) 
 Yet let us leave a monument in public 
 Of willing tears, torn hairs, and cries of sorrow. 
 For lost, lost is by blow of cruel fortune 
 Arcadia's gem, the noblest child of nature. 
 
 O nature doting old, O blind dead nature. 
 How hast thou torn thyself, sought thine own damage 
 In granting such a scope to filthy fortune, 
 By thy imp's loss to fill the world with wailing. 
 Cast thy step-mother eyes, upon our sorrow. 
 Public our loss : so, see, thy shame is public. 
 
 O that we had, to make our woes more public, 
 Seas in our eyes, and brazen tongues by nature, 
 A yelling voice, and hearts compos'd of sorrow, 
 Breath made of flames, wits knowing naught but damage. 
 Our sports murd'ring ourselves, our musics wailing. 
 Our studies fixed upon the falls of fortune. 
 
 No, no, our mischief grows in this vile fortune. 
 That private pains cannot breathe out in public 
 The furious inward griefs with hellish wailing ; 
 But forced are to burden' feeble nature 
 With secret sense of our eternal damage, 
 And sorrow feed, feeding our souls with sorrow. 
 
 Since sorrow then concluded all our fortune. 
 With all our deaths show we this damage public : 
 His nature fears to die who lives still wailing. 
 
 It seemed that this complaint of Agelastus had awaked the spirits 
 af the Arcadians, astonished before with the exceedingness of sorrow. 
 For he had scarcely ended when divers of them offered to follow 
 liis example in bewailing the general loss of that country which 
 bad been as well a nurse to strangers as a mother to Arcadians. 
 Among the rest one accounted good in that kind, and made the 
 better by the true feeling of sorrow, roared out a song of 
 lamentation, which, as well as might be, was gathered up in this 
 form : 
 
572 • ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 Since that to death is gone the shepherd high, 
 Who most the silly shepherd's pipe did prize, 
 
 Your doleful tunes sweet Muses now apply. 
 And you O trees, if any life there lies 
 
 In trees, now through your porous barks receive 
 The strange resound of these my causeful cries ; 
 
 And let my breath upon your branches cleave, 
 My breath distinguished into words of woe, 
 
 That so I may signs of my sorrow leave. 
 But if among yourselves some one tree grow. 
 
 That aptest is to figure misery, 
 Let it embassage bear your griefs to show. 
 
 The weeping myrrh I think will not deny 
 Her help to this, this justest cause of plaint. 
 
 Your doleful tunes sweet Muses now apply. 
 
 And thou, poor earth, whom fortune doth attaint, 
 
 In nature's name to suffer such a harm. 
 As for to lose thy gem, and such a saint. 
 
 Upon thy face let coaly ravens swarm : 
 Let all the sea thy tears accounted be ; 
 
 Thy bowels will all killing metals arm. 
 Let gold now rust, let diamonds waste in thee : 
 
 Let pearls be wan with woe their dam doth bear ! 
 Thyself henceforth the light do never see. 
 
 And you, O flowers, which sometimes princes wear. 
 Tell these strange alt' rings you did hap to try, 
 
 Of princes' loss yourselves for tokens rear. 
 Lily in mourning black thy whiteness die ; 
 
 O Hyacinth let Ai be on thee still, 
 Your doleful tunes sweet Muses now apply. 
 
 O Echo, all these woods with roaring fill. 
 And do not only mark the accents last. 
 
 But all, for all reach out my wailful will ; 
 One Echo to another Echo cast 
 
 Sound of my griefs, and let it never end. 
 Till that it hath all words and waters past. 
 
 Nay to the heav'ns your just complaining send, 
 And stay the stars inconstant constant race. 
 
 Till that they do unto our dolours bend : 
 And ask the reason of that special grace, 
 
 That they which have no lives should live so long, 
 And virtuous souls so soon should lose their place ? 
 
 Ask, if in great men good men do so throng, 
 That he for want of elbow-room must die ? 
 
 Or if that they be scant, if this be wrong ? 
 
BOOK IV.] ARCADIA 573 
 
 DidWisdomthis our wretched time espy- 
 In one true chest to rob all virtue's treasure ? 
 Your doleful tunes sweet Muses now apply. 
 
 And if that any counsel you to measure 
 
 Your doleful tunes, to them still plaining say, 
 To well felt grief plaint is the only pleasure. 
 
 O light of sun, which is entitled day : 
 O well thou dost that thou no longer bidest ; 
 
 For mourning night her black weeds may display, 
 O Phoebus with good cause thy face thou hidest, 
 
 Rather than have thy all-beholding eye 
 Fouled with this sight, while thou thy chariot guidest, 
 
 And well methinks becomes this vaulty sky 
 A stately tomb to cover him deceased. 
 
 Your doleful tunes sweet Muses now apply. 
 
 O Philomela with thy breast oppressed 
 
 By shame and grief, help, help me to lament 
 Such cursed harms as cannot be redressed. 
 
 Or if thy mourning notes be fully spent. 
 Then give a quiet ear unto my plaining : 
 
 For I to teach the world complaint am bent. 
 Vou dimmy clouds, which well employ your staining. 
 
 This cheerful air with your obscured cheer. 
 Witness your woful tears with daily raining. 
 
 And if, O sun, thou ever didst appear, 
 In shape, which by man's eye might be perceived : 
 
 Virtue is dead, now set thy triumph here. 
 Now set thy triumph in this world, bereaved 
 
 Of what was good, where now no good doth lie ; 
 And by the pomp our loss will be conceived, 
 
 O notes of mine yourselves together tie : 
 With too much grief methinks you are dissolved. 
 
 Your doleful tunes sweet Muses now apply. 
 
 Time ever old, and young is still revolved 
 
 Within itself, and never tasted end : 
 But mankind is for aye to nought resolved. 
 
 The filthy snake her aged coat can mend. 
 And getting youth again, in youth doth flourish : 
 
 But unto man age ever death doth send. 
 The very trees with grafting we can cherish, 
 
 So that we can long time produce their time : 
 But man which helpeth them, helpless must perish. 
 
 Thus, thus the minds which over all do climb, 
 When they by years' experience get best graces. 
 
 Must finish then by death's detested crime, 
 
574 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 We last short while, and build long lasting places : 
 
 Ah let us all against foul nature cry : 
 We nature's works do help, she us defaces ; 
 
 For how can nature unto this reply : 
 That she her child, I say, her best child killeth ? 
 
 Your doleful tunes sweet Muses now apply. 
 
 Alas methinks my weakened voice but spilleth 
 
 The vehement course of his just lamentation ; 
 Methinks, my sound no place with sorrow fiUeth. 
 
 I know not I, but once in detestation 
 I have myself, and all what life containeth, 
 
 Since death on virtue's fort hath made invasion 
 One word of woe another after traineth : 
 
 Nor do I care how rude by my invention. 
 So it be seen what sorrow in me reigneth. 
 
 O elements, by whose, men say, contention, 
 Our bodies be in living power maintained. 
 
 Was this man's death the fruit of your dissention ? 
 O physic's power, which some say, hath restrained 
 Approach of death, alas, thou helpest meagrely, 
 
 When once one is for Atropos distrained. 
 Great be physicians' brags, but aid is beggarly, 
 
 When rooted moisture fails or groweth dry. 
 They leave off all, and say, death comes too eagerly. 
 
 They are but words therefore that men do buy 
 Of any, since god ^^sculapius ceased. 
 
 Your doleful tunes sweet Muses now apply. 
 
 Justice, justice is now, alas, oppressed : 
 
 Bountifulness hath made his last conclusion : 
 Goodness for best attire in dust is dressed. 
 
 Shepherds bewail your uttermost confusion ; 
 And see by this picture to you presented, 
 
 Death is our home, life is but a delusion, 
 For see, alas, who is from you absented, 
 
 Absented? nay I say for ever banished 
 For such as were to die for him contented ? 
 
 Out of her sight in turn of hand is vanished 
 Shepherd of shepherds, whose well settled order 
 
 Private with wealth, public with quiet garnished 
 While he did live, far, far was all disorder. 
 
 Example more prevailing than direction. 
 Far was home-strife, and far was foe from border, 
 
 His life a law, his look a full correction : 
 As in his health we healthful were preserved, 
 
 So in his sickness grew our sure infection. 
 His death our death. But ah, my muse hath swerved, 
 
BOOK IV.] AROADIA 575 
 
 For such deep plaint as should such woes descry, 
 Which he of us for ever hath deserved. 
 
 The style of heavy heart can never fly 
 So high, as should make such a pain notorious : 
 
 Cease muse therefore : thy dart O death apply, 
 And farewell prince, whom goodness hath made glorious. 
 
 Many were ready to have followed this course, but the day was 
 so wasted, that only this rhyming Seistine delivered by one of 
 jreat account among them, could obtain favour to be heard. 
 
 Farewell, O sun, Arcadia's clearest light : 
 Farewell, O pearl, the poor man's plenteous treasure. 
 
 Farewell, O golden staff, the weak man's might : 
 Farewell, O joy, the joyful's only pleasure. 
 
 Wisdom, farewell, the skill-less man's direction ! 
 
 Farewell with thee, farewell all our affection. 
 
 For what place now is left for our affection. 
 Now that of purest lamp is quench'd the light. 
 Which to our darkened minds was best direction ? 
 Now that the mine is lost of all our treasure ? 
 Now death hath swallowed up our worldly pleasure. 
 We orphans made, void of all public might ? 
 
 Orphans indeed, depriv'd of father's might : 
 For he our father was in all affection. 
 In our well-doing placing all his pleasure, 
 
 Still studying how to us to be a light. 
 As well he was in peace a safest treasure : 
 
 In war his wit and word was our direction. 
 
 Whence, whence, alas, shall we seek our direction ? 
 When that we fe^r our hateful neighbours' might 
 Who long have gap'd to get Arcadian's treasure. 
 Shall we now find a guide of such affection, 
 
 Who for our sakes will think all travel light. 
 And make his pain to keep us safe, his pleasure? 
 
 No, no, for ever gone is all our pleasure ; 
 
 For ever wand'ring from all good direction j 
 For ever blinded of our clearest light ; 
 For ever lamed of our sured might ; 
 For ever banish'd from well plac'd affection ; 
 For ever robb'd of all our royal treasure. 
 
 Let tears for him therefore be all our treasure, 
 And in our wailing naming him our pleasure : 
 
576 ARCADIA [book iv. 
 
 Let hating of ourselves be our affection, 
 And unto death bend still our thoughts direction : 
 Let us against ourselves employ our might, 
 And putting out our eyes seek we our light 
 
 Farewell our light, farewell our spoiled treasure : 
 Farewell our might, farewell our daunted pleasure : 
 Farewell direction, farewell all affection. 
 
 The night began to cast her dark canopy over them, and they, 
 even weary with their woes, bended homewards, hoping by sleep, 
 forgetting themselves, to ease their present dolors, when they 
 were met with a troop of twenty horse, the chief of which asking 
 them for the king, and understanding the hard news, thereupon 
 stayed among them expecting the return of a messenger, whon: 
 with speed he dispatched to Philanax. 
 
ARCADIA 
 
 BOOK V 
 
 I'^HE dangerous division of men's minds, the ruinous renting 
 of all estates, had now brought Arcadia to feel the pangs 
 of uttermost peril, such convulsions never coming, but 
 that the life of that government draws near his necessary period, 
 ivhen to the honest and wise Philanax, equally distracted between 
 desire of his master's revenge and care of the estate's establishment, 
 there came, unlocked for, a Macedonian gentleman, who in short, 
 but pithy manner, delivered unto him, that the renowned Euarchus, 
 King of Macedon, purposing to have visited his old friend and 
 confederate the King Basilius, was now come within half a mile 
 of the lodges, where having understood by certain shepherds the 
 sudden death of their prince, had sent unto him, of whose authority 
 and faith he had good knowledge, desiring him to advertise him 
 in what security he might rest there for that night, where willingly 
 he would, if safely he might, help to celebrate the funeral of his 
 ancient companion and ally ; adding he need not doubt, since he 
 had brought but twenty in his company, he would be so unwise as 
 to enter into any forcible attempt with so small force. Philanax 
 having entertaihed the gentleman, as well as in the midst of so 
 many tumults he could, pausing a while with himself, considering 
 how it should not only be unjust and against the law of nations, 
 not well to receive a prince whom goodwill had brought among 
 them, but, in respect of the greatness of his might, very dangerous 
 to give him any cause of due offence ; remembering withal the 
 excellent trials of his equity, which made him more famous than 
 his victories, he thought he might be the fittest instrument to 
 redress the ruins they were in, since his goodness put him without 
 suspicion, and his greatness beyond envy. Yet weighing with 
 himself how hard many heads were to be bridled, and that in this 
 monstrous confusion such mischief might be attempted, of which 
 
 2 
 
578 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 late repentance should after be but a simple remedy, he judged 
 best first to know how the people's minds would sway to this 
 determination. Therefore desiring the gentleman to return to the 
 King his master, and to beseech him, though with his pains, to 
 stay for an hour or two, where he was, till he had set things in 
 better order to receive him, he himself went first to the noblemen, 
 then to Kalander, and the principal Mantineans, who were most 
 opposite unto him, desiring them, that as the night had most 
 blessedly staid them from entering into civil blood, so they would 
 be content in the night to assemble the people together to hear 
 some news which he was to deliver unto them. There is nothing 
 more desirous of novelties than a man that fears his present fortune. 
 Therefore they, whom mutual diffidence made doubtful of their 
 utter destruction, were quickly persuaded to hear of any new 
 matter, which might alter at least, if not help the nature of their 
 fear. Namely, the chiefest men, who as they had most to lose, so 
 were most jealous of their own case, and were already grown as 
 weary to be followers of Timautus's ambition, as before they were 
 enviers of Philanax's worthiness. As for Kallander and Sympathus 
 as in the one a virtuous friendship had made him seek to advance, 
 in the other a natural commiseration had made him willing to 
 protect the excellent, though unfortunate prisoners, so were they 
 not against this convocation. For having nothing but just desires 
 in them, they did not mistrust the justifying of them. Only 
 Timautas, laboured to have withdrawn them from this assembly, 
 saying it was time to stop their ears from the ambitious charms of 
 Philanax. Let them first deliver Gynecia, and her daughters, 
 which were fit persons to hear, and then they might begin to speak. 
 That this was but Philanax's cunning, to link broil upon broil, 
 because he might avoid the answering of his trespasses, which as 
 he had long intended, so had he prepared coloured speeches to 
 disguise them. But as his words expressed rather a violence of 
 rancour than any just ground of accusation, so pierced they no 
 farther than to some partial ear, the multitude yielding good 
 attention to what Philanax would propose unto them. Who, like a 
 man whose best building was a well-framed conscience, neither 
 with plausible words, nor fawning countenance, but even with the 
 grave behaviour of a wise father, whom nothing but love makes to 
 chide, thus said unto them. 
 
 " I have," said he, " a great matter to deliver unto you, and 
 thereout am I to make a greater demand of you : but tnily such 
 hath this late proceeding been of yours that I know not what is to 
 be demanded of you. Methinks I may have reason to require of 
 you, as men are wont among pirates, that the life of him that 
 never hurt you, may be safe. Methinks I am not without 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 579 
 
 appearance of cause, as if you were Cyclopes or Cannibals, to 
 desire that our prince's body, which hath thirty years maintained 
 us in a flourishing peace, be not torn in pieces, or devoured 
 among you, but may be suffered to yield itself, which never was 
 defiled with any of your bloods, to the natural rest of the earth. 
 Methinks, not as to Arcadians renowned for your faith to prince, 
 and love of country, but as to sworn enemies of this sweet soil. I 
 am to desire you, that at least, if you will have strangers to your 
 princes, yet you will not deliver the seigniory of this goodly 
 kingdom to your noble king's murderers. Lastly, I have reason, 
 as if I had to speak to madmen, to desire you to be good to 
 yourselves : for before God, what either barbarous violence or 
 unnatural folly, hath not this day had his seat in your minds, and 
 left his footsteps in your actions ? but in troth I love you too well 
 to stand long displaying your faults : I would you yourselves did 
 Forget them, so you did not fall again into them. For my part, I 
 had much rather be an orator of your praises. But now, if you 
 will suffer attentive judgment, and not fore-judging passion, to be 
 the weigher of my words, I will deliver unto you what a blessed 
 mean the gods have sent unto you, if you list to embrace it. I 
 think there is none among you so young, either in years, or 
 anderstanding, but hath heard the true fame of that just prince 
 Euarchus, King of Macedon. A prince with whom our late master 
 iid ever hold most perfect alliance. He, even he, is this day come, 
 having but twenty horse with him, within two miles of this place, 
 doping to have found the virtuous Basilius afive, but now willing 
 :o do honour to his death. Surely, surely the heavenly powers 
 lave in so full a time bestowed him on us to unite our divisions. 
 For my part therefore I wish, that since among ourselves we 
 :annot agree in so manifold partialities, we do put the ordering of 
 ill these things into his hands, as well touching the obsequies of 
 he king, the punishment of his death, as the marriage and crowning 
 )f our princesses, he is both by experience and wisdom taught how 
 o direct : his greatness such as no man can disdain to obey him : 
 lis equity such as no man need to fear him. Lastly, as he hath 
 ill these qualities to help, so hath he, though he would, no force to 
 mrt. If therefore you so think good, since our laws bear that our 
 irmce's murder be chastised before his murdered body be buried 
 re may invite him to sit to-morrow in the judgment seat ; which 
 lone, you may after proceed to the burial." 
 
 When Philanax first named Euarchus landing, there was a 
 nuttering murmur among the people, as though, in that evil 
 irdered weakness of theirs he had come to conquer their country 
 Jut when they understood he had so small a retinue, whispering 
 ine with another, and looking who should begin to confirm 
 
S8o ARCADIA [book v, 
 
 Philanax's proposition, at length Sympathus was the first that 
 allowed it, then the rest of the noblemen ; neither did Kalander 
 strive, hoping so excellent a prince could not but deal graciously 
 with two such young men, whose authority joined to Philanax, all 
 the popular sort followed. Timautus still blinded with his own 
 ambitious haste, not remembering factions are no longer to be 
 trusted, than the factious may be persuaded it is for their own 
 good, would needs strive against the stream, exclaiming against 
 Philanax, that now he showed who it was that would betray his 
 country to strangers. But well he found, that who is too busy in 
 the fouhdation of an house, may pull the building about his ears. 
 For the people already tired with their own divisions, of which his 
 clampring had been a principal nurse, and beginning now to espy 
 a haven of rest, hated anything that should hinder them from it : 
 asking one another whether this were not he whose evil tongue 
 no man could escape? whether it were not Timautus that made 
 the first mutinous oration, to strengthen the troubles? whether 
 Timautus, without their consent, had not gone about to deliver 
 Gynecia? And thus inflaming one another against him, they 
 threw him out of the assembly, and after pursued him with stones 
 and staves, so that with loss of one of his eyes, sore wounded and 
 beaten, he was fain to fly to Philanax's feet, for succour of his 
 life ; giving a true lesson, that vice itself is forced to seek the 
 sanctuary of virtue. For Philanax, who hated his evil, but not his 
 person, and knew that a just punishment might by the manner be 
 unjustly done ; remembering ivithal that although herein the 
 people's rage might have hit rightly, yet if it were nourished in 
 this, no man knew to what extremities it might extend itself, with 
 earnest dealing, and employing the uttermost of his authority he 
 did protect the trembling Timautus. And then having taken a 
 general oath, that they should in the nonage of the princess, or till 
 these things were settled, yield full obedience to Euarchus, so far 
 as were not prejudicial to the laws, customs and liberties of 
 Arcadia : and having taken a particular bond of Sympathus, under 
 whom he had a servant of his own, that the prisoners should be 
 kept close, withou conference with any man : he himself 
 honourably accompanied with a great number of torches, went to 
 the King Euarchus, whose coming in this sort into Arcadia had 
 thus fallen out. 
 
 The woful Prince Plangus receiving of Basilius no other 
 succours, but only certain to conduct him to Euarchus, made all 
 possible speed towards Byzantium, where he understood the king, 
 having concluded all his wars with the winning of that town, had 
 now for some good space made his abode. But being far gone 
 on his way, he received certain intelligence, that Euarchus was 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 581 
 
 not only some days before returned into Macedon, but since was 
 gone with some haste to visit that coast of his country that lay 
 towards Italy; the occasion given by the Latines, who having 
 aheady gotten into their hands, partly by conquest and partly 
 by confederacy, the greatest part of Italy, and long gaped to 
 devour Greece also, observing the present opportunity of Euarchus's 
 absence, and Basilius's solitariness, which two princes they knew 
 to be in effect the whole strength of Greece, were even ready to 
 lay an unjust gripe upon it, which after they might beautify with 
 the noble name of conquest. Which purpose though they made 
 not known by any solemn denouncing of war, but contrariwise 
 gave many tokens of continuing still their former amity : yet the 
 staying of his subjects ships, trafficking as merchants into those 
 parts, together with the daily preparation of shipping, and other 
 warlike provisions in ports, most convenient for the transporting 
 of soldiers, occasioned Euarchus, not unacquainted with such 
 practices, first to suspect, then to discern, lastly to seek to prevent 
 the intended mischief. Yet thinking war never to be accepted 
 until it be offered by the hand of necessity, he determined so long 
 openly to hold them his friends, as open hospitality betrayed them 
 not his enemies, nor ceasing in the meantime by letters and 
 messages to move the states of Greece, by uniting their strength, 
 to make timely provision against this peril ; by many reasons 
 making them see that, though in respect of place some of them 
 might seem farther removed from the first violence of the storm, 
 yet being embarked in the same ship, the final wreck must needs 
 be common to them all. And knowing the mighty force of 
 example, with the weak effect of fair discourses, not waited on 
 with agreeable actions, what he persuaded them, himself performed, 
 leaving in his own realm nothing either undone or unprovided 
 which might be thought necessary for withstanding an invasion. 
 His first care was to put his people in a readiness for war, and by 
 bis experienced soldiers to train the unskilful to martial exercises. 
 For the better effecting whereof, as also for meeting with other 
 inconveniences in such doubtful times incident to the most settled 
 states, making of the divers regions of his whole kingdom so many 
 divisions as he thought convenient, he appointed the charge of 
 them to the greatest, and of greatest trust he had about him : 
 irming them with sufficient authority to levy forces within their 
 several governments, both for the resisting the invading enemy 
 ind punishing the disordered subject. ' 
 
 Having thus prepared the body, and assured the heart of his 
 :ountry against any mischief that might attaint it, he then took 
 nto his careful consideration the external parts, giving order both 
 or the repairing and increasing his navy, and for the fortifying of 
 
582 ARCADIA tBooK V, 
 
 such places, especially on the sea coast, as either commodity of 
 landing, weakness of the country, or any other respect of advantage 
 was likeliest to draw the enemy unto. But being none of them who 
 think all things done, for which they have once given direction, he 
 followed everywhere his commandment with his presence, which 
 witnessed of every man's slackness or diligence, chastising the one, 
 and encouraging the other, suffered not the fruit of any profitable 
 counsel for want of timely taking to be lost. And thus making one 
 place succeed another in the progress of wisdom and virtue, he was 
 now come to Aulon a principal port of his realm, when the poor 
 Plangus extremely wearied with his long journey, desire of 
 succouring Erona no more relieving, than fear of not succouring her 
 in time, aggravating his travel, by a lamentable narration of his 
 children's death, called home his cares from encountering foreign 
 enemies, to suppress the insurrection of inward passions. The 
 matter so heinous, the manner so villainous, the loss of such 
 persons, in so unripe years, in a time so dangerous to the whole 
 state of Greece, how vehemently it moved to grief and compassion 
 others, only not blind to the light of virtue, nor deaf to the voice of 
 their country, might perchance by a more cunning workman in 
 lively colours be delivered. But the face of Euarchus's sorrow, to 
 the one in nature, to both in affection a father, and judging the 
 world so much the more unworthily deprived of those excellencies, 
 as himself was better judge of so excellent worthiness, can no 
 otherwise be shadowed out by the skillfuUest pencil than by 
 covering it over with the veil of silence. And indeed that way 
 himself took, with so patient a quietness receiving this pitiful 
 relation, that all words of weakness suppressed, magnanimity 
 seemed to triumph over misery. Only receiving of Plangus perfect 
 instruction of all things concerning Plexirtus and Artaxia, with 
 promise not only to aid him in delivering Erona, but also with 
 vehement protestation never to return into Macedon, till he had 
 pursued the murderers to death, he dispatched with speed a ship 
 for Byzantium, commanding the governor to provide all necessaries 
 for the war against his own coming, which he purposed should 
 be very shortly. In this ship Plangus would needs go, impatient 
 of stay, for that in many days before he had understood nothing of 
 his lady's estate. Soon after whose departure, news was brought 
 to Euarchus, that all the ships detained in Italy were returned. 
 For the Latines finding by Euarchus's proceedings their intent to 
 be frustrate, as before by his sudden return they doubted it was 
 discovered, deeming it no wisdom to show the will, not having the 
 ability to hurt, had not only in free and friendly manner dismissed 
 them, but for that time wholly omitted their enterprise attending 
 the opportunity of fitter occasion. By means whereof Euarchus, 
 
BOOK v.] 
 
 ARCADIA 583 
 
 rid from the cumber of that war, likely otherwise to have stayed 
 him longer, with so great a fleet as haste would suffer him to 
 assemble, forthwith embarked for Byzantium. And now followed 
 with fresh winds he had in a short time run a long course, when 
 on a night encountered with an extreme tempest, his ships were so 
 scattered that scarcely any two were left together. As for the 
 king's own ship, deprived of all company, sore bruised, and 
 weather beaten, able no longer to brook the sea's churlish 
 entertainment, a little before day it recovered the shore. The first 
 hght made them see it was the unhappy coast of Laconia : for no 
 other country could have shown the like evidence of unnatural 
 war. Which having long endured between the nobility and the 
 Helots, and once compounded by Pyrocles, under the name of 
 Daiphantus, immediately upon his departure had broken out more 
 violently than ever before. For the king taking opportunity of their 
 captain's absence, refused to perform the conditions of peace as 
 extorted from him by rebellious violence. Whereupon they were 
 again deeply entered into war, with so notable an hatred towards 
 the very name of a king, that Euarchus, though a stranger unto 
 them, thought it not safe there to leave his person, where neither 
 his own force could be a defence, nor the sacred name of majesty, 
 a protection. Therefore calling to him an Arcadian, one that 
 coming with Plangus had remained with Euarchus, desirous to see 
 the wars, he demanded of him for the next place of surety where 
 he might make his stay until he might hear somewhat of his fleet, 
 or cause his ship to be repaired. The gentleman glad to have this 
 occasion of doing service to Euarchus, and honour to Basihus, to 
 whom he knew he should bring a most welcome guest, told him, 
 that if it pleased him to commit himself to Arcadia, a part whereof 
 lay open to their view, he would undertake e'er the next night were 
 far spent to guide him safely to his master Basilius. The present 
 necessity much prevailed with Euarchus, yet more a certain 
 virtuous desire to try whether by his authority he might withdraw 
 Basilius from burying himself alive, and to employ the rest of his 
 old years in doing good, the only happy action of man's life. For 
 besides the universal case of Greece, deprived by this means of a 
 principal pillar, he weighed and pitied the pitiful state of the 
 Arcadian people, who were in worse case than if death had taken 
 away their prince. For so yet their necessity would have placed 
 someone to the helm ; now, a prince being, and not doing like a 
 prince, keeping and not exercising the place, they were in so much 
 more evil case, as they could not provide for their evil. 
 
 These rightly wise and virtuous considerations especially moved 
 Euarchus to take his journey towards the deserts, where arriving 
 within night, and understanding to his great grief the news of the 
 
5^4 ARCADIA Ibook v. 
 
 prince's death, he waited for his safe conduct from Philanax ; in 
 the meantime taking his rest under a tree, with no more affected 
 pomps than as a man that knew, howsoever he was exalted, the 
 beginning and end of his body was earth. But Philanax as soon 
 as he was in sight of him, alighting from his horse, presented himself 
 unto him in all those humble behaviours, which not only the great 
 reverence of the party, but the conceit of one's own misery, is wont 
 to frame : Euarchus rose up unto him, with so gracious a 
 countenance, as the goodness of his mind had long exercised him 
 unto ; careful so much more to descend in all courtesies, as he saw 
 him bear a low representation of his afflicted state. But to 
 Philanax, as soon as by near looking on him, he might perfectly 
 behold him, the gravity of his countenance and years, not much 
 unlike to his late deceased, but ever beloved master, brought his 
 form so lively into his memory, and revived so all the thoughts of 
 his wonted joys within him, that instead of speaking to Euarchus, 
 he stood a while like a man gone a far journey from himself, 
 calling as it were with his mind an account of his losses, imagining 
 that this pain needed not, if nature had not been violently stopped 
 of her own course ; and casting more loving than wise conceits, 
 what a world would this have been if this sudden accident had not 
 interrupted it. And so far strayed he into his raving melancholy 
 that his eyes, nimbler than his tongue, let fall a flood of tears, his 
 voice being stopped with extremity of sobbing, so much had his 
 friendship carried him to Basilius that he thought no age was 
 timely for his death. But at length taking the occasion of his own 
 weeping, he thus did speak to Euarchus : " Let not my tears, most 
 worthily renowned prince, make my presence unpleasant, or my 
 speech unmarked of you. For the justice of the cause takes away 
 the blame of any weakness in me ; and the affinity that the same 
 beareth to your greatness, seems even lawfully to claim pity in you : 
 a prince of a prince's fall, a lover of justice, of a most unjust 
 violence. And give me leave, excellent Euarchus, to say, I am but 
 the representor of all the late flourishing Arcadia, which now 
 with mine eyes doth weep, with my tongue doth complain, with my 
 knees doth lay itself at your feet, which never have been unready 
 to carry you to the virtuous protecting of innocents. Imagine, 
 vouchsafe to imagine, most wise and good king, that here is before 
 your eyes the pitiful spectacle of a most dolorously ending tragedy ; 
 wherein I do but play the part of" all the new miserable province, 
 which being spoiled of their guide, doth lie like a ship without a 
 pilot, tumbling up and down in the uncertain waves, till it either 
 run itself upon the rocks of self-division, or be overthrown by the 
 stormy wind of foreign force. Arcadia finding herself in these 
 desolate terms, doth speak, and I speak for her, to thee not vainly 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 585 
 
 puissant prince, that since now she is not only robbed of the 
 natural support of her lord, but so suddenly robbed that she hath 
 not breathing time to stand for her safety : so unfortunately, that 
 it doth appal their minds, though they had leisure ; and so 
 mischievously, that it doth exceed both the suddenness and 
 unfortunateness of it ; thou wilt lend thine arm unto her, and, as a 
 man, take compassion of mankind ; as a virtuous man, chastise 
 most abominable vice ; and as a prince protect a people, which all 
 have with one voice called for thy goodness, thinking that as thou art 
 only able, so thou art fully able, to redress their imminent ruins. 
 They do therefore with as much confidence as necessity, fly unto 
 you for succour, they lay themselves open unto you : to you, I mean 
 yourself such as you have ever been : that is to say, one that hath 
 always had his determinations bounded with equity. They only 
 reserve the right to Basilius's blood ; the manner to the ancient 
 prescribing of their laws. For the rest without exception they 
 yield over unto you, as to the elected protector of this kingdom, 
 which name and office they beseech you, till you have laid a 
 sufficient foundation of tranquility, to take upon you; the 
 particularity both of their statutes and demands you shall presently 
 after understand. Now only I am to say unto you, that this 
 country falls to be a fair field, to prove whether the goodly tree of 
 your virtue will live in all soils. Here I say will be seen, whether 
 either fear can make you short, or the licourishness of dominion make 
 you beyond justice. And I can for conclusion say no more but 
 this, you must think upon my words, and on your answer depends 
 not only the quiet, but the lives of so many thousands, which for 
 their ancient confederacy, in this their extreme necessity, desire 
 neither the expense of your treasure, nor hazard of your subjects, 
 but only the benefit of your wisdom, whose both glory and increase 
 stands in the exercising of it." 
 
 The sum of this request was utterly unlooked for of Euarchus, 
 which made him the more diligent in marking his speech, and after 
 his speech take the greater pause for a perfect resolution. For as 
 of the one side, he thought nature required nothing more of him 
 than that he should be a help to them of like creation, and had his 
 heart no wit commanded with fear, thinking his life well passed, 
 having satisfied the tyranny of time, with the course of many years, 
 the expectation of the world with more than expected honour ; 
 lastly, the tribute due to his own mind, with the daily offering 
 of most virtuous actions : so of the other he weighed the just 
 reproach that followed those who easily enter into other folk's 
 business, with the opinion might be conceived, love of seigniory 
 rather than of justice, had made him embark himself thus into a 
 matter nothing pertaining to him, especially in a time when earnest 
 
S86 ARCADIA tBooK v. 
 
 occasion of his own business so greatly required his presence. 
 But in the end, wisdom being an essential and not an opinionate 
 thing, made him rather to bend to what was in itself good than 
 what by evil minds might be judged not good. And therein did 
 see that though the people did not belong unto him, yet doing 
 good, which is not enclosed within any terms of people, did belong 
 unto him, and if necessity forced him for some time to abide in 
 Arcadia, the necessity of Arcadia might justly demand some fruit 
 of abiding. To this secret assurance of his own worthiness, which 
 although it be never so well clothed in modesty, yet always lives 
 in the worthiest minds, did much push him forward, saying unto 
 himself, the treasure of those inward gifts he had were bestowed by 
 the heavens upon him to be beneficial and not idle. On which 
 determination resting, and yet willing before he waded any farther, 
 to examine well the depth of the other's proffer ; he thus with that 
 well poised gesture, unpassionate nature bestoweth upon mankind, 
 made answer to Philanax's most urgent petition. 
 
 "Although long experience hath made me know all men, and 
 so princes which be but men, to be subject to infinite casualties, 
 the very constitution of our lives remaining in continual change: 
 yet the affairs of this country, or at least my meeting so jumply 
 with them, makes me abashed with the strangeness of it. With 
 much pain am I come hither to see my long approved friend, 
 and now I find if I will see him, I must see him dead : after, for 
 mine own security, I seek to be warranted mine own life ; and 
 there suddenly am I appointed to be a judge of other men's 
 lives : though a friend to him, yet am I a stranger to the country, 
 and now of a stranger you would suddenly make a director. 
 I might object, to your desire, my weakness, which age perhaps 
 hath wrought in mind and body; and justly I may pretend the 
 necessity of mine own affairs, to which as I am by all true rules 
 most nearly tied, so can they not long bear the delay of ray 
 absence. But though I would and could dispense with these 
 difficulties, what assurance can I have of the people's^ will ? which 
 having so many circles of imaginations can hardly be enclosed 
 in onfr point. Who knows a people, that knows not sudden 
 opinion makes them hope, which hope if it be not answered, they 
 fall into hate, choosing and refusing, erecting, and overthrowing, 
 according as the presentness of any fancy carries them. Even this 
 their hasty drawing to me, makes me think they will be as hastily 
 withdrawn from me ; for it is but one ground of inconstancy, soon 
 to take or soon to leave. It may be they have heard of Euarchus 
 more than cause: their own eyes will be perhaps more curious 
 judges, out of hearsay they may have builded many conceits, which 
 I cannot, perchance will not, perform, then will undeserved 
 
BOOK v.J ARCADIA 5^7 
 
 repentance be a greater shame and injury unto me than their 
 undeserved proffer is honour. And to conclude, I must be fully 
 informed how the patient is minded, before I can promise to 
 undertake the cure." 
 
 Philanax was not of the modern minds, who made suiters 
 magistrates; but did ever think the unwilling worthy man, was 
 fitter than the undeserving desirer. Therefore the more 
 Euarchus drew back, the more he found in him, that the cunningest 
 pilot doth most dread the rocks, the more earnestly he pursued 
 his public request unto him. He desired him not to make any 
 weak excuses of his weakness, since so many examples had well 
 proved his mind was strong to overpass the greatest troubles, 
 and his body strong enough to obey his mind : and that so long 
 as they were joined together, he knew Euarchus would think it 
 no wearisome exercise, to make them. vessels of virtuous actions. 
 The duty to his country he acknowledged, which as he had so 
 settled as it was not to fear any sudden alteration, so since it did 
 want him, as well it might endure a fruitful as an idle absence. 
 As for the doubt he conceived of the people's constancy in this 
 their election, he said it was such a doubt as all human actions 
 are subject unto ; yet as much as in politic matters, which receive 
 not geometrical certainties, a man may assure himself there was 
 evident likelihood to be conceived of the continuance, both in 
 their unanimity, and his worthiness ; whereof the one was apt 
 to be held, and the other to hold, joined to the present necessity 
 the firmest band of mortal minds. In some he alleged so many 
 reasons to Euarchus's mind, already inclined to enter into any 
 virtuous action, that he yielded to take upon himself the judgment 
 of the present cause ; so as he might find indeed, that such was 
 the people's desire out of judgment, and not faction. 
 
 Therefore mounting on their horses, they hasted to the lodges 
 where they found, though late in the night, the people wakefuUy 
 watching for the issue of Philanax's embassage. No man thinking 
 the matter would be well done, without he had his voice in it 
 and each deeming his own eyes the best guardians of his throat 
 in that unaccustomed tumult. But when they saw Philanax 
 return, having on his right hand the King Euarchus, on whom 
 they had now placed the greatest burden of their fears, with joyful 
 shouts, and applauding acclamations, they made him and the 
 world quickly know, that one man's sufficiency is more available 
 than ten thousand of the multitude. So evil balanced be the 
 extremities of popular minds : and so much natural imperiousness 
 there rests in a well-formed spirit. For, as if Euarchus had been 
 born of the princely blood of Arcadia, or that long and well 
 acquainted proof had ingrafted him in their country, so flocked 
 
588 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 they about this stranger, most of them already from dejected fears, 
 rising to ambitious considerations, who should catch the first hold 
 of his favour. And then from those crying welcomes to babbling 
 one with the other, some praising Philanax for his exceeding pain, 
 others liking Euarchus's aspect, and as they judged his age by 
 his face, so judging his wisdom by his age, Euarchus passed 
 through them like a man that did neither disdain a people, nor 
 yet was anything tickled with their flatteries. But always holding 
 his own, a man might read a constant determination in his eyes. 
 And in that soft dismounting among them, he forthwith demanded 
 the convocation to be made, which accordingly was done, with 
 as much order and silence, as it might appear; Neptune had not 
 more force to appease the rebellious wind, than the admiration 
 of an extraordinary virtue hath, to temper a disordered multitude ; 
 he being raised up upon a place more high than the rest, where 
 he might be best understood, in this sort speak unto them. 
 
 " I understand," said he, " faithful Arcadians, by my Lord 
 Philanax, that you have with one consent chosen me to be the 
 judge of the late evils happened ; orderer of the present disorders ; 
 and finally protector of this country till therein it be seen what 
 the customs of Arcadia require." He could say no farther, being 
 stopped with a general cry, that so it was, giving him all the 
 honourable titles and happy wishes they could imagine. He 
 beckoned unto them for silence, and then thus again proceeded, 
 "Well," said he, "how good choice you have made, the attending 
 must be in you, the proof in me. But because it many times falls 
 out, we are much deceived in others, we being the first to deceive 
 ourselves, I am to require you, not to have an over-shooting 
 expectation of me, the most cruel adversary of all honourable 
 doings. Nor promise yourselves wonders out of a sudden liking : 
 but remember I am a man, that is to say, a creature whose reason 
 is often darkened with error. Secondly, that you will lay your 
 hearts void of foretaken opinions : else whatsoever I do or say, 
 will be measured by a wrong rule, like them that have the yellow 
 jaundice, every thing seeming yellow unto them. Thirdly, 
 whatsoever debates have risen among you, may be utterly 
 extinguished; knowing that even among the best men are 
 diversities of opinions, which are no more in true reason to breed 
 hatred, than one that loves black, should be angry with him that 
 is clothed in white ; for thoughts and conceits are the very apparel 
 of the mind : lastly, that you do not easily judge of your judge, 
 but since you will have me to command, think it is your part to 
 obey. And in reward of this, I will promise and protest unto you, 
 that to the uttermost of my skill, both in the general laws of nature, 
 especially of Greece, and particularly of Arcadia, wherein I Inust 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 589 
 
 confess I am not unacquainted, I will not only see the passed evils 
 duly punished, and your weal hereafter established, but for your 
 defence in it, if need shall require, I will employ the force and 
 treasures of mine own country. In the meantime, this shall be 
 the first order I will take, that no man, under pain of grievous 
 punishment, name me by any other name but protector of Arcadia. 
 For I will not leave any possible colour, to any of my natural 
 successors, to make claim to this which by free election you have 
 bestowed upon me. And so I vow unto you, to depose myself 
 of it as soon as the judgment is passed, the king buried, and his 
 lawful successor appointed. For the first whereof, I mean the 
 trying which be guilty of the king's death, and these other heinous 
 trespasses, because your customs require such haste, I will no 
 longer delay it, than till to-morrow as soon as the sun shall give 
 us fit opportunity. You may therefore retire yourselves to your rest, 
 that you may be readier to be present, at these so great important 
 matters." 
 
 With many allowing tokens was Euarchus's speech heard, who 
 now by Philanax, that took the principal care of doing all due 
 services unto him, was offered a lodging made ready for him, the 
 rest of the people as well as a small commodity of that place would 
 suffer, yielding their weary heads to sleep, when lo, the night 
 thoroughly spent in these mixed matters, was for that time 
 banished the face of the earth, and Euarchus, seeing the day begin 
 to disclose his comfortable beauties, desiring nothing more than to 
 join speed with justice, willed Philanax presently to make the 
 judgment-place be put in order : and as soon as the people, who 
 yet were not fully dispersed, might be brought together, to bring 
 forth the prisoners and the king's body. Which the manner was 
 should in such cases be held in sight, though covered with black 
 velvet, until they that were accused to be the murderers were 
 acquitted or condemned ; whether the reason of the law were to 
 show the more grateful love to their prince, or by that spectacle 
 the more to remember the judge of his duty. Philanax, who now 
 thought in himself, he approached to the just revenge he so much 
 desired, went with all care and diligence to perform his charge. 
 
 But first it shall be well to know how the poor and princely 
 prisoners passed this tedious night. There was never tyrant 
 exercised his rage with more grievous torments upon any he most 
 hated, than afflicted Gynecia did crucify her own soul, after the 
 guiltiness of her heart was surcharged with the suddenness 
 of her husband's death : for although that effect came not from 
 her mind, yet her mind being evil, and the effect evil, she 
 thought the justice of God had for the beginning of her pains 
 coupled them together. This incessantly boiled in her breast, but 
 
S90 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 most of all, when Philanax having closely imprisoned her, she was 
 left more freely to suffer the firebrands of her own thoughts, 
 especially when it grew dark, and had nothing left her but a little 
 lamp whose small light to a perplexed mind, might rather yield 
 fearful shadows than any assured sight. Then began the heaps of 
 her miseries, to weigh down the platform of her judgment, then 
 began despair to lay his ugly claws upon her, she began then to 
 fear the heavenly powers, she was wont to reverence, not like a child, 
 but like an enemy, neither kept she herself from blasphemously 
 repining against her creation, " O God," would she cry out, " why 
 did You make me to destruction ? if You love goodness, why did 
 You not give me a good mind ? or if I cannot have it without Your 
 gift, why do You plague me ? Is it in me to resist the mightiness 
 of Your power ? " Then would she imagine she saw strange sights, 
 and that she heard the cries of hellish ghosts, then would she 
 shriek out for succour, but no man coming unto her, she would 
 fain have killed herself, but knew not how. At sometimes again, 
 the very heaviness of her imaginations would close up her senses 
 to a little sleep : but then did her dreams become her tormentors. 
 One time it would seem unto her, Philanax was hauling her by the 
 hair of the head, and having put out her eyes was ready to throw 
 her in a burning furnace. Another time she would think she saw 
 her husband making the complaint of his death to Pluto, and the 
 magistrates of that infernal region, contending in great debate to 
 what eternal punishment they should allot her. But long her 
 dreaming would not hold, but that it would fall upon Zelmane, to 
 whom she would think she was crying for mercy, and that she did 
 pass away by her in silence, without any show of pitying her 
 mischief. Then waking out of a broken sleep, and yet wishing 
 she might ever have slept ; new forms, but of the same miseries, 
 would seize her mind: she feared death, and yet desired 
 death ; she had passed the uttermost of shame, and yet shame was 
 one of her cruellest assaulters ; she hated Pyrocles as the original 
 of her mortal overthrow ; and yet the love she had conceived to 
 him, had still a high authority of her passions, "O Zelmane," 
 would she say, not knowing how near he himself was to as great a 
 danger, "now shalt thou glut thy eyes, with the dishonoured 
 death of thy enemy. Enemy ! alas ! enemy, since so thou hast 
 well showed thou wilt have me account thee : couldst thou not as 
 well have given me a determinate denial, as to disguise thy first 
 disguising, with a double dissembling ? perchance if I had been 
 utterly hopeless, the virtue was once in me might have called 
 together his forces, and not have been led captive to this monstrous 
 thraldom of punished wickedness." Then would her own knowing 
 of good inflame anew the rage of despair : which becoming an 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 591 
 
 unresisted lord in her breast, she had no other comfort but in 
 death, which yet she had in horror, when she thought of. But the 
 wearisome detesting of herself made her long for the day's 
 approach, at which time she determined to continue her former 
 course, in acknowledging anything that might hasten her end: 
 wherein although she did not hope for the end of her torments, 
 feeling already the beginning of hell-agonies ; yet according to 
 the nature of pain, the present being most intolerable, she desired 
 to change that, and put to adventure the ensuing. And thus 
 rested the restless Gynecia. 
 
 No less sorrowful, though less rageful, where the minds of the 
 Princess Pamela, and the Lady Philoclea, whose only advantages 
 were that they had not consented to so much evil, and so were at 
 greater peace with themselves : and that they were not left alone, 
 but might mutually bear part of each other's woes. For when 
 Philanax not regarding Pamela's princely protestations, had by 
 force left her under guard with her sister, and that the two sisters 
 were matched, as well in the disgraces of fortune, as they had 
 been in the best beauties of nature : those things that till then 
 bashfulness and mistrust had made them hold reserved one from 
 the other, now fear, the underminer of all determinations, and 
 necessity the victorious rebel of all laws, forced them inter- 
 changeably to lay open. Their passions then so swelling in them 
 as they would have made auditors of stones, rather than have 
 swallowed up in silence the choking adventures were fallen unto 
 them ; truly the hardest hearts, which have at any time thought 
 woman's tears to be a matter of slight compassion, imagining that 
 fair weather will quickly after follow, would now have been 
 mollified ; and been compelled to confess that the fairer a diamond 
 is, the more pity it is it should receive a blemish. Although, no 
 doubt, their faces did rather beautify sorrow, than sorrow could 
 darken that which even in darkness did shine. But after they had 
 so long, as their other afflictions would suffer them, with doleful 
 ceremonies bemoaned their father's death : they sat down together 
 apparelled as their misadventures had found them ; Pamela in her 
 journeying weeds now converted to another use : Philoclea only in 
 her night-gown, which she thought should be the raiment of her 
 funerals. But when the excellent creatures had after much 
 panting, with their inward travel, gotten so much breathing power 
 as to make a pitiful discourse one to the other, what had befallen 
 them, and that by the plain comparing the case they were in, they 
 thoroughly found that their griefs were not more like in regard of 
 themselves, than like in respect of the subject, the two princes, as 
 Pamela had learned of Musidorus, being so minded that they 
 would ever make both their fortunes one, it did more unite, and sq 
 
592 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 strengthen their lamentation : seeing the one could not be 
 miserable, but that it must necessarily make the other miserable 
 also. That therefore was the first matter their sweet mouths 
 delivered, the declaring the passionate beginning, troublesome 
 proceeding, and dangerous ending, their never ending loves had 
 passed. And when at any time they entered into praises of the 
 young princes, too long it would have exercised their tongues, but 
 that their memory forthwith warned them, the more praise-worthy 
 they were, the more at that time they were worthy of lamentation. 
 Then again to crying and wringing of hands ; and then anew, as 
 unquiet grief sought each corner, to new discourses, from discourses 
 to wishes, from wishes to prayers. Especially the tender Philoclea, 
 who as she was in years younger, and had never lifted up her 
 mind to any opinion of sovereignty, so was she the apter to yield 
 to her misfortune ; having no stronger debates in her mind, than a 
 man may say a most witty childhood is wont to nourish, as to 
 imagine with herself, why Philanax and the other moblemen should 
 deal so cruelly by her that had never deserved evil of any of them. 
 And how they could find in their hearts, to imprison such a 
 personage as she did figure Pyrocles, whom she thought all the 
 world was bound to love, as well as she did. But Pamela, although 
 endued with a virtuous mildness, yet the knowledge of herself, 
 and what was due unto her, made her heart full of a stronger 
 disdain against her adversity. 
 
 So that she joined the vexation of her friend with the spite to 
 see herself, as she thought, rebelliously detained, and mixed 
 desirous thoughts to help, with revengeful thoughts if she could 
 not help. And as in pangs of death, the stronger heart feels the 
 greater torment, because it doth the more resist his oppressor: 
 so her mind, the nobler it was set, and had already embraced 
 the higher thoughts, so much more it did repine; and the 
 more it repined, the more helpless wounds it gave unto 
 itself. But when great part of the night was passed over 
 the doleful music of these sweet ladies' complaints, and that 
 leisure though with some strife had brought Pamela to know that 
 an eagle when she is in a cage must not think to do like an eagle, 
 remembering with themselves that it was likely the next day 
 the lords would proceed against those they had imprisoned. 
 They employed the rest of the night in writing unto them, with 
 such earnestness as the rnatter required, but in such styles as the 
 state of their thoughts was apt to fashion. 
 
 In the meantime, Pyrocles and Musidorus were recommended 
 to so strong a guard that they might well see it was meant they 
 should pay no less price than their lives for the getting out of 
 that place, which they like men indeed, fortifying courage with 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 593 
 
 the true rampire of patience, did so endure that they did rather 
 appear governors of necessity, than servants to fortune. The 
 whole sum of their thoiights resting upon the safety of their 
 ladies, and their care one for the other : wherein, if at all, their 
 hearts did seem to receive some softness. For sometimes 
 Musidorus would feel such a motion to his friend, and his unworthy 
 case, that he would fall into such kind of speeches. " My 
 Pyrocles," would he say, "how unhappy may I think Thessalia, 
 that hath been as it were the middle way to this evil estate of 
 yours ? For if you had not been there brought up, the sea should 
 not have had this power thus to sever you from your dear father. 
 I have therefore, if complaints do at any time become a man's 
 heart, most cause to complain, since my country, which received 
 the honour of Pyrocles's education, should be a step to his 
 overthrow, if human chances can be counted an overthrow to 
 him that stands upon virtue." " Oh excellent Musidorus," answered 
 Pyrocles, "how do you teach me rather to fall out with myself, 
 and my fortune, since by you I have received all good, you only 
 by me this affliction? To you and your virtuous mother, I in 
 my tenderest years, and father's greatest troubles, was sent for 
 succour. There did I learn the sweet mysteries of philosophy; 
 there had I your lively example to confirm that which I learned ; 
 there, lastly, had I your friendship, which no unhappiness can ever 
 make you say, but that hath made me happy. Now see how my 
 destiny, the gods know, not my will, hath rewarded you : my father 
 sends for you out of your land, whence but for me you had not 
 come : what after followed, you know. It was my love, not yours, 
 which first stayed you here; and therefore if the heavens ever 
 held a just proportion, it were I, and not you, that should feel the 
 smart," "O blame not the heavens, sweet Pyrocles," said 
 Musidorus, " as their course never alters, so is there nothing done 
 by the unreachable ruler of them, but hath an everlasting reason 
 for it. And to say the truth of these things, we should deal 
 ungratefully with nature, if we should be forgetful receivers of 
 her gift, and diligent auditors of the chances we like not. We 
 have lived, and have lived to be good to ourselves and others ; 
 our souls, which are put into the stirring earth of our bodies, 
 have achieved the causes of their thither coming: they have 
 known and honoured with knowledge the cause of their creation, 
 and to many men, for in this time, place and fortune, it is lawful 
 for us to speak gloriously, it hath been behoveful that we should 
 live. Since then eternity is not to be had in this conjunction, 
 what is to be lost by the separation, but time? which since it hath 
 his end, when, that is once come, all that is past is nothing: 
 and by the protracting nothing gotten, but labour and care. Do 
 
 2 P 
 
'594 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 not me, therefore, that wrong, who something in years, but much 
 in all other deserts, am fitter to die than you, as to say you have 
 brought me to any evil : since the love of you doth over-balance 
 all bodily mischiefs, and those mischiefs be but mischiefs to the 
 baser minds, too much delighted with the kennel of this life. 
 Neither will I any more yield to my passion of lamenting you, 
 which howsoever it might agree to my exceeding friendship, 
 surely it would nothing to your exceeding virtue." "Add this 
 to your noble speech my dear cousin," said Pyrocles, "that if 
 we complain of this our fortune, or seem to ourselves faulty, in 
 having one hurt the other, we show a repentance of the love we 
 bear to these matchless creatures, or at least a doubt, it should 
 be over dearly bought, which for my part, and so dear I answer 
 for you, I call all the gods to witness, I am so far from, that no 
 shame, no torment, no death, would make me forego the least 
 part of the inward honour, essential pleasure, and living life, I 
 have enjoyed in the presence of the faultless Philoclea." "Take 
 the pre-eminence in all things but in true loving,'' answered 
 Musidorus, " for the confession of that no death shall get of me." 
 "Of that," answered Pyrocles, soberly smiling, "I perceive we 
 shall have a debate in the other world, if at least there remain 
 anything of remembrance in that place." " I do not think the 
 contrary," said Musidorus, " although you know it is greatly held 
 that with the death of body and senses, which are not only the 
 beginning, but dwelling and nourishing of passions, thoughts and 
 imaginations, they failing, memory likewise fails, which riseth 
 only out of them, and then is there left nothing but the intellectual 
 part or intelligence, which void of all moral virtues which stand 
 in the mean of perturbations, doth only live in the contemplative 
 virtue and power of the omnipotent good, the soul of souls, and 
 universal life of this great work, and therefore is utterly void from 
 the possibility of drawing to itself these sensible considerations." 
 " Certainly," answered Pyrocles, " I easily yield that we should 
 not know one another, and much less these passed things, with 
 a sensible or passionate knowledge. For the cause being taken 
 away, the effects follow. Neither do I think we shall have such 
 a memory as now we have, which is but a relic of the senses, 
 or rather a print the senses have left of things past in our thoughts, 
 but it shall be a vital power of that very intelligence : which as 
 vile as it was here, it held the chief seat of our hfe, and was as 
 it were the last resort to which of all our knowledges the highest 
 appeal came, and so by that means was never ignorant of our 
 actions, though many times rebelliously resisted, always with this 
 prison darkened ; so much more being free of that prison, and 
 returning to the life of all things, where all infinite knowledge is, 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 595 
 
 it cannot but be a right intelligence which is both his name and 
 being, of things both present and passed, though void of imagining 
 to itself anything; but even grown like to his creator hath 
 all things, with a spiritual knowledge before it. The difference 
 of which is as hard for us to conceive as it was for us when we 
 were in our mother's wombs to comprehend, if anybody would 
 have told us, what kind of light we now in this life see, what kind 
 of knowledge we now have: yet now we do not only feel our 
 present being, but we conceive what we were before we were 
 born, though remembrance make us not do it, but knowledge, 
 and though we are utterly without any remorse of any misery 
 we might then suffer. Even such, and much more odds, shall 
 there be at that second delivery of ours, when void of sensible 
 memory, or memorative passion, we shall not see the colours, 
 but lives of all things that have been or can be, and shall, as 
 I hope, know our friendship, though exempt from the earthly 
 cares of friendship, having both united it, and ourselves in that 
 high and heavenly love of the unquenchable light." As he had 
 ended his speech, Musidorus looking with a heavenly joy upon 
 him, sang this song unto him, he had made before love turned 
 his muse to another subject. 
 
 Since nature's works be good, and death doth serve 
 As nature's work : why should we fear to die ? 
 
 Since fear is vain, but when it may preserve : 
 Why should we fear that which we cannot fly ? 
 
 Fear is more pain than is the pain it fears. 
 Disarming human minds of native might : 
 
 While each conceit an ugly figure bears, 
 Which were not evil well view'd in reason's light. 
 
 Our owly eyes, which dimm'd with passions be, 
 And scarce discern the dawn of coming day, 
 
 Let them be clear'd, and now begin to see, 
 Our life is but a step in dusty way. 
 
 Then let us hold the bliss of peaceful mind, 
 
 Since this we feel, great loss we cannot find. 
 
 Thus did they, like quiet swans, sing their own obsequies, and 
 virtuously enable their minds against all extremities which they 
 did think would fall upon them, especially resolving that the first 
 care they would have, should be by taking the fault upon themselves, 
 to clear the two ladies, of whose case, as of nothing else that 
 happened, they had not any knowledge. Although their friendly- 
 host, the honest gentleman Kalander, seeking all means how to 
 help them, had endeavoured to speak with them, and to make 
 
59^ ARCADIA [book v- 
 
 them know who should be their judge. But the curious servant of 
 Philanax forbade him the entry upon pain of death. For so it was 
 agreed upon, that no man should have any conference with them, 
 for fear of new tumults. Insomuch that Kalander was constrained 
 to retire himself, having yet obtained thus much, that he would 
 deliver unto the two princes their apparel and jewels, which being 
 left with him at Mantinea, wisely considering that their disguised 
 weeds, which were all as then they had, would make them more 
 odious in the sight of the judges, he had that night sent for, and 
 now brought unto them. They accepted their own with great 
 thankfulness, knowing from whence it came, and attired themselves 
 in it against the next day, which being indeed rich and princely, 
 they accordingly determined to maintain the names of Palladius 
 and Daiphantus, as before it is mentioned. Then gave they 
 themselves to consider, in what sort they might defend their 
 causes ; for they thought it no less vain to wish death, than 
 cowardly to fear it, till something before morning, a small slumber 
 taking them, they were by and by after called up to come to the 
 answer, of no less than their lives imported. But in this sort was 
 the judgment ordered. As soon as the morning had took a full 
 possession of the element, Euarchus called unto him Philanax, 
 and willed him to draw out into the midst of the green, before the 
 chief lodge, the throne of judgment-seat, in which Basilius was 
 wont to sit, and according to their customs, was ever carried with 
 the prince. For Euarchus did wisely consider the people to be 
 naturally taken with exterior shows, far more than with inward 
 consideration of the material points. And therefore in this new 
 entry into so entangled a matter, he would leave nothing which 
 might be either an armour or an ornament unto him, and in these 
 pompous ceremonies he well knew a secret of government much 
 to consist. That was performed by the diligent Philanax, and 
 therein Euarchus did set himself all clothed in black, with the 
 principal men who could in that suddenness provide themselves 
 of such mourning raiments ; the whole people commanded to 
 keep an orderly silence of each side, which was duly observed of 
 them, partly for the desire they had to see a good conclusion of 
 these matters, and partly stricken with admiration, as well at the 
 grave and princely presence of Euarchus, as at the greatness of 
 the cause which was then to come in question. As for Philanax, 
 Euarchus would have done him the honour to sit by him, but he 
 excused himself, desiring to be the accuser of the prisoners in his 
 master's behalf ; and therefore since he made himself a party, it 
 was not convenient for him to sit in the judicial place. 
 
 Then was it a while deliberated, whether the two young ladies 
 should be brought forth in open presence : but that was stopped 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 597 
 
 by Philanax, whose love and faith did descend from his master to 
 his children, and only desired the smart should light upon the 
 others, whom he thought guilty of his death and dishonour, 
 alleging for this, that neither wisdom would they should be brought 
 in presence of the people, which might hereupon grow to new 
 uproars, nor justice required they should be drawn to any shame 
 till somebody accused them. And as for Pamela, he protested the 
 laws of Arcadia would not allow any judgment of her, although 
 she herself were to determine nothing till age or marriage enabled 
 her. Then the king's body being laid upon a table, just before 
 Euarchus, and all covered over with black, the prisoners, namely, 
 the queen and two young princes, were sent for to appear in the 
 protector's name : which name was the cause they came not to 
 knowledge, how near a kinsman was to judge of them, but thought 
 him to be some nobleman, chosen by the country in this extremity. 
 So extraordinary a course had the order of the heavens produced 
 at this time, that both nephew and son were not only prisoners, 
 but unknown to their uncle and father, who of many years had not 
 seen them. And Pyrocles was to plead for his life before that 
 throne, in which throne lately before he had saved the king's life. 
 
 But first was Gynecia led forth in the same weeds that the day 
 and night before she had worn, saving that instead of Zelmane's 
 garment in which she was found, she had cast on a long cloak 
 which reached to the ground, of russet coarse cloth, with a poor 
 felt hat which almost covered all her face, most part of her goodly 
 hair, on which her hands had laid many a spiteful hold, so lying 
 upon her shoulders, as a man might well see had no artificial 
 carelessness. Her eyes down on the ground, of purpose not to 
 look on Pyrocles's face, which she did not so much shun, for the 
 unkindness she conceived of her own overthrow as for the fear 
 those motions in this short time of her life should be revived, 
 which she had with the passage of infinite sorrows mortified. 
 Great was the compassion the people felt to see their princess's 
 state and beauty so deformed by fortune and her own desert, 
 whom they had ever found a lady most worthy of all honour. 
 
 But by and by the sight of the other two prisoners drew most 
 of the eyes to that spectacle. Pyrocles came out led by 
 Sympathus, clothed, after the Greek manner, in a long coat of 
 white velvet reaching to the small of his leg, with great buttons of 
 diamonds all along upon it ; his neck without any collar, not so 
 much as hidden with a ruff, did pass the whiteness of his garments, 
 which was not much in fashion unlike to the crimson raiment our 
 Knights of the Order* first put on. On his feet he had nothing 
 
 •Of the Garter. 
 
SgS ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 but slippers, which, after the ancient manner, were tied up with 
 certain laces, which were fastened under his knee, having wrapped 
 about, with many pretty knots, his naked legs. His fair auburn 
 hair, which he wore in great length, and gave at that time a 
 delightful show, with being stirred up and down with the breath 
 of a gentle wind, had nothing upon it, but a white ribbon, in those 
 days used for a diadem. Which rolled once or twice about the 
 uppermost part of his forehead, fell down upon his back, closed 
 up at each end with the richest pearls were to be seen in the world. 
 After him followed another nobleman, guiding the noble Musidorus, 
 who had upon him a long cloak, after the fashion of that which we 
 call the apostle's mantle, made of purple satin ; not that purple 
 which we now have, and is but a counterfeit of the Getalian purple, 
 which yet was far the meaner in price and estimation, but of the 
 right Tyrian purple, which was nearest to a colour betwixt our 
 murrey and scarlet. On his head, which was black and curled, he 
 wore a Persian tiara, all set down with rows of so rich rubies, that 
 they were enough to speak for him that they had to judge of no 
 mean personage. 
 
 In this sort, with erected countenances, did these unfortunate 
 princes suffer themselves to be led, showing aright, by the 
 comparison of them and Gynecia, how to divers persons 
 compassion is diversly to be stirred. For as to Gynecia, a lady 
 known of great estate, and greatly esteemed, the more miserable 
 representation was made of her sudden ruin, the more men's 
 hearts were forced to bewail such an evident witness of weak 
 humanity : so to these men, not regarded because unknown, but 
 rather, besides the detestation of their fact, hated as strangers, the 
 more they should have fallen down in an abject semblance, the 
 more, instead of compassion, they should have got contempt : but 
 therefore were to use, as I may term it, the more violence of 
 magnanimity, and so to conquer the expectation of the lookers 
 with an extraordinary virtue. And such effect indeed it wrought 
 in the whole assembly, their eyes yet standing as it were in 
 balance to whether of them they should most direct their sight. 
 Musidorus was in stature so much higher than Pyrocles as 
 commonly is gotten by one year's growth. His face, now 
 beginning to have some tokens of a beard, was composed to a 
 kind of manlike beauty. His colour was of a well-pleasing 
 brownness, and the features of it such as they carried both delight 
 and majesty : his countenance severe, and promising a mind much 
 given to thinking. Pyrocles of a pure complexion, and of such a 
 cheerful favour as might seem either a woman's face in a boy, or 
 an excellent boy's face in a woman. His look gentle and bashful, 
 ^hich bred the more admiration, having showed such notablp 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 599 
 
 proofs of courage. Lastly, though both had both, if there were 
 any odds, Musidorus was the more goodly, and Pyrocles the 
 more lovely. But as soon as Musidorus saw himself so far forth 
 led among the people, that he knew to a great number of them 
 his voice should be heard, misdoubting their intention to the Princess 
 Pamela, of whom he was more careful than of his own life, even as 
 he went, though his leader sought to interrupt him, he thus with a 
 loud voice spoke unto them. 
 
 " And is it possible, O Arcadians,'' said he, " that you can forget 
 the natural duty you owe to your Princess Pamela ? Hath this soil 
 been so little beholden to her noble ancestors ? Hath so long a 
 time rooted no surer love in your hearts to that line ? Where is 
 that faith to your prince's blood which hath not only preserved 
 you from all dangers heretofore, but hath spread your fame to all 
 the nations of the world ? Where is that justice the Arcadians 
 were wont to flourish in, whose nature is to render to everyone his 
 own ? Will you now keep the right from your prince, who is the 
 only giver of judgment, the key of justice, and life of your laws ? 
 Do you hope in a few years to set up another race, which nothing 
 but length of time can establish? Will you reward Basihus's 
 children with ungratefulness, the very poison of manhood ? Will 
 you betray your long settled reputation with the foul name of 
 traitors ? Is this your mourning for your king's death, to increase 
 his loss with his daughter's misery? Imagine your prince doth 
 look out of the heav.ens unto you, what do you think he could wish 
 more at your hands than that you do well by his children ? and 
 what more honour I pray you can you do to his obsequies than to 
 satisfy his soul with a loving memory, as you do his body with an 
 unfelt solemnity ? What have you done with the Princess Pamela ? 
 Pamela, the just inheritrix of this country, Pamela, whom this 
 earth may be happy that it shall be hereafter said, she was born in 
 Arcadia ; Pamela, in herself your ornament, in her education your 
 foster child, and every way your only princess, what account can 
 you render to yourselves of her ? truly I do not think that you all 
 know what is become of her : so soon may a diamond be lost : so 
 soon may the fairest light in the world be put out. But look, look 
 unto it, O Arcadians, be not so wilfully robbed of your greatest 
 treasure, make not yourselves ministers to private ambitions, who 
 do but use yourselves to put on your own yokes. Whatsoever you 
 determine of us, who I must confess are but strangers, yet let not 
 Basilius's daughters be strangers unto you. Lastly, howsoever you 
 bar her from her public sovereignty, which if you do, little may we 
 hope of equity where rebellion reigns, yet deny not that child's 
 right unto her, that she may come and do the last duties to her 
 /athpr's body. Deny not that happi^iess, if in such a case there be 
 
6o0 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 any happiness, to your late king, that his body may have his last 
 touch of his dearest child." 
 
 With such like broken manner of questions and speeches, was 
 Musidorus desirous, as much as in passing by them he could, to 
 move the people to tender Pamela's fortune. But at length, by 
 that they came to the judgment-place, both Sympathus and his 
 guider had greatly satisfied him, with the assurance they gave 
 him, this assembly of people had neither meaning nor power to 
 do any hurt to the princess, whom they all acknowledged as their 
 sovereign lady. But that the custom of Arcadia was such, till she 
 had more years, the state of the country to be guided by a 
 protector, under whom, he and his fellow were to receive their 
 judgment. That eased Musidorus's heart of his most vehement 
 care, when he found his beloved lady to be out of danger. But 
 Pyrocles as soon as the queen of the one side, he and Musidorus 
 of the other, were stayed before the face of their judge, having only 
 for their bar the table whereon the king's body lay, being nothing 
 less vexed with the doubt of Philoclea, than Musidorus was for 
 Pamela, in this sort with a lowly behaviour, and only then like a 
 suppliant, he spoke to the protector : 
 
 "Pardon me, most honoured judge," saith he, "that uncom- 
 manded I begin my speech unto you, since both to you and me, 
 those words of mine shall be most necessary. To you having 
 the sacred exercise of justice in your hand, nothing appertains 
 more properly than truth nakedly and freely set down. To me, 
 being environed round about with many dangerous calamities, 
 what can be more convenient, than, at least, to be at peace 
 with myself, in having discharged my conscience in a most 
 behoveful verity. Understand therefore, and truly understand, 
 that the lady Philoclea, to whose unstained virtue it hath been my 
 unspeakable misery, that my name should become a blot, if she be 
 accused, is most unjustly accused of any dishonourable fact, which 
 by my means she may be thought to have yielded unto. What> 
 soever hath been done, hath been my only attempt, which 
 notwithstanding was never intended against her chastity. But 
 whatsoever hath been informed, was my fault. And I attest the 
 heavens, to blaspheme which I am not now in fit tune, that so 
 much as my coming into her chamber, was wholly unwitting unto 
 her. This your wisdom may withal consider, if I would lie, I 
 would he for mine own behoof, I am not so old as to be weary of 
 myself ; but the very sting of my inward knowledge, joined with 
 the consideration I must needs have what an infinite loss it should 
 be to all those who love goodness in good folks if so pure a child 
 of virtue should wrongfully be destroyed, compels me to use my 
 tongue against myself, and receive the burden of what evil was 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 6oi 
 
 upon mine own doing. Look therefore with pitiful eyes upon so 
 fair beams, and that misfortune which by me hath fallen upon her, 
 help to repair it with your public judgment, since whosoever deals 
 cruelly with such a creature, shows himself a hater of mankind, and 
 an envier of the world's bliss. And this petition I make, even in 
 the name of justice, that before you proceed farther against us, I 
 may know how you conceive of her noble, though unfortunate 
 action, and what judgment you will make of it." 
 
 He had not spoken his last word, when all the whole people, 
 both of great and low estate, confirmed with an united murmur 
 Pyrocles's demand, longing, for the love generally was borne 
 Philoclea, to know what they might hope of her. Euarchus 
 though neither regarding a prisoner's passionate prayer, nor 
 bearing over-plausible ears to a many headed motion, yet well 
 enough content, to win their liking with things in themselves 
 indifferent, he was content : first, to seek as much as might be of 
 Philoclea's behaviour in this matter : which being cleared by 
 Pyrocles, and but weakly gainsaid by Philanax, who had framed 
 both his own and Dametas's evidence most for her favour, and in 
 truth could have gone no farther than conjecture, yet finding by 
 his wisdom that she was not altogether faultless, he pronounced 
 she should all her life long be kept prisoner among certain women 
 of religion, like the Vestal nuns, so to repay the touched honour of 
 her house, with well observing a strict profession of chastity. 
 Although this were a great prejudicating of Pyrocles's case, yet was 
 he exceedingly joyous of it, being assured of his lady's life ; and in 
 the depth of his mind not sorry, that what end soever he had, none 
 should obtain the after enjoying that jewel whereon he had set his 
 life's happiness. After it was by public sentence delivered, what 
 should be done with the sweet Philoclea, the laws of Arcadia 
 bearing that what was appointed by the magistrates in the nonage 
 of the prince could not afterwards be repealed. Euarchus still 
 using to himself no other name but protector of Arcadia, com- 
 manded those that had to say against the Queen Gynecia to 
 proceed, because both her estate required she should be first 
 heard, and also for that she was taken to be the principal in the 
 greater matter they were to judge of. Philanax incontinently 
 stepped forth, and showing in his greedy eyes that he did thirst 
 for her blood, began a well thought on discourse of her, in his 
 judgment, execrable wickedness. But Gynecia, standing up before 
 the judge, casting abroad her arms, with her eyes hidden under 
 the breadth of her unseemly hat, laying open in all her gestures 
 the despairful affliction, to which all the might of her reason was 
 converted, with such like words stopped Philanax, as he was 
 entering into his invective oration ; 
 
6o2 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 " Stay, stay, Philanax,'' said she, " do not defile thy honest mouth 
 with those dishonourable speeches thou art about to utter against 
 a woman, now most wretched, lately thy mistress. Let either the 
 remembrance how great she was move thy heart to some reverence, 
 or the seeing how low she is, stir in thee some pity. It may be 
 truth doth make thee deal untruly, and love of justice frames 
 injustice in thee, do not therefore, neither shalt thou need, tread 
 upon my desolate ruins. Thou shalt have what thou seekest ; and 
 yet shalt not be oppressor of her, who cannot choose but love thee 
 for thy singular faith to thy master. I do not speak this to procure 
 mercy, or to prolong my life, no, no, I say unto you I will not live, 
 but I am only loth, my death should be engrieved with any wrong 
 thou shouldst do unto me. I have been too painful a judge over 
 myself to desire pardon in others' judgment. I have been too cruel 
 an executioner of my own soul to desire that execution of justice 
 should be staid for me. Alas, they that know how sorrow can 
 rend the spirits, they that know what fiery hells are contained in a 
 self-condemning mind, need not fear that fear can keep such an 
 one from desiring to be separated from that which nothing but 
 death can separate. I therefore say to thee, O just judge, that I, 
 and only I, was the worker of Basilius's death. They were these 
 hands that gave unto him the poisonous potion that hath brought 
 death to him, and loss to Arcadia ; it was I, and none but I, that 
 hastened his aged years to an unnatural end, and that have made 
 all his people orphans of their royal father. I am the subject that 
 have killed my prince, I am the wife that have murdered my 
 husband, I am a degenerate woman, an undoer of this country, a 
 shame of my children. What wouldst thou have said more, O 
 Philanax ! and all this I grant, there resteth then nothing else to 
 say but that I desire you, you will appoint quickly some to rid me 
 of my life, rather than these hands, which else are destined unto it, 
 and that indeed it may be done with such speed as I may not long 
 die in this life, which I have in so great horror." With that she 
 crossed her arms, and sat down upon the ground, attending the 
 judge's answer. But a great while it was, before anybody could be 
 heard speak, the whole people concurring in a lamentable cry, so 
 much had Gynecia's words and behavioiu: stirred their hearts to a 
 doleful compassion, neither in troth could most of them in their 
 judgments tell whether they should be more sorry for her fault, or 
 her misery ; for the loss of her estate, or loss of her virtue. But 
 most were most moved with that which was under their eyes, the 
 sense most subject to pity. But at length the reverent awe they 
 stood in of Euarchus brought them to a silent waiting his 
 determination, who, having well considered the abomination of the 
 fact, attendinj: more the manifest proof of so horrible a trespass, 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 603 
 
 confessed by herself, and proved by others, than anything relenting 
 to those tragical phrases of hers, apter to stir a vulgar pity than 
 his mind, which hated evil in what colours soever he found it, 
 having considered a while with the principal men of the country, 
 and demanded their allowance, he definitively gave this sentence : 
 That whereas, both in private and public respects, this woman had 
 most heinously offended, in private, because marriage being the 
 most holy conjunction that falls to mankind, out of which all 
 families, and so consequently all societies do proceed, which not 
 only by community of goods, but community of children, is to knit 
 the minds in a most perfect union, which whoso bi-eaks, dissolves 
 all humanity, no man living free from the danger of so near a 
 neighbour, she had not only broken it, but broken it with death, 
 and the most pretended death that might be ; in public respect, 
 the princes' persons, being in all monarchal governments the very 
 knot of the people's welfare, and light of all her doings, to which 
 they are not only in conscience, but in necessity bound to be loyal, 
 she had traitorously empoisoned him, neither regarding her 
 country's profit, her own duty, nor the rigour of the laws. That 
 therefore, as well for the due satisfaction to eternal justice, and 
 accomplishment of the Arcadian statutes, as for the everlasting 
 example to all wives and subjects, she should presently be conveyed 
 to close prison, and there kept with such food as might serve to 
 sustain her life, until the day of her husband's burial, at which 
 time she should be buried quick, in the same tomb with him : that 
 so his murder might be a murder to herself, and she forced to 
 keep company with the body from which she had made so 
 detestable a severance ; and lastly, death might redress their 
 disjoined conjunction of marriage. His judgment was received of 
 the whole assembly, as not with disliking, so with great astonishment, 
 the greatness of the matter and person as it were overpressing the 
 might of their conceits. But when they did set it to the beam, 
 with the monstrousness of her ugly misdeed, they could not but 
 yield in their hearts, there was no over-balancing. As for Gynecia, 
 who had already settled her thoughts, not only to look but long for 
 this event, having, in this time of her vexation, found a sweetness 
 in the rest she hoped by death, with a countenance witnessing she 
 had before-hand so passed through all the degrees of sorrow, that 
 she had no new look to figure forth any more, rose up, and offered 
 forth her fair hands to be bound or led as they would, being indeed 
 troubled with no part of this judgment, but that her death was as 
 she thought long delayed. They that were appointed for it, 
 conveyed her to the place she was in before, where the guard was 
 relieved, and the number increased to keep her more sure for the 
 time of her execujipa : none of them all that led her, though mosf 
 
6o4 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 of them were such whose hearts had been long hardened with the 
 often exercising such offices, being able to bar tears from their 
 eyes, and other manifest tokens of compassionate sorrow. So 
 goodly a virtue is a resolute constancy, that even in evil deservers, 
 it seems that party might have been notably well deserving. Thus 
 the excellent lady Gynecia, having passed five and thirty years of 
 her age, even to the admiration of a beautiful mind and body, 
 and having not in her own knowledge ever spotted her soul with 
 any wilful vice, but her immoderate love of Zelmane, was brought 
 first by that ill-answered passion, and then by the despairing 
 conceit she took of the judgment of God in her husband's death 
 and her own fortune, purposely to overthrow herself, and confirm 
 by a wrong confession, that abominable shame, which with her 
 wisdom, joined to the truth, perhaps she might have repelled. 
 
 Then did Euarchus ask Philanax, whether it were he that would 
 charge the two young prisoners, or that some other should do it, 
 and he sit, according to his estate, as an assistant in the judgment. 
 Philanax told him as before he had done, that he thought no man 
 could say manifest the naughtiness of those two young men with 
 so much either truth or zeal as himself, and therefore he desired he 
 might do this last service to his faithfully beloved master, as to 
 prosecute the traitorous causers of his death and dishonour, which 
 being done, for his part he meant to give up all dealing in public 
 affairs, since that man was gone who had made him love them. 
 Philanax thus being ready to speak, the two princes were 
 commanded to tell their names, who answered, according to their 
 agreements, that they were Daiphantus of Lycia, and Palladius 
 Prince of Iberia. Which when they had said, they demanded to 
 know by what authority they could judge of them, since they were 
 not only foreigners, and so not born under their laws, but absolute 
 princes, and therefore not to be touched by laws. But answer was 
 presently made them that Arcadian laws were to have their force 
 upon any found in Arcadia : since strangers have scope to know 
 the customs of a country, before they put themselves in it : and 
 when they once are entered, they must know that what by many 
 was made must not for one be broken. And so much less for a 
 stranger, as he is to look for no privilege in that place, to which in 
 time of need his service is not to be expected. As for their being 
 princes, whether they were so or no, the belief stood in their own 
 words, which they had so diversly falsified, as they did not deserve 
 belief. But whatsoever they were, Arcadia was to acknowledge 
 them but as private men, since they were neither by magistracy 
 nor alliance to the princely blood, to claim anything in that region. 
 Therefore if they had offended, which now by the plaintiff and 
 their defence was to be judged, against the laws of nations, by 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 605 
 
 the laws of nations they were to be chastised : if against the 
 peculiar ordinances of the province, those peculiar ordinances 
 were to lay hold of them. 
 
 The princes stood a while upon that, demanding leisure to give 
 perfect knowledge of their greatness ; but when they were answered, 
 that in a case of the prince's death, the law of that country had 
 ever been that immediate trial should be had, they were forced 
 to yield, resolved that in those names they would as much as they 
 could cover the shame of their royal parentage, and keep as long 
 as might be, if evil were determined against them, the evil news 
 from their careful kinsfolks, wherein the chief man they considered 
 was Euarchus: whom the strange and secret working of justice 
 had brought to be the judge over them. In such a shadow, 
 or rather pit of darkness, the wormish mankind lives, that neither 
 they know how to foresee, nor what to fear, and are but like tennis 
 balls, tossed by the racket of the higher powers. Thus both sides 
 ready, it was determined, because their cases were separated, 
 first Philanax should be heard against Pyrocles, whom they termed 
 Daiphantus, and that heard, the other's cause should follow, and 
 so receive together such judgment as they should be found 
 to have deserved. 
 
 But Philanax that was even short-breathed at the first, with the 
 extreme vehemency he had to speak against them, stroking once 
 or twice his forehead, and wiping his eyes, which either wept, or 
 he would at that time have them seem to weep, looking first upon 
 Pyrocles, as if he had proclaimed all hatefulness against him, 
 humbly turning to Euarchus, who with quiet gravity showed great 
 attention, he thus began his oration : " That which all men, who 
 take upon them to accuse another, are wont to desire, most worthy 
 protector, to have many proofs of faults in them they seek to have 
 condemned, that is to me in this present action my greatest 
 cumber and annoyance. For the number is so great, and the 
 quality so monstrous of the enormities this wretched young man 
 hath committed, that neither I in myself can tell where to begin, 
 my thoughts being confused with the horrible multitude of them, 
 neither do I think your virtuous ears will be able to endure the 
 report, but will rather imagine you hear some tragedy invented 
 of the extremity of wickedness, than a just recital of a wickedness 
 indeed committed : for such is the disposition of the most sincere 
 judgments, that as they can believa mean faults, and such as man's 
 nature may slide into, so when they pass to a certain degree, nay, 
 when they pass all degrees of unspeakable naughtiness, then find they 
 in themselves a hardness to give credit that human creatures can so 
 from all humanity be transformed. But in myself the strength of my 
 faith to my dead master will help the weakness of my memory ; in 
 
'6o6 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 you, your excellent love of justice will force you to vouchsafe atten- 
 tion : and as for the matter, it is so manifest, so pitiful evidences lie 
 before your eyes of it, that I shall need to be but a brief recounter, 
 and no rhetorical enlarger of this most harmful mischief. I will 
 therefore, in as few words as so huge a trespass can be obtained, 
 deliver unto you the sum of this miserable fact: leaving out 
 a great number of particular tokens of his naughtiness, and only 
 touching the essential points of this doleful case. This man, 
 whom to begin withal I know not how to name, since being come 
 into this country, unaccompanied like a lost pilgrim, from a man 
 grew a woman, from a woman a ravisher of women, thence 
 a prisoner, and now a prince : but this Zelmane, this Daiphantus, 
 this what you will, for any shape or title he can take upon him, 
 that hath no restraint of shame, having understood the solitary 
 life my late master lived, and considering how open he had laid 
 himself to any traitorous attempt, for the first mask of his 
 falsehood, disguised himself like a woman, which being the more 
 simple and hurtlesssex, might easier hide his subtle harmfulness. 
 And presenting himself to my master, the most courteous prince 
 that lived, was received of him with so great graciousness that 
 might have bound not only any grateful mind, but might have 
 mollified any enemy's rancour. But this venomous serpent, 
 admitted thus into his bosom, as contagion will easily find a fit 
 body for it, so had he quickly fallen into so near acquaintance 
 with this naughty woman, whom even now you have most justly 
 condemned, that this was her right hand, she saw with no eyes 
 but his, nor seemed to have any life but in him, so glad she was 
 to find one more cunning than herself in covering wickedness 
 with a modest veil. What is to be thought passed betwixt two 
 such virtuous creatures, whereof the one hath confessed murder, 
 and the other rape, I leave to your wise consideration. For my heart 
 hastens to the miserable point of Basilius's murder, for the 
 executing of which with more facility, this young nymph of 
 Diana's bringing up, feigned certain rites she had to perform, so 
 furious an impiety had carried him from all remembrance of 
 goodness that he did not only not fear the gods, as the beholders 
 and punishers of so ungodly a villainy, but did blasphemously 
 use their sacred holy name as a minister unto it. And forsooth 
 a cave hereby was chosen for the temple of his devotions, a cave 
 of such darkness, as did prognosticate he meant -to please the 
 infernal powers; for there this accursed caitiff, upon the altai 
 of falsehood, sacrificed the life of the virtuous Basilius. By what 
 means he trained him thither, alas I know not, for if I might have 
 known it, either my hfe had accompanied my master, or this 
 .fellow's death had preserved him. But this may su£Sce that in 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 607 
 
 the mouth of this cave, where this traitor had his lodging and 
 chapel, when already master shepherd, his companion, had 
 conveyed away the undoubted inheritrix of this country, was 
 Gynecia found by the dead corpse of her husband, newly 
 empoisoned, apparelled in the garments of the young lady, and 
 ready no question to have fled to some place, according to their 
 consort, but that she was by certain honest shepherds arrested: 
 while in the meantime, because there should be left no revenger 
 of this bloody mischief, this noble Amazon was violently gotten 
 into the chamber of the Lady Philoclea, where by the mingling, 
 as much as in him lay, of her shame with his misdeed, he might 
 enforce her to be accessory to her father's death, and under the 
 countenance of her and her sister, against whom they knew we 
 would not rebel, seize as it were with one grip into their treacherous 
 hands, the regiment of this mighty province. But the Almighty 
 Eye prevented him of the end of his mischief, by using a villain 
 Dametas's hand to inclose him in there, where with as much 
 fortification as in a house could be made, he thought himself 
 in most security. Thus see you most just judge, a short and 
 simple story of the infamous misery fallen upon this country; 
 indeed infamous, since by an effeminate man we should 
 suffer a greater overthrow than our mightiest enemies have 
 been ever able to lay upon us. And that all this, which 
 I have said is most manifest, as well of the murdering of 
 Basilius, as the ravishing of Philoclea, for those two parts I 
 establish of my accusation, who is of so incredulous a mind, or 
 rather who will so stop his eyes from seeing a thing clearer than 
 the light, as not to hold for assured so palpable a matter? For to 
 begin with his most cruel misdeed, is it to be imagined that 
 Gynecia, a woman though wicked, yet witty, would have attempted 
 and achieved an enterprise, no less hazardous than horrible, 
 without having some counsellor in the beginning, and some 
 comforter in the performing? had she, who showed her thoughts 
 were so over-ruled with some strange desire, as in despite of God, 
 
 ■ nature, and womanhood, to execute that in deeds, which in words 
 we cannot hear without trembling ? Had she I say no practice to 
 lead her unto it? or had she a practice without conspiracy? or 
 could she conspire without somebody to conspire with ? and if one 
 were, who so likely as this, to whom she communicated I am sure 
 her mind, the world thinks her body? neither let her words, taking 
 the whole fault upon herself, be herein anything available. For 
 to those persons who have vomited out of their souls all remnants 
 of goodness, there rests a certain pride in evil, and having else no 
 shadow of glory left them, they glory to be constant in iniquity, 
 
 " and that, God knows, must be held out to the last gasp, without 
 
6o8 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 revealing their accomplices ; as thinking great courage is declared 
 in being neither afraid of the heavens, nor ashamed of the world. 
 But let Gynecia's action die with herself, what can all the earth 
 answer for his coming hither? Why alone, if he be a prince? 
 How so richly jewelled if he be not a prince ? Why then a woman 
 if now a man ? Why now Daiphantus, if then Zelmane ? Was 
 all this play for nothing, or if it had an end, what end but the end 
 of my dear master? Shall we doubt so many secret conferences 
 with Gynecia, such feigned favour to the over-soon beguiled 
 Basilius, a cave made a lodging, and the same lodging made a 
 temple of his religion, lastly, such changes and traverses, as a 
 quiet poet could scarce fill a poem withal, were directed to any 
 less scope than to this monstrous murderer ? O snaky ambition, 
 which can wind thyself in so many figures, to slide thither thou 
 desirest to come ! O corrupted reason of mankind, that can yield 
 to deform thyself with so filthy desires ? and O hopeless be those 
 minds whom so unnatural desires do not with their own ugliness 
 sufficiently terrify ! But yet even of favour let us grant him thus 
 much more, as to fancy that in these foretold things, fortune might 
 be a great actor, perchance to an evil end, yet to a less evil end 
 all these entangled devices were intended. But I beseech your 
 ladyship, my Lady Daiphantus, tell me what excuse can you find 
 for the changing your lodging with the queen that very instant 
 she was to finish her execrable practice ? how can you cloak the 
 lending of your cloak unto her. Was all that by chance too ? Had 
 the stars sent such an influence unto you, as you should be just 
 weary of your lodging and garments when our prince was destined 
 to the slaughter ? What say you to this, O shameful and shameless 
 creature ? fit indeed to be the dishonour of both sexes. But alas 1 
 I spend too many words in so manifest and so miserable a matter. 
 They must be four wild horses, which according to our laws are 
 the executioners of men which murder our prince, which must 
 decide this question with you. Yet see so far had my zeal to my 
 beloved prince transported me that I had almost forgotten my 
 second part, and his second abomination, I mean his violence 
 offered to the Lady Philoclea : wherewith as if it had well become 
 his womanhood, he came braving to the judgment-seat : indeed 
 our laws appoint not so cruel a death, although death too, for this 
 fact as for the other. But whosoever well weighs it shall find it 
 sprung out of the same fountain of mischievous naughtiness, the 
 killing of the father, dishonouring the mother, and ravishing the 
 child. Alas, could not so many benefits received of my prince, the 
 justice of nature, the sign of hospitality be a bridle to thy lust, if 
 not to thy cruelty ? or if thou hadst, as surely thou hast, a heart 
 recompensing goodness with hatred, could not his death, which is 
 
ftooK v.] ARCADIA ($031 
 
 the last of revenges, satisfy thy malice, but thou must heap upon 
 it the shame of his daughter ? Were thy eyes so stony, thy breast 
 so tigerish, that the sweet and beautiful shows of Philoclea's virtue 
 did not astonish thee ? O woful Arcadia, to whom the name of 
 this mankind courtisan shall ever be remembered as a procurer of 
 thy greatest loss I But too far I find my passion, yet honest 
 passion hath guided me ; the cause is every way too, too much 
 unanswerable. It resteth in you, O excellent protector, to 
 pronounce judgment, which if there be hope that such a young 
 man may prove profitable to the world, who in the first exercise of 
 his own determination, far passed the arrantest strumpet in 
 luxuriousness, the cunningest forger in falsehood, a player in 
 disguising, a tiger in cruelty, a dragon in ungratefulness, let him 
 be preserved like a jewel to do greater mischief. If his youth be 
 not more defiled with treachery than the eldest man's age, let, I 
 say, his youth be some cause of compassion. If he have not every 
 way sought the overthrow of human society, if he have done 
 anything like a prince, let his naming himself a prince breed a 
 reverence of his base wickedness. If he have not broken all the 
 laws of hospitality, and broken them in the most detestable degree 
 that can be, let his being a guest be a sacred protection of his 
 more than savage doings : or if his whorish beauty, have not been 
 as the high way of his wickedness, let the picture drawn upon so 
 poisonous a wood, be reserved to show how greatly colours can 
 please us. But if it is as it is, what should I say more, a very 
 spirit of hellish naughtiness ; if his act be to be punished, and his 
 defiled person not to be pitied, then restore unto us our prince by 
 duly punishing his murderers, for then we shall think him and his 
 name to live when we shall see his killers to die. Restore to the 
 excellent Philoclea her hononr, by taking out of the world hey 
 dishonour, and think that at this day, in this matter, e'er the eyes 
 of the world upon you, whether anything can sway your mind from 
 a true administration of justice, Alas ! though I have much more 
 to say, I Can say no more, for my tears and sighs interrupt my 
 speech, and force me to give myself over to my private sorrow." 
 
 Thus when Philanax had uttered the uttermost of his malice, he 
 made sorrow the cause of his conclusion. But while Philanax was 
 in the course of his speech, and did with such bitter reproaches 
 defame the princely Pyrocles, it was well to be seen, his heart was 
 unused to bear such injuries, and his thoughts such as could arm 
 themselves better against anything than shame. For sometimes 
 blushing, his blood with ' divers motions coming and going, 
 sometimes closing his eyes, and laying his hand over them 
 sometimes giving such a look to Philanax, as might show he 
 assured himself he durst not so have spoken if they had been 
 
 2 Q 
 
6 10 ARCADIA [book r. 
 
 in an indifferent place : with some impatiency he bare the length 
 of his oration; which being ended, with as much modest 
 humbleness to the judge, as despiteful scorn to the accuser, with 
 words to this purpose he defended his honour. 
 
 " My accuser's tale may well bear witness with me, most rightful 
 judge, in how hard a case, and environed with how many troubles, 
 I may esteem myself. For if he who shows his tongue is not 
 unacquainted with railing, was in an agony in the beginning of 
 his speech with the multitude of the matters he had to lay unto 
 me, wherein notwithstanding the most evil could fall unto him 
 was that he should not do so much evil as he would, how cumbered 
 do you think may I acknowledge myself, who, in things no less 
 importing than my life, must be mine own advocate, without 
 leisure to answer, or foreknowledge what should be objected? 
 in things, I say, promoted with so cunning confusion, as having 
 mingled truths with falsehoods, surmises with certainties, causes 
 of no moment with matters capital, scolding with complaining, 
 I can absolutely neither grant nor deny, neither can I tell whether 
 I come hither to be judged, or before judgment to be punished, 
 being compelled to hear such unworthy words, far more grievous 
 than any death unto me. But since the form of this government 
 allows such tongue-liberty unto him, I will pick as well as I can 
 out of his invective speech those few points which may seem of 
 some purpose in the touching of me, hoping that by your easy 
 hearing of me, you will show that though you hate evil, yet you 
 wish men may prove themselves not evil ; so in that he hath said, 
 you will not weigh so much what he hath said as what he hath 
 proved, remembering that truth is simple and naked, and that 
 if he had guided himself under that banner, he needed not out 
 of the way have sought so vile and false disgracing of me, enough 
 to make the untruest accusation believed. I will therefore, using 
 truth as my best eloquence, repeat unto you as much as I know 
 in this matter, and then, by the only clearness of the discourse, 
 your wisdom I know will find the difference between cavilling 
 supposition, and direct declaration. This Prince Palladius and 
 I being inflamed with love, a passion far more easily reprehended 
 than refrained, to the two peerless daughters of Basilius, and 
 understanding how he had secluded himself from the world, that, 
 like princes, there was no access unto him, we disguised ourselves, 
 in such forms as might soonest bring us to the revealing our 
 affections. The Prince Palladius had such event of his doings 
 that, with Pamela's consent, he was to convey her out of the 
 thraldofti she lived in, to receive the subjection of a greater people 
 than her own, until her father's consent might be obtained. My 
 '■^'-tiine was more hard, for I bare no more love to the chaste 
 
BOOT? v.] ARCADIA 6il 
 
 Philoclea, than Basilius, deceived in my sex, showed to me, 
 insomuch that by his importunacy, I could have no time to 
 obtain the like favour of the pure Philoclea, till this policy I found, 
 taking under colour of some devotions, my lodging, to draw 
 Basilius thither, with hope to enjoy me ; which likewise I revealed 
 to the queen, that she might keep my place, and so make 
 her husband see his error. While I in the meantime, being 
 delivered of them both, and having locked so the doors as I hoped, 
 if the immaculate Philoclea would condescend to go with me, 
 there should be none to hinder our going, I was made prisoner 
 there, I know not by what means, when being repelled by her 
 divine virtue, I would fainest have escaped. Here you have the 
 thread -to guide you in the labyrinth, this man of his tongue, 
 had made so monstrous. Here you see the true discourse, which 
 he mountebank-fashion doth make so wide a mouth over. Here 
 may you conceive the reason why the queen had my garment, 
 because in her going to the cave, in the moon-shine night, she 
 m^ht be taken for me, which he useth as the knot of all his 
 wise assertions : so that as this double minded fellow's accusation 
 was double, double likewise my answer must perforce be, to the 
 murder of Basilius, and violence offered to the inviolate Philoclea. 
 For the first, O heavenly gods, who would have thought any mouth 
 could have been found so mercenary as to have opened so slight 
 proofs of so horrible matters ! His first argument is a question, 
 who would imagine that Gynecia would accomplish such an act, 
 without some accessories ? and if any, who but I ? truly I am so 
 far from imagining anything, that till I saw these mourning tokens, 
 and heard Gynecia's confession, I never imagined the king was 
 dead. And for my part so vehemently, and more like the manner 
 of passionate than guilty folk, I see the queen persecute herself, 
 that I think condemnation may go too hastily over her, considering 
 the unlikelihood, if not impossibility, her wisdom and virtue so 
 long nourished, should in one moment throw down itself to the 
 uttermost end ■ of wickedness. But whatsoever she hath done, 
 which, as I say, I never believed, yet how unjustly should that 
 aggravate my fault ? she found abroad, I within doors, for as for 
 the wearing my garment I have told you the cause, she seeking, as 
 you say, to escape, I locking myself in a house : without perchance 
 the conspiracy of one poor stranger, might greatly enable her 
 attempt, or the fortification of the lodge, as the trim man alleged, 
 might make me hope to resist all Arcadia. And see how 
 treacherously he seeks to draw from me my chiefest clearing, by 
 preventing the credit of her words, wherewith she had wholly 
 taken the fault upon herself. An honest and impartial examiner ; 
 her words may condemn her, but may not absolve me. Thus, 
 
6i2 ARCADIA [BOOK V. 
 
 void of all probable allegation, the craven crows upon my affliction, 
 not leaving out any evil that ever he hath felt in his own soul, to 
 charge my youth withal. But who can look for a sweet breath out 
 of such a stomach ? or for honey from so filthy a spider ? What 
 should I say more ? if in so inhuman a matter, which he himself 
 confesseth, sincerest judgments are lothest to believe, and in the 
 severest laws proofs clearer than the sun are required, his reasons 
 are only the scum of a base malice, my answers most manifest, 
 shining in their own truth, there remain any doubt of it, because it 
 stands betwixt his affirming and my denial, I offer, nay I desire, 
 and humbly desire I may be granted the trial by combat, wherein 
 let him be armed, and me in my shirt, I doubt not justice will be 
 my shield, and his heart will show itself as faint as it is false. 
 
 "Now come I to the second part of my offence towards the 
 young lady, which, howsoever you term it, so far forth as I have 
 told you, I confess, and for her sake heartily lament. But if herein 
 I offered force to her, love offered more force to me. Let her 
 beauty be compared to my years, and such effects will be found no 
 miracles. But since it 'is thus as it is, and that justice teacheth us 
 not to love punishment, but to fly to it for necessity : the salve of 
 her honour, I mean as the world will take it, for else in truth it is 
 most untouched, must be my marriage and not my death, since the 
 one stops all mouths, the other becomes a doubtful fable. This 
 matter requires no more words, and your experience, I hope, in 
 these cases shall need no more ; for myself methinks I have 
 showed already too much love of my life to bestow so many. But 
 certainly it hath been love of truth, which could not bear so 
 unworthy falsehood, and love of justice that would brook no wrong 
 to myself nor other, and makes me now, even in that respect to 
 desire you to be moved rather with pity at a just cause of tears, 
 than with the bloody tears this crocodile spends, who weeps to 
 procure death, and not to lament death. It will be no honour to 
 Basilius's tomb to have guiltless blood sprinkled upon it, and 
 much more may a judge over-weigh himself in cruelty than in 
 clemency. It is hard, but it is excellent where it is found, a right 
 knowledge when correction is necessary, when grace doth more 
 avail. For mine own respect, if I thought in wisdom I had 
 deserved death, I would not desire life : for I know nature will 
 condemn me to die though you do not ; and longer I would not 
 wish to draw this breath, than I may keep myself unspotted of any 
 horrible crime ; only I cannot, nor ever will deny the love of 
 Philoclea, whose violence wrought violent effects in me." 
 
 With that he finished his speech, casting up his eyes to the 
 judge, and crossing his hands, which he held in their length before 
 him declaring a resolute patience in whatsoever should be done 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 613 
 
 with him. Philanax, like a watchful adversary, curiously marked 
 all that he said, saving that in the beginning he was interrupted by 
 two letters which were brought him froni the Princess Pamela, and 
 the Lady Philoclea, who having all that night considered and 
 bewailed their estate, careful for their mother likewise, of whom 
 they could never think so much evil, but considering with themselves 
 that she assuredly should have so due trial by the laws, as either 
 she should not need their help, or should be past their help ; they 
 looked to that which nearliest touched them, and each wrote in 
 this sort for him, in whom their live's joy consisted. 
 
 The humble hearted Philoclea wrote much after this manner : 
 
 My Lords, what you will determine of me, it is to me uncertain, but 
 what I have determined of myself, I am most cei;'tain, which is no 
 longer to enjoy my life, than I may enjoy him for my husband, whom 
 the heavens for my highest glory have bestowed upon me. Those 
 that judge him, let them execute me. Let my throat satisfy their 
 hunger of murder. For alas what hath he done, that had not its 
 original in me ? Look upon him I beseech you with indifferency, and 
 see whether in those eyes all virtue shines not. See whether that 
 face could hide a murder. Take leisure to know him, and then 
 yourselves will say, it hath been too great an inhumanity to suspect 
 such excellency. Are the gods think you deceived in their 
 workmanship? artificers will not use marble but to noble uses. 
 Should those powers be so overshot, as to frame so precious an 
 image of their own, but to honourable purposes ? O speak with him, 
 O hear him, O know him, and become not the putters out of the 
 world's light. Hope you to joy my father's soul with hurting him he 
 loved above all the world ? shall a wrong suspicion make you forget 
 the certain knowledge of those benefits this house hath received by 
 him? Alas, alas, let not Arcadia for his loss be accursed of the 
 whole earth and of all posterity. He is a great prince, I speak unto 
 you that which I know, for I have seen most evident testimonies. 
 Why should you hinder my advancement ? who if I have passed my 
 childhood hurtless to any of you, if I have refused nobody to do 
 what good I could, if I have often mitigated my father's anger, ever 
 sought to maintain his favour towards you, nay, if I have held you 
 all as fathers and brothers unto me, rob me not of more than my life 
 comes unto. Tear not that which is inseparably joined to my soul ; 
 but if he rest misliked of you, which, O God, how can it be, yet give 
 him to me, let me have him, you know I pretend no right to your 
 state. Therefore it is but a private petition I make unto you. Or 
 if you be hard-heartedly bent to apppoint otherwise, which oh sooner 
 let me die than know, then, to end as I began, let me by you be 
 ordered to the same end : without, for more cruelty, you mean to 
 force Philoclea to use her own hands to kill one of ^our king's 
 phildreq. 
 
6r4 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 Pamela's letter, which she meant to send to the general assembly 
 of the Arcadian nobility, for so closely they were kept, as they 
 were utterly ignorant of the new taken orders, was thus framed : 
 
 In such a state, my Lord, you have placed me that I can neither 
 write nor be silent j for how can I be silent, since you have left me 
 nothing but my solitary words to testify my misery ? and how should 
 I write, for as for speech I have none but my jailor that can hear me, 
 who neither can resolve what to write, nor to whom to write ? What 
 to write is hard for me to say, as what I may not write, so little hope 
 have I of any success, and so much hath no injury been left undone 
 to me-wards. To whom to write, where may I learn, since yet I 
 wot not how to entitle you? shall I call you my sovereigns? set 
 down your laws that I may do you homage. Shall I fall lower, and 
 name you my fellows ? show me, I beseech you, the lord and master 
 over us. But shall Basilius's heir name herself your princess ? alas 
 I am your prisoner. But whatsoever I be, or whatsoever you be, O 
 all you beholders of these doleful lines, this do I signify unto you, 
 and signify it with a heart that ever shall remain in that opinion, the 
 good or evil you do to the excellent prince who was taken with me, 
 and after by force from me, I will ever impute it as either way done to 
 mine own person. He is a prince, and worthy to be my husband, 
 and so is he my husband by me worthily chosen. Believe it, believe 
 it, either you shall be traitors for murdering of me, or if you let me 
 live the murderers of him shall smart as traitors. For what do you 
 think I can think ? am I so childish, as not to see wherein you touch 
 him you condemn me? can his shame be without my reproach? no, 
 nor shall be, since nothing he hath done that I will not avow. Is this 
 the comfort you bring me in my father's death, to make me fuller of 
 shame than sorrow ? would you do this if it were not with full intention 
 to prevent my power with slaughter ? and so do I pray you it is high 
 time for me to be weary of my life too long led, since you are weary 
 of me, before you have me. I say again, I say it indefinitely unto 
 you, I will not live without him, if it be not to revenge him : either 
 do justly in saving both, or wisely in killing both. If I be your 
 princess, I command his preservation j if but a private person, then 
 are we both to suffer. I take all truth to witness he hath done no 
 fault but in going with me. Therefore to conclude, in judging him 
 you judge me, neither conceive with yourselves, the matter you treat 
 of is the life of a stranger, though even in that name he deserved 
 pity ; nor of a shepherd, to which estate love of me made such a 
 prince descend : but determine most assuredly, the life that is in 
 question is of Pamela, Basilius's daughter. 
 
 Many blots had the tears of these sweet ladies made in their 
 letters, which many times they had altered, many times torn, and 
 written anew, ever thinking something either wanted, or was too 
 jnuchj or would offend, or, which is worst, would breed denial; 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 615 
 
 but at last, the day warned them to dispatch, which they 
 accordingly did, and calling one of their guard, for nobody else 
 was suffered to come near them, with great entreaty, they requested 
 him that he would present them to the principal noblemen and 
 gentlemen together. For they had more confidence in the 
 numbers' favour, than in any one, upon whom they would not lay 
 the lives they held so precious. But the fellow trusted to Philanax, 
 who had placed him there, delivered them both to him, what time 
 Pyrocles began to speak, which he suddenly opened, and seeing 
 to what they tended, by the first words, was so far from publishing 
 them, whereby he feared in Euarchus's just mind, either the 
 princesses might be endangered, or the prisoners preserved, of 
 which choice he knew not which to think the worst, that he would 
 not himself read them over, doubting his own heart might be 
 mollified, so bent upon revenge. Therefore utterly suppressing 
 them, he lent a spiteful ear to Pyrocles, and as soon as he had 
 ended, with a very willing heart desired Euarchus he might accept 
 the combat : although it would have fram d but evil with him : 
 Pyrocles having never found any ma ch near him besides 
 Musidorus. But Euarchus made answer, since bodily strength 
 is but a servant to the mind, it were very barbarous and 
 preposterous that force should be made judge over reason. Then 
 would he also have replied in words unto him, but Euarchus who 
 knew what they could say was already said, taking their arguments 
 into his mind, commanded him to proceed against the other 
 prisoner, and that then he would sentence them both together. 
 
 Philanax nothing the milder for Pyrocles's purging himself, but 
 rather, according to the nature of arguing, especially when it is 
 bitter, so much more vehement, entered thus into his speech 
 against Musidorus, being so overgone with rage, that he forgot in 
 this oration his precise method of oratory. " Behold, most noble 
 protector, to what a state Arcadia is come, since such manner of 
 men may challenge in combat the faithfuUest of the nobility, and 
 having merited the shamefuUest of all deaths dare name in 
 marriage the princesses of this country. Certainly my masters, I 
 must say, you were much out of taste if you had not rather enjoy 
 such ladies than be hanged. But the one you have as much 
 deserved, as you have dishonoured the other. But now my speech 
 must be directed to you, good master Dorus, who, with Pallas's 
 help perdy, are lately grown Palladius. Too much this sacred 
 seat of justice grants unto such a fugitive bondslave, who, instead 
 of these examinations, should be made confess with a whip, that 
 which a halter should punish. Are not you he, Sir, whose sheep- 
 hook was prepared to be our sceptre ; in whom lay the knot of all 
 this tragedy? or else perchance, they that should gain httle by it 
 
6i6 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 were dealers in the murder, you only that had provided the fruits 
 for yourself, knew nothing of it ; knew nothing ! Hath thy 
 companion here infected thee with such impudency, as even in the 
 face of the world to deny that which all the world perceiveth? 
 The other pleads ignorance, and you, I doubt not, will allege 
 absence. But he was ignorant when he was hard by, and you had 
 framed your absence, just against the time the act should be 
 committed, so fit a lieutenant he knew he had left of his wickedness, 
 that for himself his safest mean, was to convey away the lady of 
 us all, who once out of the country, he knew we would come with 
 olive branches of intercession unto her, and fall at his feet to 
 beseech h"im to leave keeping of sheep, and vouchsafe the 
 tyrannizing over us ; for to think they are princes, as they say, 
 although in our laws it behoveth them nothing, I see at all nC 
 reason. These jewels certainly with their disguising slights, they 
 have pilfered in their vagabonding race. And think you such 
 princes should be so long without some followers after them? 
 Truly if they be princes, it manifestly shows their virtues such, 
 as ail their subjects are glad to be rid of them. But be they as 
 they are, for we are to consider the matter and not the men, 
 Basilius's murder hath been the cause of their coming, Basilius's 
 murder they have most treacherously brought to pass ; yet that 
 I doubt not, you will deny as well as your fellow. But how will 
 you deny the stealing away the princess of this province, which is 
 no less than treason? so notably hath the justice of the gods 
 provided for the punishing of these malefactors, as if it were 
 possible, men would not believe the certain evidences of their 
 principal mischief, yet have they discovered themselves sufficiently 
 for their most just overthrow. I say therefore, to omit my chief 
 matter of the king's death, this wolfish shepherd, this counterfeit 
 prince, hath traitorously, contrary to his allegiance, having made 
 himself a servant and subject, attempted the depriving this country 
 of our natural princess, and therefore by all right must receive the 
 punishment of traitors. This matter is so assured as he himself 
 will not deny it, being taken and brought back in the fact. This 
 matter is so odious in nature, so shameful to the world, so contrary 
 to all laws, so hurtful to us, so false in him, as if I should stand 
 farther in declaring or defacing it, I should either show great 
 doubts in your wisdom, or in your justice. Therefore I will 
 transfer my care upon you, and attend, to my learning and 
 comfort, the eternal example you will leave to all mankind, of 
 disguisers, falsifiers, adulterers, ravishers, murderers and traitors." 
 Musidorus, while Philanax was speaking against his cousin and 
 him, had looked round about him, to see whether by any means 
 he might come to have caught him in his arms, and have killed 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 617 
 
 him, so much had his disgracing words filled his breast with rage. 
 But perceiving himself so guarded as he should rather show a 
 passionate act, than perform his revenge, his hand trembling with 
 desire to strike, and all the veins in his face swelling, casting his 
 eyes over the judgment seat : " O gods,'' said he, " and have you 
 spared my life to bear these injuries of such a drivel I Is this the 
 justice of this place, to have such men as we are, submitted not 
 only to apparent falsehood, but most shameful reviling? But 
 mark I pray you the ungratefulness of the wretch, how utterly he 
 hath forgotten the benefits both he and all this country hath 
 received of us. For if ever men may remember their own noble 
 deeds, it is then when their just defence, and others' unjust 
 unkindness doth require it. I omit our services done to Basilius 
 in the late war with Amphialus, importing no less than his 
 daughters' lives, and his state's preservation. Were not We the 
 men who killed the wild beasts which otherwise had killed the 
 princesses if we had not succoured them ? Consider if it please 
 you where had been Daiphantus's rape, or my treason, if the sweet 
 beauties of the earth had then been devoured ? either think them 
 now dead, or remember they live by us. And yet full often this 
 telltale can acknowledge the loss they should have by their taking 
 away while maliciously he overpasseth who were their preservers : 
 neither let this be spoken of me, as if I meant to balance this evil 
 with that good, for I must confess that saving of such creatures 
 was rewarded in the act itself, but only to manifest the partial 
 jangling of this vile pickthank. But if we be traitors, where was 
 your fidelity, O only tongue-valiant gentleman, when not only the 
 young princess, but the king himself was defended from uttermost 
 peril, partly by me, but principally by this excellent young man's 
 both wisdom and valour ? Were we that made ourselves against 
 hundreds of armed men, openly the shields of his life, like secretly 
 to be his impoisoners ? Did we then show his life to be dearer 
 to us than our own, because we might after rob him of his life to 
 die shamefully? Truly, truly, master orator, whosoever hath hired 
 you to be so busy in their matters, who keep honester servants 
 than yourself, he should have bid you in so many railings, bring 
 some excuse for yourself, why in the greatest need of your prince 
 to whom you pretend a miraculous goodwill, you were not then 
 as forward to do like a man yourself, or at least to accuse them 
 that were slack in that service : but commonly they use their feet for 
 their defence, whose tongue is their weapon. Certainly a very 
 simple subtilty it bad been in us to repose our lives in the 
 daughters when we had killed the father. But as this gentleman 
 thinks to win the reputation of a copious talker by leaving nothing 
 unsaid which a filthy mind can imagine, so think I, or else all 
 
6i8 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 words are vain, that to wise men's judgment our clearness in the 
 King's death is sufficiently notorious But at length when the 
 merchant hath set out his gilded baggage, lastly, he comes to 
 some stuff of importance, and saith, I conveyed away the princess 
 of this country. And is she indeed your princess ? I pray you 
 then whom should I wait on else but her that was my mistress by 
 my professed vow, and princess over me while I lived in this soil ? 
 Ask her why she went, ask not me while I served her. Since 
 accounting me as a prince, you have not to do with me : taking 
 me as her servant, then take withal that I must obey her. But 
 you will say 1 persuaded her to fly away ; certainly I will for 
 no death deny it, knowing to what honour I should bring her from 
 the thraldom by such fellow's counsel as you, she was kept in. 
 Shall persuasion to a prince grow treason to a prince? It might 
 be error in me, but falsehood it could not be, since I made myself 
 partaker of whatsoever I wished her unto. Who will ever counsel 
 his king, if his counsel be judged by the event, and if it be not 
 found wise, shall therefore be thought wicked? But if I be a 
 traitor, I hope you will grant me a correlative, to whom I shall be 
 the traitor. For the princess against whom the treasons are 
 considered, I am sure will avow my faithfulness, without you will 
 say that I am a traitor to her because I left the country ? and a 
 traitor to the country because I went with her. Here do I leave 
 out my just excuses of love's force, which as thy narrow heart 
 hath never had noble room enough in it to receive, so yet those 
 manlike courages, that by experience know how subject the 
 virtuous minds are to love a most virtuous creature, witnessed to 
 be such by the most excellent gifts of nature, will deem it a venial 
 trespass to seek the satisfaction of honourable desires, honourable 
 even in the curiousest points of honour, whereout there can no 
 disgrace nor disparagement come unto her. Therefore, O judge, 
 who I hope dost know what it is to be a judge, that your end is to 
 preserve and not to destroy mankind, that laws are not made like 
 lime twigs or nets, to catch everything that toucheth them, but 
 rather like sea-marks, to avoid the shipwreck of ignorant passengers, 
 since that our doing in the extremest interpretation is but a human 
 error, and that of it you may make a profitable event, we being of 
 such estate as their parents would not have misliked the affinity, 
 you will not I trust at the persuasion of this babbler, burn your 
 house to make it clean, but like a wise father turn even the fault 
 of your children to any good that may come of it : since that is 
 the fruit of wisdom and end of all judgments." 
 
 While this matter was thus handling, a silent and as it were 
 astonished attention, possessed all the people. A kindly compassion 
 pioved the noble gentleman Sympathus^ but as for Kalander, 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 619 
 
 everything was spoken either by or for his own dear guests, moved 
 an affect in him : sometimes tears, sometimes hopefiil looks, 
 sometimes whispering persuasions in their ears that stood by him, 
 to seek the saving the two young princes. But the general 
 multitude waited the judgment of Euarchus, who showed in his 
 face no motions, either at the one's or other's speech, letting pass 
 the flowers of rhetoric and only marking whither their reasons 
 tended ; having made the question to be asked of Gynecia, who 
 continued to take the whole fault upon herself, and having called 
 Dametas with Miso and Mopsa, who by Philanax's order had 
 been held in most cruel prison, to make a full declaration how 
 much they knew of these passed matters, and then gathering as 
 assured satisfaction to his own mind as in that case he could, not 
 needing to take leisure for that, whereof a long practice had bred 
 a well grounded habit in him, with a voice and gesture directed 
 to the universal assembly, in this form pronounced sentence. 
 
 " This" weighty matter, whereof presently we are to determine, 
 doth at the first consideration yield to important doubts. The 
 first whether these men be to be judged ; the second how they are 
 to be judged. The first doubt ariseth because they give themselves 
 out for princes absolute, a sacred name, and to which any violence 
 seems to be an impiety. For how can any laws, which are the 
 bonds of all human society, be observed if the law-givers and 
 law-rulers, be not held in an untouched admiration ? but hereto, 
 although already they have been sufficiently answered, yet thus 
 much again will I repeat unto you. That whatsoever they be 
 or be not, here they be no princes, since betwixt prince and subject 
 there is as necessary a relation, as between father and son ; and 
 as there is no man a father but to his child, so is not a prince 
 a prince but to his own subjects. Therefore is not this place to 
 acknowledge in them any principality, without it should at the 
 same time, by a secret consent, confess subjection. Yet hereto 
 may be objected, that the universal civility, the law of nations, 
 all mankind being as it were co-inhabiters, or world-citizens 
 together, hath ever required pubhc persons should be of all parties 
 especially regarded, since not only in peace but in war, not only 
 princes, but heralds and trumpeters, are with great reason exempted 
 from injuries. This point is true, but yet so true, as they that 
 will receive the benefit of a custom, must not be the first to break 
 it, for then can they not complain, if they be not helped by that 
 which they themselves hurt. If a prince do acts of hostility without 
 denouncing war, if he breaks his oath of amity, or innumerable such 
 other things contrary to the law of arms, he must take heed how 
 he fall into their hands whom he so wrongeth, for then is courtesy 
 Jlie best custom he can claim; much more these men, who have 
 
620 ARCADIA [book v, 
 
 not only left to do like princes, but to be like princes, not only 
 entered into Arcadia, and so into the Arcadian orders, but into 
 domestical services, and so, by making themselves private, deprived 
 themselves of respect due to their public calling. For no proportion 
 it were of justice that a man might make himself no prince when 
 he would do evil, and might anew create himself a prince when 
 he would not suffer evil. Thus therefore by all laws of nature 
 and nations, and especially by their own putting themselves out 
 of the sanctuary of them, these young men cannot in justice avoid 
 the judgment, but, like private men, must have their doings either 
 cleared, excused, or condemned. There resteth then the second 
 point, how to judge well. And that must undoubtedly be done, 
 not by a free discourse of reason and skill of philosophy, but must 
 be tied to the laws of Greece, and municipal statutes of this 
 kingdom. For although out of them these came, and to them 
 must indeed refer their offspring, yet because philosophical 
 discourses stand in the general consideration of things, they leave 
 to every man a scope of his own interpretation : where the laws 
 applying themselves to the necessary use, fold us within assured 
 bounds: which once broken, man's nature infinitely rangeth. 
 Judged therefore they must be, and by your laws judged. Now 
 the action ofTereth itself to due balance, betwixt the accuser's 
 twofold accusation, and their answer accordingly applied. The 
 questions being, the one of a fact simply, the other of the quality 
 of a fact. To the first they use direct denial; to the second) 
 qualification and excuse. They deny the murder of the King; 
 and against mighty presumptions bring forth some probable 
 answers, which they do principally fortify with the Queen's 
 acknowledging herself only cTilpable. Certainly as in equality 
 of conjectures, we are not to take hold of the worse, but rather 
 to be glad we may find any hope that mankind is not grown 
 monstrous, being undoubtedly less evil a guilty man should escape, 
 than a guiltless perish, so if in the rest they be spotless, then is 
 this no farther to be remembered. But if they have aggravated 
 these suspicions with new evils, then are those suspicions so 
 far to show themselves, as to cause the other points to be thoroughly 
 examined, and with less favour weighed, since this no man can 
 deny they have been accidental, if not principal causes of the 
 king's death. Now then we are to determine of the other matters, 
 which are laid to them, wherein they do not deny the fact, but 
 deny, or at least diminish the fault: but first I may remember, 
 though it were not first alleged by them, the services they had 
 before done, truly honourable, and worthy of great reward, but not 
 worthy to countervail a following wickedness. Reward is proper 
 to well doing, punishment to evil doing, which must not be 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 621 
 
 confounded, no more than good and evil are to be mingled. 
 Therefore hath it been determined in all v/isdoms, that no man 
 because he hath done well before should have his present evil 
 spared, but rather so much the more punished, as having showed 
 he knew how to be good, yet would against his knowledge be 
 naught. The fact is then nakedly without passion or partiality 
 to be viewed: wherein without all question they are equally 
 culpable. For though he that terms himself Daiphantus, were 
 sooner disappointed of his purpose of conveying away the Lady 
 Philoclea, than he that persuaded the Princess Pamela to fly her 
 country, and accompanied her in it : yet seeing in causes of this 
 nature, the will by the rules of justice standeth for the deed, they 
 are both alike to be found guilty, and guilty of heinous ravishment. 
 For though they ravished them not from themselves, yet they 
 ravished them from him that owned them, which was their father. 
 An act punished by all the Grecian laws, by the loss of the head, 
 as a most execrable theft. For if they must die, who steal from 
 us our goods, how much more they who steal from us that for 
 which we gather our goods ? And if our laws have it so in private 
 persons, much more forcibly are they to be in princes' children, 
 where one steals as it were the whole state and well-being of that 
 people, being tied by the secret of a long use, to be governed 
 by none but the next of that blood. Neither let any man marvel, 
 our ancestors have been so severe in these cases, since the example 
 of the Phoenician Europa, but especially of Grecian Helene, hath 
 taught them, what destroying fires have grown of such sparkles. 
 And although Helene was a wife, and this but a child, that 
 booteth not, since the principal cause of marrying wives is that 
 we may have children of our own. But now let us see how these 
 young men, truly for their persons worthy of pity, if they had 
 rightly pitied themselves, do go about to mitigate the vehemency 
 of their errors. Some of their excuses are common to both, some 
 pecuhar only to him that was the shepherd. Both remember-the 
 force of love, and as it were the mending up of the matter by their 
 marriage. If that unbridled desire, which is entitled love, might 
 purge such a sickness as this, surely we should have many loving 
 excuses of hateful mischief. Nay rather, no mischief should be 
 committed that should not be veiled under the name of love. For 
 as well he that steals might allege the love of money; he that 
 murders, the love of revenge ; he that rebels, the love of greatness, 
 as the adulterer the love of a woman. Since they do in all 
 speeches affirm they love that, which an ill-governed passion 
 maketh them to follow: but love may have no such privilege, 
 That sweet and heavenly uniting of the minds, which properly 
 IS called love, hath no other knot but virtue, and therefore if it 
 
622 ARCADIA [BOOK V. 
 
 be a right love, it can never slide into any action that is not 
 virtuous. The other, and indeed more effectual reason is, that 
 they may be married unto them, and so honourably redress the 
 dishonour of them whom this matter seemeth most to touch. 
 Surely if the question were, what were convenient for the parties, 
 and not what is just in the never changing justice, there might 
 be much said in it. But herein we must consider that the laws 
 look how to prevent by due examples that such things be not done, 
 and not how to salve such things when they are done. For if 
 the governors of justice shall take such a scope, as to measure the 
 foot of the law by the show of conveniency, and measure that 
 conveniency not by the public society, but by that which is fittest 
 for them which offend: young men, strong men, and rich men, 
 shall ever find private conveniences how to palliate such committed 
 disorders, as to the public shall not only be inconvenient, but 
 pestilent. The marriage perchance might be fit for them, but very 
 unfit were it to the state, to allow a pattern of such procurations 
 of marriage. And thus much do they both allege. Further goes 
 he that went with the princess Pamela, and requireth the benefit 
 of a counsellor, who hath place of free persuasion, and the 
 reasonable excuse of a servant, that did but wait of his mistress. 
 Without all question, as counsellors have great cause to take heed 
 how they advise anything, directly opposite to the form of that 
 present government, especially when they do it singly without 
 public allowance: yet so is the case much more apparent, since 
 neither she was an effectual princess, her father being then alive, 
 and though he had been dead, she not come to the years of 
 authority, nor he her servant in such manner to obey her, but 
 by his own preferment first belonging to Dametas, and then to 
 the king ; and therefore if not by Arcadian laws, yet by household 
 orders, bound to have done nothing without his agreement. Thus 
 therefore since the deeds accomplished by these two are both 
 abominable and inexcuseable, I do in the behalf of justice, and 
 by the force of Arcadian laws pronounce that Daiphantus should 
 be thrown out of a high tower to receive his death by his fall, 
 Palladius shall be beheaded ; the time before the sun set ; the 
 place, in Mantinea; the executioner, Dametas, which office he 
 shall execute all the days of his life for his beastly forgetting the 
 careful duty he owed to his charge." 
 
 This said, he turned himself to Philanax, and two of the other 
 noblemen, commanding them to see the judgment presently 
 performed. Philanax more greedy than any hunter of his prey, 
 went straight to lay hold of the excellent prisoners, who, casting 
 a farewell look one upon the other, represented in their faces as 
 much unappalled constancy as the most excellent courage can 
 
BOOK v.i ARCADIA 623 
 
 deliver in outward graces. Yet if at all there were any show of change 
 in them, it was that Pyrocles was- somewhat nearer to bashfulness, 
 and Musidorus to anger, both over-ruled by reason and resolution. 
 But as with great number of armed men, Philanax was descending 
 unto them, and that Musidorus was beginning to say something in 
 Pyrocles's behalf, behold Kalander, that with arms cast abroad, and 
 open mouth, came crying to Euarchus, holding a stranger in his 
 hand that cried much more than he, desiring they might be heard 
 speak before the prisoners were removed, even the noble gentleman 
 Sympathus aided them in it, and taking such as he could command, 
 stopped Philanax, betwixt entreaty and foixe, from carrying away 
 the princes until it were heard what new matters these men did 
 bring. So again mounting to the tribunal, they hearkened to the 
 stranger's vehement speech, or rather a passionate exclaiming. It 
 was indeed Kalodulus, the faithful servant of Musidorus, to whom 
 his master, when in despite of his best-grounded determinations 
 he first became a slave to affection, had sent the shepherd 
 Menalcas' to be arrested, by the help of whose raiment in the 
 meantime he advanced himself to that estate which he accounted 
 most high,' because it might be serviceable to that fancy which he 
 had placed most high in his mind. For Menalcas having faithfully 
 performed his errand, was faithfully imprisoned by Kalodulus. 
 But as Kalodulus performed the first part of his duty in doing the 
 commandment of his prince, so was he with abundance of sincere 
 loyalty extremely perplexed, when he understood of Menalcas the 
 strange disguising of his beloved master. For as the acts he and 
 his cousin Pyrocles had done in Asia, had filled all the ears of the 
 Thessalonians and Macedonians with no less joy than admiration : 
 so was the fear of their loss no less grievous unto them, when by 
 the noise of report they understood of their lonely committing 
 themselves to the sea, the issue of which they had no way learned. 
 But now that by Menalcas he perceived where he was, guessing 
 the like of Pyrocles, comparing the unusedness of this act with the 
 unripeness of their age, seeing in general conjecture they could do 
 it for nothing that might not fall out dangerous, he was somewhile 
 troubled with himself what to do, betwixt doubt of their hurt, and 
 doubt of their displeasure. Often he was minded, as his safest 
 and honestest way, to reveal it to King Euarchus, that both his 
 authority might prevent any damage to them, and under his wings 
 he himself might remain safe. But considering a journey to 
 Byzantium, whereas yet he supposed Euarchus lay, would require 
 more time than he was willing to remain doubtful of his prince's 
 estate, he resolved at length to write the matter to Euarchus, and 
 himself the while to go into Arcadia : uncertain what to do when he 
 came thither, but determined to do his best service to his dear master, 
 
624 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 if by any good fortune he might find him. And so it happened, 
 that being even this day come to Mantinea, and as warily and 
 attentively as he could, giving ear to all reports, in hope to hear 
 something of them he sought, he straight' received a strange 
 rumour of these things, but so uncertainly, as popular reports 
 carry so rare accidents. But this by all men he was willed, to 
 seek out Kalander a great gentleman of that country, who would 
 soonest satisfy him of all occurrents. Thus instructed he came 
 even about the midst of Euarchus's judgment to the desert, where 
 seeing great multitudes, and hearing unknown names of Palladius 
 and Daiphantus, and not able to press to the place where Euarchus 
 sat, he enquired for Kalander, and was soon brought unto him, 
 partly because he was generally known unto all men, and partly 
 because he had withdrawn himself from the press, when he 
 perceived by Euarchus's words whither they tended, being not 
 able to endure his guests' condemnation. He requireth forthwith 
 of Kalander the cause of the assembly ; and whether the same 
 were true of Euarchus's presence : who with many tears made a 
 doleful recital unto him, both of the Amazon and shepherd, setting 
 forth their natural graces, and lamenting their pitiful undoing. 
 But this description made Kalodulus immediately know the 
 shepherd was his duke, and so judging the other to be Pyrocles, 
 and speedily communicating it to Kalander, who he saw did favour 
 their case, they break the press with astonishing every man with 
 their cries. And being come to Euarchus, Kalodulus fell at his feet, 
 telling him those he had judged, were his own son and nephew, 
 the one the comfort of Macedon, the other the only stay of 
 Thessalia. With many such like words ; but as from a man that 
 assured himself in that matter he should need small speech, while 
 Kalander made it known to all men what the prisoners were to 
 whom he cried they should salute their father, and joy in the good 
 hap the gods had sent them, who were no less glad, than all the 
 people amazed at the strange event of these matters. Even 
 Philanax's own revengeful heart was mollified when he savv from 
 divers parts of the world so near kinsmen should meet in such a 
 necessity. And withal the fame of Pyrocles and Musidorus 
 greatly drew him to a compassionate conceit, and had already 
 unclothed his face of all show of malice. 
 
 But Euarchus staid a good while upon himself, like a valiant 
 man that should receive a notable encounter, being vehemently 
 stricken with the fatherly love of so excellent children, and 
 studying with his best reason what his office required : at length 
 with such a kind of gravity, as was near to sorrow, he thus uttered 
 his mind : " I take witness of the immortal gods," said he, " Q 
 Arcadians that what this day I have said, hath been out of my 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 625 
 
 assured persuasion, what justice itself and your just laws require. 
 Though strangers then to me, I had no desire to hurt them, but 
 leaving aside all considerations of the persons, I weighed the 
 matter which you committed into my hands with my most 
 impartial and farthest reach of reason. And thereout have con- 
 demned them to lose their lives, contaminated with so many 
 foul breaches of hospitality, civility, and virtue. Now, contrary to 
 all expectations, I find them to be my only son and nephew, such 
 upon whom you see what gifts nature hath bestowed : such 
 who have so to the wonder of the world heretofore behaved 
 themselves as might give just cause to the greatest hopes that in 
 an excellent youth miff be conceived. Lastly, in few words, 
 such in whom I placed all my mortal joys, and thought myself 
 Eow near my grave, to recover a new life. But alas ! shall justice 
 halt ? or shall she wink in one's cause, which had Lynce's eyes in 
 another's ; or rather shall all private respects give place to that 
 holy name? Be it so, be it so, let my grey hairs be laid in the 
 dust with sorrow, let the small remnant of my life be an inward 
 and outward desolation, and to the world a gazing flock of- 
 wretched misery, but never, never let sacred righteousness fall ; 
 it is immortal, and immortally ought to be preserved. If rightly 
 . I have judged, then rightly I have judged mine own children, 
 unless the name of a child should have force to change the never 
 changing justice. No, no, Pyrocles, and Musidorus, I prefer you 
 much before my life, but I prefer justice as far before you : While 
 you did like yourselves, my body should willingly have been your 
 shield, but I cannot keep you from the effects of your own doing : 
 nay, I cannot in this case acknowledge you for mine, for never had 
 I shepherd to my nephew, nor ever had woman to my son ; your 
 vices have degraded you from being princes, and have disannulled 
 your birthright. Therefore if there be anything left in you of 
 princely virtue, show it in constant suffering that your unprincely 
 dealing hath purchased Unto you. For my part I must tell you, 
 you have forced a father to rob himself of his children. Do you 
 therefore, O Philanax, and you my other lords of this country, see 
 the judgment be rightly performed in time, place, and manner, as 
 before appointed." 
 
 With that though he would have refrained them, a man might 
 perceive the tears drop down his long white beard. Which moved 
 not only Kalodulus and Kalander to roaring lamentations, but all 
 the assembly dolefully to record that pitiful spectacle. Philanax 
 himself could not abstain from great shows of pitying sorrow, and 
 manifest withdrawing from performing the King's commandment. 
 But Musidorus having the hope of his safety, and recovering of 
 the Princess Pamela, which made him most desirous to live so 
 
 2 R 
 
626 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 suddenly dashed, but especially moved for his dear Pyrocles, for 
 whom he was ever resolved his last speech should be, and stirred 
 up with rage of unkindness, he thus spoke : 
 
 " Enjoy thy bloody conquest, tyrannical Euarchus," said he, "for 
 neither is convenient the title of a king to a murderer, nor the 
 remembrance of kindred to a destroyer of his kindred. Go home 
 and glory that it hath been in thy power, shamefully to kill 
 Musidorus. Let thy flattering orators dedicate crowns of laurel 
 unto thee, that the first of thy race thou hast overthrown a prince 
 of Thessalia. But for me, I hope the Thessalians are not so 
 degenerate from their ancestors but that they will revenge my 
 injury and their loss upon thee. I hope my death is no more 
 unjust to me than it shall be bitter to thee ; howsoever it be, my 
 death shall triumph over thy cruelty ; neither as now would I live 
 to make my life beholden unto thee. But if thy cruelty hath not 
 so blinded thine eyes, that thou canst not see thine own hurt, if thy 
 heart be not so devilish, as thou hast no power but to torment 
 thyself, then look upon this young Pyrocles with a manly eye, if 
 not with a pitiful ; give not occasion to the whole earth to say : 
 ' See how the gods have made the tyrant tear his own bowels ! ' 
 Examine the eyes and voices of all this people ; and what all men 
 see, be not blind in thine own cause. Look, I say look upon him, 
 in whom the most curious searcher is able to find no fault but that 
 he is thy son. Believe it, thy own subjects will detest thee for 
 robbing them of such a prince, in whom they have right as well as 
 thyself." 
 
 Some more words to that purpose he would have spoken, but 
 Pyrocles, who often had called to him, did now fully interrupt him, 
 desiring him not to do him the wrong to give his father ill words 
 before him, willing him to consider it was their own fault and not 
 his injustice ; and withal, to remember their resolution of well 
 suffering all accidents, which this impatiency did seem to vary 
 from : and then kneeling down with all humbleness, he took the 
 speech in this order to Euarchus : " If my daily prayers to the 
 almighty gods had so far prevailed as to have granted me the end 
 whereto I have directed my actions, I should rather have been 
 now a comfort to your mind than an example of your justice ; 
 rather a preserver of your memory by my life than a monument of 
 your judgment by ray death. But since it hath pleased their 
 unsearchable wisdoms to overthrow all the desires I had to serve 
 you and make me become a shame unto you ; since the last 
 obedience I can show you is to die, vouchsafe yet, O Father, if my 
 fault have not made me altogether unworthy so to term you, 
 vouchsafe I say to let the few and last words your son shall ever 
 speak, not be tedious unto you. And if the remembrance of my 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 627 
 
 virtuous mother, who once was dear unto you, may bear any sway 
 with you, if the name of Pyrocles have at any time been pleasant, 
 let one request of mine, which shall not be for mine own life, be 
 graciously accepted of you. What you owe to justice is performed 
 in my death : A father to have executed his only son, will leave a 
 sufficient example for a greater crime than this. My blood will 
 satisfy the highest point of equity, my blood will satisfy the hardest 
 hearted in this country. O save the life of this prince ; that is the 
 only all I will with my last breath demand of you. With what 
 face will you look upon your sister, when in reward of nourishing 
 me in your greatest need, you take away, and in such sort take 
 away that which is more dear to her than all the world, and is the 
 only comfort wherewith she nourisheth her old age ? O give not 
 such an occasion to the noble Thessalians, for ever to curse the 
 match that their prince did make with the Macedonian blood. 
 By my loss there follows no public loss, for you are to hold the 
 seat, and to provide yourself perchance of a worthier successor. 
 But how can you or all the earth recompense that damage that 
 poor Thessalia shall sustain ? Who sending out, whom otherwise 
 they would no more have spared than their own eyes, their prince 
 to you, and your requesting to have him, by you he should thus 
 dishonourably be extinguished. Set before you, I beseech you, 
 the face of that miserable people, when no sooner shall the news 
 come that you have met your nephew, but withal they shall hear 
 that you have beheaded him. How many tears they shall spend, 
 how many complaints they shall make, so many just execrations 
 will light upon you. And take heed, O Father, for since my death 
 answers my fault, while I live I will call upon that dear name, lest 
 seeking too precise a course of justice, you be not thought most 
 unjust in weakening your neighbours' mighty estate by taking 
 away their only pillar. In me, in me this matter began, in me let 
 it receive his ending. Assure yourself no man will doubt your 
 severe observing the laws, when it shall be known Euarchus hath 
 killed Pyrocles. But the time of my ever farewell approaches : if 
 you do think my death sufficient for my fault, and do not desire 
 to make my death more miserable than death, let these dying 
 words of him that was once your son, pierce your ears. Let 
 Musidorus hve, and Pyrocles shall live in him, and you shall not 
 want a child." 
 
 " A child," cried out Musidorus, " to him that kills Pyrocles ? " 
 With that he fell again to entreat for Pyrocles, and Pyrocles as 
 fast for Musidorus, each employing his wit how to show himself 
 most worthy to die, to such an admiration of all the beholders, that 
 most of them examining the matter by their own passions, thought 
 Euarchus, as often extraordinary excellencies, not being rightly 
 
628 ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 conceived, do rather offend than please, an obstinate hearted man, 
 and such an one, who beiiig pitiless, his dominion must needs be 
 insupportable. But Euarchus that felt his own misery more than 
 they, and yet loved goodness more than himself, with such a sad 
 assured behaviour as Cato killed himself withal, when he had 
 heard the uttermost of that their speech tended unto, he commanded 
 again they should be carried away, rising up from the seat, which 
 he would much rather have wished should have been his grave, 
 and looking who would take the charge, whereto every one was 
 exceeding backward. 
 
 But as this pitiful matter was entering into, those that were next 
 the Duke's body, might hear from under the velvet, wherewith he 
 was covered, a great voice of groaning. Whereat every man 
 astonished, and their spirits appalled with these former miseries, 
 apt to take any strange conceit, when they might perfectly perceive 
 the body stir, then some began to fear spirits, some to look for a 
 miracle, most to imagine they knew not what. But Philanax and 
 Kalander, whose eyes honest love, though. to divers parties, held 
 most attentive, leaped to the table, and putting off the velvet cover, 
 might plainly discern, with as much wonder as gladness, that the 
 Duke lived. For so it was, that the drink he received was neither 
 as Gynecia first imagined, a love-potion, nor, as it was after 
 thought, a deadly poison, but a drink made by notable art, and as 
 it was thought not without natural magic, to procure for thirty 
 hours such a deadly sleep, as should oppress all show of life. The 
 cause of the making of this drink had first been that a princess of 
 Cyprus, grandmother to Gynecia, being notably learned, and yet 
 not able with all her learning to answer the objections of Cupid, 
 did furiously love a young nobleman of her father's court, who 
 fearing the king's rage, and not once daring either to attempt or 
 accept so high a place, she made that sleeping drink, and found 
 means by a trusty servant of hers, who of purpose invited him to 
 his chamber, to procure him that suspected no such thing, to 
 receive it. Which done, he, no way able to resist, was secretly 
 carried by him into a pleasant chamber, in the midst of a garden 
 she had of purpose provided for this enterprise, where that space 
 of time, pleasing herself with seeing and cherishing of him, when 
 the time came of the drink's end of working, and he more 
 astonished than if he had fallen from the clouds, she bade him 
 choose either then to marry her, and to promise to fly away with 
 her in a bark she had made ready, or else she would presently cry 
 out, and show in what place he was, with oath he was come thither 
 to ravish her. The nobleman in these straights, her beauty 
 prevailed, he married her, and escaped the realm with her. And 
 after many strange adventures, were reconciled to the king her 
 
BOOK v.] ARCADIA 629 
 
 father, after whose death they reigned. But she gratefully 
 remembering the service that drink had done her, preserved in a 
 bottle, made by singular art long to keep it without perishing, 
 great quantity of it, with the foretold inscription, which wrongly 
 interpreted by her daughter-in-law, the Queen of Cyprus, was given 
 by her to Gynecia at the time of her marriage ; and the drink 
 finding an old body of Basilius, had kept him some hours longer 
 in the trance than it would have done a younger. But a while it 
 was before the good Basilius could come again to himself: in 
 which time Euarchus more glad than of the whole world's 
 monarchy to be rid of his miserable magistracy, which even injustice 
 he was now to surrender to the lawful prince of that country, came 
 from the throne unto him, and there with much ado made him 
 understand how these intricate matters had fallen out. Many 
 garboils passed through his fancy before he could be persuaded 
 Zelmane was other than a woman. At length remembering the 
 oracle, which now indeed was accomplished, not as before he had 
 imagined, considering all had fallen out by the highest providence, 
 and withal weighing in all these matters his own fault had been 
 the greatest ; the first thing he did was with all honourable pomp 
 to send for Gynecia, who, poor lady, thought she was leading 
 forth to her lively burial, and, when she came, to recount before 
 all the people, the excellent virtue was in her, which she had not 
 only maintained all her life most unspotted, but now was content 
 so miserably to die, to follow her husband. He told them how 
 she had warned him to take heed of that drink : and so with all 
 the exaltings of her that might be, publicly desired her pardon for 
 those errors he had committed. And so kissing her, left her to 
 receive the most honourable fame of any princess throughout the 
 world, all men thinking, saving only Pyrocles and Philoclea, who 
 never betrayed her, that she was the perfect mirror of all wifely 
 love. Which though in that point undeserved, she did in the 
 remnant of her life duly purchase, with observing all duty and 
 faith to the example and glory of Greece : so uncertain are mortal 
 judgments, the same person most infamous, and most famous, and 
 neither justly. Then with princely entertainment to Euarchus, 
 and many kind words to Pyrocles, whom still he dearly loved, 
 though in a more virtuous kind, the marriage was concluded, to 
 the inestimable joy of Euarchus, towards whom now Musidorus 
 acknowledged his fault, betwixt the peerless princes and princesses. 
 Philanax for his singular faith ever held dear of Basilius while he 
 lived, and no less of Musidorus, who was to inherit that kingdom, 
 and therein confirmed to him and his the second place in that 
 province, with great increase of his living to maintain it. With 
 like proportion he used to Kalodulus in Thessalia: highly 
 
6zo ARCADIA [book v. 
 
 honouring Kalander while he lived, and after his death continuing 
 in the same measure to love and advance his son Clitophon. But 
 as for Sympathus, Pyrocles, to whom his father in his own time 
 gave the whole kingdom of Thrace, held him always about him, 
 giving him in pure gift the great city of Abdera. But the 
 solemnities of these marriages, with the Arcadian pastorals, full of 
 many comical adventures happening to those rural lovers ; the 
 strange stories of Artaxia and Plexirtus, Erona and Plangus, 
 Hellen and Amphialus, with the wonderful chances that befell 
 them ; the shepherdish loves of Menalcas with Kalodulus's 
 daughter ; the poor hopes of the poor Philisides in the pursuit of 
 his affections ; the strange continuance of Claius and Strephon's 
 desire ; lastly, the son of Pyrocles, named Pyrophilus, and 
 Melidora, the fair daughter of Pamela by Musidorrs, who even at 
 their birth entered into admirable fortunes ; may awake some 
 other spirit to exercise his pen in that wherewith mine is already 
 dulled. 
 
A SIXTH BOOK TO THE COUNTESS OF 
 PEiMBROKE'S ARCADIA 
 
 By R.B., OF Lincoln's-Inn, Esq. 
 
TO THE READER 
 
 To strive to lessen the greatness of the attempt, were to take 
 away the glory of the action. To add to Sir Philip Sidney, I know 
 is rashness ; a fault pardonable in me, if custom might as well 
 excuse the offence, as youth may prescribe in offending in this kind. 
 That he should undergo that burthen, whose mother-tongue differs 
 as much from this language, as Irish from English, augments the 
 danger of the enterprize, and gives your expectation, perhaps, an 
 assurance what the event must be. Yet, let no man judge wrong- 
 fully of my endeavours : I have added a limb to Apelles's picture ; 
 but my mind never entertained such vain hopes, to think it of perfec- 
 tion sufficient to delude the eyes of the most vulgar, with the likeness 
 in the workmanship. No, no, I do not follow Pythagoras's opinion 
 of transmigration : I am well assured divine Sidney's soul is not 
 infused into me, whose judgment was only able to finish what his 
 invention was only worthy to undertake. For this, courteous reader, 
 let it suffice I place Sir Philip Sidney's desert (even in mine own 
 esteem) as far beyond my endeavours, as the most fault-finding 
 censor can imagine this essay of mine to come short of his Arcadia. 
 Vale. 
 
 R. B. 
 
ARCADIA 
 
 BOOK vr 
 
 WHAT changes in fortune the princes of Macedon and 
 Thessaly have past, together with what event the 
 uncertain actions of so blind a goddess have been 
 crowned, they may remember, whose ears have been fed with the 
 eloquent story, written by the never-enough renowned Sir Philip 
 Sidney. 
 
 Basilius, therefore, having beheld with the eye of success, the 
 accomplishment of his misinterpreted oracle, hastened (together 
 with Euarchus) to his court of Mantinea ; where the infinite 
 assembly, and the public sacrifices of his subjects, did well witness 
 what joy did possess their hearts, whose eyes were restored to the 
 sight of long eclipsed sovereignty. Fame, also, proud to be the 
 messenger of such royal news, had soon (with speedy flight) past 
 the limits of Arcadia, so that in few days the court was filled with 
 foreign princes, whom either the tie of a long observed league of 
 amity, or a nearness in blood to Basilius, at such a time, brought 
 thither to congratulate with him, or were such, whose honour- 
 thirsty minds hunted after occasions to make known their acts in 
 chivalry. 
 
 And now was the marriage-day come, when Pamela, attired in 
 the stately ornament of beauteous majesty, led by the constant 
 forwardness of a virtuous mind, waited on by the many thoughts 
 of his fore-past crosses in her love, which now made up a perfect 
 harmony in the pleasing discord of endeared affection, was brought 
 to church ; whom, soon after, her sister Philoclea (being in the 
 same degree of happiness, clad in the bashful innocency of an 
 unspotted soul, guided by the shame-faced desire of her Pyrocles's 
 satisfaction, attended on by many graces of a mild cheerfulness) 
 followed ; both equally admired, both equally looked on. 
 
 * This Sixth Book was written in the Year 1633. 
 
^34 AfeCADTA (book vi. 
 
 The temple (whereto in triumph beauty and majesty were led 
 prisoners by the famous sisters) was a fit dwelling-place for the 
 Arcadian deities, fenced from the sun and winds' too free access, 
 by many ranks of even-grown, even-set trees, near which, in 
 divided branches, ran two clear streams, whose sweet murmur (as 
 they tumbled over their bed of pebble stones) did much adorn the 
 religious solitariness of that place. And, that nothing should be 
 wanting that might set forth the careful judgment of the builder, it 
 was seated in such a near distance from the palace, as might not 
 presently bury the gloriousness of the show, nor cloy the beholders 
 with the tediousness of the sight. In the way, on both hands, 
 were many altars, on which the crowned entrails of the much- 
 promising sacrifices were laid. At the door the two sisters were 
 received by as many virgins, attired in a white lawn livery, with 
 garlands on their heads of lilies and roses intermixed, holding in 
 their left hands a pair of pigeons, the grateful offering to the queen 
 of love. Soon after, the accustomed rites in the Arcadian nuptials 
 being ended, the King and Euarchus, with the rest of the princes, 
 returned unto a stately palace, sumptuously furnished, where both 
 art and nature seemed to be at variance, whether should bestow 
 most ornaments to enrich so rare a work ; seated where the earth 
 did rise a little (as proud to be the supporter of so curious a 
 building) by means whereof, the sight had freedom to overlook a 
 large territory, where the green level of the Arcadian plains, 
 beautified by the intercourse of many forests, represented the 
 delightful mixture of a civil wilderness. The building of marble, 
 where, whether the art in carving into many forms the in vain 
 resisting hardness of the stone, the cunning in knitting these 
 disjointed members, or the invention in contriving their several 
 rooms, did excel, was hard to be judged of 
 
 The inside also might well be the inner part of so glorious an 
 outside ; for, besides the well-matched largeness of the rooms, and 
 lightsome pleasantness of the windows, it was all hung with the 
 choice rareness of far-fetched arras, in which the ingenious 
 workman, with the curious pencil of his little needle, had limned 
 the dumb records of revived antiquity. Here did he present the 
 memorable siege of Thebes, where the ruins of her walls seemed 
 yet to hang, and make the beholders fear the downfall of the 
 lively stones. There you might see how cunningly he had 
 expressed the constrained flight of the Trojan prince, and the cruel 
 sacrifice of enraged Dido's love. Nor was the story of Scylla 
 forgotten, who there stood before Minos, with the present of her 
 father's fatal hair; while you might perceive, by his bent brows 
 and disdainful countenance, the just reward of her unnatural 
 attempt. With these and others, wherein cost and invention strove 
 
BOOK VI, Arcadia <^3S 
 
 for the mastery, were the hangings adorned ; yet these many 
 stories did so stealingly succeed each other that the most curious 
 observer's eye (though his admiration might dwell on each piece) 
 could find no cause of stay until he had overlooked them all. But 
 neither these, nor what art or nature could have added, did set 
 forth so much the palace, as the graceful presence of the Arcadian 
 sisters ; whose beauties, till now, of long time had borne a part 
 with their troubled minds, in a sweet pilgrimage to a happy event ; 
 and therefore at this present, so far disburdened of those thoughts, 
 as it was to be settled in the most desired enjoying of unspeakable 
 bliss, the imagination would needs persuade, if it were possible, 
 were bettered. 
 
 Dinner being set and ended, while the knights (who, to honour 
 that day with tilting, and to show what they dared and could 
 effect in the service, as they thought, of unresistable beauties) were 
 putting on their armour, there entered the hall a page, who, with 
 submissive humbleness, told the King, he was sent from his 
 master, the naked knight, who desired there to be received as a 
 challenger, to eternize, as the justness of his cause required, the 
 famous memory of his deceased mistress Helen, the Queen of 
 Corinth. Basilius, much pitying the before-unheard of death of so 
 excellent a queen, willed the page to relate the circumstance, 
 which being strange in itself, and of so great a subject, wrought a 
 passionate willingness in the hearers to be attentive. 
 
 " After that fortune," said he,' " had bestowed, by the conquest of 
 Amphialus, at Cecropia's castle, the victory on his adversary the 
 black knight, this queen (having long time, by the command of 
 love, her inward tyrant, made all Greece a stage for her wandering 
 passions) at length went thither, where the end of her search was 
 the beginning of her sorrows. Finding the curtains of eternal 
 night ready to close up his eyes, who (in the voyage her affection 
 made) had alway been the port she steered to ; yet hoping she 
 knew not what, that if perhaps Proserpine should meet in Elysium 
 his departed soul, she would in mere compassion of her sorrow, 
 send it back to reinhabit her ancient seat ; she carried the life 
 little-desiring body, to Corinth, where, at that time, lived an aged 
 man, by name Artelio, one whose fortunate experience in desperate 
 cures had made famous. Him, by the powerful command of his 
 queen, and the humble tears of a still-mistrusting lover, she conjures 
 to employ the uttermost of his skill in preserving him in whom she 
 lived. Some time there was ere his vital spirits, almost now 
 proved strangers to their wonted mansion, would accept the tie of 
 hospitality ; but when the hand of art had taught them courtesy, 
 and that each sense, though faintly, did exercise his charge, 
 Amphialus, returning to himself, from that sweet ignorance of cares 
 
63<5 ARCADIA [book vt. 
 
 wherein he lived, began to question, in what estate the castle was 
 against the beseigers ? thinking he had always been there ; when 
 Helen entered the room with a countenance where beauty appeared 
 through the clouds of care and fear of his danger : Her, the double 
 and deeply wounded patient (bearing still about him the inward 
 picture of Philoclea, whom long I have heard, in vain he loved) 
 thought to be the same saint, the remembrance of whom returned, 
 together with his wandering soul, from which it was inseparable. 
 Now, therefore, with a languishing look (the true herald of what 
 he suffered) ' Lady,' said he, ' though the welcome harbinger of a 
 near-following death hath provided this body (while it was mine, 
 alway devoted to your service) as a lodging for his master an ever- 
 certain guest, yet when I pass to the Elysian plains (if any 
 memory there remain of this world of comfort you now vouchsafe, 
 heaven knows ! your faithful, though unfortunate servant) I shall 
 never cease to pay the eternal tribute of thanks to well-deserving 
 death, who, with his presence brings the happiness in life denied 
 me.' 
 
 " The Queen with a pensive silence, sorrowing she stood to act 
 the counterfeit of her rival, and still desirous to enjoy the sweet 
 speech of her revived Amphialus, was like a passenger, whom the 
 loud command of the rough winds had forced to wander through 
 the unevenness of the deep-furrowed seas, now in sight of land, 
 equally distracted between the desire to leave his unnatural 
 habitation, where each wave seems to be the proud messenger of 
 destruction, and fear to approach it, being jealous of his hard 
 entertainment on the rocky shore : thus did she continue (fixed in 
 a doubtful imagination) loth to interrupt his pleasing speech, and 
 more than grieved he meant not her whom he spoke to, until 
 Amphialus (strengthening his newly recovered senses with the 
 conceited presence of Philoclea) found his error, and then, with a 
 look on his mistaken object (which he could not make disdainful, 
 because his happy thoughts had once adored it for Philoclea) he 
 suddenly fell into a deadly trance, whereat Helen (feelingly suffering 
 in his danger) ran to him, and bedewing his even then lovely face 
 with the loving oblation of her many tears, she together poured forth 
 the most passionate plaints that love could invent, or grief utter; 
 so as a while, this accident overthrowing the fabric of her half-built 
 comfort with the suddenness of so unlooked-for an assault, con- 
 strained her (with bemoaning his case) to forget the care of his 
 safety ; but being withdrawn by her servants, the indisposition of 
 her body, caused her a while to entertain in bed the fever of her 
 affectionate sorrow. 
 
 "In the meantime, Amphialus, by the skilful care of Artelio, 
 was again brought to enjoy that, whose loss he would account his 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 637 
 
 chiefest happiness ; and faintly withdrawing the cover that 
 obscured his weak sight, and settling his look upon Artelio, 
 ' Father,' said he, ' if you felt the inward agonies of my tormented 
 soul, as you see the desperate state of my low-brought body, I 
 assure myself you would not be so inhuman, there to employ your 
 endeavours, where, when they have wrought their effect, they serve 
 only to confirm the memory of fore-passed calamity, with the 
 growing apprehension of future misfortune. But since my 
 destinies have so set down, that the whole course of my life should 
 be inevitably disastrous, I must think my tragedy is not yet acted ; 
 though what worse than hath befallen me cannot be imagined, or 
 what may be kept in store (more than I have passed), far exceeds 
 my apprehension, though not my expectation.' 
 
 " Here he began to run over his unfortunate love to Philoclea, 
 the killing of Parthenia, his overthrow in the encounter with the 
 black knight ; inserting many more disgraces, which the most 
 envious of his glory, would not have cast as aspersions on his 
 well-known fame. Thus, with the thought that fate (whose 
 working he could not limit) had reserved him for more mischief, 
 he suffered his wounds to be cured ; and soon after, walking one 
 evening, as his manner was, in the garden, he chose a time, as he 
 thought unespied by any, to convey himself through a back-door, 
 and there finding his horse (which his page had brought by his 
 appointment) he rode away, whither he knew not, and not much 
 cared, so he might leave her, whose affection deserved a more 
 courteous farewell. But alas ! when she heard of his going, 
 what tongue is able to express her sorrow, in whom the equally 
 tormenting passions of grief and despair were lifted to their 
 uttermost height ? 
 
 "Two days, since the departure of Amphialus, posted away, 
 striving in vain to overtake their irrecoverable fellows, and now 
 the third was come, to be a prologue to the following tragedy : 
 when Helen (slacking the violent course of her incessant plaints) 
 gave occasion to her servants to be less mistrustful of her actions, 
 thinking that time began to wear away her sorrows. But she (as 
 by the event was gathered) using this as a policy to rid herself of the 
 cumber of careful attendance, when (now her truce, in show, with 
 sorrow, and the restraint of her plaints had wrought the effect she 
 desired) taking her trusty servant Mylama with her, and leaving a 
 letter with Lada (whom, besides Mylama, she only trusted with 
 this secret) which, upon the first knowledge of her flight, should be 
 given to Drenus the chief of her council ; wherein she excused 
 her secret stealing , away, by a vow passed to Apollo, in such 
 manner to go a pilgrimage to Delphos ; she put herself on her 
 journey, having an army of passions for her convoy, led by love, 
 
638 ARCADIA [book vi. 
 
 and waited on by desire, in hope of what she knew was hopeless ; 
 yet often checking her despairing foresight with such unUkely 
 possibilities as affection (upon these occasions) is wont to supply. 
 
 " Many days she had not wandered (changing places, to renew 
 her companions in sorrow) when coming into a pleasant valley, 
 where of each side, many trees (in the green-leaved mantle of their 
 summer livery) did apparel two neighbour mountains, where some 
 sunburnt sapless pines, by the advantage of the ground (like little- 
 deserving, in themselves, birth-only ennobled men) overtopped the 
 straight upraised cedar, the stock of self-begun honour. Through 
 this flowery plain ran a many-headed crystal current that did indent 
 the earth as it smoothly glided by, to make the obligation of 
 friendship between them more firm ; and where, it fame-like, 
 increased by travel, there (as it was the natural) so, it seemed to 
 have been the politic body of the state of springs, such was the 
 constant care of the fountain magistrates, and such the well- 
 agreeing union of the watery commons. Here she stayed (invited 
 by solitariness, the best repose for wearied sorrow) yet giving no 
 respite to her mind, she spoke nothing but Amphialus, or of 
 Amphialus. ' O Amphialus ! ' did she say, and to this invocation 
 the flattering nymph (that always seconds what is spoken) did join 
 the like of her own ; and Helen delighted to hear the sound of so 
 sweet a name beaten back upon her, for a time sealed up her lips, 
 listening (with attentive silence) what echo would have farther said. 
 But she (who of all the powers of a reasonable soul, only had a 
 memory and a tongue only serviceable for that use) together gave 
 over to reflect her borrowed language, expecting (with like stillness) 
 her farther speech. But Helen, not able longer to restrain the 
 overflow of her panting heart, began to cry out, ' Unkind 
 Amphialus ! ' This also did the echo repeat. But she hearing 
 by the rebound of the words, Amphialus accused. ' Discourteous 
 nymph,' said she, 'and how is Amphialus unkind? Can the 
 harmony of such excellence admit so foul a fault to bear a part 
 with his virtues ? Yet, woe is me ! he is unkind. Could his hard 
 heart else suffer this love of his (which I only name because it is 
 the only part worth naming in me) thus long unregarded ? Could 
 not my crown (crowned in being a foot-stool to Amphialus) have 
 purchased some respect ? Alas ! no : how could unhappy Helen 
 expect the fates reserved so great a blessing in store for her ? ' 
 
 " She had not long debated the reasons of her misfortune, when 
 Rinatus (the only brother to Timotheus, but younger by many 
 years) chanced to pass that way. A man on whom fame had 
 bestowed, and deservingly, the name of valiant ; yet of disposition 
 so mischievously cruel, and ambitiously proud, that where his 
 deeds might well have claimed so great an honour, there his 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 639 
 
 conditions (as well weighed) brought a reproachful burden to 
 the balance of his reputation. He (his father dying young, and 
 unwilling to dismember his estate, and unable otherwise to satisfy 
 the hopes of his son's ambition) hearing of the wars of Laconia, 
 went thither; where soon he purchased the opinion of a man 
 resolute to undertake, and fortunate to execute what he had 
 undertaken : and serving under Eborbas (chief commander for the 
 king) because of the sympathy of humours between them (whereby 
 nature did insinuate for Rinatus, and taught him flattery without 
 dissimulation) he grew great in his favour. Soon after this, 
 Eborbas in a conflict between him and the Helots being mortally 
 wounded, yet in death, careful of the welfare of his country, 
 recommended this Rinatus (partly for his good liking of him, 
 but principally for his experience in wars, and well-seconded 
 judgment) to the king, who, though with some opposition (the 
 country-men repining at his, a stranger's advancement) after trusty 
 " Eborbas's death, preferred him to the same place. His discharge 
 of which, outwent so far the envy of the jealous noblemen, that 
 well might their king and they, in the death of the valiant 
 Eborbas, deplore the loss of a private man, but must confess 
 that this watchful care and undaunted well-ordered courage, did 
 survive in this their general. 
 
 " In this esteem he had scarce lived a year, when, hearing of 
 his brother and nephew's death, together with his undoubted 
 right to the large territory which his brother in his life-time had 
 enjoyed, he, notwithstanding, continued in the charge to which 
 he was lately advanced : framing in his conceit his new-acquired 
 greatness but as a step to climb the sovereignty of Laconia : which 
 being elective, he thought the easier to be compassed, having by 
 his bounteous affability gained the hearts of the soldiers, and being 
 already possessed of the chief forts (the best strength of the 
 country) wherein he had placed such who had their devotions 
 hnked to his will, because they owed him the benefit of their 
 creation. But finding the accomplishment of these practices to 
 depend upon the death of the king, which, his youth promised 
 was unlikely soon to happen, and fearful to draw on the discovery 
 of his practices by seeking any secret means to make him away, 
 whom the watchful eye of dutiful observance did warrant secure 
 from any traitorous plots, he solicits the King to dispense with 
 his presence, who (seeing the ground of his journey to be the just 
 cause of his long-deferred revenge for Timotheus his brother, 
 and Philoxenus his nephew's death, now a peace was lately 
 concluded with the Helots, and therefore his absence the more 
 excusable) upon condition of a speedy return, though unwilling, 
 yet for his satisfaction, grants his request : who now on his journey, 
 
640 ARCADIA [BOOK VI. 
 
 and having in his way to cross this valley, met the unfortunate 
 queen, whom, though her habit might disguise, her words 
 (overheard) did assure Rinatus his willingness to believe that 
 she was the same she so often spoke herself to be, the unfortunate 
 Helen. 
 
 "Awhile he stood doubtful of the person, awhile amazed at so 
 fortunate an encounter, and a long time perplexed what punishment 
 his revenge would judge fit for (the conceited heinousness of) his 
 brother and nephew's death. At length the Queen (now first 
 withdrawing her thoughts from that object whereto affection, 
 in sweetest contemplation, had bound them, and suffering her 
 mind, before retired within itself, now to be informed by her 
 servant's sense) seeing this stranger near her, began, as her manner 
 was, to find by enquiry what he knew of Amphialus. 'Wicked 
 woman,' replied Rinatus, ' the all-seeing justice hath now delivered 
 thee to receive fit punishment for Philoxenus's and Timotheus's 
 death,' and using no more words, presently caused her to be 
 mounted on horseback, prolonging her life to make her death 
 more miserable. Thus far hath Mylama discovered, who, poor 
 lady, was there left, most cruelly beaten, to be the reporter of 
 Rinatus's revenge, and her mistress's hard hap. 
 
 "The last act of this tragedy, my master had the fortune to 
 know, by one of trust and great esteem in the court of Laconia, 
 to which Rinatus had conveyed Helen, where, for a time, she was 
 honourably entertained, finding no want but of command and 
 liberty ; the king, belike fearing the power of the wronged 
 Corinthians, preserving her as a sure card for a dead lift. But 
 when he understood that one Tenarus (a man apt to practice 
 innovations, and at this time able, when the many headed multitude 
 wanted the awful presence of their sovereign) took upon him 
 the government, pretending a title to the crown, as descended 
 from those, from whom Helen's ancestors, as he alleged, had 
 traitorously forced it, then did the tyrant of Laconia, finding the 
 way secure for his mischievous practice, vehemently importuned 
 by Rinatus, and urged forward by the politic wickedness of his 
 own desire to pleasure the new king, secretly cause Helen to 
 be poisoned: Such was the end of this great queen, justly 
 beloved of all who heard the fame of her virtues, and therefore 
 justly to be deplored of all who hear the unredeemable loss of so 
 many perfections." 
 
 Basilius, and the rest of the princes, were much moved with 
 so tragical a story, especially Musidorus, who (in search of 
 Pyrocles) having the fortune to see her, could witness, that though 
 fame had borrowed all men's mouths to proclaim her many 
 excellencies, yet it was far from doing right to her desert. But 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 641 
 
 this was no fit lodging for pity to dwell in, where joy had so great 
 a command. The messenger therefore being permitted to part, 
 with free leave for his master to enter the lists, judges were 
 appointed, and the challenge proclaimed. 
 
 The challenger understanding of the King's liking of his demand, 
 came forth of his pavilion, with armour so lively representing 
 nakedness, wounded in many places (where the staunchless blood, 
 in the course the workman had allotted it, seemed to drop 
 destruction) that many thought a madness had possessed him 
 (so unarmed, so wounded) to present himself in such a trial, where 
 a surer defence, and a sounder body were more needful. Before 
 him went six, as savages, bearing the lances for his first courses ; 
 who coming within distance to be heard, did sing these following 
 verses. 
 
 Too soon you fled from hence to that fair place, 
 The happy period of a well-run race : 
 Too late I stay in griefs eternal nig'ht, 
 To do this penance for my over-sight. 
 Once let me die, let not my dying life 
 Prolong my woes, and keep my thoughts at strife : 
 Let him that did offend your heav'nly eyes, 
 Now please your anger with self-sacrifice. 
 
 Then one of them, reaching him a lance, he began his com-se 
 against Tyro Prince of Andria, famous for his constant love to the 
 fair Lydia, now married, and Queen of Epire, and ever fortunate 
 in the course of his adventures : but here his fortune gave place 
 to virtue, or rather joined with her to assist the naked knight ; for, 
 at the third encounter, he was put beside his saddle, much bruised 
 in body, and no less afflicted in mind. 
 
 The next that supplied his place, was Pausanias, a Macedonian, 
 one, who in his late wars had done Euarchus faithful service, and 
 now, thinking to be as successful in this enterprise, had put on 
 armour to do honour to his mistress : but his first course compelled 
 him to acknowledge he was deceived, seeing himself fall so short 
 of his expectation. 
 
 To him succeeded Nicanor, a Corinthian knight, advanced 
 by the new king, one extremely confident of himself, because never 
 tried, and now very forward, fearing to be prevented of the honour, 
 for which already, in conceit, he had triumphed at Corinth with 
 the great applause of the people, and the good liking of the king. 
 But the naked knight, at second course, cut off both his life and 
 imagined trophy: for, couching his lance, and allotting it in his 
 course a just descent, rightly levelled by his well judging experience, 
 it met with Nicanor's sight, and passing thorough that weak 
 
 2 s 
 
642 ARCADIA [book vt. 
 
 resistance, it pierced his right eye, and with it his brain, so that 
 Nicanor fell down, forgetful both of his forethought fame and 
 following reproach. With this adventure the tilting that day 
 ended ; the sun with loose rays, posting to his western home, and 
 the naked knight retired himself to his pavilion, whence he sent 
 his page, who, humbly, for his master, entreated, that his 
 unwillingness to be known should excuse the omission of his 
 duty to the king. 
 
 Thus that night drew on, which to them who enjoyed delight, 
 seemed to have put on all her sails to be the speedier in passing 
 over. But far other was the naked knight's apprehension : he 
 (who made her ugly darkness a pattern of the sorrow his afflicted 
 soul endured) thought shr was becalmed in the sea of his 
 misfortune. At length Phoebus, weary of his importunity, made 
 haste to distribute his grateful light to his care-tired senses ; and 
 he as soon embracing the smallest show of comfort, put on his 
 armour. About two hours after, the judges being set, and Basilius 
 and Euarchus (with the rest of the court) present, Leonatus, the 
 young King of Pontus (who had been there to acknowledge his 
 beholdingness to them whom he was deservingly bound to) took 
 the field. His armour was of a dark colour, through which many 
 flames seemed to byeak out, as when the clouds, great in labour 
 with exhalations, at length gave way to their more violent power ; 
 his three first courses promised a more happy event than fortune 
 meant he should enjoy, for (having performed them with a well- 
 ordered firmness in his seat, and a moving constancy in the 
 carriage of his lance, to the great delight of the beholders) the 
 fourth time he was dismounted; whose disgrace Pyrocles was 
 ready to revenge, but he was, by a secret look from Philoclea, 
 commanded the contrary. Then Telamon, Phelauceas and 
 Diremus felt, with little advantage in fortune, the like success. 
 
 Thus, most part of that morning, the naked knight, with little 
 resistance, had the best against all comers, which most of the 
 lookers-on, with public acclamation, did testify, but he having 
 given over the use of himself to sorrow, sometimes by the careless 
 shaking of his head, did let them know, they burdened his desert 
 with the unpleasing weight of his praise ; and staying a while on 
 horseback, he expected the next adventurer, with such a demeanour 
 of himself, that (though it did accuse him of much grief) could not 
 conceal the grace of his stately presence. But when he saw none 
 ready to take the field, with an humble bend taking his leave of 
 the king, he softly trotted towards his tent, not so much to repose 
 his body, as to give a quiet way to the assaults of his mind. At 
 length, when all the beholders' expectations were almost wearied, 
 there entered the lists a lady, attended only by one page, who 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 643 
 
 having alighted, presently went towards the place where Basilius 
 sat, where first kneeling, then taking away a black scarf (which 
 grief had hired to join with herself, in eclipsing the excellent 
 feature of a most fair face) she began to speak ; but Basilius and 
 Gynecia hastily ran to embrace Helen Queen of Corinth, for this 
 was she. Great was the joy of her revived presence, and great the 
 desire to know the means of her safety. But she (accounting 
 these gratulations cumbersome, and the relation of her adventures 
 tedious) fixing her watery eyes on Basilius : " Great king, I am," 
 said she, "that unfortunate Helen, sometime Queen of Corinth, 
 now both deprived of crown and kingdom by Tenarus. Yet why 
 should I mention this, as fit to be inserted among my greatest 
 misfortunes? The cause why now I come, is my care of 
 Amphialus's safety, in whom I live, to whose disdain I have vowed 
 the tribute of my constant love. He (alas ! why should I live to 
 speak it ?) not long since following the course of his adventures, 
 came to Amasia, where he was made prisoner, and carried to 
 Dunalbus prince of that country, whose brother it was Amphialus's 
 fortune to kill in rescue of a lady, to whom he would have offered 
 dishonourable violence. These news came to mine ears (to add 
 more to many miseries) at that time when I chanced to be at 
 Delphos, pouring forth my heartiest devotions for my most 
 beloved, my most unkind Amphialus : but the pitying God, either 
 to stay my hands from the execution they intended (but to what 
 end might that be ? that God knows ; for no time can unbend my 
 affection) or, as heaven grant it may be, in commiseration of my 
 case, thus comforted me : 
 
 Helen, return ; a naked knight shall find 
 Rest for thy hopes, and quiet to thy mind. 
 
 Thus far have I wandered, led by that divine promise, in pursuit 
 of such a one : But nowhere can I find a happy event to confirm 
 that oracle ; yet dare I not despair, having so high a warrant ; nor 
 hope, having so bad success." 
 
 " You are fortunately come," said the King, " This knight, whose 
 skill in arms hath made your well-deserving virtues famous, may 
 be that man pointed out by the finger of heaven, to release 
 Amphialus, who both in name and armour represents a naked 
 knight." "O no," said the Queen, "it cannot be expected that 
 Apollo, would leave so plain a way for us to track out the 
 footsteps of his obscure mysteries." " Madam," replied Basihus 
 (having first placed her in a chair by him) "the all-seeing 
 providence, with whom the ends of all things are present, is 
 sometimes pleased to cast forth the emblem of our destinies, so 
 strangely hidden in the covert of ambiguous words, that, doubtless. 
 
644 ARCADIA tsooK vi. 
 
 it serves to beget nothing but matters of distrust, and labyrinths 
 of errors, where the imagination a thousand ways may be led 
 astray ; of this you have a present proof, confirmed by my 
 experience. And sometimes the same justice unfolds the secret 
 of our fate, and plainly lets us know the mystery of our fortune ; 
 yet even that plainness, to the curious search of our still-mistrusting 
 brain, becomes a reason sufficient to enforce us to a contrary 
 belief. This last, I think (if, in the interpretation of an oracle, my 
 opinion may be received) is that mean, whereby Apollo both 
 reveals and hides the author of Amphialus's freedom." 
 
 This said, he sends presently for the naked knight, who as soon 
 obeying the king's command, as he was completely armed, came 
 before him ; to whom Basilius cheerfully told (as glad to be the 
 reporter of good news to him, whose prowess in arms deservingly 
 gained much of his good opinion) of Helen's being there, together 
 with her desire to employ him in an action the heavens had also 
 interested him in. "What is it," replied the naked knight, "that, 
 without such a command, I would not endeavour to accomplish 
 for my most dear Helen ? " And then, with excess of comfort and 
 astonishment, his weak limbs were ready to give over the support 
 of his joy-burdened body ; but, being upheld by Musidorus, who 
 stood next him, his overcharged spirits had time to recollect 
 themselves. 
 
 The Queen gathering comfort from his promise, and seeing fair 
 likelihood of the oracle's accomplishment, with the oratory of love, 
 who thinks no words but his own able to express his mind, began 
 in this manner : " Sir, ill-fortune my awful governess, as in the 
 most of my actions she is pleased to keep a hard hand over me, 
 so in this (distrustful belike of my willingness) she forces me to 
 repeat my wonted lesson of receiving courtesies without power 
 of requital; making one undeserved favour from you become 
 a cause of farther beholdingness to you: But the glory that 
 follows your good success in this adventure (the best spur to set 
 forward brave spirits to noble actions) hath almost assured me 
 that the love you profess, and a distressed lady's cause, need not 
 join petitioners in a request your virtue must be willing to grant. 
 The reward of your victory, is the releasing of Amphialus, of whom 
 I may speak, and the world with me, all praise-worthy things." 
 " Madam," replied the naked knight, " I thought the gods could 
 not have favoured me more than in giving you respite of life, 
 and me power to be serviceable to you ; but when I consider the 
 end I must employ my endeavours to, it buries my conceited 
 happiness in the grave of a certain misfortune. Shall I labour 
 to preserve that monster of men, whose story (if the world will 
 needs read) contains nothing but a volume of disasters, and a vain 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 645 
 
 discourse of a few adventures cast upon him by the blindness 
 of chance ? Shall I hazard my life for him, against whom, had 
 I lives innumerable, I would venture them all? Shall I live to 
 make another happy in your favour, and cross mine own desires ? 
 No, madam, I will sooner leave my blood here before you, as 
 a testimony that fear hath no interest in my disobedience to your 
 command, than I will make my after-life, truly miserable in the 
 burden of a hopeless affection." To this the Queen awhile in tears, 
 as if her eyes strove to speak for her, made a silent answer ; but 
 when her sighs had breathed forth the over-charge of her breast, 
 first she kneeled, then faintly said : " O eternal president of this 
 court of cares, when will thy just pity commiserate my distress ! 
 Alas, Sir, what new way have the gods found to vent their malice 
 on me ! have I made disdain my only mishap, and must now 
 affection towards me be another undeserved misfortune ? Behold, 
 Sir, and, if you can, with pity, a Queen born to command a 
 suppliant at your feet, begging what goodness solicites you to 
 grant, release Amphialus : and if your jealousy thinks he hath too 
 much interest in my love, restore him to the world that wants him, 
 I will vow a virgin's life." "Stay, virtuous Queen," replied the 
 naked knight, and lifting up his beaver, " receive," said he, " thou 
 best of women ! the overjoyed Amphialus." 
 
 The Queen, as when the ocean swells with the rage of a tempest, 
 if on a sudden these blasts be appeased, yet the proud waves, 
 mindful of their fore-passed injury, and indisposed to so speedy 
 a reconcilement, some while retain the rough remembrance of 
 the winds' malice, so were her thoughts, before moved by the storm 
 of despair, though now she had cause of contented quiet, on 
 a sudden, incapable of so unlooked for a happiness, first doubt, 
 then amazement, lastly excess of joy, by succession, were admitted 
 to the helm of her distressed heart. But when joy had once got 
 to be the steersman, his want of practice (by his long absence from 
 that employment) soon brought a confusion ; here the warm tears 
 of sorrow, there the cold drops of a present comfort, did strive 
 whether should show itself most officious in drowning her pale 
 blushing cheeks ; At length they both, no longer able to resist 
 this powerful invasion of their minds, as by mutual consent, fell 
 the one entwined in the other's arms, and made the earth happy 
 in bearing such matchless lovers. But their senses being soon 
 restored to their wonted function, after some passionate words 
 (to which their eyes and touch of their hands gave the life of 
 expression) Amphialus, divided into many minds by the turbulent 
 working of his thoughts, turning towards his uncle, with his eyes 
 fixed on the ground, stood with the grace of a man condemned, 
 vho having led a loathsome life in ein ugly dungeon, is now 
 
646 ARCADIA [BOOK VI. 
 
 brought to a freedom of looking upon the open air, yet sees the 
 day is but a taper to light him to his execution. Of the one side 
 he was brought from the hell of despair, wherein he lived in the 
 assurance of Helen's death, to the certainty of her life and 
 presence ; of the other, what was his treason to his uncle to expect, 
 but an infamous death, and a divorce from his new-born happiness. 
 The shams also of a crime so foul as his rebellion, was not the 
 least torment to his mind, unwillingly beaten from a settled course 
 of virtue by Cecropia's practices. At length, when these thoughts, 
 that almost overcame all the powers of life in him, were themselves 
 overcome by his resolution, casting himself at Basilius's feet, thus 
 said : " Great Sir, if treason in a subject, and unnaturalness in 
 a nephew, be punishable, here you have before you a fit exercise 
 for your justice, I am that subject whose rebellion interrupted 
 the contented quiet of my King's solitary life, and brought him 
 to behold the bloody tragedy of a civil dissention in his divided 
 state: I am that nephew, whom a wilful disobedience made a 
 traitor to the nearness of his blood. Hither did I come, Orestes- 
 like, tormented by the inward fright of my guilty conscience, with 
 my blood to wash away (if good fortune, in the defence of the 
 cause I undertook, would draw death upon me) the stains of such 
 unpardonable faults; but now that I have found what I least 
 looked for- (and then he cast a side-look on Helen) for her, 
 I confess, I should desire to live, if your just indignation might 
 find mercy for so heinous offences, which I will not strive to 
 mitigate, however justly I may; for I would think such faults 
 ill-excused with which, to ease myself, I must have burdened 
 my nearest friends." 
 
 Basilius, first graciously lifting him from the ground : " Nephew," 
 replied he, " did I retain the memory of your youthful oversights, 
 this your virtuous acknowledgment were sufficient to bear them 
 away ; but long since I have buried in oblivion the thought of 
 your rashness because I knew (by what after happened) that the 
 gods had made you an instrument to work their ends ; it were 
 injury therefore to question his actions, whose will was not his own, 
 being over-ruled by their all-commanding decree. No, nephew,-! 
 do not only pardon these transgressions, but freely also do resign 
 all such possessions as your father held in Arcadia, taken from you 
 in the last war, and now in the hands of Philanax. Live happy in 
 your choice, I shall be proud of our alliance with the crown of 
 Corinth, and shall rejoice to see the succession continue in our 
 blood." This said, he led him to Gynecia, then to Euarchus, but 
 when he came to Musidorus : " This, nephew, is that black knight," 
 said he, " who at your last meeting gave such evident proof of his 
 unconquerable valour ; this is Musidorus the Prince of Thessaliaj 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 647 
 
 whom the gods have bestowed as a blessing on my daughter 
 Pamela." Amphialus, now assured by the king's speech, unto 
 whose hand the honour of his conquest had fallen (for doubt had 
 long tormented him that, some baser hand had reaped the glory of 
 his victory). " Prince Musidorus," said he, " my hard success in 
 our last encounter much perplexed me ; not that my confidence of 
 myself was lifted to such an arrogapt presumption to think my 
 strength and skill in arms matchless, but that it grieved me, an 
 unknown knight (one, whom the world might think had concealed 
 his name, lest, together with him, his bad fortune in trials of that 
 kind might be discovered) should have the better of me. But now, 
 that I know to whose lot my victory hath fallen, I do not only 
 bring an excuse, but an honour from the worthiness of the 
 conqueror." 
 
 "Courteous Amphialus," replied the Prince, "whose side the 
 advantage of fortune did then incline to, if it may be determined, 
 with greater reason, and more desert, should the honour be given 
 you, than bestowed on me ; but, however, such trial I then made 
 of your manhood that, hereafter, I shall desire to be of your part." 
 " Worthy Prince," said Amphialus, " your virtue will always choose 
 to be of the weaker side." And so turning to Philoclea, "Divine 
 lady," said he, " in your excellent choice of the famous Pyrocles, 
 you have (besides the happiness gained to yourself, for which the 
 world may envy you) showed me the way to my best hopes, by 
 grafting my affection in the stock of my Helen's constancy." 
 " Dear cousin," replied Philoclea, " I am glad it was in my power, 
 and your good fortune, so much to better your choice in so 
 excellent a remove : " And so, casting a bashful look towards 
 Pyrocles : " Sir," said she, " we may join in thanksgiving. This is 
 my cousin, whose virtuous disposition during our imprisonment 
 was our safest defence against my Aunt Cecropia's cruelty." " I 
 do acknowledge it," said Pyrocles, "and besides this favour, in 
 which we have a common interest. Sir, I must crave pardon for a 
 wound given you at such a time when, belike, you made patience 
 your only defence." 
 
 Amphialus stood with his eyes fixed on Pyrocles, for his memory 
 supplied him with a confused remembrance of such a face : 
 Zelmane he could not take him to be, her sex and this change, at 
 their first birth, destroyed these apprehensions. Pyrocles, his 
 heart swore he was not, whose youth and beauty, God wot ! were 
 no fit livery for such achievements as the world famed him for. 
 Thus awhile he continued, troubled with the uncertainty of 
 conjectures, until Pyrocles (happily conceiving the cause of his 
 amazement) stopped his farther admiration by letting him know 
 tl;iat the then^Zelroane was the now Pyrocles. Whereat Amphialus, 
 
648 ARCADIA [BOOK VI, 
 
 as one newly waked out of a dream, cried out, " Anaxius, Anaxius," 
 said he, " 'twas the Prince of Macedon (not a woman) overcame 
 thee. Wheresoever thy soul be, let it keep this time festival as the 
 birthday of thy glory." And so, after mutual embraces, together 
 with the rest of the princes, they entered the palace, where, when 
 they were seated, the eyes of all the company were set on the 
 Queen of Corinth, longing to know the story of her strange fortune ; 
 now a queen, then a prisoner ; now alive, then dead ; which she, 
 at Basilius's entreaty, with a majesty which her fortune could not 
 change, because it was innate, thus declared. 
 
 " Great Sir ! that I was made prisoner by Rinatus, and by him 
 carried to Laconia, fame, together with the news of my supposed 
 death, belike hath brought you ; the rest, since you esteem worthy 
 your hearing, I shall esteem worthy my relation. There yet 
 governs, and then did, among the nobility of Laconia, one Creton, 
 a man elected to the crown rather to recompense the desert of his 
 ancestors, than for his own virtues, beloved and borne with for the 
 same reason ; such an everlasting monument of itself, can goodness 
 leave to posterity. To him when I was brought, my guilt and my 
 guilty self, with the best oratory Rinatus had, was made known, 
 who, with vehement importunity, desired that my speedy punishment, 
 as my fault, should be terrible. The king answered, though he 
 found his demands reasonable, and such to which he was sure 
 there could be no opposition made, yet he thought it fit the 
 nobility should be acquainted with so weighty a cause before he 
 proceeded farther in it, and so, for this time (being committed to 
 the charge of Pertinax, chamberlain to the king) I was dismissed. 
 The next day, the council being sent for, my cause ran the hazard 
 of many opinions ; some thought it fit I should die ; and though 
 justice, said they, might not dispense with such severity, yet it was 
 fit to please Rinatus, one who had deserved well, and had the 
 power, if otherwise he were dealt with, to revenge his injury. 
 Others, the more in number, and esteemed the wiser, because the 
 King held with them, opposed this sentence, alleging, so 
 inconsiderate an act might call the safety of Laconia in question ; 
 " for," .said they, " shall we think the Corinthians so degenerate, 
 that, being justly incensed against us they will not endeavour to 
 revenge the death of their prince, in the shade of whose reign they 
 enjoy that peace and plenty their neighbours envy them for? And 
 if they stir in it, what people is so barbarous, whom the justness of 
 their cause will not procure into the society of this war ? See then 
 if a private man's satisfaction be to be compared to these ensuing 
 dangers ? No, let her live, and when the gods do otherwise dispose 
 of her, let her death come without the ruin of Laconia." This 
 determined, a new doubt arose, how I should be disposed of. 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 649 
 
 They that before thought it expedient I should die, now that opinion 
 was put by, concluded that it was best to send me to Corinth, with 
 an honourable convoy, so to tie them by a perpetual bond of 
 gratitude, to be their friends whom they so much feared to be 
 their enemies ; the rest, to gratify the King, whose affection they 
 perceived to lean that way, and well assured it was an advice too 
 profitable to be rejected that gained a kingdom, though his promise 
 after the queen's death (who, not long before, left him a widower) 
 had been passed to Lemnia, a fair and virtuous lady, daughter to 
 my keeper Pertinax, yet they wished, if so he pleased, my crown 
 might win me to his bed, little doubting but I had thought it an 
 egregious felicity to be so graced. The King, after many 
 protractions, at length, as if he were wrought to it by a desire to 
 satisfy the nobility rather than self-will, declares his mind to be 
 directed by them ; which, once known, behold ! the flattery of the 
 court began to fawn upon me ; who more observed ? who more 
 admired ? Only Rinatus, much impatient of this my greatness in 
 court, uttered some words in choler, which made known, by a 
 further inquiry, a conspiracy of his against the king, so that soon 
 after (the rather to give me, whom they studied to please, 
 satisfaction) he was beheaded. 
 
 "But long it was not before fortune, neither constant to my 
 happy adversity, nor adverse felicity, had brought thither (sent by 
 the usurper Tenarus) a wise, but wicked instrument, whom he 
 called his ambassador, who laboured, by the policy of his high- 
 reaching brain, and the secret practices of his undermining gold, 
 so far for his master's ends, that now, in an instant, the still- 
 changing face of court-respect began to frown upon me : my death 
 was decreed, and until the time were appointed for it, myself made 
 a close prisoner in my accustomed gaol. But the King, chiefly 
 moved with the hope of my crown, and drawn by a self-conceit of 
 liking to my sorrow, which, perhaps, had a sympathy with his 
 melancholy, wouldst needs continue the suit of his affection to me, 
 though he durst not interpose his over-ruled authority for my 
 liberty. Thus, for a time, did I live, accompanied by some few 
 whom the king might trust with his intents, he, in show, courting 
 his first love Lemnia, and making that a pretence to come private 
 to her father's house near adjoining to court. But indeed, as at 
 that time he could have no reason to dissemble with me, this 
 kindness came another way ; which Lemnia suspecting, and being 
 as far gone in affection to this double-dealing king, as he was in 
 the profession of a little-regarded love to me, her watchful eye 
 soon found the advantage of a happy opportunity to hear himself 
 speak his own deceit, with such a heart-burning vehemency that 
 Lemnia (who Ijad placed herself, unknown to either of us, behind the 
 
650 ARCADIA [book VI. 
 
 hangings) scarce could suppress her entry to play a part in our 
 comedy of affection. But to his demands truth answered for me 
 plainly that death, in whose expectation I lived, would be far more 
 pleasing than the marriage he thought so reasonable ; adding 
 withal to my speech much of Lemnia's praise, which she deserved, 
 to instruct his eyes that indeed were blind in his choice. 
 
 " But when he parted, vowing to be severe in my punishment, 
 unless I resolved better at his next coming, behold Lemnia, with 
 tears in her eyes, fell at my feet, and when she saw amazement in 
 my looks, with a kind bashfulness, taking my hand, and rising 
 with that help : ' Virtuous lady,' said she, ' if ever you have been 
 acquainted with the tyranny of all-commanding affection, to that 
 judge I appeal, who (though courtesy and good manners oppose 
 him; will find my fault excusable. This man, who in your presence 
 hath been the trumpet of his own inconstancy, first with the 
 vehement protestation of his sincere affection, won me in grateful- 
 ness to meet him, in recompense of his unknown dissimulation, if 
 such then it were ; and now with the good liking of the state, were 
 the solemnities appointed for our marriage, when your arrival 
 crossed those hopes, and drew his thoughts to their natural temper 
 of unstayedness. But since I have found, by this fortunate 
 unmannerliness, your answers so resolutely opposed to his 
 demands, henceforth I vow to work your freedom, or bring myself 
 to perish with you.' Her fault found an easy pardon at the 
 tribunal she appealed to — I thanked her, as there was good cause, 
 for her desire of my good ; only I wished, if my freedom could 
 not be procured without danger to her, she should not heap 
 miseries upon me by joining herself a companion in my disasters. 
 She comforts me with the hope of a better event, and to bring her 
 intention to a wished success, she wins my unwillingness to show 
 some favour to the king : which next day I did, having placed 
 Lemnia where she had placed herself the day before, to be a 
 witness to our conference ; for otherwise, perhaps, her love this 
 second time might have egged her suspicion, already prone that 
 way, to the distrust of a practice betwixt us. And happy was 
 this forced dissimulation; for the King, not long before his 
 coming to me, had received advertisement that the usurper of 
 Corinth had levied an army, and set forth many ships to invade 
 Laconia, making the delay of my promised execution the pretence 
 of this war; which being also known, they (who, together with 
 this foreign enemy, feared the rebellion of the Helots, who always 
 lay in wait for an opportunity of such advantage) now, more than 
 ever, began to solicit the King to satisfy so potent an enemy in so 
 just a demand. The King, well weighing the imminent dangers 
 jbat were to be prevented hy my death, and seeing the little 
 
BooKvi.] ARCADIA 651 
 
 comfort he did enjoy by the prolonging of my life (likely every 
 day to increase my obstinacy, being none of those lovers that 
 would die for his disdaining mistress) was ready to deliver me 
 over as a sacrifice for the state and country, when, behold ! his 
 sails were filled with self-opinion of my favour. Borne up, 
 therefore, with the wings of hope, he returns to court, where love 
 (or some indulgent fate) inspired this project into his head ; he 
 calls the nobility, and after a long narration of the mischiefs that 
 hung over Laconia, he desires their advice for prevention. They, 
 glad that the only opposer, as they thought, of their designs, 
 would have recourse to their directions, in that cause wherein they 
 were jealous of his partaking after a flattering insinuation (the 
 common exordium to men of his place) they concluded that it was 
 fit Helen should die. ' I doubt it not,' said he (nor was it to that 
 end I sought your counsel) ' that the necessity of the times, the 
 welfare of our person, and the preservation of our estate required 
 her death ; but it much perplexed me, that our fame should bleed 
 with her, or that the world should say the threats of the King of 
 Corinth had enforced us to behead her whom lately we were to 
 take to wife. 'Twas this, my lords, that caused my misinterpreted 
 resolution to hang in suspense ; for this I have turned my invention 
 into all forms, and now, behold, I have found an even way to lead 
 me between the perils of a threatened war, and the ill-bought 
 quiet of an ignominous peace. My will is she be brought to court 
 (for Pertinax's house I think not convenient for this project) and 
 placed here, with such about her as I know most trusty in such a 
 secret ; then, that her keepers, at farthest within two days, poison 
 her; which done, we will give it out she died of a disease; and to 
 confirm this opinion in the vulgar, we will honour her death with 
 such funeral pomp as the state of her life required. Thus shall 
 our cause of dissention with Corinth be taken away, and we freed 
 from that imputation the world might justly lay upon us.' The 
 nobility, with silent admiration, began to applaud what he had 
 determined, chiefly Pertinax, who, making the common cause his 
 pretence, laboured by all means to confirm a resolution so 
 necessary for his daughter Lemnia's happiness. 
 
 "The King having dismissed the council, acquaints me with 
 these his proceedings, setting forth, with no mean pride, the 
 pregnancy of his own wit, who had found a way to over-reach such 
 grey-bearded dotards : ' For,' said he, ' you shall that night when 
 yon are thought to be poisoned be conveyed hence (by two of 
 chiefest trust about me) unto my castle of Nicos ; then will I cause 
 a statue, formed to your proportion, to be coffined up, on which, 
 forsooth, my grave council shall solemnly wait, and perform the 
 pbse^uies in that ceremony requisite; meantime you shall live, 
 
652 ARCADIA [BOOK VI. 
 
 and live beloved of him who hath undergone this dangerous 
 enterprise, and will do many more to endear his affection to you. 
 And when the limbs of this disjointed state be set again, you shall 
 be restored to be yourself, and to enjoy this crown of Laconia so 
 much envied you : till when, I lock these projects in the closet of 
 your secrecy.' 
 
 " The good King was scarce gone from me when I made Lemnia 
 of counsel with me, who, seeing the fitness of the time, seeing my 
 journey to Nicos was to be performed in the night, and the easy 
 execution of so dangerless an enterprise, my guard being only two 
 of the King's servants, she gives in charge to a sufficient number 
 of such whom she knew faithful to her, to meet them mid way, and 
 after they had well beaten my convoy, to discharge them of the 
 suspicion of their consenting to the fact, to carry me to the next 
 seaport, where there staid a ship bound for Delphos, to which I 
 needs would bend my course. This being resolved upon, the lady 
 (equally troubled with the care of my safety and the loss of my 
 presence) wept many tears, which I confess, had been ingratitude 
 in me not to second ; so as a while sorrow seemed to have flown 
 thither to bathe herself in our eyes : but love, at length, in both 
 of one another's good, had well near claimed this passion, when 
 the guard appointed by the King, was come and ready to carry 
 me to court. But why should I, great sir, any longer stay you in 
 a story, whose tediousness I am well assured hath tired you? 
 Know therefore, that this means of my safety was as fortunately 
 executed as happily contrived : the King not once daring to send 
 to seek me, lest he should by that discover his own craft used in 
 this dangerous deluding of the Laconian noblemen. 
 
 " But I was scarce a month absent, when he, whose eyes held 
 the reins of his constancy, the object being removed, married 
 (as it was before determined) the beauteous Lemnia, who, now 
 in possession of his love, sticked not to make known to him this 
 whole matter, which otherwise in her behalf I was bound to keep 
 secret. Thus, Sir, if my desire to obey your commands hath made 
 the story of my misfortunes tedious, you may excuse me, since all 
 is done for your satisfaction." 
 
 " Fair Queen,'' replied Basilius, " the sweetly-delivered strangeness 
 of the story would still ravish the hearers with a desire of a farther 
 cause of attentiveness, did not a greater desire in us, who know 
 your virtues, hasten to hear the end of your much pitied distress : " 
 and so, calling Amphialus to him, having agreed on the day of 
 marriage between the Queen and him, they all arose; for now 
 their appetites (growing jealous of the satisfaction their minds 
 received by the former discourse) began to solicit them in the 
 Ijehalf of their stomachs. 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 6s3 
 
 After dinner, when most of the company began to imp the wings 
 of time with the feathers of several recreations, Amphialus and 
 Helen privately went together into an arbour in the garden, where, 
 first with tears, the common apology of overjoyed affection, they 
 speak their minds in silence, their panting hearts, as they 
 embraced, with mutual desire, beating their envious garments 
 that gave them not leave to meet. At length Helen, gracefully 
 shaking her head as if she would shake away the drops that, 
 like the morning-dew on full ripe cherries, hung on her rosy 
 cheeks : " O Amphialus ! " said she, and then kissed him, as loth 
 to leave so perfect a sentence without a comma ; " I will not say 
 
 you were unkind, but ," and there with his lips (loth, loth, 
 
 belike, to accuse him) she closed up her speech. " My sole 
 happiness 1 " replied Amphialus, softly wringing her hand, " though 
 the foulness of my fault be no fit subject for her to speak of who 
 breathes nothing but goodness, yet I want not an accuser: my 
 soul sets forth my ingratitude ; nor can I yet conceive how mercy 
 can be so far removed from justice, as to find a pardon from my 
 offence : But you have given it, and, if it be any requital, it shall 
 be my after-life's study to love and honour your virtues, as it was 
 hitherto to offend you." "It is fit therefore," said Helen, with 
 the counterfeit settledness of majesty, " we impose a penance upon 
 you for your oversight, and this it shall be, that henceforth you 
 neither speak nor think of that you account your fault : and to help 
 you in obeying my commands, I must entreat you to keep your 
 mind and tongue, for a time, busied in telling me what befel you 
 in your travels since our being at Corinth ; and .do it not 'so 
 niggardly, as if you meant to conceal what fame hath so largely 
 blown abroad: yet, if you were exposed at any time to much 
 danger, dwell not there too long, lest I forget I have you here." 
 
 " Most dear lady," said Amphialus, " to conform my speech to 
 your last request would make me disobedient to your first 
 command. Shall I begin with my departure from you ? alas ! 
 at what time should I more employ my memory and speech in 
 discovery of my faulty self than now ? But I see your eyes begin 
 to take anger into them ; I will no longer insist on mine own 
 accusation. 
 
 "Know therefore, most constant lady, that, accompanied only 
 with Fidutio my page, when I had passed the limits of your 
 dominion, at that time of day when the high mounted sun makes 
 least shadows, wearied with travel, and desirous of some shelter 
 from the sun's violent rays, I laid myself under the protection of 
 an olive tree, thinking to set my mutinous thoughts at peace, 
 but it would not be: these outward signs could not appease the 
 fury of an inward enemy. Thus I lay, dearly purchasing the little 
 
(554 ARCADIA [book vi. 
 
 ease of my body with the aflSiction of mind, until mine ears, like 
 faithful servants, desirous to end this dissention between their 
 master and himself, caused all the powers of my mind to join 
 in attentiveness ; and mine eyes, loth to be outgone in such good 
 oflSces, did look that way from whence the noise came; where 
 I might discern six men armed, on horseback, carry a fair lady 
 with them, whose tears and out-cries well showed her indisposition 
 to that journey. This sight moved compassion in me, and pity 
 brought a desire to help her distress, but my horse (divining, 
 belike, my intent, and unwilling to leave his food) could by no 
 means be taken ; so that, mad with anger, I began to repeat 
 over all the misfortunes that ever had befallen me, to let this know 
 it wanted no fellows, when there came posting that way, one whom 
 by his haste I guessed to have been of the company gone before. 
 Of whom I entreated to know what fault could be so heinous 
 that might take away the name of injury from so unmanly a 
 violence as they offered to so beauteous a lady: But he, with 
 a scornful silence, smiled, and would be gone; and so, perhaps, 
 he might, had not the narrowness of the way, and his courteous 
 horse that would not tread upon me, compelled him to stay. 
 Whereat his anger burst forth into these threats : 'Villain !' said 
 he, ' thy want of armour shall not excuse thee from a death wilfully 
 drawn upon thee; and though there be no glory, there will be 
 satisfaction in thy overthrow.' Then, drawing his horse a little 
 back, he alighted, and without farther complement, ran towards 
 me: But his fury brought him too hastily to his death, for 
 thinking, belike, his threatening mouth was able to defend itself, 
 he forgot to put by my sword that by good fortune lay in his way, 
 and so justly his death entered at his mouth, whose hfe I think 
 was in his tongue. At his fall Fidutio came in, who helping to 
 fit on the armour, of which we had disfurnished this unserviceable 
 knight, I mounted on his horse, that seemed to have regarded 
 my haste more than mine own, and riding on the spur, I overtook 
 my company, for so they would needs make themselves, saluting 
 me by the name of my friend Satibarsis. But the better observance 
 soon put them out of that opinion. So that guessing (indeed 
 rightly) that I had killed Satibarsis, and by that means got his 
 armour, without desire to be farther th/m by there own conjecture 
 satisfied, they joined all hands in his revenge. But the lady's 
 cause was just, whose rescue I came to, and the all-seeing 
 providence that would not see justice over-laid, fought for me. 
 And now five of them had eidier received their well deserved 
 payment of death, or were kept by their wounds from farther 
 opposition, when the sixth, who all this while had held the lady, 
 and looked on, seeing my hand (whose weakness had left such 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 65s 
 
 precedents of the effects of a good cause) now set against him 
 alone, took his prisoner by the hair, and with his sword gave her 
 a deep wound in the neck. That inhuman act would have given 
 desire to the most barbarous, and power of revenge to the most 
 cowardly: but he, as if he meant to save me a labour, making 
 haste that their warm blood should meet, with the same sword 
 runs himself through, dying as just a judge as he was a traitorous 
 offender. Amazement would have fixed mine eyes upon him, 
 but the lady's wound brought them to her succour. Experience 
 on myself, made me skilful, and my fair patient officious, so that 
 tying up the wound, for some time I staunched the blood; she, 
 in the meantime, with her watery eyes bent toward heaven, heartily 
 praying for my good fortune, and many times thanking her 
 destiny, that, with her death, had ended the miseries of her ever- 
 dying life. When I had done comforting her, as I thought, 
 with my opinion of her safety, I entreated to know her name, 
 and the cause of this injury done to her. ' No, no,' replied she, 
 'courteous stranger, the comfort of my near-coming death (in 
 spite of the torment the memory of my most wretched life puts me 
 to) brings this cheerfulness I now present in my looks: and 
 though the least delay of my end is accompanied with a world 
 of sorrows, yet I am glad, for satisfaction of your demand, my 
 breath is a while preserved. 
 
 '"My name is Leaucade, the only daughter to Count Brunio, a man 
 of large possessions in this country, whom, you may well think, 
 because in expectation of his lands, many sued for, and those not 
 of the meanest esteem : but my carelessness of love had taught me 
 such a carriage, that farther than of the favour of my courtesy (of 
 which they did all indifferently partake) none could boast. And 
 this, till about a year since, was my daily practice, disdaining (as 
 most that have not known it do) so ridiculous a passion as I then 
 esteemed love. At which time this Fluento, whose happy hand 
 hath done us both right, came to my father's court. A neighbour 
 prince, with whom (for encroaching upon the bounds of his territory) 
 my father hath had much dissention. But a reconcilement being 
 made between them, and both alike thinking the best means to 
 persevere in amity were to have us two joined in marriage ; 
 without my knowledge (as if it were fit I should be a stranger to 
 their proceeding) determine of the match. But, alas ! Sir, at this 
 time I was so far from being at their dispose, that I was not at mine 
 own : for love (I think keeping mischief imtil it were ripe for me) 
 had presented a gentleman to mine eyes, by birth noble, whose 
 ancestors, all to his father, being men of known virtue in the 
 country, were admitted to the prime offices of the kingdom. But 
 he taking a pride to be unthrifty, and little esteeming these public 
 
6s6 ARCADIA tsooK vi. 
 
 employments, lavished exceedingly both his fame and patrimony ; 
 yet it seemed he only made away his estate to purchase goodness 
 for his child : such a son he was father to, so rare, so excellent. 
 His name was Persidas ; ' and at that word the tears gushed forth 
 in such abundance that it seemed her blood had changed his 
 course and colour to run forth at the sluices of her eyes : ' Alas ! 
 Sir, what shall I say of him ? or who, from Leaucade, will believe 
 the desert of Persidas ? But, alas ! if they deserve no credit that 
 love him, in this country you must hear nothing of him ; the 
 knowledge of his person, and the love of his virtues, being things 
 inseparable. In him begun this tragedy, in me it ends : for when 
 my father and Fluento had drawn their agreement to a head, then, 
 and not before, he thought it time, he said, to let me know my 
 happiness.' And thus, finding me alone, he breaks the matter to 
 me : ' Dear child, I have, ever since the death of your virtuous 
 mother (though much importuned by many) reserved you to these 
 years unmarried, because your content should be of counsel with 
 me in your choice : and happy was this delay for the honour of our 
 house ; for, behold ! Fluento makes his fortunes serviceable to 
 your will : Prince Fluento, daughter, whose powerful greatness the 
 neighbour potentates stand in awe of : him I have won for you, 
 and so forward we be that this day-fortnight he is to take you to 
 wife.' 'Father,' said I, 'that your wisdom hath deferred my 
 marriage hitherto to give me the comfort of election, my obedience, 
 my only requital, shall be the same it ever was to you ; and yet I 
 wonder, that having attained to these years, when my judgment in 
 my choice may be received, you will exclude me from the end for 
 which I was so long reserved ; just like a physician that telleth his 
 patient he hath brought a potion to cure him, yet says he must by 
 no means take it. I must be married to Prince Fluento, and yet 
 your meaning is, I should have liberty to choose ; as if this 
 enforcement destroyed not my freedom of election. That he is a 
 man, beyond all respects, as you praise him, fit for your estate, I 
 may well grant you, but that he is unfit for your daughter, I am 
 privileged to say.' At this, his severe look, before he spoke, began 
 to lay before me my obedience : and when he had walked two or 
 three turns in the room, ' Daughter, daughter,' said he, ' I never 
 thought you were so wilful ! Where, I pray you, is there a match 
 fit for your birth, if not Fluento? Beware, beware, you do not 
 give your posterity just cause to curse you, that denied them so 
 great, so good a father.' I answered that I thought it were too 
 tender a respect of children, whom perhaps I might not have, or 
 should not enjoy, to choose for them, and not a husband for 
 myself, and too senseless a feeling of the honour of my house, to 
 wrong myself to do my birth right. Then kneeling on my knees, 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 6S7 
 
 ' Sir,' said I, ' solicit me no more, I have not power to grant.' He 
 hastily, when it was scarce delivered, snatched this word : ' And 
 why not power to grant?' said he. 'Because Persidas is the 
 anchor-hold of my life and love.' ' Persidas '. ' cried out my father, 
 ' Now all misfortune fall thick upon me, shall my means help to 
 make up a bankrupt in his estate ? Accursed be my fate that gave 
 me life to hear it. Persidas ! Why, sure it cannot be.' ' Sir,' said 
 I, 'if my love were not far passed, my desperate presumption would 
 not bring a truth, much less an untruth, to move your anger. And 
 if those after hopes have not clean compelled you to forget you are 
 my father, have pity on me ? If so, I crave the trial of the law.' 
 This last request (after conference with Fluento) finding my 
 obstinacy, he condescended to. But because, I perceive, Sir, you 
 are a stranger here, and that the knowledge of this law doth much 
 concern the story of my present mishap, I will make it known 
 to you. 
 
 "This kingdom of Argus, wherein you are, was governed not 
 long since by Phenissa, a woman worthy to have come to that 
 place by election if nature had not bestowed it upon her by descent 
 from her famous ancestors. This queen (that you may see we 
 want not the precedent of greatness to excuse affection) in her 
 father's Hfe-time, though by him she was promised to Deoxippus, 
 the tyrant of Syracusa, was enamoured of one Eumenes, governor 
 (for the Lacedemonians) of the island and city of Delphos. And 
 when it well might be thought the king's death, and her succession, 
 had taken away the restraint of her will, yet she, growing less 
 willing when she was most powerful, like a horse that finding the 
 reins hang loose upon him begins to stay his fury ; so she, though 
 by this change she had not received any slackness into her 
 affection, began to tender the cause of her country that lay open 
 to the invasion of her proud enemy Deoxippus, if so she would 
 have made him. Preferring therefore now this common respect, 
 before her private satisfaction, as she had done her obedience in 
 her father's life-time before her love, she buries herself in the 
 grave of Deoxippus's loathsome bed. 
 
 "When the unexpected news of Phenissa's marriage came to the 
 ears of her faithful lover Eumenes, his passion (as Agamemnon's 
 at the death of Iphigenia) can best be expressed in silence, all the 
 wild furies that distracted grief could gather, being summoned to 
 the siege of his soon-overthrown heart : hastily thereupon to the 
 temple his mad passion bears him, where, casting himself at the 
 feet of Apollo, ' Unjust god ! ' said he, ' have I for this thy 
 ungratefulness given up the offerings of my daily prayers ? But 
 if I wrong thy name, show thy justice in revenging my death: 
 Whereat, transported with violence of sorrow, running his head 
 
 2 T 
 
6s8 ARCADIA [book vi. 
 
 against the altar, his bloody brains flew forth of their battered 
 lodging. Soon after, the contagion of a most pestilent air brought 
 such a plague among the Argians, that many daily felt the fury of 
 the gods revenging indignation : amongst whom, the King and 
 Queen (reserved, belike, the more to be punished in their subjects'' 
 calamity) after the desolation of their well-peopled country, both 
 in one day, by the same infection, ended their lives and government ; 
 wherewith this mortality ceased, as hitting now at length the mark 
 it aimed at. 
 
 " The few remnant of the nobility sent to Delphos to know what 
 fault of theirs had brought these miseries upon their country? 
 Where, being informed of what was passed, Apollo advised them 
 to provide, that no such mischief should after happen. They, well 
 weighing whence it arose, being fully satisfied by the oracle, enact 
 this law : that neither private nor public respect should detain a 
 virgin from revealing her love ; and if her friends, or parents, 
 think another than she hath chosen more fit for her, the combat 
 between the two shall determine the god's pleasure. How 
 unwilling I was to hazard my Persidas in this trial, love, that 
 bleeds in the thought of a danger, can best assure you : but his 
 earnestness that it might be so, and the hard constraint that it 
 could not be otherwise, won me to it. 
 
 " The day therefore being appointed, Fluento (upon whom fame 
 the flatterer of greatness had pinned the opinion of valour) entered 
 the lists, mounted on a bay courser, whose armour all over 
 represented a green plain, through which ran little rivulets of 
 blood that sprang from the wounds of many centaurs dispersed 
 over all the field. In his shield he bore the counterfeit of Hercules 
 and Dejanira, with these words, ' Endeared by Conquest.' From 
 him my Persidas drew the eyes and hearts of all the company; his 
 horse was a fiery sorrel ; his armour like the azure sky, curiously 
 spotted with many stars (whose glimpse the well set diamonds, by 
 reflection of the sun, represented) showed as if night had flown 
 thither to end, in that assembly, some controversy between her 
 and her brother. In his shield he caused Andromeda and Perseus 
 to be engraven, with these words, ' Never too dearly bought.' 
 'But I must hasten to the event,' said she; 'for long I find you 
 may not enjoy your historian : Know, therefore, that my Persidas, 
 contenting himself only with the victory, when he might have 
 taken (woe is me that he was so merciful !) Fluento's life, was 
 accepted by my father for his son-in-law ; good fortune, as I then 
 thought, changing my husband, and not my day of marriage. In 
 the meantime Fluento, repining at this disgrace, and desirous, even 
 now upon the basest terms to be revenged, plotted a treachery 
 unheard-of against him. This morning, having before heard we 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 6S9 
 
 were to hunt in this forest, Fluento (with that company your valour 
 hath brought to their deserved ends) lay in vifait for us; and when 
 myself and my Persidas (Count Brunio my father, and the rest, 
 having followed the chase) were left alone, behold these bloody 
 villains, coming unawares upon him, with many wounds, sent his 
 soul to that place whither mine (hoping to find a more lasting 
 union in that life than our loves hath done in this) doth also 
 hasten." And with this word, her dull languishing eyes began to 
 roll as if they strove to reserve motion in spite of death : yet, 
 raising herself a little, her love found breath to say this, ' Let me 
 be buried by my Persidas ! ' and so grasping my hand, as it were, 
 to put me in mind of her last words, alas ! she dies. 
 
 " But many tears I could not have bestowed as obsequies upon 
 her, when some of her father's train, who by chance crossing that 
 way where Persidas lay dead, guided by Fidutio (who, with their 
 helps, had now taken my horse) came to this place ; to whom when 
 I had related all what I learned from Leaucade of Persidas's 
 death, together with her last will, we all joined hands in carrying 
 her to the next village ; whither also certain of their fellows (whom 
 they had left behind to that end) conveyed the body of Persidas ; 
 from whence, soon after, Count Brunio (having begged of grief a 
 little respite of life to fulfil his daughter's testament) brought them 
 both with all funeral pomp to his chief city Coniga, where he 
 caused a stately tomb to be built for them, on which this epitaph 
 was engraven. 
 
 Love, beauty, valour, when their death drew nigh, 
 Consulted long' where they should buried lie : 
 At length, with one consent they hasten'd hither. 
 And chose this place to be intomb'd together. 
 
 " Leaving the woful kingdom of Argos, no better accompanied 
 than with Fidutio, yet better guarded by Satibarsis's armour, my 
 sorrow, I think, that bore infection with it, made all places where I 
 came, fit stages for tragedies : for, descending into a green valley, 
 where, of each side the rocky mountains threatened the humble 
 earth with the frowns of their downcast brows, I might see a young 
 man leaning with both hands on his sword, breathing as over- 
 toiled with labour, and round about him four or five cast prostrate 
 at his feet, who were dead, or thought their counterfeiting so to be, 
 would prove their best defence against this young man's fury. But 
 the clashing of my armour had no sooner made known my 
 approach, than he came running towards me, uttering words 
 whereby I might gather his quarrel to me brought the excuse of 
 mistake with it. Not to draw on therefore his misconceived 
 opinion, that his breathless companions did witness would be 
 
66o ARCADIA [book vi. 
 
 dangerous for me ; ' Sir,' replied I, ' I am so far from maintaining 
 their cause, whose revenge upon a lone man, being so many, mine 
 own eyes do persuade me was injurious, that had I come at the 
 beginning of your fight (though this event shows I should but have 
 robbed you of part of the honour of this action) I would have joined 
 myself to you.' 
 
 " ' Alas ! Sir,' said he, ' to oppose yourself against me (though it 
 were the more unjust) would be the more secure way, for what you 
 see is but a fore-runner of a certain destruction soon at hand. 
 Leave me therefore, courteous sir, and seek for safety : death to 
 me is so grateful that I envy you should be a partner in so great a 
 gain. But it were a fault unpardonable, to have abandoned the 
 most accomplished man that ever mine eyes before that time, 
 beheld.' My resolution therefore, though hard against his will, 
 must have prevailed with him : so that entreating to know the 
 cause of his former fight, and farther doubt, I found his courtesy 
 as forward in the relation of his own danger as it was obstinate in 
 the care of my safety. 
 
 " ' Sir,' said he, ' seeing my story will be but a heap of mis- 
 fortunes, I shall do well to lay the foundation myself, than whom 
 the sun looks not upon a more miserable creature : My name is 
 Cariclio, nephew, by his brother Castor, to the King of Natolia, 
 brought up in my youth in the good opinion of my uncle, and the 
 great expectation of many ; fortune, then belike, proroguing my 
 miseries until a more serious age should make me more sensible 
 of them : which time had no sooner brought on, but that my ill 
 fate, to train me up for the burden of the mischief that was 
 prepared for me, began by little and little to make me acquainted 
 with the course I was to run ; first taking away my father, whose 
 virtuous age deserved (if that may be thought a recompense for 
 desert) a longer time in this life : When he was dead, and that the 
 slippery steps of my rash youth wanted the stay of his fatherly 
 advice, presently (not knowing what one man's hands I should put 
 the reins of my then unbridled youth into, and yet well seeing I 
 might not trust myself with mine own government) I chose many 
 friends ; and being by nature given to hate pride, to eschew a vice 
 so loathsome (thinking it might not be done otherwise) I began to 
 affect popularity. But I had scarce lived thus a twelve-month, 
 when my cousin the King's son, a young man, who (besides the 
 hope of succession, for which the courtiers did adore him) had 
 nothing more than ordinary in him, grew suspicious of my 
 practices, as he termed them : to which humour (besides the 
 mistrust of his own little desert) his sycophants, the bellows of 
 this fire, did daily add further causes to increase his jealousy. But 
 seeing the discovery of his suspicion would little please the king, 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 66i 
 
 who ever since the death of my father had doubled his care upon 
 me ; he was compelled to dissemble a good liking towards me. 
 In meantime a truce, made for some few years with the Duke of 
 Amasia, being expired, the war grew hot on both sides. At length, 
 after the trial of many changes in fortune, necessity meditating 
 peace between them, myself being given as a hostage for per- 
 formance of certain conditions of my uncle's part, a perpetual 
 league was concluded on : 'Twas now, and not before, mischief 
 began to unmask herself, and take a pride to grow terrible. There 
 was at court, during my abode there, attending upon the Duchess, 
 a lady, by name Alcida, whose many excellencies won as many 
 hearts as she had beholders, nature making her beauty and shape 
 but the most fair cabinet of a far fairer mind. To her, mine eyes 
 at first sight gave up my heart, with so unfortunate an encounter 
 in affection, that this surrender was but a mutual exchange, she 
 having, in a merciful gratefulness, fixed her love on mine. But 
 her parentage, though not base, was so mean in respect of my 
 birth, that thence whole armies of aflSictions did invade my mind, 
 equally distracted between my desire to enjoy this my best of 
 happiness and fear of my uncle's displeasure, on whom this match 
 (for his care and love of me) I was sure v/ould draw on an untimely 
 death. But before I could determine a doubt of so great con- 
 sequence, the conditions of the league being faithfully performed, 
 I was safely, at a day prefixed, sent back to Natolia, desirous, even 
 in my soul desirous, I am sure, rather by their breach of covenant 
 to have hazarded my life, than thus cruelly to be taken away from 
 her presence, who, far beyond my life, was most dear to me. Soon 
 after my return, the King, as if the gods had stayed him to see the 
 quiet of his state, now that was brought to pass, worn with age, 
 and much broken with travel and care in his last wars, left his 
 kingdom to his degenerate son and successor, who had no sooner 
 seized upon the government, but, meaning to begin his reign with 
 an admirable act of policy, now his power was unrestrained, limits 
 me to the absence from my country, declaring my blood for ever 
 incapable of succession : and not content with this, to such a 
 height his undeserved malice to me was raised, that he dealt with 
 some bad ministers of his wickedness, secretly to make me away. 
 To prevent therefore what was plotted against me, disguising 
 myself, I hastily fled away, and making use of necessity, to further 
 my affection, I put myself into the service of a nobleman here in 
 the court of Amasia, easily remaining undiscovered, among them 
 who would sooner fall out with their eyes than believe that the 
 greatness wherein they lately had seen me, could admit so great a 
 change : by mean whereof, I enjoyed the presence of my Alcida, 
 whose constancy, neither time, nor absence (the mothers of 
 
662 ARCADIA [book VI. 
 
 affection) nor what is more, this my change in fortune, could 
 alter. 
 
 " ' Thus, while I lived in this happiness of servitude, Mermidon 
 (brother to the Duke) having commanded, with fortunate success, 
 against the Dacians, returned to court, where seeing this lady, he 
 became enamoured of her, to no other end than to satisfy his lust : 
 and thinking, at first (because he was in good esteem with himself) 
 she would have strained her modesty to sue for the acceptance of 
 a present so grateful to him, a while he was silent ; but when he 
 perceived the vanity of his fruitless expectation, and found that 
 this delay increased the fury of his passion, dispensing with the 
 majesty he had taken on, he began to make known his love to her 
 (for such a title did he give to so base a desire) forgetting not 
 withal to tell her that to excuse her modesty he had first spoken 
 her wishes. But the virtuous Alcida, loathing as much the thought 
 of such a sin, as she loved the memory of me, together with a 
 resolute denial, let him know how base his mind was that made so 
 injurious a request. Whereat Mermidon, because this answer 
 came unexpected, was so much the more amazed. But bringing 
 arguments from his late practice in the war, he began to think his 
 honour would be the greater, if, after long resistance, he did 
 surprise a well-defended fort : and therefore daily, both by rich 
 gifts, the base enamel of affection, and many promises (which, to 
 win the more upon her, were sent by one of her own sex, who, if 
 example might move her, could tell of such a precedent in herself) 
 did he seek to undermine her resolution. _ Meantime, my constant 
 Alcida, seeing the intemperance of Mermidon's lust to bring threats 
 of force with it, not daring to speak with me, because our conference 
 began to be suspected, sent me a letter to hasten her carrying 
 away, appointing this the fatal place of our meeting. 
 
 " ' I much rejoiced to be so near my happiness, the rather that 
 since our last conference, I received intelligence that my young 
 cousin of Natolia being made away by one whom he had raised to 
 an undeserved height in his favour, the country was in great 
 distress by the factious ambition of the nobility, and that the best 
 affected to the state, much desired my presence. But these means, 
 how well soever, as I thought, conducing to my happiness, by the 
 unmercifulness of my hard destiny were prevented, as one of those, 
 whom it was my fortune to kill, at his death revealed : for Mermidon 
 having intercepted the messenger, mad with rage to find his hopes 
 crossed by so mean a man as he took me to be, having again 
 sealed up the letter, he caused it to be delivered, and determining 
 to be revenged, sent these men to apprehend me, himself intending 
 to follow presently, leading with him my dearest Alcida, whom, in 
 my presence (to add a glory to the execrableness of the offence) 
 
BOOK vi.J At?CADIA 663 
 
 he means to ravish. And now, Sir, you have heard,' said he, 'of 
 my birth and fortune, till this time (when, .1 am well assured, my 
 end is near at hand) kept secret.' 
 
 " He scarce had closed up this lamentable story with a hearty 
 sigh, the compendious abridgment of his sufferings, when we might 
 discern Mermidon, with twenty more (so distrustful is treachery 
 though there be no cause to fear) make towards us : but that sight, 
 together with the thought of Alcida's distress, was a signal sufficient 
 for Cariclio to begin his unequal encounter, so as, like a she- 
 tiger, who, at her return to her cave, finds her little ones to be 
 stolen, with a wild fury, breathing nothing but destruction, he runs 
 amongst them, making way for my willingness to second his 
 attempt. Awhile, the justice of the cause, and Cariclio's valour (to 
 which the glory is only due) with the death of many, did hold the 
 victory in an equal balance : At length, the multitude of our 
 assailants made injury the stronger, bringing to a death much to 
 be pitied, so incomparable a man at arms as was Cariclio ; yet, 
 not before he had, in the sight of Alcida, sent Mermidon to be his 
 harbinger at Charon's ferry. And when by his death the only 
 stay and support of the fight was removed, if sometimes my desire 
 of revenge made good the ground Cariclio had bequeathed me ; 
 alas ! how could I long resist without him ? Know therefore, 
 excellent lady, that, here I was made prisoner, and, together with 
 Alcida, carried back to court ; though I call Cariclio's ghost to 
 witness, I sought all means to join myself, even in death, a 
 companion to his virtues. The solemnity intended for our 
 execution, and the preparation of new forms of torment for us that 
 had been parties in the murder of the Duke's brother, won some 
 lingering days of life to the inward torture of our expectation : In 
 meantime the everlasting providence, that by changing the 
 intentions and dooms of men, will let them know there is a power 
 beyond theirs, sent an unexpected mean to help our distress. 
 
 " Plangus, the famous Prince of Iberia, at this time making haste 
 with a few, such as virtue had joined partners in his cause, and 
 taking into his army such of Euarchus's soldiers, as in a tempest 
 at sea were driven to Bizantium, to the succour of Erona (whose 
 story you cannot be ignorant of) and being to pass through Amasia, 
 sent to the Duke to demand a thorough-fare for his soldiers. But 
 he, who of long time had observed an inviolable league with the 
 Armenians, knowing the pretence of this war, and despising the 
 weakness of those few Plangus led with him, not only denied his 
 request, but, gathering a great power of soldiers (whom since his 
 last wars he had kept in" garrison in his frontier towns) meant, with 
 the overthrow of her ungrateful nephew, to gratify Artaxia, and 
 her ill-chosen husband Plexirtus. But the excellent Plangus (than 
 
664 ARCADIA [book vi. 
 
 whom this age shows not, for conduct in war, a better general) 
 with the well-ordering those few resolute troops, and skilful industry 
 in choice of advantages, in two set battles put him to the worst ; 
 after which, the Duke not able to reinforce his weakened power, 
 put himself, with the relics of his late overthrow, into his chief city, 
 wherein we were prisoners ; to which Plangus, finding no other 
 resistance, with wonderful celerity followed him : and though the 
 town by nature and art, for site and fortification were thought 
 impregnable, yet being defended but by such, who, by their own 
 loss, held a too superstitious opinion of the enemies, it was soon 
 forced by Plangus's victorious troops, who believed the success of 
 nothing impossible to which their ever-fortunate captain would 
 lead them. With the sack of this city (wherein he took the Duke, 
 with his son, prisoners) Plangus having enriched his soldiers with 
 the booty, and his own fame by the speediness of the conquest, 
 not able to assure the country to his devotion, otherwise than by 
 dismembering his army, and delaying his chief ends, moved with 
 a necessary clemency, having first received six months' pay for his 
 soldiers, and the Duke's son a hostage, to bar his desire of revenge 
 (making Alcida and myself, to secure our freedoms, companions in 
 his travel) he leaves the Amasians to their former government. 
 
 " Many days' journey we had not been in our way to Armenia, 
 when the good Alcida, by the inward working of her thoughts, 
 began to find the burden of her grief too heavy for her, which when 
 the dullness of her ever-watery eyes, and the paleness of her cheeks 
 had betrayed to us, we carried her to a monastery near adjoining, 
 dedicated to Diana, and much famed for the strictness of virgins' 
 orders that be attendants on the goddess her ceremonies, where 
 having recommended her to the governess of the house, alas ! I 
 left her, bound, even by the greatest tie of gratefulness, to follow 
 him whom I owe my life to. 
 
 "These former accidents, most dear lady, together with the 
 excellent Plangus's company, in whom sorrow was drawn to the 
 life, made me reflect upon my ungrateful self, and consider how 
 cruel I had been to you, whose desert passed my best endeavours 
 of requital ; so that (far engaged to the memory of your virtues) 
 thenceforth the thought of my most dear Helen, won my heart to 
 a most passionate affection.." 
 
 The Queen at this interrupted his speech, with this answer : 
 " My Amphialus, they who follow examples in their actions are to 
 match rightly what they are to do, and what they see done. 
 Leaucada, Alcida, and Erona might justly claim the reward of 
 love, but Helen (whose desert was far short) could expect but 
 disdain." " Disdain ! " said Amphialus, " you renew a punishment 
 your mercy did o.nce forgive." And here, with tears in his eyes, 
 
BOOK VI,] ARCADIA 665 
 
 he would have kneeled to beg a farther pardon ; but Helen, kissing 
 away the burden his eyes went with, made as much haste to 
 prevent his suit with the like of her own ; so that a friendly 
 composition being made (as it well might be where both were 
 parties, and both judges in one cause) the Queen got the con- 
 tinuance of the story (which Amphialus would put off to another 
 time) to boot ; and then, willing to discharge himself of the debt 
 he owed for so good a bargain, he thus began. 
 
 " Madam, though my memory be a continued record of much 
 sorrow, yet, among the many stories grief hath engraven in me, 
 there is none, compared with the disaster of Plangus and Erona, 
 that deserves compassion : Know therefore, my only happiness, 
 that Plangus having received advertisement how the nobleman, 
 unto whose faithful custody Erona (upon the accord between him 
 and Artaxia) was delivered, being hardly besieged by Plexirtus, and 
 brought to an extremity by famine, had yielded to a composition 
 that if within five days he was not succoured, he must deliver the 
 castle, Plangus therefore over-running the fame of his coming with 
 his presence, the fifth night was near Plexirtus's camp, where (by 
 one of the enemies whom his scouts had taken) he was informed 
 that late that evening, the keys of the city and fort were given up 
 to Plexirtus, but that he deferred his entry till morning, leaving 
 the next gate to the camp open that all night his officers might 
 prepare a magnificent triumph for him. As for Erona, he would 
 determine nothing of her until he had received the honour due to 
 his victory. At this news Plangus, causing the reporter to be 
 safely kept, and giving to his wearied soldiers some time to refresh 
 themselves after the toil endured in their last day's travel, an hour 
 before day (rightly imagining the air was then apt to disperse a 
 dull sleepiness among Plexirtus's careless soldiers) he calls his 
 troops together, and setting before them the easiness of the 
 victory, the riches of the camp, and the necessity of the time, he 
 did encourage them with the repetition of their former conquest in 
 Amasia, the justness of their cause, and the fame of their enterprise ; 
 and then presently disposing of them for his most advantage, he 
 sets upon his enemy, who dreamed of nothing but security. But 
 what should I fright you, most dear lady, with the particulars of 
 this fight; it will suffice you to know that Plangus (doing things 
 in his own person past the power of expression) made a bloody 
 slaughter among them. Some few there were that escaped — 
 among whom Plexirtus (fortune being always indulgent to mischief) 
 found in the speed of his horse a dishonourable safeguard for his 
 wretched life. This tumult being soon perceived by the citizens 
 (whom sorrow made watchful, and the well-known treacheries of 
 Plexirtus, suspicious) they as soon imagined this was a practice of 
 
666 ARCADIA [book vi. 
 
 his, contrary to his faith given, to sack the town. This once 
 conceived, it seemed by the hideous cries and confused lamenta- 
 tions, that, as sorrow had put on the vizard of night to make grief 
 ugly, so black night had borrowed the mouth of sorrow to implore 
 compassion. The people leaving their walls and houses, ran to 
 their temples and altars, offering up, as they thought, their last 
 devotions to their gods. Nor did this mistake bring forth the 
 effect of mistrust only in the city; the camp had likewise this fear 
 added to their present misfortune; for Plexirtus's soldiers (like 
 satyrs, frightened with the sound of the horn themselves blow) 
 thinking the vanguard of the enemy had entered the town, and 
 caused this confusion, durst not venture to make themselves 
 masters of it ; but between both, unable to determine of a mean of 
 safety, stood fixed in a stupid irresolution. 
 
 " Meantime Aurora, weary of aged Titan's bed, began to warn 
 Phcfibe of her brother's approach, when Erona who had set down 
 in her settled judgment, a death worthy the greatness of her birth, 
 now first giving ear to the cries of the citizens, and misdoubting 
 the same false measure they expected, and not long after, hearing 
 a man armed coming up the stairs to her lodging, she took a 
 poisoned cup, long before for that end prepared, and making 
 haste lest she should be made a present to the proud conqueror 
 the wicked Plexirtus, she drank more than half, when her eyes 
 met with the eyes of Plangus, who, unfortunate gentleman ! 
 desirous to be the messenger to Erona of Erona's freedom, had 
 made this haste. The sight of Plangus stayed her full draught 
 a while ; but, unable to satisfy herself how he might come thither, 
 she began to imagine that it was the force of the poison which 
 dimmed her eyes, and placed the character of Plangus (ever 
 present to her mind) upon each object. With this thought she 
 was ready to begin again, when Plangus, falling at her feet, let her 
 know the event of so many dangers undergone for her : whereat 
 Erona being much astonished, lifting him up from the ground, 
 thus said : ' Prince Plangus, you come in a fit time to receive a 
 hearty welcome, and as hearty a farewell. What I mean by this 
 leave taking, alas ! you will too soon know : Now suffer me, only 
 at such a time when the end will assure you I did not flatter, speak 
 a few words I would have you believe ; yet I am sorry, for your 
 sake, I have practised such a mean to work a belief in you : True 
 it is, most excellent Plangus (nor let that truth accuse me of 
 inconstancy) that since the death of Antiphilus, whose memory 
 even at this time is dear to me, though at first the excess of sorrow 
 had closed up my mind from the thought of a second choice; yet, 
 enforced by your desert, and to reward mine own love in rewarding 
 your desires, I was resolved to satisfy you, and make myself 
 
BOOK vi.j AfeCADlA 6(5/ 
 
 happy ; but my envious fate, finding the times fit to cause me to 
 despair, hath made yourself the instrument to bar our hopes for 
 ever.' ' Dear Erona,' replied the Prince, ' what may there now be 
 that the most partial judgment can equal to the excess of content 
 Plangus enjoys in the welfare of his free and loving Erona ? for 
 this I have paid the merciful heavens the tribute of my vows and 
 tears : to this harbour, through the sea of grief (having embarked 
 my careful love in the ship of my desire) I have always bent my 
 course ; and shall I now, when my wishes be at anchor in so secure 
 a haven, fear fortune ? No, no, most dear lady, you are the life 
 and being of what I only esteem happy.' ' Alas ! Plangus,' said 
 the sweet Erona, ' the testimonies of your love have been so many 
 that I fear (and only fear) they who have heard your undeserved 
 affection, and are not present at this my dying protestation, will 
 for ever record, together with my want of judgment, my injury to 
 your virtues.' ' Your dying protestation ! ' said Plangus, ' affright 
 not my soul with such heavy news. Long may you live ; the fates 
 must be indulgent to your youth and beauty.' ' And perhaps,' said 
 she, ' so they might, had not myself hastened Clotho to cut in two 
 the half-spun thread of my life.' And then she let him know how 
 (to prevent the tortures and disgraces Artaxia's indignation had 
 prepared for her, seeing the city brought to that desperate state in 
 which he found it, and thinking himself to have been an officer 
 sent by Plexirtus to bring her before him) she had poisoned 
 herself. Plangus at these last words, with a fixed look upon 
 Erona, as if his eyes would for ever dwell there, indenting his 
 hands, and suffering them to fall down, or rather not able to stay 
 them, sinks to the ground, and was a while happy in this excess of 
 sorrow that made him senseless of all sorrow. Erona would have 
 forced herself to help him, but this sight (joined with the inward 
 working of the poison) constrained her to bear him company in 
 his happy forgetfulness of his misfortunes. But when, by the help 
 of her women, her senses were restored, and that my endeavours 
 wrought the same effect on Plangus, as if this had been but griefs 
 dumb show : 'Alas ! excellent Prince,' said she, 'what unexpected 
 effects hath the speech of my death brought forth ; and yet though 
 I were silent, I believe the deadly signs in mine eyes, this trembling 
 in my full-swollen veins, and the often set and rise of the blood in 
 my cheeks, would express it. But, my Plangus, should you, whom 
 the world is proud of, take it so to heart ? Erona loves you ; why 
 so may a more deserving lady : Yet, Plangus, remember me, and 
 it will be the best part of my soul's life to live in your memory.' 
 Then, taking his hand, and placing it on her heart, that now 
 proudly began to beat the loud alarm of death, ' Feel here,' said 
 she, ' the battery is begun, and this fort is abandoned of all the 
 
668 ARCADIA [book vi. 
 
 powers of life, only my desire to be with you, desperately a while 
 
 keeps the breach. But, O my Plangus ! ' and at that word 
 
 death closed'up in eternal silence her tongue, that yet still moved 
 as loth to leave her speech imperfect. 
 
 " It was a desperate grief, and wild passion, that seized upon the 
 heart of the poor Plangus. 'Accursed earth ! ' did he say, ' how 
 darest thou support the burden of these many mischiefs cast by 
 the spiteful heavens into this sink of misery? 'Twas I, Erona, 
 brought an untimely set to thy sun-shine of goodness ; and do the 
 heavens mean I should breathe that have so much wronged them ? 
 What do they do ? Will they hear me speak that killed Erona ? 
 But they would have me live, to torture me with the memory of 
 my guilt. No, no, I will prevent their project ; that were a 
 punishment fit for an ill-meant offence, not an unfortunate.' And 
 with these words, drawing his sword, and lifting up his bases, he 
 would have run himself through the belly, but I stayed his hand 
 from so unmanly, as I then alleged it, a violence, forcing (with the 
 remembrance of our friendship, and my much prevailing tears) the 
 sword, but not his resolution from him. Then did I begin to 
 allege all that I thought in reason might remove him from this 
 purpose ; for well I might see in the unappalled stayedness of his 
 countenance, the greatness of some determination. To all my 
 objections, for a time, his eyes gave a more heedful attention than 
 did his ears ; but when I came to call his valour in question, whose 
 unspotted memory hitherto, I said, this last inconsiderate act 
 would accuse of a little firm constancy in bearing the changes of 
 fortune; 'Alas!' said he, 'and will you, my friend, be cruel to 
 me ? Is it certain, Amphialus, that it well becomes that courage 
 you would have in your friend, to bear an equal temper both in 
 the frowns and smiles of fortune ? And is it not as certain that 
 when the malice of heaven hath joined with fortune in producing 
 a monstrous effect, there cannot be left in man so infinite a power 
 of suffering which he dare oppose to such unlimited works ? No, 
 I will not, giant-like, bandy against the gods ; such is their will ; 
 I must die.' Then leading me softly over to Erona, as if he 
 would persuade me the violence of passion had not been his guide 
 to this resolution : ' See Amphialus,' said he, ' this is she whom 
 you would have me to live after ; what can mine eyes, now she is 
 gone, desire to look on ! Erona, a woman, could die for Plangus, 
 and would you have me wrong mankind with a greater fear of 
 death, or my love with a less desire to die?' This said (but with 
 a countenance that promised no suddenness in the execution, 
 especially to me who was master of his sword, his only offensive 
 weapon) behold ! with a down-cast look, which sorrow excused, 
 though deceit had then, I am sure, put it on for farther mischief, 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 669 
 
 and such a pace as used slowness to the same end, he approached 
 the window, where the remains of Erona's intercepted draught, 
 appointed by the destinies to be fatal to them both, stood in a gilt 
 cup : This he hastily takes, and as hastily drinks off. I, all 
 confused, pale and trembling, as if the poison had wrought its 
 effect in me, made, alas ! too slow speed to him. But Plangus 
 (now first presenting an unfeigned cheerfulness in his looks, as if 
 this draught had given him life) kneeling near Erona : 'Divine 
 soul,' said he, 'if confidence in thy Plangus's constancy makes 
 thee hover near this sacred mansion of thine to see the end of his 
 sufferings, O stay awhile, and bear me with thee ; thy presence, 
 when I appear before Radamanth, will be a countenance to my 
 cause.' Then turning himself to me, 'Amphialus, revenge, 
 Amphialus, Erona's death upon the wicked Plexirtus ; his blood 
 will be the best sacrifice to my ghost. Lead the army to Bizantium 
 and restore the Amasian hostage.' Then putting his trembling 
 lips to the pale lips of Erona, he coldly kissed away his life. 
 
 " What my sorrow was, to be a looker on these tragedies, these 
 tears, even at the remembrance of that time, may testify; yet 
 leaving the bodies to be embalmed with the nobleman, who, in her 
 hfe-time, had been faithful to Erona, dissembling the death of 
 Plangus, lest it should work an innovation among the soldiers, 
 with some choice troops of light horsemen, I followed Plexirtus, 
 who, posting to court, had received advertisement from thence, 
 how Arguto (the admirable engine by whom he wrought much 
 mischief) being lately fallen from the faith vowed to his practices, 
 had revealed to Artaxia the purpose his master had to dispatch 
 her out of his way, since now he had a son by her to whom he 
 might be guardian, esteeming it more content to be great alone 
 than to share the royalties of her own kingdom with Artaxia. 
 These news made his flight as dangerous as would be his stay; 
 but when he understood (for the heavens had made this the 
 rendezvous where his misfortunes should meet) that the Princes of 
 Thessaly and Macedon, of whom his treacheries were to expect 
 their just reward, did live, and should be happy in the addition of 
 Arcadia to their greatness ; that Leonatus had seized upon his 
 seigniories in Trebisond for his treason to Pyrocles and Musidorus, 
 of which not long before he had gloriously boasted ; that there 
 was no new form of dissimulation left, to which, in this extremity, 
 he might have recourse : O then the ugliness of his guilty 
 conscience, that until this time had made peace with his 
 wickedness, presented before him the progress of his ill-spent 
 days, drawn to life in the colours of despair : now his father, now 
 his friends, Tideus and Telenor were summoned by his soul to 
 jpake party against him. In this fright he continued all that day, 
 
6/0 ARCADIA [book vi. 
 
 which scarce was time sufficient for him to read over his misdeeds, 
 and when the silent night, drawn in her ebon chariot, had spread 
 her curtains to hide her brother's face, Plexirtus, glad to see her 
 flatter his mind in this likeness of darkness, resolved, by despair, 
 that the gods wanted mercy for his faults, and well assured men 
 had less, he secretly went into a garden, to which a back-door 
 from his chamber led him ; where, loathing as much to die, as 
 wishing he were dead, he spent some time in execrations on 
 himself. At length, tying a cord (newly taken out of his bed) to 
 the stump of an elder tree that stood with such convenience as if 
 it would invite him to that exercise, he slipped into his death, 
 easing the earth until morning of the burden of so detestable a 
 wretch. 
 
 " But when the day appeared, and made known his death, the 
 magistrates of the town, striving who could be best-sighted in the 
 discovery of the murder, hoping to have the reward of their 
 diligence from the Queen Artaxia, soon found out, as a man to be 
 most suspected, the messenger come from court, whom Plexirtus 
 had, till late in the night, kept in his chamber, to know of him the 
 particulars of Arguto's revolt. This fellow, because none more 
 likely in the wild form of their popular justice, was to die a 
 thousand manner of deaths ; but he making just protestations of 
 his innocency, being questioned what occasion he had so long to 
 stay the last night with the king if not for that end, he plainly let 
 them know what Arguto discovered, which he then reported to 
 Plexirtus. The many-headed multitude called not the truth much 
 in question of what they heard, but with the same violence as 
 before, everyone, in this also thinking to gratify the queen, ran to 
 as uncertain a form of execution on the dead as they did before 
 to a judgment of the living ; first they stripped the body naked, 
 then dragged it through the streets ; now they open his belly and 
 suffer his guts to mark forth his progress, doing many more 
 indignities to him who had deserved many more. I much rejoiced 
 to hear Plexirtus had been so just to himself; yet I determined 
 to join Erona's revenge on Artaxia to Plexirtus's judgment on 
 himself; but her an untimely death had freed from my revenge, 
 for taking to the heart Plexirtus's treacheries, and her brother 
 Tyridates's unrevenged death, she calmly gave herself over to 
 a life-oppressing grief, leaving her kingdom and young son to 
 the care of Salindor, whom she appointed protector during 
 the minority. 
 
 " Returning, therefore, somewhat grieved that both Plangus and 
 Erona's death without my help had been revenged, I conveyed the 
 bodies to Lycia, where the sumptuousness of their tombs shows 
 their estates, and their everlasting fame their ever-living virtues. 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 671 
 
 From hence I would have parted private, but remembering 
 Plangus's last will, I passed through Amasia, restoring his son to 
 the Duke, and coming to Bizantium, I gave up my charge into the 
 hands of Lisantus a Macedonian, leaving the soldiers full of hearty 
 sorrow for the death of Plangus their general. 
 
 "Soon after, hearing of your death, and resolved to sacrifice my 
 blood to your memory, to disengage myself of some part of my 
 faultiness, leaving Fidutio in Thrace, lest by him I should be 
 discovered, disguising myself in an armour, fitly, as I thought, 
 presenting the massacre of my naked heart ; passing the court of 
 Elis and Argos, and, lastly, coming hither, I met (what should I 
 more say ?) with thee my Helen, reserved to be a blessing beyond 
 what most I could desire." 
 
 And so, with a sincere servency, kissing her hand, they both 
 walked towards the palace, where, having ended supper, where 
 Basilius and Euarchus, with the rest, expected a mask prepared 
 for them ; the Queen of Corinth let them know what she had 
 heard of Plangus and Erona, together with Plexirtus's deserved 
 end, and the death of Artaxia. The audience greatly pitied their 
 fortunes, especially Pyrocles, who much grieved to hear of 
 Plangus's death, for the love he bore his virtues, and was no less 
 troubled at Plexirtus's mischance, for his dear servant Zelmane's 
 sake. But the entry of the maskers caused him to put over those 
 thoughts to more solitariness, his eye being fed with dainty variety 
 of representations, and his ears with most harmonious well-agreeing 
 music, to which the footing kept so good time, that doubtful it was 
 whether the music conformed itself to the life of their motion, or 
 the masters their motion to the music's liveliness. But night 
 (masked in these sports) crept on undiscovered ; and though 
 Pyrocles and Musidorus at other times would dispense with the 
 length of the sports, yet now, in respect of the armfuls of joy they 
 were to expect in bed, they thought them tedious ; which once 
 perceived, their dances were sooner at an end than was intended. 
 
 Thus days and nights passed over, as if they had no other 
 sphere than delight to move in ; and the appointed time for 
 Amphialus's marriage was at hand, to which Basilius invited the 
 shepherds, both to change their daily pleasures, as also to show 
 Euarchus that though a greater cause had moved him to the 
 solitary course of life by him embraced, yet the wits of Arcadia, 
 and the pleasantness of their harmless life, might have drawn him 
 to that retirednes;, 
 
672 ARCADIA [book VI. 
 
 The eclogues 
 
 Kalodulus now minded to marry his daughter, and uncertain 
 whether he should bestow her on the contended young Arcadian 
 Menalcas, or the much having, much wanting ThessaUan Corydon, 
 who both were then present, hearing of this summons ; puts over 
 their cause to be determined by Basilius ; and Strephon and 
 Claius, no less desirous to bring Urania's name to court, joined 
 themselves to the rest. Nor was Agelastus wanting, who, not for 
 a mistress, but, Heraclitus-like, thinking man was made to mourn, 
 and repining at the vanity of greatness, had maintained a religious 
 sorrow. No sooner was the company set, and that their silence 
 began to proclaim their expectation, but Strephon, who, before 
 his coming, had prepared an Epithalamium, began thus to sing. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 Sweet link of hearts, joy's surest anchor hold, 
 Love's peaceful crown, the harbour of desires, 
 
 Hymen, approach, but think not Pan too bold, 
 If to invoke thy name our love aspires. 
 
 Dwell here for ever, that this couple may 
 
 Renew the blessings of their marriage-day. 
 
 Firm be their root of love, and cause a bliss. 
 From forth this royal happy stock to spring ; 
 
 That all the world may justly say, he is 
 Worthy to be, and to succeed a king. 
 
 But shorten not their days ; for 'tis decreed, 
 
 The best can be but worthy to succeed. 
 
 Amphialus thanked Strephon for his hearty wishes ; but he had 
 scarce ended, when Claius, looking upon him with as sour a 
 countenance as their friendship could allow, thus said : 
 
 CLAIUS 
 
 I pray thee, Strephon, if these glorious shows 
 
 Of courts admired greatness, do not close 
 
 Thy mind from former thoughts, where can thy lays 
 
 Find other subject than Urania's praise? 
 
 Or, dost thou fondly think, thou wert to blame 
 
 To breathe among these lords Urania's name ? 
 
 Or, is it certain that her flames in thee 
 
 Are quench'd, that lately doubled were in me? 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 673 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 Nor so, nor thus ; that verse I last day made, 
 As with my flock I sat in Hestar's shade : 
 I studied it, yet all ray study was, 
 I vow, to strive to let Urania pass. 
 For 'twas the only name my pen would write, 
 My thoughts imagine, or my lips indite. 
 Am I not bold when night's vast stage is set. 
 And all the stars and heavenly audience met. 
 To speak my mind, while their bright twinkling flame 
 Seems to rejoice to hear Urania's name ? 
 And shall I fear that what the heaven's approv'd. 
 By men (though great men) should be disallow'd ? 
 But where you think that I have check'd mine eye, 
 And freed your Strephon from their treachery : 
 O no, mine is the giant Titius's maw. 
 That doth increase to feel a vulture's paw. 
 
 CLAIUS 
 
 No day runs over, but my love's deep sore 
 Renews his pain, and festers more and more : 
 Alas ! Where's pity then? belike it flies 
 The place we come to, frighted with our cries. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 Pity ! why friend, 'tis certain that their eyes. 
 Who know they can o'ercome, learn to despise : 
 Yet, Klaius, why should we repine ? our saint 
 Is pleas'd sometime to hear our love's complaint. 
 And if mine eyes, to ease my inward pain, 
 Become not flatterers, she doth not disdain. 
 
 CLAIUS 
 Disdain ! that were a bliss, so great a weight 
 Might lift our sorrows to their utmost height ; 
 And then, perhaps, our own despair would mend 
 Our Ung'ring hopes, that must or break, or bend. 
 O no, ours is a worse calamity, 
 A heedless care, and careless courtesy. 
 
 Then Claius pausing a while, with crossed arms and a downcast 
 look, began again these following verses to Strephon, whom he 
 spoke to as representing the person of sorrow. 
 
 CLAIUS 
 
 Foul Sorrow, wilt thou alway build thy nest 
 In the wild mountains of thy care-swollen breast ? 
 2 U 
 
674 ARCADIA [bookvi. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 O yes, I find it happy for my breed, 
 And near your heart, whereon I use to feed. 
 
 CLAIUS 
 
 But, gentle grief, if not for pity, spare 
 Me for Urania's sake : she hath a share 
 In these my wounds, and she must feel the smart, 
 Whose image's carv'd so lively in my heart. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 O no, she shares no pain, from whose fair eyes 
 The wound did first, and now the cure must rise. 
 
 CLAIUS 
 
 Why, gentle grief, thou'rt witness of my love ; 
 Then always sigh my plaints, until you move. 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 O no, there's too much rigor in such laws. 
 They bind a man to speak against his cause. 
 Suppose I move, this is my recompense ; 
 Joy must succeed, and I am banish'd hence. 
 
 CLAIUS 
 
 Then must I die unpitied, no help's found. 
 Since you, my spokesman, do conceal my wound, 
 
 STREPHON 
 
 O no, let not that make us to despair : 
 She knows we love her, but she knows she's fair. 
 
 When they ended, Musidorus (in whose memory their courtesy 
 to him, had engraven a beholdingness) forgot not to approve what 
 they had said. But the audience had little time to determine 
 whether they deserved what the Prince thought them worthy of, 
 when Coridon, who longed to hear the debate between him and 
 Menalcas, for Kalodulus's daughter, ended, clapping him on the 
 shoulder, thus said : 
 
 CORYDON 
 
 Fond beardless boy ! now shall the chastisement 
 (Fit for thy rash youth's unweigh'd attempt) 
 Fall heavy on thee ; but you may relent, 
 I'll not be cruel if you do repent. 
 
BOOK VI.] ARCADIA 67s 
 
 no, you will not, you'll be always blind. 
 That graceless smile betrays thy scornful mind. 
 Sing then, and show these goodly dotes in thee, 
 With which thy brainless youth can equal me. 
 
 MENALCAS 
 
 Grey-bearded frenzy, what canst thou allege, 
 To shun my blows, but thy age's privilege? 
 Thy tongue may safely snarl, while his offence 
 Is still protected by that reverence. 
 The dotes, old dotard, I can bring to prove 
 Myself deserves that choice, are only love. 
 A priceless treasure, not to be express'd, 
 A guest too great for thy cough-breeding breast. 
 
 CORYDON 
 
 Young man, thou speak' st as if thy brains were wood ; 
 Who can determine of that inward good ? 
 
 1 say, I love, and will Menalcas grieve 
 That all the world should Corydon believe ? 
 But, that's not it, these flames will soon decay, 
 If they be not maintain'd some other way. 
 
 A thousand sheep I have, whose snow-white fleece, 
 
 Do add a lustre to these parts of Greece : 
 
 On whom as many lambs do wait hard by, 
 
 That wear their dams white curled livery. 
 
 O ! what a joy will't be to her I love ; 
 
 Each morn, and even, to see her sheep remove 
 
 From field to fold, while she may freely say, 
 
 That lamb is fat, that lamb I'll eat to-day ? 
 
 MENALCAS 
 
 Blind fortune, I'll confess, hath given you more : 
 Yet I am richer, my content's my store. 
 A thousand sheep thou hast, 'tis very like. 
 But thy diseases want Arithmetic. 
 Nature between our years a marriage made. 
 We bloom together, and at once may fade. 
 But your old age is gone too far before, 
 Time beats you on, and you'll return no more. 
 
 CORYDON 
 
 Hasty young man, do not despise the end 
 To which yourself, as to a centre, bend. 
 What, if I want your body's active toys, 
 My settled mind a greater good enjoys. 
 
676 ARCADIA [BOOK VI. 
 
 MENALCAS 
 
 Old man, thou speak'st, as if thy brains were wood ; 
 Who can determine of that inward good ? 
 Think'st thou, will that sweet beauty take delight 
 To hear thee cough a proverb in the night ? 
 O no, there are some other joys in bed, 
 She must partake whom you desire to wed. 
 
 Corydon, inwardly out of countenance to hear his own words 
 bite so sore upon him, would have shrunk away, but hoping he 
 had found a judge whom the cause concerned stood a while to 
 attend what Basilius would have said. But the King put it over 
 to Musidorus, who (glad to find an occasion to pleasure Menalcas, 
 his first master in the practice of a shepherd's life) thus ended it. 
 
 "Corydon," said he, "could I as well lop away some of your 
 over-grown years, to make your match with Kalodulus's daughter 
 equal, as I can add to Menalcas's state, I would, for a time, 
 suspend my judgment : for readily I know not whether of you two 
 deserves best : but in the one, my power seconds my will ; as in 
 the other, my will over-goes my power. Kalodulus's daughter I 
 therefore adjudge to Menalcas, and I will make him worthy of her, 
 the rather, that I know his rash youth would impatiently bear a 
 repulse, where your experience (when it reflects upon itself), with 
 more discretion may consider she was but a woman." Glad was 
 Menalcas to speed so well : nor was Corydon displeased, because 
 the Prince, as he conceived, had entertained a good opinion of his 
 wisdom. Thus, when they ended, Pyrocles, who marked Agelastus's 
 silent pensiveness, desired to hear him disburden his mind of the 
 thoughts that brought him to so deep a study : thinking that 
 Agelastus stood fixed, with the eye of his mind cast upon the 
 beauty of some fair mistress : but he, who thought of nothing less> 
 thus answered his expectation. 
 
 AGELASTUS 
 
 Nor fate, nor fortune, whose enforcing power, 
 Man still complains upon his state to lowre, 
 Do work these changes : man himself s the cause ; 
 They be but wheels that keep their mover's laws : 
 Yet alway, when he sees his fault too late. 
 He turns it over upon chance, or fate. 
 Each man is born a king, his passions be 
 The practice of his sovereignty : 
 
 Who, though they still their sovereign's good pretend, 
 Conspire his ruin for their private end. 
 The love of skin-thick beauty draws his eye 
 To yield to love, his reason's majesty. 
 
BooKvi.J _^ ARCADIA 677 
 
 His fear throws bugbears in his way ; his state 
 
 Is still infested by revengeful hate. 
 
 His idle grief, for what he might prevent, 
 
 Or might not, doth usurp his government. 
 
 Thus he, whom God ordain'd a king to be, 
 
 Obeys his subjects, and is never free. 
 
 Besides, whose state's so firm, into whose way 
 
 The world flings not his joys injurious stay ? 
 
 The surges of the deep, whose joys devour 
 
 The merchant's far-fetch'd hopes, the slties that pour 
 
 A second deluge on the ploughman's corn, 
 
 When now his fields are ready to be shorn : 
 
 The soldiers long remote, the doubtful chance 
 
 Of bloody war, the new-found ordinance ; 
 
 The city-horns, the court's brave flattery, 
 
 Do force content to dwell with poverty. 
 
 Then looking round upon the princes, as if by their survey he 
 were again enabled to speak, he thus said : 
 
 Honour, thou spongy idol of man's mind. 
 That soak'st content away, thou hast confin'd. 
 Ambitious man, and not his destiny. 
 Within the bounds of form and ceremony. 
 Oh ! happy life of shepherds, whose content 
 Rests in a soul that's free and innocent ; 
 They stay their lodging, and remove their roof. 
 Not for their own, but for their flock's behoof. 
 While some (to fill the blanks of their mean story) 
 Do travel in their cares, to gain vain-glory. 
 They never leave the plains, unless, some-time, 
 To look about them, they the mountains climb : 
 But dwell not there ; for ev'n this change doth show 
 What choicer sweets they do enjoy below : 
 Here the rough winds do buzz about their ears. 
 The rocky steepness adds unto their fears : 
 Here they are ready to be torn asunder. 
 By malice's hateful blasts, and envy's thunder : 
 From hence they may descend ; but, greatness, stay, 
 If you come down, it must be th' other way : 
 For 'tis a bliss, on which your honour shares, 
 That though you would, you cannot leave your cares. 
 
 When Agelastus ended, the company might see a man who 
 seemed to be misfortune's herald, with a rope about his neck, 
 make towards the Queen of Corinth, and cast himself at her feet. 
 They, thinking it had been some shepherdish invention, expected 
 awhile the conceit of it : but approaching, after a time, nearer to 
 him, they might discern it was Tenarus the usurper of Corinth, 
 
6/8 ARCADIA [book vi. 
 
 who, hearing of the Queen's welfare, and her happy marriage to 
 Amphialus (finding in his own practice for the crown the Corinthians 
 aptness to embrace change, and considering the powerfulness of 
 his enemies) had come thither, in the basest form of humbleness 
 to set a belief upon his submission. Him the Queen (because he 
 was a suitor on her marriage-day) pardoned, and restored to his 
 possessions, forfeited by his treason to the crown ; only she caused 
 his liberty to be restrained until her going to Corinth, whither, 
 after she had taken leave of Basilius, and the rest of the royal 
 company, she took her journey ; making Amphialus, within a year 
 after her departure, a happy father of a much-promising son, 
 whom they named Heleamphialus. Euarchus also, soon after, 
 with his son Pyiocles and Philoclea, and his nephew Musidorus, 
 together with Pamela (who was desirous both to accompany her 
 sister, and to see her mother of Thessaly) parted from Mantinea ; 
 leaving Basilius and Gynecia, when they had accompanied them 
 to the frontiers of Arcadia, to the happy quiet of their after-life. 
 
 Tu longe sequere & vestigia semper adoro, 
 SiDNEl Statius. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
Printed at 
 The Edinburgh Press 
 9 and ii Young Street