Still the frightfull noyse increased, and the Shep­heards their feare; till one more heartie then his fel­lowes, taking a Box out of his Scrip, with Flint and Steele soone kindled the Tinder, and lighted some shrubbe sprigges, though wet, by reason of Raine that fell, and bidding his companions follow him, ta­king their Slings and Sheepe-hookes, they m [...]rched downe the Hils side, and with their lighted Stickes (ser­uing them for Lanternes) guided toward the dolefull sound: Soone they approached, where in an intricate thicket of Bushes and Bryers, they might heare a voice wrapped vp, as it were in sighes, bringing them so fearefully on, that though they drew neere, they made a pawse; till hearkening more wistly to the sad complaints, they plainely ghessed them to proceed from some wret­ched creature, and the rather, since they might heare the Author of that sorrow, craue aide and fauour of iust and compassionate Heauen: Whereupon (laying all feare aside) they rushed through the rude Bushes, and bushy Trees, at one of whose strong Trunkes (by the helpe of their lighted shrubbes) they might behold a (dead as it were) dismayed Youth laid on the withered Grasse, his face pale and wanne, his teeth fast closed, and his eyes eclipsed, onely now and then with a dole­full sigh he would accompany his mortall pangs, which springing from a wofull cause, and in the dead of night, might doubtlesse occasion the fearefull effect here re­lated.

The sad spectacle stirred vp the poore mens compas­sion, which they shewed and celebrated with their pit­tying teares. The wounded partie had dyed the neere thicke grasse with his bloud, in which the rage and tor­ment [Page 3] he felt, made him furiously welter, his paine see­ming to bee such, that after each grone, they expected his lifes end. The Beholders, though they intreated him of his disaster, could know nothing, for much losse of bloud had made the partie quite senselesse; so that seeing it bootelesse to satisfie their desires, they sought, if it were possible, to helpe his hurts, to which purpose they began gently to vncloath him: and vnbuttoning a thinne Tyssue Doublet he wore, perceiued two wounds in his brest, which (though bloudy, deepe) yet appea­red not to be mortall; besides which, he had other three (lesse dangerous) in seuerall parts of his body: by all which, they might perceiue, that the Authors of them were most willing, not to haue left their worke vnfinish­ed. Their best and wholesomest purpose was to cut down boughs, which tying and fitting together, as well as the shortnesse of time would permit them, they made a carriage like a Beere, on which as the compassionate Swaines were about to haue laid the dismaid body, so to haue conueyed him to a neighbouring Village their habitation, the trampling and neighing of a Horse, that seemed to be neere, stayed them; and being as yet scarce free from their former feare, a smal matter was sufficient to affright them: for imagining some came backe to dispatch the bloudlesse Corps, without expecting the certaintie; cold in their commenced charitie, they swiftly tooke them to their flight. But the same effect, which the Horses noise caused in them, frighted the same Horse, who yet had not forsaken his wounded Master, till now that they with their lights flew thorow the thicket, so amazed the swift Beast, that he (like winde) making contrary speed, they soone lost sight of [Page 4] him, which made them thinke, that hee whom they left among the Trees, was some person of qualitie, and ow­ner of that Horse, which made them afresh desirous to put their pious intent in execution: and so turning back, and not once suffering the wounded person to come to himselfe out of a deepe Trance in which he lay▪ putting him vpon the Boughy Coffin, and rearing him on their strong shoulders, they went toward their Village.

In this manner they marched through the intangling Wood, till such time, as (skilfull) they got out of it, and willing to take a narrower path, which serued them as a shorter cut to the neighbouring Village, somewhat out of the rode way, they might heare great cryes, hum­ming of Slings, barking of Dogs, such a noise as made them thinke verily all the Mountainous Inhabitants were vp in Armes.

But first let mee shew the cause of this notable Vp­roare, which, though needlesse, suffice proceeded from those rude and barbarous Mountainers.

You heard how the three Shepheards with their fear­full flight, frighted the swift Horse, who by his Masters hard fortune, was there loose, grazing in the Desart Mountaine. It hapned next, as these charitable mens [...] luckes would haue it, that the furious speed of the swift Beast awoke certaine Keepers, that belonged to the Woods, to looke to the Game, and such recreati­ons as were committed to their charge▪ who straight stood on their Guard, supposing somewhat else to bee the cause and breaker of their rest: when ( [...] risen from the ground, and looking what way the bloudlesse body was brought toward them) seeing so many lights, ( [...] doubtlesse their feare made them seeme flaming [Page 5] Aetna's to them) and not knowing what might bee the cause, or who should vvalke in that vnseasonable time and manner, full of astonishment, and, like mad-men, (though wanting courage to expect the issue) not stay­ing one for another, they ranne to the neerest Village to cry out for help: and this with such howling and strange clamour, that they raised all the neighbourhood and adioyning Farmers vp in Armes: and the hurry was so much the greater, at what time (crying out for help) the fearefull name of the King and his Iustice was inter­posed; for then, Men, Women and Children, some with Halberts, others with Launces or Swords, (at the Bels ringing) ranne which vvay the Keepers affirmed there were some setting the King his VVoods on fire; who conducting the troupes, brought them speedily to the place, from whence the poore carelesse Shepheards were vvalking faire and softly in prosecution of their charitable office; sometimes exchanging their burdens, otherwhiles resting vpon the bare and naked Rockes, so that ere they could get to the Village, these cruell people were ready to encounter them: and these were the cries and noises the secure Shepheards heard, vpon their sally from the inclosed Mountaine. No sooner saw the Sauage Crue those strange lights, when straight (as by aime) they discharged a thicke showre of stones, making the hollow Valley resound with their wouen Slings: wherefore the poore men (seeing themselues so hardly intreated, and that though they cryed out to the others to hold their hands, 'twas but in vaine, since they could not bee heard) left their burden, and fell to their defence, at what time it grew to bee toward day-breake.

[...] [Page 8] againe restore; and, so with some comfortable remedies the Surgeon applide, the Gentleman came a little to himselfe; onely for feare of the worst it was ordained, that none should trouble him with speaking to him, till hee might more strongly recouer his Sences, vvithout which he remained most part of that day. When hee grew at last to be better, and considered in how diffe­rent a place he now vvas, from that, vvhere hee receiued his vvounds, he could not but extremely vvonder, and (calling to minde his misfortunes) grew somewhat pas­sionate, and addressing himselfe to the Noble Gentle­man, that neuer so much as once parted from his beds-head, requested him to tell him, in what place hee was, or how brought thither: In which, the Noble Leriano (for so was the compassionate Gentleman called) lo­uingly satisfide him, desiring him withall not to grieue himselfe with the thought of any thing saue health, which hee and his seruants were as carefull of as their owne. At which the vnfortunate Gentleman vvas somewhat more couragious, and yeelding his due thankes, thought fit to be silent, and so as much as his wounds would permit him, rested ioyfull, seeing his lost and dead hopes of recouering new life, so much bet­tered.

It pleased Heauen after to restore him wholly, reser­uing him to other innumerable vnfortunate accidents and misfortunes; and now within some few dayes hee vnderstood more largely from Leriano in what manner hee found him; vvho told him likewise, that himselfe was a Branch of that Ancient Stocke of the Noble Pe­rafanes de R [...]bera, and borne in the Royall Citie of Seuil (Spaines Babylon) from whence he was trauelling about [Page 9] certaine Law suites to the Citie and Court of Valladolid, which voyage he now more willingly deferred out of the care of his health, then vndertooke, that hee might be feasted and welcomed by his kindred and friends: Heere the vnknowne Youth was as thankefull, as con­tented at such true and faithfull professions, thinking now his miseries and wounds well inflicted, since by their sad occasion, they acquainted him with so worthy a friend.

Not long after, he was able to rise, but not so boldly, as to venter out of his Chamber, where hee wanted no­thing to entertaine time with, or diuert Melancholly, which by fits exceedingly afflicted him: and at one time amongst the rest in Lerianos absence (who was walked into the Towne) falling into his sad Dumpes, and wil­ling to beguile his fancy, he called for a Lute, (which cunningly tuned) with a cleere Voice and pleasing Dit­tie he mustered vp his lifes former passages, in the insu­ing Verses.

Whil'st he was yet euen in the middle of his Song, Leriano entred, but loth to interrupt him, staid, till by a scorching sigh, with which his Song had end, he knew the Musicke had wrought in him, her accustomed effect of sadnesse; so he came neerer, where he found him laid on his bed, and his eyes distilling teares: which in vaine he sought to hide from his deare friend, who comming toward him with open armes, said; There is no reason, gentle Sir, that from a stranger, and one that shewed so much good will as my selfe, you should conceale that griefe, which, by vvhat now, and at other times you haue demonstrated, I conceiue to be very great: and if I, till now, haue not beene very earnest to demand the cause, you may know it was not willingly to reduce such pittifull accidents to your memory, as might happely haue endangered your health, in which you are now so forward. You must not but satisfie me, and let mee know vvithall, who, and whence you are: For I vow to Heauen and you, that bee it necessarie for your sake and reuenge, I vvill hazzard Honour, Life, and Fortune. I rest fully assured (replide the concealed Youth.) Noble [Page 12] friend Leriano, of the pure affection you haue shewed me, mouing you to saue my life, by restoring it, and gi­uing me the being I now enioy, which, next Heauen, I owe to your selfe; and though the remembrance of my past disasters be most grieuous to me; yet in respect of my engagements to your selfe, and because I would you should perceiue how much I desire to fulfill your com­mands, though I renue old sores, vnrip auncient wounds, I will satisfie your wish, giuing a short account of my inward thoughts, youthfull dayes, and yong im­ployments, as forerunners of my present stormes and shipwracke.

I cannot sufficiently expresse Leriano's gratitude, to heare his friends willingnesse to the thing he so heartily desired, and thinking each minute an Age till he began the promised Discourse, he commanded his seruants to [...]ue them, and with a cheerefull countenance and still attention gaue eare to what followeth.

My name, worthy Friend, is Gerardo: The great and famous Village of Madrid (most vvorthy Mansion of our Catholike Monarks) my loued Country, the com­mon generall Mother of different people, and remote Nations. Neere her high-reared walles, by whose ruines her ancient strength is yet seene, is the house of my Ancestors, ennobled as well by their births, as it's owne Antiquitie; there was I borne, there first bred. It vvere needlesse to enlarge my Discourse, by recounting the tender exercises of my infancie, therefore I will be­gin from my yeer's of fifteene, which accomplished, I was forced to obey my Father, by accompanying him to one of the best places of Gouernment in Castile, which his Maiesty had as then newly bestowed on him. [Page 13] My elder Brother Leoncio went also along with vs, a va­liant yong fellow of towardly hopes; all of vs were most iocund with our Fathers new fortunes, our iourney vvas short, for in foure dayes we arriued, where (according to custome) we were solemnely welcomed. My Father tooke possession of the Gouernment, and to the general satisfaction went on in his Triennium.

This was the famous City of Tal [...]ora, one of the best & most populous in the Kingdome of Toledo; whose situa­tion is fructified with the siluer streames of gold-bea­ring Tagus, and makes it one of the most pleasant and delightfullest vpon all his Bankes: the Inhabitants are louing, courteous, and affable, particularly the Gentry (of the best qualified houses of Spaine) most worthy Pillars to so ancient a foundation.

Here (me thought) I was euer at home, vvith friends of mine owne Age and ranke: our exercises for the most part were riding, running at Buls, at the Ring, Maskes, Barryers and the like, with (which delighting the multitude) wee made our selues cunning practitio­ners. In the field, Hawking and Hunting vvere our sports, for both which that Country is plentifully proui­ded. These, & the others, that took vp our whole times, were my chiefe delights, to a heart yet vntouched by loues flames: which made me as contented, as free; as satisfied in my selfe, as by others enuied. Yet not long could I so boast, not long was I thus ioyfull: how soone from a freeman became I a bondslaue? From merry to melancholly; from tractable, to the contrary; from happy, to vnfortunate? Sooner then I could with (deare Leriano) shall you heare the change. Amongst many other shewes and Triumphs we vsually had, one [Page 14] drew neere, appointed by our Citie in honour and com­memoration of the blessed Virgin Maries happy Nup­tials, much celebrated throughout all Castile, at which time, an infinite number of common people, and great concourse of Gentry resort thither, as well from the Court and the Citie of Auila, as the Imperiall Toledo, and other parts of the Kingdome. The wished day came on, being the sixe and twentieth of Aprill, dus­kish and cloudy, a season naturall to that Climate, or belike Phoebus knew his beames might well bee spared, where so many, so beautifull lights would appeare. We were two and thirty Gentlemen, that in seuerall colours entred the Market-place: my selfe performed the office of Stickler betwixt my Father and Brother Leoncio. The sport began, the Bulles were let loose and chased, the whole solemnitie, to the generall good liking and ap­plause of the Spectators, ended in a well-ordered skir­mish of Canes on Horsebacke, there hauing hapned no disaster or mischance at all, saue mine, which conside­ring the state it hath now brought me too, was the grea­test could arriue.

At my first passing ouer the place on horsebacke, my carelesse eyes chanced to glance at a Bay-window, (where certaine Gentlewomen strangers were placed) they pawsed a little as being attracted, no lesse by the noueltie, then the goodly presence: Backe I went with some other friends and Gentlemen, that I might re­enioy a suller sight of [...]hose beauties, and faire and soft­ly, as prauncingly as our Horses could pace, we drew neere, passing to and fro, with more turnes and wind­ings, then doth a poore prisoners restlesse imagination in a loathsome dungeon. Neither had we (thinke I) till [Page 15] this time quitted the place, had not the Gentlewomen, seeing all ended, raised themselues vp to goe downe to their Coaches that attended them beneath. Heere my foundation failed, and from this instant beganne the ruines of my fiered Troy.

One there was amongst those Ladies, that till the pre­sent still masked, discouered so rare a beauty in so yong a body, that wee were all suddenly astonished. Me thought (vnaccustomed to such brunts) the faire crea­ture euen tore and parted my heart, to make it part of her tender owne: For sure I am, by the effect, any one might iudge how ill I was wounded, so powerfull pier­cing was the soueraigne glaunce of her eyes. At her rising vp, shee approached so neere the iron window, that s [...]eing her lay her faire hands on the fore-part of the Bay, [...] was bold to tell her, The hardnes of those barres (faire Mistris) is not safe, from being softned by those snowy hands, if happely they partake with the vertue of your scorching eyes, since with their rayes, you melt the most obdurate flinty-hearts.

These, and such amorous flashes, I imperfectly blun­dered out: she onely answered with a gracious smile, and paying our salutations with a Curtsie, followed her company.

At entring her Coach, I alighted to haue held the Boote, to vvhich, neither her selfe, nor another Dame (I knew since to bee her Aunt) would by any meanes consent: onely as they entred, I passed a com­plement, and they returned thankes. I asked them whence they were? They told me of Auila: had it not beene for being noted, I should haue knowne their lod­ging, the end and limit of their Voyage. I could scarce [Page 16] take leaue, that Angell had so transported me: but see­ing there vvas no remedy, was forced to patience. They were gone, and left me so amazed, that I had scarce me­mory to get to Horse, or to perceiue that my friends expected me. Yet vp I got, and gaue order to a seruant, to watch where the Coach stopped, and to learn truely who they were that went in it. This done, wee gaue a turne about the ioyful City, though the distemper, (cau­sed by the late accident, I felt within me) made me wea­ry of my friends irkesome company, of whom (faining my selfe not well) I tooke leaue. By the time I got home it was night; so I shifted cloathes, and (my minde broo­king no delaies) went into the street, and Senabria with me, so was the seruant priuy to my secrets, called; him I vvilled to direct me to the house of my beloued stran­ger, and likewise to tell mee what hee had heard of her qualitie: vvho said, she lay in one of the richest mens houses in the Citie, whose Neece she vvas, and that she, vvho accompanied her in the Coach, vvas her Aunt, that they vvere within two dayes vpon a iourney of De­uotion, to the Monasterie of Guadalupe. So that now thinking I had relation enough for my purpose, I would needs fetch a turne in the street, hoping that the very sight of those walles that concealed my Sun from mee, might giue me some comfort. But one of my neerest friends preuented mee, who hearing I vvas not vvell, came to visit me: wee straight saluted, imbracing, as if [...] long time wee had not seene each other. Hee vvon­dred at the noueltie, and hauing power of comman­ding friendship on his part, soone forced from mee the cause of my malady.

Fernando (so vvas my best friend called) was glad in [Page 17] his soule, that my sicknesse vvas no other then vvhat I made knowne; and indeuour vvith his best perswasions to diuert me from my purpose, telling me by vvhat I had let him know of the sudden departure of those Dames, how small hope there vvas to obtaine my desire. But finding me fixed, it behooued him to giue vvay: so together vvee went to the street and house of vvhich Senabria had infor­med me; and passing vnder the vvindowes, I might see at one of them, being the lower-most, the North-Starre that guided mee; her eyes contending to giue light vvith those rayes that shewed in the still night: She and another Dame of like stature, and (in likelihood) yeeres, were dis­coursing together: that partie vvas knowne by Fernando, to be Francisca, Daughter to Segundo Octauio, owner of the house, vvhose qualitie vvas before mentioned.

Faine vvould I at the instant haue spoken; but Fernando thought it not fit too suddenly to affright the game; so wee drew neerer by degrees, onely so long, till we thought vvee might be discouered by the Moones light: and they seeing vs make a stand, vvould haue broken off their Discourse, clapped to the vvindowes, and retired, had not Fernan­do (as hauing more freedome) stayed them, by saying, Let not our boldnesse (hauing so good a discharge as the [...]ight of your beauties) interrupt your pleasing Conference; or if this may not serue for an excuse, you may punish vs, as you vvould houshold seruants.

Francisca, a little frighted, thus answered; If it vvere lawfull for vs to make longer stay, wee should not greatly complaine of your boldnesse; the rather, since your humi­litie hath thus satisfide; onely the growing late, makes vs of force retire. Nay, but said I (remouing vvith this occasi­on) you cannot but leaue vs doubtfull of your displeasure, vvhich I shall esteeme as my greatest vnhappinesse.

[Page 18] All this while my Diuine stranger was silent, vvhen, ap­plying my selfe to her, I thus said; I beseech you, faire Mistris, be not you of that Ladies rigorous minde: since your sweetnesse is shortly to leaue vs, to make so long stay from this Countrey.

Doe you know me, quoth she, vvith a gracious disdaine, or that my departure shall be so soone? Francisca now de­manded of Fernando (vvhom she knew) vvho I was; and so I had leisure, to speake more freely to my Mistris, saying, If (faire creature) you remembred but so well him that this afternoone kissed your hands, and to them rendred a heart more firme then these irons, as he in his inflamed brest hath the rare image of your face engrauen; sure I am, you could not so neglectfully answere me.

I vnderstand not your meaning (said shee) though (me thinkes) euer since your beginning to speak, I should know you: but the habit you now weare, is so different from vvhat you had on in the afternoone, that you neede not suppose me to be forgetfull. Loth I vvas to spend the short time in fruitlesse Discourse, and therefore to the purpose demanded, saying, When is your sad departure? or to say truer, my suddaine death? and this vvith so faint and pitti­full a voice, that my Mistris touched vvith my feeling, with some little earnestnesse, (though smilingly) answered, I should thinke you vvere sorry for my departure, but that I ghesse you can dissemble. I haue neither time, nor place, faire Dame, said I, to expresse my iust sorrow in, which is such, vvhen I thinke of your absence, that if I follow you not, the being mine owne desperate executioner, must be my latest refuge, seruing as an Antidote against the poison that burnes and consumes me.

You doe much endeere your sicknesse, said she, (giuing as it were to vnderstand that I flattered her) vvhich if it be [Page 19] such as your presentment shewes, my knowledge is small, and my abilitie lesse to apply a briefe remedy: though I suspect, that as you grew quickly sicke, you will the sooner recouer: for it is the fashion of you men, to make things farre difficult vvith vs, and for your aduantages to facili­tate and leuell Mountaines of impossibilities. Let's haue plaine Song, if you wil haue me agree in the tune; & that you may know, I vvould not vvillingly contradict you, nor proue nice to the much good wil you professe vnto me: you shall vnderstand, that two dayes hence I am for Guadalupe, and hope my returne may be this way; and both now and then, if [...] any thing I may serue you, beleeue, and com­mand me, and see whether I be thankefull, or neglect your vowes, though perhaps they be but flatteries.

Thus farre held on our Discourse, (my selfe the ioyful­lest man aliue) when some one calling from within, they were forcst to be gone; & Francisca only stayed to vtter this. Fernando tels mee, you haue an excellent Musician serues you; & I hauing extolled our Country voices to my Cou­sin Clara, desire you that shee may be satisfied in hearing, and I proue no Lyer in relating: and to morrow about this time we will heere expect you. Faine would I, with the greatest thankes that might be, haue kissed her hands for the fauour she did me: but her farewell was so sudden, it was impossible: and so Fernando and my selfe passing thorow the street, hauing appointed to meete againe next night, tooke leaue and departed.

The remainder of the night I spent in a thousand seuerall imaginations, all proceeding frō the difficultie of the enter­prize I had in hand; till the cleere morning giuing truce to my confused thoughts, I got out of their Labyrinth, and from home likewise: and hauing notice where my Mistris vsed to heere Masse, I and my friend Fernando were there [Page 20] present, where I receiued from my lifes Owner, in as much as her amorous but warie, lookes, would permit rich and inestimable fauours.

Thus passed we the morning, and the afternoone in of­ten walking thorow her streete, till night came on: and being fit time, with my deare friend and the Musicke wee drew neere: and finding all husht and quiet, standing where we did the night before, my Musician began to sing what I had instructed him, to the sweet melody of a vvell­tuned Violl.

Iust as he began, the window opened, but not a creature to be seene, which made vs not a little wonder, (ignorant who within might keepe my Mistris and her Cousin from appearing) but the Musician with that sweet Sonnet fol­lowing which he sung, interrupted our doubtfulnesse.

This Sonnet ended with so sweet a cloze, that soon the Ladies shewed themselues, and from the window wil­led vs to come neerer, saying, From the very beginning Clara and I haue hearkened to your seruants admirable voice, and deferred our being seene, for feare of marring the Song.

Fernando replide with thanks: and I turning to my Clara, asked her how she liked the Voice? to which with a pretty smile she answered; 'Twas harmonious enough, but that the Musician, in declaring so liberally his Masters passion, had somewhat more enlarged himselfe then was there ex­pected: Why, sweet loue (said I) doe the scorching amo­rous effects of my heart offend you? If so, my brest from henceforth shall like another A [...]na boile inwardly, and my tongue, in stead of expressing paine, turne Marble.

I blame you not, Gerardo, somewhat milder now said she; but since your affection is such, I could haue wished that neither my Cousin, nor your friend, should be priuy to it: For the returne on my part, I know not what to say, but would God I had neuer left Auila. (This said) her right arme set on the windows great Barre, and her cheeke rest­ing vpon the white hand, with a gentle sigh, I might per­ceiue, that her eyes trickling some drops, dryed, or rather caught the crystall pearles in an olorous Handkerchiefe. I presumed, such an accident could bee no lesse then fauou­rable, and so vrged the reason of the sudden passion, withall [Page 23] making large protestations of my loue and seruice, that in it I would spend my life, though I hazzarded it in any kind of death. To which, in the moode shee was, thus shee re­plide, Haue I not reason, thinke you, Gerardo, to be trou­bled, in seeing my selfe thus estranged from mine owne af­fections? and by casting my selfe so loosely vpon yours, to know (to my vnhappinesse) that I haue no command o­uer my free wil, and that in this respect, I am forced to part (though my heart and life be parted) since my Cousin and her Parents cannot with infinite intreaties obtaine of my Aunt to leaue me with them, perhaps as presaging my de­sires? Oh know, mine eyes doe but counterfet my hearts griefe, & the greatest affliction which that can feele, is the impossibilitie (in absence) to repay the affection you beare me. And so ending in teares and sighes, turning to her Cousin without expecting my answere, she said; I thinke 'tis time to retire for feare wee be missed. Francisca was a­bout to haue answered, when Fernando crossing Trumpe, preuented her, saying to Clara, Your desire, faire Dame, cannot as yet take effect: for, if you want sleepe, Francisca must make good the field alone, til we determine a certain doubt, in which there must be a knowne Victor, or else it is not to be giuen ouer.

'Tis the best in [...] world, quoth Francisca, but so tedi­ously controuerted [...]weene a number of people, that should we set it afresh on foot, 'twere neuer to end. Well, it must be resolued, said I, and Mistris Clara with her wise­dome shall arbitrate for the more certaine conclusion of your opinions. Why, none may deny, said Fernando, but that mine is true: for what reason is it, that our constancy should bee paralel'd with that of women, past or present? and certainely, my so reasonable earnestnesse in this point, shall last with me as long as life. And I (said I) will re­enforce [Page 24] it to the last gaspe. Well then, said Francisca, there is no more to bee done, but set vp the Lists. What need you, quoth I? the iron barres of your window already serue in their stead. But leauing this, as a thing settled in our fauour, the Instrument with some pleasing Ditty shall make our peace.

The two Cousins were pleased with my motion, especi­ally when they might see me take the Violl from my man, and settle my selfe to sing these Verses:

When I had ende [...] the faire [...] [...]eganne highly to commend the Ditty▪ [...]ut so to [...] singer, that had not chaste Lucina lost her [...], they might haue seene shamefastnesse in the [...] cheekes. Leauing this, I began to offer my selfe [...] their seruice, and to Clara thus spoke, that both [...] heare me: We shall be very solitary (your [...] being so sudden as last night you told me:) but indeed this Countrey cannot containe such a treasure long; besides, the place of your birth is so eminent, that it must needs as equally attract you, as your [Page 25] kindred or friends. I know what it may doe, said shee, my will is now my Aunts, whilst I am with her; though let mee tell you, that for my Cousin here, (whom I loue equally with my selfe) I could bee content to leaue not onely mine owne Countrey, but forget my neerest friends. And so she ended, beholding mee so amorously, that I plainely per­ceiued to whom her speech was directed, which intangled me wholly in her pleasing Labyrinth, in such sort, that be­fore I got free, it cost mee much time, and many misfor­tunes.

But now seeing day come hastily on, we tooke leaue, and I of Clara, as if it had beene my latest; indeed to both our griefes we parted, which I in melancholy expressed: vvhich when Fernando saw, hee could not but breake into this speech vnto mee: It much troubles mee, friend Gerardo, to see you thus droope: what doe you want? what is not a­bounding to you? yesterday you were not acquainted; to day, you haue Caesars Vici: Clara loues you, how much your selfe and I well perceiue. She goes to Auila, the iour­ney is not so long, nor your meanes or mine so short, but that we may be Ghests any where as well as at home. And since this is so, since you take me to bee your friend, there's no more to be done, but take courage; and, like a man of Valour, withstan [...] difficulties.

Ah my louing friend said I, your noble brest at no time euer failed mee: your Discourse reuiues my afflicted heart; you raise my dead hopes, which were euen now giuen o­uer, so that I am now wholly disposed to the present occa­sion you vrge; and if so you please, to morrow, (when wee shall heare that Clara hath left the Cittie) wee will secretly follow to the Bridge, and so take the lower way of the Ri­uer (being out of the high way thither) where they will vn­doubtedly lodge: and for feare of being benighted, make [Page 26] it their first daies iourney. You say well (quoth Fernando) and perhaps we shall haue a ioyfull returne; onely (for the maine) it behooues vs to bee secret. That concernes mee most, said I, and therefore my aduice is, that without more company then our selues, we goe both disguized: In which resolution, we bade Adieu till the next day, that knowing my Mistris with Francisca and her Aunt were to depart af­ter Dinner; I vvent to Fernando's lodging, vvhere I vvas againe incouraged by him; who shewed his Noble desire in the following Sonnet.

And next hauing cloathed our selues in the best manner vve thought fit, vvee departed out at a backe doore of his house; and by the Riuer side, with coole trauelling, and good discourse, about Sun-set wee arriued at certaine hou­ses, not passing halfe a League from the Bridge; and aligh­ting wee layd vs downe vpon the greene Grasse behinde certaine ruinous mudde Walles, where wee resolued to ex­pect [Page 27] my Mistresses passing by: which hapned not long after: and knowing the Coach, in which she went, giuing it leaue to go on before, we followed softly after, & kept the noise of it stil in our eares, though see it we could not, by reason the darknes of the night began more & more to thicken vpon vs. So we came to the towne, and marking what Inne they took, entred into another, where, alighting, I deliuered my Horse to the Oast, and Fernando turning back againe vpon his, we went out into the street, where I clapt a Hunters Cap on my head, and an open Cassocke at the sides, of which I came prouided ouer my shoulders, & taking off my Spurs and Sword out of the Hangers, caried it vnder mine arme, liuely resembling one of our Mul [...]tiers; I desired Fernando to follow, who was ready to burst with laughter: & in this dis­guize we came to my Mistresses Inne, her (as we entred) I saw set very sorrowfully in a Chaire by her Cousin. I de­manded a chamber for my new Master, which whē we had shewed vs, in a spacious Court at hand, I gaue order for prouendring my Horse, which done, whilst supper also vvas making ready, confident in my Liuery, I went where my deare Pledge was sitting, somtimes crossing from the street to the Court; otherwhiles, from the Court back againe; and then drawing neere to her presence, sought by the brightnes of a candle, that lighted al the forepart of the house, to make my selfe knowne to her faire eyes: all which endeuours had bin vaine, had not Francisca, that kept her company, left her alone, by going into another roome where her Aunt was resting her selfe: and thus acknowledging the opportunitie heauen bestowed vpō me, I quickly made my approch, say­ing▪ Is it possible, light of my darknes, that this your Slaue hath bin so vnknowne to those cleere eyes? when she ama­zed, I seized on her white hand, and taking off my Cap and disguize, made my selfe better known: So that when she was [Page 28] fully satisfide, out of pure astonishment, long it was ere shee would leaue crossing her selfe, and with the sudden alterati­on this vnexpected change had caused, said, Are you Ge­rardo? in beholding you, sure I become blind.

Who should it be, deare sweet (said I) but he you name, who transformed into your precious selfe, am neuer absent from you? Lord, my best Sir (quoth she) how came you hi­ther? What base attire is this concealed your Noble being frō me? whither do you go? Do you think I meane to vndoo my selfe, or feare that my being so slightly guarded, may make mee a prey to bloudy Robbers that frequent the vn­couth Mountaines? I cannot thinke, said I, North-starre of my desires, that there can be so cruell a Thiefe, who, seeing those diuine lookes, would not cast his armes at your snowy feet; touching my cōming hither, know: Fernando my friend (worthy al confidence) and my selfe haue thus on horseback followed after you; and if you please to giue a reward to my small labour (though to beare the name of your Seruant, is sufficient) vouchsafe that I may this night speak to you, since if you be willing, no occasion can bee wanting. I willing (said she?) if that be all the difficulty, neuer go from me. Oh no, that were vnfit, M ^ris said I, your Cousin will come out; and though my disguize might excuse her, not knowing mee, I am loth to put it to the venter. Well, a Gods name leaue me a while, said she, & expect me somewhere, where we may not be seene. Thus I returned to my friend, and making known my successe vnto him, withal the fright my disguize put my Mistris in, it gaue him notable content. And so as well to beguile the time of my expectation, to see my Mistris, as also to excuse the transformation of my base disguize, in imitation of the valiant Hercules, giuen o­uer to the vnbridled Loue of Iöle; by way of allusion hee tooke a subiect in these following Verses.

Whilst we discoursed of these and other matters, Clara and her company were gotten to Supper; and she, ere the Cloth was taken away, faining an excuse, with her Maid onely accompanying her, came thorow the Court by our Chamber, and going toward the farthest part of it, sent her backe, onely bade her call, if she should be missed: I per­ceiuing the deuice, soone followed after; and though my feete had wings, yet Clara fained the necessitie of her re­turne, hauing staid so long: onely said, Now, Gerardo, you haue no reason to complaine, since you see how true I am to your desires.

When, said I (owner of my life) [...]an I forme complaints of you that may not proue vniust; since with this present fauour onely my reward is more, then had I vndergone an Vlissian Nauigation?

You doe ouer-much indeare it, said shee; but tell mee, Thinke you to see me at Auila, if, to my griefe, my Aunt change not her minde? though doubtlesse, in this I [Page 30] hope Heauen will be propitious to me. To this I answered, From the very houre, nay instant, mine eyes beheld you, and my soule made election of your rare personage, I de­termined to follow you, not to Auila, which is so short a step, but euen the whole world ouer: and of this pure truth (deare Pledge) rest assured and satisfied.

Tis well (said my Mistris) I am alone, and like a vveake vessell acknowledging the aduantage of your strength, am therefore forced to beleeue you, confident, that time at length must best discouer your constancie, and my affecti­on. Yet tell me, meane you now to accompany me to Gua­dalupe? No (my best Mistris) said I: for though I cannot enioy a greater happinesse; yet I feare, beeing missed at Talbora, it might happely breed some ouer-curious sus­pition: to excuse which (as loth to hazzard your reputati­on) I had rather lose my longing. Your warinesse doth much please me (said she:) continue it still, and when you heare of our returne, neglect not, but that very night come to the vsuall stand; and till then, farewell, for I feare I haue staid too long. You must not so part, quoth I, to leaue mee in so long absence, without a fauour from you that may cherish my hopes of seeing you; and in so saying, with all my might, I tooke her about the necke, and to her seeming anger, and my glory, gathered the sweet flowers from her rare lips: at which, I cannot set downe, how altered, how angry shee was at my licentious boldnesse. But in such warres, peace is soone made: so loue, to whom we became both subiects, easily forced her to pardon my boldnesse, and confirme our friendship, by hanging a rich chaine a­bout my necke, and precious iewell at it, which formerly serued to adorne her owne brest, saying, Though you haue angred mee, yet in hope of your repentance, receiue this pledge, in remembrance that she that now parts from you [Page 31] to Guadalupe, beares you with her, set in the secret Relicke of her heart. Faine would I haue replide, but the com­ming of her Maid hindered me; wherefore slipping into a corner, Clara passed on, and my selfe soone went backe to my Chamber, where Fernando and I with equall content tooke our rests, seeing my suite so much bettered by these prosperous beginnings: which being the Originals of my present ills, 'twas necessarie (my good Leriano) I should be thus prolixe in recounting them.

Wee neuer so much as staid for day-light, but taking horse, with good speed, in few houres, Fernando got to his lodging, and I to my Fathers house.

Fifteene dayes my inflamed heart suffered in the torment of my Mistresses absence; and vpon the ioyfull night of her arriuall, like a most punctuall Louer (Fernando in my company) some houres before the vsuall time, I expected the vp-rising of my bright Sunne, which at length, more glorious then he that vsually giues his light, appeared from her accustomed window. Excessiue ioy, they say, oft cau­seth sudden death: and though by heauens particular good­nesse, in me it wrought not that sorrowfull effect; yet it so troubled me, that I was scarce able to send forth those ef­fectuall reasons, Loue and desire prompted me with. What my tyed tongue made difficult, I remitted to the action of my eyes & hands; with which laying hold on those whiter then snow of hers, imprinting my lips in their pure Chry­stall, my outward actions, declared my inward mo­tions. In no lesse suspence was my loued Pledge, till Fer­nando with his accustomed freedom, loosing the knot of our amorous silence, kissing Clara's hand, and animating me to doe the like, I bade her welcome home, to which shee re­turned thankes, and straight ioyfully told me, that her stay in Talbora was now effected with her Aunt, at the impor­tunate [Page 32] suite of her Cousin Francisca; which when I heard, I was euen transported vvith gladnesse: and as things stood, nothing could succeed more luckily to my purpose. I as­ked after her Cousin; she told me, wearinesse had sent her to sleepe; besides, shee meant not to make her acquainted with their loues: at which, I receiued no small content, as well in respect of secrecie, as that I might more freely con­uerse with my Mistris.

Many a night we conferred in this close manner, so wa­rily, that (excepting my friend) none else was priuie to our affections. Two yeeres were expired in these amorous meetings, in all which time I could neuer arriue at the wished end of my hopes, or obtaine a recompence for my long seruice. My heart was euen tired with the delayes and obstacles Clara laid in my way, but the hopes she mingled with these distastes, drew me on to be still constant.

And now the Festiuall of our glorious Patron S. Iames was at hand; against which time great triumphes were pre­paring in the Citie of Auila, which possest her with much feare, and mee with no lesse trouble, to thinke, that her friends, desirous happely to see them, would haue her a­long, whereby her returne might be vncertaine: And though this our doubt came not to be put in execution, yet serued as spurres to my liuely heate, and so with more vio­lent importunitie, I pressed to be admitted into my Sweet-hearts chamber, against which, the difficulty was; That Francisca lay there, though this might be remooued by the experience of her sound sleeping; and withall, there wanted not good conueniencie, by reason of a window without grates, which opened to the roome next Clara's chamber; (a little doore being onely betweene) informed of which from her selfe, I requested her to giue mee a print of the Locke in soft Waxe, that by this deuice I might haue a [Page 33] Key made to serue the turne. With much ado, (after ma­ny sighes and teares, and continuall intreaties, her flintie heart ouercome) my plot tooke effect: and assoone as the Key was made, I deliuered it to her, to trie the certainty of it; which was such as my heart could wish, though for [...] returne of it, I needed more effectuall teares and supplica­tions; so stiffe vvas her obstinacie, or rather honestie. But vrging still my affection, and how much she vvas indebted to my loyall constancie, she could not but at last restore it: vvhen I had it, I could vvillingly haue made speeches to it, but for deferring my glory; and so clapping wings to my feet, like a second Icarus, with Fernando's helpe, I mounted, and lighting on the doore, gently opened it, and went in, where I soone found my lifes comforter: I embraced her often, and lest her Cousin might spie vs, we got within the Curtaines of my Mistresses Canopi [...], and quickly without more conditions, saue onely her modest contention, before I left the roome, I might reckon my selfe amongst the hap­piest, reaping at length the ioyfull fruit of what I had sowed with so much sorrow and labour. 'Twas now with me ano­ther world, and a new content: I had now possession of a fort, which I held once inexpugnable; I now feared no storme, since I was gotten to the hauen: So ignorant was I in the changes of blind Fortune. For her, I may well af­firme, she was no lesse pleased then I, and at parting, with a vvorld of teares, she besought me not to forget her (which how farre vvas I from thinking of?)

From the very houre that I made her sole Mistris of my thoughts, (vvithout boast bee it spoken) neuer-certaine or vnsure suspition kept me vvaking; or iealousie, vvatchfull: so true vvas she, though tractable to all, yet vvas there ne­uer any so hardy, as to offer so much as a daring thought to her beauty, euen to the time that I predominated in my [Page 34] loues height, and had absolute command, there beeing none but mine, no vvilling or nilling but vvhat I pleased. Thus liued I so comforted; confident, that no night-walkes, Letters, Tickets, Messages, Maskes, Ring-running, or Bar­riers, performed in her seruice, could make me once thinke that she would looke aside to wrong me.

At this time a Gentleman of our citie vsed almost houre­ly to frequent my Mistresses street; a young Gallant (though elder then my selfe) rich, an heire, and my especiall friend, vvhom I likewise often saw (though suspecting nothing) at the Church vvhere Clara vsed, vvhere he vvas still one of the first, and that neuer [...]ailed: yet for all these fearefull mo­tiues, the least malicious pricke neuer touched my heart; not dreaming of any diligence of his toward my Mistresse. Many a time (I wholly ignorant) vvould Fernando aduer­tise me of this suspition, as foreseeing how much Rodrig [...] (for so was the Gentleman called) vvould puzzle vs. But as I vvas in the midst of my happinesse, and absolute ouer my Clara's vvill, nothing could make me carefull, or thinke of a competitor.

Amongst many gladsome nights I passed in her cherish­ing embraces, one (the first that stung me vvith ielousie) in midst of my iollitie, she (first coniuring mee, and earnestly facilitating the distaste I might receiue, and I assuring her not to be angry, greedy of the deliuery this mountaine of pregnant discourse promised) beganne the ensuing Dis­course:

The feare I haue (my deare Gerardo) at any time to of­fend you, or giue a iust occasion, to make you suspect my loyall faith, enforceth mee to giue you early notice of the obstinate pretension of one, your neere friend. Heauen knowes, if, when Clara proceeded hither, my heart were not ready to burst within me. Shee went on: Rodrigo (my [Page 35] choler now at full) that against my consent employes his foolish thoughts in my seruice, as you may haue seene in diuers occasions: of which, if I till now forbore to giue you account, it was, that I thought my disdaine, and the small comfort he receiued, might make him desist from his purpose: but seeing that from my deniall his intent takes greater hold, I could no longer conceale thus much: nor this paper, which to day I receiued from the handes of a maid of my Aunts, who colouring her boldnesse, with tel­ling me, it was from my father, made me take and reade it, desiring after an answer; which she had, such as her shame­lesse proceeding deserued. This is the perfect truth, that the Ticket, I she, that receiued it, but free from a thought of offending you, which I shall neuer haue as long as hea­uen shall please to keepe mee yours. And giuing mee the paper she was silent, and I lesse confident in my securitie, resoluing thenceforward to be more warie, as hauing to contend with a powerfull opposite.

I could not but chide her for deferring the aduice, for the inconueniencie it might haue caused, since the carefull sol­licitation of a new Suiter, might easily discouer the affecti­on of secure Louers. But wee were soone friends, and I somewhat calmer, demanded what answere she sent by the Messenger; who replied, that first drawing another paper, fained to be the Letter out of her pocket, she tore it, threat­ning the wench withall, that her Aunt should punish her lewdnesse: with which somewhat satisfied, I tooke leaue, and going out, went to Fernando's Lodging; who when he had left mee with my Mistresse, vsed to returne home. I came to his doore as he was newly going to bed, to his no small admiration to see mee so hastily with him, though by the sadnes of my looke, he conceiued some sudden change in my affaires: After wee had saluted, and sate downe in [Page 36] his chamber, taking out Rodrigo's Letter, by the light of a white Waxe candle, I read it to my friend, and which I can neuer forget, these ensuing contents:

I thinke (noble friend) neither venimous troden Viper, or poysonous Serpent in sandie Africa, were euer so stirred with rage, as my enflamed brest, by that time I had ended my aduersaries Letter: and certainly, had not my friend caught hold on me, I had then sought him, and reuenged my furious ielousie. But my friend with reasons, worthy his wisedome and discretion, stayed mee, mitigating my vio­lent passion. Hee first throughly vnderstood the cause of my distaste, and next the Papers owner; both which consi­dered, he proceeded thus: By heauen (Gerardo) when I saw you so full of furie, I verily supposed, you had found this Letter vnwittingly about Clara, and that on her part way had beene made to some greater mischiefe: But be­ware, be not too rash, the fort is better defended then you can wish; she her selfe is her owne guide, her owne guard, what would you more? Why complaine you? Clara is [Page 37] faultlesse, Rodrigo not to be condemned: for, for each man to good himselfe the best he can, where hee knowes no de­triment to parties, or preiudice of friends, I thinke 'tis tole­rable. Not hee, nor any, saue my selfe alone, know your thoughts; so he is blameles. It concernes you to be careful, that since you haue more eyes added to your waking care, you must take heed, and for a time leaue the enioying your Mistris, till you may with more quiet obtaine your plea­sure.

These and the like reasons Fernando knew so well to lay before me, that he conuinced me to him: so (determined to follow his aduice) we tooke [...] leaue, and I betooke mee to my home and rest. Euer after (considering how waightie an occasion I had in hand) I went alwaies well armed, and hauing a new enemie, vvas not too secure in the defence of my person, purposing (if ought should happen) by way of anticipation, to be still before-hand. Fernando and I often met Rodrigo in his amorous pursuite in Clara's street early and late, vvhich made vs for feare of being discouered, va­ry more shapes then Proteus. One night amongst others, (the first of my misfortunes) Fernando and I vvere neere the windowes, and hauing taken stand, expected the houre to come that I might enter, at such time as two, muffled came towards vs; and drawing neere, were knowne to my friend; vvho turning to me, said: There goes your Riuall and his man, vvho meane to take notice of vs, (as indeed they went about it:) So that supposing it was best for vs to be gone, for feare of some ill accident, I told Fernando so much; who, though hee liked my counsell, yet was vnwil­ling vve should forsake the place, fearing lest Rodrigo might at the instant possesse it, and that Clara vnaduertised, ope­ning the window to call mee, and seeing two men there, vvithout distinction might make the signe, whereby Rodrigo [Page 38] happely would fall into the right suspition, which was suffi­cient to make vs still keepe our place. A good while wee remained thus discoursing, and Rodrigo appeared not; till at last, when lest we thought of it, we might [...]ee him passe by: for hauing fetcht a large compasse, hee came at our backes thorow the same street; which much distasted mee, and Fernando no lesse; for wee were now engaged, and though we might haue departed without beeing knowne, (disguized) yet the aforesaid occasion enforced our stay. The time of my Mistrisses approach was now neere, which Rodrigo (it seemed) little dreamt of, and made mee as fearefull as impatient, and perceiuing the like passion in my friend, seeing withall how dangerous it was for my loue to be discouered [...]nd yet how hardly it could bee auoyded without some [...]lence, we determined by dint of sword to rebate their vn [...]annerly proceeding: and vvith this reso­lution, without giuing a word, clapping aside our Clokes, and laying hands to our swords and targets, wee suddenly flue vpon them; who perceiuing our intent, with no lesse forwardnesse met vs in the encounter. Rodrigo I hated dead­ly, who falling to my lot, without warding the point of his sword I ran on, and luckily clozing, (not fauoured by my aduersaries weaknesse, for to say truth, hee was a valiant Gentleman) gaue him some wounds, at which he fell, cry­ing out for confession: which assoone as I heard, supposing I had made sure worke, I returned where I had left Fernan­do and the seruant, but found them retired further into the next street, (purposely done by my friend) where making a stand, he quickly ran my youth thorow the sword arme, and with a back-blow, sliced him ouer the noddle, leauing him to cry out as his Master had done before him. The noyse had raised many persons, as well at Segundo Octauio's win­dowes, as at the rest of the neighbourhood; from whence [Page 39] seeing some issue out, crossing thorow by-Lanes, and fly­ing from those that followed, wee soone (without beeing knowne to any) got to our Lodgings.

Rodrigo (as you heard) was a gentleman wealthy, and, well allied by blood in the Citie, so that by morning nothing was in mens mouths but this businesse: the sorrow was ge­nerall, each man heaping vp confused coniectures, but none could hit vpon the right: from himselfe nothing was to be gotten, for his wounds had made him yet senslesse, which (as we cunningly learnt) were diuers and dangerous; two especially, one that was thorow the right side of his bodie, and the other in his throte, accompanied with a terrible gash ouer the face.

My father vsed extraordinary diligence to finde out the authors, and so to punish them, but Rodrigo's man decla­ring the place, disguize, and disposition of the actors, hee was wary in his proceeding, as ghessing the businesse to haue bin premeditated, and the defamed honour of some person of equall merits interested in the same. Whilst this businesse was thus in the heate, by Fernando's aduice, in the night time, we came not into my Clara's street; and if in the day time, for my comfort I desired but to passe that way, 'twas like Capuchines, our eyes fixt on the earth; though now and then loue ouercame my feare, and would force me sometimes to looke vp for a sight of my Sunnes com­fort from her Easterne window.

Within some twenty dayes Rodrigo being vpon the men­ding hand, gaue way to his friends to visite him: Fernando and my selfe (by good prouidence) beeing not the last, nor which least frequented his Lodging: and one time amongst others, finding him alone, wee earnestly requested him to make knowne to vs the cause of that vnluckie accident; and this aswell to bee assured of Clara's loyaltie, as also to dis­semble [Page 40] the matter. But Rodrigo in a manner refusing, yet seeing my earnestnesse and my friends desire, at last he be­gan: Though it grieue me to the soule to renue the occa­sion and motiue of my wounds, yet relying on your secre­cie, I will make it knowne vnto you. It is now fully sixe moneths, that I haue beene a true frequenter of Segundo Octauio's street, and a Suiter to his Neece Clara at his house; who, in respect of her rare beauty, I suppose, is not vnknown to either of you: in all which time, I haue vsed many seue­rall diligences to make knowne my affection to her, which though she might easily haue read in my eyes, that haue ex­pressed my inward passion, (besides the shewes and tri­umphes which I haue publikely for her sake set forth) yet my paines haue beene all bootlesse, neither had I euer so much as a looke from those faire eyes for a recompence. Who but a Prodigie of nature could haue neglected those liuely and feruent demonstrations of mine? Who but she, blind to the teares that I haue shed, and deafe to my parching sighes, vvhich for her cruelty I haue scattered to the vvind? To bee briefe, all my hopes haue produc't no other fruit, then vvhat you now behold in me: for hauing assayed by diuers meanes, particularly by the sollicitation of a maid of hers, to effect my desire, I wrote vnto her by that partie, Lines, vvhich had you seene, might haue deserued some compassion, euen from a brest of Adamant. This Rodrigo so feelingly vttered, as might haue caused pitie in any lesse interested then my selfe in the businesse: and so to a diffe­rent intent, I interrupted him, saying; And receiued you Sir, any answer? if you did, me thinkes your suite should not haue beene so desperate. Marry did I, quoth he, and such an one as my seruices did merit. At this I quite lost footing, my iudgement was cleane rent off the hindges, supposing Clara now prooued false to me: but Rodrigo did [Page 41] soone ridde me of that doubt and iealousie, saying; These wounds, whose skarres you see, were my answere, and that which euer I expected: for the Messenger I imploide, ha­uing told mee I should repaire some certaine dayes after, for the resolution of my businesse to one of Segundo's win­dowes (as my vnfortunate Starres would haue it) going at the appointed time, I found two men at a corner of the street, muffled, whom I could not by any meanes I vsed force from the place, till fetching a compasse backe vpon them, I came so neere, that doubtlesse they knew me, for in­stantly they set vpon me, and gaue me these hackes, and had certainely sooner put their businesse in execution, if they had sooner knowne me, for it must needs bee, that they lay purposely in waite for me. By their valour (though it were darke, and they disguised) I ghessed them to bee per­sons of quality▪ Since my hurts, I came to notice of my Let­ters hard vsage, and how Clara threatned the Maid that de­liuered it; wherby I suppose, that Segundo Octauio hauing no­tice of what passed, caused some of his kindred to watch me. But heauen hath been pleased to free me from their murde­rous intent, and ere long I hope to be abroad, & not to want the help of friends that may returne them the like.

Gentle Sir, said Fernando, 'tis no fit circumstance you haue declared, to confirme your rash determination; for Segundo Octauio (besides his pacifique goodnesse) is dis­creet (as we all know:) and put case Clara should informe, or he beleeue his Neece, hee is not a man to bee moued so slightly, to the execution of such bloudy rigour; besides, neither he, nor any one vvould presume that you vvould make court to any Pledge of his, otherwise, then to make her a Wife: & therfore giue no credit to a rash opinion, or ill grounded suspition. I am at such a passe (quoth the sicke vvounded Gentleman) that though I haue had these, and [Page 42] other considerations I am not to bee blamed, if I thinke or speake what you haue heard. In fine if vvhat I haue told you, touching Segundo, should be otherwise; it must bee, that either this Dame, or her kins-woman had their Gal­lants vvhom it concerned, to turne mee out of the street; and it shall goe hard, (if Heauen fauour me) but one day I may meete vvith them. Ah (thought I to my selfe) 'twas a vvise fellow therefore, that said; Better kill an enemy, then let him liue with a wrong: and had I (as lay in my power) done so, I had neuer (friend Leriano) seene my selfe in this lamentable vvretched plight, in which your charitable pre­sence found me. And before we left Rodrigo, he thinking his owne distastes were irkesome to vs, desired to giue vs a pleasing farewell in this following Sonnet, vvhich hee had made to expresse the rigour of his danger.

In these Discourses we past a great part of the afternoon; when at length, taking leaue of Rodrigo, my deare friend and I marched to my Mistresses streete; debating by the [Page 43] way, of the mischiefe our enemie might doe vs, in the curi­ousnesse of his reuenge, if happely time did not alter his minde. For this cause therefore, said Fernando, it vvere fit you talked vvith Clara, and contriued some better course for the priuacie of your secret meetings. This, (said I) and my not knowing vvhether the past skirmish haue caused a­ny alteration in Segundo Octauio's house, makes mee melan­cholly, and vnsauoury to my selfe; this night therefore without doubt must I be resolued.

'Twere well (said he) your desire could take effect, though, for Clara to come to the window, vvithout any aduertise­ment, I hold it very difficult. Let vs but goe thither (quoth I) and perhaps my desire alone may bring her, and that which fals not out to day, may to morrow happen better.

Without thinking on our way, and busie in discourse, wee vvere (ere aware) got into my Mistresses streete, when my selfe (not thinking to be so happie) lifting vp my eyes toward the window, might see my Mistris leaning on the grate as sad and pensatiue as I vvas vpon the way: she beckened me with her hand to stay; wherefore most ioy­fully obeying, Fernando and I stood talking, and making as if we looked another way, till Clara returning to the vvin­dow, brought a paper in her hand, and looking to see if the street were cleere of Spies, cast it downe; when taking it vp, and withall a short leaue, we got vs two or three streets off, where opening the Ticket, I might reade these Contents.

I know not (deare loued Sir) what excuse you can make, for so long forgetfulnesse; neither can I attaine to the cause, that your most firme and true Slaue hath giuen you, wor­thy such rigour, so great crueltie. 'Tis now twenty dayes since I last saw you, and two thousand yeeres that my soule longs for you. May I deserue this night to see you, and know from your owne lips, what mortall dislaste keepes you from me.

[Page 44] Scantnesse of time (quoth Fernando) hath made her for­get to firme her name: to which (said I.) Thinkes my best friend, that these lines haue not fuell sufficient to adde to the flame that consumes me? I am all sadnesse, till I satisfie her for my slacknesse. I vvonder (replide hee) that Clara should be ignorant, how important our absence is, though loue be painted blinde, and a very child, runnes thorow all hazzards, euen to cast his followers headlong.

By this time it grew to be night, and Moone-shine; so by the accustomed time, we went toward the street, where we found my Mistris in expectation; and looking about vs, to see if all were sure, with my friends vsuall helpe, I mounted, and taking my afflicted Mistris in mine Armes, soone satisfide her vniust complaints; telling her withall, how impossible it was, to auoid the late encounter. Shee gaue me to vnderstand how much that businesse had scan­daliz'd her friends, and how vehement Segundo's suspition was, that the cause of Rodrigo's vvounds liued in his house, and other matters to this purpose that much troubled me: though desperate loue that bereaued me of my vnderstan­ding faculties, made me set slightly by all accidents, and determined still to goe on in my loue, tooke leaue for the present, willing her thence-forward (to excuse such another bickering) that though she chanced to see any body vnder her window, she should neither call, nor make signe, till she perceiued the pulling out of a Handkerchiefe: so find­ing Fernando, who stayed for me, we returned to our seue­rall homes.

In this manner, I repaired many nights after to my Mi­stresses shelter: but variable fortune, that began to shew her vsuall condition, holding it high time to cast me from the Throne, whither, to make my fall the greater, she had raised me, would not that my delights should any longer proceed [Page 45] in the same calmenesse, that hitherto, and therefore bred a curious itching in the imagination of some neighbour, who, busied with thinking of the past conflict, his superflu­ous diligence gaue him an open view of my night-walke, and frequent entrance, which soone after, began to be com­mon talke in euery mans mouth; howsoeuer, I presumed vpon the secret: and one time amongst others, being care­lesse enough of any such matter, my good friend, taking me by the hand, told me how necessarie it was, to endeuour by all possible meanes, that the prosecution of our loues might be by some more hidden place; or, if this could not bee, that I should resolutely suffer; or altogether retire my selfe from Clara's friendship: for in the contrary, he fore-saw a Tragicall euent.

I much wondred, and was not a little angry at the speech: and so requested him to tell me plainely the cause that mo­ued him to this harsh counsell, to forget her, without whom it was impossible for me to breathe a minut longer: and speaking this somewhat passionately: Fernando per­ceiuing my sudden alteration, with his accustomed discreti­on thus stayed me: Friend Gerardo; If my true affection, and that you are perswaded of it, did not fully credit my intention, I would not so (rudely as you may thinke) diuert you from the dangerous course you hold; nor giue you those particular motiues I haue for doing so. If your loue, egresse, time, place, and each circumstance were not pub­like, I should not aduise you against what were iust & due to your Mistresses faith. Your loues, indeed (that you goe in & out at Clara's Chamber) are euery where notorious: Many haue told me so much, (though I fained to know no­thing;) we are both forewarned, you are wise: thinke this to be a happy lot: and chiefly, my Gerardo, beleeue that my care is onely of your safety: for, for mine owne part, [Page 46] if your minde bee to proceed, I must not leaue you till death. So he ended, leauing me in the confusion you may wel imagine. Doubt of my friend I had none, no more had I any answer. I heard how reasonably he spoke, and percei­ued how fit it was I should follow reason: on the other side, her affection was so rooted in me, that but to thinke time might (as a thing mortall and perishable) consume it, strooke me into an Extasis of extremities. It was (mee thought) impossible to leaue her; nay, the least thought of her: so with a deepe sigh, sprung from my secret soule, I thus answered. My heart (best friend) hath not felt a blow of more wounding paine, then your reasons haue giuen it; besides, the despaire of remedy, hath brought mee to that wofull passe I know not what to say. I see a miserable and aduerse ruine threatens my affaires, nor finde I so much as a Prop, to stay vp my weake frame. I see I runne headlong, that my thoughts, my discourses, are all to pieces, and my cleere Iudgement, formerly guided by reason, now faint and feeble without a Superiour power: though I know this to be most true, yet know I not how to follow what you aduize.

Well, this night will I see whether Clara can light vpon any better sally for our businesse, and accordingly must we shape our course. With this resolution (day passing on) Fernando tooke leaue till the prefixed time, by when wee came better prouided, then formerly to my Mistresses street.

The night was as cleere and calme as might be; so deafe and husht, as bred in me a most secure confidence. Euery thing (me thought) fadged to the measure of my desire, as hauing neuer found lesse lets, fewer inconueniences: for where misfortune must come, till she be euen at hand, all is broad high-way, and delightsome passage. Clara stayed [Page 47] longer then she was vsed to doe; insomuch that I was once about to haue turned back; but the Dice were cast, and I must stand to my vnluckie chance. So at last she appeares, and (the Signall giuen (vp I got; and being with her, with­out scruple gaue my selfe to her embraces, & those Armes whose close culling made mee mad with ioy. Yet I haue since thought with my selfe how disquieted and troubled I found her when she would speake to mee; for she would breake off abruptly in the midst of her discourse: Or when I asked her a question, shee would answere quite from the purpose. Yet blinded with my too true affection, I per­ceiued not her deceitfull hugges, nor marked those cun­ning accidents. At first she desired mee to vndresse my selfe; and this, more earnestly then at other times, yea, with such importunitie, that any one, not mad like mee, had doubtlesse knowne her diuellish minde. A while (seeing my vnwillingnes) she left importuning, but plyed me againe, & not long after desired to take of my strong, sure (which she called troublesome) Coate of Maile; for her ease (forsooth) and though in these, and other strange demands, I satisfide her, my brest could not harbour the least suspition, to think they were in my preiudice. When I consider this Wo­mans base intention, it maketh me rage like a mad-man, and call on Heauen for vengeance, for my ill recompenced af­fection. But assuredly (friend Leriano) shee will not faile of a due reward, that hangs ouer her disloyall treacherous head.

To returne to my Story, not passing halfe an houre had I beene with her whom I tooke to bee my greatest treasure, surest refuge: when with an vnlookt-for noise I might heare the doores fly off the Hindges, and ready to start vp at the sudden accident (as thinking now what might be the mat­ter) it might well haue gone ill with me: for Clara closely [Page 48] imbracing me, (I at length perceiuing her treacherie) be­fore I could vnfasten my selfe from her, her Vnkle, and most of his seruants, were vpon mee, with more Armes and noise, then were fit to endanger a tender Youth of eighteene: So, that perceiuing the extreme danger I was in; and thinking to haue laid hold vpon a Pistoll at my gir­dle, I might see Clara haue it in her hand; wherefore kno­wing my ruine, and hearing her Vnkle cry, Kill him, Kill him: drawing my Sword, and recouering the doore by which I was to passe, in spight of all that withstood mee, I leaped out of the window into the street, helped onely with the butt of a Halberd, that made me come sooner to the ground, leauing my Hat, Cloke and Pistoll as spoiles be­hind me. As soone as I got vpon my legges, I bade Fer­nando (who heard all that passed) follow me; and in a trice Bird-like wee vanished.

I could not bragge of my escape, hauing layne in after­wards almost a moneths time of my hurts, with a cut in my Head, and a thrust into the Groine, which growing as then cold and stiffe vpon me, Fernando was forced to take me on his backe, and like another Anchises, conuey me to a Monastery of Dominican Fryers, where I was charitably receiued, and cured. Fernando at my request (for I feared to make him accessarie) went home to his lodging.

When this misfortune hapned, my Fathers trienniall Gouernment was expired, and hee summoned to giue ac­count of his behauiour to a seuere Iudge, appointed (as the manner is) by the supreme Counsell. This party cau­sed much search to be made, for the finding me out: and after many diligences vsed, there wanted not a Spy to in­forme him of the truth; so that notwithstanding the breach of Sacred priuiledge; and the protestations the Fryers made against him, he caused me to be fetcht in, and in a [Page 49] close Chaire, conueyed to a strong hold, where with suffi­cient guard he left me Prisoner. My louing Father much resenting this affront (though setting a good face on the matter) procured by aggrauations, censures, and excom­munication, that I might be restored again to the Church, against which, much was alledged; and what in proofes and seuerall orders, I endured a tedious imprisonment.

All this while I could not light vpon the true cause, that so seduced Clara against me, whose declaration firmed vn­der her owne hand, was shewed me by my Brother Leoncio to my greater confusion: in which, shee not onely accused me, but pretended also a Rape; and that (because shee sought to defend her selfe) I had violently set a Dagger to her brest; for feare of which (promise of marriage prece­ding on my part) shee was content to condiscend to my pleasure; (a thing so contrary as you haue heard, and Hea­uen can witnesse from the truth.) To this was added the breach of the house, and other circumstances, that left my businesse vpon so foule termes, that had not the holy Sanctuarie beene interposed, my life had been dangerously hazzarded.

The deposition of that rauenous Viper, was most fear­fully cruell, intended onely to glut her selfe with my bloud. The Paper I had in mine owne hand, and though I knew it to bee hers, I could scarce giue credit to mine eyes, as thinking they wanted their visible facultie. I vvas astonisht, amazed, my Iudgement vtterly lost, and in this moode requested those that vvere in my company to leaue me; and casting my selfe on my Bed, the most part of that day I spent in pittifull lamentation, growing vvith my griefe so desperate, that had I not stood in awe of a more eternall punishment, I should haue made quicke rid­dance of this fraile mortall life. At length considering I [Page 50] was a Christian, and how vnworthy she was of this my re­sentment, I determined for euer to blot her abhorred re­membrance out of my thoughts, as you may well perceiue in the insuing Sonnet.

Some two moneths after my imprisonment, my father vnderstanding the change of my affection, leauing my busi­nesse vpon indifferent termes, and my Brother Leoncio with me, with his seruants and the rest of his Family went back to Madrid.

My stormes & shipwracke ceased not heere, rather from this instant took new beginning: for within a while after my Father came to the Court, it pleased Heauen to take him to mercy, bereauing me of my greatest worldly felicitie. As soone as newes was brought vs, my Brother straight tooke Post. And though now in Talbora wee had many friends, whom as wel my Father, as Leoncio and my selfe had purcha­sed: yet I soone felt and bewailed his absence; for when he was gone, Rodrigo declared himselfe my open enemie, and my Brother and me for Authors of his wounds. There wanted not some friends of mine, that mightily opposed him, and he that neuer failed me, was the good Fernando, in [Page 51] whose discreet conuersation I found comfort in midst of my extremities; it was not the least that afflicted me, that Clara should againe put me in minde of her, by vvriting a Letter full of deceitfull excuses, & reasons wanting all foun­dation. Shee would haue indeed qualified her proceeding, and the manner of her confession. For the first, that she was betrayde by her kindred, who perswaded her, that, to be the onely way to soulder her lost honour, and to make mee her Husband, which I had promised her, as she (though falsely) affirmed. For the latter, she was enforest for feare of death, if she did not something to mitigate her past fault, by con­fessing in that manner against me. Yet the circumstances of my wounds, & her disposing them, on one side dis-arming me, on the other with new extremes securing me, the better to betray me into her friends clutches; these she could nei­ther salue, nor free her selfe from a vehement suspition; that, either frighted, or conuinced by her friends, she consented with them to my death, and the reuenge of her amorous wrong; whicst failing in the effect, accommodating them­selues to the time, they were forced to direct her in the way of my imprisonment: And though as yet this my suspition may seeme slight, by what followes you shall bee satisfide; since Clara in her after actions not onely confirmed it, but gaue further testimonies of her incontinency: for had shee been loyall, nothing could haue made her seeke my destru­ction; and were this pardonable, her libidinous leuity, how can that free her from blame? I will not (Noble friend) an­ticipate my griefes, with those wofull Lawes, you shal heare in my Relation; and therefore haue patience, till each cir­cumstance come in it's proper ranke and place: Let mee onely tell you, that her Letter so stirred my offended brest, that hurried on with such a violent choler, I sent her a per­petual abhorring answer on the back side of it, as followeth.

I know, such an enemie might deserue the bitterest fare­vvell that could be, at least what I wrote, was enough to de­terre her from prosecution, or persecuting vvith her vexing Lines. Not long after, my brother Leoncio seeing how slowly my affaires vvent on, determined at last to put in ex­ecution, vvhat he had long before purposed, but for dis­quieting [Page 53] my mother: and so hauing beforehand giuen mee notice, vpon Twelfe-dayes Eue, he came vvith a couple of horses to the Castle gate, and leauing a trustie seruant to tend them, came vp staires, vvhere I was expecting: and hauing seene him, nothing slacke to fetch a sword secretly hidden in my chamber; and so amongst the Keepers wee [...] from whom vve soone freed our selues; for they vn­willing to hazard where the profit was small, and the dan­ger great, calling out for helpe onely in the Kings name, ranne hastily into the street: So leaping into our Saddles, we soone left the Citie behind vs, onely I got my man vp be­hind me: at what time the Towne was euen now comming to the Keepers ayde vpon vs. That night, by the vvay to­ward Toledo, before morning vvee got to a Village called Ocea, where my brother had the greatest part of his Lands and inheritance. There, more securely, and free from the delayes of a lingring suite, some persons of qualitie media­ting, we began to take the speediest course to end my busi­nesse; and being in some likelihood of agreement, the sud­den death of Captaine Escobar, Clara's father, marred all, our treaties and conditions for the time (as then) breaking off. Some moneth after this, I vnderstood by a Letter from my loyall Fernando, how Clara one night had stolne out of Segundo's house, to the old Gentlemans great sorrow, and whole Cities scandall; and the more, vvhen (all diligence vsed) there could be no tidings had of her. Touching this vnexpected accident, my friend vvrote mee diuers aduer­tisements, vvhich bred no small trouble to me, musing what violent fancie might mooue her to such a leuitie and mad­nesse: neither vvas I perfectly my selfe, supposing, that vvhen I least suspected, I should see her enter my Lodging: so that fearing such an accident, vvithin two dayes after, I resolued on a iourney to the Citie of Valldolid; whither [Page 54] some yeeres before, the Court vvas remooued, from the ancient seat, my loued Countrey. The aforesaid doubt clapt quicke spurres to my desire, vvhich made mee leaue Ocea, taking a faithfull seruant Senabria vvith mee, vvhom I much affected. I omit some ill-boding signes that that day happened to mee: and though I vvere neuer that vvay su­perstitious, yet had I obserued, that vvhen being out of the towne in a plaine field, my horse stumbled and threw mee, I had neuer falne into the cruell and trecherous hands of mine enemies. But returning to my iourney, about Sun­set we trampled on the fiery flints of the ancient Mantua, leauing behind vs, on the fertile bankes of golden Tagus, and hidden Xarama, that rare celestial Aranjuez, viewing by those famous and Christall streames, the dry and withe­red flowers, how as well they, as the other, accompanied the swift and celebrated Mansanares, vvho in his low siluer margent, strewed in his parched Priuet, Trifol, Iuniper, and Veruine, the teares hee had distilled for the absence of his great Master: The very snowie cragges, and staring moun­taine Guadarrama tearing it selfe; for euen rockes and in­sensible creatures, vvith their mourning made knowne their sorrow for so vndeserued a change. And to deale truly, my eyes accompanied the sad streames with teares: which ef­fect was increast, by seeing the desart streetes, vnfurnisht Market-places, doores turn'd to mud-walles, houses disin­habited, Barres broken, and Bay-windowes dammed vp, all topsie-turuie, all euen a Chaos of frightfull confusion; mourning, farewels, sighing and grieuing: so that I stood vpon thornes till I was gotten from my ruined Troy: And hauing seene my mother and home, the next day by Sunne-rising, I turned my backe to the Village, trauelling on faire and softly, accompanied with a world of people, that left the motherlesse forsaken Court: for so in misery, mens [Page 55] owne children, euen their owne flesh leaue them.

No sooner was I out of the intangling Groue of the Kings royall House called Del Campo, when one of a reaso­nable handsomnesse ouertooke mee, riding vpon a wel-pa­ced, flea-bitten horse; who saluting vs, asked mee, if I tra­uelled toward Valladolid; and telling him, I did: expressing some signes of gladnesse, he told me he went the same way; and that (if so I pleased) would bee glad of my company. I that desired nothing more, (for hee seemed a good fellow by his fashion) with no lesse courtesie returned my accep­tance, and we agreed. That day we dined at a little Vil­lage; where finding house-roome and Victuals scarce, after we had a little rested, (fearing to light vpon no better con­ueniencie for lodging at night) I commanded Senabria to make haste before to the Hill-towne, and take vp lodging early for vs: and my companion that counselled him to this, hastening him forward, obteined his desire: so wee two remaining alone in the coole of the euening, then took horse & went on our way: and amongst other discourse, my companion demanded accidentally (as it were) of me, if I had euer trauelled that way before. I answered, not; not dreaming of the plot prepared for mee; which fell out pat for him, as to mee vnfortunately. It grew to bee towards night, when my guide leading on in a blind path, I suppo­sing we were out of the rode-way, told him so much: his answer was, that this was a shorter cut to the Towne whi­ther we were to goe; with vvhich way, out of long experi­ence, and often iourneying, hee was vvell acquainted. Be­hind me I might heare some trampling of horses; and ther­fore thought what he affirmed vvas true, and so beleeued it. This foolish confidence made mee vvholly lose that ayme, which one encompassed with so late troublesome af­faires might haue had: for in stead of that warinesse with [Page 56] vvhich I vsed to be fore-armed, not considering now with vvhat vigilancie mine enemies might come vpon me, I ran my selfe into a thicket with one I knew not, and in a Coun­trey I was vnacquainted with. But my misfortune was di­rected by a superiour power, and it was not possible for me to auoid it. Let mee tell you, Signior Leriano, wee had scarce trauelled a short league in the narrow path, when three on horsebacke ouertooke vs; which, to my seeming, were the same that a good while followed vs behind. My companion went somewhat aloofe, so that I remained in midst of the foure, encompassed on both sides with the close darke Mountaine: and thus we went silently on, till night came on vs; and when I least thought of the future successe, I might heare my selfe called by my name: and certainely (were it not ridiculous to thinke so) I should sweare, it was the very voyce of Clara I heard; and with the sudden alteration this apprehension begat in me, about to turne my horse, my trecherous companion turned his vpon me more nimbly, and before I was aware, strucke fiercely at me: the blow (doubtlesse) saued my life; for cutting my horses raines, when I looked about, I had nothing left to guide him with, so the other three had leysure to fasten some wounds vpon me: yet standing with my sword to my defence, as well as I was able, one of the three (whom by the falling off of his Vizard, I knew to be Rodrigo) dischar­ged a Pistoll; but Heauen was pleased to keepe the bullet from me; which (I suppose) wounded my horse: for the beast at the very instant, (I vnable for want of a Bridle to rule him) like a whirl-wind rusht into those brakes and thic­kets; and (though they followed) ranne so fast, that 'twas impossible to ouertake him: or happely they imagined his owner was deadly wounded; for I my selfe too thought so, perceiuing my spirits faile me, and my extreme fainting, [Page 57] with which (I remember) I fell from my horse, and so re­mained, till such time as I found my selfe in your company: and that which makes mee most wonder, is, you [...] finding me so farre from the Mountaine, in the mid-way to this ci­tie, on such a kind of Cariage as you described: whereby I ghesse, that some or other before your arriuall, began to do me that charitable office, though to be left in such ma­ner, quite passeth my intelligence; onely assured I am of your most affectionate care, for which I owe the seruice of my vnfortunate life, as restored by your selfe (next heauen) to your vnhappy seruant. Here Gerardo ended his dolefull relation, whom Leriano re-embrac't, and condoling with him his hard successe; teares standing in his eyes, hee thus cuts him off: No more ceremonies betwixt vs, deare Sir, your mishaps make me as compassionate, as desirous to helpe you (as I haue promised) in your reuenge. Cer­taine I am (quoth he) that be it neuer so bitter on the trai­tour Rodrigo, none will condemne mee, time onely must produce the euent; for as yet, I think it best to dissemble my wrongs.

Gerardo's long discourse had made it time for his friend and him to suppe; which ended, and they passing the rest of the night in sleepe, assoone as it was day, their Oast awa­ked them, wishing them to get vp, if they pleased to see the execution of three famous prisoners in the Citie: which when Leriano heard, hee demanded what their crime was, but the Oast could giue them no certaine knowledge; on­ly he said, the common report was, that for a strange rob­bery they had committed: vvhereupon the two calling a seruant for their Clothes, and mine Oast seeing their care to rise, told them they need not make so much haste, for that they were to passe by his doore, and hee would giue them notice: not long after they might see an infinit num­ber, [Page 58] and some religious persons, passe by the window; and amongst them, the wretched delinquents; behinde them followed a reasonable handsome Youth well clad, making most extreme moane: and the two Gentlemen looking somewhat wistly on him, he vvas presently knowne to Ge­rardo: for you must know, that this vvas the loued Senabria, vvhom (if you remember) the afternoone before his mis­fortune, he sent before to take vp lodging; vvhich when he had done, and seeing his Master came not, neither imagi­ning vvhat might cause his so long stay, presaging some disastrous accident, before day-breake, hee returned backe the vvay he came; asking as many as he met withall, for his lost Master. As fortune vvould, at length a poore shep­herd crossed the same way that Senabria came; vvho hea­ring his demand, to his no small admiration, told him, that not passing an houre before, he saw certaine men dragged out of the Mountaine, and carried by a troupe of Keepers and Country fellowes, with their armes bound (as priso­ners) to a Village some two leagues from that place; and the reason (as hee heard) was, that in the thicket they had killed a Gentleman for his Mony; who (it seemed) had o­uer-night lost his way on horsebacke: which vvhen the af­flicted Youth vnderstood, crying out like one distracted, & beleeuing 'twas his Master they had slaine, without more enquiry of the shepherd, he spurred his horse what vvay he with his hand directed him. The fellow that thus informed Senabria, was not mistaken, if you call to mind the three compassionate shepherds, that in the beginning of this Discourse, vve left rushing into the thicket, followed by those rude and sauage Mountainiers: they could not so nimbly escape, but that before day-breake, (being shrewd­ly baited) in spite of their teeths, they were by their perse­cuters taken; and some of these barbarous people that [Page 59] were scattered to and fro in quest of them, lighted on the horse, which the night before had frighted the poore pri­soners, and others returning to the selfe-same place, where Gerardo fell, seeing the ground and green grasse enamelled with fresh blood, could not but be troubled at the nouelty: and desirous to know more, prying about the neere trees, they found a laced Cloke, and faire embroidered Hat, with a naked hackt sword; at which their wonder increasing, vvithout farther search, they ranne to the rest of their com­pany, who by this time with much ado, had seized vpon the poore horse; which they might easily doe, by reason of the Pistoll-shot and wound that now grew stiffe vpon him: they also vvere amazed to see the spoyles that their cōpani­ons brought, & were now all of opinion, that their prisoners had robbed & slaine the owner of them for his goods; and though the poore innocent men with the truth would haue giuen their discharge, 'tvvas but lost labour to those barba­rous people; and though some vvere their kindred and al­lies, yet for feare of the Keepers, and the hainousnesse of their crimes, they durst not set them at libertie: so that, deafe to all pittie, vvith cryes and outrage, they dragged them on, at what time the vvofull Senabria, hasting as spee­dily as his sorrow would permit him, hearing the noyse, and directed by those rascals clamours, without the thicket o­uertooke, and hauing saluted them, asked the hindermost touching his charge; but he straight knew the swift horse, that was now led by one of them, and with a grieuous scrieke, bereaued of his sences, he fell to the ground, inso­much that some of them which vvere neerest, going to helpe him, flew backe; seeing that, quickly raised, with his sword in hand, he ranne towards them, crying out to shew him the villaines that had slaine his Master. Whereupon the Keepers had no small ado to pacifie him: but at last [Page 60] with foure of those fellowes that were skilfullest (hauing promised to reward them) he went backe to looke for him whom hee now accounted in another world: but vnable to finde the least tracke of him, he tooke his way toward Se­gouia, where giuing notice to the Gouernour of the Citty, of what passed within his iurisdiction, and also making knowne who the murdered party was, without taking any rest, hee trauelled all that night, and the next day arriued at the widdow Gerardo's mothers house, who (as you heard) liued in Madrid. Heere was mourning indeed, true sor­row, penetrating sighes, sad groanes, from the wofull Gen­tlewoman, whose heart euen bled, while others eyes ran teares.

With all speed shee dispatcht a Messenger to her vali­ant sonne Leoncio, who was still at his Village of Ocea, where hee and all thereabouts with new teares celebrated their sorrow and the sad newes: but the louing Brother, know­ing that such tendernesse vvas not the vvay to his reuenge, vvith infinite speed taking continual Postes, arriued at Sego­uia, where he was by Don Manuel de Oxanto, the Cities Go­uernour, more particularly informed of the Tragicall suc­cesse, and also that the homicides (innocents indeed) were in fast hold. Leoncio now present, and strong euidence brought in against them, shortly after they were put vpon the Racke, and their courages failing, all three plainly con­fessed as much as was required of them, and were legally condemned to suffer for the fact, and carrying them thorow the streets to the place of execution, as their good lucke, or rather innocency vvould haue it, the vvounded Gerardo knowing his trusty Senabria, astonisht at his vncre­dible moane, caused a seruant with all haste to call him; vvhich vvhen the afflicted Youth heard, (for hee well knew Gerardo's tongue) hee cast vp his eyes, and seeing him in [Page 61] the window, stood stocke still, like one in an extasie, stirring neither hand nor foote. But comming quickly to him­selfe, leauing hat and cloake in midst of the streete, hee ran and prostrated himselfe at Gerardo's feete, who was now gotten downe to the Inne dore, vvhere an infinite compa­ny of people were flocked about them, that drawne thither by the nouelty of Senabria's extremes, drew neere to see what would bee the issue of the matter. And is it possible (said the faithfull seruant, crying out) that you are my be­loued Gerardo? Is it true that my eyes behold you, my hands feele you, and eares heare your loued voyce? Oh deare Master, and are you that dead hee, whose losse hath beene so much deplored by your kindred, seruants and friends? Yet why doubt I, since these hands touch, and eyes not blinde really behold you? Heauen, that hath had compassion on your misfortunes, hath discouered the tray­trous villaines that vvould haue slaine you, allotting a iust punishment vnto them.

These, and such Phrases vsed Senabria, moued by extre­mity of ioy, at the sight of his Master, who vvondring to heare vvhat hee said, touching the Authors of his wounds, thinking they were apprehended, retyring to his Chamber with the noble Andasusian Gentleman, his friend; hee de­manded more particularly of him vvhat hee knew touch­ing the businesse? who declaring to him all that hath been formerly related, knowing in vvhat danger the poore inno­cent men vvere, vvith teares in his eyes, full of soft com­passion, hauing (as well as his vvounds vvould giue him leaue) gotten on horsebacke, and Leriano likewise, they hasted out of the Inne, and galloping on, with their good speed saued the poore Shepheards liues, that were now at the Gallowes foote.

When the Officers of Iustice saw this troope with ser­uants [Page 62] and others that followed them, thinking they meant to haue disturbed the fatall execution, crying out for helpe in the Kings name, they went to oppose them, wher­by no small vproare arose in the Market-place, and whole Cittie; which comming to the Gouernours eare, he came, accompanied with many Gentlemen; and amongst them, the noble Leoncio, into the place; where hearing the iust demand of the two friends, they began to bee in more quietnesse, and Leoncio hauing knowne his Brother with open armes, bathing his cheekes in ioyfull teares, on horsebacke all as he was, ran to imbrace him, and after him the discreete Don Manuel, and the rest of the Gentlemen in order: and so Gerardo's declaration being taken (in all saue discouering Rodrigo) and the Shepheards also telling in what manner they found him, and vpon what termes they left him: Their innocence knowne, to the great ioy of the two Brothers, as also of the worthy Gouernour, and whole Citie, they were stripped out of their mournfull weeds, and were carried to Don Manuels house, where Leoncio also lodged, and by Gerardo's bounty, they were carefully cu­red of the hurt they receiued vpon the Racke, and after by him plentifully rewarded for their trouble, and losses. The two Brothers consulted next how they might be reuenged; but thought it best to deferre it for the present, giuing their enemies first leaue to bee secure. And taking leaue of the Gouernour and the Gentlemen of that famous Citie, they trauelled toward Madrid, (where by this time the happy newes was diu [...]lged) and with them the good Leriano, who importuned by his friends could not but consent to the Iourney.

Being arriued, consider how her fortunate Gerardo might be welcommed by his Mother, who hugged him like one newly raised from death, and with no lesse loue, at least, [Page 63] with like demonstration his Andaluzian restorer, to whom the whole family with vnspeakable ioy applide themselues. But fortune that loues no long quiet, would not that this ioy should long continue in Gerardo's ioyfull mansion, who with his deare friend was the happiest man (as he thought) aliue, expecting shortly the returne of his Brother Leoncio, that with some friends and kinsmen of his, were gone to the Village of Ocea, to prepare some sports and pastimes for Leriano's entertainment.

One night amongst others, the two friends wanting Le­oncio's company hauing retired to bedward sooner then their accustomed houre, about the dead of night, (the whole houshold asleepe) the two, vvhen they least dreamt of any such thing, were beset and apprehended by a Iudge; vvhō, with store of officers, the supreame Councel had sent to that purpose; which exceedingly amazed them, though their innocēce made them couragiously to suffer the blow. The subtile Iudge straight bestowed thē in seuerall Prisons; and to auoid delayes, without giuing them time once to deliberate, examined Gerardo, laying to his charge his ene­my Roderigo's death, and his intent likewise to haue slaine Clara, with such sharpe and bitter language as extreamely troubled the poore Gentleman, not so much for the blou­dy crime laid to his charge, as for that the Iudge told him Clara had beene married to his trecherous enemie; for though hee were dead and shee long agoe giuen ouer, yet such was his rage and vnreasonablenesse of iealousie, a pas­sion that pardons not the dead. To vvhat was vrged a­gainst him, hee knew no better answer then the story of his owne wounds and Roderigo's treachery, alleaging with­all how much more iustly he might haue vsed his best dili­gence against the other, since his wickednesse and basenesse [Page 64] deserued it: these and the like reasons hee vttered, which euen satisfide, or at least somewhat abated the seueritie of the rigorous Iudge.

Touching Clara he spoke indifferently, as not onely ig­norant of her marriage, but whether she were aliue or no: yet he was still kept in strong hold, with store of Keepers a­bout him, whilst the cunning & actiue Iudge in the meane time busied himselfe in priuy searches, sifting of witnesses and the like. But these exquisite endeuours had all proou'd fruitlesse, if heauen (when they least expected) had not mar­uellously discouered the whole businesse.

The loyall Fernando, Gerardo's intimate friend, arruing with heauy newes, he brought from Talbora, dispersed these clouds, that thus blinded them in amazement and igno­rance; who casting his valorous armes about his impriso­ned friends necke; and with his ancient past loue, arming him to patience, sitting him downe betwixt the compassio­nate Andaluzian, and the Noble Leoncio now returned from Ocea, with his knowne stayednesse and modestie, hee thus began:

As soone, my Gerardo (as you had left my Country and me) I endeuoured like a true friend, to doe my best deuoir in your absence and seruice, seeking to pierce and discouer the impenetrable designes and stratagems of your Aduer­saries, chiefely Rodrigo, and to giue you frequent aduertise­ment by Letters; and amongst other things (if you remem­ber I wrote you of the dayly visits, night-walkes, and extra­ordinarie diligence he vsed in Clara's seruice, more eagerly, and with more passion, then at any time formerly. Where­vpon Captaine Escouar her father dying, to the whole Cit­ties great admiration, one night shee was missing in her Vnkles house, and consequently Rodrigo in his, some nine or ten dayes after this, hapned the sorrowfull newes of your [Page 65] treacherous death was bruted in Talbora for certain, which I at that time much bewailed, suspecting no other to bee the Author of it then Rodrigo: and to this presumption, the shortnesse of his returne serued as a stronger motiue, toge­ther with his marriage: for, taking Clara out of a Monaste­rie, where he gaue out she was put by his order; seeking to effect his desire, he was much withstood by all his friends: but he saying he married Gerardo's widdow, passing through all inconueniences, made vp the match, and all vs his ac­quaintance to wonder, considering what wee knew of her infamie: Some sixe weekes since wee heard of your reco­uerie, and not passing three, Rodrigo was found dead in his bed, with seuen deepe and dangerous wounds, and his wife by him with two in her brest, crying grieuously out, that you vvere, the bloudy homicide. All Rodrigo's people were presently clapt vp, and the High-wayes laid for you; the poore seruants had the Rack, to know vvhich of them gaue you entrance into the house. Neither had they till this time ceased tormenting them, had not Clara, finding her selfe mortally vvounded (willing to excuse the neuer-dy­ing death of her soule, aduised by her Confessor) told the [...] cause of that horrible disaster, and the rest; of which she made an admirable declaration, beginning from your first loues, and proceeding to the cause for vvhich with so much rigour you left her, she said, That seeing how much she vvas by you despised, and how impossible it vvas for her to returne to your fauour (these things forcing her to a despaire) she conuerted that loue and affection, which till then she had borne you into mortall hatred (so much the greater, by how much our loues are violent) and so looking to nothing more then a bloudy reuenge, shee vsed as an instrument, the bold brest of the offended Rodrigo, of vvhose loue she vvas confident, being as then more earnest­ly [Page 66] then euer courted by him: and therefore sending se­cretly for him; (all comforts, promises, and teares that his desire could vvish preceding) shee proposed the busi­nesse, telling him how much shee was bound to him, and onely deferred her recompence, till shee saw what might become of her Husband Gerardo, (that name she still af­forded you) saying, that you (as the onely let remoued) she forthwith protested to bee his Wife, giuing him her hand to boote: besides this (though to so blinde a Louer any part of this had been sufficient) she put him in minde of his disgracefull hurts, the more to incense him, and withall of your securenesse that made the matter so much the more facile: which effected, without preiudice to her honour, she might yeeld her selfe to his pleasure.

At this Rodrigo sufficiently incited, and stirred vp with the remembrance of his wounds, without further de­laies, & with a determined courage, promised to fulfil her commands, though in the accomplishment hee lost both honor, life and fortunes: and so thorowly agreed, she resol­ued to commit her self to Rodrigo's company, as the insuing night she did; and a few dayes after with three seruants, tall fellowes, and well-armed, they rode towards your Vil­lage of Ocea, where hauing enquired after you, and hearing you were to goe to the Court, keeping alwayes in kenning, they followed you to Madrid, which place you left, after you had seene and taken leaue of your loued Mother; and being on your way, neere the Kings House Del Campo, one of the seruants came into your company, whom trusting as your guide, you were by him conducted that night, into the traine that was laid for your death, (her husband and the rest of his seruants, setting vpon you in that rough and thicke Mountaine) where (she also present) they left [Page 67] you, to their thinking, slain with many cruel wounds, which vvas also soone published thorow all the Prouince, as soon as they arriued at Talbora. The marriage was after strooke vp betweene them, and the Traytor receiued the reward of his bloudy seruice: but not long after, he had one more deserued; for (the sad newes of your death cryed downe againe) when Clara heard it, she vvas ready to haue killed her self▪ such was the dolour of her afflicted heart, to think that for the price of your death (vneffected) she was now married to one she euer mortally abhorred: and thus chea­ted, her rancour more increased, making her fall vpon a piece of the most barbarous inhumane crueltie that hath beene inuented, to kill her Husband, and wound her selfe; that with that diuellish deuice, she might, without all spot or taint, free herselfe from the indissoluble knot, and like­wise be reuenged on you, with saying, Gerardo hid within the Curtaines, stabbed her husband and her; but the di­uine iustice (for an exemplary punishment) brought her by her owne hands to this end, which she confessed; and clo­sing vp her Discourse, a while after, her wounds fistulated, and their venome pierced euen to the secret vertue of her afflicted macerated heart, at what time the vitall spirits fai­ling, weary of struggling with her latest pangs, that Gallant sprightly corps gaue vp the reuengefull spirit, vvhose sad and speedy report no sooner came to my notice; vvhen knowing how much your life depended vpon the Narrati­on, I tooke this Posting-iourney.

Here Gerardo with true signes of sorrow, and soules tor­ment, shewed the pure and effectuall loue hee once bore her, that was his Clara, since all those rude wrongs vvere not sufficient yet to change him, rather as soone as euer hee heard the fatall report of her miserable vntimely end; his [Page 68] tender heart vnable to sustaine such a tormenting stroke; and his strength failing, with a pittifull profound grone, in the sight of his friends, none able to relieue him, dismaid and swouning, hee sunke downe to the cold earth.

GERARDO: THE VNFORTVNATE SPANIARD.
The second Discourse.

LIke some happy Passenger escaped from a violent storme, our Gerardo at length came to himselfe out of a deep trance, into which the sad and Funerall newes of the deceased Clara had cast him, once his soules inesti­mable pledge; but now the Originall of all his woes, imprisonment, fetters and chaines that incom­passed him; from which, yet in short time (the truth of all discouered) to the great reioycing of his kindred, friends, and his much loued Leriano, hee was at wished libertie; though extremely oppressed with melancholly, which made him wholly ruine himselfe, which hee so wilfully af­fected, that his amiable and pleasing condition was quite chang'd, being burdensome to his very seruants and whole Family, which bred no small griefe to his Mother, Brother [Page 70] and friends, that intirely loued him; euen so Leriano, who in midst of the triumphes that were prepared for his en­tertainment (leauing his friends) returned to his formerly commenced Voyage; the like did Fernando, to his Cittie, where leaue we them, till swift time restore vs, the one with an end no lesse Tragicall then the present. Time, that must now serue as a wholesom Physician, blotting with his various course out of Gerardo's remembrance, the torment that so rigorously possessed him, time onely could consume, and extinguish it in him; yet not so thorowly, but a long time after, the ashes of his former fire sent forth some smoke.

Gerardo now vndoubtedly beleeued, that in Clara, all the Treasons and deceits of women were deciphered, but his want of yeeres, and shallow experience, sooth'd him on in this opinion. Time brought him further on shore, and at euery step, made him discouer new and greater precipi­ces, beset with flatterie, vaine shewes, false dealing, and dissembled affection; which seruing to coole his youthfull bloud, and hot affections, with new misfortunes, gaue matter to this second Tragicall Discourse.

Long the late accident of his sad loue kept him in this re­tirement, in which he longer had remain'd; but that the generall noise of extraordinarie triumphs at Court, row­zed vp his drowzy spirits. 'Twas now in the yeere sixe hun­dreth and fiue, the eighth day of Aprils moneth, when our wished Prince, Don Philip the fourth, of this most famous name, was borne, to the wonderfull ioy of the third Philip his Father, and no lesse of that inestimable Australl Marga­ret his Mother, and in generall of all their Subiects, vvho with sumptuous preparations, set forth their true affections, by celebrating the birth-day, with what shewes of vnfained loyaltie their hearts could excite them to. To these vniuer­sall solemnities, the forgotten Gerardo, accompanied by his [Page 71] Brother, some kinsmen and other friends arriued at Valla­dolid, moued as well through his owne desire, as importu­ned by his friends and allies; or indeede by his melan­cholly thoughts, which by the greatnesse of that renow­ned Citie were diuerted, drowned in the tempestuous Sea of his past misfortunes; for here euery looke, each step, presented him with new and seuerall obiects. I omit the description of those Festiuall Triumphs, as magnificent as stately, worthy a nimbler quill then mine, my wings dare not soare to so high a pitch: onely the present subiect, for­ced me to touch vpon this Summarie Relation and men­tion.

Gerardo liued neere that street, which takes name from the ancient stocke of the Illustrious Ziungas, in an honest priuate lodging, together with the rest of his company, where, by their diligent and carefull Oast, they were obser­ued with particular respect (no small happinesse in so great a concourse to bee so well accommodated.) One time a­mongst others, Gerardo, after he had dined, finding himselfe not halfe currant, excusing him to his kindred and compa­ny, laid him downe to rest: his indisposition though vvas not so great, but that within an houre or so, beeing better refreshed, he could get him to one of the iron grates of his Chamber window, where, to his no little admiration, to the found of a shrill Harpe, he might heare (though vndistinct­ly) something sung with a voice, whose melody euen rapt his sences, yet he was not able to ghesse from whence those celestiall notes should proceed; nor the place, or beeing, that concealed this Angelicall Orpheus that thus attracted him; till the suddennesse of it passing ouer, with more vigi­lancy he might perceiue, that it came from a neighbouring opposite window, but 'twas not possible to see the party, by reason of a close greene Lettice that was betweene the [Page 72] barres & the inside: yet he ghessed it vvas a vvoman, as well by the sweetnesse of her trebble, as a kinde of blush of her presence, vvhich he might confusedly behold.

The pleasing tone ended; at what time Gerardo more violently longed to re-enioy it; and hauing a glimpse yet of the Harpe, and presuming that in such occasions 'twas no impudence to begge a curtesie, he was bold by an amo­rous signe to re-sollicite the celestiall harmony. The hid­den Dame was nothing squeamish; so for his signe, retur­ning him a condiscending nod, with a sprightly carelesnes, she once againe strooke vp the Royal Instrument, and to it as to Gerardo's incredible delight, suted this excellent Sōnet.

The vnknowne courtly voice had cleane transported him, and suspended the very streetes passengers; but some­thing in the Song inwardly affected him, as if he should be the subiect of it: but (being a stranger) it straight seemed impossible. He could not but shew himselfe thankefull, as the shortnesse of time, and distance of places would permit him; for iust now his Brother and Kinsmen were gotten in vnto him, so he was forced to an Adieu, for feare of being by them espied, and the concealed Lady, answering with [Page 73] the like, he turned backe to Leoncio, whom onely hee ac­quainted with what hapned, whereat hee receiued no small content, (as desiring infinitely to see him some way diuer­ted from his former griefes) though whither, or to whom the present suite was directed, hee was vtterly ignorant. Some three or foure dayes next following, Gerardo, by rea­son of some vrgent occasions, was still from home, till one faire and cleere morning (as hee was dressing himselfe at his window) he might heare one in an amorous Key, with a low Hist call him; and looking vp, saw (though a little imperfectly) yet better in respect of the Sunne-beames then the first afternoone, a well-shap't-bodied Dame, and to his seeming, a liuely countenance; whom with a low obeysance, saluting, she returned him her curt'sie. He was perswaded, that though hee wanted either Voice or Mu­sicke, the party could not but be the same; especially when peering from an Alablaster hand, hee might perceiue two smooth (like-Art-turned) fingers, which was the most reall sight the wood-wouen net would affoord him: shee beck­ned him to descend to her window, which hee did; when taking vp a Paper she dropped, with vnspeakeable ioy re­turning to his Chamber, he opened it, and viewed the fol­lowing Contents.

Much was required of GERARDO in this present [Page 74] Ticket, of whose Contents as carelesse, as loth to equall the affection the Letter charged him with, hee had re­course to his past misfortunes, and so feared to intangle himselfe in others that might proue of like condition. Yet in respect his answere was required, more for Court­ship then necessitie or obligation, after hee had dined, ta­king pen and Inke, he framed this reply:

Such was Iacinta's Letter, and such Gerardo's answere, which she receiued, tyed to a slight Ribbon cast downe from her window, that serued as a Messenger to these new Louers, and vvithout helpe of any third partie, they made frequent vse of this deuice.

Iacinta was much importuned by her Louer to be seene; but it was long ere his desire could take effect. Some daies after, as he was greedy of a sight of her, hee might heare a voice againe to the Harpe, with these Verses.

And the end of the Song was quauered out with an har­monious sigh, which Gerardo at the instant could speedily answer with no bad Eccho; as one that had beene well bea­ten to such passion. But night comming swiftly on, threa­tened to part them, which awhile after it did; and giuing a pause to their outward sences, though not to their inward thoughts, brought on day and morning: at which time comming both early to the vsuall stands, after their mutu­all salutations, Gerardo taking a paper out of his pocket, went downe and tyed it to the String at her window, and so left her to reade the gladsome ensuing Verses:

Sure I am, that, could Iacinta conuert her selfe into tongues like Eccho, or into eyes like Argus, shee would not haue spared these transformations, the more to haue obli­ged Gerardo with them: but now day was spent, and night came on, that forced them to part, and giue way to the pri­uacy of their amorous thoughts; in which, passing the grea­test part of darknesse and the ensuing day, they returned to­ward the ordinary stand; and after their vsuall louing salu­tations, Iacinta (taking a paper out of her pocket, and ma­king signes to Gerardo to come downe: he did so, and recei­ued it with his vsuall content, and (Iacinta going in) ope­ning it, he read these following Contents:

With exceeding gladnesse Gerardo read the paper, and satisfied with the promise, the briefe minutes vvere long dayes; and the short houres, lasting ages; till time, not va­rying his naturall course, though hee thought him slower, brought on the prefixed moment; by vvhen, mounted vp­on a goodly vvell-rein'd Bay, set out and trapped vvith rich furniture, and himselfe clad in fresh brauery, vvith a heart suteable, aduanced toward the next street; vvhere hauing turned, he soone tooke notice of the Grate and Bay-vvin­dow before him; though as then he saw not his Mistris in the appointed place; vvhereat his mind vvas not a little dis­quieted, and hauing placed a prety way on, hee thought to returne in despaire to his Lodging; and putting it in exe­cution, as he came backe iust against Iacinta's doore, loo­king vp, he might see where, at the guilded Barres she expe­cted him, accompanied vvith so singular Beauty, as might haue amazed the strongest-hearted beholder; an aspect so awfully maiesticall, as might breed an amorous fearefull re­spect, as of some powerfull Deitie; the effect beeing soone manifest in Gerardo: for no sooner by the cut-greene of her attire, had hee a view of her celestiall countenance, when loosening the reines, and his legges loosing the stirrops, he remained like Iasper, or an Image; so depriued of memory, that he wanted it to salute her: neither had his fault so cea­sed, but that the free Ginet, finding the flexible reines at li­bertie, without leaue of his bereaued Master, trotted on somewhat faster then the state of his vsuall prancing requi­red; at vvhose vneasie pace Gerardo awaked, and himselfe extremely abashed, drew vp the reines, and re-settled in his stirrops, performed (though a little vnseasonably) a court­ly salutation; and taking a turne backe againe, meant fully to recompence that amorous neglect, (if vvhere loue raignes, any may be so termed.) It grew toward the Eue­ning, [Page 78] so our new Louer glad with the sight of his Mistris, and his good dayes worke, returned home, and many a time after vvas fauoured in this kind, as also with her Let­ters and Songs full of sweetnesse and conceited harmonie. Many a time after he saw her at a Monasterie, vvhither shee vsed to repaire, accompanied vvith her mother and family. All this vvhile he had leysure to informe himselfe secretly of her friends qualities and meanes, vvhich he vnderstood to be such, and her selfe euery vvay so complete, that the hap­pinesse of his loue began to delude his hopes: though the gentle Iacinta, vvith her many fauours, more and more en­creast and nourisht them. The greatest part of the Summer vvas spent in this contemplatiue affection, he as carefull to conceale it frō his friends, as she frō her houshold seruants: for this secret vigilancie vvas the Sanctuary of their reputa­tion, indeed of both their liues, as shall farther appeare in this Tragicall Relation; vvhich euen now drew on, vpon the small hope Gerardo conceiued of his happinesse; since too, vvhen he least suspected, hee vvas assaulted vvith one of the accustomed thwarts of his aduerse fortune, vvhich raised a new trouble, Iacinta giuing him to vnderstand by a Letter, that her Parents in all haste meant to marry her, perhappes presaging some vnluckinesse to betide her. The knowledge of this filled Gerardo vvith feare, as her with griefe, though she were resolute to oppose her parents desires, since hers to Gerardo vvere so settled, that she would rather endure a tor­turing death, then make any other the Owner of her life. And though with this newes, and with what was added by her, Gerardo's passion daily increased, yet he neuer vsed so much as the least perswasion, to disswade her from a iust fi­liall obedience: for beeing altogether vnresolued yet to turne married man, he would not openly hinder the partie that pretended, neither yet till he saw the issue, desist from [Page 79] his owne loues pretension. Iacinta's parents were so bent vpon the match, that without her consent, the vnhappy nuptials with a kinseman of hers were to be performed: to which effect the day of the Ann [...]nciation of our Lady was appointed.

I cannot (though with some digression) but here take no­tice how foolishly stupid those parents are, that so rashly thrust their children into an estate, that onely death can se­parate them from; since such matches haue seldome pro­duced other then some pitifull end, or shamefull effect, as the present will demonstrate, making the faire Iacinta so desperate, as rather resolue to die then to marry; of which her purpose, though she gaue daily notice to Gerardo, yet he, seeing things come to that extremitie, giuing small cre­dit to his hopes, endeuoured now by little and little to weane himselfe from his affection; which coldnesse of his, his Mistris perceiuing, and the vngratefull requitall; her teares and moanes strongly increased in such sort, that voide of all comfort, with the resentment of her new griefe and iealous torment, taking pen and inke, accompanied with the flowing streames of her faire eyes, she thus writes to her forgetfull Louer.

If the facilitie with which thou becamest Lord ouer my life, haue made thee so hard-hearted, as neglectfull to forget me, false and vnconstant man! thy proceeding is as base, as needes must be thy birth; since, if thy dissembling brest did nourish any noble blood, reason would teach thee to repay my affection, laying before thee my true and constant loue, which onely forced me to so sud­den madnesse, that by my licencious doting on thee, our sexe should lose their principall glory and ornament. But, ay me, feo­lishly blind! I my selfe gaue thee power, and thrust those armes into thy hands, that will be my death, which euery moment threa­tens [Page 80] me; since I shall be forced, rather then any possesse that place which my heart first gaue to thee, with my owne hands to inflict it on my selfe; and rest assured, that though my vnfortunate marriage bee vpon the neerest termes that may bee, neither friends, kindred, or parents shall make it on my part take effect, nor shall that false faith, with which thou hast sold me, make mee lesse vnderualew thee firme and loyall mine Owne.

Largelier would she haue written, but it seemed, the vio­lence of her passion both tyed her hands, and troubled her inuention: poore creature! shee weepes, sighes, and la­ments, and suddenly refraining such passion, checkes those teares, and her sorrow proposeth and disposeth herselfe to forget; and in an instant abhorres, and repenting her light­nesse, (resolued now on a permanent affection, and deter­mined on a more settled estate) meanes to obey her pa­rents straight againe. Without consulting with her last purpose, she outragiously cries out vpon her selfe, and as if she were really transformed into her Gerardo, as effectually alledgeth for him, excuseth his forgetfulnesse: and conclu­ding thus (fearefull to offend her Louer) teares the Letter she hath written: not long after, all in a rage, punishing the Starres, shee curses their influence; and bepearling the smooth Cristall of her face, bedewes the paper she writes, and the wrought Ebone Yuory Deske on which it rested, with her teares; from whence speedily starting, and resolued lastly on her iust choler, shee went to the window, from whence she might espy Gerardo; who with like care stood at his, and so without expecting the least signe, or lifting vp her grieued countenance, shee let fall a Paper without further stay; and by the shutting of her window gaue suffi­cient testimony of her passionate distaste. All which Ge­rardo felt within himself, and fearefull of some new change [Page 81] in his Mistrisse, hauing soone caught vp the Letter, and as hastily read it, the angry contents gaue him rather content then trouble, since those rigorous Lines assured his hopes, which was the ground of his answere to Iacinta, whereby her iealous sorrow was well abated.

But now the appointed time came on, as acceptable to Iacinta's parents, and the whole houshold, as miserable and bewailed by her in such extremitie, that vnable to sustaine her woes, she fell into seuerall swounings, into her mothers lappe, and armes of diuers Dames her kinswomen and friends, that were then assembled to see her nuptials per­formed; which by reason of her indisposition were then ne­cessarily, till the next day deferred.

These things passed in Iacinta's house, whilst the afflicted Gerardo, vnable to rest in any one place, with vnquietnesse of his thoughts, one whiles on horsebacke takes seuerall turnes in his Mistrisses street, and then returning home, gets him to his window another vsuall way to his Loue; till night comming on, with his owne habite and darkenesse doubly masked, without feare of being knowne, hee might safely enter into the ouer-ioyed house of Iacinta, which was now all feasting and musicke: and increased in Gerardo's brest a more strong suspition, that his Mistris at length, like a very woman, had beene wanting to her word and pro­mise; and so with a carelesse carefulnesse, he sought to in­forme himselfe of an old seruing creature, (whose vnplea­sing age had freed him from being one of the Iouiall com­pany) sate downe in a chaire, who hearing Gerardo demand the occasion of their iollitie, told him in his slow manner, the whole matter; confirming his former suspition: for in­deed Iacinta ouercome by the continuall importunities of her Parents and kindred, did as at that time yeeld her hand and consent to her Cousin and husband. Scarce had the [Page 82] melting Gerardo heard the last accents of the tedious Ser­uingman his discourse; when, his faint body couered all o­uer with a cold sweate, he was forced to leane to the neere wall; dissembling as much as in him lay, his sad passion, but perceiuing the violence of it to increase, leauing the house, he returned to his owne, where his brother Leoncio expected him, with the same care, and equall desire to know the suc­cesse of his affaires. But he needed no further information then Gerardo's lookes; so shutting the chamber doore, com­forting his brother with a cheerefull countenance, thus he begins to set vpon him.

Deare Brother, 'Tis needlesse to increase your distem­per, this day we expected the euent of Iacinta's vowes, in which, if, (as I suppose) she haue failed, 'tis right Woman. If well you note, vvhat becomes your griefe, you may make your comfort; for being now reclaimed, you shall see, hea­uens blessing, breaking with the frailty of an vnconstant o­pinion, the strong chaines of your oppressed liberty, an eternall slauery, perpetuall, euer-liuing, neuer-dying griefe, subiect to the vngrateful proceeding of a light house-wife, whose most common practice, is, to recompence our loue with change, our remembrance with neglect, toile with disdaine, truth with falshood, and our firme good-wil with their fading affection; all their thoughts, words, and deeds, full of continuall mutabilitie, tending to our latest destru­ction, that being the ayme and scope of all their naturall dissimulation And this truth, the present case may make you not deny, nor due thankes to heauen for so remarkea­ble benefit; take comfort then, since no reason it is, so hap­py a successe should depriue you of it. The afflicted Gerar­do vvas about to haue replide something; at what time one of his seruants interrupting him, said; There vvas a stran­ger, at doore would speak with him, which made him (brea­king [Page 83] off the discourse) goe out; where when hee came, hee might see one with his face muffled in his Cloke; but by the habit seeming some person of qualitie, and comman­ding his man to leaue them, desirous to know the party, and what his occasion was, courteously demanded the one and the other of him. But in stead of an answer, the concealed Gallant threw himselfe forward to haue embraced him; which beeing sudden as vnexpected, might haue cost him deare; for at the instant Gerardo fearing to be clozed withal, drew backe his left foot, and his sword with his right hand, and the point clapt forward, missed little of running the other thorow; besides, Leoncio (suspecting something) by this time was come, if need had beene, to his brothers de­fence. And doubtlesse it had gone heauily with the disgui­zed partie, if, seeing what happened, and Gerardo's mis­doubt of him, he had not vnmasked himselfe, and retired, saying; How now, Gerardo? is this the entertainment you giue me? is this the harbour I finde in your brest? haue I this contradiction from your Armes? is my loyalty thus re­compenced? my dangerous boldnesse thus? Ah, deceitfull man, that I should thus be caught by thy flatteries! but, fare­well: I may arriue in some place, where perhaps I shal haue entrance. And the party abruptly breaking off, vvould faine haue departed; which when Gerardo saw, (for no soo­ner had the disguized person discouered that faire face, when it was knowne, for no lesse then the rare Originall of the most beautifull Iacinta) & into what errour (though vn­willingly) he had falne, hastily ouertaking her, he brought her backe to his chamber; and there with his Brother, pri­uately locked themselues together, Leoncio desirous to bee rid of the doubt, with which the strangenesse of this suc­cesse had possest him. Gerardo thus infinitly obliged to his offended Mistris, falling passionately at her feet, begs hum­ble [Page 84] pardon for his fault and forgetfulnesse, since his owne vnworthinesse of so great a glory might serue for his ex­cuse. And though this and other speeches passed, yet he still thought himselfe in a dreame, which onely represented to him such a fantasticall shape, as vvas indeed really before him: and in this sleepie frenzie, he could doe nothing but feele Iacinta's body with his hands; who in no lesse content and excesse of ioy, raising her Louer from the ground, and ioyning lippes, could hardly beleeue it was Gerardo she had in her armes.

A prettie while these two Louers remained in this amo­rous conflict, their content making them minde nothing else, till Leoncio satisfide by these extremes in the truth of which he was before doubtfull, wondring at Iacinta's reso­lute determination, approched, dissoluing the streight knot that bound them in their close embraces, and though hee could not but apprehend much hazard from this act of hers, yet beheld such beauty and attractiue merit in her person, that Gerardo's affection, which before to him see­med blinde, vvas now blamelesse: and considering that in so dangerous a businesse it was fit to take a mature course, without more delay, he desired to know of Iacinta, vvhat shift she had made to get thither, that accordingly their af­ter-proceeding might succeed the better. To which the faire Dame made answer, assuring him shee had no other counsellour, but her owne secret thoughts, to which no creature was priuy; wherefore by mutuall consent it was a­greed, that Gerardo and Iacinta should take a iourney to­wards Arragon, and in the interim, Leoncio to aduize them of the proceeding of her friends; who, hauing instantly (as she was wanting) missed her, vsed all diligence round a­bout the house in her search, where they least suspected the mischiefe, in the garden they found a little doore that ope­ned [Page 85] to the street; and neere it a table couered with greene and wouen myrtles, where her Gowne and Clothes lay, which should haue beene the ornaments of her Nuptials, but were now the Reliques of a sad remembrance: For know, that as Iacinta, at the fond importunity of her Pa­rents, had vnwillingly giuen her hand to her offended Spouse; so repenting as quickly, and in an amorous vehe­mency, shutting the eyes of reason to all inconueniences, dissembling her discontent, by saying she was not well, she betooke her selfe to her chamber, and stealing from thence by a lower window into the fore-mentioned Garden, and suddenly clapping on the mans attire which shee had in a readinesse, leauing her owne in the place, shee vnder-went the course here related; so much preuailed the memory of Gerardo in her tender heart, and the wrong done him, by giuing her word to another.

'Twere needlesse to describe the whole families lamen­tation for the losse, or the exquisit paines vsed in her search: suffise it, vve bring these Louers to a safe and quiet Port; vvho now vpon their hasty departing, by the good care and ordering of the prudent Leoncio, before midnight, without beeing by any espied, well furnished with Iewels and Crownes, tooke their way from that populous City, to­ward the auncient vnconquered Numantia, vvhich they thought at present to be the securest way, and in few daies after, they ioyfully there arriued; and hauing rested awhile, returned againe to their trauell, and at length came to their iourneys end, the desired City of Zaragosa, to the no little ioy and comfort of the two Louers.

So many and excellent gifts of nature adorne this great City, that deseruedly, aboue the most famous of the renow­ned style, it merits the royall name of Caesar Augusta. Here Gerardo for some yeeres was settled, and in respect of the [Page 86] content he enioyed in his loued company, would not haue changed his condition of life for a farre greater; so confor­mable were both their affections, or indeed so superiour Ia­cinta's, admitting no comparison.

Gerardo had with his noble and generous carriage, in short time gained on the best affections in that City, wher­by he was as equally beloued, as the best of the Gentry or Inhabitants: to expresse it, in all their Meetings, Maskes, Shewes, and what euer Solemnities, aswell priuate as pub­like, he still made one, and was chosen as an Vmpire or Stickler amongst all his friends: his most especially profes­sed, was one Don Iayme de Aragon, a worthy branch of that royall Name, and landed in the best part of that Kingdom; from whom Gerardo concealed not his inmost thoughts, nor the occasions about Iacinta, (parties onely spared.) This Gentleman, amongst other possessions that were of his in­heritance, not past seuen leagues from Zaragosa, had a pret­ty Village, as well peopled as most in that Countrey, and the best for Summer and shade abounding in dainties, of all Arragon; where for his recreation, and fresh coolenesse, he oft vsed to passe the scorching heates: and purposing a iourney thither, with much intreaty, or rather daily im­portunity, he wonne Gerardo at length to accompany him: which chiefly in respect of the great obligations he had to his friendship, he could not but consent to, though it were not possible that Iacinta should be left one minute alone, so that after some debating, it was resolued, that all three should goe the iourney. The same day they parted, in de­lightfull conuersation they at night about Sun-set arriued at a Castle which belonged to a Kinsman of Don Iayme's, where alighting, they were heartily welcommed, iust at the instant that by another way two Pilgrims also entred, vvho by their fashion and manner of salutation, seemed to [Page 87] be others then what their course habits made shew of, who in respect they were like to haue beene benighted, vvere forced to intreat the Owner of the Castle to bee pleased to affoord them for that night a lodging; to which he willing­ly condiscended, and shewed the way in to the whole com­pany. Gerardo demanded of them (for they seemed to be Castilians) of what part they were, and which way their Pil­grimage lay; to which, one of them answered, that they were of Andal [...]zia, and Inhabitants of the famous Citie of Seuill, from whence they trauelled purposely on Deuotion to the best Churches and Monasteries of Spaine, vvhose Patron, they had already seene at Compostella, and were go­ing at present to the miraculous Lady of Zaragosa.

When Gerardo heard him name Seuil, he would not (as hauing the good Leriano in mind) but ask if they knew such a one, presuming that a Gentleman of his qualitie, could not but haue come to their notice. But no sooner had Gerardo breathed out the final accents of his friends name, when the Pilgrim that had spoken to him, vnable to re­fraine, burst into teares, and with weeping [...]ighes made him see, what passion the name of Leriano had stir­red in him, which also caused no lesse alteration in Gerardos mis-giuing brest: and so sitting him downe in the fore-part of a goodly Bay-window looking to the Garden, whilst Supper was preparing (together with Don Iayme & the rest) he earnestly requested him, whose griefe made him shead those fresh teares, to declare the cause of such distastefull sorrow, since it must needs be extraordinary, by the resent­ment it had forced him to.

The wofull man hearing himselfe thus importuned, with a deepe fetcht groane (true signe of his interiour anguish) thus vvent on.

Wonder not, gentle Sir, nor thinke it vvomanish in me, [Page 88] that mine eyes shew this present weakenesse, since the party you mentioned, vvhom I aboue the world affected, may with his remembrance cause in mee▪ farre greater ef­fects: and therefore I most humbly beseech you, not to afflict my wearied spirits, by any further inquiries into that particular: when ending, vvith a new beginning of teares, his griefe serued as sharpe [...]purres to hasten Gerardo's de­sires, vvho for the same cause that retarded the Pilgrims Narration, was more earnestly perswaded, that some disa­sirous accident had befalne his old acquaintance: and with the like sorrow (though dissembling it in his lookes) hee once againe aduentured. The strict friendship which hath beene betwixt Leriano and my selfe, more then impertinent curiositie, obligeth me, that (not obeying your command) I re-intreat you, to deliuer mee from the mortall doubt in which I remaine, by satisfying mee, (though it bee some­thing painfull) since I dare assure you that to giue you ease, I would hazard my person for you, as also for my deare and louing friend I aske for; and let mee tell you that Leriano hath not a greater in the vvorld them my selfe, nor one that more vnfainedly owes him seruice; for such are my engage­ments, as extend to no lesse then debt of life.

If that be so, said the sad Pilgrim somewhat more cheere­fully, you are (doubtlesse) Gerardo, of whose maruellous Story I haue often heard our deare friend make mention. Though I purposed (said Gerardo) whilst a stranger in these parts, to haue concealed my name, (beeing but in Pilgri­mage as it were like you) yet that you may not deny me the fauour I require, I must not hide the truth from you: and therefore you may know mee for the same party, your seruant; and since wee are both true profest friends to Le­riano, I should be glad you would esteeme me so, and not excuse what I haue so earnestly entreated. Here the Pil­grime [Page 89] rose vp, and with a lesse cloudy countenance, spred­ding both Armes, came toward Gerardo, saying, Beleeue me, Noblest Sir, As great was my desire of knowing, as the happinesse comfortable of seeing you; giue mee those valorous Armes of yours, let mee embrace the liuely Re­presenter of my true Friend, whom, bootelesse I at present bewayle; 'twere idle in mee now not to obey before you should command (though I must indure a rigorous Tor­ment in the recounting of past accidents) and the greater, since of necessitie: for introduction to your friends sad dis­aster, I must mention one of the wofullest Tragedies that hath truely and really happened to mortall man in these times: and so saying, ready he was to haue begun, but no­tice being giuen that Supper was comming, by common consent, the story was deferred till after, to the suspitious Gerardo's griefe, and the rest of the companies, though in different respects. So supper ended, the boord taken away▪ and all of them attentiuely silent, the mournefull Pilgrime thus began:

Though I may well (illustrious company) bee discoura­ged to proceed in my promised Enterprise, as well for re­nuing my immense sorrow, as also for the danger I may vn­dergoe, there beeing some one amongst you, that may iustly for his friend taxe me of wrong; yet relying on the innocence of mine owne brest, and the noblenesse of yours, I shall make good my purpose, giuing a strict ac­count of my vnfortunate successes; yea, the whole progresse of my life, euen to the instant you behold me in.

First, know then, that my Mother in her vnhappy labour, after her deliuerie of me, dyed: (I not deseruing to know her) so from my tender infancy, I was subiect to all the dis­commodities, that children are, wanting the carefull eye of a louing Mother, howsoeuer my education beeing in the [Page 90] plentifull house of Angelo Milanes my father, that want was vvell qualified. The hearty affection hee euer bore his loyall Spouse, produced so heauy effects in his sad remem­brance by her fatall absence, that no company or enter­tainment able to yeeld him comfort, he became (like one of another world) extremely pensatiue; but finding that the place where he was, where he had past his youth with a lo­uing Wife, might bee the chiefest renuer of his frequent sorrow; he determined with himselfe to haue this incon­uenience farther off, by putting the spacious Ocean be­twixt him and home: for hauing sold the best part of his rich possessions, and turning the monies into Merchandize, he imbarqued himselfe in a tall well-rigged Ship for the West-Indies, and so to the rich Prouince of Peru, where being with prosperous Gales, after a double Voyage, safe­ly arriued, landing his commodities, hee made of them a strangely gainefull returne, and loading his Ship backe (himselfe remaining behinde) he consigned her to Seuil, where the goods aboord, the remainder of his Estate at home, and my selfe, were committed to the charge of a Brother of his my Vnkle; and now (by reason of his ri­ches & content in those remote parts) we despaired of his returne for a long time; and surely there he might haue till this time staid, if heauen had not changed his purpose, as you shall see the occasion of this alteration proceeding from a certaine Castilian Gentleman, of the Imperiall Citie of Toledo (called Leonardo Argentino) who, hauing prodi­gally wasted a faire Estate his inheritance, seeing himselfe almost ruined, and his Noble Family haue scarce where­withall to passe a moderate being (taking vp in time before all was consumed) with good (though necessitous aduice) he resolued vpon the same Voyage that my Father had formerly done before him, leauing the loued company of [Page 91] his Wife, with a grieued heart for his departure, and a beautifull young Daughter called Isdaura, the onely Pledge and comfort of his cares; and though her teares and ten­der sighes might in the occasion haue melted euen Mar­ble; yet, in the resolute Leonardo, they workt no effect; so his afflicted Wife was forced to licence him, for a limited time of seuen yeeres: and then putting the halfe of his e­state into stocke and goods, the rest with his Wife and Daughter, he made ouer to the charge and fidelitie, of an old trusty seruant, whom hee loued as an adopted sonne, which, and the being a loyall Biscayner by birth, made the discomfortable Gentleman rely the more vpon his faith and honesty.

His good fortune afterward, or rather my ill starres, brought him to the end of his intended Voyage: and ha­uing made sale of his few commodities, seeking vvithall some kinde of imployment, as presuming vpon the ability of his good parts, he came in a fit coniuncture, at such time as my Father (hauing lost his Bailiffe and Ouerseer of his Herds, newly dead) was hearkening after another, and by accident they both met (my Father as well satisfie vvith Leonardo's person and presence, as the other with his affa­ble and generous disposition:) wherefore striking vp on both sides, for the manner of seruice and recompence, he remained with him, and so carefully discharged his dutie, that in short time my Father might see the increase of that estate that was vnder his hands, with so plentifull an in­come, that now he himselfe (though present) began to for­get and giue ouer all toile, dis-burdening his cares vpon Leonardo's shoulders, with whose vigilancie hee liued at ease.

All this while our Bayliffe forgets not the intent of his Voyage, nor those Pledges that expected him at home; [Page 92] for with his owne stocke, together with my Fathers boun­tie, he had now gotten a good estate of money and goods together, multiplying the same yeerely, by the great and rich fraights that yeerely passed betwixt Spaine and the In­dies: so that before his seuen yeeres were accomplished, he was esteemed one of the richest men in the Kingdome, which made him thinke vpon his returne and Countrey: and in this minde, one-day as my Father and he were alone, he made knowne his purpose vnto him; which vvhen hee heard, I cannot expresse the resentment it caused in his pas­sion; and hoping yet that his entreaties might disswade Leonardo, he sought all he could (all in vaine) to diuert him: and yet the other fearing to bee thought vngratefull for so many benefits receiued, if he should not something satisfie with the iust cause of his departure, after hee had made knowne his right name and qualitie; withall, what Pledges he had left behinde, that long looked for his returne; so ef­fectuall and powerfull were his reasons, that my Father had not a vvord to reply against them: and the discharge hee gaue, caused not this effect alone in my Father, but obliged him also to beare him company, awaking in his heart the dead affection of his house and home. And so resolued on their Voyage, against the going of the next Fleete; in the Interim, they had leisure, to exchange, sell and put off, all their goods and cattell, which to an incredible number they had in those parts; so that not long after, with two Ships richly laden, and a prosperous Voyage, they arriued at the famous Port of Saint Lucar, of which we his kindred hauing had former notice, by the arriuall of a Barke of ad­uice, vvere there in a readinesse to receiue him. My Father, before they came on shore, taking him, whom hee held as his best friend, to him in priuate thus discoursed:

Most assured I am, friend Leonardo, that you are suffici­ently [Page 93] perswaded of my loue and affection, as I of yours, in which particular you cannot exceede me; I would there­fore that no humane accident should dis-linke this our a­mity, or that by absence it should any way be slackned. To make it the more lasting and perfect: I haue thought vpon a meanes, your selfe consenting, that shall make that, not onely whilst we liue, firme, but strengthen it in our posterity, by mixing our blouds, and conforming with my desire, by giuing your only daughter to my only son Roberto Milanes (for such is my vnfortunate name) to Wife; which may soon take effect, if Heauen haue been pleased to blesse these our Pledges, with the life that we desire: I shall bee glad herein to receiue your resolution.

Leonardo's answere was, to cast himselfe at my Fathers feete (his eyes starting out teares of content) and mustering vp the seuerall delights of his soule, with words worthy his noblenesse, after he had extolled my Father in his actions, he not onely offered him his onely Daughter, which he de­manded for me; but ioynd to it a new & transcendent pro­testation, of goods, life and honour: and so embracing each other, on shore they came, to our infinite content that ex­pected him, who had now beene eighteene yeeres from his natiue soyle, my selfe being about sixe yeeres of Age when he left Spaine. I forbeare to expresse my owne ioy, which he may onely conceiue, that knowes what it is to bee the sole sonne of a Father.

Wee stayed not long in the Port; for such was my Fa­thers longing, to see his desired home, that we were quick­ly at Seuil, where, I being acquainted with his minde, touching the match, disposed my selfe like a dutifull sonne, to obey his command, preparing my selfe, vvith all alacri­tie to the iourney; in the meane time, that a Post was now returned, sent by Leonardo, as soone as he came on shore, to [Page 94] his City, and home, with the newes of his landing, and the Posts returne as it gaue my Father-in-Law infinite con­tent by hearing of his deare Wife and Daughter; so it caused no lesse in me to bee informed by the Messenger to the full of my desire, of my Spouse her excellent parts, and admirable beautie; which made mee stand vpon thornes till I might depart, though my Father-in-law lost no time for vs both: and sending before him the best part of his goods and treasure, and after taking a passionate leaue of his dearely intimate friend my Father, setting downe the day of my setting forward, by such time as we should heare of his arriuall at home, hee betooke him to his way; and comming in few dayes to his iourneys end. Consider, worthy Gentles, if, at his welcomming, those ancient teares for his departure might be renued, though producing at present a more different effect.

My Father-in-law with the generall encrease he found in his house, aswell of the small estate hee left, as the rare beauty and discretion of his beloued Isdaura, health, and content of his Wife, seruants and whole Familie; Iudge whether he could chuse but rest most thankefully obliged to gracious Heauen, to whose goodnesse, yeelding a due acknowledgement, he gaue notice to his Wife, of the in­tended match; and finding her, conformable to his wish, to the generall gladnesse of his houshold, and friends, hee be­gan to prepare for the ensuing Nuptials. The day of my departure now at hand, with my Fathers blessing, and a leaue taken of yours and my deare friend Leriano, accom­panied with a seruant or two, in foure dayes Posts, I came in sight of the ancient walles of Toledo, my Wife and her Father, Countrey and Mansion, where beeing arriued and at the house, in stead of a ioyfull receptable, I found it no­thing but a harbour of griefe, teares, and confused sadnesse [Page 95] (a thing that caused great amazement in mee) though when the owners knew of my arriuall, I was by them ioy­fully welcomed (my presence being an euident comfort to the sorrow that afflicted them) of which I needed no o­ther information, then to see the dead body of their old seruant, the trustie Biscayner shewed me, which was laid vn­der a blacke Herse, strooke thorow with fiue cruell wounds, found early that morning, laid at the street doores thre­shold, and wrapped in a bloudy sheete, not any so much as imagining, who, how, or when hee should be thus la­mentably butchered, though extraordinary search had been made to finde out the Author. They told mee how they had brought him vp from a little one, how much they loued him for his good seruice, how faithfull hee had beene in his Masters absence, and what a misse by his death they were like to haue of him; so that (all considered) me thought their griefe was not exorbitant, and satisfide, for that which otherwise had been somewhat of the slightest, my welcome. Thus by this accident, my marriage was two dayes longer adiourned, which to me were yeeres of tedi­ous prolixitie: for hauing gotten a gracious sight of my new Mistris, my ardent desires, incited by so much beauty, increast in me with more violence.

At length the prefixed day came, together with the wi­shed night, in which hauing to my vnspeakeable ioy rea­ped from my Bride the sweet fruit, amorously passing the rest of it, at length (out bodies mutually in each others Armes enterlaced) we fell asleepe. But not long were our weary limmes laid to soft rest, when my Wife with her hands and sudden affrighting shriekes awoke mee, and lowd lowd cries raised mee to the helpe of her Fathers house, that was now all on a light flame; at which I was so astonisht, that without so much as a question, taking my [Page 96] night-gowne, I nimbly leapt out of the Chamber, vvhere the smoake and sparkles of the vntamed Element, that euen now mounted vp to it's owne Sphere, euen blinded me; and running vvhere the flame was greatest, I might see my Father and Mother gotten thither, and the rest of the house also, by which time the Bels had giuen their ac­customed signall of the danger; whereupon (the neigh­bourhood and Citie all in a confused vptoare) vvith their helpe, the mercilesse flames vvere soone humbled. All our house vvas nothing but noise, vvringing and wailing; in midst of vvhich, I might most lowdly heare my wiues scrieches, that, fearing lest some disaster had befalne her, finding her quickly out by the eccho of her shrill cryes, I might view her supported by her Mother, hauing falne in a deepe swoune into her Armes, not farre from a deep Well, about vvhich, diuers of the seruants were gotten together vvith much stirre; vvhereupon, seeing my Isdaura in so sad plight, my torment increast, and the more, vvhen they told me the cause of her sudden dismaying, no lesse vvofull then the lamentable end of the vnhappie Biscayner; for a handsome discreet maid-seruant of hers, following his vn­luckie fate, a little before I came, hauing been earnest to draw water to quench the fire (whether vvith some fright or other accident falling in) in an instant (there being no meanes to saue her) vvas drowned: and beeing within a vvhile after drawne vp, my Wife and Mothers moanes were againe renued, and so extremely, in respect of their loue to the poore Wench brought vp frō a child by them, that I thought it impossible to comfort them, especially for me, that in such cases needed it as vvell, as much my selfe.

But time cured in them their griefes, though with mee they are still present; neither can I forget those propheti­call boadings of my vvretched marriage (vvhich thus ac­complished) [Page 97] and not long after, my Father with diuers Let­ters hastning our departure, taking leaue of my Isdaura's friends, with much griefe wee parted, hauing the good Leriano in our company, who vvas now (returned from Court) bound vvith vs for Seuil, from whence some little vvhile after me, he had formerly absented himselfe. Hee came thus seasonably to Toledo, and so we had a most plea­sing iourney, vnderstanding from him, by the vvay, your vnhappie misfortunes. At last wee arriued at our home, where we were still expected, and by my Father welcomed, vvhere Isdaura, with the dainties and varietie of the place, quickly forgot her absent Parents and kindred.

And hauing for our better freedome taken a house to liue in apart from my Father, we vvere often visited by my worthy friend Leriano: so vvell and happily liued I with my loued wife, that I could scarce be from her sight a minute; those faire eyes beeing the Adamants that attracted my vvhole content. But cruell fortune would not allow mee many yeeres of this prosperous estate, as, enuious of the firmenesse of our amorous quiet.

At this time Leriano's friendship and mine vvas as strict, as on both sides equally requited, not a day escaped vs, in which one of vs saluted not the other, either he com­ming to my house, or I going to his lodging; our loue so reciprocall, as had one vvombe at first owned vs, or the selfe-same blood giuen vs nourishment.

One day amongst others, in which it was not possible for Leriano to see me, or for me to meete with him, each of vs (Louer-like) iealous of each other, and both attri­buting to neglect, were willing with the same intent to meet in our obligations.

So somwhat late at night, I went to stay for him at his lod­ging, & he to my home to expect me, where he found that [Page 98] my loued Isdaura, hauing not beene very well, was gone to bed, and entertaining the time with her in my absence, stayed thus expecting mee till night beganne to bee very farre spent; when I (perceiuing also his stay) remitted for that time my hope of seeing him; and returning to my house, found the doore locked, (a thing vnusuall, I from home) and hauing diuers times knocked, wondring at the delayes, and suspitious for so slight a matter, I pee­ped at a small chinke of the doore to see what might bee the cause: but would Heauen, I had beene blinde, vvhen I was thus curious; a shee slaue I might see comming downe staires to let mee in, and behinde her a man, vvho being beneath, crossed toward my Garden doore, which bred such an astonishing alteration within mee as you may easily suppose; in this amazement, as soone as I was entred, I rushed after into the Garden, where I might per­ceiue the partie running to hide himselfe amongst certaine thicke Myrtles, which sooner then my speed were the cause of his vntimely death; for being intangled in those thicke boughes, vnable to stand vpon his Guard, with my sword drawne, I gaue him three desperate thrusts, not heeding his calling me by name, or crying out to hold, till falling to the ground, I knew him, whom so inhumanely I had laid at my feete to be my best of friends, my Leriano. And being fully assured of it, letting fall the weapon from my angry arme, I remained as neere death, as hee that lay be­fore mee, who now with a faint and languishing voice, desired me to get a Confessor to him; I lost my sences, and with the wicked Act was readie to runne madde, at such time as in these last accents of his, I might heare mine owne mischiefe, and my friends innocence.

How hath heauen suffered, deare Roberto, that at this time your friendly sword should become my homicide? [Page 99] in what had your Leriano offended you, that you should take so rash a reuenge on him? But alas, why complaine I of you, whom I pardon my death? an vnnecessary diligence of mine owne gaue way to it, sprung from a wary care of your vvife, vvhose faith to you hath equalled my loyalty, the vvhich, (heauen can witnesse) towards you, hath euer been inuiolable. But his swift Fate, allowing him not a minute longer to expound his intricate meaning, clozing his e­clipsed eyes, he gaue vp his spirits in my armes, mine being so much tormented, that sure I had then followed him, had I beene fully satisfied in the iealous doubts that afflicted me; to vvhich end leauing my dead friend, to my Wifes chamber I went, whom neither there, nor any where else I could find, onely the squeaking and noyse of her maydes euen rent my heart, who crying out on their Mistris, dou­bled my distraction, and still increast it, when one of them said, Isdaura had cast her selfe out of the vvindow in her smocke, assoone as she heard the good Leriano cry out, and the vnhappy newes of his innocent death, fearing iustly her owne, from my indignation, vvhich (though faultlesse) might light vpon her. I began to demand the cause, why Leriano hid himselfe: they told me, 'twas at her instance; for being (as you heard) in discourse vvith her, when she heard me knocke at the doore, knowing it to bee shut (though through the forgetfulnesse of her seruants) thinking the no­ueltie, and Leriano's vnreasonable company might ingen­der some base suspition against her honesty; not calling to mind, that brotherly affection betweene vs, she grew so ti­merous, that (vvithout better aduice) by pure intreaties she commanded the vnwilling Leriano to that miserable shift: for thus euer rashnesse drawes on such heauy mischiefes. Consider, Gentlemen, I beseech you, whether my hand were faulty, or his indiscretion rather, that vvould suffer it [Page 100] selfe to be guided by the fearefull counsell of an afflicted vvoman.

Heauen can witnes for me, that as oft as I resolue in my sad fancie, the disastrous end of my deare friend, I am wil­ling to inflict the like on my selfe, (though in all equity and rigour I am reserued from it.) But the loue I bore him, ob­ligeth me to such a determination, since I may truly affirm, that the knowne affection I ought my louing vvife, had no aduantage ouer his and mine: of her I neither heard or knew any thing; and for inquiring was saued a labour, being necessarily inforced to shift for mine owne life; which I did, getting assoone as I could, out of my troubled house into a charitable Couent of Carthusian Monkes; by whom I was most courteously receiued; assuring mee, that I should re­maine in quiet Sanctuary with them, free from any trouble for my misfortune. There I was for some dayes visited by my friends, aswell as spyed and hearkened after by mine e­nemies: for though euen in their passion my innocence might haue saued me, yet they would not affoord mee the least credit in my accidentall mishap.

A while after I had thus rested in Sanctuary, my wife I heard had also taken refuge at a Monastery of Nunnes, called Bethlem; for hauing (as you heard) that night leapt into the street, not knowing whither to go, shee entred the first house she saw open, and being receiued by the owner, when they knew her, and vnderstood of the pitifull acci­dent; and vvithall, the strict search, that aswell by my order, as necessary obligation of Iustice was made for her, they thought best to conduct her to that Monastery; from whence I had present notice, and then my mind began to recouer some small rest; though it continued but awhile, considering how my hard fortune began againe to torment me. These grieuous, and scarce to bee imagined disasters, [Page 101] so vvrung the tender heart of my beloued Isdaura, that ha­stened by the terrible bruise she receiued in her fall, vnable now to auoid Heauens decree, shee fell into a desperate sicknesse; vvith vvhich, and the continuall remembrance of her tormenting thoughts terribly assaulted, considering her selfe now in the tongues of the giddy Multitude, her honour and reputation in the dust, the pangs of death haste­ned vpon her; a little before her end she called the Abbesse to her, and giuing her a Letter closely sealed, earnestly de­sired, it might be safely conueyed vnto me, vvheresoeuer I vvere; vvhich came to my hands, iust as the newes of her la­mentable death to my eare. I need not here paint out my soules griefe, or losse of sences; for certainly the beeing de­priued of them, vvas the defence of my life, vvhich as yet is but a liuing death, for the owners greater punishment: and now to giue some reliefe to my memory, vvith the de­sired end of this miserable Story, the remainder you shall haue in these last Lines of hers; vvhich Paper, for a deare pledge, in remembrance of the Writer, shall serue me as a companion, till Destiny vvith her mortall stroke diuide vs. And this said, to the wonderfull cōpassion of the suspence­full Auditors, vnbuttoning his coorse haire-cloth weed, he drew out of his bosome, a neatly-wrought siluer Boxe; and from within that, a Letter; vvhich vnwrapping, and vvith some sad teares kissing, he read out in this manner follow­ing:

Here ceased that happy soule, here it left the rare and beautifull Vrne her Corps: and here, noble Gentlemen, my patience quite spunne out, in this habit you see, and this company, I left Seuil, determining in this peregrination to end my loathed life; if, worthy Gerardo, you pretend not to reuenge your deare friends misfortunes on my head, that willingly layes it selfe at your feet. With these words the griued Roberto ended his mournfull tale, vvith such plenty of teares, that the spectators could not but beare him a lit­tle company with theirs; till awhile after, Gerardo, drying his eyes, vttered these words:

You haue taken, Signior, so cruell a reuenge vpon your selfe, with so lamentable successe, that, had you beene most faulty in Leriano's death, you haue left no one part about you whole, where a satisfaction may be had: For my part rest secure, that though my friends sad fate haue grieued my very soule, yet your griefes are so great, that I had ra­ther [Page 108] seeke to asswage them, then adde more affliction to you: Heauen comfort you, and giue you ease to your woes: and so retiring heauily out of the roome, hee gaue way to the rest, to entertaine and comfort the poore Pilgrim, who passed a good part of the night with him in discourse, till it was time to betake them to their rest.

The next morning the two Pilgrims taking their leaues, went on, and Don Iayme and Gerardo did the like, still won­dring at the pitifull relation they had heard. That day they came to a pleasant Village to passe the heate, where they agreed to leaue Iacinta (as being the iust halfe way of their iourney) in a Monastery of Nunnes, of which Don Iayme's Aunt was Abbesse, till such time as they had cleared a cer­taine doubt; which was, that hauing met a seruant sent to Don Iayme purposely from his owne towne, they vnder­stood, that as that day, a Commissioner arriued there, sent from the King, in great secrecy to performe some piece of diligence: a thing that much perplexed these Gentlemen; the one, in respect of the dangerous party that came with him; the other, for the confusion hee was in, ignorant of what that diligence might produce in his Lordship. And though the occasion was after knowne to bee little concer­ning either of them, (for that the Iudge was sent by the Su­preme Councell of Orders, concerning a certaine Order of Knighthood) yet they thought fit, till they were fully satis­fied, to leaue Iacinta there: who when she heard it, suspe­cting some other intent, grew to such extreme contradicti­on, and pitifull intreaties, that her Louer seeing them ac­companied with her teares, vvas ready to haue returned backe with her, but that Don Iayme, somwhat discontented, disswaded him: and so being vnable to reduce her to their aduice with her good-will, against it (Don Iayme making knowne the reason to his Aunt at the Couent) they there [Page 109] left her; so grieued, as were she to haue taken her latest leaue of her Gerardo, or had seene him strooke dead with wounds before her. This was the first breach that dislink't these two affections: Iacinta perswaded that Gerardo had forsa­ken her; a suspition that (take it but once hold) can neuer be remooued; as from this instant, this Dames example will plainely demonstrate. The enamoured Gentleman was no lesse troubled, till he came to the end of his iourney, though they were not slacke to returne, hauing beene first surely informed of the occasion of the Commissioner, which was the same formerly set downe: so the next mor­ning by tenne a clocke, they were backe, and alighted at the Monastery doore, with such feruent desire in Gerardo to see his Iacinta; that euery minute of deferring it, seemed an age of absence, and last, calling in the Porch at the Grate, the Abbesse hearing of their beeing there, came foorth; whom, when they had saluted, they requested, the faire Ia­cinta might be called; which, when one of the Nunnes went to performe, returning a pretty while after backe, and with the Abbesses leaue, turning to Gerardo, she thus said: How­soeuer I being but a messenger and commanded, might be freed from any distaste I am like to giue, yet I beseech your pardon, Signior Gerardo, in respect of the message I returne you, vvhich will necessarily offend you. The faire Iacinta, whom I went to call, requested mee on her behalfe, to in­treat that you would be pleased to condiscend to her will; which is, resoluedly to remaine in this Monastery, and with the habit of our sacred Order. Shee likewise willed me to beseech you, to vouchsafe, since you haue Gold and Iew­els of hers to good value, to supply with part of them her wants, and withall, to pay a portion for her admittance in­to the holy House, that so she may be quietly settled to her deuotion and prayer for your soules health. This shee [Page 110] wished me to make knowne vnto you; you, Signior, like a Christian, and a Gentleman, may now determine on what this Dame demands, and so much concernes her felicitie. Here the religious Nunne ceased, neither did Gerardo's sud­den passion allow her a further preamble: for his heart rea­dy to burst within him, and his very eyes sending foorth sparkles of liuely fire, turning to the Abbesse, he said, It is not possible, Lady, that such discourse could proceed from my Iacinta, neither can I from so long, so true a friendship as hath beene betwixt vs, beleeue so slight, so forgetfull a farewell; so assured am I of her firmenesse, that though mine eares were witnesses to the sound of such words from her selfe, I should hardly giue credit vnto them: I cannot but thinke her too innocent of such a noueltie, and there­fore beseech you to resolue me in the truth of this busines, though indeed Iacinta's sight will be my hearts more effe­ctuall satisfaction. Here Don Iayme taking his turne, (no lesse angry then his friend) desired the same of his Aunt; who told them, that what they heard of Iacinta, was infal­libly true; and withall, how no longer agoe then last night, she receiued so much from her owne mouth; and shee re­quested her also, not to suffer her to be taken out of the Co­uent, which in all religious and Christian obligation shee was tyed not to consent to. But neuerthelesse importuned by the two friends, she endeuoured to haue her appeare; and so leauing them in the porch, where at the doore their ready horses awaited them, shee went to make good her promise, though it tooke no effect; or perhaps her selfe was vnwilling, that Iacinta should come to Gerardo, whom stri­uing with her best language to comfort, shee endeuoured withall to blot his Mistris out of his remembrance.

But so forcible was this disdainefull blowe in his sad and sicke fancy, that regardlesse of lifes danger, heauens offence, [Page 111] and the hazzard of his honour, hurried on with furious rage, not once considering the sacrilegious act hee attemp­ted, (turning to Don Iayme, his right foot clapt to the Mo­nasterie doore) he vsed this succinct Discourse:

Companion and friend, the fire that flames within mee, is immense, my passion terrible, Iacinta's wrong aboue both. I haue oft counselled her to this course, when had she heretofore taken it, my weary life had been secured, and her friends with the glad newes comforted, but I could ne­uer get her consent; which assures me, that her leauing me now, is other then Deuotion: I must not therefore giue way to it: you are a Gentleman, and I am your friend, and such, that vpon any occasion of yours, would hazzard a life at least once for you. Let this engage you to make good the entrance at this doore, whilst I enter in and effect my pur­pose, or dye in the demand. Which said, not expecting any answere, nor so much as harkening to the exclamations of the Nunnes, taking her in one hand that brought him the message, and his sword in the other, he cast himselfe in­to the forbidden Couent; where quickly, with his Guides helpe, comming into a spacious Cloyster, he saw the occa­sion of his crime, set very iocundly amongst some others of the Nunnes. They that were with her, and shee that came with Gerardo, seeing him so outragious, in a moment vani­shed: but Iacinta had not the power to follow, not so much as to stirre from her feare: for Gerardo's sudden surprisall and sight had left her euen now like a dead body, who lift­ing her vp by one arme from ground, his tongue vnable to expresse the least part of his minde, without speaking one word, the way he came, but more speedily, he conueyed her out: for by this, the noise and clamour of the Nunnes in­creased so fearefully, as if the walles or whole building had beene ready to come vpon them: whereupon the vproare [Page 112] of the neighbourhood and Village was no lesse, and in an instant, almost a hundreth persons were gotten to the doore that Don Iayme kept: though most, or all of them vnarmed, with small defence the two friends made shift to get to Horse: Gerardo setting Iacinta (who was euen in a dead traunce) on the saddle Bow before him: and the valiant Aragonian breaking thorow the presse that hindered him, made way with his sword, enlarging an open passage to his friend that came after, and none able to stop or stay them, they galloped on; and seeing some follow, mended their pace, and betooke them to their full speed (Gerardo now got formost) till such time as they might bee somewhat freer from the danger: but in this distracted flight, as in all things else, Gerardo was infinitely vnfortunate: for night shutting in darke vpon them, Don Iayme losing sight of him, and he his way, they were both vnluckily separated, neither could after, so much as by Letters meet.

Gerardo, that had thus lost his friend, though not his iourney (for now all the world was his way) perceiuing Iacinta's weakenesse, settled her as easily as he could, and faire and softly, not knowing whether he went backward or forward, rode on till the next morning, till such time as he found himselfe inclosed in a rough & thick Mountaine, in which hauing des-piteously wandred, til towards noon, (Iacinta now extremely heauy with drowsinesse) at length as good lucke would, hee came to a Shepheards cot­tage, where both being welcomed by the owners, aligh­ted, and Gerardo endeuoured all he could, to giue ease and refreshment to his vngratefull Mistris; whose wearinesse as much afflicted the poore Gentleman, as the apprehen­sion of his danger; though from that, hee were secure e­nough, as well in respect of the desart Mountaine, as for that he was farther frō the Monastery then he imagined: [Page 113] for in this yet he was happy, that knowing no foot of the way, he was from thence, at least ten leagues distant: and Iacinta that afternoone being somewhat more cheerefully reuiued, taking direction for the neerest good towne, they returned to their iourney, and that night arriued where they desired, where Gerardo tooke a priuate lodging, that he might the better and more commodiously cure his Mi­stresses indisposition, which was not so slight, but it kept them almost a moneth from a iourney hee intended to the Citie of Valencia; at length they set forward againe, and trauelled toward that pleasant and plentifull Citie. So when they were gotten within a dayes iourney, the two (as seemed to GERARDO, but not to the warie Dame) as louing a couple as euer, (the morning beeing fresh) to preuent the Sunnes heate, they were on horsebacke be­fore day-breake. They treated of such successes as came into their mindes, and Gerardo thus diuerted in the sweet (though dissembled) conuersation of his Iacinta, looking about, saw he was out of his way, got into a thick Groue of strong Oakes, from whence willing to get out toward the lost path, he was more cunningly intangled in this o­ther: so that riding on, thus lost and melancholly, it was not long ere certaine sad and pitifull groanes came to his eares, which by fits and short intermissions strooke him to the heart.

The further he went on, the neerer hee grew to this moane; so supposing it must needs not be farre off, he ha­stened all he could, though now broad day was come vp­on him; by whose splendour, hee might plainely see all round about him; as also a little brooke, on whose Mar­gent he trauelled, part of which was stained with some fresh drops of bloud, the red framing in that greene, vari­ous, (though fearefull) formes of enamelling: at which [Page 122] he and Iacinta were not a little amazed: but calling to minde those former successes of his owne Tragicall Sto­ry, constant to all danger, he kept on his way, led on by the sound of the voice, euen to the very source of the wa­ter; till beeing come amongst certaine thornie Bryers (within which was a little Meddow) he might see in midst of it a confus'd shape and Bulke, that onely by the groanes it sent forth, he ghessed to be a humane creature. It lay there without motion in a very Lake of bloud, with which all the neere grasse was sprinkled, and the Riuer participa­ted of the improper tribute.

The Noble Gerardo was so affected with the sight, that he threw himselfe in an instant from the Saddle, and Iacin­ta also leauing hers, they made toward the wounded corps, which they found left naked, and saw that shee was a woman, which made their compassion the greater. She seemed to them (though now pale and disfigured) young and handsome: though they were much troubled and hopelesse of her lifes remedy: her body was full of wounds, (and which caused most horrour) left barbarou­sly disrobed. The tender eyes of the two Louers could not but shead teares, and wound the ayre with their sighs. But since griefe was but a meane remedy to the present mischiefe; Gerardo, supposing they were not farre from some towne, determined to conuey the bloudy creature to the neerest place: and to this effect taking off his riding Coat) which he wore ouer a strong Buffe Ierkin (and Belt of Pistols, together with some of her owne cloathes laid by, lapped her in them, and as easily as he could, sate her vpon his Horse, on which hee and Iacinta sustaining her on both sides vp, they went faire and softly, getting out of the thick Groue, Heauen ere long permitting them to fall into the high-way, from whence they might espy (to their seeming) [Page 123] a good populous towne, about some halfe a league from them. Gerardo was much grieued to see the parties continu­ing losse of bloud; and seeing how softly they went, fear'd shee might dye before they could get her a Confessor: Whereupon he determined to leaue her with Iacinta; to whom making knowne his intent, and she approuing it, lea­ping into the Saddle, and taking the neerest way to the towne, in all diligence he hastned toward it.

About this time (the Sunne newly mounted (two Reli­gious Ieronimite Fryers came riding toward him vpon their strong & lusty Moyles, whom, whē he saw, he fancied them to be rather then humane soules, Cherubins; and so, with a ioyfull countenance, stopping his Horse, he stayed till they approached: and hauing courteously saluted them, intreated them to goe with him not farre off, where, by their helpe, in a case of necessitie, they might gain a Soule, whose saluation consisted in their briefe approach: but in stead of an answere, hee might see that both Masters and men, looking and staring vpon each other, were all dumbe: which, being duely weighed, they were not to bee blamed for their slacknesse; for who would not (considering his Armes) but at the least haue suspected him to haue been a Captaine of some Theeues, frequent in that Prouince, not­withstanding the care of our Viceroyes to scowre the coast?

But returning to my purpose, those Religious men did verily beleeue what is rehearsed; and supposing his crue not to be farre off, cryed out for mercy, and lifting their hands to Heauen, requested him that vvas farre from a thought of wronging them, to haue pitie vpon them, laying before him their profession, and how much hee should of­fend God in iniuring them: and lastly taking their well­stuffed purses out of their pockets, & some of their cloathes [Page 116] to boote, they offered them vnto him, vvho was ashamed of their base feare; and yet on the other side, not knowing how to perswade vvith them; and seeing the fellowes that came with them runne speedily backe toward the towne, more fearfull though of the poore wounded creature, then his owne danger, shewing more fury and indignation, then his pious minde vvas willing, he threatned to kill them, if they performed not his request, and facing one of them with his Pistoll; so terrible were both their feares, that with­out a word answering they now followed him; vvhich they had done, euen to Hell it selfe, could he haue conducted them, such vvas their miserable cowardize: soone vvere they come to the place where Gerardo lest the bloudlesse Trunke, vvhich they found as yet struggling vvith Destiny. Heere one of the Fryers alighting began to speake to her, when Gerardo's heart (vvho in all this vvhile had not disco­uered Iacinta) vnable to be at quiet vvithin him, thinking perhaps she had hidden her selfe neere thereabout, not wil­ling to be seene by any passengers, vvithout bidding the Friers Adieu, hee began to search her out, not leauing an inch of ground in all those quarters vnsought; so that after much time spent, and small hope of recouerie, the poore Gentleman ran vp and downe some two dayes, raging in the Mountaine like a mad-man, still crying and calling on Iacinta, vvhose remembrance onely was sufficient (as appea­red by the following Stanzes) to keep him so long fasting.

Thus he lamented the absence of his fugitiue Mistris, till seeing his folly, and the impossibilitie of finding her there, he determined to goe backe to the place where he missed her, where when he came, he was as farre to seeke: but at last casting more temperately with himselfe, hee supposed, that the morning he left her, she seeing his long stay, her womanish feare in that dispeopled place might cause her to retire to the towne, there to expect her Gerardo, whither with this new vnprofitable ghesse of his, he resolued forth­with to go (and putting it in practise) about Sun-set arriued there, and in the distraction you may imagine, left not a street or house vnasked for his Loue, till weary of trudging, or rather of knowing no more then hee did, his faint body forcing him to desire some rest, hee alighted at an Inne­doore, within which, he was no sooner entred, whē sudden­ly at least twenty men grappled with him, and crying out for more aide, without hearing him a word, dragged him along to a strong Prison; where when he came, the cause of his apprehension was made knowne, and imputed to him that he was not onely a high-way Robber, but particularly the Author also of those cruell and barbarous wounds, gi­uen [Page 120] the poore woman, whom he left in confession with the Fryers: they, seeing he returned not, assured of their suspi­tion, resolued to conuey her to the towne: and to giue ac­count to the Iustice of what hapned: which they did, lea­uing all the people thereabouts much scandalized with the terrible fact: though iust Heauen permitted not that the poore Wench should dye of her wounds, since they also of the towne caused her health to bee carefully looked to. And so as Gerardo, lesse carefull of his present danger then his former afflictions, went to and fro, enquiring thorow the vproar'd towne for his Mistris, and many knew, by the Fryers Relations, the signes and habit he wore (his enquiry too being for a woman [...]) one suspition ioyned with another, gaue them warrant enough to lay wait for, and, as you haue heard, apprehend him.

Gerardo was much troubled at his new imprisonment, not so much for his lifes danger, as being hindred from his search and inquirie. But since there was no helpe for his misfortune, (a punishment hee acknowledged due for his sacriledge) he endeuoured the best hee could to giue his discharge, and not to suffer himselfe perish in that vvret­ched manner; but his endeuours had been fruitlesse, had the wounded Maid dyed in this occasion of her misfor­tune: but heauen giuing her life, his trouble soone ended, and the cause was knowne by her declaring two of her Bro­thers accessarie to the wounds, who angry that a fellow of meane condition had enioyed their Sister, and after, to their publike affront, demanded her to Wife, bent wholly to re­uenge, the better to effect their purpose, drew their Sister from the Citie frō Barcelona (of whence they all were) to go with them towards Denia, to see (as they pretended) cer­taine kindred of theirs; and comming one night to that Mountaine, stripping her there naked, they performed that [Page 121] barbarous piece of crueltie related. For all this, the Iudges would not giue Gerardo present libertie, rather (besides ma­king him purge himselfe cleerely of the suspitions his ha­bit and Pistols of being a Thiefe brought against him) they to his cost enforced him (for the verifying her confession) to send to Ca [...]aluni [...], which being not long after confirm'd for certaine, by the absence of her Brothers from Barcelona, they thought fit to set him at liberty. Heere hee remained foure moneths in this lingring, in which time, all hee had to any value, was consumed and spent: so that being to depart, hee could hardly make shift for so much money as might fit him with a Moyle, which hauing at length euen scarcely effected, proposing his iourney to some friends he knew, at a place not farre off, called Denia, one morning he forsooke the towne, sufficiently warned by the wracke of his fortunes there; and though hee were on his way, hee could scarce thinke himselfe yet thorowly at libertie. All that day hee went on with a Boy his Guide, till the next (that neere a lone Inne) he ouertooke one, who alone was trauelling, his way; so after they had dined, and passed the dayes heat to­gether in that house, they kept vpon the way in good con­uersation, and hoped that night, by spurring a little the har­der, to arriue at their iourneyes end Denia.

In all that way (as being indeed no great Roade) they met not a creature, till towards foure of Clocke in the after­noone, in midst of certaine thicke Brambles (as they care­lessely rode on) two men stept before them, who as well by their persons, as fashion and Armes, soone made knowne what they were. One of the two, that indeed seemed rather an infernall Minister, then a mortall man, bade stand: and fastning on Gerardo's reines, with his Pistoll clapt to his brest, gaue way to his companion to doe the like to the o­ther. When the foot-boyes saw this, & perceiued the dan­ger [Page 122] of their Masters, not expecting the euent, they betooke them to their flight. The good Gerardo, doubtlesse, (though in so knowne a hazzard) would haue aduentured his person, if at the very instant hee had not seene other sixe rise out of the thicket of those bushes; one of which, as vvell by his difference of habit, as goodly presence, see­med to be the Captain of the rest, vvho thinking the poore trauellers vvere somewhat of the slowest in forsaking their Saddles, with a hoarse and dismall voice, turning to the two first, said, Raskals, what doe you with those wretches? do you carry your Pistols for shew only? would you haue me kill the poore snakes? And thus saying, and aduancing his Petronell in the same instant, the poore cou­ple tumbling at those speeches to the earth, gaue way to those furious men to disarme them, with such violent search also, as had they beene their mortall enemies: lastly, they stripped them euen to their shirts. Yet this cruell procee­ding neuer so much as wrought the least impression of re­sentment in Gerardo, who now as much desired to die, as to liue in his miseries; and in this hardie resolution, concea­ling his present hard vsage, with a firme and constant beha­uiour, expected the issue of this sad accident: all which in his companion was quiete contrary, who in a thousand wo­full extremes (his eyes flowing teares) sought to mollifie the bloody flint-hearted Captaine, who looking somewhat wistly on his face, straight knew him; and seeing him pro­strate at his feet, vvith an arrogant and haughty licence bade him rise, saying: Art not thou happely Vincente Ar­bias? for if mine eyes do not deceiue mee, I haue here be­fore me the party to vvhom I owe no lesse then life. To this the quiuering Valencian, like one raised out of a trance, lifted vp his eyes, and hearing himselfe called by his name, somewhat more encouraged, vvith a faint voyce made an­swer, [Page 123] that he was that party, and by profession an Attur­ney for Causes in Valencia; though in all this while it vvas not possible for him to call to his remembrance him, that spoke thus to him: vvho obseruing his feare, replied, Let not the seeing me affright thee, nor the beholding these my companions, for thou mayest safely go thy vvaies: And know, that now thy friend Pedrasa, hath (for it is hee that speakes to thee) complied vvith the obligation he had, since by thy honest care hee vvas freed from prison in Valencia: take thy garments, and turning to his company, proceeded: And you, returne him the money taken from him to a de­nier, and accompanying him to his safety, leaue mee to your recompence. These words vvere like Angelicall salu­tations, in the fearefull Vincente's cares, and vvanting suf­ficient phrase (as he thought) for his greatefulnesse, he recast himselfe againe at the Captaines feet, and in a trice clo­thing himselfe, got afterward to his Moyle, and returned to his iourney, accompanied part of his way by those mini­sters of Cacus.

Gerardo thought verily, that since thus they retained him, they meant to make a bloody sacrifice of his youth, and in this imagination, lifting his eyes to all-pittying Hea­uen, vvith his heart hee begged mercy and releasement from those present mischiefes: and hearing those men command him to follow them, he began to goe after, tho­row the thicket, and roughest part of the Mountaine, iust as the Sunne was declining to the West. They had scarce gone halfe a League in that Desart, vvhen comming to a deepe and hidden Brooke, that on one side serued as a ditch to a clouen Rocke thereby, and keeping their vvay on the brinke of the same, vvithin a while they entred into a Strait; from vvhence crossing a little, they mounted the staring Rocke, in midst whereof vvere certaine thatched Cottages, [Page 124] which serued them as a harbour and bulwarke against all weathers. Assoone as their trampling and noise was heard by those vvithin, there issued out some doozen persons of the same hiew and profession vvith the rest; and foremost mongst these, one of a briske and liuely presence, who with his pleasing sight gaue no small comfort to Gerardo, though as then hee could not vvell perceiue whether his counte­nance vvere answerable to his presence; for besides the broad brimme of a military Hat, that shadowed his face, the being darkish too did hide it.

The party was clad in a rich cloth of siluer doublet, and ouer it a Gaberdine of greene Veluet, set thicke vvith But­tons and Loopes of siluer, suteable, hauing on the top of his right shoulder sloping, a faire Belt studded and embroide­red with Gold, two curiously vvrought Petronels hanging at it, his Breeches were suteable, Damaske, his Stocking, shooe and garter, white, Plumes of feathers white and greene: all which so set out his gracefull personage, that, Gerardo, forgetting his troubles, vvas now wholly fixt vpon the gallant obiect. To whom the Captaine with open armes directing himselfe, the pretty Youth offering his hand, with a kind of neglect, at his brest, stopping his pro­ceeding, said, Why how now, Pedrasa, so empty, and craue an embrace? Forbeare: for since you returne without a Prize, I am not indebted the least fauour. To this hee smi­lingly replyed: No more, my Generall, be not too rigorous till you heare my discharge, and turne but your eyes to my company, in their increase you shall see a spoile, from whose woorth, I dedicate to those faire fingers, a rich Ruby. At this, the comely Youth more heedily looking backe, might perceiue the vnfortunate Gentleman; who from the instant that he heard that voice, supposing he knew it, his sorrow­full heart was ready to leape from his brest. But when hee [Page 125] plainely saw, the disguized Youth was his Iacinta, hee had like to haue falne to the earth, where (as his couragious mind was deeply strucke) he but (faining wearinesse) sate downe. The vngratefull cruell woman had not forgotten the countenance and presence of him she once loued, Lord of her affection: but she made no shew of change at all, ra­ther seeing him thus disroabed, halfe naked, was not a io [...] mooued; but making as if shee had not knowne him, tur­ning to her new Louer, said, I like him well, 'tis a good handsome strippling; your gaines will bee the greater, and our friends that buy him, will haue no, bad penniwoorth; Away with him to the Caue, in the meane time let vs thinke of supping. And so taking the Captaine by the hand, they returned to Kennell together.

Oh, passe not on, compassionate Reader, but suspend a while thy grieued eyes; and now that with thy presence it is impossible, supply yet with thy imagination, so great woe, as at present, the sad and dis-consolate Gentleman might feele. Thinke but how basely now, his once best treasure is imployd: Behold him poore, disrobed, deiect­ed, in the hands of homicides, bloud-suckers, Land-Py­rats: apprehend but truely this, and each line, nay, each let­ter may attract a teare.

Many a time was Gerardo ready to haue flung himselfe amidst that brutish rowt, and could haue torne them peice­meale vvith his teeth for reuenge, were it not that despaire, more then feare, stopped his resolution, preuented also by foure of those fellowes, who raising him from the place vvhere he sate, carried him along with them, and descend­ing towards the bottome of the Rocke, one of them dis­ioyning a broad blacke Slate, which serued as a stopple to the Caues mouth (though so euen set in, the cunning, could scarce be perceiued) commanding him to enter; they, with­out, [Page 126] shutting the doore, returned from whence they came, leauing Gerardo in that darke and dismall den, so straight­ned, and afflicted, that he verily supposed they meant there to starue him to death: which made him heartily repent he had not put his vengeance in execution. Thus he remained a long houre at least vvithout passing on, thinking there was no more danger saue vvhere he vvas. But at the instant hee might heare some speaking further in; and vvithall, a voice fearefully resounding thorow the whole Caue, insomuch that he verily beleeued himselfe to be at Hels mouth. The voice seemed to come neerer, so that hee might more di­stinctly heare these vvords:

To all this howling, Captiue, miserable man, giuest thou no answere? why com'st not downe vnto vs, since thy vn­happy starres directed thee to be our vvofull companion? what doest thou, what canst thou expect? hath thy vitall breath failed thee? or beginnest thou to repine at the taste of such bitter foode, as is our best comfort in this blacke mansion? Wonder not, for this is but a beginning of mi­sery, yet thou shalt haue the chiefest comfort, companions. These finall accents of the voice came to Gerardo's eares, iust as a man appeared before him, vvith a lighted Brand of Rosind▪ Pine in his left hand flaming, and a small-fruit Reede in his right, that serued him for a Rest and Guide, so leane, pale and altred, that the suddennesse amazed him. Hee thought verily the Ghost of his dead enemy Rodrigo was transformed into that Goblin: for in such cases, feare doth neuer present lesse horrid affrightments to the imagi­nation. Hee knew not what to answere, neither could hee vnfold his lips; which hee that rose from the Caue percei­uing, and how much he was astonisht, beholding him with some pitie, drew neere, and taking him by the hand, said; Let not my faint presence, vnfortunate Young man, dis­may [Page 127] you: for how-euer you see me in this most miserable plight, not long since you might haue known me as strong, as able as your selfe: but the wretched Mansion where wee liue, and the barbarous crueltie and scarsitie with vvhich the cursed Owners entreat vs (who by ounces giue vs a mi­serable and nasty sustenance) doth cause in me, and twenty others that there below expect vs, the same effect that your eyes behold.

Blame me not (replide the vnfortunate Gerardo) that your presence hath so daunted me, since the nouelty of this place may well excuse me: & therfore pardon me I beseech you, the trouble I haue put you to in calling me; & since (as you say) I haue so many companions in my misery: let vs (on Gods name) goe where they expect vs.

This said, they both began faire and softly to descend, passing at least twenty winding staires, ere they came to the Caues bottome: in which spacious dungeon, Gerardo saw at least twenty persons of the same hiew, and in no better plight then hee that accompanied him: (all of them set a­bout a poore, almost extinguisht fire) by whom (if any ioy may be in such griefe) he was ioyfully receiued. Euery one particularly demanded his ill fortune, Gerardo satisfide all: vnderstanding from them likewise their vnhappy successes, which had brought them to so great extremitie; hee like­wise knew of them how they came so speedily to heare of his imprisonment: (being so farre as he perceiued from any commerce) which was, that receiuing at a small hole, from the top of the Caue, their ordinarie allowance of Rye­bread for their sustenance, there beeing a Loafe extraordi­narie, they knew they had some new companion; and now the time of rest drawing neere, all of them lay downe on certaine heapes of strawe, that serued them in stead of dain­tier beds; onely Gerardo, though he most needed, yet slopt [Page 128] not, nor tooke any rest in all that night, the most tedious that euer he passed.

There vvanted not one to accompany him in this wa­king, and in a manner with equall sorrow, one of his most vnderstanding companions; whom (as it oft fals out) by particular simpathy he did most affect. Hee then, that lay neerest our poore Gentleman, seeing him much disquie­ted, moued to pitie, and interrupting his owne calamities, said, 'Twere fondnesse, my new friend, and companion, to demand the cause which keepes you thus waking: for where there are indeed so many, euident it is, that, any one were sufficient to breed the greatest discomfort. I am one­ly desirous to know, if any particular accident doe adde to this your knowne misfortune; if so, by communicating the same, the greatest inconuenience, that can happen, is, to ob­lige me to your succour, as much as lies in this poore and weake abilitie of mine: therfore let me request you in some sort to grant my desire. With which the captiue was silent: when Gerardo, not a little admiring his piety and good language (with a low voice, not to disturbe such as tooke their re [...]) thus answered, Discreet companion, though our fortunes be equall in the present misery I bewaile, yet as­suredly, in the circumstances that brought me to it, they are farre different; these make me madde, impatient, full of griefe, soule and body, so increasing vpon me, that nothing but death may ridde me of my paines. I giue you all possi­ble thankes for your desires: God giue you your merits, and so you shall be sure not to want.

In him (said the Prisoner) I am onely confident; though when I consider that this punishment is iustly for my sinnes inflicted, doth cause in me a sad discomfort, and perswades me that the qualitie of them being so odious, they are past all helpe.

[Page 129] These last words he vttred so passionatly, that the curious Gerardo laying hold on them (as thinking them to sauour of despaire) cut him off, saying, The opinion of your vvise­dome yet wils me to desire you not so speedily to forfet the same: and it is much more necessarie for your soules health, not to be cast headlong with such thoughts, for relying (as you first noted) on heauens mercy; from that let me safely promise you (as a remedy to greater misfortunes) pardō for very great sinnes: repent the committing them, that truely performed, Heauen will dispose all for the best. Heauen comfort you, said the Prisoner, as I am by you comforted. And Gerardo willing to know more of his griefes, extended his comfort, by giuing him a Summary Relation of his owne, as thinking by that meanes, diuerting and cheering him ioyntly, he might oblige him to make knowne his life vnto him, as indeed his discreet presumption succeeded right: for hauing past some time in his owne briefe dis­course; the afflicted Captiue wondring at such remarke­able euents, after hee had with no small commiseration en­deared Gerardo's mishaps, inuited by them, hee could not but begin to set forth his owne, at such time as the calme night was in the midst of her sad course; and so drawing neerer to Gerardo with his faint limbes, he began:

When it were not as congruous as vsuall for poore Pri­soners in such occasions, my good friend, as the present to giue each other account of their misfortunes in generall (as by this meanes beguiling solitude, and diuerting the memory of their griefes) the noble freenesse you haue she­wed in the disposing your Story, might iustly engage me to the like, to repay the debt I owe; and therefore if you be pleased to supply my weake stile in my lifes deliuery with your attention, I shall venter to giue it, beginning, where the Barbarian Moores of our Spaine had ending.

[Page 130] My Ancestors serued our first (so stiled, Catholique Princes) Founders of this great Monarchy, so valiantly in their last conquests, that for a Noble recompence, they be­stowed an inheritance vpon them, in the flourishing Ci­tie of Granada, where my house, or rather of my Parents at this day standeth: Gentlemen, (though for me in this mi­sery to speake it, may seeme vaine-glory) as well knowne for noblenesse of bloud, as wealth, and charitie to their poore towne-borne neighbours: happy enough, though doubt­lesse since this misfortune of mine, that happinesse is much diminished: for besides that, it hath fallen vpon their heire, I am their onely sonne and child, vvhom as the light of their eyes, their sole darling, they brought vp in all lauda­ble qualities, as a sonne of such Parents.

About twenty yeeres was I of age, vvhen the best part of Spaines Nobilitie, mooued to serue our Great Monarch in that first iourney of Alarache (incited by friends, and chiefely licenced by my vvilling Parents, to their great con­tents, gallantly furnished with Armes, brauerie and ser­uants) I made one of the Troopes. The effect and taking that towne, or rather buying of it, you vvell know, and so the companies were dissolued; but before I would returne home, I spent a little time with some kindred of mine in the Citie of Cadiz, which was then, as, plentifull in prouisions & dainties, so populously furnished with valiant Souldiers, and frequented by faire Dames; whereby (Mars taking truce) Venus began her pleasing warres; at whose fire in part I vvarmed my selfe, for one day some slight discourse pas­sing betwixt me and a Dame of Seuill, the flaxe taking hold so inflamed, that within a vvhile I found my selfe all in a light fire.

I considered not, that (as she was a Curtizan) I posses­sing her, in such a concourse also others might doe the [Page 131] like) but, watched and iealously hid her, as warily as if wee had long liued together man and wife. The Lady vvas not vsed to such wakings, and therefore my girdle soone waxt too little for her waste; shee grew to a loathing, ate little, forbore her comming to my lodging, in fine, purpo­sed to giue me the slip, as indeed she did, though left in my custodie two Trunkes of her apparell. I cannot expresse how much I was grieued: for, these kinde of creatures, be­sides their ordinarie sweetnesse of Discourse, haue a strange kinde of fascinating, that makes them to bee affected: I sought her, and so did some friends of mine, with no small diligence: but (for shee resolued not to appeare) all vvas bootlesse. Howsoeuer, those pawnes I had, gaue mee some hope to heare of her, as after it fell out; for the next day, next my heart, in stead of breakfast, I receiued a Challenge, which, a certaine Gallant, vpon whose account my woman was kept, sent me; in which he demanded the Trunkes, or in case of rebellion, that we should meet, (the place appoin­ted) where he would expect me: whither, carried with de­sire and gladnesse to heare of my Mistris, together with iealousie that fired me, rashly all alone I went. And too't we went (our bodies the markes) each aiming at his con­trarie, I quickly had the aduantage: for mine enemy stum­bling, fell flat along backward; but two friends of his, sal­lying instantly out of certaine neere Trenches, crying out to me to hold, I obeying he rising vp in the Interim, and violently flying at me, on the sudden reached mee a cut vpon one side of my face. The haste that I made to be re­uenged vpon such cowardize, was the same that my Ad­uersaries vsed for their safety; who thinking their friend had left me for dead, soone vanisht out of sight, and (I be­leeue) out of the Iland. I afterward, to the generall sor­row of my friends, caused my selfe to be cured, and for the [Page 132] present dissembled the receiued iniury; whose Author I knew to be a Seuillian Gentleman, that had long kept my lasciuious Curtizan, whose loue I quickly forgot, yet sent her, as soone as I knew where, for feare she had taken San­ctuary, her Trunkes.

And now I returned toward Granada, where I was some­time before expected. Where when I arriued, the first few dayes (with the licence that the name of Souldier giues to the variety of colours, Skarfe and Feather) I walked in some friends companies, tacking and steering about the Citie; neither know I whether in this time my militarie brauerie, or perhaps contrarie fortune inclined the eyes of a certaine Dame to look vpon me, one, faire in extremitie, & alike No­ble, as I soone learnt; but a stranger, that accompanied her Parents, who had an important Law-suite in this Citties Chancerie. My new loue tooke hold as did the former, and as that increast, and my experience suting but with my yeeres, I inconsiderately cast my selfe after my blind affecti­on; which though it receiued not so soone, my pretended recompence, yet in lesse then moneths was so cherished, that few nights I was absent from Felicianas street (such was my Dames name) and at last I aduentured to send her a Letter vvith the following Sonnet:

In stead of an answere, shee willed me by word of mouth the night following, to speake with her beneath a Bay win­dow shee appointed. This happy comfort begot swift wings to my desires, which (contained in the limit of her promise) the ensuing night, were accomplished: at which time I enioyed my mistrisses sweete conuersation. I shall not need to relate what amorous fopperies I vsed, and the forcible perswasions of my loues discourse, together with the returne of her fauours: onely let me tell you, my hopes had more encouragement from her, then either I could ex­pect, or shee in honesty promise; telling mee withall, that the feare of her houshold spies, was the cause of her former suspension and not speaking with me: so that now (wholly inflamed in her loue) I tooke leaue, our conuersation hold­ing constātly many a night after in the same place; til when I least suspected any such intent, in mid'st of our greatest af­fection, not knowing the cause, (as not hauing on my part giuen any) shee wholly retired her selfe, from either seeing, or speaking with me.

What could you haue thought, noble Sir, of this new disdaine? or what shall I tell you of my extreames? my anguish? my diligence? aboue all, the firmenesse of my af­fection; which more violently encreased then her vniust forgetfulnesse; from whom I could not so much as vnder­stand the least occasion of my mishap: though for all this, I forsooke not the streete, but the most nights with musicke, and voices in some pretty sonnet, gaue a touch vpon her [Page 134] ingratitude: for as my intent was directed to an honest end, which she had diuers times formerly vnderstood from me, I was not nice to conceale my priuatest thoughts: but none of all these left the least impression in her ingratefull brest, which made mee not a little suspicious, that this sudden change might proceed from some new affection; so like a second Argus watchfully waking, I played the carefull Sentinel, and one night among the rest, conforming my voice with a viole, I tooke occasion to expresse the softnesse of my affection, and the flintinesse of her rigour, in the fol­lowing Sonnet, which you may not repent to heare.

But all my labour was vaine, as being neuer able to finde the least shew of dishonesty, or ought illicite throughout that so great familie: and this the more emboldened mee, that sometimes I freely entred euen to the secretst parts of the house, and one night among others, that I inconside­rately desired to see my Feliciana, I entred at a garden [Page 135] doore, whither shee vsed much to descend, and whither I might soone approch, as being neere the houses court: So when I least dreamt of it, I might see, that in the middest of a great Parlor, she was set vpon the knee of a yong gallant, and (to my seeming) louingly courted by him. This was an ouerture, that had I not spared to raise the whole house, would haue incited mee to a violent course; and in my ra­ging iealousie I drew neere to a grate, whereby I might the better heare their discourse: in which (though confusedly) me thought the names of brother and sister passed betwixt them: here my heart was a little more reuiued, and not long after I vnderstood the truth, that the Gentleman was newly arriued from Seuil, where before this occasion, I knew hee was, as receiuing it from my Mistris her owne mouth.

The house vpon his arriuall was lesse heeded, and with greater concourse frequented, though I for my part, know­ing how little security I had there, would haue slid faire and softly away: to which purpose I had scarce turned my back, when, I might behold how two men crossing from the streete doore towards me, came leading a woman betwixt them; so that shunning the being espied by them, I was for­ced to get me on one side, shadowing my selfe in an entrie, till such time as they were past: one of them stepping be­fore, went to the garden window, and called (as I might plainely heare) my mistrisses brother, who instantly came into the court, and with open armes receiued that woman, with whom, (the whole family being retired to rest) hee a­scended into certaine higher roomes, in likelyhood, his owne lodgings: and I seeing all husht and quiet, meant to haue returned vnto mine, but being come to the streete doore, to my greefe I found it shut, which much troubled me; and ignorant what course to take, at last I looked about [Page 136] mee, and in a neere entrie might see a stable doore open: so without more delay I entred there, and kept companie with three or foure horses, taking vp my lodging betwixt one of them and the wall, where I was no sooner laide downe, and rested vpon my buckler, when a fellow com­ming with a light in his hād, the horsekeeper belike, without spying me, first barring the doore, began next to vndresse himselfe, and by vertue of the light before me, I might see the partie a lusty Barbarian Mu [...]atto, that was slaue to Felici­anas father; for her sake I was forced to passe a hard night thus, as I had often done. Whilest I was busied in my thoughts, the slaue had got him to his bed, a poore one (heauen knowes) which standing against a lath-wall right opposite to me, I might perceiue him softly listen to heare what passed on the other side thereof: and not long after, (being still attentiue to his care,) might see that leauing to hearken, rising hastily vp, and kneeling vpon his bed, he be­gan to take out some bricks which had bene set into the wal, and afterward, one within asking if there were roome to enter at, and he answering yes; by little and little, I saw him helpe in a woman, and (being entred) claspe her fast in his armes. My ioynts began presently to tremble, and my heart furiously leapt within mee, as if it meant to haue left my brest: and not long after, my sad soule fully knew the cause of these effectes; for the lustfull woman not con­tented with embraces, but longing to see her barbarous lea­cher naked, taking the candle from whence it hung, shee no sooner beheld her tawnie sweet-heart, but I in her, the faire foule-minded Feliciana (to my sorrow,) the base subiect of this slaues lust. But the home drawne arrow, flyes not so swift from crooked bowe of the fierce Canibal, as po­werlesse I with furie started from vp the horses feete, and setting vpon the worthlesse couple with my dagger, bent [Page 137] wholly on reuenge, and blinde with confirmed iealousie, without resistance thrust the poniard foure seuerall times thorow the Moores body: and seeing that in the interim, Fe­liciana stroue to be gone, leauing him, and thinking with my selfe, that the intent of making her my wife, obliged me to as much as had she beene so, catching hold of her arme, I stabbed her in as many parts of her body as I could reach, and (doubtlesse) had there ended her life, if the cries of both (for the slaue by this time made shift to get into the entry) had not preuented mee: for instantly at the vprore all the seruants were gotten to the stable doore, which I (to my ruine, quickly perceiuing) resisted and their entrance, ha­uing the slaue now dead at my feete for a bulwarke.

In mid'st of this confusion came my mistrisses brother with lights before him, whom I no sooner fully saw, but knew to be the author of my former wound: and hee like­wise beholding, knew me, whereby suspecting that I (hauing notice of his arriuall) came to kill him, hee began lowdly to make it manifest. No lesse by this time was the noyse and howling where Feliciana was: which, her brother fearing would be a cause of raising the watch, in respect of the par­tie in his chamber, (for hee was ignorant of his sisters mis­hap) hee commanded his seruants to shift her away; but their lucke was such, that at going out of the streete doore, they met with the Constable, who drawne by the noise he heard, was newly come thither; so that my selfe now (seeing my mistrisses brother for his wenches danger gotten a­mongst the watch,) laying hold vpon the oportunitie, with incredible haste mixing with the troupe, freed my self from danger, leauing the master and seruants there to shift as well as they could for their faire Ladie, whom with sorrow (hauing once loued her) I beheld to bee the Seuillian Dame of Cadiz. But time hastening mee on, in a trice I was got [Page 138] out of the street, passing as I went vnder Feliciana's bay win­dowe, by whose groanes, accompanied with the noise and howling of her mother and maides, I might plainely heare some crying for Phisicians, others a Confessor, which made me, without more delayes, get me out of the Citie, and be­fore day-breake, aduance two leagues vpon my way, to a towne that belonged to an especiall good friend of my Fa­ther, from whom, receiuing a horse and some moneies, (considering my danger) I hasted speedily, and crossing the Alpujaran mountaines, came to the Kingdome of Mur­cia, and at last to the Citie of Valencia, where (my soule full of bitter and intolerable sadnesse) without further consulta­tions, I turned Frier, and betooke my selfe to one of the most retired orders of that Citie, where hauing remained some nine moneths of my Probationership, time curing me of my amorous sore, and vveary of that strict life, vvith as easie a determination as I vndertooke it, I quickly left it, and some month since, returning tovvard Andaluzia, desirous to see in vvhat state my affaires vvent, vvhen I least thought of it, by the vvay these Sbanditi fell vpon me, and taking my monie and a Pilgrims vveede vvhich I vvore (for my more safetie) from mee, brought me to this place, vvhose extre­mitie makes mee thinke this vvretched misfortune hath be­falne me, not more for my former offences, then cutting the thred of the Religious profession I made choice of.

This vvas the end of the poore imprisoned Gentle­mans sad story, vvhich accompanied vvith Gerardo's sor­row, to his sighes comforting each other, and re-establing their commenced friendship the necessitie of the time; made them by mutuall accord addresse themselues to some rest.

Some fifteene dayes remained these poore Gentlemen after in this place; in vvhich time Gerardo vnderstood [Page 139] from his Camerada's, the intention of their keeping in this darke Prison, vvhich was, to sell them to the first Barbari­an Frigot that should arriue vpon the Coast, vvith whose Owner Pedraca had made agreement, and sold his Priso­ners for some twenty, some thirty crownes a man. This not a little comforted Gerardo, the sale assuring him of his libertie, since he presumed his Brother or friends would ransome him; and with this new hope, giuing more alacri­tie to his late despised life, hee disposed himselfe with a manly and couragious heart, to expect the end and vpshot of his misfortunes: seeking withall to ridde and blot out of his minde, the loathed remembrance of the vile Iacinta, who now knew how shee came amongst those Rogues: for one of his companions informed by one of the other, told him, that foure moneths since, they met her, lost or rather flying in a Mountaine (as shee gaue to vnderstand) from a Brother of hers; and that their Captaine enamou­red on her beauty, tooke her along with him, causing her to change her womans habit, and his followers to o­bey and respect her equally as him their Master: and surely this was the Religious Order she so truely longed after. A strange kind of change & variety in womā was this, a light­nesse beyond beliefe, where my vnderstanding hath quite lost footing, and my iudgement is past wading. I thinke it needlesse to search curiously into the reason, why this creature grew so prodigall of her honour: for since Ge­rardo, whom it most concerned, could not vnderstand it, it may vvell bee let alone; yet it is not amisse to set downe his description of vvomans various condition in this briefe Sonnet.

To turne to the present: Some fifteene dayes after he had remained in this Cauerne, himselfe and his enforced com­pany, being one night fast asleepe, with a huge noise of peo­ple that seemed to descend the Caue, suddenly awoke, and straight imagining their enormious sale was contriued with some Moorish Pyrate, each man began to prepare himselfe. They were no whit deceiued, as being soone be­set with Moorish cryes, and Arabicke Souldiours, that with their drawne Scimitars, together with a confused bab­bling, began to fast binde, and (turning them out of their Dungeon) to guide them toward the Sea-side, vvhere they imbarkt them in a well-man'd Frigot, that lay there hid in a close creeke.

But scarce had Gerardo set foote a-boord, when hee saw most of the Theeues, and their Captaine, together with the vngratefull Iacinta, well fettered and manacled, whereat he was not a little astonished, though, to see her and that base [Page 141] crue in such estate, tempered with some ioy, his admiration assuring himselfe that iust Heauen had reuenged him suf­ficiently on his enemies. For you must know that Alibraem a famous Pyrat, and Pedraça's dissembled friend, hauing that afternoone arriued on the coast, and landed on the nee­rest shore a hundreth of his best Souldiers, he resolued like an Infidell as he was, to breake his word and promise; or happely, incited by the Diuine Prouidence, that his Infide­litie might be a due punishment to theirs, that being Chri­stians, sold their deare Country-men to the barbarous ene­mies of our Sacred Faith: and so in the night stole vpon their Cabbins, when they were most secure, and seized on them and Pedraça in Iacinta's imbraces; and notwithstand­ing their complaints, and threats, leauing them well bound and sure in the Frigot, the subtill Pyrat returned with one of them for his Guide, to shew him the Caue where the Pri­soners were; and so clapping his whole booty a-boord, be­fore day he set sayle, steering toward the clayie Wharse of Argiers; which course to their great content, but our poore Christians their greater discomfort, with a prosperous gale they held on, till towards nine of clocke the next mor­ning; at what time a forcible Leuant encreasing vpon them, the sky was instantly couered with blacke clouds, threat­ning those that cut the surging waues, with an approaching storme: the angry vvinde still re-inforcing, and the preg­nant clouds, spowting out streames of water, the skie likewise with confused claps, Thunder and Lightning ap­peared all on a light flame. Here, those that should haue gouerned the storme-drouen Frigot, seeing their danger, and wanting all courage, clapping vp their Oares, and tur­ning the Sailes to their Stead, they yeelded themselues to the fury of the mercilesse Windes.

Euery minute the brackish waues, gaping to the Seas [Page 142] very center, seemed to swallow the vngouerned Barke; in which, nothing was now heard, but moane, vowes and promises, aswell from the Pagan Turkes, as miserable Chri­stians, increasing with the night, that now with ominous darknesse came vpon them, together with a terrible distrust in their afflicted hearts, especially in the faire Iacinta's, who so tooke on (as might haue prouoked Marble to pitie) and indeed all of vs pittied her, such exquisite force and vertue hath beauty, that as well from foes as friends, in the custo­mary Lawes of Nature, findes pitie in extremities. Ge­rardo's chiefe care in this confusion, was to quit himselfe of a great chaine which he was tyed with, that if the worst should happen, whether beeing out of their course they should split vpon Rockes, or being neere the Coast, runne on a Shelfe, he might freely shift for himselfe.

In this manner, and hurried on with the swift Leuant, with much danger they sailed backe againe in the Straights (not being able to helpe it) till towards day-breake; and so the storme a little ceasing, doubling a point and Cape called Gata, vpon a sudden they fell vpon three Ships of the Armada Royall of Spaine, who tost vp and downe in that storme, came also thither to take shelter. But no sooner tooke the Frigot notice of the danger, when presently with Oares in hand, they began to tugge amaine from the ene­mie, who also began to giue them chase, the Admirall for­most which was one of them. But seeing the Prize almost ready to outstrip them, giuing them a Peece from her fore­castle, it lighted so happily vpon the Frigot, that together with the Seas violence in the storme, that made her in ma­ny parts leaky; in a trice the hurt she receiued by the bullet was perceiued: for the water entred her so fast, that for all the pittious cryes they within her made, & before the Ship could come to her succour, in a moment she began to sinke, [Page 143] and as many as were in her to perish; at least all such as with the affrightment of the storme, had not the happinesse, to get into the Shallop; in which, some of the Captiues, with the Barbarians, escaped the ships danger, & present death.

Gerardo might also haue ran the same hazard, had he not couragiously foreseene it; for wise men in neither fortune are depriued of prouident foresight. But he (as Heauen per­mitted) laying hold vpon a Chest that was next him, kept himselfe vpon top of the salt waues, till such time as the Ad­mirall drew neere; and casting out a Ropes end, he and the Granadinian Gentleman were saued.

Gerardo could no longer support the iust anger of his wronged heart, but suffered himselfe at last to be vanquish­ed by his amorous resentment, by seeing her, whom hee once feruently affected, before his eyes (helplesse) perish: and though her hatefull leuity worthily deserued a more ri­gorous punishment; yet this last, which he thought heauen inflicted by the deuouring waues, so compassionately mo­ued him, that he could easily haue followed her fate, were it not too great an ingratitude to his miraculous deliuerance, from a sudden death, or at least seruile bondage. It was no small comfort to see himselfe now safe amongst so many valiant Souldiers of his Nation; who, out of a Noble ge­nerositie, seeing him as it were naked, taking some of their owne cloathes from their backes (not knowing who or whence he was) clad and vsed him as a Brother or particu­lar friend: till arriuing at the Port of Saint Lucar, taking leaue of the Generall & his Noble company, as also of the Granadinian Gentleman, who tra­uelled another way, he went on shore, as full of interiour sorrow, as void of comfortable reliefe.

GERARDO: THE VNFORTVNATE SPANIARD.
The third Discourse.

THE Tragicall end of Clara, and the la­mentable successe of Iacinta, had brought the vnfortunate Gentleman to such a miserable passe, that he was now wholly determined to conclude the remainder of his vvearied life in the barren solitude of those vntilled fields, refusing for euer in his free choise, the entising and dangerous aboade in great and populous Cities, shunning and retiring himselfe from their very names, as the pestife­rous occasion and contagious venime, from which his minde and bodie both so worne escaped. And certainely let this resolution of his be duely weighed, any one may easily conceiue how happily Gerardo fell into such conside­ration, since to auoid his disastrous fortune, hee could not [Page 145] chuse a fitter remedy, nor on his owne behalfe, take a course more worthy his manly resolution. But vvho can preuent his owne vnhappy fate or fortune? who can resist what high Heauen hath once ordained? So that Gerardo, where hee most forcibly stroue to shunne the Diuine Planets, there he grew neerest to their maleuolent influence, and his owne misfortunes.

He seemed to be transformed into another Epimetheus, or one that had tasted of Pandoras box. Well, he had scarce imprinted his steps in the siluer Sand and Margent of that Port-inundation of the famous and swift Betis, when led by his solitary cogitations, leauing the Citie on his left hand, he prosecuted a way, in which his free will (an vncertaine guide) cōducted him ouer Vallies, Pastures, vn-euen waies, Hils, and vnaccessible high Mountaines: till one after­noone about Sun-set (after he had spent some two dayes in this kinde of wearinesse) desirous to giue a little refresh­ing to his tired Body, and prying to and fro for a conueni­ent shelter to passe the approaching night in, (carelesse of any mortall encounter) it was his chance to espy a Shep­heards Cottage, which seated at the foote of a spreading Oake, made the place and situation more delightfull.

Gerardo was nothing sorry to haue lighted on so good a harbour, rather out of gladnesse, willing to draw neere, he went on, but quickly made a mannerly stand, fearing to in­terrupt the sweet Voice of a comely Swaine, that sat vpon the euer-greene fruitfull grasse, was at this time singing, or rather closing vp of the Song, to the Musicke of an ill-shap't Rebecke.

The Song ended, had not our Gentleman beene on his legges, his eyes broad-waking, and his whole selfe leaning to the Barke of a greene Willow, doubtlesse his fancie might (as a fained dreame) haue shaped, the Cottage, Shepheard, Voice, and Song, which suted well to his li­king, as hearing it conclude with the praise of a Country▪ life: but this was not the greatest effect it wrought, for he, transported with the tones eleuation, beganne to fall backe into the remembrance of his past misfortunes, and losing himselfe, as being wholly intangled in them, with­out all helpe (vanquished by the oppression of his woes) fetching a deepe sigh, his sences forsaking him, hee fell downe vpon the springing Grasse; causing no small alte­ration in the carelesse Swaine, with the sudden noise of his fall; who after some pawse, and thinking on the cause of it, casting the shrill Instrument away, straight ranne to him that was falne, and (settling his head on his knee) conside­ring withall his goodly presence, solitarinesse and dismay­ing, could not but much relent, and desire to know the party, together with the cause of his malady: and so lea­uing him a while vpon the ground, entring his Cottage, [Page 147] and bringing out with him, a neat cup of Red Tamari [...]ke, he filled it from the Cristalline Fountaine, which not farre off sprung frō the center of a stony Rock: and turning speedily to the fainting Gentleman, sprinkling part of the water on his meager cheekes, hee brought him by degrees to him­selfe, crying out with inward grones, and this following, with a faint voice. How long, confused thoughts! will you torment my sad soule, representing still her past griefes? More he would haue said, if, taking notice of the charitable company, and vvondring at his owne successe, he had not turned his commenced sorrow into gratitude for his suc­cour, giuing the Swaine due thankes, who with the follow­ing discourse, and a smiling countenance, cut him off, say­ing: Truely, Gallant Youth, your sudden distemper hath caused such a resentment in my heart, that I could well beare a part with you, so I thought it might any way ease you of the inward griefe, with which I see you afflicted: take courage, man, and (if possible) expell the originall of your sad complaints; for knowing how hurtfull they are, you doe ill to admit of their vniust company: and (if you please) let vs in, to my Cottage; where, as well to me, as to the rest of my company (who wil not be long from vs) with our homely plainenesse, you shall be heartily welcome, and this I can freely promise.

Gerardo was not a little pleased with so louing an offer; and therefore returning his best thankes, to so worthy a courtesie, he thus made answere:

Impute not (courteous Shepheard) my hearts weake­nesse, any way to want of courage in my minde; nor that my late accident grew from a corporall necessitie: for such (were they neuer so painefull) my patience vvould weare them out, or time might in time happely relieue them.

Onely beleeue and pardon this as a passion and infirmity [Page 148] of my soule, in which it is so anciently rooted, so entirely the very selfesame thing with it, that it is past all remedie, euen growne eternally incurable. But not all the griefe I feele, or sorrow I must lastingly endure, shall make me euer forget: how much I owe to your fauour done me; though my slender abilities must leaue to the Superiour powers the due recompence and satisfaction for your good will, in of­fering me your company, or rather accepting mine; which since you please to esteeme of, my faithfull protestation shall be to serue you as long as you like to admit me. The ouer-ioy'd Shepheard would haue replide, when not farre from the Cottage, fiue men appeared, who drawing nee­rer, all gaue a kinde of reuerence to him that was with Ge­rardo, which made him perceiue hee was their chiefe (as true it was) for he had many great flockes, to vvhich those fiue looked too; and many Herds of Cattell, that grazed vp and down in the Forrest where they were. Now all of them beeing set at the doore of the thatcht Cottage, hauing the naturall pleasant greene, in stead of more olorous Diaper, they fell cheerefully to Supper, so merrily welcoming their new ghest, as, his fare had beene lesse contentfull at a great mans Table.

Celio (for so hight the worthy Shepheard) could not sup­pose, that such a subiect as Gerardo (being adorned vvith so good parts of humanitie) could want the knowledge of delightfull Musicke: and therefore offering, when Supper was ended, the Rebecke to his hand, said, It is not possible, good Sir, that he who is so complete, should bee defectiue in this worthy qualitie; and therefore let mee request you on the behalfe of these present, that you be pleased to giue vs a touch of your Musicall skill and Voice, since you haue heard mine already, and remaine my debtor.

Here Gerardo seeing himselfe so reasonably obliged, re­turned [Page 149] to Celio this answere: How-euer my fresh affaires rather prouoke my minde to dolorous sighes, then to suspend them with sweet accents; yet the desire my heart hath to bee confirmed in your friendship, shall vvinne something from my griefes to obey you with, confident that your loue will make vp what wants in skill; and so tu­ning first the Instrument, and after his Voice, he sung this Dittie, including somthing to the company, and the rest to his owne mishaps.

The Song ended, and the short mention of his griefes so begat true ones in him, that, though hee meant to haue gone on vvith some other more pleasing Ditty, for his new friends, it was not possible for him, (besides) that they also much taken with his sweet voice, desired to re-enioy it. But seeing the iustnesse of his cause, they would not ouer-presse him; so that growing now somewhat late, they betook them to their rest; and the next morning, the Shepheards rose early, each one to his seuerall charge, saue Gerardo & Celio, [Page 150] who preparing Nets for fishing, Dogs and Ferrets for hun­ting, in such delightfull exercises spent this day, and also many more.

Gerardo had caused to be made for him, a curious field-garment of painted wilde-beasts skins, and now to Celio's infinite content, liued in those Desarts as happily, as vvil­ling neuer to forget them; till one euening toward night, leauing Celio toward the highest of the Mountaine, driuing his flockes to shade; himselfe hot and vveary, returned all alone backe to the Cottage: at vvhich time, amongst the thicke spreading Trees, there appeared a Woman, vvho comming neerer to him, made him not a little wonder at her sight, as well in respect of her tender age and beautie, as to see her all blubber'd, sad & afflicted, vvhich made him suspect, that something (ordinarie to vvomen that frequent Woods) had hapned vnto her, though her true signes of griefe made him thinke it might bee against her consent: vvhich egged him on the more to know the occasion that brought her thus solitarily, on foote and ful of sorrow: and so comming neerer, before he could speake, she first saluted him; and Gerardo returning, with his accustomed courtesie, desired her to sit downe, and grieued to see her so disquie­ted, sitting by her, with gentle speech hee began thus to ac­cost her:

I should be glad (faire Gentlewoman) that vnlading some part of the sorrowes that o'reflow your brest, you would giue mee an account of them, and the cause that makes you wander in these remote desarts, so, without com­pany, though accompanied with such sad signes, as by their shewes make your griefes most important.

Whilst the good Gerardo vttered this to the afflicted Dame, her cleere eyes ceased not to shead frequent teares, and her panting heart to send forth some groanes, till at [Page 151] length, willing to yeeld an answer to him that so willingly expected it, drying the drops from those cristall streames, and getting some short leaue from her afflictions, with a sigh sent from her hearts bottome, and mournefull tone, she began.

If the immense sorrow that euen bereaues me of my sen­ces, vvould giue way to my tongue, to expresse the cause of it, sure I am, courteous friend, that your compassionate heart, vvould vvith a new and equall feeling, beare a part in the present paine, vvith which my soule is tormented; and therefore let me request you, for your owne sake, not to importune me to the narration; for vvhere all humane reliefe failes, that can be but fruitlesse; onely let me intreate you at the present to let mee know how neere I am to any habitations, and how farre it may bee from this shady Val­ley to the towne of Cesarina, vvhere it is fit (for the restoring of my sad life, if it be possible) that I this night arriue. To vvhich Gerardo, somewhat abashed at her distrust, replyed: Most beautifull Mistris, 'twere easie to all-pitying Heauen to effect, that vnder this course Weed, and rusticke Skins you see, some noble blood might be inclosed; and a heart, not onely longing to receiue the demanded fauour, but prompt and prepared to hazard a life vpon any occasion, in which you shall employ it; and perswade not your selfe, nei­ther so much as imagin, that the ill you speake of, is ir-reme­diable; since, liuing, though it vvere in the highest extremi­tie, there is hope of comfort and reliefe; nor misprize not him that thus vnknowne shewes you so meane an outside, since many times there is found in the forsaken and wilde hearbe of the field, that true and healthfull antidote, that oft in the precious Treacle is vvanting: touching the places distance you aske for, you are much vvide of it; for besides the not being able to get, till darke night, into the high way, [Page 152] you haue from thence a long League and more to Cesarina: your best course therefore, (if you please) is, to be my ghest till morning, and in yonder thatcht Cottage, you shall bee as, vvell entertained; honestly welcome. The afflicted Dame could not suppose such Phrase did proceed from lesse then a well disposed person; and in this thought casting her faire eyes vpon him, considering well of his shape and mo­dest countenance, she gaue credit to her supposition, and not disliking his offer, determined to accept it; and so her bitter moane somewhat qualified, shee vsed these amorous speeches: Your discreet language hath vvrought so nota­ble an effect in my heart, that, vvith it you haue not onely giuen me incouragement, but vvithall obliged me to what is so conuenient, and (night approching) would haue en­forced me to beg, vvhich I shall be glad to receiue, vpon the assurance of the inuiolable good vsage you promise me: and in lieu thereof, that you may not thinke me some strag­gling house-wife, I shall knowne make vnto you, the occa­sion of my lost peregrination through these wilde desarts: for though the principall motiue admits no earthly com­fort, yet sure I am the rest, as accessaries, shall finde it in your iust commiseration.

The noble Citie diuided from her Suburbes by the swift Streame of the renown'd Guadalquibir, is my natiue soyle; where, to my owne proper and others misaduentures, I was borne: in my tender infancie. I was bereaued of both my Parents, yet not wholly an Orphan, hauing in stead of a Father, his Brother (to whom I vvas left) my louing Vn­kle, married at this present to a Dame of the Prouince; one, that as she is well descended, and endowed with the best naturall gifts, so, ambitious of her infamy and loose condi­tion; a very idolatresse of her owne lust, inclined to that on­ly and her wanton freedome: her disorderly courses came [Page 153] to that scandalous passe, as gaue sufficient matter and be­ginning to the affliction you now behold in mee: for the prosecution of her lasciuious appetite, could not so secret­ly be handled, but that the lustfull and raging loue, she bore a handsome young Gentleman our neighbour, came to my Vnkle his notice, and no longer ago then yesterday, I being all alone in my chamber, not dreaming of the ielous rage that possessed him, (it growing now towards night) I might see him in a strange distraction entred where I was, so enra­ged, that aswell by his fierie eyes, as bloodlesse visage, hee made knowne something had bred him much distaste; and I rising in no lesse feare to salute him, (hauing shut my chamber doore too) and vnsheath'd a sharpe Ponyard hee had on, laying next fast hold vpon me; now almost dead in his armes, setting the point of it to my throat, he proceeded to this frightfull discourse: Were it not for a more vrgent reuenge I haue in hand, doubt not, vngratefull Clori, (for this, gentle Shepherd, is my name) but this Dagger should let out thy accursed life; and with it that base and counter­fet blood of mine, which lurkes in thy ignoble brest: but be assured of a present dispatch, if instantly thou reueale not, what thou hast long concealed, the being a worthlesse wit­nesse of my dishonour and affront. There is no faining of excuses, or pleading ignorance can serue turne; suffice it, I know the truth, and not any thy discharge can preuaile, nor will I euer beleeue thee to bee ignorant of the base wrong, thy Aunt, my trecherous wife hath done me; dispatch ther­fore and lose no more time, then what may be spent in my iust satisfaction; telling me truly who is the bold adulterer, that spotting the puritie of mine honour, hath robbed mee of my fame, disgraced my house, ruin'd my reputation, and bereaued me of my best life, by inflicting an euer-lasting liuing death of dishonour. My soule hearing this, was so [Page 154] amazed, that vnable to reply, or to vnfold my lippes, or mooue my tongue-tyed Palate, I stood a good while in this astonishment, till hearing my Vnkle beganne with new fury to threaten me, casting my selfe at his feet, and crauing pardon for my slacknesse, (the pale aspect of my inexorable Fate blinding mine eyes, and clouding my vnderstanding) without more delayes I at length reuealed, what my heart so long before had layed vp in silence, by satisfying his most certaine suspitions, not hiding the least circumstance, as wel touching who the Gallant was, as also his egresse, and the lasciuious conuersation in their dishonest loues. Hauing at­tentiuely heard me out, without so much as a words reply, going out by the way he came, and shutting my doore on the other side after him, he left me so confusedly pensatiue, that, fearing some wofull end, (for by what I had discoue­red, I could expect no lesse) ouercome with this feare, I re­solued not to expect the euent; and therefore taking the ri­chest of my Iewels, by a window, which (without Grates) looked to the street, (the sheetes of my bed seruing mee in stead of a Ladder) without being seene by any, I got out of the house and Citie likewise in this manner you behold, with a purpose not to haue rested, till I came to the desired Gates of Cesarina; a towne which belonged to my deceased Fathers elder brother, where I had often beene in the com­pany of a Cousin-Germane of mine, sole daughter and in­heretrix to the Owner, whose beauty, (thus little to digresse from my Story) hath the iust title of most exquisite in all this Prouince, fertilized by the ouerflowing Betis. But my cruell Fates would not that this boldnesse should remaine vnpunished; and so hauing some halfe a League from the Citie, met with a man that was going thitherward, wonde­ring to see me alone, and at such a time of night in the wild high way, and comming neere vnto me, (representing then, [Page 155] me thought, my feare of the angry arme and Ponyard anew) asked, which way I trauelled without company, and in a Countrey so dangerous; and other matters, that nei­ther my feare suffered mee to take notice of, or make an­swer; till such time as he perceiuing my alteration, comfor­ting me the best he could, vnderstood of mee which way I was to go; to which purpose most honestly hee offered mee his company and seruice: so bent vpon it, that notwith­standing all my refusals and intreaties, hee would needes turne backe with me: and so going on, began to beguile the way and tedious night, with merry tales so proper, that I was then glad of his soone vnluckie company: for my con­tent was quickly turned into such a griefe, as will neuer, as long as life lasts, forsake me. Here the wretched Clori more outragiously falling backe into her former moane, breaking off (without hearing or admitting the least comfort) she be­gan to weepe and sigh afresh; her teares in Gerardo bred the like effect, and vnable to abstaine, he accompanied her in the same passion. But seeing with the nights approach, the comming home of the Shepherds might interrupt her discourse, hee more earnestly importuned her to the con­clusion: so perceiuing the obligation she had to her volun­tary promise, with fresh teares, she entred where she left.

Scarce had we gone two leagues, (as said my trecherous guide) when finding by my wearinesse the necessity I had of sleepe, or perhaps the better to put his damnable purpose in execution, taking mee by the hand, vnder colour of ha­uing mee rest my selfe, and bidding mee follow him, wee strucke out of the way: I (not knowing whither hee would carry me, nor hauing so much courage as to giue him the slip) walked on a good way, till at last comming to certaine breaches of earth, and deepe pits, I might heare the melan­choly noyse of a Brooke running amongst the craggie [Page 156] Rockes, which so afflicted my disconsolate minde, that I forthwith presaged to my selfe the lamentable successe that did attend me; and in the sudden apprehension of my feare, turning to my companion, I intreated him, we might passe no further; which indeed suted better for his purpose then her ignorance, that so foolishly trusted her selfe with one she knew not. And this plainely appeared; for assoone as euer he saw mee layd downe on the sandy ground to take some refreshing, without beeing able, with all my weake womans defence to helpe my self, or to preuaile, with noyse, teares and intreaties, at last (the reuengefull sword of iust Heauen all the while (I know not for what secret cause) sheathed against so great an offence, and deafe to my hoarse cries) I was by him rauished. Neither ceased the barba­rous executioner of mine honour so, but hauing disrobed me of some of my best apparell, and robbed mee of the Iewels I inconsiderately carried about me, leauing me as it were at the last gaspe of my wearied life, he fled, and left me also to my fresh complaints, to demand iust vengeance of heauen and earth for my wrong. But woe is me, my griefes were scattered in the Ayre, or like Characters written on those Sands, since he was gone without punishment, and I remained lost in this wildernes to bewaile my misfortunes; which shall euer be before mine eyes▪ to cry for reuenge, and my death to giue them end. And ending her story, she began againe to solemnize it with her teares, Gerardo's dis­creet perswasions not able to dry them; who sensible of her griefe, endeuoured all he might to giue her comfort.

By this time with darke cold night, the gentle Celio and his Shepherds approched to the pleasing shelter of their thatched Cottage; whom, when our Gerardo heard, with a cheerefull heart he went out to meet them; and giuing them notice of the new-come Ghest, they all went with him to [Page 157] salute and welcome her, vvith no small admiration at her beauty and attire, and (to say true) none of them gaue any great credit to Gerardo touching the cause of her arriuall: rather taking Clori for his Paramour, dissembling the busi­nesse, after supper they left the Cottage free to them both. But Gerardo perceiuing this their knauish courtesie, began with deepe protestations to satisfie them to the contrarie; but none of all could once preuaile with Celio and the rest, to make them in any wise returne againe to the Cottage: so Gerardo seeing no remedy, making (as well as he could) a hard Bed, intreated the grieued Clori, to lie downe and giue her wearied body some rest. But his intreaties could doe no good vpon the wofull Dame, which much troubled him; so that hopelesse of her receiuing comfort by his meanes, night growing further on, and his eyes somewhat drowsie, he fell fast asleepe by her; but had not taken a full houres rest, when (the liuely image of Iacinta represented to his dreaming fancie, iust as hee saw her struggling with the furious waues:) the heauy slumber so wrought vpon his sences, and his disquietnesse was such, that it awoke him, with the horror and affright that such a sad remembrance might produce; in which anguish sitting bolt vp in his bed, and looking about him for the passionate Clori, hee found her wanting, vvhich not a little affected his mind, doubtfull whether (belike carefull of her honestie, as misdoubting his promise) she might chance to haue hid her selfe amongst the neighbouring trees, he ran hastily out of the Cottage to seeke her, carrying onely with him a strong sheep-hooke for his Armes and defence. But no sooner got hee out of the strawie Lodging, when he heard the trampling of foot­steps, guided (as he supposed) toward the high Rockes and Spring-head of a neere-running Fountaine: Gerardo ha­stening thither, a pretty way from him, espied a Bulk going [Page 158] apace downe toward a Brooke; to which all those running Springs of the hilles pay their tribute, giuing it the name of a goodly Riuer, and withall, looking more warily, as hauing the bright shining Moone to helpe him, he might plainely behold by her womans Garments, that it was Clori, who made so fast away; and that though he lowdly called on her, she still held on her course, without affoor­ding an answer: which made him (not a little amazed) mend his pace; and so breaking thorow the intricate boughes, and rough thicket, in a trice hee ouertooke her, but so out of breath, that vnable to stay himselfe, ouer­throwing her, they both came tumbling downe together; neither had they so stopped from falling into the Brooke, but that Gerardo, seeing himselfe almost lost, with incredi­ble celeritie maruellously recouered himselfe: yet seeing Clori stirred neither hand nor foot, fearing the suddennesse of the fall might cause this trance, taking her in his armes, he returned to the Cottage; where laying her on bed, and kindling some dry stickes, before the rest of the company might be raised with the accident, hee brought her againe to her sences; but opening her eyes, it was with such grie­uous sighes, and extraordinary affrightment, that the poore Gentleman himselfe euen suffered with her: and thinking verily, that all this in Clori, proceeded from some despairefull imaginations, with the best language that his wisedome could present to memory, hee indeauoured to cheare her, till at length her body wearied, with the con­tinuall toyle of her mindes burdensome sorrow, her deli­cate necke subiect to the pillow, and her selfe to soft rest, she gaue way to Gerardo (though with more warines then formerly) to do the like.

Towards morning they awoke, and being day, rose; at what time the faire Clori desirous to return to her way, and [Page 159] taking thankefull leaue of Celio and his shepherds, accom­panied onely by the solitary Gentleman, till such time as he might set her directly for Cesarina; they both left the Cottage, and being not long after arriued at the parting place, Clori would let him go no farther, to the no little discontentment of his noble heart: and seeing him stil ob­stinate to goe with her, she aduertized him of the danger; which, by beeing seene with her, might happen to him, if so be by those (that in all likelihood were sent after her from Seuil) he should be found in her company. Where­fore Gerardo acknowledging her good aduice (though much against his wil) followed it, taking leaue with teares; but first thorowly instructing her, that she might not misse her way; and returning with a slow march to his owne, ere long they lost each others sight. Gerardo hauing his mind still busied in the poore Dames wracked fortunes, could willingly haue wished them (if possible) added to his owne, rather then haue heard them as he did, to bee hers, or now, seene her againe all alone, perhaps, subiect to the like mishap. And in the midst of these pious conside­rations, vpon a sudden, her last nights fearefull flight came to his remembrance, and her ouer-earnestnesse, to haue him at present leaue her company, (all this resolued in his noble brest; besides, condemning his vn-manly cowar­dize, that for a little feare or respect of his owne safety, he should leaue her thus desperately to her selfe) his resent­ment was such, that (setting all inconueniences aside) hee resolued to follow, till hee might see her safe at her iour­neys end: and with this deliberate purpose turning backe, in a moment he got to the place where they tooke leaue; and passing a pretty way further, seeing that (as farre as euer he might discerne) he could get no sight of her, bee­ing much troubled, and thinking it vnpossible, she should [Page 160] be gotten so farre of her way in so short space; so blaming his owne slownesse; and looking more narrowly vpon the troden path, he might see the print of Clori's little foote; which hauing traced, as a Guide to his iourney, hee soone perceiued by the Tracke, that shee had turned out of the right way, to a thicket of tall Oakes, neere certaine old and ruinous walles: wherefore, he falling likewise into the same path, had not gone farre in it, when the skie beginning to waxe cloudie, there arose a sudden and furious gust of wind, which blew so forcibly towards him, that hee was scarce able to keepe on his way. But he more couragiously animated by such violence, without resistance went on, and quickly got to the decayed building; where, by one of the lowermost walles, he found some of Clori's apparel; and passing further, more, euen all, to her very Smocke: which he no sooner beheld, when his grieued eyes began to runne streames of teares, his heart presaging some disaster, and looking towards heauen, he might see before him the wret­ched naked body of the mournfull Dame, that as then new­ly had desperately cast her selfe from a spreading Oake, hung in the ayre, by meanes of a strong nooze made by a scarlet Swath-band, that girded her tender Waste, which performed the stead of a halter.

Blessed heauen! cride Gerardo, with a fearefull voice, Let not thy clemencie permit such a losse of this faire Soule: and in so saying, he instantly got to the trees top, where vn­sheathing a short wood-knife hee had on, he cut the mor­tall knot, and Clori now in her last agony fell to the earth, whither, her fortunate restorer comming soone after to her, found that her breath was quite departed, the white and red of her cheekes turned into muddy, green, pale and blou­die, and her goodly eyes, euen started out of the Christall frame of the smooth snowie Forehead; the soft skeines of [Page 161] her flaming haire entangled and promiscously disordred, and the pure Alablaster of her yuory necke, breast, and hands, vn-naturally enamelled with her big blewe swolne veines; in fine, so sad and horrid a spectacle, as might haue moued euen those guiltie Rockes, and the wilde Beastes whose prey she might haue beene: how much more then, the amorous heart of Gerardo, who like a Lionesse that would roare life into a dead whelpe, with teares and mour­ning sought to restore the desperate Clori to her selfe, Long hee stroue with her, but (in vaine) as he thought, since hee sawe little hope or possibilitie of fetching her, and so willing to celebrate her funerall obsequies with his last farewell, he came some-what neerer with his teares vnto her, which (as Heauen ordain'd) were turned into teares of ioy, for Clori now opened her eies and (wholly her self) with a weak voice craued pardon of her Maker, with euident signes of a true sorrowfull repentance: which the more increased, when she might beholde the Instrument of her remedie, who fetch­ing her Garments to her, and helping her to put them on, she casting her selfe at his feete, ashamed of the dismall ac­cident, without daring once to looke vp, remained thus kneeling, forcing Gerardo to the like, who seeing her now in perfect memorie, with a cheerefull countenance entred into this pious discourse.

The present successe, faire Clori, hath so amazed me, that I know not what to conceiue of your desperate boldnesse, which, when I consider, I cannot but thinke, that, either you are no Christian, or not the child of Noble Parents; for the horrour vvhich yet affrights me, giues contradiction to both: and certainely it can not bee, but your iudgement is quite lost, for had it not been plaine distraction in you, you could not haue changed a momentarie dishonour, for an euerlasting immortall infamy, a slight distaste, for an e­ternall [Page 162] mischiefe, and your owne weake passion, for an in­supportable punishment. For tell me, pray▪ had you thus died? was your honour one iot the more restored, or the losse of your chastitie at all soldred? the staine, you so much deplore, fetcht out? rather contrary, and with your worthlesse dying, your owne honour, and of your whole stocke and linage, had beene irreparably forfeited: and which should make you most sensible, is, the danger to which you exposed your selfe, euen to the very brinke of e­ternall banishment from the diuine presence, to a fearefull Abyssus, where in immortall flames, you must haue paid the price of your desperate attempt; from which compas­sionate Heauen hath beene pleased to free you; looke vp then, vvith grieued eyes, and your hearts inward humility, returne your deuout thankes for so eminent a benefit, such true Deuotion may giue an end to your miseries, which hath oft comforted those, that in others haue beene more lamentable and grieuous.

And finishing his Discourse, perceiuing that Clori remit­ted her answere to teares and silence, hee thought best, not to giue vvay to any new accident; and therefore intreating her to take comfort, cheering her vp all he might, and gi­uing her his arme for a rest, they faire and softly walked on toward Cesarina, where, by that time the morning was well spent, vvith greater ioy in Clori then might haue been ex­pected, they arriued; and so, hauing not hitherto so much as spoken a word to Gerardo, most glad to see her selfe in her Vnkles towne, shee requested him to leaue her in some (the neerest) house; and withall to giue him notice of her arriuall; which Gerardo hearing, not thinking that to be so fitting for him; considering in vvhat manner Clori came, he onely obeyed her in the former, leauing her vvhere she desired; and so taking his leaue, without further stay in [Page 163] Cesarina, by the vvay hee came, hee went backe to the Cottage.

This feare of his, not to see Don Antonio (so was her Vn­kle called) was not vaine; for though his accompanying her (considering all circumstances) were worthy of perpe­tuall thankes; yet to any that were at first sight ignorant, it might breed suspition, that it were not to any good intent; and her Vnkle in likelihood giuing no credit to Gerardo, some great disaster happely might haue ensued, though no small one it was hee suffered in recompence of the seruice done the faire Dame; who, hauing caused speedy notice to be giuen to the Lord of the place; and hee hauing vnder­stood (as you shall quickly heare) of her being absent from Seuill, immediately with some of his seruants, came where his faire Neece expected him: and hauing imbraced her (dissembling his sorrow to see her thus alone) he tooke her into his Coach, and together they went to the Castle of Cesarina, where, his sprightly Daughter Nise ioyfully vvel­comed her lost Cousin, renuing with this meeting their teares for long absence, which the suspitious Vnkle thought were shead for some other occasion then what was com­monly knowne (though not to Clori) but vnwilling at pre­sent more to afflict the sorrowfull Dame, he forbore to giue her any account, of the disastrous successe of things in Se­uill: that night she fled from thence, where (if you remem­ber) we left the iealous and cholericke Don Henrique, vvho hauing shut vp Clori in her Chamber, fearing least his dishonour by losing time, should remaine vnreuenged, de­termining in his violent thoughts a quicke dispatch of his adultrous wife; and finding her carelessely sleeping on her couch, being all alone with her, first, he stopped her mouth with a Handkerchiefe, and next, with two penetrating stabs left her breathlesse. So secretly laying her on bed, and draw­ing [Page 164] the Curtaines close, hee went downe and commanded his seruants to their beds: and himselfe faining to doe the like, accompanied with a valiant trusty Slaue, hee got him into the street, leauing first a little window in his own cham­ber open, the signe which as Clori informed him, the de­ceased Dame vsed to her carelesse Louer, when she meant to haue him come to her by a certaine trap doore; to which he had also now gotten a false Key: not long after the lucklesse Youth, by the signe of his owne mishap was brought to the secure trap, and (ignorant of his Mistresse and her Fate) was no sooner entred, when surprised by the wronged Don Henrique and his seruant, whom till then lying close he saw not, vnable (for they gaue him no time) for his defence; the strong Slaue laying fast hold on him, his Master might at pleasure take his reuenge, who quickly left him in such estate as his Wife, and speedily fetching a turne or two in the street to dissemble the matter, as they were comming in againe, they saw sheetes hung at the win­dow, by which Clori had slipped downe: vvhereupon hast­ning to her Chamber, missing her, her Vnkles heart vvas vvonderfully afflicted, as thinking that her flight must of necessitie discouer the fact; so, hauing secretly sent out di­uers wayes in her search, and taken some of his best Iewels and store of money, he and his Slaue vpon seuerall Horses tooke their way toward the Kingdome of Portugall; and with such speed, that though next morning as much vvas vsed for their apprehension, 'twas bootlesse, as also that of the seruants in Cloris search, by vvhom Don Antonio vvas ad­uertised of the successe; vvho at this time leauing her in his faire Daughters company, going backe to the house where she first entred, vvas informed in what manner Ge­rardo came with her, and of his garment of painted skins: Nise at this time as earnestly sought to know from her [Page 165] Cousin the manner of her vnfortunate iourney, who largely satisfied her, not so much as concealing her dishonour, onely kept secret her desperate attempt you before heard of.

The two cousins were not so priuate in their Discourse, but that a little Page of the house, vvas not farre off from them; who, when Don Antonio returned, told him their whole conference, so that his exorbitant griefe and passion, transporting him beyond all iust reason, without expecting to be confirmed by Clori, he was fully perswaded, that he, vvhich brought her to Cesarina, vvas Author of the Rape; wherefore blinded with rage, accompanied by some of his seruants lightly mounted, he vvent out after him, and all of them taking different wayes, they scowred the whole coun­try, bearing perfectly in memory those signes that were gi­uen them of Gerardo, whom some of them ouertooke not farre from the Cottage, and hauing seene him, were ready to haue trod him to pieces with their horses (such was their indignation) but desirous to bring him aliue to their M ^r they only seized vpon him, and bound him fast with strong cords: neither could the poore Gentleman by entreaties learne the cause of this their anger, which yet his minde e­uen presaged vnto him, as soone as he had parted from Ce­sarina; vvhere (being now carried by these men) when he arriued, he might see the whole towne in an vproare, as if an enemy were neere, and passing thorow, they reuiled him as he went by to the Castle, where Don Antonio, with­out giuing eare to his discharge, or to what Clori would al­ledge to free him, (as thinking it was her goodnesse to saue his life) in spight of her and the faire Nise, that knew well enough his innocence; he commanded him to be fast shut in a strong Tower, in the greatest extremitie that might be. Here hee remained all the next day, and part of the darke­some [Page 166] night, as sad and mournefull as in any his former mis­fortunes; yet the sorrow of the two kinswomen was not in­feriour; and Clori seeing that for her sake Gerardo was in so much danger, could not abstaine from weeping, in lieu of that gratitude in which shee stood engaged; neither could the louely Nise affoord her the least comfort: but she her selfe, gouerned by a more particular accident, was not al­together a stranger to Gerardo's misery; rather (making it partly her owne) and affectionate to that noble and gene­rous proceeding of his toward her cousin, more then any the good parts of his person, whom as yet shee had not seene or knowne, accompanied her in her dolorous resent­ment, and with a minde as compassionate, as a heart reso­lute, not to let him perish, bidding Clori follow her (ha­uing signified her intent) she went into the roome vvhere her father lay, and stealing the Keyes of the Prison from his beds head, prouided also with some Viands, to refresh the captiue Gentleman, they ascended to the Tower; and ha­uing softly opened the doore, perceiuing their forgetful­nesse to come without lights, Clori was forced to go down for some; and in the meane time, Nise sitting downe to ex­pect her, might heare Gerardo with a sweet voice, and di­stinct notes, tune this Dittie to the sound of a great chaine to which he was tyed, in which he cleerely chanted the te­nor of his misfortunes.

To vvhich, and his sad complaints, she gaue an amorous listening: and as his Song ended, Clori was come backe, vvith a vvhite Waxe Light in her hand, and so shutting the doore to them, they both entred in vvhere our passio­nate Gentleman had newly made an end of his singing la­mentation; vvho when he saw such comfortable companie approach, rising vp vvith all respect, vvondring at Nise's extreme beauty, but more at her boldnesse, (yet suspecting Clori to be the cause of her comming thither) turning first to her, he thus began: Neuer, O gracious Clori, could my minde thinke, that in the troubled Sea of my present mis­fortunes (you liuing) my latest should arriue: especially, ha­uing such a Protectresse, as shee that accompanies you, in whose blessed appearance, I am confident, my life shal haue a secure Hauen: Onely at present, I beseech you, let mee know what hath caused my imprisonment: for if it be (as I may ghesse) for hauing done you seruice (though perpetu­all) I shall hold it welcomely imploide.

The most beautifull Nise, all the while Gerardo vsed these speeches to Clori, stirred not her faire eyes a minute from looking on him; and now felt her selfe so wholly his, that (fearelesse of the incōueniencies that might happen, as the not knowing what he was, & then the vncertainty of his li­bertie) [Page 168] losing all respect of honour or reputation, she deter­mined with her selfe to hazzard life a thousand times for him: and with this amorousnesse, preuenting Clori, she first made answere:

The noble and courteous disposing of your good works hath so much engaged vs; as I on my behalfe, and so like­wise on my Cousins doe assure you, that did not your in­nocence make vs doubtlesse of your good successe of liber­tie, this very night it should bee bestowed on you, though some one perhaps might smart for giuing it; but you must perforce haue patience, till such time as my Father, her Vn­kle (lesse passionate) allow of your discharge, and bee tho­rowly informed in the infallible truth; for the suspition on­ly, that you are the Author of my Cousins wrong, hath moued him to this hard vsage towards you: wherefore I most earnestly intreat you, that you be not troubled in any wise; for your griefe (as long as you remaine in this estate) will be as much ours as your owne: to which purpose, the gentle Clori, vsing also her best Rhetoricke, desired him to fall to & eat some of those iuncats they brought him, and so leauing him the light, something to lessen the places dis­comfort; fearing to be missed, they returned, (Gerardo re­maining most thankefull for the pleasing visitation, which he also had two other nights insuing) there hapning after betwixt him and the diuine Nise, most amorous and wittie passages.

But neither of the gentle Dames could bee so gracious with the incensed Don Antonio, as to perswade in the truth of the Prisoners innocence; rather, hee vvas prouoked to more choller and fury, by seeing in Clori so earnest a de­sire of his freedome; and therefore purposing to make short worke, conferring with a Iudge, whom hee had ap­pointed for the businesse in Cesarina, by his aduice (by rea­son [Page 169] there came no proofes against him) they resolued hee should be racked; and so the fourth day of his imprison­ment hee was brought out; and hauing first caused the frightfull engine to be set before him, and the accustomed Interrogatories to be read, notifying withall that he should (if he meant to escape the torment) plainely confesse the truth of vvhat he was charged vvithall seeing their intent failed them, and that he professed innocence, they began to haue him stripped out of his cloathes: but vvhen the newes was brought to the Gentlewomen, their griefe vvas such, especially Nises, that shee could vvillingly haue infli­cted a desperate punishment vpon her selfe, as thinking she was the cause of Gerardo's, for not giuing him his libertie vvhen she might; so inward was the paine they both felt for him, that his feeling of vvhat vvas threatned by the pitti­lesse Executioner, could not exceed it. But that vvas pre­uented, by the opportune and vnexpected arriuall of Don Henrique; vvho hauing, as he entred the towne, informed himselfe of what passed at the Castle, desirous to stop the iniustice, (since by what followes, you shall know Gerar­do's innocence) and comming to his Brothers presence, (vvith his Slaue that had a man vvith him fast bound and manicled) hauing louingly embraced one another, with­out proceeding further, hee desired that his Neece Clori might be brought vnto him; vvho fearefully trembling, though incouraged by Nise, came and threw her selfe at his feete.

I omit for breuity the resentment on both sides; so Clori looking about her toward the Slaue, and the fore-mentio­ned party brought Prisoner, as soone as shee viewed, knew him to bee the Author of her dishonour: whereupon vn­able to reserue, till some fitter occasion, the expression of her strong passion, with a lowd and fearefull shrieke shee [Page 170] would haue flowne at the Rascals face, had not her louing Vnkle kept her in, and deferred her weake reuenge, till by Iustice it might be inflicted on him, that for so detestable an act thorowly deserued it; to which, iust heauen and his of­fence brought him, by the way that hee thought best to haue escaped; which was, by going toward Portugal, whi­ther (if you remember) the wrong'd well-satisfied Don Hen­rique held also his course; whom this wretched Villaine meeting neere the Riuer that diuides the two Kingdomes; and Don Henrique appearing to him to be a person of worth and quality, that in such an occasion might best supply his wants, without more ado, he resolued to sell him some of the Iewels he had taken from the abused Clori; and in this thought stepping forward, hee proposed his intent to Don Henrique, telling him, that want of money forced him to sell some things of good value, if he pleased to buy them: to which, he, as attentiue as vvilling to haue a good bar­gaine, vvhich aswell in respect of his Merchant, as the oc­casion he might expect, in such manner answered, That the traitour satisfied, first shewed him an enamelled neck-Lace of Gold and Pearles, and next, two curious eare-Rings, set and bordered with rich Emeralds and precious Rubies, with other pieces neatly wrought; all which, vvith­out further vvitnesse or information, Don Henrique much a­mazed, instantly called to mind, to haue sometime belon­ged to his loued Clori: and the suddennesse of the matter did so perplexe him, that supposing her vntimely end for certaine, vvhich that fellow, after hee had abused and rob­bed, might haue brought her to; vvithout enquiring a vvord more of him, crying furiously out, and setting spurs to his swift horses flanke, (the Villaine vnable to auoid him) he ranne him ouer and ouer; and turning the reines, vvith the same speed the second time trampled on him; leauing [Page 159] him so bruised and vvounded, that he vvas not able to stirre hand or foot: and seeing him in this taking, vnwilling, till he knew vvhether he had left Clori aliue or dead, to make an end of him, commanded his faithfull slaue (vvho asto­nisht, beheld vvhat passed) to alight and bind him strongly; and so leauing the maine rode-way, & shadowing thēselues amongst certaine spreading Okes, Don Henrique threatning the fellow to kill him, if he confessed not the truth, deman­ded of him, vvhat became of the Owner of those Iewels; vvhich the fearefull vvretch satisfying, telling him all that passed, and how Clori purposed to goe toward Cesarina, vvithout staying a minute longer; the valiant slaue by his Masters command, setting the fellow athwart the Sad [...]le before him, they returned in all haste thitherward, and in three dayes came to haue a sight of Clori. And now Don Antonio's cruelty vvas vvell asswaged, & knowing the origi­nall of the offence, he thought fit to absolue the poore pri­soner of his vniust accusation: so Gerardo (after he vvas free) giuing due thankes to Heauen for the fauour done him, making first his excuse to Clori, taking both her Vnkles a­side in priuate, he gaue them, vvithout any reseruation, en­tire notice, of the horrid and strange successe of her des­perate resolution in the solitarie Forrest, desiring them in fine, that out of the care of their pure affections, they would take some course for their Neeces important remedy, from her selfe he vnderstood, that she would be willing to end her dayes in some religious Monastery.

When the two louing brothers heard this, acknowled­ging how much they stood indebted to Gerardo, and the harsh recompence he had receiued, with noble and com­passionate teares, striuing who might first imbrace him, they heartily craued pardon: the like also did Clori, as ha­uing most reason to be sensible of his misfortunes: in the [Page 172] meane time they commanded, that the wretch should bee put in Gerardo's Tower, from whence hee was not many dayes after brought out, and dispatcht to his Graue. And dinner being now ready, with equall ioy on all sides, espe­cially of the peerelesse Nise, they sate downe to the Table, giuing the best place to the vnknowne Gentleman, ouer­ruling his refusall with their courtesie; which the thankefull Brothers in such manner expressed, that both at dinner time and afterward, they extraordinarily importuned him to re­maine in their company, and to leaue the rusticke Shep­herds, and rurall life: the gracefull Nise too, adding her in­treaties, wrought so effectually, that with the sweetnesse of her earnest courtesie, she brought him from his solitary re­solution: and therefore, obliged aswell by those seuerall inuitements, as supposing also, that as much in Countrey as Citie, his misfortunes were euery where the same; he ac­cepted the fauourable offer, giuing from this instant, new beginning, to his third last Tragicall Discourse, of his Hi­stories first Part.

To the seuerall ioy and applause of Don Antonio, his Bro­ther, Clori and Nise, was the pleasing intertainment of their new Ghest admitted, who to giue ful content to those Gen­tlemen, (that though they knew him not, ghessed at his woorth) must needes now change his pastorall Weedes, and sute himselfe to the fashion of the present times; with which sudden, and wel-shap't brauerie, hee increased in the gallant Nise her pre-inflam'd affection; whose Father with all possible demonstrations of loue, wished him to make vse of him, his house, and all his as his owne; but the prehemi­nence in this particular belonged more to the affectionate gentlewoman, which Gerardo perceiued wel in her cōtinuall care of him, though he thought best not to take any notice to her of her kindnesse, and his owne obligation, as long as [Page 173] the iust estimation of both liued thankfully within him, and so outwardly (yet vnwillingly) preferred Don Antonio's offers: which fashion of his, by her that so much affected him, was held but for a cold, if not vngratefull, correspon­dence.

This honest wary proceeding of Gerardo's, stirred vp in the blind enamoured Nise, a vehement suspition, that (doubtlesse) the vnfortunate Clori, being her Louers hearts treasure, was also the occasion of his dissembling, or (which she no better esteemed) despising contempt; which ielous thought, without further ground, ingendred in her vnquiet bosome, finding the flame to increase, and wholly confir­ming her opinion, shee determined to make knowne her beguiled imagination to Gerardo, who (as you heard) sought by all meanes to banish his mind from any such im­ployment, disposed rather to his own death, then to proue the executioner of his reputation; and therefore forbore all he might all incounters with Nise, but so many were presented by her, that in the end her importunate desire vanquisht him in a place and occasion as forcible, as neces­sarie, to declare himselfe in. Nise helping on with her dis­cretion, by the meanes of a wittie inuention of passe-time, which we call Purposes: as ordinarie, as generall, especially in such frollicke and mirthfull assemblies, as that which was at length gotten together, in a faire cleare night, about some two moneths after Gerardo had passed part of the te­dious cold Winter, in such like amorous passages at Cesa­rina: about which time Don Henrique with good aduice, hauing taken a Iourney, and presented himselfe at Court, (which not long since, by his Maiesties resolution, was re­settled in the more auncient and better seat Madrid) Gerar­do thought fit, making him acquainted with his loued bro­ther Leoncio, to write also by so sure a messenger, and giue [Page 174] him notice of many troubles and misfortunes; which newes was no lesse welcome to him, then that, of finding him aliue in the first Discourse at Segouia; of whose bro­therly gladnesse Don Henrique reaped the best fruit: for Leoncio, willing as well for his owne deserts, as his brothers sake, to shew him courtesie, vndertooke his busines, which he pursued with such care and diligence, that in a short time (though not without great opposition) he absolutely got him freed: where leaue we them, and in the interim, prosecute the mentioned intent of our sport, in which the waggish Louer cunningly kindles the soft fire, that at last scorched the melting Nise's heart; who hauing (as is said) on Purpose formed the Play so called, setting Gerardo be­twixt Clori and her, and other three Damosels her maides in the like ranke, the ioyfulst that might be, to see her selfe so neere her soules Owner, turning to him, and telling the Purpose softly in his eare, she gaue beginning to the sport, Gerardo and Clori seconding, and so the rest of the compa­ny, till (hauing gone round) it came to the gracious Nise's turne; who reuealing alowd the Purpose, disposed it thus:

And Gerardo with a wel-becomming neglect, in like ma­ner alowd made answer:

And the iocund Clori, with a countenance (differing from her vsuall looke) smilingly vttered the two ensuing verses:

[Page 175] To which, the first Damosell thus:

And the second more pittifull, smilingly said:

And the third replying, concluded the Purpose:

Gerardo well perceiued, how for the nonce they had contriued the artificiall sport; but seeing the passionate Gentlewoman, prepared to a second bout, giuing his eare to her, his thoughts left roaming for the present; so the se­cond Purpose began, which passing round as the former, the carefull Nise declared alowd, saying:

To which, the pre-experienced Gerardo, thus:

And Clori that smelt their drift, went on:

And the first Damosell seconding her, said:

And the second thus prosecuted:

To which, the third replying, concluded (as formerly) the sport:

[Page 176] And prolonging the sport yet a little more, she that be­gan the Purpose, hauing passed it round, spoke out:

And Gerardo answered with his wonted carelesnesse:

Then the sprightly Clori:

The first, next answered in her ranke:

To which, the second satisfied with her owne opinion, with a pleasant smile thus replied:

And the third pursuing, thus clozed vp the whole sport:

In this manner they spent the greatest part of the night; in which, and the artificiall vaile of the Play, there happe­ned betwixt Gerardo and Nise remarkable passages, shee continuing her affections more securely, lesse ielous of her Cousin, and he his wary behauiour, to Nise's no lesse tor­ment, to see her selfe treated with so free a neglect, with­out receiuing in a long time, the least shew of comfort, or any occasion to make her thinke Gerardo awhit sensible of her passion for him: and at this time the deuoted Clori, pressing her Vnkle Don Antonio to the accomplishment of her religious desire, to her Cousin Nise's exceeding sor­row, (in respect of the solitude she should by her absence suffer) was carried to a Monastery of Nunnes in Seuil, in [Page 177] which iourney our Gerardo was to accompany her, toge­ther with her loued Vnkle; and before his returne from thence, the desired, and no lesse gratefull newes of Don Henrique his liberty came to his notice, written by the no­ble Leoncio, who also prepared himselfe, to returne with him to Andaluzia; inuited, not onely by the gladsome­nesse of seeing his Brother, but also to render his due thankes to the noble Don Antonio, for his free entertaine­ment; who now hauing seene his Neece placed, made no longer stay in Seuil, but returned to his Castle, to make pre­paration to receiue the new-expected Ghests: and Gerar­do also (by mutuall consent) meant to remaine awhile after him in the Citie, to prouide himselfe of some necessaries for certaine festiuall Triumphes they ordeined: which effe­cted, and summoning some kinsmen and friends of Don Antonio's, that vpon notice giuen them of the time, they might repaire to Cesarina; one after-noone about Sun-set, he began his iourney thitherward; but had scarce trauelled a flight-shoot from the Cittie Gates, when, foure men crossing his way, and one of them clapping fast hold on the reines of his Nagges bridle, bade him alight; letting him know, that they were Searchers belonging to his Maiesties Customes in that place, and that they were to performe their Office; which he hearing, presently forsooke his Sad­dle, giuing them leaue to view his Port-manteau; but they demanded to haue it opened, and consequently the key; which he (ignorant of the Custome) was somewhat slacke in deliuering. But considering there was a necessitie of so doing, and loth to resist their Authority, (though he might thinke it to be ouer-rigorous) hee beganne to vnbutton his Doublet, discouering a faire Chaine of Gold; at one of whose Linkes the key was fastened, which caused no small couetousnesse in the promoting beholders, that straight [Page 178] willed him also to take that off too, and this with such haughty language, and imperious proceeding, as the vn­sufferable molestation caused the good Gentleman, care­lesse of the aduantage of their oddes and Office, reti­ring two or three steps backe, to remit to his hand and Sword, the correction of their insolent behauiour. But they beeing foure, and (as such knaues vse to bee, strongly armed) Gerardo's life vnder-went some hazzard. All that from the beginning passed, a yong Gentleman, no lesse in wardly couragious, then outwardly to see to, not farre off beheld: who, seeing the equitie and iustice of Ge­rardo's cause, withall, his danger, instantly made vp close to him; and nimbly folding his Cloake ouer his left arme, vvith his Sword in the other hand, so animated Gerardo with his assistance, that hee, with new and fresh Valour (though wounded) seeing his friend like a second Alcides bestir himselfe among the Searchers, recouering his lost ground, and sticking close vnto him (they quickly put my Gentlemen to flight:) and hauing hurt three of them shrewdly, the rest shewed them a faire paire of heeles. So for feare of the worst, the vnknowne friend causing Gerar­do to sheathe his Sword, taking his Horse by the reines bade him follow him (which he did, and so speedily) that, though the field was soone full of people got together in an vprore, they were in safety, by crossing the Riuer in one of the many passage Boates, that ordinarily attend there­abouts.

Gerardo was not a little satisfide; for though he had lost what he carried about him, yet it could nothing haue grie­ued him, in respect of hauing gained such a friend as was with him: and by this time seeing themselues a good di­stance from the famous Sub-vrbs of Triana, and free from all danger, hee clasped his thankefull Armes about his [Page 179] friends necke, and with a gladsome countenance thus (proceeding) said, Trust me, Valiant Sir, I may well pre­sume, to haue in mine armes at this instant, the greatest courage that mine eyes haue beheld; and to which, with iust reason, I must acknowledge my seruice and selfe per­petually bound; and therefore I beseech you, that to de­liuer me of my ignorance, I may know, by knowing you, to whom I must owe the life I at present enioy. So slight a courtesie (replide the valiant Gentleman) deserues not so high an extolling: it is so ordinarie and naturall to my condition, to take part with the weaker party (chiefely where there is right) that had you knowne mee longer, you might before now haue beleeued it; neither need you therefore be now curious of thankes, for what is no no­ueltie, but customarie; rather omitting this, I shal esteeme as a fauour, that reckoning this vnluckie day, for no begin­ning of your iourney, you vvill deferre it, and returne vvith me, where at a poore lodging of mine in this City you shall be (howeuer entertained) faithfully welcomed. And so per­ceiuing Gerardo's face all bloudy, thinking him to be much vvounded, he pressed him with his intreaty more earnestly; and he vvas no whit mistaken, for the other had in the late skirmish, receiued a cut in his head, at vvhich he voided so much bloud, that he began to finde himselfe somewhat ill at ease with it, vvhich inforced him to accept of his new friend his noble and courteous offer; vvith vvhom (after thankes giuen) he returned to his friendly mansion, where by a dainty Dame (vvhom hee after vnderstood to bee his friends Mistris) he was louingly welcomed, softly lodged, and his wound cured as carefully, as had he beene with his absent Mother.

Here Gerardo rested fifteene dayes; in which time hauing sufficiently discerned the good parts of his new friend, and [Page 180] satisfide with them, discoured his past disasters, and being more importuned, gaue him a strict account of all the par­ticulars, inuiting with this freenesse Arcenio (so was the no­ble Gentleman stiled) to the like, and to muster vp the suc­cesses of his life, so many, so miraculous, that were they proper to this Tragicall History, would proue no lesse plea­sing, then pittifull.

But, my principal scope of breuitie being to goe on with our maine Subiect, the Reader may dispence with my slacknesse: onely bee pleased to know, that the beeing a branch of one of our Spaines Noblest Families, was the least of Arsenio's excellencies: for his person, hee was valiant, wise, quicke of wit and apprehension; one, that by reason of many notable misaduentures, and thwarts of Fortune, had euer liued from his natiue Countrey, and as concealedly as in the same kind our Gerardo. The two hauing now settled a straight League of friendship, Gerardo making knowne his abode in Cesarina, and the future triumphs that were there preparing; together, how ill his absence would bee taken by Don Antonio (though he had sent him word of the past accident) sorry to leaue his friend, taking first leaue of the discreet Amaranta (so was Arsenio's Mistris called) hee was by him accompanied a long mile out of the Citie; vvho after seuerall protestations for their due correspondence, re­turned thither; and Gerardo, where he was iustly expected, especially, by the faire disdained Nise.

Some three dayes after, he arriued at Cesarina, vvhither also came iust at the time Don Henrique and Leoncio, vvith whose ioyfull meeting the true brotherly affection of the foure Gentlemen was really deciphred; but more exqui­sitely in Leoncio and Gerardo, who now wholly bent vpon the approaching Shewes and Triumphs, to the generall mirth and gladnesse of all, accompanied by Leoncio, the [Page 181] two affectionate brothers, and many other Gentlemen their friends, that at such solemnities vse to resort from the remotest parts, hee rode out of the Castle one faire cleere night amongst others, hee and the rest in an Encamisada or Night-Maske, attended with many shrill-sounding Instru­ments; to whose sound (after the Troope had each past his Carreere) a Page that went before him in the fittest and most eminent part of the great Market-place of Cesarina, set vp a bright shield, at which the ensuing Challenge was fixed.

(This done) in the manner they came, with great solem­nitie they returned; accompanying the Challenger to his lodging; where leauing him, all of them went seuerally to their owne, to prouide themselues against the prefixed time, being the first of the flourishing moneth of May; till when the carefull Nise spent the short houres in workes and imbroideries, enriching with her owne nimble hand, diuers [Page 182] conceited pieces of brauerie for her squeamish Louer; who hauing also neere the time caused the Lists to bee set vp in the place; (and all things necessarie performed) he spent the most part of the dayes in practising to make himselfe cunning, and assure the honour of the triumphs to his vic­torious Arme, which being at length at hand, there wanted no concourse of the better sort, and infinite numbers of o­thers, as had they been in some great and populous Citie, euen in the Court it selfe of our most Catholike Monarch.

'Twas towards the midst of day, when from the high Castle of Cesarina, a peale of great Ordnance beganne to let fly, with such a frightfull thundering noise, that a lesser made in the sightly place by two hundreth Harquebuziers could not be heard, nor the cheerefull Volley, that after a well ordered skirmish, they bestowed vpon the lusty Chal­lenger: vvho attended with the sound of diuers lowd In­struments, was now making his approch and entrance.

There passed before him in comely array an hundreth Gi­nitiers of the brauest on all that Coast, armed in their Steele-coates, white Shields, smooth Taffata Skarfes, listed with siluer, and their Launces with little streamers of the same; all which, the Infanterie hauing cleered the Place, began another no lesse well-performed skirmish, and con­cluding it, with a winding wheele-about, diuided in two squadrons and seuerall Rankes, they gaue way to twelue huge Sumpter-Moyles to come in, which were loaden with curious Launces, their cloathes which couered them, being Russet Veluet, embroidred with siluer, with Gerardo's Armes in the middest: and hauing paced about, they made a stand iust before a Tent of Russet Damaske, neere vvhich the Launces were taken, and reared vp, and so the beasts making roome by their absence, the place was taken vp by twelue well-shap't light Horse, that with their sumptuous [Page 183] furniture had each a Lackey to attend them; whose Liueries were Russet Sattin, Pane-hose with white Leather, sleeue­lesse Ierkins, and doublets of the same colour'd Satten, Rus­set Hats, feathers white, after whom came in foure and twenty Gentlemen extremely Gallant that accompanied the Challenger: before him (as Sticklers) went his brother Leoncio and Don Henrique, both clad in rich Tissue, the ground Russet, Plaine Caps, and Plumes white and Russet, in such state, as seemed to obscure the couragious Challen­ger, who came in vpon a Damson blacke Steed, like another Caesar, clad in the Roman habit like one of them, his co­lour Russet, Sattin richly embroidered with siluer, so curiously interlaced and wouen, as more could not from Art be expected: in his right hand he bore a short Trun­cheon studded with siluer, and on his lofty vncouered browe, wore a Crowne of mournefull Cypresse, his Horse Trappings were also Russet, imbroidered as aforesaid, his bitt Massie siluer: no lesse, his head Armour: Plumes russet and white, with a praunce so light and so lofty, that he see­med to be rather all Aire, then to giue the least touch to the earth. Then followed sixe other cole-blacke Horses, that drew after them a glorious Triumphant Chariot, behinde which came ten or twelue Gentlemen, that in equall braue­ry, being the Rere-ward of the Stately Troope, ended that shew. The Chariot was blacke, diapred with Starres (as bright as the mornings) siluer both within and without; in midst of which, on a high Throne that tooke vp the whole Chariots breadth, and within that, vnder a Triumphant artificiall Arch, was a goodly Statue of a most beautiful wo­man, clad in a long Aegyptian Robe, set and garnished with a world of Crownes, Scepters, Myters, and Persian Tiaras, so linked and wouen together, that framing a most curious piece to the eye, plainely appeared to bee the feared and [Page 184] adored Deity, which the Idolatrous Gentiles call Fortune, as her Motto gaue to vnderstand, which she held in her left hand, written in a Red and siluer Streamer, as thus:

Her right hand was fixed; and hanging at it a Siluer Wheele, she seemed to raise vp toward her, a dead Knight, clad in the same colours that Gerardo; the Motto or Epi­taph, which in a thinne parchment hee carried in his right hand, was such:

This Motto was throwne in seuerall Parchments vp and downe the place, though none so well vnderstood the meaning, as the apprehensiue Nise, who betwixt Celia and Leonora, two of her kinswomen of wonderfull beauty, to­gether with many stranger Dames, and of Cesarina, sate in a costly hung roome; and (though the weather were par­ching hot) of it selfe shadie, or as if whilst Nise was there, Sol were not willing to approch, lest from an eye of hers, his splendour might receiue a taint. Clad she was in russet Sattin cut; but so, that through each of the slashes, the inside and lining shewing to be rich Cloth of Siluer, made them seeme Artificiall flowers, whose midst of each was as it were budded with a fine Pearle; the lacing and Bor­ders were subtilly inter-wreathed with siluer Purle, and the Pearles in conuenient spaces set betweene. Her head­ [...]yre no lesse curious then costly, discouered the most, and [Page 185] hinder part of her haire, kept smooth, in stead of a Haire­lace, with a rich border of precious Stones; and those gol­den skeines, suppli'd the want of a Caule, which had shee worne, Phoebus might haue missed those Locks of hers to enuy at.

The deiected Nise was so melancholy, distasted with her cruell Louers opinion, that the braue Challenger, in her sorrowfull countenance might easily reade the Story of her woe: and so (though hee knew not how any more to loue) yet as oft as he looked vpon her sadnesse; his heart vvould prompt him to some new way of resentment: he could not but inwardly accuse himselfe of some cruelty, in vvhich new entertain'd thought, passing round about the place; and hauing performed the accustomed salutations to the La­dies, he made a stand at his faire Tent; directly opposite to which, on a large Scaffold, couered with rich pieces of Tapistry and Damaske, of seuerall colours, sate the Iudges, to vvit, Don Antonio and two other Gentlemen of his kin­dred; and somewhat beneath them, vnder a State of Cloth of Gold, ground Russet, stood a goodly Cup-board, beset with many rich Iewels, and on the vpper part, a garnish of Siluer and gilt Plate, and aboue that vppermost of all, the rich Diamond set in a ioynt Ring of Gold, as the Victori­ous Aduenturers knowne reward. And in the meane time, till some one might approach, Gerardo, alighting, sate him downe in an embroidered Chaire, which was placed ready for him at his Tent doore, to the no small blithesomenesse of those that beheld his stately entrance.

The foure and twenty Gentlemen, and twelue last, that accompanied him, settled themselues in order by the Tent side, forming a beautifull and goodly squadron, hauing be­hinde them the Musicke and lowd-sounding Instruments, which came in vvith the Challenger.

[Page 186] And not long after a noise of Drumme and Trumpets, they might behold a troope of Gallants entring at one side of the place, all well mounted, but with their stirrops at length contrary to the Ginetiers, and armed like men at Armes, their armour so bright-carued and cunningly wrought, that each appeared a most cleere Cristall loo­king-glasse: Their Standerd was carried before them, whose colour and stuffe vvas blue Damaske, the fringe Gold, with a small Scutcheon in the midst, and in that, embroidered, the knowne Armes of Cesarina's Lords, be­ing two Castles in a field Azure, a strong chaine of Gold, hanging from each, to which a Lyon Rampant crowned, was fastened by the gorge. Next, followed a triumphant Chariot, so wrought, that it seemed to be really pure gold, in whose corners & quadrangle were liuely set out the me­taphoricall loues of the nice Daphne, and god Apollo: within the Chariots selfe was heard a sweet consort of well-tuned Instruments, whose pleasing shrilnesse much gladded the hearers; and on the top of a middle Arch, was placed a Globe or world of Gold, and vpon it the feared little-Wagge Cupid, iust as the Ancients paint him, naked, blind-fold, in his hand a Turkish Bow with a sharpe Arrow, that drawn to the head, seem'd to aime at the brest of a Knight, that came after the Chariot, mustring out the seuerall bra­ueries of his gallant personage, vpon a swift Dapple-grey. He was cladde in a strait Cote of Cloth of Gold azur'd, set thicke with Buttons and Loopes of Gold, a Walloon Hat of blew Taffata, couered with Gold-Twist, and high blew Martinet feathers; with which, and other Plumes the Horse had his proud forehead neatly tricked vp, his Trappings being sutable in stuffe and colour with his Owner: who was soone knowne to be the valiant Lauro, Nephew to Don An­tonio, designed by him to be his daughters Bridegroome, [Page 187] though shee at present were farre enough from such a thought. Lauro presumed vpon being her true Louer, and his owne affection; and the more, by how much he percei­ued Nise sought to blot him out of her remembrance, whose contemptfull neglect, wrought matter sufficient of raging ielousie in his inflamed brest, which was now grown to a height, by seeing her weare the same colours with Ge­rardo. Lauro was accompanied by twelue other Seuillian Gentlemen, that rode vpon their dapple Ginets, with Trap­pings and Plumes sutable to those of their Aduenturer; and they in their paned Hose of blew Sattin, the ground, Cloth of Gold; Ierkins, Clokes, and Cappes, of the same coloured Veluet, laced, & fringed with Gold; who as they passed vp and downe the place, cast this Motto from them, being the same that Lauro wore on the midst of his brest, set in a little Plate of Gold:

With great acclamation the giddie Multitude celebra­ted the gallant Lauro's solemne entrance; who after perfor­mance of Ceremonies, leauing the golden Chariot on one side of the place, came where the Challenger was, and ha­uing courteously saluted him, thus proceeded: You alrea­dy know, Sir Knight, the intent of my comming, and I promise you, this very minute of time, that (the not put­ting it in execution, slips from me, seemes a lasting Age: (assured) that the vvrongfull cause you maintaine, vvill af­foord me the Prize, and desired Victory; and if I prooue so vnfortunate, as to be forced to subscribe to your opinion, I vvill lose this Chaine to boot, vvhich comes not short in [Page 188] valew of your Diamond. And (this sayd) hee tooke from off his owne necke, a massie enamelled Chaine of extraor­dinary vvorkemanship, and giuing it to the Iudges, the Challenger, vvho was now mounted and heard him, repli­ed, That he was wel contented; and in so saying, tooke a big Launce, vvhich seemed to be in colour of varnished Ebo­nie, and straight ranne his Carreere, vvith such courage, and so comely a pleasing ayre, as caused a generall longing in the Spectators for his Victory. And beeing come to the limited place, taking his Arme and Lance out of his rest, he carried it so stedfast and euen, that without the least touch of the Ring, he tooke it away vvith him vpon his point: and stopping his horse, encouraged by the confused shoutes sent out in his fauour, he began to expect the fortune of his contrary; vvho, more confident then cunning, taking his Lance, began, and ranne his Carreere vvith such furious speed, that he vvas scarce heard or seene; but stretching out his Launce, 'twas not with that certainty that he could take the Ring, though he touched vpon the Circle of it. Gerardo was as glad and satisfied, as the Aduenturer sad and passio­nate; yet he dissembled his griefe, and prepared himselfe to the second course, which the Challenger now began vnto him; in vvhich when hee came neere the Ring with his Launce, he bore it sheere away, giuing a greater motiue to the loude cries in the spatious place. Lauro passed his Car­reere very gracefully, and more vvary then before, tooke the Ring this bout aswell as Gerardo; who now changing both Horse and Launce, ranne the last course, and toucht the Ring, in midst of the vpper part of it, almost in the same place that Lauro first did: vvho, thinking the Victory now would not be very doubtfull, mounted vpon a well rein'd Corduba browne-Bay, passed (like Lightning) the Carreere, but missed quite the Ring; at which he was angry, and out [Page 189] of countenance, as the Challenger pleased and contented, on vvhose part the Iudges declared the Victory, sending him the vvaighty Chaine, and commanding Lauro also to set his name vnder Gerardo's Challenge, which grieued him farre more then his losse. But of necessitie he must approch the great Tent; out of which the Shield was brought him, and the opinion of him, in whose hands, hee firmed to it; who seeing Lauro so passionate, casting his armes about him, said: Let not Fortunes various euents, diuide, friend Lauro, our affections, and depriue me of the fauours I haue still receiued from you, and from which I acknowledge the present Victorie proceedes: and to confirme you in this truth, behold here the reward, appointed by your selfe, to whom, it is fitter to returne it: and so taking the Chaine out of a great siluer Bason, he put it about his necke, Lauro vnable to resist his noble courtesie. To which, (thankefull, as he had reason) the other answered, Certainly, Signior Gerardo, you haue this day gained on my thankefull mind a greater victory, then that which should haue redounded by this onely exercise of Iust, by your courteous procee­ding: and so from hencefoorth in all occasions, I professe my selfe, Yours by Conquest: and since, touching the Chaine you haue wonne, you will (without beeing one) make your selfe a loser; lesse reason it were, I beeing really so, should possesse it; if therefore you please to giue mee leaue, my opinion is, that it bee bestowed vpon the Dame that best deserues it. It shall infinitely content me, replyed Gerardo, that you please so well to employ it; at what time, the passionate Lauro leauing him, directed his way toward the louely Nise, that now expected what would be the issue of the two Knights their Complements: and comming neere, with a low obeysance, as well to her, as the rest of the Ladies and Dames also, he tooke the Chaine, (first kissing [Page 190] it) and putting it on the point of his Launce, and lifting it vp toward his faire Cousin, vsed the ensuing Phrase: Though the hauing so meanly defended your cause, may make me so great an vn-deseruer, that you (to fauour mee) might refuse this small trifle from me; yet that pure affecti­on of mine, and the desire I know, he that gained it, hath to serue you, may haply supply my defects, if you will vouch­safe to honour the poore pledge with your faire necke. Here he ceased, expecting Nise's answer; who, dissembling the more suspitious point of his speech, yet cheereful, made him vnderstand his bold excesse, saying: Truly, Cousin, if our firmenesse be but all this day, as well defended, as hi­therto, the Challenger may rue his boldnesse, and his rash opinion will be sufficiently punished: and therefore in sa­tisfaction of the seruice you haue done all these Ladies and Dames present, I will receiue from you the Chaine, but so, that when you shall thinke fit to aduenture it againe, you may know where to find it. Here, a fire of passion breaking out of his countenance, Lauro had not the heart to reply a word, but got him shamefully out of the place, iust as from another street there entred in the lofty and flaming mount Aetna of Sicily, vomiting at a huge mouth or breathing place made at the top of it, so many seuerall flashes and flames, together with such hideous noyse, as if all Hell had beene vvithin it: the rest of the Mount was all of an adust burnt browne; the vvhole, moouing most slowly on vvith notable artifice, not leauing so much as the least signe or tracke of it on the ground on vvhich it went; till comming neere the vvindowes, vvhere the Iudges and Ladies sate, the Engine stood still, and the flames increased so violent­ly, that the ayre condensed all on a thicke smoake, the peo­ple could hardly see one another; till the cloud and vvhole Aetna vanishing together, in the stead, there appeared two [Page 191] Gentle and gallant youths, differently mounted, who in­closed in midst of twelue fierce Saluages; their braue and sightly colours caused great content in as many, as admi­ring also their inuention, pleasingly beheld them. They were Moore-like clad, in Cloth of Siluer Cassocks wrought vvith crimson flowers, and long Robes of red Sattin, vvith white flowers both so artificially drawne, as if the flowers had beene naturall and onely strewed on them: their bon­nets were red Veluet, and Hat-bands twisted siluer, their high Plumes of feathers in colour sutable, and their sleeues of delicate transparent Sendall, embroidered and set with rich stones, their horses Swan, or snow-white, with clothes and Caparisons of Crimson Sattin, vvith all their embroi­dery of Siluer, Scarfes, and Feathers sutable to those of their Owners, vvho iust then mooued on, most artificially encompassed by their twelue Saluages, vvho cast round a­bout the seuerall papers, and this [...]ame-following Motto:

Hee vvho seemed elder of the two, (though both young enough) carried at the end of a big Launce, a small red and vvhite Streamer; in midst of which was this Motto embroidered:

The second also had in the little Streamer of his Launce this ingrauen Motto:

Foorthwith the lustie Saluages began to play vpon di­uers Instruments, which they carried in stead of their hea­uie Clubbes, whose sound and harmony gaue motion to the Knights. But no sooner were they gotten to the Lists, when by all that beheld them, they were knowne to be the two renowned and valiant Sayavedra's, brothers and bran­ches of that illustrious Stocke, which hath many Ages gi­uen Owners to the Towne of Castellar; who willing with their presence to honour Cesarina, thus expressed their va­lour and themselues; whom when our Challenger sawe, he was not a little doubtful of his Victory: and so hauing done the accustomed reuerence to the Iudges and Ladies, the elder Brother taking the first occasion, began in this man­ner to him: The opinion, Sir Knight, you hold, I might perhaps with as much iustice on my part maintaine: the for­feit therefore, if I for want of skill chance to lose, shall not onely be barely firming to a Tenet I already approoue, but you shall also gaine this precious Emerald. Though this (replied Gerardo) might haue beene excused, yet to ani­mate me to gaine the pledge of such a Knight, I accept wil­ligly the condition; and so the Aduenturer hauing deliue­red the rich Emerald in a little Ring to the Iudges, they returned backe, each of them choosing the best Launce he could light on: and Gerardo comming to begin the Car­reere, parted like winde, running the point of his Launce, vpon the vpper part of the Ring; that though hee tooke it not, it was euen as well; for nothing but taking it could win frō him: & so turning to his Tent, from thence he expected [Page 193] the successe of his Contrary, who couragiously spurred on, but missed his marke; for he strooke so bunglingly vpon the sides of the Ring, that it was as much as nothing. The Con­queror Gerardo was nothing sorry for his misfortune, who turning to the Carreere, passed on so happily, that he faire­ly tooke the Ring, (which hung againe in its place) hee re­turned againe to his, giuing leaue to the angry Aduenturer (not a little distasted) with new courage to begin the known Carreere; in which, hee also bore the Ring, and passed on most iocund with his good fortune: and perceiuing the Challenger prepare himselfe for the last Course, himselfe did the like, changing both horse and Lance, iust as the skil­full Challenger with his in his third Carreere had re-taken the Ring, the people with confused cries extolling his good fortune: whereupon the other carefully passing his Car­reere, saw the Ring also vpon the point of his Launce. The difficultie was, and they were all in an vprore about deci­ding the Victory: Gerardo and his Sticklers alledged, and that iustly, that the first touch (ground of their difference) was not equalled, so long as the Ring remained firme; to which, the two brothers Aduenturers replied: That (how­soeuer (the Ring being vntaken) there could be no losse, and so the victorie was indifferent on both sides, or to make it otherwise, they must at least runne another Course: this and much more was added, but the Iudges vnwilling to haue them grow to further contestation, commanded the Aduenturer to retire, since indeed hee had lost: wherefore the Seuillian Knight obeyed, confident, that his brother might redeeme his ill fortune, who as angry as a troden Vi­per, thus said to the Challenger: Beleeue mee, Sir Knight, I know not how heauen grants you so great a victory, de­fending so vniust a cause, whose vnreasonablenesse mooues me to request you, that we limit the future successe, to one [Page 194] onely briefe Course, and the reward on my part, if I bee persecuted with my Brothers ill fortune, shall be this swift horse and furniture vpon him: and if victory be declared on my behalfe, you shall foorthwith depart the Lists, for­bearing for euer to maintaine so vn-aduised an opinion. Without preiudice to mine honour (said Gerardo) I might well deny your demaund: but because your confidence shall not escape vvithout due punishment, I confirme your proposition: and so their Discourse ended, Gerardo more warily then before, made choyce of a straight smooth Lance; vvith which, and on a well-shap't Roane, he ranne his Course, setting forward so gracefully, that the general wishes bespoke him good successe, which by taking the desired Ring, he had. The Aduenturer also performed his Carreere with a good grace, but his ill lucke made him onely touch vpon the vpper part of the Yron lesse cun­ningly, then his presumption promised, which caused in both the Brothers an equall despight, though they were forced to dissemble it, and the Aduenturer not so much as expecting to be bid alight, of his owne voluntary motion did it, deliuering his braue horse to Gerardo, who with a smiling looke, sayd: That the losse of so faire a beast, may make you know in vvhat errour you haue hitherto liued, he shall now be mine; onely, you shall please to accept of this other, which I thinke comes not short in goodnesse: which words, and the forsaking his Saddle, made but an instant, to the great admiration of the Spectators, especial­ly the two Brothers, who with ioyfull acknowledgement accepted the noble offer, and ioyntly subscribed to the Challengers opinion. By and by, at the broadest part of the place, there entred, discharging of Artillery, a great Castle, founded vpon a high Rock, it was foure-square, with many sightly Turrets, and goodly Barricado's: in [Page 195] the Homage Tower, for a Pinnacle and extreme part of Architecture stood the winged Fame, with a Trumpet in her left hand, and in the right, a large Flagge of Cloth of Gold, Tawnie and Carnation, in which were tenne small embroidered Scutcheons, onely one higher and bigger then the rest, with a great Key hanging at it in a golden String, the knowne Armes to the loyall Citie of Gibraltar: the other nine belonged to the following Restorers of the said Citie. The first on the right hand, was, of the Men­doza's, and the next consequently, the Luduenia's, Busto's, Castillo's, Pinia's, Natera's, Mesa's, Caluo's, Benites. All the Battlements, Turrets, Walles, and Pinnacles, were set and beautified with painted Flagges, and Streamers wauing with the aforesaid Armes, and those of the Crowne like­wise, in an embroidered Standered of Cloth of Gold, and Yellow: some likewise vvere placed vpon the Frame and Mason-worke of the Castles yron Gates. And now the whole Frame by an ingenious Deuice and helpe of those within, began to mooue, and the Artillery ceasing, a ba­stard Trumpet was heard; at which shrill signall, the Castle and Rocke being now gotten vnder the Iudges window, stayed: and the Artillery beginning to discharge afresh, at the sound, after i, tof some wel-tuned Instruments, the shut-Gates flew suddenly open, from whence a draw-Bridge was cast, all couered with Tawnie Damaske, and presently after, a proper comely Youth came marching ouer it in Cuerpo, clad in the military Fashion of Spaine: his Doublet & Breeches, cloth of Siluer were cut vpon Orenge-color'd Taffeta, with a strong Ierkin of impenetrable Buffe, trim­med with Parchment Gold-lace, Loopes, and Buttons an­swerable, Stockens, Orenge-colour, Shooes and Garters, white; falling Band, French; and a Bone-lace edging, Fle­mish: his plume of Feathers, Gold and white, and his Hat [Page 196] Ermines, to suit in colour with them: his sword hatcht, and Hangers, Siluer: in his right hand he bore a Leading-staffe, representing the militarie Office of a Commander. Thus attended by eight Pages in their glorious Liuery also, hee came to the Challengers prefence, and after vsuall Cere­monies of courtesie performed, with an audible voyce, that the Iudges, and all present might heare, he vttered the fol­lowing words: In that famous castle of Gibraltar before you, there are nine Knights, descended from her most no­ble Conquerours, from whom I am sent, to intreat you to be pleased, that vpon the conditions you maintaine, each of them, may runne one only Course with you; which they haue desired, to excuse you from the trouble; not that o­therwise running the three would bee any at all to them. Heere Gerardo, when the gallant Captaine had ended, with no lesse gracefulnesse made answer: Considering, worthy Captaine, that I am here to no other intent then what you mention, the famous Aduenturers might well haue excu­sed their sending, and your paines, to whom I request you make knowne, that I most willingly obey their commands: and so with a low Reuerence to the Challenger, Iudges, and Ladies, the braue Souldier returned into the Castle, lea­uing all the Spectators, well pleased with the courtly deli­uery of his Message: and not long after, (the Artillery dis­charging afresh) to the sound of Trumpets, and Moorish Hau-bois, a comely Knight came marching ouer the same Bridge, and at the instant, a second Gate opening at the lower part of the Rocke, there sallied out two lusty big­bon'd Slaues, handsomly clad, one of them leading a leere goodly Chest-nut Horse; which the Aduenturer nimbly mounted, without setting foot to stirrop. His garment was a long coat, jagged with yellow and Rose-colour'd cloth of Gold, the yellow embroidered with siluer-Twist, [Page 197] and the Rose-colour with Gold: his horse Trappings and Caparisons were the same, and a great Plume of Martinets decked as well the Aduenturers Hat, as the Horses proud head, (a gentle winde curling as it vvere their tips into knots:) vpon his Brest hee bore a Scutcheon or golden Plate, in which were carued the ancient Armes of the Bustos, by which hee was knowne to descend from that Noble house, and this Motto serued for the Scutcheons Border.

He no sooner approached the Lists, when the Noble Challenger, thinking there needed no further conditions, addressed himselfe to the course, and setting Spurres to the free Beast, droue on like a tempest, and in the midst of the Carreere (to preuent mens wishes) bore away the easie Ring; and returning contentedly to his Tent, stayed to expect the issue of his contraries successe, which, no lesse lucky then his, not a little troubled him; but the next se­cond Aduenturer eased him of his distaste, who hauing the same Colours and Motto, but not the same fortune, onely touched part of the hoope, and in this maner they all ran to the ninth and last Aduenturer, whom I would not passe ouer in silence, as vvell in respect of his difference of co­lours, as the Motto cast about the place. He vvas mounted vpon a Swartie Bay, himselfe clad in Cloth of gold, ground white, cut, and the slashes edged about with gold Lace, set with buttons of fine Rubies in the middest: his Hat was of Taffata pleited and white, with a curious band of Gold Purle embroidered, and in the Rose of it hee wore a preci­ous [Page 198] Brooch, bordered with small Rubies, his Plumes were Martinets, as also the Horses, vvhose trappings and Capa­risons were sutable of Cloth of Gold and white, variously embroidered with Gold, which shewed most richly vpon the white; but indeed a colour more proper to such as are affected to sterne Mars, then the tender Infant, Loue. By his Armes he was knowne to be the Heroicke Mendosa, and his Motto thus:

Hee made shew by his Robustious presence, of a vvon­derfull strength, which appeared by pressing the faint Beast that seemed to yeeld vnder the Burden, so hee passed thorow the spacious place; whose Spectators (hauing gi­uen a turne about it) he left most gladsomely full of expec­tation, and drawing neere to the Challengers Tent, vvho attended him, he began the ensuing Discourse:

All my friends and companions (as I vnderstand) haue runne, each, a Launce with you: but for my satisfaction, and that none may thinke my comming hath beene to contra­dict your iust and true opinion, which against the constan­cie of women you maintaine; I shall (and if you please) freely subscribe to it before there be a necessitie, that (you remaining conquerour) I bee compelled: for let mee say that not in iesting pastime as the present, but with single Valour, I will euer make good and maintaine this vvhole­some vn-erring opinion.

Gerardo with notable content, gaue eare to the determi­nation of the resolute Knight, and with a cheerefull aspect, returned him this answ [...]re: Securely may you, Sir Knight, [Page 199] this day allow your selfe a promise of Victory, which can­not bee wanting any way to him, that abounds as you doe in the knowledge of the certaine truth I sustaine. I am con­tent to runne a course with you, and to giue you the Con­querors reward. (Which said) bowing his head to him in token of courtesie, hee passed on to the accustomed Car­reere, and quickly tooke the Ring; and putting it in the vsu­all place, the Aduenturer came on, with such speede and comely grace (as none before him had done the like) and with his Launces point fetch off the Ring as Gerardo had done, whom, in his ioy, for the good successe, hee came to embrace, desiring, that they would fetch him out the Shield, that hee might subscribe to the Challenge; for though he needed not so to haue done, yet Gerardo impor­tuned by his entreaties, commanded it to be brought forth, but would not suffer him to firme his name, amongst the rest; so he wrote it close by the Challengers.

Foure of the nine Knights had Prizes, (viz.) Iewels, which they bestowed vpon the Dames they there liked best: onely the last Aduenturers was the richest, vvhich, thinking by reason of his cruell opinion, no Dame would receiue from his hand, he desired the Challenger to giue it as from him­selfe to the faire Celia; who, to satisfie Gerardo, accepted of it, at such time, as to the sound of Drumme and Trumpets sempiternall Fame, that appeared from top of the Homage Tower, vnwrapping the flagges golden folds, waued by her powerfull right hand, displaide in the inside these foure Verses set out in golden Letters.

[Page 200] And thus the gallant Aduenturer withdrawing himselfe into the Castle, with a terrible thunder of great shot, it voi­ded the place: and in the roome twelue goodly Sumpter-Moyles entred, all loaden with straight greene Reedes, and couered with rich Sumpter Cloathes, which were followed by two and thirty Knights, vvith their Shields and Lances fitted to them, and in the midst, a stately Triumphant Cha­riot, drawne by sixe spotted Pye-bals, vvith an Arch in the midst of it of most curious Architecture, whereon were ar­tificially set out and carued, the memorable exploits, which at the siege of the famous Citie & frontier of Xeres by her Noble conquerours were performed. Amongst which, the no lesse feared then bold enterprize of the cou­ragious Herrera, was most eminent, who in one of the rich Arches squares, with a manly presence, stretcht forth his Arme and Dagger, dyed in the Royall bloud of the Barba­rian enemy King, slaine in his owne Tent by that inuincible hand. On top and vppermost part of the Arch, hung wa­uing to the Aire a great Ensigne of blue Damaske, em­broidered with Gold and Pearle, and in the midst a faire Royall Scutcheon, whose Armes in a field white, were the waues of the stormie Sea, anciently proper to the City of Xeres: and for Border it had twelue other small Scutche­ons, with the famous Armes of the following Gentlemen Inhabitants of the Citie: (viz.) Herreras, Villa vicencios, Camachos, Ponces de Leon, Varga, Rendones, Gallegcs, Cueuas, Auilas, Morales, Valdespinos, and Espindolas. Vnder the Arch, but immediately ioyn'd to it, there hung a most beautifull white Cloud, which tooke vp in Ouall circle the vvhole breadth of it; from whence a most delightfull sweet Mu­sicke of Sac-buts, Cornets, Viols, Lutes and Harpes, was heard, so acceptable and pleasing to the hearers, as former­ly the frightfull noise of the Castle vvas troublesome; be­hinde [Page 201] the Chariot came twelue Moores of equall stature and proportion; marked and branded in their faces for Slaues, all clad after the Barbarian manner, in long Man­tles of white Cotton, Caps of Scarlet, with their crooked Semitars, and Date-colour'd Corduba Buskins, each of which had in his left hand a little siluer Scutchcon with his Masters Armes, and led leere also his swift Horse by him, whose Caparisons and Trappings were Damaske, but by reason of the thicke embroiderie of Gold, the ground was scarce discerned to bee blue: their Plumes and Skarfes were blue and yellow, which colours were likewise worne by the two and thirty Knights. Beeing all entred into the place: and hauing by two and two in payres most grace­fully passed their Carreeres, forgoing their sharp Launces, and diuiding themselues into two Squadrons, they began face to face, and according to their custome, a wel-ordered skirmish with their Reedes, which lasted all the time that the Chariot took vp in passing about the place, so that they of the skirmish hauing also taken a turne and view of the Spectators, returned neere the Chariot to their Stand, where the Musicke againe sent forth a most melodious sound, at which the white Cloud began to open and spread in twelue diff'rent parts, discouering within, a most cleere Turquesse sky, enamell'd with bright radiant Starres, all which shaddowed a rich Throne of fiue degrees, adorned with straw-coloured Cloth of Gold, and at the Basis that seemed to be massie on the last degree, were set two goodly Images in Bult, curiously framed hand in hand: the one held in her left, a bough of spredding Oake, and on her lofty front, shee wore a Tyara or Coyfe, on vvhich this Motto was vvritten:

This Valorous robustious Dame sufficiently expressed her renowned name, as also shee that accompanied her, with a faire Lawrell-wreathe represented Victory, gilding her happy Temples, with a precious Imperiall Crowne, and about it these ingraued Verses:

In the fourth, third, second and first degree, were seated by three and three the twelue Knights, all richly set out in their colours of Damaske, blue and yellow, imbroidered with Siluer, Gold, and stones of good value (their plumes sutable) and each had in his left hand a little streamer of Cloth of Gold with blue, with the Armes of his House, and blazoned with the insuing Motto:

The three of the first degree, after the sound of Trum­pets, Shalmes, and diuers other Instruments, descended from the Chariot (their tall Slaues expecting them vvith their ready Horses) on which most gracefully mounted, they aduanced towards the Challenger; to whom one of them thus said: On the behalfe of these Knights, and others [Page 203] in the Chariot, as also on mine owne, I request you, Sir Knight; Be pleased, that each Aduenturer may runne but his sole course with you: for (besides that the limiting thus the hazzard of victory, which will make your honour, ob­taining it, the greater) we shall receiue particular fauour in the courtesie demanded.

With a very good will (said Gerardo) I accept it, and the demand indeed is wholly in my fauour, and since you will ease me of so much paines, let vs lose no time. Content, said the Aduenturer: when Gerardo (leauing him, and pas­sing his Carreere) so happily guided the point of his Launce, that he tooke the Ring: and the Aduenturer too performing the like: seuen of the twelue gained Prizes, which they bestowed vpon the faire Dames there present, returning after to the Chariot, vvhither they were welco­med with Musicke, and so they all voided the place.

And as the Chariot went out, there entred in at the same gate, a little vgly Dwarfe Post-like, winding a Horne, vpon a pretty Nagge, with false gallop, which raised a ge­nerall laughter in the Spectators, as well in respect (as of his ill-fauourednesse) his worse suted brauerie, vvhich made him shew much more monstrous. In this manner, he rode on to the Challengers Tent, before whom (nimbly alighting) he drew out of a Cloth of gold Purse, a Letter, which (hauing kissed it) hee presented with a low obey­sance to Gerardo; but first in the deliuerie vsed this speech:

Sir Knight, My Master (whom you shall better know by the Contents of this Letter) willed mee (besides the deli­uerie of it) to sollicite mine owne quicke dispatch, which I earnestly on my behalfe too request of you. You shall haue it, said Gerardo, and an answer also if the Letter doe require it; and in so saying, he broke it open, and passing his eyes [Page 204] slightly ouer it, read alowd, that al might heare the Dwarfe's Knight's demand.

The Castillian Knight, alias fortunate, to thee, Noble: but, vnfortunate Gerardo, sends greeting and health, such as thou needest to make good the errour thou maintainest: Know, that (hauing notice of the strange opinion thou holdest; and confident that it is vniust) I haue taken a long iourney in thy search, and am (as iust now) newly alighted at this Townes gates, and desire to weane thee from so desperate a Tenet; and considering that I am for my person disappointed, as well of Inuention, as the O­stentation befitting these Triumphs; I haue thought good to make it my request, that (admitting my forcible excuse, which may serue a stranger) thou be pleased also, that whether I winne or lose, I may freely depart the Lists, without making my selfe knowne, since being but an obscure person, it were more fit to de­part with silence, then subscribe a name, whose Owner is of so meane qualitie.

And hauing read the Letter, not so much as expecting a consent from the Iudges, turning to the Dwarfe, hee thus said, Get you to horse, and tell the Knight your Master, that vpon my word and assurance, he may enter vvhen hee pleaseth, with all the conditions of his Letter obserued, to which I send no written answere, in respect of the more speedy dispatching of your little selfe. The Dwarfe most iocundly spurred on where his Master expected him; and not long after, entred in foure Dwarfes with Trumpets (the Messenger making vp the fourth, and of equall low pre­sence with the rest) and after him eight masked Knights, whose Robes were long Coates of Tawny Veluet, curiously wrought, and set out with little bright Looking-glasses, whose Ouall frames were of massie Siluer, their horses [Page 205] trappings and furniture of the same Veluet, with their little Glasses likewise: the Knights Hattes were garnished vvith sutable colour'd Bugles, their owne Plumes, and their horses Tops, were tawny, white, and Carnation. Their Launces had a certaine bright Varnish that made them shew like Ieat. Behinde them came nine Dames vpon their white-spotted Palfrcies, close masked, and clad in the ancient Roman manner, so rich in different colours, gold and precious stones, that (though that Mountain of Gold, which the vnhappy, yet renowned Ingan Atabalina offered for his vngranted ransome, had beene disbursed to array them) it must haue come farre short of their excessiue cost. These Nymphs browes were girt with Diamonds, Rubies, and Emeralds, and their heads stucke with an infinitie of different colour'd Plumes: each of them bare in her hand a neat-wrought, vvell-tuned Instrument, with which (as Viols, Violins, Theorbo, Lute and the like) they accor­ded in a celestiall harmony.

Behinde these nine (the Muses) came a Knight and Lady, both masked, she, as braue and comely, as hee gallant and sprightly. Himselfe vvas mounted vpon a goodly vvhite Steed in vvell-placed distances spotted with blacke: The trappings and other furniture, vvere Cloth of Gold Tawnie, imbroidered vvith Siluer in equall spaces from the Looking-glasses, which were somewhat lesse, more cutious then the fore-mentioned. The Knight his garment vvas a close Coat, (but for length excee­ding the Challengers:) of the said tawny, embossed with knots and flowers of Siluer wire; in midst of which the little Glasses were set, sending forth a most radiant brightnesse: that (as the Sunne now neere his iourneyes end reflected on them) the vvearer by their dazling seemed another second Phaëton. The Plumes that adorned his [Page 206] Hat, imbroidered with siluer Purle, were white, red, and Tawny, as also the Horses. The gentle Dame had on her a gowne of white Sattin, so thicke and curiously imbroidered, that the white was scarce discerned, and the discouered spaces were almost couered vvith gold Buttons, whose Pyramicall ends were tipped with admi­rably cut Diamonds, which, in lieu of the Looking-glasses, sent forth a purer sparkling then their Cristall. Her haire was caught and shut vp in a Net of Gold, a Cawle, fastned on her head with a Fillet of the richest Stones. From that well-dressed head too there seemed to grow, some white, greene and blue Feathers, which gaue the more lustre to her smooth and rising forehead. Shee was mounted vpon a white-pyed flea-bitten Mare; which, as neatly paced vnder her, as the Aduenturers lusty Courser proudly praunced vnder him, whose brest wore on a golden Scutcheon, the insuing Motto:

And the faire Dame cast from her the following Verses:

With this graue as glorious Company, they both toge­ther gaue a turne about the place: after which, the Aduen­turer taking a short leaue of his Mistris, (the Trumpets and Musicke ceasing) went toward the Challenger, and cour­teously [Page 207] saluting him, thus said: By the many Iewels on that Cup-board, I vvell perceiue, how few the seuerall Aduen­turers haue from your valour gained, notwithstanding so good a cause as they had in hand (The constancie of Ladies.) This acknowledgement, I suppose, is onely awanting to your selfe, to make you consummately deserue the name of a Victorious Knight; for, otherwise, I repute you worthy all honour and estimation: and therefore let mee request you, (setting your Tenet aside) you vvould be pleased, that we may runne our three Courses wholly for the honour of Knighthood, vvithout any further Prize. Gerardo, whilst the Aduenturer was speaking, stood (as attentiue) so, suspi­tious, that this was not the first time he had beene acquain­ted vvith that voyce: and in this anxietie hee replied, how happy he should be to receiue his commands; though, if the Aduenturers good lucke vvould make him Victor, hee must not but receiue the appointed Prize. And in so say­ing, he first ran the Course, and in it tooke the Ring; and falling off, left the Carreere to the vnknowne Aduenturer, who passing on like a Flight, roundly tooke the Ring also: and their second lottes in like manner vvere both alike e­quall. But the ouere confident Challenger addressing him­selfe to the last Course, vvas not in that so fortunate; for, he onely touched vpon the Circle, and passing on, with no small distaste, afterward viewed how his Contrary, like an­other vvatchfull vvary Argus, in midst of his Course tooke the Ring vpon his Launces point, vvith such acclamations and noyse from the whole multitude, that nothing else was to be heard; till such time as Drumme and Trumpets, to­gether with the Artillery out of the Castle, with hideous thunder declared the Victory of the braue Aduenturer; (whom the Iudges summoning to them) deliuered him with exquisite ceremonies the Ring and rich Diamond, as [Page 208] the iust reward of his dexteritie; which, he no sooner recei­ued, but (accompanied by his owne Knights, and diuers o­thers enamoured, as it vvere, on his strange vertue) came where his dainty Mistris expected him, and taking the Ring from off his finger, thus proceeded. You might iust­ly (faire Owner) rest assured, that to do you seruice, I should gaine the honor and Prize of these Triumphs: so that, your selfe now being the most loyall and constant of the Dames and Ladies present, is best vvorthy to honour the valew of it vvith your Lilly-hand. The gracefull Dame was readie with an answer; vvhen by mischance the strings of her Maske slipping loose, made it fall to the ground, and Gerar­do discouering the faire face before him, might behold no lesse then the liuely Originall of the most beautifull Ama­ranta. It is not possible to expresse his inward ioy, confir­ming his mindes suspition, that the Victor was her deare Louer, his vvorthiest friend, the most valiant Arsenio, (vvhich being a sufficient comfort to his losse) he went to­wards him, and taking off the Maske from his face, close­ly embracing him, said: Why (famous Arsenio) and would you be so cruell to me, as to returne vvithout making your selfe knowne, to leaue me by your victory in so great a con­fusion? Beleeue me, Sir, were it not for the honour I re­ceiue, in hauing beene foiled by you, (vvhich doth temper my distaste) it vvere impossible for you to obtaine a par­don. Maruell not, friend Gerardo, said Arsenio, at my slack­nesse: for still me thinks as I behold you, I cannot perswade my selfe you should be the same Gerardo, that tooke leaue of me at Seuil; nor dare I presume, that hee vvould main­taine so rigorous a Theame against Ladies, as you here haue done. 'Tis very vvell (quoth Gerardo) you speake with the freedome, your fortunate stile giues you; all men are not borne vnder your happy Constellation, neither doe all [Page 209] liue so secure, as you in the loyalty of the faire Amaranta: to vvhom turning, hee kissed her snowie hand, rendring courtly thankes for the honour shee had done those Festi­uals by her arriuall; and beeing by her discreet language, payed in the same coyne, all three of them entred the sump­tuous Tent, iust as the Sunne began now to decline to the West. And the Iudges (knowing all vvas ended) com­manded Gerardo to retire, (allowing him the glory of the day) and ordering, that the Plate and Iewels should bee taken downe, left their standings, and (mounted on horse­backe) placed Gerardo, and his Victor friend in the middest of them: and in this manner, together vvith all the Knights and Gallants, they gaue a sightly turne about the Place, accompanied vvith an infinite diuersitie of musicall Instru­ments, that had formerly entred. The Challenger too (though a loser) might heare a thousand ioyfull congratu­lations, from the confused rumour of the Spectators, and comming to the Standing vvhere the Ladies and Dames were, himselfe with the rest, accompanied them to their Carroches, and so to the Castle: the faire Nise carrying with her the beautifull Amaranta; each of the two equally emulating the others matchlesse perfections. All the Ad­uenturers vvere inuited by Don Antonio to supper: (which ended) the rewards vvere to be distributed for the best In­uention, Launce, Motto, and Brauerie: so that (all the Ghests assembled together at the Castle) foure magnificent Tables vvere spread vvith great ioy and mirth, in the large spacious Hall, vvhere to the sound of loude Musicke, at the first and chiefest Table sate the Iudges, Stickler, Challen­ger, and victorious Arsenio: at an opposite Table the La­dies and Dames; on the right hand the Aduenturers, and at the left, the last, the rest of the Knights and Gentlemen that had beene onely Spectators. And, hauing all plenti­fully [Page 210] supped, the clothes were taken away, and the Reuels began; in which, many of the Ladies danced with the Knights of the Ring. Lauro with his Cousin daunced the Torch-daunce, not without some distaste to the offended Challenger. A strange force it is of that execrable tor­mentour, Ielousie: Nise's most tender expressing her affe­ctions, could stirre vp none at all in his vngratefull heart; yet the but seeing her now mooue in a ceremonious Daunce, and onely ciuilly serued by her affectionate kins­man, makes Gerardo sensible of distaste, which kindling some little Ielousies, by little and little raised such a blaze in his intrals, that the ruines of his former flames, were quite consumed with these latter. In such ielous fancies Gerardo passed a good part of this night; in which (when the Reuels had end) by mutuall consent of the Iudges, two rich Eme­ralds were bestowed vpon the two gallant Seuilian Sayaue­dra's brothers, as a reward for the best Inuention. On Ar­senio, for Brauerie, was bestowed a wel-wrought Chaine of Gold, with a curious enameled Harpy hanging thereat. Lauro for the best Motto, had a golden Gilly-flower, whose red, for enamel, was Rubies: which (though hee would gladly they had beene set in his Cousins diuine forehead) he durst not offer, for feare of a repulse; in which hee was not deceiued, considering her dislike of his former bold­nesse. Lastly, to the Challenger, as to the best, and grace­fullest Launce, was allotted by generall approbation, an e­quall reward. So that the iust vprightnesse of the Iudges flying amongst the people, the Artillerie from the Towers, Battlements, and Rauelins beganne to thunder; and from the Windowes a pleasing sound of Musicke was heard. And so for this night the Knights returned to their Lod­gings. Next day new Solemnities began, by the letting loose some twelue fierce Tarifa Bulles; to which many ter­rible [Page 211] wounds were giuen by the horse-men; some particu­larly, by the valorous Leoncio, whose strong arme prooued the fatall executioner to two of them, by striking the one (a furious beast) into the necke, and so to the fore-legge of his monstrous body. With which, and other successes the Triumphes ended, to Don Antonio's, and all the rest of the Gentlemens extraordinary content; who together with the Ladies and Gentlewomen retired home, to their seue­rall dwellings and houses; all, but the valiant Arsenio, and his best-beloued Amaranta; who, importuned by Lauro, Leoncio, and Gerardo, were forced to some longer stay, which time they spent in the chace of wilde Beasts, with which, the vast Forrest neere Cesarina doth plentifully a­bound. And now those fauours which the tender Nise ex­pressed to her Gerardo, more euidently increasing, and her loue acknowledging some acceptance from his thankefull brest, to the same height kindled a fire of enuious raging ielousie in Lauro's heart. But Nise without wrong to her hearts Owner, could take no notice of his griefes, much lesse apply her Cousins remedie; (who all on fire) seldome could the two Louers, so much as exchange a looke, but his eyes would stand Sentinels; which in so tender a subiect as Nise's passionate heart, caused no small disquiet, neither had she concealed it, or her distaste from Lauro, had not the prudent, Amaranta perswaded, preuailed with her: for shee was her onely comfortresse in her torment, to whom she would discouer her secrets, her whole selfe. And that they might at present more freely conuerse and communi­cate their thoughts, (hauing in a cleere calme Euening ioy­ned hands) they descended to a pleasant Garden; which, beautified with the varietie of Trees, Flowers, and fruitfull Plants, serued as a comely ornament to certaine grated chambers of the Castle, where Arsenio, Leoncio, and Gerardo [Page 212] were lodged, who from those faire Barre-gilded windowes, (for at that time they were taking [...] [...]ghts fresh ayre) might perceiue how the two sprightly Dames, securely carelesse of a discouerie, were bathing their Alablaster feet in the bubbling Currents of a perpetuall Fountaine, that payed tribute to the neighbouring riuer Betis, which Ge­rardo tooke for a subiect of the following Verses and Son­net, he sung to his Viole, to the great content of his friends, but most, of the surprized Dames.

Scarce had Nise heard the accents of her Louers voyce, when with admiration in her selfe, and pleasure in Amaran­ta, they suspended their present discourse, diuerted with the amorous notes, which when Nise more distinctly heard, she thought (such was her passion) that she had beene in a dreame; yet little dream't, that she was become the subiect of Gerardo's affection; who sung not so low, neither so wa­rily, but that the Eccho of his voice reached the listening [Page 213] Lauro's eares: to whom a very small matter was sufficient to raise him from his bed; and getting to one of his cham­bers Grates, which directly vnder Gerardo's Bay-window, looked into the Garden, he might plainely heare those a­morous expressions: and hereupon, confirmed in his sus­pitions, he fell into such a furious passion, that had not the violence of it broke into some short-winded sighes, hee might haue happely beene stifled in his owne sorrow. His tender groanes being (as so neere them) by Gerardo heard, his old experience of such Corrosiues made him ghesse at the cause of them; and therefore he retired, together with his brother and friend to bed, fearing, lest if the gracious Nise should by mis-chance, vse the least speech to them, some inconuenience might ensue, in respect of the ielous Lauro, who seeing the two Dames, that had also espied him, retire, did the like, but both parties with different ef­fects: for he, out of the distraction of his thoughts, could take no rest; but the other two well satisfied in their loues, slept quietly all the rest of that night. And not many after, Nise and her Louer obtained a priuate meeting; which wel they might, whilst Lauro was in bed, and then (no doubt) these two affections mutually disposed, the blind-god would produce his vsuall effects: incouraging the one, and cowardizing the other: so that Nise became subiect to her Louer, who with his new and momentarie delight, estee­med himselfe possest of a Treasure of more valew then the double Indies.

But, Lauro, how hast thou beene to thy deare preiudice so carelesse? how hast thou laid vp this inestimable Iewell, reserued for thee onely? who durst beare the sad tidings to thy soule? None, but thine owne heart; nor could that heart but mis-giuingly presage: for, doubtlesse conside­ring the two Louers warinesse, impossible it was to be cer­taine [Page 214] of their amorous stolne meetings, more then by the presumptions of a ielous brest. And now to Lauro's eyes his cousins faire face was become vgly and monstrous, his loue turned strangely to strong hate, and his former good will into reuengefull wishes; the successe of which he forth­with began to contriue, and thinking that the bloodiest re­uenge he could take of the abhorred Nise, was to remooue Gerardo from her sight, he began instantly to deuise how he might compasse his death.

'Twas now some time, that Arsenio & Amaranta had bin absent from their city and home, and some friends of theirs earnestly sollicited their returne, which made them carefull (though sorry) to take leaue of those Gentlemen. Gerardo with Nise's consent, (much to her souls sorrow) in respect of his obligation to the departing couple, was necessarily to ac­company them, & Leoncio in that respect could do no lesse. The noble Cesarinian [...] others would willingly haue pleaded the stay of the other two; but considering their resolution, were forced to giue way, only inioyned them to a speedy re­turne. To expresse Nise's sorrow were needlesse, or rather ouer-difficult, since neither her Gerardo's loyall promises, nor the faire Amaranta's vowes to her to hasten him, could affoord her the least comfort or content: besides, his passing afterward the limited time of returne, bredde no small torment in her; so that her tender griefe vnable to support this excesse of her Louer, and withall fearing lest some disaster might haue befalne him, shee resolued (treading downe all inconueniencies of honour) to de­clare her griefe to a Barbarian, a Slaue, in whom (as hauing had his breeding in her Fathers house) she had good confi­dence; and withall giuing him some rewards in present, and promising him for his secresie, more; she dispatcht him to Gerardo with a Letter. The Slaue willing to obey his young [Page 215] Mistris, made good speed, arriuing at Seuill and Arsenio's house in few houres, where hee found Gerardo in his Amaranta's pleasing company, to whom hee deliuered the Letter, which Gerardo receiued with inward ioy, though (happely) his Mistresses hazzarding businesse of so great consequence, did somewhat lessen that (vvhich might haue otherwise been excessiue) content. But seeing there was no remedy, he must set a good face vpon the matter; so, com­manding the Messenger to rest himselfe, opening the Let­ter, he might view the insuing Lines.

Not the feare that your promise can euer bee defectiue, is the cause that thus, to mine honours hazzard, I commit this Letters important secresie to so meane a bearer: onely I haue hereunto beene mooued, by the infinit desire I haue that these weary eyes may see you, which shall neuer yet be weary of shedding teares for your absence, till your returne dry them (my lifes sole remedy) to keepe it from sad torment. NISE,

A thousand times ouer, kissed Gerardo the passionate Paper, and as oft had he read it, had not the sighes which loue made him offer as a sacrifice for his delay, kept him in some suspence: and so, loth (by further stay to adde new difficulties,) he briefely dispatcht the Messenger, tel­ling him by word of mouth (besides a short Letter hee gaue him for Nise) that himselfe would that following night be vpon his way.

At this time the offended Lauro slept not, whose angry and reuengefull thoughts increased more and more still fiercely vpon him: so that his minde brooking no longer delayes, he resolued to put a bloudy purpose in execution: which was, To kill Gerardo ere he departed Seuill, (the fittest place for the accomplishing such a designe.)

[Page 216] And so taking a lusty tall seruant (on whom hee much relyed) along with him, without making either of his Vn­kles priuy to their iourney, they tooke their way towards the mentioned Citie; whither Lauro's auerse Fate permit­ted him not to arriue; for that very night as hee rode on (carelesse of the mortall disaster) discoursing with his ser­uant, touching the vehement suspitions he had of his Cou­sin) and also their bloudy purpose vpon Gerardo; before they had passed on halfe their way, the Slaue that io [...]und and merry, was returning with Nise's Letter met them▪ (who knowne by Lauro, but Lauro knowing nothing of his short absence) somewhat troubled at it, began to demand angrily of him the cause of his iourney; which bred no small amazement in the quaking Slaue (as beeing so sud­denly surprized.)

But another more desperat accident interrupted the pre­sent Inquisition; for they were set vpon by foure fugitiue Soldiers, who (stolne frō their Regiment, bound with the West-Iudian fleete) with their charged Muskets robbed all Passengers they met with; which clapping now to Lauro and his Companies brests, they demanded withall their Purses. The vnfortunate Lauro fared worst of the three, for standing to his defence, they shot him thorow the bo­dy with a brace of Bullets; and falling from his Horse, in great fury, they dispatcht him with their Swords, to the seruant and Slaues no small sorrow, though seeing their owne danger, and how vnable they were to reuenge his death, they thought best to shift for their owne liues, (that the bloudy Theeues might not ouertake them) neither durst they returne to Cesarina with the newes, each of them iustly fearing his owne danger, for hauing so coward-like forsaken their slaine Master: wherefore they thought it sa­fest to get vp into the Country, as farre from Cesarina, as [Page 217] possibly they could: whither (as now) Gerard [...] was vpon his way, neither could hee at this time haue thought that he was euer vnfortunate, since Heauen so miraculously pleased to free him from a two-fold danger: for hee had been sure (comming alone as he did vvithout his brothers company, vvho for some priuate respects stay'd behinde him) either to haue perished by the iealous Lauro's hand, or beene murdered by those bloudy Homicides, who busie a­bout the wretched Lauro's spoyles (hauing retired his bo­dy out of the high-way into the Thicket) gaue meanes to Gerardo that night to conclude his short iourney, and ar­riue by Sunne-rising at Cesarina, where (alighted) he was told, that not three houres before, the two Brothers were ridden abroad, to kill a huge wilde Boare, that was said to haue beene seene grazing not farre off to the Countries great detriment.

This newes much gladded him, that he might now with the more freedome enioy the company of his soft Mistris: and so he went towards her Chamber, where (though it were but early) he found her not: and asking more care­fully of her, one of her Maids told him she was in the Gar­den, to vvhich way he instantly hasting, might see how a­mongst the Flowers, she was with her white hand framing a pretty painted wouen garland of Myrtles, Gilly-flowers, and different Violets, and in the interim hee might heare some Contents of her solitarie thoughts, expressed by her melodious Voice, in this short Ode:

The Ditty ended, Heauen forbid (suddenly surprizing her, said Gerardo) that my firme affection receiue so hard an attribute. What Art-full Pensill could here set out to the life the countenance of the ouer-ioyed Nise, expressing a world of gladsomenesse, when the wisht accents of her Lo­uers voice, toucht in her rauisht eares (so that fearelesse of all danger to be espied) she ranne, and with open Armes threw her selfe vpon his necke, crying out, If for so tedi­ous and grieuous a neglect, I should take the reuenge on thee that thou deseruest, these Armes, (that as bonds) now enfold thee, might iustly retire from so close an embrace: but so fearefull am I of thy crying quits in another kinde, that, to giue thee lesse freedome, (then I feare in this ab­sence thou hast had) I am forced to locke thee in with these Armes.

Trust me, deare Owner of my life, said Gerardo, I had ra­ther be still so imprison'd, then by loosing of those Armes, inioy my lesse esteemed liberty: and since from my neglect so great a glory proceedes, what iustice haue you to call me yet neglectfull? This onely vvas wanting to my mis­fortune (said Nise) that from my fauours thou takest occasi­on [Page 219] to torment me. Gerardo, at this and other amorous dis­courses smiling, led her by the hand, and going to the pri­uatest part of the Castle, after they had discussed together (not without some misdoubt) of the Slaues long stay, as well as of Lauro's vnexpected absence, (taking leaue of her ruddy lips) hee betooke himselfe to his Chamber, where resting after his weary iourney the greatest part of that day, the two following nights he passed in the embraces of his [...]ole loued Mistris; till such time as her Father and Vnkle were returned, for then their delights were lesse secure.

The two Noble Brothers were much gladded with Ge­rardo's returne, though Leoncio's stay behinde did some­thing lessen that ioy in Don Henrique's brest, which vvas still gratefull, so long as Lauro's death was concealed. But not passing ten dayes after, a Messenger was purposely dis­patcht from the Gouernour of Corduba, to Don Antonio, to let him know, that a Slaue of his was there in hold, flying (as seemed) hs Masters anger, and that for the suspition they had of him in respect of the iron markes in his face, they thought fit to stay him. The newes much pleased the Brothers, though Gerardo and Nise, for the secresie of their affaires, would rather he had neuer bin heard off. Don Anto­nio (sensible of his Slaues losse) instantly sent one for him; and the very same day came the newes of his Nephewes death, which (to his soules griefe) made him extremely passionate. It was knowne, by a Letter brought him from Lauro's seruant, who remained in a Village of Portugall, cal­led Mora, the sad Contents were these:

Though the sad and certaine sorrow you shall receiue, might haue excused these Lines, yet the loue of a dutifull seruant to his deceased Master, hath more preu [...]iled with me; so farre, as to giue you an account of your deare Lauro, whose reuenge hath [Page 220] mou [...]d me to let you know the vehement suspition I haue of his Murderers, in this Village of Mora in Portugall, from whence I write, and whither I addressed my selfe the same night that my Master and I were absent from Cesarina, hauing left him slain in the crosse-way neere the Pits by Mare-Woods, where foure men set vpon vs, and so, distressed, I and your Slaue were forced to saue our selues by flying; your Slaue, who was happily then present, that so bloudy a crime might not escape without punishment. You shall vnderstand, Sir, that the intent of our iourney (though the successe were contrary) was, to haue slaine Gerardo, the cause sufficient to engage my Master, your daugh­ters honour: which, the said Gerardo sought by illicite affection to depriue her of; from whence and vndoubtedly I collect, that, he, ghessing at my Masters thoughts, by way of anticipation meant to strike first. And this doth the more confirme my suspi­tion; for that the next morning, at Seuill, I vnderstood from Leoncio, that ouer-night this Brother had departed towards Cesarina, where, if at present hee bee; you may by legall in­quisition sift out these, more certaine then fained probabilities.

Scarce had Don Ant [...]nio read these last lines, when, his couragious brest vnable to support such a waight of sorrow, he remained sencelesse, and letting the Paper drop, fixt his sad eyes vpon it, with such shewes and signes of inward Torment, as caused no lesse in the pittifull Don Henrique (none else by) who, fearing his Brother might fall into some helplesse agony, stepping to him, and taking him by the hand, so dealt with him, that he called backe his remem­brance (though the wofull accident made him speake no­thing but groanes:) (which perceiued by Don Henrique) himselfe was almost brought to that heauy passe. For be­sides that the deceased Lauro was esteemed as sole sonne, and wholly heire of both, the suspition of Nise's dishonour, [Page 221] did more aggrauate the ones rage, and increase the others sorrow. But the latter (accustomed to such brunts, and, reason mitigating his passion) began more temperately to treat with his Brother, touching these affaires (which caried with all secrecie) they mutually agreed, that Gerardo should be apprehended, and that, speedily, before hee might haue notice of their purpose: which, to the poore Gentlemans admiration, was suddenly effected, by taking him at vna­wares in his Chamber; and from thence he was conueyed to the strong Tower, with which hee had beene formerly acquainted; and (leauing two trusty seruants for his Iay­lors) with three or foure others, they rode to Mare-Woods, where neere the fore-mentioned Pits, they found the vn­happy Lauro's body; but, so swolne, dis-figured and putri­fied; that as well in this respect, as also that (the flesh being naked, it was in many parts eaten and deuoured by vvilde beasts) they doubted whether it were the same they looked for: till looking more narrowly vpon the corps, it was knowne to those that passionately bewailed the Owner, by a certaine marke it had, which parted the left side of the beard. So, without more adoe, wrapping the body in a blacke Herse, they returned backe to Cesarina, where, when Gerardo's secret imprisonment was knowne, the whole town vvas in an vproare, especially the grieued Nise's trouble was incomparably the greatest; when, comming to the Tower to speake with him, the carefull Warders hindered her, and withall said, they were chiefely charged to deny her entrance: which made her thinke all was betraid vnto her Father and Vnkle; whose rigour, for her offence, shee began not without cause to feare: yet, loue to Gerardo ani­mating her tender heart, gaue her valour to expect for his sake a thousand deaths, resolued to die rather with him for company, then for any liuing respect to forsake him. (a de­termination [Page 222] in woman brauely Masculine, if in the perfor­mance the vsuall variable condition of her sexe had not in­termeddled.)

Gerardo in this extremitie stood vndaunted, for (inno­cent of Lauro's death) for any other ground of his impri­sonment he reioyced; that, by his danger Nise might know his affection, and at how low a rate in respect of that he va­lewed life. (The two Vnkles arriuing about midnight with their Nephewes bodie) the two sad Louers vvith the fright­full newes, gaue respite to their wandring imaginations, and Gerardo was now openly pronounced the bloody homi­cide, who (innocent) seemed not to be much sensible of his imprisonment, saue, of the vvrong those Gentlemen did him, to diuulge him the Murderer throughout all Andalu­zia, vvanting proofes for it; vvhereas, indeed, in all equity (considering the Lawes of friendship, & his former wrong­full imprisonment) they ought now to haue proceeded with more reall iustification. This not a little troubled him, though, neither from Don Antonio, or his Brother, he could receiue the least satisfaction, vvho onely sought to satisfie themselues with his bloud; and, so, hauing speedily caused Lauro's body to be interred, they dispatcht a Messenger to the Village of Mora, for the seruant that wrote the Letter; and another to Corduba, for the Slaue (deferring in the meane time a more important diligence.) These things were not so seuerely carried, but that vvithin three dayes Leoncio had notice of his Brothers danger: whereupon, ac­companied vvith some of his kinsmen and friends, he tooke Posts for Cesarina; Arsenio onely, absent then from Seuill, came not; or rather an vnluckie chance, as disastrous as the present of Gerardo, kept him behinde; the which, before the end of this first parts last Tragicall discourse, we shal onely, to auoid prolixi [...]e touch at.

[Page 223] Leoncio and his friends as soone as they came to Cesarina, alighted at the first Inne they met with not holding it safe to accept of the Castle offered by the two Brothers vnto them: from whom Leonci [...] vnderstood the cause of his Bro­thers imprisonment, without any mention of Nise, vvhich more for infamy then vncertainty was pretermitted.

Leoncio vvas inwardly glad to consider how weake proofes they had against his brother: but this he kept secret; and ra­ther, in words and gesture expressed great shewes of grie­uance, vrging how ill they had complied with their loues to his Brother and him, since, so slightly, onely with a Let­ter and bare presumption from one that in more likelihood might be guilty, they had moued the poise of their iudge­ment. To this he added more reasons, so bitter and full of indignation (as made Don Antonio ready to haue clapped him vp with his Brother) which had they done, all had beene marred, considering how vvell Leoncio and his friends came prouided; so, Don Antonio comming neere vnto him, said; Looke you, Signior Leoncio, if your Brothers impri­sonment so much distaste you: thinke you my Nephewes bloudy murder as much grieues not vs? The truth ought to be sifted out; neither take I your selfe to bee so cleere, as to speake so freely in so weighty a cause. Gerardo is your Bro­ther, and vvho knowes whether his intents were made knowne or not to you? and therefore rest contented; for hitherto there hath been no indirect proceeding: and per­haps what may seeme but slight and triuiall to you, may er [...] long put you to your Pecke of Troubles.

More vvould the passionate Gentleman haue said, and worse had hee beene answered, but that Don Henrique, lesse blinded vvith choller, & that more esteemed of Leon­cio for his friend, preuented them by stepping betweene.

And Leoncio, without further stay, went to his lodging, [Page 224] (where thorowly conferring touching the busines vvith his friends) the vpshot was, that according to custome in mat­ters of consequence, they should petition to the great and feared Tribunall of Iliberis, to haue the cause and tryall re­mooued thither, (assured that if the iustice of it were left to Don Antonio's arbitrement, it would haue but a disastrous issue) since he being absolute Lord ouer such as hee might name for Iudges in Cesarina, they would doe nothing but what he should direct them in. The aduice seemed good to all, and was quickly put in execution (Gerardo first appea­ling from his vniust imprisonment, and some necessarie di­ligences vsed after in that High Court of Chancerie) hee was by order of those supreme Iudges sent for thither. In the meane while, he that went for the Slaue was returned; and hauing brought him in sure hold, as soone as hee was come into Don Antonio's presence, not once expecting to be demanded the cause of his flight, falling prostrate at his Masters feete, and desiring his eare in priuate, he plainely deliuered as much as he knew of Nise's secret affection, and of the Letter committed to his trust for Gerardo: (an Act fit for so base a creature, and worthy to light heauy on her, that would commit so important a secret to a Slaues brest.)

Here Don Antonio seeing how impossible it was that his dishonour should now any longer be concealed, like a Tor­mented Bull toared out alowde his hard misfortunes: his Brother also suspecting the worst, grew almost to as badde plight: & Nise no sooner heard of the Slaues arriuall, but, fearfull of the danger, & forgetting her amorous resolution suddenly fled from her Fathers house, taking Sanctuarie at a Nunnery (which had in former times beene founded by her Ancestors) from whence she gaue notice to the angry old man, of the Change; who, now with extremitie of sad­nesse [Page 225] had no sence of feeling left of his disgraceful troubles. But since their Causer was in his power, the certainty of his Reuenge did a little reui [...]e him, which was also increased by the comming of Lauro's seruant, whose declaration ta­ken, agreed iust with the presumptions of his former Letter: and though by the Slaues deposition there were a plaine difference & contradiction between them (since the one said he left Gerardo in Seuil; and the other, that hee appeared to haue beene one of the Homicides) yet the businesse had danger enough to haue daunted the most couragious heart.

On the other side, Gerardo's ill successe in his loue quite stained his reputation, branding him with the breach of faith and friendship: yet such errours, not vtterly vnpardo­nable, might haue admitted some discharge. Many wayes our vnfortunate Prisoner assay'd to know Nise's determinate will, in whom, as his lifes comfortresse, hee had fixed the remedy of his present mis-fortunes, thinking the vpshot of all must be, to take her as his own & happy coniugall com­panion. But his enemies looked so narrowly to him, that it was not possible for any Letter of his to this effect to come to Nise's hands: for Don Antonio aymed wholly at his life; so that, as well himselfe in person, as also, by his meanes, the Nunnes laboured his daughter, that in any case, she should deny to haue had other then a lawfull acquaintance vvith Gerardo, aduertizing her, that hee was infallibly to die; so that should she say otherwise (besides loosing him) her ho­nour vvould be ruinously lost; and other matters to this pur­pose; which (somtimes gently, other-whiles rigorously pro­posed) were sufficient to reduce her minde to her sterne Fa­thers will, and to make her forget that immense affection, with which of late she had resolued to dye for her Gerardo. But Nise made no new book of her variable inconstancie, [Page 226] which incident to the whole sex, little needs he to wonder at these changes that shall marke their end. Thus Nise, be­fore, determined to suffer thousands of deaths for her Lo­uer (cutting now the thred of her firme intent) ten onely dayes absence of imprisonment, and a few poore threats, alter her mind, conforming it (against Gerardo) to her Fa­ther and Vnkles pleasure.

This new and sudden change (as bad newes is vvont) came last of all to Gerardo's eare, causing within him so raw an operation, that the past Tragedies of his former dead Loues, were nothing in respect of this, and but as small additions to this last great Torment. In the heat of these affaires, the valiant Leoncio returned againe to Cesari­na, and his Brothers presence; whom, by his afflictions strangely metamorphosed, he scarce knew: but hauing in fine giuen him the best comfort hee might, on the other side he required Don Antonio by vertue of a Scedule Roy­all, that his Brother might be deliuered vp for the famous Citie of Iliberis, which (to his griefe) he was forced to o­bey, & the Prisoner was with a strong Guard conueyed as the businesse and Gerardo's person well needed, who now somewhat well cheered with his Brothers presence, pro­uided himselfe for Iliberis; and straight hee was vpon his way, turning for euer (in his determined thoughts) his backe to Casarina.

About mid-day (growing too extreme hot to passe fur­ther to any Towne) comming to a pleasant flowery Val­ley (that lying vnder certaine huge Rockes, made the greene seate more delightfull) by generall consent they chose that fresh coole place to giue their wearied bodies some refreshment: and so alighting, whilst their Horses grazed, caused their dinner prouisions to be taken from off a great Sumpter-Moyles back, that was their Cup-boord, [Page 227] and hauing also the flower-enamelled field for their Table-Cloth, and the transparent streames of the neere running Brooke for their Bason (downe they sate, and with much content fell to their victuals:) which also was so much the more by the addition of a cleere Voices sweete accents, which in midst of Dinner they might distinct­ly heare to the sound of a Rebecke in the following Song.

With this Song all were strucke silent, and leauing both victuals and discourse, gaue vvilling attention. And Ge­rardo, vvho in the midst of his troubles kept euer a good memorie, forgot not his old friend Celio, assoone as hee might know him by his voyce, yet, see him he could not, by reason of a winding thicket, through which his eye could hardly reach to the gentle Shepherd: so, one of the compa­ny, to do Gerardo seruice, rose vp and meant to seek & bring Celio to him; vvhen by chance hauing heard Gerardo name him, he soon came out of the thicket, vvhither, to enioy the coole shade, he was gotten, and leading a Nymph as beau­tifull of face, as himselfe comely of person; drawing now neere, and to his no small admiration, knowing the Priso­ner Gerardo, he ranne to him, and vvith open armes (his [Page 229] eyes shedding teares for so long absence) imbraced him, that with no lesse passion vvelcommed the others approch; and forcing the good Shepherd to sit next vnto him, re­counted the vvhole Story of his late last misfortunes; which he closed vp with some sighes; to which Celio and his Shep­herdesse prooued the Eccho's in their answer. To her, Ge­rardo applying himselfe, thus said, By your louely presence and some part of my friends Ditty, I suppose, faire Mistris, you are the shrine, to vvhose Deitie Celio hath deuoted all his affections; the which (time was) I knew to be otherwise employed, when his thoughts and mine were then equall: but as the vvitchcraft of a paire of blacke quicke eyes, wrought a change in me, that ought by sad experience to haue beene more wary; what vvonder, if my friend, taught by no experience nor rigour of Fortune, should suffer van­quishment from so rare a subiect? That onely, noble Ge­rardo, (said Celio, before the willing Shepherdesse could re­ply) excuseth me, and satisfies for the breach of single life. I am onely sorry, that I had not long since bestowed my whole life vpon Fenissa's seruice; vvhose sweet presence (af­ter a tedious absence) hath, as this day descended hither, to giue new life, shadow, colour, to these Plants, Valley, and Flowers. Shall I still be angry, my Celio, replied the smiling Shepherdesse, at your offending flattery? For, there beeing so many witnesses here present of my meane parts, how dare you extol them so, or rather, mocke me with such fawning attributes? Rather, said Gerardo, with all Celio can say, he must come short: in which, and other pleasing dis­course, (time drawing neere, and the Sunnes heate slack­ning) they made ready to take horse: so all tooke leaue, and Gerardo was very much pleased with Celio's happy en­counter, taking it as a presage of good successe, though a tragicall accident that befell the valiant Arsenio, changed [Page 230] this mirth into a mournfulnesse, equall to that for his owne misfortunes: for assoone as he was entred into the Iliberian prison, he found Arsenio there for his companion. The cause of his apprehension was not much different (as being bloody) from his, yet the effects were quite contrary: since, to the charge of our vnhappy Gerardo, the death of one onely person was wrongfully laid, but the killing of three in single combate were sufficiently prooued against the other. Actes (had they beene in warre) worthy Lawrell, as now like to produce some exemplary punishment: such actes, as were they not somwhat too aberring from the promised breuitie of our neere ending Histories first Part, might af­foord a curious eye no lesse pleasing then profitable enter­tainment. With Arsenio's discreet loued company, Gerar­do was by little and little diuerted from his sorrowfull fan­cies, and began to thinke vpon some needfull course for his liberty; though had not high Heauen now (as at other times) mooued with his innocence, deliuered him from danger, his life had beene vtterly lost: for, some fiue mo­neths after Gerardo had thus beene Prisoner, by a secret and vn-expected chance, Lauro's murderers were in fine happily discouered.

So it was, that the fore-mentioned Souldiers you read of, roaming vp and downe in their bloody exercise, vvere, vpon some slight presumptions, laid hold of in a certaine little Towne of the Duke of Medina Sidonia's, where (be­ing put to the Racke) they not onely confessed the fact, for which they stood accused, but diuers thefts, robberies, and murders, as amongst others, Lauro's death; and another e­quall in execution, though in the manner and performance more hainously beast-like, the father hauing prooued the Filicide of his owne sonne; the father, vvho was named Don Iohn Ponce, a Tartesian Gentleman; in my opinion, one [Page 231] of the most barbarously cruell actes it was, that either in Spaine, or else-where in any Age euer truly happened, as well in respect of the beginning and motiue, as that the principall authour and actor in it, was (as is said) the fa­ther: and the rarity of it vvill not let me passe it ouer in si­lence, but set it downe as succinctly as I can to a tittle, accor­ding to the true Relation giuen; vvhich, to ensuing times, and perpetuall memory, shall bee imprinted in these last Leaues of my blacke Lines, as followeth:

There liues in the City of Tartesia a vviddow Dame, cal­led Fabia, whom, Heauen in her younger yeeres, endued with more beauty, vertue, and goodnesse, then goods of fortune, or noblenesse of blood and birth. To her, one of the prime Gallants of that Citty made court; vvhose amo­rous thoughts vvere soone by her perceiued, and so discreet­ly auoided, that she neuer so much as tooke the least notice of them; till time and his importuning presents, vvhich by vnexpected vvayes still came to her hands, made her shew her selfe somewhat lesse coy, though neuer the more com­ming; yet he obtained with much ado, some speech with her from a vvindow, but farre off, and small hopes of enioying his ends and her; only a litle to dis-oblige her self, she affor­ded him that poore content of speech, vvhich neuerthelesse was not carried vvith the secrecie it ought: for, comming to an Aunts notice of hers, she vvas by her Aunt so rough­ly reprehended, that hauing out of her anger learn't a vvar­ning, she from that time forward shut her Window against her burning Louer. But his flame the more increased, by how much his desire to see her, and her vigilancie not to see him, was augmented. Loues eyes are like piercing Lyn­ceus; and so, Fabia's care vvas lost, since her Louer would not lose his seeing her, but like a diligent Sentinel, was al­waies [Page 232] vvaking: and one time amongst others, viewing, how his faire Mistris, carelesse of a surprizall, vvas set at the street doore, laying hold on the blessed opportunitie, hee came neere, and began to lay such effectuall amorous rea­sons before her, that she had neither the power to turne her backe, nor obstinacie to stop her cares; and so gaue a way to his Loues enchantment, to vndermine her constant pur­pose. But hearing his discourse tend wholly to complaints of her vnkindnesse, not willing that he should proceed, she abruptly thus cuts him off: The fauour, Signior, you doe me, extending beyond the limits of ordinary courtesie, en­forceth me to desire your forbearance; and (for I haue often told you my will cannot conforme it selfe with yours) mee thinkes it might satisfie you: since it so much concernes my honour, and no reason is it, that he, who pretends hee loues me, should striue to bereaue me of that, which (once lost) is neuer to be restored. My Parents are about to be­stow me, and I am willing to obey them, by vndergoing that estate which they hold sitting for me. And since my birth hath made me too vnequally meane for your deserts, that in this respect I can be no lawfull recompence to your desires, I most humbly beseech you to forget me, and cast your eyes vpon some nobler subiect, that for blood may deserue that, of which my lownesse hath made mee an vn­deseruer. Here, inflam'd with ielousie, the resolued Gen­tleman replyed: So cruell a Treatie, to me so preiudiciall, loued Fabia, shall not proceed, if I can helpe it, neither wil I longer deferre the remedie that lies in mine owne hand, which I forthwith giue, and a firme promise to be your hus­band; and that you may be the better assured, these foure seruants, with Heauen and me, shall be your witnesses: and this sayd, without expecting the least answer from her, that, ouercome with sudden ioy, could hardly haue giuen it, hee [Page 233] gaue a call to his seruants; and before them, turning to his Fabia, (whom he saw with the vnlook't-for accident, turned into blushing crimson) prosecuting his intent, hee said, Deare Mistris, why are you thus silent, or deferre that I, which I expect from your sweet lippes? I say once more, nay, a thousand times, but, a short once for all, I am your Husband: of which, Heauen and these shall bee my witnes­ses; giue me then that white hand, with which, and in it, I shall enioy more happinesse then in the worlds Treasure. And so ceasing, he gaue way, that the modest Fabia might with lesse trouble frame this ioyfull answer: Wonder not, deare Signior, that a fauour so aboue my dastard thoughts, should thus amaze me; your offer I most truly esteeme of, and must, by being your Spouse, receiue with you my sole happines: & so, ioyning hands they embraced, remaining alike linked in the vnion of their affections, whose effects were that very night accomplished, to the no smal content of Don Iohn, that onely at parting desired Fabia to conceale and content her self with his promise, till such time as their marriage might be effected without distaste to his friends and kindred: to which she easily condescended, as willing in all things to satisfie him like an obedient wife. With this warie secrecie the Louers held on in their priuate meetings, till such time as Fabia grew to be with child, and her Gal­lant (without all feare of heauen) to a treaty of marriage with a dainty Dame and neere Kinswoman of his, which in short time without Fabia's notice was effected. But what hand may rule my weary Pen, if I should goe about to set downe the mocked Fabia's griefe? What tongue would without faltring expresse her soules immense sorrow, as soone as she heard the bitter newes of his faiths breach, that was her onely Owner? 'Twere to take fresh breath, to be­gin a new Tragedy: may her teares and sighes then rest in [Page 234] the Readers consideration; which, as abundant and conti­nuall, so, hard they were to be concealed from her parents; to whom, as her womanish feare would permit her, she dis­couered the state shee was in, of being two moneths preg­nant; they accompanying in her mournfull discomfort, sought rather wisely to marry her, then by impossible pleas more to defame her: And therefore without many delaies married her to a person of their ranke, but one that had good meanes: with whom (her defect one way, and ex­cesse another, vn-noted) shee passed for a maid; and some eight moneths after, was deliuered (as legitimate) of a lu­stie Boy; and so quickly with the Infants pleasing company, she blotted out of her mind the abhorred remembrance of the true periur'd Father.

Some ten yeeres vvere expired after the childs birth, in all which time, iust Heauen blessed not the vngratefull Don Iohn with any issue, to his no small griefe: for that one of his brothers, whom he deadly hated, was necessarily to suc­ceed him in the Estate. And now quite desperate of any fruite by his wife, he proposed to himselfe the Boy hee had by Fabia for his heire: and hereupon not content to haue most trecherously wronged her, but trusting to wealth and friends, insensible of the poore Fabia's disgrace, hee sought by Law to recouer his sonne; and to this purpose petitioned to an ordinary Iudge; who, for admitting so scandalous a demand, deserued an extraordinary punishment. And so, his seruants bringing in witnesse of the close meetings that were betweene them, as also of the iust computation and time of her deliuerie, by sentence of Law the Iudge dispos­sest him that loued the Boy as his owne, and adiudged him to be restored to the periur'd, false, yet true Father. With the affront done him, Fabia's poore husband and fell into a des­perate sicknesse, and soone after died: so she, poore soule, [Page 235] remained without honour, sonne or husband, such are the cruell effects of an vnrelenting proceeding.

The wicked Sire was now most iocund in his new sonne, called likewise Don Iohn, and causing him to bee most tenderly cockered and brought vp: but the Boyes owne good inclination to all vertuous qualities, made him in few yeeres grow to that towardlinesse, that hee was ge­nerally beloued, and so highly commended, that euen in his owne father it begat enuie. For the step-Dame there needes nought bee said, since their hatred and malice is their generall inheritance: yet the prudent Don Iohn as dis­creetly boare his mother-in-lawes ill-will, as from so ten­der yeeres might bee expected; neither did hee in all the plenty and fortune of his new Estate, shew the least for­getfulnesse of his old habitation, where euery day once at least, his owne poore Mother was by him seene and ser­ued; but his father and step-mother so much stomacked this, that they wholly repented them of claiming him; and next, making little or no reckening of him, withdrew all manner of allowance either to sustaine, or clothe him: whereupon the young Gentleman was forced to sue them (according to Spaines custome) for meanes; which, by sentence were allotted him, to the value of seuen hundred Crownes to bee annually payed him. But, the vertuous youth considering his mothers wants needed more reliefe then his owne, was content to part with his annuity to her; which done, he went with a kinsman of his fathers, that dearely loued him, to the City of Lisborne, where that party was prouided of a place of good credit in the Kings Gallies. There Don Iohn in his kinsmans company liued happily enough, till, vnderstanding by Letters from his mother, how hardly his cruell father proceeded in the pai­ment of her monies, his duty hastening him, hee returned [Page 236] thither. Well knew he that begat him, the cause of his so suddaine arriuall, neither did his wife ignore it; who, like a curst step-Dame, desired nothing more then the poore young mans ruine, which was soone after effected: for her diuellish intent finding sufficient admittance to her husbands dis-affection, was made knowne, and finding in him no lesse desire of his sonnes riddance, they both resol­ued, and the future Filicide, parted with this bloody pur­pose toward the great City of Seuil, where he might with­out any difficulty, finde choice of murderers to dispatch his onely sonne. And so hauing by chance lighted on the foure fore-mentioned Rogues, agreeing with them to kill him for two hundred Crownes; of which, fiftie were to be payed in earnest: they returned backe together, and en­tred that night Tartesia, where the diuellish father, infor­med of the sonnes being in his mothers house, instructed them for the manner of his dispatch; and so, leading them on to the vnfitting sacrifice and house, thus sayd, That be­fore is the doore, there's no more to bee done, but one of you knocke, aske for Don Iohn; and as hee comes out, the rest may so deale with him, that he may saue himselfe a re­uenge, and giue mee satisfaction. There wanted not, by Heauens prouidence, some one to ouer-heare these last words, and witnesse against this accursed Iudge, that pro­nounced so sharpe a decree vpon his owne blood: and this was a poore old woman, who, not dreaming of any such accident, stood as then at a close Lattice-window, from whence she might also view, how, that hauing (as they were instructed) asked for the innocent Youth, iust as he came out of his mothers house, they gaue him his deaths wound. But he died not very soone after, which bred no smal distemper in his trecherous father, as fearing, his wound was not mortall enough, or belike, his pleasure [Page 237] done, he repented him of the fact; but from hence he tooke occasion to pay with some twenty Crownes ouer-plus, the inhumane murderers; telling them, he agreed for his sonnes death, which they had not effected, but onely giuen him some slight hurts, for which they had already receiued suf­ficient recompence. There wanted no replies from the im­patient men, who now repented them they had not first [...]laine him by the way. But seeing how much it concerned them all to be secret, cursing his base proceeding, the next day they left Tartesia. The wofull Fabia euen distracted with her sonnes danger, informed by the said old woman, of the truth of what she before more then halfe suspected, accompanied with some of her neighbours, (a raging mo­ther) she ranne and cast her selfe at the Gouernours feet, (a noble and vpright Gentleman) calling out for vengeance, requiring with her dolorous clamours, Iustice; and with her teares and wringing, prouoking Heauen it selfe to pitty. Scarce had the cruell father notice of her sorrow, the peo­ples curses, and his sonnes danger, when, all in a cold sweat and frighting feare, the offence gnawing his conscience, without more adoo he withdrew himselfe to a Monastery, whereby without further proofes, himselfe declared him­selfe to be the guilty actor. And therefore the seuere Go­uernour caused him to be taken forcibly out, and consulted earnestly with the Iudge his Assistant, for the manner of his punishment. About this time Don Iohn ended his vnhappy life. Now the father being wondrous rich, and powerfully allyed, was able to stop and coole a little the Gouernours feruent proceeding. For by Order from the Inquisition, (by reason of the cessation from diuine Seruice, till the San­ctuary man were brought backe againe to the Monastery) it was commanded he should be restored.

In the beginning of this businesse, he thought fit for some [Page 238] respects, to conceale a certaine quantitie of Monies and Iewels he had to the value of thirty thousand Crownes, which he committed (as to safe custodie) to his Brothers: but the present trouble hauing consumed most of his meanes, made him rely now vpon the rest of that wealth, and to this purpose demanded his owne of his Brothers: by whom (as Heauen iustly ordained) he was not onely for­saken, but laughed to scorne for so ridiculous a demaund, they vtterly denying to haue receiued so much as a denier from him; which, in the wearie worne Gentleman, bred such a sudden passion of choller and disdaine, that his vitall spirits stifled with the venime of his rage, made him fall flat dead before the Spectators; astonish't with the fearefull accident, which is euer incident to those that giue so bad an account of their liues. And with his death I thinke it fit, clozing vp this bloody Story, to returne towards the end of our present Narration.

I told you, how vpon the Racke the Souldiers confessed Lauro's death, which computed with the time, place, and occasion, was true, and Gerardo falsely accused: so that, the businesse thorowly sifted by the Court of Iustice, to the sin­gular content of his brother and friends, Gerardo was to be freed. His enemies no lesse tooke on, who on one side were ashamed of their blind proceeding; yet on the other, sensi­ble that the honour of a daughter and Neece, was now left to the wide worlds arbitrement, they resolued, that Don Antonio, contrary to his former purpose, should demaund Iustice for the wrong done to his house, and that the for­gotten Nise should require performance of marriage, which, indeed Gerardo neuer so much as promised, though she affirmed, that vpon such securitie, she had deliuered vp her person vnto him. Leoncio was much troubled with this new demand against his Brother; who, determining to die [Page 239] a thousand deaths, rather then admit of Nise's loath'd em­braces, resolued with himselfe to remaine a perpetuall pri­soner, before he vvould be chained, and indissolubly tyed to the irkesome captiuity of an vnconstant vvoman; and his vnmooued purpose knowne to her father and friends, hee was by them strangely persecuted, though in all his trou­bles, his valour no one iot declined from his first settled re­solution.

But 'tis now high time to giue some rest to the continuall labour of my pen and spirits, till other successes in Gerardo, for a second Part of this Worke, may giue a lofty subiect to my quill, and new matter to the world, for example and instruction from Gerardo's misfortunes. 'Mongst which, those of his friends Fernando and Don Iayme, shall be of no little variety to the Reader, nor of lesse admiration, the re­couerie of one of the most essentiall Actors in this great Tragedy, whose sad Obsequies (though erro­neously) Gerardo in the end of this first Parts second Discourse, bedewed with mourn­full teares.

The first Discourse.

TO the Viols sound, and his owne har­monious Voice, the Spanish Gerardo diuerted the memory of his past mis­fortunes, and the affliction of his pre­sent imprisonment. And at this pre­sent, the Sunne newly peeping into those close dungeons, a man long tossed as it were in the Gulfe of his libertie, by each vnfor­tunate waue, was now at length cast vpon the prison of Ili­beris. The eccho of his clinking shackles (the first steppe euer into that miserable Mansion) drew Gerardo to a win­dow; from whence beholding the new-come Ghest, and well pleased with his manly presence (which is still a stran­gers best Letter of re-commendation) hee curst in his mind the Tyrannous Officers that brought him within the Gates. From thence he was led farther on, to a little Wic­ket, where the Hammer striking there, signified by that [...]range custome, that their Prisoner was apprehended for resisting the Constable. I shall not neede to de-cypher this kinde of dumbe Language frequent in Prisons, since being so, no man may wonder at the same. Many who now went by the names of old soakers were now gotten round about the new Prisoner, from whom Gerardo had no smaladoo to get him out of their fingers; yet at length they gaue vvay, and respected him as their Ancient: who tooke the party by the hand, and led him aside with him to certaine spaci­ous entries, where, perceiuing he was quite dis-heartened, [Page 243] encouraging him the best hee could, hee vsed this Phrase vnto him:

All these fellowes you see here, about, and in yonder lit­tle Court, not farre from vs, lye in Prison for farre greater offences then yours, and yet make no difficulty of fauour from the Iudges; Be of good cheere then, and assured, that if the matter of your imprisonment be of no greater impor­tance then a resistance, your deliuery may be speedier then you are aware of. Somewhat lesse afflicted, though still pen­satiue, the sorrowfull young man interrupted Gerardo, say­ing, If that were onely the occasion which hath brought mee now to your acquaintance, I acknowledge (and thank­fully) I should haue beene most happy in such company, (happen what might.) But woe is me, Noble Sir, that now lose my liberty, when I most need it: would Heauen had pleased, that my base enemies weapons had first ended my abhorred life. More had he said, and more amazed Gerar­do, had he not beene preuented then, by one that clapping him with his hand vpon the shoulder, as if they had beene old acquaintance, said, What, are you here Sir? astonish­ing the poore Prisoner with this kinde of demaund: vvho vvith some admiration, yet answered him in his own strain, You may be sure I am here, if you see me; though the que­stion had been more proper, if I had voluntarily come hi­ther. To this, vvithout more pawse, the party added, I know indeed you are heere for a resistance, and therefore might haue saued a labour of asking: but if that bee all, Laugh at it, Peace, Giue me money and I'le free you instantly: The Notary is my Friend, and the Iudge my Gossip, wee are all in all.

No sooner had hee ended, when another Youth of his owne ranke and profession cut him off from further spea­king; vvho without any respect to the by-s [...]anders, looking [Page 244] scuruily vpon the th'other, and plucking him by the Cloake, proceeded; 'Twere fitter, Goodman you —: you vvould let alone my Prisoners, and meddle vvith your owne, since you know (according to our agreement) this Gallant be­longs to me. I marry (quoth his opposite) if it were mat­ter of accident, but the case is altred here, for this Gentle­man is an especiall friend of mine, and no man ought to haue interest in him but my selfe. So they grew (to the Pri­soners no small admiration) to some words, and from thence to blowes, biting and banging each other in such pitifull sort, that in a trice, there was neither Hat, Cloake, nor Ruffe, that (partly trod vnderfoote, or wholly rent to fitters) acted not a part in the Tragi-Comedy.

The noise, Peace-makers, and skirmish, as pleasant as well performed, might haue ouer-madded a modest man, and burst him with as outragious a laughter as it drew from Gerardo; vvhich vvould haue beene farre greater, had not his long being vsed to these kinde of bickerings, depriued him of the nouelty. Hee had seene a hundreth of them, and now thought best to retire vvith the innocent party, which they did into his Chamber: leauing the others and their owne vvearinesse to be their best Vmpires; yet there vvere some Prisoners vvho tooke no little paines to part them (each threatning with a criminall accusation his Contrary) and so after the short spurt of passe-time they departed. I shall onely (touching these fellowes) giue the Reader a briefe Item, as first; That their stile is no other then, Prison Droanes, their practise meerely to cheate, in which they are so cunning, that no sooner is a poore Prisoner entred, but they haue his name, his Birth, Offence, Notary, Iudge, and what not? Whereupon, with this strange phrase of, Are ye here? Laugh at it, Giue me money, I'le free you: by little and little they sucke the poore Nouices dry with such their [Page 245] sweet and sauourie language: and then vanishing out of sight, they see them no more, till (happely) their friends or kindred, effecting their liberties, they then draw neere, and tell them that by their care and diligence they haue beene freed; but, if they chance to lye longer, they straight al­ledge, that the Notary was not well pleased, or the Iudge ill informed, still, by one means or other, wringing iuice out of very Rocks, and so, escape and laugh at the wretches they haue thus betray'd. They deserue not so much as the names of Sollicitors, but meerely the former title; and may this suffice, to see the extremitie to which poore Prisoners many wayes are subiect.

The desire Gerardo had to cheere vp his new Ghest, made him preuent dinner time, by prouiding it the sooner; to which (together with part of his lodging) hauing inuited him, & he with more acknowledgement of gratitude then presumption, accepted the courteous offer, they satisfied their hungry necessitie: and afterward Gerardo, hauing as vvell by intreaties, as gifts, preuailed with the Iaylor, that they might remaine together, diuided with him his owne Bed, and affoorded him all his best comfort. In this manner they remained some dayes, in one of vvhich, as their priuacy gaue fittest occasion, Gerardo desiring to know the cause of his Camerad's imprisonment, earnestly intrea­ted him to communicate it to him, furthering his wish, by giuing the other, first a Summary Relation of his owne mishaps, and for vpshot of all, making knowne his name and quality vnto him: but without these respects, his owne merit had wonne so much from the Prisoners affection, that lesse entreaties might haue sufficed to grant so friendly a request; and therfore without more adoo gladly condiscen­ding to his friends will, a gentle sigh only (the Auant-cour­rier to his truth) he began:

[Page 246] 'Tis now iust sixe moneths since I left the Citie of Cordu­ba, my natiue soyle, where, by the name of Leandro, I am knowne, as by a reasonable good Estate the Inheritance my Father there left mee: the forsaking my Countrey was caused thus: The Young fry and Gallants of our Cities quarter where I liued, did vsually after Masse resort to certaine Portals and Seates in our Parish, to discourse; in which wee most commonly limited the power and acti­ons of the Great Turke, the Forces of the Hungarian, vvith the seuerall states of Italy and Low Countries: nothing vvas amisse, wherein we might censure and gouerne the whole World according to our fancies. But one time amongst o­thers, a different Card prooued Trumpe, and (obuious e­nough to our youthfull conditions) the conuersation grew hot, about the chiefest beauties of our Spanish Dames, each vsurping to himselfe the priority of place, which might most suite to his owne aduantage. Some said, the Granadi­nians were extraordinarie faire, but these were by others contradicted, who to the Toledanians gaue the Superla­tiue, as well for beauty and feature, as sharpnesse of wit and discretion; others there wanted not, that, to make good a partie, would preferre the carelesse quicke sprightfulnesse of our Court Dames before all. This was the more gene­rall opinion, and yet another not much inferiour, of the Se­uilians, whose naturall and sweet browne complexions, set out by their curious neatnesse, made no small adoe for ab­solute deciding of the Controuersie; which was ended by one, that in all our opinions, was thought to haue the best Iudgement, most modesty, and stayed aduisednesse in his conuersation, who offering to speake, forced vs all to si­lence, with the following Discourse.

What neede you weary your selues with vaine contra­dictions, or mee, who know, that all the perfection and [Page 247] beauty in the world liues within twelue Leagues of this place not in any great Citie, but in a small Village of Anda­luzia, called Osuna. There liues the rarest Creature this day in Spaine, in which happy situation (not so much as knowne to the towne-dwellers, her warinesse with her Husbands iealousie, equall to her beauty) this miracle is inclosed. He that will satisfie his owne minde, let him see her, and then he shall perceiue withall, how short my tongue comes of her praise, and then my truth shall preuaile, to bring him out of a former errour.

The Speaker, had hee not beene in so good a Predica­ment amongst vs, wee should (doubtlesse) all haue contra­dicted, and laughed at his exorbitancy: but the credit hee had gotten, and his seldome growing to such height of ex­aggeration, sufficiently vnder-propped his reputation. Wherefore, some, bending their browes, others, re-questi­oning him touching the rare Piece, wee made it parting­time, cutting the thred of our pleasing conuersation. My selfe went to dinner, and after would haue lyen downe to sleepe away some part of that afternoone, when vnexpect­edly to keepe me waking, my memory suggested to me the aforesaid Controuersie (a desire stealingly diuing into my heart to see that woman;) and this in such extremitie, that, though I purposely diuerted my selfe; yet, as often as I went about to doe so, so often the nouelty of the matter, and my friends endeerement set vpon mee. But not willing to bee thus vanquished (though all wauering & pensatiue) I curbed my desires, and strooke the sailes of their vnbridled course: which resistance yet spurred mee so much the faster, so that in fine now wholly impatient, and fully resolued and bent vpon the mad enterprize, I first settled my house, and being thorowly informed of this Dame, & her parts, putting two thousand Crownes in Gold in my Purse, betooke my selfe [Page 248] to a lone iourney: for though I had seruants at command, the secrecie with which I disposed my affaires, would not admit of any.

That night I arriued at the place, and hauing taken a Chamber, after I had a while rested, I called the Oast of the house to mee, and warily endeuoured to know from him, who, in all the Towne, was of greatest Authoritie, best Life, and most Reputation; which (first reckoning vp diuers persons) at last he resolued to bestow vpon the Vicar, and all the Attributes that might be proposed; insomuch, that the election falling out pat for my purpose, and the tedious night ouer-past, taking a seasonable time, I departed from my lodging to the aforesaid parties house, where I found Master Vicar in his blacke Damaske Gown, with an Indian Cane, that serued him for a Walking-staffe, passing to and fro in the Court before his doore. As hee saw mee come neere, he began to make a Stand, and I, not once asking whether he were the partie I sought (in respect of the Rela­tion and signes giuen) courteously saluted him, and draw­ing a Letter out of my Pocket, framed for the purpose, with the outside all collied, deliuered it to him, the superscripti­on directed to himselfe, he desired me to bee couered, and withall demanded from whence the Letter was. I told him from Noua Hispania: so, he, without mo [...]e adoe opened it, that, I might heare him reade these Contents:

In reading these short Lines, he could not but (with the doubtfull admiration of what he beheld) shew some change of countenance and behauiour; sometimes writhing his mouth, then vvrinkling his forehead, now putting his fin­ger to his nose, straight clapping himselfe vpon the pate, and scratching his noddle, till finally shrinking vp his shoul­ders, and goggling his eyes, he concluded, saying, Doubt­lesse, Signior, you are mistaken; for though this Letter bee directed in the superscription to me, and that there bee no other of my name in the towne, I must freely confesse, that I neither haue now, nor euer had, any correspondence from those remote parts, much lesse any the least acquaintance with your father: but setting this aside, if in any thing I may stead you, I shall be most willing to doe it, out of the desire I haue to performe all good offices to strangers. With this, my honest Priest was silent, and I falling now into my Stratageme, made answer: Troth, Signior, 'tis strange, my father should bee so mistaken, I was in good hope you had beene the party. The truth is, my father for some particular motiues, pleased to send mee before his owne departure for Spaine, and (knowing, as he said, of your abode in this Village) with order to be wholly directed by you, deliuered me two thousand Crownes in Gold, vvhich I haue here: now though your selfe bee not the party to whom I was recommended, the satisfaction I haue of your woorth, doth oblige me to request you, to take the money [Page 250] into your custodie, onely deliuering me at times what I shall stand in need of for my occasions: for out of the desire I haue to obey my father, I am resolued howsoeuer, to expect him in this place. Scarce had I made an end of these last words, vvhen my Vicar falling into a suddennesse of admi­ring clamour, and giuing himselfe a good thumpe on the brest, said to me, I cry thee mercie, good Youth, and pray thee pardon my forgetfulnesse; for now (with the reflexion of my memory) I fall into thy fathers remembrance: He? why, he vvas one of the onely most intimate friends I had, and sole companion in my youthfull dayes. Tell me, Lad, is he not very old now? who did he marrie? how many bro­thers are there of you? Honest, honest Tauiria! who would haue thought, to see a sonne of thine so tall and wel growne? Truly, Leandro, thou maist thinke thy selfe happy, in that Heauen was pleased to giue thee so worthy a father; as, to me, the best friend that euer I had. Well, till hee come, here you shall be, and haue such lodgng and respect as be­fits our friendship: let me otherwise know, vvhat manner of admission is desired in the Letter, that accordingly, his will and your conuenience may be effected. Obserue here, no­ble Gerardo, what doubts and difficulties this golden baite in an instant remooued from the old Vicar. Well did I ghesse before-hand what my intent would come to, and therfore the noueltie, which to another might haue seemed strange, bred no admiration at all in me. I went on with my plot then, and courteously thankfull to his kind offer, deliuered him (taking first a Bill of his hand for the receipt, to secure me from his couetousnesse) the two thousand Crownes; and reseruing onely such a quantitie as I thought fit, aduertized him also, that hauing beene reasonably trai­ned vp in the Ciuill and Canon Lawes, I desired much to better my knowledge, by being Clerke to some Lawyer in [Page 251] that Towne, till such time as my father should arriue. My purpose much pleased him, and with his approbation, I went to hearken after some one vvhom I might best like, and with him to make my agreement. You must suppose, Signior, this Machine wanted not foundation, and no lesse then fully suting to my purpose: for the Dames husband that brought me to Osu [...]a, (though none of the best or rich­est) vvas one of the Lawyers that liued there, newly maried, and hauing a faire vvife, extremely vvarie and ielous of her honestie; so that quickly you shall perceiue, the planting my selfe by any kind of meanes there, vvas not the least impor­tant steppe to my enterprize, vvhich vvas well furthered, by some little learning I had of both Lawes, vvhich to my pa­rents their great reioycing, in my younger daies I studied; who purposed to haue directed my life to such Courses, as by their death and my new inheritance prooued frustrate. At length (informed thorowly of my Lawyers house) thi­ther vvent I, where I found him busily turning ouer Bartolus and Baldus, drawing and framing certaine Petitions: I sa­luted him: he vvilled me to sit downe, taking me (it should seeme) for some Client that needed his aduice: so hee de­manded vvhat my businesse vvas; to vvhich, I, vvith a well-premeditated discourse, made him this answer: Signior, I was borne (so please you) in Noua Hispania, though my pa­rents were of these parts, and this Andaluzia, by vvhom I am particularly sent to this Vniuersitie, till such time as they shall land in Spaine, to exercise my selfe in the Studie of the Lawes, vvhich course I began not long ago in the citie of Mexico. And that this their desire might obtaine some reasonable effect, they thought fit to remit it, and me with­all, to Master Vicar of this Place, vvith vvhom they professe so strict a league of auncient friendship, that I may indeed better giue it the title of alliance. Hee knowing their plea­sure, [Page 252] and my purpose, hath made particular election of your selfe, your vertue, learning, and house for the accom­plishment; so great is his satisfaction of you, neither vvere not I (as I say) limited to his opinion in this point, should I for my part seeke any further for my owne benefit. (This presupposed) I shall esteeme my selfe most happie, to be not onely instructed, but much profited also by you. And if there be no precise cause to hinder it, I beseech you, let me be admitted into your Company, till such time as my fa­ther arriue; in which, I vvill not onely endeuour to vndergo some part of the burden of your continuall businesse, but vvill also obey you as a seruant, vvithout any recompence more then your good instruction; rather, you shall haue monethly of me thirtie Crownes, to further your paines in the performance: for vvhich, I will giue such satisfaction and securitie as you shall please to demand. All this I hud­dled vp as speedily as I could deliuer, vnto him; not willing to giue him the least time of pause to consider of it, for feare of the worst. To which (after some little suspence, turning his eyes to me, and doubtlesse the profit conside­red which came in so easily to him) hee thus answered: Though (forewarned by many vnluckie accidents) I haue a long time made choice rather of liuing alone, (though dis­commodiously) then ill-accompanied▪ yet your honest pre­sence, and mine owne wish, that Master Vicar should prooue no liar in my commendation, doe leuell all difficul­ties with me: and therefore you may presently settle your selfe in my house, giuing first securitie (as is fitting) for the promise and offer you haue made. You shall haue (quoth I) the best you can desire; and so without more words (ve­rie iocund) hee tooke his Cloke, and (heauen knowes if fearefull to lose the good bargaine) hand in hand wee went to the Vicars house; who spying me, came out to welcome [Page 253] vs, saying, To know your sure election, 'tis sufficient, that I behold the person vvho accompanies you, on vvhom you may safely rely for your best aduancement, vvhich excee­dingly glads me, on your father my best friend his behalfe. To this vve both returned our thankes, onely my Lawyer proposed the security for my person, vvhich was yet wan­ting. To which, the good Priest replied what I could wish, extolling my fathers abilitie, and my meanes; so much, as if we had beene all daies of our liues familiarly acquainted; and clozed vp his speech with this: That he would trust me with all his wealth, and if need were, instantly deposite a thousand or two of Crownes for me.

Much lesse would haue secured the hungry Lawyer, who thinking he had now discouered the riches of Peru (the ioy­fullest man aliue) taking our leaues, he brought mee home to his house with him; and there hee caused to bee chalked out, as it were, for me, a certain miserable Cabbin on top of the Staire-case going towards his owne Chamber, and causing as wretched a Bed to bee brought in, I placed it to mine owne best liking, contented with any thing, in hope of effecting my desire. I cannot describe to you, how ioy­full a man now I was, thinking that the greatest part of my iourney was past: for certainly it may well be thought, that had not hope of gaine vanquished mine Oast, it were im­possible for mee to haue gotten so much as ouer his threshold.

And now for my diet, faring as I would haue done at mine owne home, I endeuoured all I could, to make much of my Lawyer, not eating a bitte, of which he had not (in a manner) the one halfe: our meat was dressed by a wench of some doozen yeeres of age, the onely creature his ielou­sie would allow him for a seruant. For other things, in my apparell, as in my behauiour, I was meane and simple, and [Page 254] alwaies most of all vvarie in my lookes or questions: with these, I by little and little gained vpon my Masters affe­ction and austere condition, and so liued many daies most conformably with him. In all the time, I was so farre from seeing her that had thus transformed me, that I could not so much as heare the least treading or motion, to make me thinke there was a creature more then the two-mentioned in that enchanted house. Oh, how often (full of confusion) doubted I of the credit of my absent friends relation! how often with a scalding sigh my heart resolued to breake that silence, by mounting the few Staires, vvhen suddenly an a­morous feare of marring the vvhole enterprize, turned mee backe againe like a Coward to my Chamber; vvhere fra­ming complaints against her I knew not, and louing one, whom mine eies neuer saw, sometimes I grew into deepe Melancholy; otherwhiles better pleased, I expected the Sundaies approach, by vvhich time my Mistris beeing ne­cessarily to goe to Masse, could no longer be concealed? But the expected day, as it came, so it vanished, leauing me no more comfort, then sight of her; and to remaine still in my doubt with greater torment: so to frame new fancies and Chymaera's to my thoughts. Yet the next Holy-day before Sun-rising, being vvatchful, (mine eares spurred, as it were, and my sences broad waking) I might heare some persons stalking before my Chamber doore; vvhich paces, seeming to me by the sound and noise to bee of Chapins, so altered me, that naked as I was, I leap't out of my bed, and ope­ned the doore, but so vnluckily, that I could but onely get a sight of my Mistris, vvith her backe turned as shee went past me. Here I was quite transported, and had (doubtles) laid hold on her Mantle, had not her husband accompa­nied her: what, I could then make ghesse at, was, a gallant and sprightly personage, whereby somewhat more hearte­ned [Page 255] and warned to be more watchfull against another op­portunitie, I began to dresse mee, (my comfort now more and more increasing from that happie minute) I began to promise my selfe some good effect out of the increase of his loue to me, which was still fed and augmented by my con­tinuall presents: which prooued so happie and seasonable, that when (vnexpectedly) I least dream't of any such mat­ter, my seruices obtained their desired acceptance: for one day after dinner he came into my Chamber, where sitting him downe by me, he fell abruptly into this discourse: My Leandro, when good deedes receiue not an equall guerdon, (according as the Master of the Sentences in our Ciuill Law doth tell vs) fit it is, that our good will at least expresse a thankfulnesse in words; to which, Leandro, I am so much an enemie, (following in that the opinion of our Bartolus) that, I had rather by silence confesse wherein I stand obli­ged, and how much thou hast ingaged mee. This I had sooner made knowne, had not the nice condition, and reti­rednesse of my wife Violante beene a barre vnto it; other­wise, I might offer you henceforward my Table, that so you might be eased of so much care and expence as you are at: but she is so loth and vnwilling, that any but my selfe should be seene in our priuate roome, that I haue not beene able once to induce her to accept of thy quiet modest compa­nie. Accept therefore my good wishes, and as thou louest me, hence-forward limit thy excessefull prodigalitie to­wards vs, since what hath hitherto beene receiued, obligeth me whilst I liue, to a thankefull acknowledgement. These formall speeches with all plainenesse and sinceritie my Mi­strisses husband vsed to mee, to which I (quite contrarie, much ouer-ioyed) returned others, best suting to my cau­telous intention; giuing him to vnderstand, that those poore trifles he pleased to accept of, proceeded from my [Page 256] naturall condition, and that hee needed not expresse the least thankes for such slender toyes: this, sent him away much more obliged then he came (my hopes beginning now to bud some good successe:) howsoeuer yet I vvan­ted the sight and maine marke I aimed at; though, some sixe dayes after these Clouds were dispersed from mine eyes: for as I still continued my presents, one (as good lucke would) fell out pat for me, since being so acceptable and welcome to my Master, it made him (ouer-ruling his wiues nicenesse, and dispensing with his owne iealousie) send for me to his Table, where they both sate together at dinner, and this in such haste, that I had scarce leisure to settle my countenance, so frighted, as if I were to expect a sentence of death, which made me come euen trembling into his presence.

Without Hyperbole may I tell you, mine eyes till that in­stant neuer beheld such beauty, neither could fancies selfe frame a more absolute feature to my desires. I know not how to paint her out, but my tongue must fall short, and the rare Originall complaine of my defect herein. To make Simile's, or rackt Allusions, of Emeralds, Dia­monds,, skeines of Gold, flakes of Snow, Corrall, Cristall, Alabaster; these (besides meane and base to equall her perfections) might rather make the Author in your Iudge­ment poeticall, then truely expresse her peerelesse Image; and therefore you may onely thus farre beleeue and cre­dit me, that the least I could discerne, was vnder a white smooth front, crowned with the tresses of her neat and well-growne Chesse-nut haire, two Saphires, two Mor­ning-Starres, two Sunnes, two, but why vse I such strange Comparisons? A paire of Azure, cheerefull, honest eyes; in whose midst a wel-proportioned Nose, serued as a bor­der to the lilly rosiate cheekes, and as a siluer threshold to [Page 257] to the ruddy gates, her lips: as, they, for Iaylors to the trea­sure of her thicke-set, white, small teeth. Briefely, the least of those parts, whose all were then liuely represented to my imagination, were worthy more then humane loue or regard. I was strooken Dumbe as a Statue, insomuch, that (had I been so happy as to haue deserued but a glance of her bright eyes) she might haue seene how I was troubled, and consequently some part of my affection: but, they stir­red not: for in all the time of my stay there, I could not collect, that she so much as once lifted her sight from her Husbands bosome; who turning to me, thus began:

First and foremost, Leandro, you are to take it for an e­speciall fauour, that I so freely giue you accesse hither, where, (I may truely professe) no liuing man but my selfe since our marriage hath entred: And next, that is, hence­forward you must eate with me adayes, for I am resolued not to let you waste your money so exorbitantly: and therefore without reply, you shall do as I would haue you in a matter that is so fitting and reasonable: besides, I shall be the more beholding to you, that, so, we may liue toge­ther like Father and Sonne: for such is my estimation now of you. I knew not how to meet him with a fitting reply, my powers and sences were so confounded: but fearing to incurre his suspition, re-collecting my selfe as well as I could, I thus made answere: Sir, the selfe-same reason you haue to command me for the obeying your will, en­forceth me to contradict it: for, it were no part of man­ners, much lesse thankefulnesse, in mee; if knowing the quietnesse of your disposition, & the priuacie, with which my Mistris Violante delights to liue, I should for my bene­fit interrupt it: the fauour you would herein doe me, I shall esteeme whilst I haue life, and therefore humbly beseech you to mention this particular no further; for this I tell [Page 258] you, not to obey, is my vtmost determinatiō: My pretence was with this dissembled backwardnes, to lay vp a good opinion in his suspitious brest, & with it to weare out all tracks of distrust, & so to assure my selfe against a fit opor­tunity: this it was made me refuse my kind Lawyers offer.

Gerardo so much longed for the end of this strange Sto­ry, that I dare affirme, he was sorry Leandro embraced not the offer, as thinking it the best way to make short worke; and though hee were willing to haue let him knowne so much, yet fearefull to interrupt, hee forbore: especially hearing the discreet Leandro thus proceed:

My Master wanted no replyes, and stiffe intreaties, but all were vaine, considering, that in my modest warinesse, all the hopes and good successe of my Loue consisted: and yet from that time forward, I had courage enough to continue my seeing the faire Violante, alwayes taking my times when both of them were together; for, indeede, I durst doe no otherwise, neither gaue me my Master other opportunity, and his dainty, too-honest Wife lesse; from whom, in all this time, I neuer so much as heard, not only the least word proceed frō her, that might open a way for any discourse of mine vnto her, but neuer beheld her so much as cast vp her eyes from worke: whereby you may conceiue what a confused, watchfull life I had, since that, and my want of conuersation with any liuing Soule, must needs keepe me in a restlesse torment.

But the accomplishment of my desire was not long de­ferred, though it might well haue cost mee my life, since by it I was in hazzard to haue lost it: for, as my fortune would, one afternoone amongst others, my Master and his Wife were passing the time at Chesse, and I onely pre­sent, that (sometimes setting vp the men, otherwhiles, see­ing my Mistris with her faire hands nimbly remoouing [Page 259] them vp and downe) was better diuerted. Her Husband be­ing at last called to a Client that was come to him, and ne­cessarily to spend some time in his study, was forced to leaue the game, saying to me very iocundly before his go­ing downe, Leandro, thou seest how neere losing Violante is; Prethee, looke shee stirre not the men, for I had rather then any thing beate her this time. I promised I would; whereupon he, as ioyfull as I ouer-ioyed, went his way and left vs. But now, deare friend, began the timorous panting of my heart, and my tongue to bee tyed with the sudden a­mazement of my sences; and indeed, I was not able (though I firmely resolued it) to forme in my braine the least Intro­duction to my amorous purpose, though the opportunitie were maruellous, till the faire Violante ri [...]ling mee of this confusion (though to a different purpose) with a smiling countenance thus demanded of mee: Doe you know this play, Leandro? for if (as I thinke) you doe, you may do me a good turne with your helpe, and on my word I should be much beholding to you, if you could teach me how to saue the Checke-Mate my Husband thinkes to giue me.

No vvords could here expresse my hearts ioy, which had now an open vent made to let out my amorous resent­ment, and thus I made answere: I haue long knowne this game, which hath cost me much monies losse and labour; and though want of skill might make me distrustfull, yet at present, I beleeue I can shew you so cunning a tricke, that you (pleasing to make vse of it) shall not onely saue the Checke-Mate, but in stead of receiuing from my Master, you shall put it vpon him. Violante vvas the most rauished creature aliue, to heare this; and thinking it long to bee sa­tisfide, replide, My Husband will be here presently, and therefore, good sweet Leandro, tell me as soone as you can, or else we shall vvant opportunitie.

[Page 260] These last words gaue fire to my boldnesse; vvherefore laying hold vpon her, and no longer deferring my intent, with a new faltring I began thus to accost her: The same feare, my dearest Mistris, which in so small a matter you expresse, enforceth mee (desirous not to lose the coniun­cture) that, without expecting a further occasion, I lay hold on the present: and therefore I beseech you know, that your selfe onely, Deare sweet, hath beene powerfull to re­duce me (being one of greater qualitie then you take mee for at present) to this meanenesse and low Estate, into which I haue put my selfe to see and serue you (the Relation a neere friend of mine made of your rare parts, drawing me from my Country and home) and so without ceasing, euen so that very time▪ from the instant that I had first notice of it in Corduba, held on my Discourse with such painefull sighes, as might haue melted flint or Adamant. But vvhat thinke you was the answere to my tendernesse? the very re­nuing it doth affright me; for I no sooner made an end of declaring my passion to her, when the bloud in her faire cheekes turned to yellow palenesse, full of sudden fury, her lips vnfolded me this answer. It is not possible, false hear­ted Leandro, that thy brest can nourish better bloud, then what thy base purpose hath discouered, since, wert thou (as thou sayest) nobly borne, thou wouldest rather seeke to ho­nour one that so well deserues it of thee as my Husband; then depriue him of it, by attempting his dishonour. And her choller here boiling vp, shee concluded the rest, vvith the Chesse-Boord, discharging with both hands that and her anger to boot on my head.

The sudden accident quite bereaued mee of my vnder­standing, so that now I was vtterly lost, & the rather, when I might heare her Husband come vp staires, and see his al­teration at his entrance, caused with the noise, which the [Page 261] blowe and rattling of the men had made.

My Master looked blanke, when hee saw the fashion of his game marred; and turning smilingly to me, willed mee to resolue him of his doubt.

But Violante, who perceiued by my troubled counte­nance, the poore satisfaction I was then likely to haue gi­uen, taking vpon her my part, deliuered this harmelesse answere:

You need not bee troubled to see the Games thus turned Topsie-turvy, for I haue the worst of it, I am sure, and yours was in a great deale of likelihood to be lost; since, beeing desirous to stead my selfe from Leandro's skil, he had taught me so subtill and cunning a tricke, as, that I might not only haue saued the Mate, but put it vpon you also; though my gowne and carelesnesse together (as I was remoouing) en­ded our strife, throwing downe the Chesse-boord, vnder which (at our first sitting downe) a piece of it neglectfully was left.

With this admirable euasion, ierking as it were at my intent and weake confidence, and withall dissembling no part of the truth, she ended the confusion, and her Hus­band was well satisfied, who louing her most tenderly, and that being an occasion of pastime, attributing all to iest and sport, he himselfe grew very pleasant.

When the heart, Gerardo, is full of passion, ill can the eares hearken to reason; my soule was all now on a light flame, and it had beene impossible for any counsell or ad­uice to haue diuerted mee, much lesse could I bee blamed for my perseuerance in loue, since I had not any friend to weane me from my headlong desires, so that I could not giue them nor my affection ouer. After this hapned, I was no sooner gotten from my Mistresses sight to my Chamber, and laid downe on my bed to take some little [Page 262] rest, when, after a terrible pain within me, and a cold sweat all without, instantly a raging fit of a Calentur [...] seiz'd me, which holding on me a good space, bereaued mee of all appetite, and in foure dayes brought me to extreme dan­ger, and the fift, being giuen ouer by Physicians, I began to thinke my fatall houre was at hand: My Masters griefe was farre greater then the cause of my infirmitie deserued, in all the time of sicknesse he did not once stirre from me, ra­ther (neglecting all his affaires, he was only carefull of che­rishing me, and applying the best helpes for my recouery: but (both he and the Doctors ignorant of my malady) the remedies they vsed put me into more danger: for no drugs are able to restore Loue (an ill incurable, that onely wants an Auicen.)

In fine towards night (which prooued to me the saddest, gladdest that hitherto I enioyed) the Lawyer hauing most vrgent occasion to be from home, because hee would not leaue me all alone, as fearing the swift approach of my fit, calling his Wife most louingly to him, he intreated her to keepe me company till his returne.

With much perswasion, she grew (as I might heare) at last contented; for euen in occasions of charitie, she loued to shew a nice-rigorous disposition. Though my sicknesse were terrible, yet had it not captiued my sences; for they stil free, might now perceiue, how neere they were to their cru­ell Owner, who at length (Heauen willing to preserue my life) either pittying to see me brought to this low weaknesse, and my frollicke youth turned to a sad picture of death; or, belike acknowledging the purenesse of my loyall affection, or for both: (for indeed, no woman loathes to bee loued, and few or none there are which at last yeeld not) sending foorth most tender sighes, and sitting her downe vpon my bed, taking in her faire hands, mine; she beganne to powre [Page 263] this balme into my wounded heart: Is it possible, discreete Leandro, that hee, who for an vncertaine Relation of my poore beauty, tooke on him the hardinesse of hoping to possesse it, should in the first onset faile, and shew such weakenesse in the first resistance? Beleeue mee, Sir, did not your generous proceeding lowdly publish your noble­nesse, this present cowardize would make mee much doubt it. Take courage, Leandro; for, if when first you declared your amorous intent to me, I should haue been wonne, or should my words or countenance haue giuen the least strength to your imagination; she that is now affected by such a facilitie and lightnesse, might haue been iustly reiect­ed: for that Fort which with valour and perseuerance suffers one and many assaults by an enemie, ought to bee more prized then that which yeelds vpon a bare Parley: neither could you haue made a conquest, where you should haue found no painefull resistance to make your glory the greater. For the Torments you haue vndergone in my af­fection, I am as well satisfide, as a gratefull acknowledger of the debt, for whose paiment, I desire no longer for­bearance, then the time of your healths recouerie. More would my faire Mistris haue said, but that shee was cut off by the vnexpected returne of her Husband (an occasion that turned my ready answer into weeping eyes.) He found me (notwithstanding, contrary to what he looked for) much reuiued since the little time he left me, perceiuing my weak colour strangely bettered, which, I suppose, he attributed to some more miraculous cause. But what wonder? if to my pois'nous infirmitie, that Superiour Antidote were oppo­sed as a vvholesome remedy, which might onely pre­uent it.

Now, friend Gerardo, my happy life, or fatall destiny vvas subiect to the faire Violante's absolute commaund: and [Page 264] her crueltie, that brought mee almost to deaths doore, at this time with her compassionate discourse (so farre beyond expectation) not onely restored my vvasted body to health; but left also my minde full of vnspeakeable content: wherby within a few dayes, though faintly, I was able to rise out of my bed, my desired and deserued reward adding courage to my feeble spirits. This inward amo­rous desire of mine, often drew me from my Chamber, and sent me, not without my accustomed feare, into my Mistris­ses presence to enioy her pleasing sight; yet neuer had I the heart to put her in mind of her promise: for still the awfull respect she had gotten from me, seiz'd on my tongue, cau­sing (as since I haue found) the same trouble and bashful­nesse in my Violante: but my passion making me conceiue, it was the vsuall punishment of her rigorous disdaine, was like to haue driuen me into a relapse of losing, by such coldnes, the little health I had gotten from the comfort of her pro­mised recompence. In this time of my conualescencie, it grew to be Sunday; when, by reason of some indisposition of body, or other important occasion, my Lawyer could not stirre from home, nor Violante consequently goe to Masse at her early accustomed houre: wherefore the Mor­ning being somewhat spent, it seemed good to her hus­band to bestow for once his owne Office of Squiring her, vpon mee; and willing to make knowne his intent, said: Friend Leandro, my not beeing well all this night hath kept me within doores, and Violante too, from going to Church, which troubles her; and I cannot helpe it, except thou wilt doe so much as supply my want, by vshering her: Prethee take so much paines, and, giuing her thy hand, she may also serue for a stay and proppe to thy weaknesse.

It was scarce possible for me here to dissemble my excesse of ioy: well, I obeyed, and with vnspeakeable content, [Page 265] tooke my Mistris by the hand, and now promised full liber­tie to my cares. By the way I resolued to signifie the iust complaints that my soule might forme for her neglect; to which purpose (mee thought) I was rarely prouided to make her relent. But scarce durst my dastard brest send forth a sigh; fearing more to anger her with my speech, then to see my selfe by her coldnesse irremediably perish. With this grieuous reseruednesse I accompanied her to Church, and in the same manner had returned home, if an vnexpe­cted fauour of hers had not emboldened me the more; that as vve came backe, my Mistris looking now more comfor­tably, and faining an occasion of taking off her Gloue, with­out it, returned me her beautifull white hand: the sudden (but ioyfull) astonishment I esteemed a sufficient recom­pence for all my former distastes. I vvas now so heartened, with seeing my selfe Owner of that cristall piece, that I could not chuse but vvring her hand vvith mine, (the amorous act answering so happily to my intents) that I no sooner put it in execution, vvhen my Mistris paying mee in the same coyne, said: How long, loued Leandro, shall your slacknesse and my modestie be thus at oddes? or doe you expect with dumbe silence, and frostie proceeding, that my person should first carouse to you? this is more proper to men, then practised amongst vs. I know you vvill excuse your fault, by laying it vpon my rigorous condition; and though not long since your seeing me lesse cruell, might preserue me in your better opinion, yet in respect of the first occa­sion you had, I admit for once of the excuse; but doe henceforward aduertize you, that, secure of my correspon­dence, you may goe on in your loue: so that (vnderstan­ding our selues better for the time to come) there may want no opportunities for the effecting our vvishes; and that you may be sure, my promises are not onely verball, I will [Page 266] this night so contriue and handle the matter, that you may enter my Chamber.

Thus farre held on Leandro's amorous storie, to Gerar­do's no small amazement, vvhen suddenly it vvas interrup­ted, by the sudden approach of a troupe of Officers, vvho (accompanied by the Iailour) broke in vpon the two impri­soned friends, ere they were aware. The noueltie somthing troubled them; Gerardo especially, vvhen hee vnderstood, they came vvith order to remooue him from the prison where he vvas, to one of the strong Towers of Alhambra: a Fort somewhat distant from the famous Cittie: and though this had beene often before sollicited by his ene­mies, yet could it not till now be effected. Their principall scope vvas, to ouercome vvith such kind of vexations his resolution; a remedie which the seuere Iudges in two occa­sions still lay hold on, either, when the qualitie of the priso­ner, and nature of the offence, admit no stricter punish­ment then close imprisonment; or when with the discom­modities of that, or depriuing him frō his friends and kin­dreds conuersations, they would faine reduce him to their purpose, which still falles out to be the surest. This last con­clusion they tried in our afflicted Gentleman, which was not by him held for one of the lightest misfortunes in his Captiuitie: but resoluing to feare no colours, he prepared himselfe with a chearefull countenance for his departure; taking leaue of his noble and ancient friend Arsenio, vvho with incredible resentment wept, (his manly heart not able to keepe in his teares) the new Leandro too accompanied them with no lesse lamentation; whose pleasing storie (though he came not to the end of it) left Gerardo passio­nately full of admiration.

The famous Citie of Graenada is ouer-topped by a high Mountaine, whose superiour height shewes on Cock-horse [Page 267] to the same: part of which is clothed vvith shadie Elmes, and another part girt and encompassed vvith sharpe rockes, and smoothe Cliffes, vvhose clayie bottome the riuer Dauro bathes, famous for his golden streames; in which (to the e­mulation of no few maine Riuers) hee paies a tribute to the cristall current of Genil. In the highest part of this Mount, appeares a goodly spacious piece of ground, in which, on certaine former ruines, the petty Moorish Kings, (and heretofore for our sinnes, the rigorous Scourges of our Kingdome) founded their loftie Palaces, which they enui­ro [...]ned vvith strongest Walles, high Towers, Barricada's, Ditches and Bulwarkes, leauing the eminent seate equally prouided both for safety and habitation: and so they be­stowed on the whole Edifice the name of Alhambra, that to this day is still so called, and conserues the auncient Splen­dour: for our Kings and powerfull Monarkes, doe not one­ly cause the old Arabicke Structures to be kept vp, but with others more stately and magnificent Fabrickes, daily adde to, and ennoble them; hauing likewise for perpetuitie, a continuall Garrison, and all things necessarie (as in a towne of Strength) to defend the same: In the circuit of it there are Churches and Monasteries, and neere-vpon two hun­dred houses, in which the Kings Officers, Souldiers, and o­thers dwell, that hold it for a more healthy Seate then the Citie; from whence it is, not passing a quarter of a Mile in distance. Hither then (when his imprisonment might ra­ther haue ended) vvas Gerardo brought, and committed to one of those many Towers, that looke toward the spacious Plaines, vvhose delightfull Prospect, in any other lesse vn­fortunate▪ might haue caused great content: but such oc­casions vvorke a contrarie effect in the party, that is denied the full enioying them; for conuerting into Tantalus his fruit, (as it were) the pleasing obiect, it rather torments, [Page 268] then any vvay comforteth; and iust so it happened vvith Gerardo, vvho clogged vvith Yrons and sure Bolts, could but onely stretch his vvearied eyes to those large Walkes, (enuying the free steppes of the most miserable day-labou­rer) and at this time hee would haue beene most happie in the meane conuersation of some rusticke Shepherd. The wished sight of a friend or kinsman hath the same opera­tion with a prisoner, that the Phisicians presence in a fain­ting Patient; but (Gerardo barred of this comfort) well may it be thought, how hardly he might suffer his torment; yet his wisdome predominating, made his constant spirits pa­tiently beare vp, (Fortune still with fresh varieties strengthe­ning his vndaunted determination.)

Some two moneths after this remoouall, and one night, being the first of Aprill, after he was a-bed, something late in the night, a pleasing Consort of different Instruments of Musicke, not farre from his Tower, cunningly plaid on, awoke him; and so, inuited, aswell by the nouelty, as desi­rous also of some more pleasing harmony then the noyse of his shackles, he went to his window, from whence (the night pretty cleere) he might discerne fiue or sixe persons, who (leaning to the Towers foundation) two of them ac­companying the sweetnesse, grauitie, and consonancie of a Cornet, Harpe, and Lute, beganne to sing this ensuing Dialogue.

The sweet Musicke bred in Gerardo no small admiration, and though in part it diuerted his sorrowfull remembrance, yet his curiositie to know the cause of it, not a little trou­bled him, musing extremely, that in those solitarie fields, no neerer the Cities concourse, and in the height and rug­gednesse of those Towers and Walles, there should bee any occasion of such obseruant watchfulnesse; as also, the preparation of the Company, Voyces, and Instruments see­med to him to bee more then ordinary. Each particular was a noueltie to him, and the whole duely waighed and considered, a particular aduenture. In these and the like imaginations was he busied, all the while that the Musici­ans [Page 270] ceased, till (hauing new Order) tuning afresh, they played diuers Lessons, and sung seuerall Ditties of pretty Inuentions: but at length Gerardo might perceiue one of the Squadron, (leauing them) draw neere to a neighbou­ring Wall. He could not view the end of his intent and voyage, in respect of a small Skonce of the Tower vvhich hindered him, vvhich forced him to leaue the Window where he was, and goe to another, in the next open roome to him, vvhich was directly opposite; from whence hee might more plainely perceiue, that the party made a stand at the foot of the other Tower; vvhich being nothing neere so high or strong as his, yet (adorned with many faire Bay-windowes, Grates, and Galleries) was neere enough to the roome where he vvas imprisoned; insomuch that speaking but indifferently lowd, the voice might reasonably vvell be heard. There (assoone as Gerardo looked) he might see the liddes of a lower Window set open, and a woman also ap­pearing at it: but his eyes vvere no Lynxes, nor the di­stance of places so very short, that hee could ghesse at fea­tures, and therefore his sole care was, to hearken to the end of their intentions; vvhich he did, and their discourse, (the surest Clue to guide him out of the Maze and Labyrinth he now remained in.) At first, a few sighes and grones, which the vnknowne Amourist sent foorth, held the hearers in sus­pence, till breaking out from the middest of them, with an afflicted, changed Tone, he fell into these words: In fine, discreet Aminta, your Sister, or (to speake more properly) my cruell Lisis, giues you leaue to come hither all alone; a sure signe, that her rigorous and rough condition is still the same: an vniust punishment to one that so firmely loues her, and in lieu of reward, an vnequall recompence to my ancient affection. Here, Gerardo might perceiue that hee was interrupted by her, whom he called Aminta, that thus [Page 271] replied: I must not permit you, worthy Liseno, with so lit­tle reason to complaine of Lisis or her coldnesse, since you neuer at any time, found her more tractable, nor my sister lesse wary of her honour: so that, hauing giuen you no in­couragement, you neither iustly can taxe her of cruelty, nor may she vniustly bee offended with you, that by this meanes giue the world to thinke, there hath beene some­thing more then ordinarie betwixt you. Suffice it, Liseno, I am come to you, without any distaste to her, and though she giue not that entertainment which your affections de­sire, yet (which might be to her reputations cost) shee for­bids not your care, nor these your seuerall louing demon­strations. That is it (quoth hee) that augmenteth my tor­ments, and whereon the Iustice of my complaints and re­sentment is grounded, to haue so long serued and obeyed, is that which maddes me, to consider how vn-pittifull Lisis hath beene to my sighes, how silent to my papers, flinty to my teares, scoffing at my loue, and angry that I am sensible of it; these doe quite confound mee in my best of iudge­ment. This kind of desperation, Liseno, (said she) is like to profit you little; for, in matters of this difficultie, wisedome should rule our actions, which are then best gouerned, when by skill and industrie, not outrage and violence. Suffer, Li­seno, beare, and yet forbeare not your amorous purfuite; follow the path you haue begun, and bee not wearied; nor cloudie, when her frownes doe raise a strome: for let mee tell you, (that better know then you, our generall naturall conditions) long perseuerance in the end vanquisheth: but if your impatience be such, as not to withstand a little crosse fortune, the fittest aduice I can giue you, is, to make to the wholesome Port of Absence, (the best Letter of credit to a Louer) as sure to be payed at home: some few moneths, and a mountaine or two put betwixt you and Lisis, may [Page 272] chance to effect more then many daies, many yeeres pre­sence vvould bring to passe. Here Liseno more greedily an­swered, Sure, faire Aminta, your eyes haue penetrated my hearts intent, if so be the counsell you giue me, proceed not from the subiect of those Verses you heard the Musicians sing; for know, that I am now resolued, no longer vvith my wearied voice to torment these fields, nor with the venime of my enflamed sighes to parch their plants and flowers. I will not onely leaue these Walles in quiet peace, but get me farre off from this Kingdome; that, so diuiding the causes, that (vnited) torment me, their effects may in part or whol­ly cease, diminishing the fire that consumes my soule. I should be happy, if Lisis by her presence would animate me to this last sad farewell, but my hardinesse is not so presump­tuous, as to thinke, that either your intreaties, or my im­portunitie, may obtaine that of her, neither from my impa­tience can I promise any toleration that may secure my tongues silence; for I should sure speak to her, that so vniust­ly inforceth me to leaue the quiet of my natiue Countrey, and therefore I had rather desist from my-vaine purpose. Adieu, Aminta, Heauen giue you better successe in your af­fections, and temper the sad influence of my vnhappie Starres. These last words vvere accompanied (as I might ghesse) by some teares and sighes, and so not so much as ex­pecting a reply from Aminta, he turned his backe, and came where the rest of the Companie with the Musicke expected him; and commanding them to follow, they vvent toward the Citie: but passing vnder Lisis her Tower, ere they shea­thed vp their Instruments, they ioyntly sung the following Sonnet.

Gerardo reioycing much at this vnexpected passage, re­turned to his bed; there forming to himselfe notable digres­sions, touching Liseno's strange loue, Amintas wise dis­course, and the seuere condition of Lisis, from whence, all he collected (after an houres watchfulnesse) was; an extra­ordinarie, and more then curious desire, to see and know the well-painted cruell picture of Lisis, and the pleasing per­sonage of Aminta, thinking, that if his good fortune might make him gracious with either of the two, (the neighbour­hood being so cōmodious) they could not but exceeding­ly diuert his cares, which thing in this wretched imprison­ment he much needed; for that which doth most disquiet and dis-harten a poore Prisoner, is, his own solitarinesse, and the barrennesse of occasions to diuert his griefe. With this new hope Gerardo slept out that nights remainder, so sound­ly, that, till the Iaylor came in the morning to see how he did, he had no more to doe with his wandring imagina­tions. As soone as the Iaylor had bidden him, Good mor­row; the first question he asked was, if he had heard the last nights Musicke; which wonderfully reioyced Gerardo, (as [Page 274] being now resolued, cunningly to informe himselfe of the two Sisters; and so, seeing occasion offered, and making somewhat strange of the matter, he replide, asking, vvhe­ther he mocked him, or dreamt of some such thing in his fancy? Rather, Sir, said the Iaylor, because you haue slept so soundly, you attribute to me the effects of drowsinesse: but this which I tell you hath really passed: though indeed I cannot be perswaded, that so many Instruments and Voi­ces could otherwise chuse then come to your eares.

Gerardo seemed much more to wonder at this second re­ply; and so faining a greater earnestnesse, proceeded; Pre­thee Keeper; who in these fields can your Cities Gallants make court to, but their Elmes or other Trees? Except happely such be my happinesse, that the Nymphs and God­desses of the neighbouring Mountaines, or some enchant­ing Syren of the famous Dauro, left the wilde Cliffes and Cristalline Vrnes, to offer vp to mee this their solemnitie. Then said the Iaylor, smiling, I vvonder not, Signior, that (vnacquainted with the faire Dames your opposite neigh­bours) you thinke I iest with you; or imagine, this place can produce no occasion for such, as the passed accident: let mee therefore tell you, that you are not (as beeing the onely Non-Pareils of these parts) far from the faire Lisis, and discreete Aminta, Dames, whose beauties, together with their good names, long since famous in this Citie, are now celebrated thorow the whole Kingdome.

These and the like extolling speeches vsed the earnest Iaylor, giuing Gerardo also strict account of many other particulars: as, not onely telling him who their Parents, were but withall hee made knowne Liseno's cares, shutting vp his Discourse with this, that the cause of them procee­ded from hauing once seene Lisis in a Monasterie, where her Parents in her yonger yeeres had placed her, and where [Page 275] Liseno then enamoured on her, (shee beeing now come home) prosecuted his suite night and day vpon all occasi­ons: and yet though hee be a Gentleman of very good qualitie, and euery way meriting, hee is by her but coldly respected.

Gerardo hauing now enough, would bee no farther curi­ously inquisitiue; and so (the conuersation dissolued) the Iaylor went his way, giuing the Prisoner opportunitie to goe to the window, that from his Tower was iust opposite to his faire neighbours. His beginning was so successefull, that he had no sooner opened his Window, when the two Sisters were gotten to a Bay-window of theirs neere the Tower, where they sate them downe to their worke, but little dreaming they vvere so carefully espied.

Neuer saw Gerardo's eyes a Flanders Picture or Romane Piece vvith such curious Art, and goodly perspectiues, as vvas the linnen of that louely Tower set out vvith. The Bay was of white and blacke Marble, diuided by two small Ar­ches, and a Pillar of painted Iasper, whose smooth stones al­so serued as a Carpet to faire Lisis and her Sisters Cushi­ons. Aminta, that seemed somwhat the yonger of the two, vvith her twinkling eyes, gaue the more cheerefulnesse to her pleasing countenance, vvhose complexion vvas neerer browne then white; her mouth and Nose most perfectly proportioned, with two blacke burnisht Arches, that (be­ing the Diadems of her eyes) made vp together an abso­lutely round Ebon Circle. Lisis, who differed but a very little in yeeres from Aminta (for from both, time might scarce challenge a Tribute of thirty) was somewhat of a more awfull maiesticall aspect, but cleerer countenance; exceeding faire, that, the threds of her smooth-combed haire, falling with a kinde of gracefull neglect vpon the Margent of her snowie forehead, shewed like the strokes of [Page 276] a Pen made in the finest Paper; so perfectly white was she, so incōparably black the resplendent Tresses of her well-or­dered haire, from which her eyes were no vvhit differing in Colour, in Proportion, neither neere great, nor any way yet too small (no expression able to paint out the quicknesse of their alluring motion.) Her lip and cheeke were of equall tincture, such, as (they present) Vermillion were but mud­dy. Her hands, which, embroidering vpon a greene Sattin frame, danced to and fro, shewed like Snow, melted by the Sunnes of her eyes, which (though blacke) more inflamed me then the tothers yellow beames. In fine, the vvhole, and all of her was a miraculous draught of her diuine Painter, vvhom Gerardo in his perfect workes, with all reuerence could not but adore.

A vvhile he remained somewhat doubt-strucken, but most ioyfull with the gracious sight before him, till the two Sist­ers, aware of his carefull eying them, hee bestowing a low salutation on them first, returned him an equall courtesie; yet, he durst not so much as offer the least speech, as fearing their vvarinesse vvould affoord him but a slender warrant. He supposed, the nouelty of his presence would cause them to retire: and therefore loth to bee troublesome, shutting the vvindow close to, as he found it, he got him back to his Chamber, yet from the same place many a time after hee participated of that content (the two Sisters growing eue­ry day more free, lesse strangers on his behalfe.)

'Twas not bashfulnesse in Gerardo made him forbeare to speake to them, for he wanted not language, nor courtly boldnesse, and aboue both, experience, to make good his Discourse: but, to speake somewhat lowder then ordinary, by reason of distance of places a little troubled him, fea­ring, that (howsoeuer they in courtesie might make him an­swere) yet, the raritie might raise some needlesse curiositie [Page 277] in the neighbours, or an angry diffidence in his own house.

And therefore purposing to attain by some other meanes to his purpose, he resolued to write to them, and so steaded himselfe with the carefull diligence of a shee-Slaue that be­longed to the Iaylor, whom, by gifts and larger promises, he made sure to him for that, or, a greater enterprize. Ha­uing first therefore instructed her what she should doe, bid­ding her deliuer the Letter to Lisis or Aminta's own hands, with no small care of the successe, he dispatched her with it, whose Contents were these:

From the time of deliuering of this Letter, and the Slaues leauing him, he ghessed euery minute an Age, that passed: but for all his watching, hee remained three dayes in this confusion; in all which time his shee-Messenger could finde no opportunitie, to put her matter in executi­on. At length she got meanes to speake to Aminta, who, being strangely importuned by her, at last tooke the Let­ter. This successe was presently made knowne to Gerardo; [Page 278] who now confidently promising great matters to his hopes, expected the resolution of the two Dames; whom, neither in all that day, nor the next following, he could so much as once espy at their window; whereupon (what you haue heard, being all that passed) his solitarinesse did more (then might well be imagined) afflict him, as thin­king this their absence and retiring, was a kinde of giuing him to vnderstand, how much they were offended with his boldnesse.

But the true cause of it was, that they had occasion to accompany some kinswomen and friends of theirs to cer­taine shewes and solemnities in the City, which seemed so much the likelier; when, presently in the Euening, after they were returned home, they appeared both together at their window, more frollicke and liuely then they euer hi­therto vsed to doe, all the while that Gerardo stood at his: which made him sleepe peaceably that night, expecting Morning; at which time going very early to the grate of his Window, he might pereiue Aminta at the vsual Stand; from whence, when shee saw Gerardo drawing a Paper out of her bosome, and making signes to him, to send some ser­uant for it, she let it fall into certaine high grasse that grew at the foot of the Tower, and without expecting farther, onely shutting to the leaues of her Bay-window, shee went in.

Gerardo was much astonished at the accident, imagi­ning by the manner of Amintas action and retirement, that the Paper shee cast downe, was the same that he had sent; and therfore in maruellous anguish for the contempt, lon­ging to bee resolued, and calling a seruant that was there ready to attend him, hee bade him goe downe and looke for the Letter, which he speedily did, and deliuered it vn­to him; but opening, he knew it to be none of his owne [Page 279] hand, which made him with lesse feare venter vpon the Contents.

More comfort then this was not possible to haue befalne our Gerardo, and therefore extraordinarily gladded, taking Pen, Inke and Paper, in prosecution of his happy pretensi­on, thus he sent his reply to the gracious Dames:

I know not how to extoll sufficiently in these lines my great good fortune, by shewing in them, the least shadow of my true thankefulnesse, with which my minde is wholly yeelded and ren­dred vp to your mild and pittying dispositions. The best way (not to come short) is to be altogether silent; onely this I must acknow­ledge, that the fauour you offer, is more to be esteemed then my li­berty: the which I shall hence-forward leaue to hope for; or if I [Page 280] at all desire it, it shall be little for mine owne sake, more then to employ both that and my life in your seruice. The way you haue giuen to my happinesse, hath brought mee into such a confused Labyrinth, that it will be impossible for me get out, if you please not to change your intents, by reuoking the election you remit to my opinion, which may vnwittingly hurt me (as ignorant) which of you is freest to fauour me. This inconuenience may easily be re­moued, by your owne consents in appointing which shall bee the Owner I must obey, since, in the rest of your parts and perfecti­ons, there is no knowne aduantage in either, but a most harmoni­ous simphonie worthy eternall estimation.

Gerardo was not a little in the right, with this discreet re­ply; since, so, he not onely aimed at the absent Liseno, but re­signing vp also the election to them, secured his feare from any other powerfull emulator; and besides, shee that had beene left out, must needs haue beene much distasted: for euen in matters of iest, the imperious (though weake con­dition of females) loues no declared neglect. And so to giue order for the deliuerie of his Letter, he got him to his window, from whence hee might also see Lisis at hers, as if her thoughts had promised to her, his comming thither.

Gerardo had not, till this present, seene the faire Dame a­lone, whom cheerefully saluting, by some amorous signes he sent her thankes for the singular fauour she shewed him: At which, Lisis smiling, gaue him in the same dumbe lan­guage to vnderstand, that it was not her selfe, but her Sister Aminta he meant, shewing in her clouded eyes a kinde of irkesome iealousie, that Gerardo made more court to Amin­ta then her; a suspition that he (like an olde weather-bea­ten souldier) soone perceiued; and willing to haue fully ex­pressed himselfe) the approach of Aminta hindered it; so, drawing onely a Paper out of his bosome, and (they who [Page 281] vnderstood his meaning, casting downe a long String, the Counter-signe) it was his part to send one to tie his Letter to the same, vvhich speedily done, Aminta hoissed it vp, and both taking leaue of Gerardo, left him more perplexed then euer: for now new cares began to keepe him vvakefull, and one of the louely Dames, by a particular sympathie of stars, had absolute power and dominion ouer him, in whose plea­sing remembrance he vvasted the tedious darknesse, and by morning early hee receiued this ensuing answer to his se­cond Lines.

Gerardo well perceiued by this Letters short Contents, how the vvorld went: fearefull therefore to offend by chu­sing, and yet more fearefull of an offence to both in not o­beying, he made choyce of the former; but as warily as hee could, that one of them might not haue too iust a cause of resentment. With this good forecast, (though she, whose secret influence attracted him, vvas already set downe in his heart) he sent these last Lines to the faire Dames, who with much ioy gaue them welcome and a view, as followeth:

[Page 282] Heauen knowes, faire Lisis and Aminta, I had rather diuide my heart, and lay it at both your feete, then see my selfe in this confusion I now am in: but the necessitie of obeying you, beates downe all difficulties of feare, obliging mee to the performance of your forcible commands. My affections (I know not by what hap­pie Starre conducted) are particularly inclining to the miracu­lous subiect of—But passe not on, my Quill: how my hand shakes, and my heart trembles, timorous of the incertaintie of this matter! Pardon me, sweet Pledges, that I suspend my co­wardly determination in a businesse, whose important well-spee­ding doth so much afflict me: let me onely first perswade you, that you both being euery way equall and conformable, as well in the maruellous parts of minde, is rare and excellent features of body, no singularitie that way hath mooued mee, to make choyce of one more then the other, but onely the performance of your willes: and beleeue therefore, I beseech you, that as it happens when wee see Gamesters, we desire some one, whom we know not, or (happe­ly) neuer so much as saw before, should winne; so, my soule and all her faculties are strongly inclined, and wholly yeelded vp to— The diuine Lisis. And thus haue I, desiring to appeare worthy of her noble thoughts, declared mine, and complied with your commands. I begin then from this instant, faire Lisis, to serue you, protesting on my part, a most humble permanent slauery, a singularly inuiolable faith, and a minde euer subiect to Loues lawes, whilst life shall last most thankefull.

Aminta vvas she of the two, whose hard fortune it vvas to read the Paper, but so lothly, that as soone as shee came to Gerardo's declaration, vnable to dissemble longer, her trickling teares made knowne the inward sorrowes of her heart; vvherewith retiring to her Chamber, she left her Si­ster alone; but so glad and ouer-ioyed a creature, as if Ge­rardo had obtained her some famous victorie, whom shee determined to reward vvith the glory of her conquest-ex­pressing [Page 283] thankfulnesse, by instant vvriting how pleased shee was vvith his election; enlarging her Lines vvith frequent iterations of gratitude, in such discreet Phrase, as made Ge­rardo rest most confident of his happinesse. A successe, that amongst all those which I haue set downe of this Vnfortu­nate Gentlemans, seemes to me worthy of the greatest ad­miration: for though the inconstancie of his prosperous and aduerse fortunes, vvith their incredible euents, doe oft amaze me, yet this easinesse in Lisis, and her facile inclina­tion doth stupefie my consideration; there being no reason to proppe with reason so inordinate an affection. Lisis was courted, long serued, loued by Liseno, yet shee could neuer affoord him (though a deseruing Gentleman) the least looke of acknowledgement; this day, satisfied vvith two or three smooth papers, her open minde is vvholly giuen vp to a man incompassed vvith chaines and bonds, vvhose li­berty is as vncertaine, as his conuersation vnsecure; from which conuersation, they that are best acquainted vvith loue, say, the firmest loue is ingendred: but alas! vvhat conuersation haue they had? vvhat actes, either to oblige or to perswade? from vvhence shall we conclude this affe­ction to proceed, or whereon happened this Loue, the fir­mest that hath beene knowne, as vvill appeare in this Dis­course? There is no way to know, no way to search or pe­netrate the cause of womens wilde and violent affections. In fine, from this moment, (the happiest for Gerardo that might be) in stead of darknesse that obscured his sad Prison, Lisis her two Sunnes, with their powerfull rayes enlightned it, turning his night also into brightest day: and now vvith his present glorie, he forgat all his former miseries; and this fortunate employing his affections, not onely bettered his Estate, but totally (as you shall heare) occasioned his desi­red freedome and libertie.

[Page 284] Thus diuerting himselfe with the sight of Lisis, hee past the greatest part of the daies; and Time, which before in e­uery minute of his seemed too prolixely tedious, was now in-sufficient with his short houres, for answering his Mi­strisses amorous Tickets; with which (though they wanted meanes of neerer discourse) his affection most pleasingly encreased; and, howsoeuer the limitation and curbe of his imprisonment, kept him from expressing the great seruices he desired to performe, yet he laid hold vpon all good oc­casions to expresse his loue and gratitude: and to this pur­pose, vnderstanding that Lisis was exceedingly affected to the sweet delightfulnesse of Musicke, many a night paying from his Window, the humble tribute (as it were) of his voyce, he sought to increase it: though the vnsauourinesse of the matter was such, that he must not expresse the least part of his affection in Poeticall amorous Conceits, in res­pect of the warinesse it behooued him to haue in his procee­dings; and so he durst not once offer at a Loue-straine, for feare of giuing any motiue of suspition to some ouer-curi­ous listeners, which made him for the most part sing some short Satyricall toyes: and one night amongst others, for want of better matter, (hauing first tuned his Violl) he sung these ensuing Couplets, whose contents were to disswade an old Dotard from marriage.

As vvell had Lisis, her Louers presence imprinted in her heart, as the pleasing sound of his voyce engraued (as it were) in her eares; and therefore though she vvere asleepe, (awaked by the Ecchos of that) she vvould instantly get to her Window, accompanied by Aminta; vvho, now lesse passionate, vvas well enough satisfied vvith her ill fortune. Gerardo well perceiued the fauour she did him, and vvould willingly haue expressed his thankfulnesse, but fearing lest some ouer-busied eare might hearken, he refrained; the like [Page 287] also happened in the beautifull Sisters, in respect of their parents and family, by vvhom they vvere not causelesly ob­serued, and the more at this time, by reason of the ensuing accident.

Liseno, vvho grieued with the rigour of Lisis, (as you heard) left his home and Countrey, some foure moneths after (the time that Gerardo spent in his amorous conquest, with the ancient infirmitie renued by his absence) returned againe to Granada, and consequently to his pre-accustomed watchfulnesse, and so continuing his night-walks about Li­sis her vvalles, and Gerardo's Tower, his care was by Gerardo soone discouered, and himselfe also and his pretension quickly knowne, vvhich made the imprisoned Louer not a little suspect and feare; and the more distastfully, vvhen his reason represented to him, the aduantage Liseno might haue ouer him for a Corriuall, (he free to prosecute his sute, and himselfe with his hands bound, without freedome to make his party good with him.) Besides, it did not a little torment him, to thinke, that Lisis in honestie and loyall affe­ction, had precise obligation, to make the relapse of Lise­no's affection knowne vnto him, (in which hauing failed) his scrupulous thoughts formed no small exceptions: which Lisis vnderstood by a Letter from him, though beeing (as indeed she was) faultlesse, she easily satisfied with her inno­cencie: the assurance of which so long rested with Gerardo, as the passionate Liseno appeared not: but hee once retur­ning to his old haunt, the suspitions increased, and she was still put to a fresh purgation. So that in short time, Gerar­do had many distastes against the poore harmelesse Dame, thinking it impossible for Liseno (without some incourage­ment from Lisis) so long to continue his sute. Hereupon it happened, that as the two Louers were after this both at their windowes now better reconciled, (for the cause of Ge­rardo's [Page 288] distaste had beene some time absent) vpon the sud­den they might see Liseno mounted vpon a lustie dapple Courser, so gallant, as might well haue bred strong ielousie in the brauest Competitor. Gerardo was somewhat asto­nish't with the vnexpected sight: which when Lisis percei­ued and his trouble, she grew to such an outragious distem­per, that hurried on with the blindnesse of passion, not once considering, how much she might preiudice her selfe and her poore prisoner, minding nothing though but his satis­faction, and beholding Liseno with the terriblest aspect that Disdaine could frame, she thus sets vpon him: How long, foole-hardy Liseno, shall this vnmannerly presumption last? how long shall my fond silence suffer your infamous pre­tension to be the motiue to my dishonour? Betake your self the sooner to some other course, or (beleeue it) I shall not want some that will reuenge the iniurie you goe about to doe me: And so, furiously clapping too the leaues of her Window, in she went, leauing the good Gerardo all hush't, confusedly timorous, and the vnfortunate Liseno quite be­reaued of his sences: and the poore beast his horse too, it should seeme, was charmed, when she began to speake, ne­uer so much as stirring all the while the storme lasted. But when the forsaken Louer perceiued, that aswell at his Mi­strisses Window, as many others of the neighbours, there appeared diuers persons incited by the loudnesse and noise, vnwilling to prooue a spectacle to the street, all bashfull and ashamed, he returned backe againe toward the Citie; lea­uing now his amorous sute behind him in the hands of her cruelty and contempt, so that, within awhile after (an effect euer incident to such cases) Loue, which brought him to these hard extremities, was turned to mortall hatred and deepe desire of reuenge; and therefore supsecting the good parts and neighbourhood of our Prisoner, as also hauing [Page 289] at times seene him narrowly prying at Lysis her window, and hauing found them (surprized vnawares that very day in the stealth of some amorous signes) made him rest fully assured, that, her desire onely, the more to oblige her Louer, and no other cause had incited his Mistris to her heauy rigour and disdaine.

This and his iealous rage together blinding him, he was now resolued to vn-piece the amorous engine, and to seuer the couple, chusing (as the surest means thereunto) to make knowne to her Parents what passed, by the stratagem of a fained Letter, in which, setting down the whole state of the businesse as dangerously and bloudily as hee could, hee caused it to be deliuered, but without setting any name vnto it; so that this and some other suspitions of the Parents of Lisis conferred together, they made meanes to haue Gerar­do's recourse to those windowes hindered, which, accor­dingly, when hee least suspected any such matter, were dam­med vp; which was to him so strange a nouelty, as (besides his feare that their other conueyances of Letters were made knowne) bereaued him almost of his vnderstanding.

Touching Lisis, no more needs bee said, but that poore she, like one vn-accustomed to these brunts, grew to such extremes, that had not Gerardo plyed her with fained hopes of his liberty, shee had quickly made an end of her selfe. There is nothing more cheeres a passionate soule, then the diuerting her restlesse vnsettled faculties; for, with the va­riety of seuerall entertainments, shee is much dis-burdened, and miseries make no settled impression in her: all which, to one depriued of these, succeed quite contrary; as appeared in Gerardo, whose blinde loue had turned his heart wholly into Lisis; that, forgetting with strange neglect, the impor­tance of his liberty, all hee spoke or thought, was no other thing but his Lisis, finding no content at all in any thing, [Page 290] now he was depriued of her deare and precious sight. The desire of which, (hoping it might attaine to some good ef­fect, though he was farre from dreaming a more happy one drew neere) made him one day descend into certain lower roomes, that (in the midst of the Tower) serued to keepe filth and rubbage which was cast into them, ghessing that some of the lights thorow those Chambers, might happely looke towards his Mistresses window: and so, fitting some stones together, that he might the better clime vp to them, being mounted, seeing there was little hope of his purpose that way, going angrily downe, as he laid hold vpon one of the iron grates barres, to keepe himselfe from falling, the one halfe of it slipt from him: at which strange accident something troubled, yet looking more narrowly vpon the broken barre, he might see that it was cunningly filed, and as it seemed, to dissemble the matter, neatly giued together with soft Waxe, and some other bituminous matter, that the filing might not be perceiued.

Whereupon leauing it ioyned as hee found it, vvithout being by any body espied, he went vp againe to his Cham­ber, but not so satisfied with the matter, and ignorant of the Author, made him thinke it miraculous; though conside­ring his owne loose life, he thought himselfe altogether vn­worthy of so celestiall a fauour. But (as afterwards he came to know) not Angels, but mē were the Authors of the same; for, there hauing been not long before, two Gentlemen Pri­soners in that Tower, and in some danger of their liues, they tryed that remedy: and the very same day they thought to haue effected their liberties, they were vnexpectedly (as was Gerardo) remooued to another lesse close Prison, whereby defrauded of their hope, the fruit of their vnperceiued handy-worke remained to the good fortune of our Priso­ner, to which hee speedily prepared his nimble apprehensi­on, [Page 291] as also his bold courage (all little enough in an occasion so desperately hazardous:) and taking with a little clue of thred (that serued him for making vp his Letters) the depth from the light to the square of the Towers foundation, hee found some ten fathom, but from the square to the ground he could not measure, by reason of the maine stones that ietted out: yet his principall intent, beeing but to quit the Tower, made him to take no care for a second leape; and so, without more adoo, tying the sheetes of his bed and a thinne Quilt he had together, which might make in al some sixe or seuen fathom, remitting the rest to the nimblenesse and actiuitie of his body, and taking away (when it grew towards night) the barre, sure that the Iaylor was abroad, before it might grow darker, and he returne, he recommen­ded himselfe to heauens protection, and so determined his sally, though, seeing the depth he had to passe, wrought no small feare in him, howsoeuer the hope of his liberty and his loue more then life (making him boldly winke against all danger) he instantly began to let himselfe downe, cros­sing his legs and armes strongly in the sheets, from the end of which, fetching a sudden friske, hee alighted without any danger vpon the Square; and from thence by certaine old ruinous walles scrambled to the ground, giuing Heauen infinit thankes, that with so little labour, and without ma­king any humane creature priuy to his purpose, hee had so vnexpectedly escaped.

Gerardo knew not his Brother Leoncio's lodging, nor where any the rest of his friends lay, ignorant of the Ilibe­rian streetes, as hauing neuer been there before the time of his imprisonment. And therefore not to hazzard his good beginning, by giuing cause of suspition to any that should meete him he got him the surest way as he thought, by fetching a tedious compasse about) into the Citie: when [Page 292] he supposed himselfe at the farther end of it, hee enquired after a certaine Friarie in the Sub-vrbs, in which, a neere friend of his, one of the Religious Order at that time liued; where he arriued, but by reason it was now vvaxed some­what late (though he knocked and called lowd in the Porch) yet no body came, as (belike) not willing to heare, at least not to open to any that knocked at that time of night, which made him (not daring to returne againe into the Citie, or passe further on) resolue to climbe the Garden wall; and as he proposed to himselfe, hee forthwith put it in execution: but this boldnesse might very well haue cost him his life, for hee was no sooner gotten vpon his feete on the other side, when suddenly, with the noise his fall made, two fierce Mastiues, the Gardens keepers, so vnexpectedly clozed with him, that without giuing him leaue or leisure to help him­selfe, they tumbled him flat vpon his backe.

Gerardo had about him a knife of about his hands length, (the onely weapon allowed him in the Prison:) and so see­ing himselfe halfe woorried, hee couragiously drew it out, and instantly thrust one of them into the short ribs, who, with the paine he felt, leauing him, hee might the better grapple with his companion, that hauing but onely fastned vpon the folds of his Cloake, gaue Gerardo leaue to get vp, and with incredible nimblenesse to skippe into the neerest tree, but so bitten and wounded, that hee verily thought the anguish and cold aire would kill him before morning; but by that time it began to be light, his comfort was to see one of the fierce Curres weltring in his owne bloud: but, sorry though, and vnwilling to make himselfe Owner of the distaste, which the good Friars were like to receiue with this accident, especially in such an occasion when he came to be protected by them; hee thought fit to get him from thence; and so, hoping the fore-gates might bee o­pen, [Page 293] going out the same way he came, hee came without being by any seene, to the Porch, where asking for his friend, the party was quickly brought vnto him: who not onely ioyfully and charitably welcomed him; but seeing how the Dogges had in seuerall places of his body bitten him, he was very carefull to get his wounds healed. Some few dayes after, by aduice of both, the good Friar with another his companion, was to goe into the Citie, where (instructed well what he should doe) hee discreetly learnt the whole state of Gerardo's businesse; beeing informed, that, at the instant when hee was in the Tower missing, there were seuerall searches made for him, and the Iudges also caused his Brother Leoncio to bee apprehended toge­ther with his seruants, suspecting that by his meanes his brother had escaped: so they went very cunningly to work to sift out the truth; but the new Prisoners beeing found innocent enough of the matter, Leoncio tooke no great care of it, onely that which troubled him most; was the vncer­tainty of his brothers welfare, touching which, the Friar soone satisfied him, by letting him know (though not where) that his Brother was very wel and in safety, so that hauing left him much contented, within a few dayes after, (himselfe with his seruants at liberty) he might see his lo­ued Brother, and with his comforting wisedome giue him the surest aduice for the dispatch of his affaires. That vvhich most of all afflicted our Gentleman, was, absence, and the remembrance of his gracious Lisis; for the glad­somenesse of his libertie made not him a whit forgetfull, neither could the feare of her dangerous conuersation one iot awaken his stupid sences, rather, hee desired nothing more eagerly, without all apprehension of misfortunes to succeed. And surely in these amorous cares, he had not the aduantage ouer Lisis, who that very night of his fortu­nate [Page 294] escape (vncertaine whether shee might reioyce, or be sorrowfull) indured a kinde of liuing death, most irresol­uedly perplexed, as altogether ignorant what was become of her Louer; or if he were in safety, whether hee would still loue her. She knew of Leoncio and his seruants their imprisonment, and therefore considering that amongst them, there was one that had beene often the bearer of their amorous Letters, she could not, nor durst she blame Gerardo's loyaltie, from whom, the same day that Leoncio and his seruants were at liberty (the occasion seruing, and the Messenger too free) she receiued a large Ticket from him, wherein he promised her, that when the heat of his enemies and troublesome affaires might bee a little ouer­blowne, hee would see her: but her Posting desires could brooke no delayes; and therefore contriuing that an Aunt of hers might send for her out of the Citie, (it being effe­cted) shee perswaded her also for particular Deuotion to heare Masse one morning at the Monasterie, where Gerar­do had taken Sanctuary: and giuing notice of it before­hand to him, without her Aunts suspition who knew not him, they had some short conference together, and the tender Louer seeing himselfe so neere that mirrour of beauty, holding himselfe too vnworthy so rare a piece, grew more and more enflamed.

Lisis (no lesse satisfied) tooke leaue, and from hence (I suppose) the force of their loues grew to a further height, so that she returning now with her Aunt, and shortly after, to her owne home, beganne to thinke vpon some possible meanes, that her Gerardo and she might haue a priuat mee­ting: and by him, (strange rashnesse!) she was many nights after visited, he being onely accompanied with one trusty seruant, and in that manner he resorted to that side of the Tower where her window looked to the fields. But so [Page 295] troublesome it was to them, to vnderstand each other, be­ing so farre distant, that (incouraged by the conformity of their own willing minds, that equally mett in their desires) they at last resolued, that Gerardo causing an artificiall thred-Ladder to bee made) Lisis should on the night of their agreement cast downe a Rope from her window, vvhich fastened to the barres aboue, and the Ladder tyed to that beneath, he might without any difficultie get vp into her Chamber. All this so happily resolued on, and the prefixed time set downe against the second ensuing night, Gerardo returned to his Sanctuary, and Lisis to her bed.

It was not for nought, that the two enamoured Louers, in all their proceedings were so vvary; for you shal know, that the night, when their agreement was made about the Ladder, the Father of Lisis (to her ill fortune) lying awake, and hearing, (if not dreaming he heard) some noise and sound of Voices very softly, not once making his Wife priuy to his purpose, stealing out of his bedde and Cham­ber, and drawing neere to the window where she was, he might distinctly heare all that passed betwixt them, and their settled agreement: wherfore returning from whence he came, and craftily concealing his intent, hee determi­ned against the time to take Gerardo in the manner, and before the matter should bee spred abroad, either to kill him, or, cause him in the occasion to be apprehended. He knew well enough of our Gentlemans suites, and the cause of his imprisonment; and thinking it bootelesse to treat with him in the way of marriage, in his blinde pas­sion, carelesse of his owne and his daughters infamie, in­cited onely to reuenge, hee would not, or could not lay hold vpon some more conuenient remedy. Whereupon giuing notice to some kinsmen of his, that they should [Page 296] against such an houre bee in a readinesse, making knowne no further his intent, nor they curious to enquire more, but vvilling to obey him, all of them in expectation of the businesse vvere well prouided. Now the danger thus sure­ly carried, much threatned the life of our secure Louer, who wholly ignorant of any such preparation, onely minded the accomplishment of his loues designe, and in the interim, tooke order, to haue the Ladder made euery way fitting for his purpose.

The wisht for night approached, in which (that his fer­uant might more securely crosse thorow the Citie) hee sent him before with the Ladder, vvilling him to expect him at the Orchard gate, which belongs to a Religious Order of the Monastery of the Holy Martyrs: (vvhich done) not long after, himselfe tooke the same way, com­ming to the Mountaines top about eleuen of the clocke, and to the gate where he bade his man to expect him, but found him not there, neither, looking all round about him, could he get so much as a sight of him. The raritie much troubled him, and made him suspect some mischance had happened to his seruant; yet, thinking with himselfe, that happely the fellow might haue mistaken him, and vnder­stood (in stead of the Orchard) the Church doore made him without delay goe thitherward, and looke round about him as he went.

In this manner hee drew neere the Monastery, whose high walles hee no sooner touched, when without seeing or hearing any thing that might affright him, vpon the sudden, his heart beganne to tremble, and his eyes to dazle, that (his haire standing on end, and his courage and strength vtterly failing him) he fell down in the field; from whence (taking heart to haue risen) a blacke and dismall apparition kept him backe. Here his horrour in­creased, [Page 297] and in stead of calling on Heauens ayde hee was quite tongue-tyed; but, at last his manly resolution expelling and getting the masterie ouer his feare (groping on forward) he found a rest for his body and hands; and his amazement now prettily well ouer, opening his eyes, which with the gastly affrightment of the shadow hee saw, were before closed, hee perceiued hee was now at the Church doore: so that, leaning vpon the iron railes be­fore it, and afterward sitting him quietly downe in the Porch, he might heare a husht, and confused sound of Voi­ces, and frequent blowes by intermissions, to which some­what more listningly hearkening, hee might plainely know that all of it was caused by the Religious men of that Order, who at those houres certain nights of the weeke vsed to scourge and discipline themselues; vvhich in this occasion, serued as an alarme to Gerardo, to rowze vp his drowzy spirits, and vvorke a feeling compunction in his hardened heart, as from his eyes it drew compassionate teares.

And instantly the prodigious passages of his life were represented vnto him, his disordinate affections likewise, and the danger into which by Nise and her friends he was drawne; together with his no lesse happy escape from imprisonment. After this, hee began to consider the sin­full course he was now in, which hee ought rather to leaue, or indeed conuert his life into a deuout and Christian pro­fession. Lastly (weighing with himself) that happely all those Religious soules were not indebted to such bitter sacrifices, nor worthy for their crimes of the torments they put them­selues to, that his iustly might merit; yet notwithstanding, they (poore men) tearing their macerated flesh, held on that strict course; his contrition was such, that without further expectation shutting the doores of his desires, and retiring [Page 298] his vvearied remembrance from the intimate affection of Lisis, he resolued to leaue her and it in the state it now was: and vvith this happy determination, about to returne, he stumbled and had like to haue fallen vpon his man, who carelesse enough of any such accident, lay fast asleepe vpon the cold earth, not hauing in all this vvhile once perceiued his Master, vvhich made him not a little vvonder, but awa­king him, he bade him follow; and so they held on their way, faire and softly to the Citie. So farre backe on his vvay was hee gotten, as to come iust euen vvith Lisis her Tower and Bay-window; vvho no sooner saw one passe by (as being sure it could be no other then her Louer) but with a tender and pittifull voyce she began to call him; which notes, touching Gerardo's eares, (like Syrens accents) wor­ked in him the effects, that they in the heedlesse Mariner, depriuing him so strangely of his remembrance, as if there neuer had beene any such things as vvhat formerly befell him: so, vnable to go further on (the strong Remora of his disordinate lust seizing his ill-gouern'd Barke) hee returned backe where his Mistris expected him: excusing as well as he could, his stay; but she (desiring more neerely to bee sa­tisfied) cast downe the Rope, to which as hee would haue tyed the Ladder, foure men rose hastily vp, out of those o­uer-growne weedes that encompassed the walles, and with drawne swords set vpon him and his seruant. It may well be supposed how much the accident amazed him, but per­ceiuing the certaintie of his danger, he fell as speedily to his defence. Gerardo (by reason of the Ropes shortnesse to fa­sten the Ladder to it) had gotten vpon a little dung-hill, which stood to more aduantage then the rest of the ground, so raised by some trash that was ordinarily throwne out of the windowes, whereby his enemies (not able to incom­passe him round) were forced to come all before, which [Page 299] made his resistance somewhat the lesse difficult; though all had beene insufficient, if at the same instant, with the noise and clashing of weapons, some other company had not is­sued out of the house, who came in to the hottest of the skirmish. These were the Father of Lisis and his Kinsmen, who lying in close ambush to effect their purpose, and seeing by the other vnlookt-for occasion their reuenge was preuented; yet thinking that now with lesse danger they might apprehend or kill the partie, they made forward to the euent: but heauen was pleased to free Gerardo from that extremitie, and to permit, that they, who fought with him, supposing these new commers were of his partie, be­gan to retire, so that he encouraged too by the approch of the latter, (presuming vpon what his Contraries imagined) began now with his seruant to let flie at them amaine, lay­ing manfully about him, as they in like manner sent their re­turne of blowes; till at length the one partie pressing for­ward, and the other, flying backward, they were gotten as low as certaine Elmes that adorne the Valley, where (inui­roned with darknesse) one of those that first set vpon Ge­rardo fell downe, crying out for confession; which Gerardo no sooner heard, but calling to his man to make away, they both by helpe of the thicke-growing trees hid themselues, and fetching a wide compasse, returned to the Citie, and himselfe to Sanctuary.

At this time Lisis, (who seeing the mortall danger her Louer was in, was falne into a faint swoune, and new come out of it) no sooner tooke notice of her father and kindred, when, perswaded verily that they knowing of her affection, meant by that cruell meanes to preuent her, and ouercome with this miserable imagination, fearing the like sacrifice should be made of her; and at last hearing that pittifull voyce from amidst the armed troope call for confession: [Page 300] withall, that her father and friends returned hastily into the Fort, her amorous passion suggesting to her, it was her Ge­rardo, surprized with her sudden griefe, and none neere to comfort or hinder her, (hauing the Ladder in her hand) without farther delay she stepped vpon it; but had scarce gone foure steps downe, when intangled in her coates, and weakened by the sudden affrightment, or the secret iudge­ment of high Heauen so disposing it, she tumbled downe to the ground, at the instant that her father arriuing in the height of his reuengeful furie, to his sad griefe & soules tor­ment, became a witnes of the lamentable disaster; the bitter­nes of which bereauing him of iudgement, he was euen rea­dy to haue accompanied his vnfortunate child: they that ac­companied him too, came out with Torch-light; but going to the place where Lisis fell, found her not, for (by reason of the hilles slopenesse thereabouts, and the force of her fall with her owne forgetfulnesse) shee was sent as farre as the thicke Elmes, where the party fell, that the wretched Dame tooke for her Louer; and (though pitifully bruised with her fall) it seemed she would be a sharer with him in his mortall agonie. Here then with extremity of anguish, the discom­fortable father found her, and though the vitall breath had not quite left the pale disfigured Trunke, shee was as good as dead; whose miserable body the father taking in his armes, and sprinkling her wanne face with his teares, ac­knowledging (too late his rash proceeding) such and so great were his wofull lamentations, as might haue turned as Niobe to softnesse: but his griefes did not so end, for his kinsmen going to see the dead Gerardo that lay in those gloomie shades, (resolued of their doubts) to their strange admiration, might perceiue the death-strucke bodie of the gallant Liseno, whose reuengefull mind had hurried him to that end, he (you may remember) offended with Lisis, and [Page 301] enuying the happinesse of her new Louer, not onely con­triued the Letter, and aduice giuen to her father, but assoone also as he had notice of the Prisoners escape, suspecting, and not without likelihood, that at one time or other hee would not faile shortly to see his Mistris, (his opinion not deceiuing him) hee purposed so to handle the matter, that Gerardo might no longer follow his pretension; and thinking that to take reuenge cruell enough of Lisis, vvas, to remoue from her the cause of her affection: vvith this intent hauing seuerall nights vvatched Gerardo, this (his owne last) hee tooke three of his friends vvith him, (sure friends indeed, that so basely forsooke him vvhen he had his deaths wound) that hiding themselues in the ouer-growne Weedes, set vp­on Gerardo, vvith the successe here set downe. Now Lisis her father and his kindred fearing the generall danger, that might befall them, returning to the sad Mansion, they in­deuoured all they could for some time, to conceale the wo­full Tragedie; but it was not possible for them to do so, in respect of the noyse and shriekes of the mother and her maides, together vvith the lowde exclamations of the pit­tifull Aminta, that breaking thorow the ayre, made known the vvhole proceeding: so that now euery man began to shift for himselfe the best he could. All the rest of the night, and part of the next day, vvas the vnfortunate Lisis dying, and at last in the morning, in the East of her age, her life was set, and shee expiring, gaue vp her noble spirit to her pious Maker.

Farre from the least thought of his Mistrisses sudden end, (vvhilst these things passed) was Gerardo secure in his Co­uent, now in contemplation of his incredible accidents, and rendring high Heauen condigne thankes, that pleased to free him from the danger. In fine (his night passing on in such profitable watchfulnesse) day approched, by what [Page 302] time Liseno's bloody end was diuulged thorow the whole Cittie, and consequently the vntimely death of the faire Li­sis came to her Louers eares. At first the vnlikelihood ba­nished all credit from Gerardo's brest, but beeing visited by his brother Leoncio, he not onely told him the certaintie of that, but vvithall, that Gerardo vvas made a principall actor in the businesse; vvhich at first so dismayed, and next, cast him into such an outrage, that had not his brother more by plaine force, then forcible reasons, detained him, hee had (doubtlesse) crying out like a mad man, ran into the Citty, and committed himselfe into the hands of the Iudges; who, now extremely incensed at the haplesse accident, (and as if the poore Gentleman had beene guilty of all) they caused extraordinary search to be made for him, as vvell in parti­cular houses, as Churches and Monasteries, (which knowne to the discreet Leoncio, and vvisely apprehended by Gerar­do) the danger forced him to shift for himselfe; and so to his griefe he disposed of his flight, and vvithin two dayes in an Euening, he left the famous Iliberis, resolued to bid his na­tiue Countrey Spaine Adieu for euer; vvith which purpose embracing his brother, and vnwilling (for the secrecie of his affaires) to make vse of any seruant, hee tooke his vvay toward the next fitting Sea-Port: but yet before hee went, hee left and performed the last funerall Obsequies, due to the sacred Memorie of his lucklesse Lisis, in these Elegiacall Verses:

Hauing trauelled all night, day came on, vvith vvhose approach and cleerenesse, he vvas a little reuiued; yet hol­ding the light lesse secure for the safety of his trauell, vvith­out delay, (to auoid the danger of such as might follow him, leauing the roade) he got into the thickest and vvildest parts of the famous Alpuxarran Mountaines. His nights waking and vvearinesse made him drowzie, so that looking about him for a fit place to giue his body some rest in, vpon the sudden a noise and hollow murmure of some persons neere hand diuerted him from his purpose. Many times the very shaking of leaues causeth suspition in those that are (like Gerardo) flying; and so a slighter cause might haue troubled him. He vvas euen about to haue turned backe [Page 304] againe, but (ere aware) he vvas too farre engaged, and got­ten so neere, that stirring either forward or backward, hee must needes be discouered; vvherefore confirming his vva­uering resolution, he determined to goe on; and so tying his horse to a Masticke tree, he alighted, and taking his Pe­tronell, that hung at the Saddle-bow, in his hand, the better (if need should be) to defend himselfe, hee vvent very gin­gerly on, toward the place, from whence he heard the noise: and vvilling to approch as neere as was possible, by and by a lamentable voyce increasing by degrees vpon him, made him at length take stand, and giue eare to the ensuing dole­full expressions.

Is it possible, Don Diego, that so beastly and lustfull a pas­sion should thus brutishly depriue thee of all humanitie? and if for thine owne sake thou bee not at all mooued, yet, can the blood of thy noble Kinsman, and the knowing mee to be his, preuaile no more to stay thee from thy barbarous attempt? To these complaints, he might also by the chan­ging of the voyce, heare this reply: 'Tis vaine (faire and cruell Owner mine) with lowd words to hinder my pleasure, there being nothing to keepe me from the satisfying that, from vvhich (had my Cousin, as thou deniest, enioyed thee) 'twere impossible to disswade me; and therefore protract not, Sweet, my glory, by enforcing mee to lose all pittie. Ay me! what shall I doe? replied the other, with a mourn­full grone: Cannot my teares, Don Diego, make thee relent? nor the forc't pleasure of a rauish't creature? well, since my curst fortune hath brought me to this sad passe, be assured, that before thou execute thy lustfull purpose, it shall bee first with my death. Here the afflicted voyce gaue ouer, leauing Gerardo in deepe suspence with her wofull com­plaints: who perceiuing that they beganne to grow now to extremitie, determined rather to lose his life, then not re­leeue [Page 305] the distressed party; and thinking it to bee the act of Heauen, to guide him to so necessary a remedy, rushing forward with his Petronel aduanc't, hee came to the place, where he might see two men struggling on the grasse, (one of them (as it seemed) the partie, that vanquished, sent out those grones) which spectacle so mooued Gerardo, that ex­tremely inraged, clapping his Pistoll to his girdle, and drawing his sword, he made to the Couple: but no sooner got the guiltie party a sight of him, when letting loose the other, that lay quite breathlesse vnder him, he auoyded the first blow; but running to lay hold on his weapon that lay by the rest of his Clothes, hee was preuented by a second from Gerardo, who (reaching him with a terrible slash in the head) made him tumble sencelesse to the ground; where he had presently dispatch't him, (so much had his basenesse in­censed him) had not the other stepping betweene with teares begged his life. Gerardo till then had not seene that face, nor the intangled tresses of haire, which were loose­ned in the aforesaid contention; and therefore perceiuing his mistake, and that the party (though disguized) was a woman, he granted her request, and time to him that lay on the ground, to rise; but so shrewdly hurt, and dis-heartened with the losse of much blood, that minding no other re­uenge then the sauing his life, he asked leaue of Gerardo to depart; who (reuiling him a little for his vn-worthinesse) soone condescended, and courteously first helped him to mount vpon one of the two horses that stood tyed vp to the hedge.

Gerardo was not so heedlesse, but that (seeing in what manner this man parted) he sought to preuent all danger, and making knowne so much to his new companion, hel­ping her withall to horse, and mounting his owne, they ha­sted to the high-way, riding speedily on, till such time, as [Page 306] (supposing they were far enough from the former place) they alighted to passe the heate of the day, each of them chusing in the pleasant solitude of those Mountaines a con­uenient shelter.

The earnest desire Gerardo had to haue full notice of this past Aduenture, bred no small care in him, maruelling as well at the vnexpected chance, as the singular beauty and good parts of the afflicted Dame; who, considering, in what hazzard she had been, and the danger from which Gerardo freed her, extremely thankefull to his Noble pro­ceeding, was ledde on with the same thoughts touching him, desiring by all meanes to know, who it was to whom she vvas so much obliged: wherefore, vnable to resist lon­ger her affectionate longing, she first of the two, with this speech to Gerardo, broke silence.

When your generous proceeding, worthy Sir, might not warrant my curiositie, your vndaunted valour shewed in hazzarding your life, to repaire my honour, would tye me to request your name; since, knowing that, together with the noble parts wherewith Heauen hath blest you, I shall at least acknowledge with them the Owner of my life, to whom, for the restoring of mine honour it is in­debted.

Lesse earnest intreaties would haue serued Gerardo, and made him passe by all difficulties or dangers to obey her; and therefore (loth) to lose aduantages, euen in courtesies, with a pleasing countenance he thus answered; Omitting, faire Gentlewoman, the small seruice I haue done you (which deserues not to call you a Debtor) the merit of so great beauty, and the dis-agreeing habit you weare, together with the late accident, make me so desirous to know their Originall, that I should be most willing to obey your com­mand, if in exchange, I might vnderstand it: and, confident, [Page 307] that you vvill herein fauour me, referring my selfe to your courtesie; you shall know, that my Country is Castile, my birth-place Madrid, and my name (the first time happely you will haue heard it) Gerardo, Gerardo (said shee) if that be so (with a blustering alteration she interrupted him) ei­ther you are he, whom of all the men in the world, I most desire to see, or there be more of the name: yet, to resolue my doubt, be pleased, I beseech you, to let me know, if you haue at any time beene a Prisoner, in the famous Citie of Iliberis. Well might Gerardo haue feared no few inconue­niences by confessing this truth, but his free condition nei­ther could nor would dissemble it; which the faire Dame no sooner vnderstood; when (her eyes swimming in teares of ioy) she ranne hastily to imbrace him, saying, 'Twas not possible for my remedy to proceed frō any other hand: and certainly to yours, Heauen hath reserued the cheering and ease of afflicted hearts: for, first you were not onely a com­fort to my beloued Leandro, in that miserable estate of his imprisonment, but also, in these desarts, by your inestima­ble valour, you haue succoured me his wofull Pledge. Hea­uen that reserued you in both occasions for a remedie to our misfortunes, recompence what you deserue from Vio­lante and Leandro, and so leauing her words, she beganne greedily againe to cast her armes about Gerardo, whose ad­miration I can hardly describe. When he heard this, and knew that shee before his eyes was the discreet Dame that cost his friend Leandro so many watchfull moments (as in the History so strange and notable you heard, vvhich vvas interrupted by Gerardo's remoouall to new imprisonment, that broke off the Tragicall Narration: and therefore mar­uellously reioysing now with so admitable a successe) hee began with more liuely affection, and courtesie, to offer his seruice, telling her, how much hee esteemed Leandro, and [Page 308] how glad hee was at present (had the danger beene farre greater) to haue aduentured himselfe for one that so neere­ly concerned his friend: but withall his curiositie a-fresh inciting him (for Violantes strange disguize, and the vnex­pected knowing her, equally moued him) he could not but request her to leade him out of that Labyrinth, by letting him know how she came to her extremitie.

The faire Dame willing to expresse her gratitude, and hearing likewise from Gerardo's mouth, the most essentiall part of that pleasing Story of their loues, was glad (though to her honours cost) to afford him that small content; and therefore taking her beginning, where Leandro ended, (not without a few teares, effects of a bitter remembrance) she began the rest of the History in this manner: There hath neuer beene enterprize so difficult, but perseuerance hath attained vnto it; whether Leandro's then were worthy a more glorious conquest, your selfe, Best Gerardo, shall bee Iudge, determining in your honoured brest, whether my resistance could haue beene greater, since it proceeded so farre, as to make me almost deserue the rigorous stile of a cruell Anaxarete.

Indeed (vanquisht at last) I resolued to equall his loue with like affection; and (to this purpose) instructing him what he should doe, that wee might as that night enioy our selues; the greatest part of the afternoone being spent, Le­andro (for so we agreed) faining himselfe ill at ease, and telling my Husband hee would goe to bed, made as if hee went to his Chamber for that purpose; but from thence (my good-man yeelding a fit opportunitie) hee went out, leauing his owne doore but pulled too, and so came to my Chamber, where, for more assurance, I made him get be­tweene the bed-Curtaines and the wall.

This diligence was of necessity to be vsed before-hand, [Page 309] for my wary Owner at night vsed to locke our Chamber doore, and that which was neerest Leandro's who (by the way) had also desired my Husband, that hee should by no meanes awake him, because (as he said) his want of rest was the cause of his indisposition: but this was to preuent any longing desire to see him: my heart was at this time in a strange distraction of ioy and feare; for, vnaccustomed to such cares, the expectation of my pleasure was much lessened, and happely this vnquiet alteration in me, might bee the fore-runner of the sad successe you shall straight heare.

I know not how it came to passe, but from the first day of my Leandro's being with vs, there was a great league of friendship, betweene him and the Vicar of our towne, by whom he was for his vvants supplyed vvith moneyes, and now and then visited.

This Vicar hauing been absent from him all the time of his sicknesse, comming home as that night from a iourney, and vnderstanding by his people in how great danger Le­andro had been, supposing he performed not the part of a good friend, if he did not (as soone as he had knowledge of his sicknesse, see him) leauing his owne house, immediately he came to ours, vvhere (though the doore was shut) hee called out, and my Husband hearing his Voice, presently rose and opened vnto him. I could not in any time know vvho it vvas; for carelesse too of any danger, the desire on­ly of seeing my good-man laid to rest, kept me awake, and thus I wanted meanes to shift Leandro away; for whom the Vicar asked, and for all his sicknesse and desire of rest vvas made knowne vnto him, yet he would not be satisfide nor away, vvithout seeing him: whereupon my Husband not vvilling to gainesay his will, was glad to obey him; vvhen (calling at the Chamber) he no sooner touched the doore, [Page 310] but he might see it open, and Leandro missing, so that with no small alteration hee vvent downe and told the Vicar so much, & assuring himselfe he must needs be within doores, besides, his iealous condition easily egging and perswa­ding him on, at last he traced out the truth, and our hard for­tune; and so hastily dispatching away the Vicar, vnable longer to keepe in his torment, he instantly came running into our Chamber; vvhere finding me at my wits end, and my colour quite lost (for the discouered businesse had left me like a dead body) confirming his suspition, he began to pry vp and downe the roome. Imagine, good Gerardo, to vvhat extremitie I was brought, that though my imminent danger was so neere, I had not the power or strength to runne into some place of safety. My husband hauing espied Leandro, ranne at him with his sword: but hee perceiuing before-hand his danger, had presently gotten to the light; and (putting it out) had meanes to slip by the thrust; but his persecutor running blindly on, stopped not, till hee had clozed with him, so that I might now perceiue they vvere both grappled together, though my faint heart durst now no longer stay to expect the issue; and supposing the worst, running suddenly down to the street doore, I left my house, and stopped not, till I was gotten into the fields (fortune being in this more fauourable to me, then my misfortunes could expect) for falling accidentally vpon the high-way to Ilberis, a Coach passed by thitherward with passengers, who (when I had recommended my miseries with a world of sighes and teares to their pitties) were so compassionate­ly charitable, as to take me along with them to the aforesaid Citie; whither as soone as I arriued, making sale of those few Iewels I wore at my eares, necke and hands, with the moneyes, I might for some time relieue my necessities. Heauen likewise was pleased to affoord me the happinesse [Page 311] and company of certaine vertuous Gentlewomen, with whom after I had some few dayes remained, I dispatcht a secret Messenger to Osuna, charging him, strictly to inform himselfe of my vnfortunate affaires, and giuing him like­wise a Letter for my Leandro, if (to my griefe and suspition) he had bin that night taken Prisoner, which indeed could not otherwise be, considering how subiect I left him to my Husbands clutches and cryes. (All which effected, and the Messenger returned) I vnderstood by Leandro's lines, what had passed from the very instant, that my fright sent me packing: at which time, as my husband and hee were stuggling together, Leandro perceiuing, that if either he got the aduantage, himselfe was sure to be slain, or, that the other with his noise might call vp the watch, so that his danger vvas euery way equall, relying wholly vpon his naturall defence of life, and forced as it were to a des­perate course, he stabbed my Husband with a Ponyard he had on, whereof vvithin few houres he dyed. Leandro tooke Sanctuary in the first Church he could finde open: where being by diuers persons laid vvait for, as a stranger they persecuted him, and the Iustice of the place taking notice of the businesse, causing a strong Guard to watch about the Church, hindred his sally: yet his friend the Vicar stucke close to him, as had the case beene his owne, resisting their going about to take him from the holy re­fuge, vvhich, indeed at first they sought to haue done de facto. My soule euen melted vvhen I read these wofull passages, as well for hauing liued so long in my Husbands company, as in respect also of the tender affection hee al­waies bore me: and lastly, considering him by my light proceeding, so vnhappily made away, could not but in a brest of Marble haue caused a lamentable effect.

[Page 312] But my passion shall not prolong my Story, which (not longer to trouble you, or afflict my selfe) I much de­sire to end. And therefore, Noble Sir, considering my being alone for want of my Louer, and the impossibili­tie of souldring my errour, determining to seeke his protection that was the cause of it, I vvrote to him a se­cond Letter, desiring him by all meanes to leaue the place vvhere he was, and come to me, making knowne vnto him (the better to dispose him to the iourney) my great affliction; which he no sooner receiued, when, not without great danger, furthered by his friend the Vicar, he accomplished my desire. But Heauen or my aduerse fortune permitted not that it should take effect: for Lean­dro had no sooner set footing on the threshold of my doore, when, encompassed by officers (though he did all he might to defend himselfe) he was seized on and carried to Prison: so farre preuailed the vigilant sagacitie of my Husbands kindred, who following him that night hee left Osuna,; and keeping aloofe till hee was alighted, had lei­sure to prepare Officers, that, following him to my lod­ging, he was no sooner come thither (I hearing his voice, & rising to let me in) but hee was beset with clamour and noise. Wherefore seeing my new danger, instantly cros­sing our Turrets and Tyles of houses, I got mee into safe­ty, in which I was not a little happy, for they left no place in my house vnsearched, induced by their suspitions of Le­andro's comming thither.

To declare the torment this second disaster bred in me, were to begin a new Tragedy; and therefore leauing it as superfluous, you shall heare the rest of our successe. My courage was not lost, rather, after some few considerati­ons, began more to increase, since, now in person I might [Page 313] see my Leandro, and by comming disguized, and at vnsea­sonable times to one of the Prison gates, speake to him; where I had full notice of all these particulars: withall he told me how contentedly he liued, and was lodged vvith you in your Chamber, till such time as your remoouall from Prison, made vs both (without flattery) lesse happy.

With this poore comfort at the aforesaid place, we gaue some little ease to our griefes, though fortune, not satisfide with what wee had already suffered, so disposed our af­faires, that our enemies had notice of our priuate confe­rence, yet there wanted not some friends, who, by way of anticipation did let Leandro know, how fit it was for him not to let me perish, but prouide for my safety: which he presently put in practise, taking order to send me as secret­ly as might be with this Letter of his to the Citie of Al­meria, with which (re-commending mee to the care and company of certaine Gentlewomen his kindred) he com­mitted me to a Cousin-germanes of his to accompanie me in the iourney, and serue mee in any occasions by the way; who performed the trust giuen to his charge so faithfully, that, had I not, by Heauens good prouidence, and your noble courage bin relieued, I had either by this time been by him slaine, or depriued of mine honour by his barbarous lust.

Here the distressed Violante ended her so long-wisht-for Story by Gerardo, which made present vvay to his thankes, who, as full of admiration, as the strangenesse of those ac­cidents required, perceiuing the gracefull Dame begin to sigh a-fresh, commiserating her solitude, and the being by her ba [...]e companion left, his noble heart not suffering him to doe lesse, regardlesse of lifes hazzard, hee resolued to ac­company her, till such time as she might safely arriue at her [Page 314] wished iourneys end. Within a day or two they came to the Citie of Almeria, where, Violante, deliuering the Letter of her imprisoned Louer to his Kinswomen, was by them ioyfully receiued: and Gerardo thinking now hee had fully complide with all humanitie, (not without teares and a lo­uing imbrace from the sad Dame) tooke leaue, and parted: And hearing that in the next Port-Towne a Ship was ready to set sayle for Genoa, glad of his passage, agree­ing with the Master, he purposed with the next dayes faire winde, to leaue Spaine, and begin his Voyage.

THE SECOND PART OF GERARDO, THE VNFORTVNATE SPANIARD.
The second Discourse.

GERARDO with the nights approach withdrew to his Chamber, where his me­morie renuing past disasters, and wandring in their vvretched contemplation, with this vvatchfulnesse hee stole some howers (be­fore it vvas due) vpon soft rest: and so, van­quished vvith leaden slumber, he committed his wearie eies to sleepe. But not long had hee beene settled to this slum­bring, [Page 316] bring, vvhen his fancie falling to vvorke, made him dreame, that his Lodging was beset with Officers, who comming to apprehend him, had broken the doore vpon him. This fright tossing him to and fro, soone awoke him, so that opening his eyes, and looking about him, he might by the snuffe of a candle left burning by him, see a white Bulk rushing in at a window, that not farre from his beddes head was violently pushed open, which caused such a sud­den alteration in him, that though hee had it fast in his armes, he could hardly beleeue it was a naked man, that in one hand carried a small fardle, and in the other his sword; on whose Hilts the warie Gerardo caught hold, and was a­bout to haue raised the house, had not the vnexpected Chest with gentle intreaties, and this ensuing discourse kept him from it: For Heauens sake, noble Signior, discouer me not, since my comming hither was no way to wrong you, but onely (to my griefe) to flie a most vnluckie danger: and hauing climbed from house to house, I could not till this time find a doore or window open, whereby I might escape those that I supposed followed mee. Pardon, deare Signior, my forc't rudenesse, and giue mee your succour, since Heauen and my good fortune haue imposed a neces­sarie obligation on you. The courteous Gerardo was strucke dumbe with this language, though re-collecting himselfe, not any way doubting the party, hee gaue him full credit, and (more compassionate) his armes to boote: whereby the other now somwhat secure, vnloosing presently his far­dle, began to clothe himselfe, and soone appeared as gal­lant to Gerardo's sight, as hee had (but euen now) ghastly; who fel into a new admiration also by the following euent. The equall fright that possessed both, had hitherto robbed them of their better heed; but beeing each now more quie­ted, they no sooner tooke a fresh view of one another, when [Page 317] Gerardo was knowne by his new companion, and he also by Gerardo; who with no small amazement, first breaking si­lence, said, If I dreame not, and my eyes be not inchanted, this is not the first time they haue seene you. You are in the right, worthy Gerardo, said the other; for, time was, when wee were companions in miserable imprisonment, from whence I by a heauy sentence was freed, the same day that your self was remooued to the strong Fort of Alhambra; frō thence (as since also I heard) you fortunately escaped. Glad­der would Gerardo haue beene that his misfortunes had beene lesse publike; but making no shew of distrust in his friend, hee rose vp, and cheerefully embracing, throughly knew him to be Claudio Alcino, a Gentleman of good quali­tie of Almeria; who from thence, after long imprisonment, vpon some offences was remooued to Granada: hee retur­ning the like courtesie, and infolding Gerardo in his clasped armes, sayd, In these armes I may rest well assured of my safetie, which are sufficient to free mee from a greater dan­ger then the present, though this bee not so small, but it might much trouble some other, destitute of your valorous companie. Your courtesie preuents the phrase that I ought rather to vse, quoth Gerardo, but our danger is equall, and therefore let vs equally comply vpon all occasions with our obligation. From this they passed on to other discourse, till by little and little they fell vpon the occasion that brought Claudio to the narrow strait. Gerardo desired to know it, not so much out of any curiositie, as to giue his friend the best aduice he could, for preuenting growing in­conueniences; who ghessing at Gerardo's intent, though the night inuited them to a more quiet diuersion, ingaged in the businesse (the other attentiuely listening) he thus began: Though you may haue heretofore knowne the cause of my imprisonment, as beeing the originall of this present suc­cesse, [Page 318] it shall be necessarie, that I refresh it here againe, but with all the succinctnesse that may be. Some sixe yeeres since, from the Cittie of Murcia, to this place where now we are, to discharge an Office which the King had confer­red vpon him, there came a Gentleman with his house and family; and amongst them a faire daughter, vvhose rare personage hath beene and is, the chiefe subiect of my mis­fortunes: her name, for some respects, I conceale, though to make good the Story, wee will supply it with Siluia, to whom my cruell lot so violently destin'd me, that from the very first moment in which I beheld her, neither tedious ab­sence, nor infinite troubles, haue once beene able to tem­per the heate of my burning affection; which from the very first instant increasing, continuing more and more, grew to be a flame. The first time I saw her was at a Bull-running, where hauing vpon a goodly Ginet performed seuerall luc­kie exploites, I began to be gratefull to her eyes; and vpon a second encounter, as shee was comming from Church, more gracious; at which time I was bold to speake to her, and finding encouragement not long after, I vvrote, and to her liking prosecuted my loue, with such continuance, but warinesse withall, as that, obliged by my frequent importu­nitie, she came many nights to her Window to discourse with me; these treaties gaue stronger nourishment to my wishes, which by my faithfull perseuerance also were ma­turely seasoned: In so much that when nothing (not Siluia's affection) but the manner was to my happy possession wan­ting, my vnfortunate starres prouoked the forwardnesse of a proper Gentleman of Genoa, one of the best qualified per­sons naturalized amongst vs in this Cittie, to be my Riuall: and when I doubted no such matter, he began to court my Mistris, who gaue me present notice of it, vnwilling to in­curre my suspition, rather so preuented it: well might this [Page 317] faithfull proofe of her loue excuse her; but vnsatisfied, ope­ned the gates to infernall Ielousie, which euen scorched my very soule. Oh, how oftentimes, friend Gerardo, in this hard plight, would I contemne and slight my opposite? how oft, confident of my Siluia's loyalty, was I comforted in my paine? which instantly (fearing the remembrance of womans frailtie) was encreasing: thus fell I from one thought to another; and then refusing all, ran blindly on in the confused maze of my cares, driuen on by differing gales of winde; for, miserable is the nauigation of a ielous Louer. Long suffered I in this infirmitie, which is scarce yet remooued, but cleaueth to my very intrailes: and though the remedie lay as then, in mine owne hands, yet my loue to Siluia, and the respect to her reputation, held me backe; (the vnwiser I) for had I happely taken that course, my affaires not once comming to this passe, might haue had better successe. Euery day my loue produc't new changes: for with Ascanio's continuall walkes and watchfulnesse (for this is, if not the right name, that which at present onely I must declare) I neither could speake to Siluia, nor shee see me, with the priuacie we were wont; and so, many a night his importunate care broke off our discourse in the midst of our most pleasing conuersation; whereupon, my despite increasing, and my patience by little and little wholly di­minished, being one day in conuersation amongst friends, I grew, for a very slight matter, in choler with him, and so from words to blowes, we fell to, and I on a sudden raught him a cut vpon the head. The Spectators (ignorant of the mysterie) some of them accused me of Hare-brain'd rash­nesse, but others lesse passionate, who affoorded mee their better censures, sounding the matter, found the full depth of it: and as in these lesse populous places, such circumstan­ces are hardly concealed, there wanted not some, who [Page 320] made relation of what happened, to Siluia's parents and mine, and gaue notice likewise to Ascanio of their doubts, though I presume for him the labour might well haue been spared; for sure he could not be ignorant of vvhat hee had deserued. My parents hereupon thought best to secure their feares; for seeing mee so ingaged in Siluia's affection, they vvere afraid lest I vvould marry her, for their mindes were much against it; as being now also in treatie with the friends of a Kinswoman of ours for me: and therefore they sent me away cunningly to Seuil, telling me, that it was for my safetie; vvhich I beleeued, and ignorant of their pur­pose, easily condescended, taking first leaue of my Siluia, who, though she much grieued, yet assured of my loue, pre­ferred my good, before her owne content.

In this absence, by meanes of a seruant, I receiued my Mistrisses Letters, and sent their Answers; vvhich beeing faithfully put into the Post-house, came safely to each of our hands; yet, one amongst the rest I receiued, turned my ioy into mournefull teares. About a moneth after I had beene absent, Siluia vvrote to mee, that her parents, after long deliberation, at the intreaties of some principall inter­cessors, had promised her to my enemie Ascanio in marri­age; and that though shee refused it by might and maine, (knowing the cause of her contradiction) they kept her so close and afflicted, that she vvas almost become desperate, and resolutely determined rather to lose her life, then mee, pleased I to accept of her as a vvife; and so accordingly she expected my answer, and vvith her amorous conclusion, left me on such termes, that vvithout any delay, baited by my terrible feares, I got me a good Mule for my iourney, as thinking, the surest answer would bee my selfe in per­son. But my contrarie fortune disposed more crossely of my happinesse, then I expected; for hauing made vvhat [Page 321] speed I could, passing neere the Cittie of Antequera, and crossing ouer a Foord carelesse, that by the extraordinarie showres that had falne, vvas risen, my beast at her very first step tumbled ouer head and eares, and caught by the Cur­rent, vvas after drowned, hauing left me cruelly wounded, by a blow she lent me, for a farewell, vvith her heeles: in vvhich mortall danger I had there suddenly perished, had I not beene drawne out by certaine men that issued out of a Water-mill hard by, though in so bad plight, that hauing quite lost my sences, after I had remained some two dayes in this manner, awaking out of the drowzie astonishment, I might perceiue my selfe in bed at an Inne of Antequera; vvhere, after many fittes and changes, now in health, and then vvithout it, I vvas euen giuen ouer for a dead man, till at last vvithin some forty daies I recouered; in vvhich time, though I vvrote to Siluia and my friends, yet, vvhat by care­lesnesse of messengers, or my ill lucke (the more likely) would so haue it, not a Letter came safe vnto them, neither, with the forgetfulnesse my hurt caused in mee, had I the braine to send them by an expresse bearer. At length ma­king vse of a Chaine of God I had, vvhich my disaster yet had left me, I payed for my Cure and other charges, and so held on my voyage, comming (as ill lucke vvould haue it) to this Cittie, the very same day, that my Mistris, ouercome by the perswasions or her friends threats, but most of all by the neglect and small estimation, vvhich I (in her opinion) made of her Letters, and suspecting (more then shee nee­ded) that I had forgotten her, shee gaue her hand to my Contrarie; vvho, not able to deferre his happinesse, vvould needes the very same day to Church; and so, about ten of Clocke in the morning, as I entred the high street of the Cittie, passing before the Church doore, I became a mise­rable vvitnesse of the present solemnitie; seeing my beloued [Page 322] Mistris, in the midst of a great troope, hand in hand with her new Spouse.

Here, friend Gerardo, as if heauen and earth should come together, I forsooke the Reines, and (a spectacle of misery) was with the vnexpected accident, transformed (as it were) into an vn-mooued Image: but calling presently againe to mind my former loue, past pleasures, and my paines taken, to see another now Owner of the fruit, so horrible vvas my soules anguish, that (void of all consideration) my iudge­ment quite gone, and nothing left, but a desire to satisfie my griefes, from the Saddle flue I, and vvith my drawne sword, in midst of the presse, set vpon him; vvho, in all pro­babilitie, to be reuenged on me, had demanded Siluia to wife, and crying out like a mad man, before hee could de­fend himselfe, or any other assist him, he receiued (if not so many as I could haue wished) wounds sufficient to lay him along; where I had also dispatcht him, had it not beene more needfull for mee, to looke to mine owne life. And though I vvas hard beset by some Kinsmen and friends of his, yet some acquaintances of mine running in to the noise, by their helpe I escaped the danger: but not so sure­ly euery way, since before I could get the Church for my Sanctuarie, some Officers ouertooke mee at the very doore. They presently conueyed me to strong hold, and the successe diuulged, that Ascanio was dying; his kindred fearing my friends would be too powerfull for them in this place, repaired to the Royall Chancerie, by which meanes (though the wounded partie were out of danger) I was re­mooued to the Prison of Granada, where your selfe and I grew first acquainted: in vvhich Cittie, not long after, As­canio perfectly recouered, pursued the matter so eagerly a­gainst me, that had I not found especiall friends, it might haue gone but ill with mee: but hee at last was forced to [Page 323] rest satisfied, onely with my banishment from this King­dome, not to returne againe on paine of death▪ Siluia, whilst I remained thus Prisoner, still continued her affection, and (by meanes of the aforesaid seruant) to write to mee; dis­charging her selfe from all blame, by alledging the violence of Parents, but chiefly my neglect: so that, considering she had reason, I, without it, began againe to plunge my selfe as deepe as euer, (her Letters beeing the principall com­forts to my fetters.) So blinded was I with this womans af­fection, that (though any mans else, as hauing lost her, might haue beene cooled) I quite contrarie, for the same reason Ascanio enioyed her, more violently loued her then euer; and was now ielous of another mans vvife. And not passing sixe dayes since, I receiued this Letter, vvhich Claudio drawing out of his Pocket, Gerardo approching neerer to the dimme light, might view the following Contents:

Our sad fortune, my Claudio, doth n [...]w abate her rigour, since at this time shee offers vs a so long wished opportunitie: my husband is absent, and will bee yet some dayes from home; see, whether the occasion would be lost, or if Siluia deserue to see those eyes. Omit not then the faire coniuncture, and comming warily: on Thursday at midnight I will expect you at my doore. When these Lines shall come to you, you will not fayle. Farewell, deare Owner mine: Heauen send you safely hither.

This Letter (proceeded the tender Louer) I receiued in Granada at a Friery, where I had taken Sanctuary, and in­stantly, with what content you may imagine, I fulfilled her desire: arriuing punctually as yesterday in the euening at a Village, some halfe a League short of this place▪ vvhere leauing my horse, I came on foot, vnknowne, and vn-ac­companied, [Page 324] saue by mine owne rashnesse, and quickly tou­ched my Mistresses happy threshold, who there expected me. But the ioy my heart was possest with in seeing her, was quickly dasht by a lucklesse accident, which as then hapned; for, after a noise and clashing of swords, iust as the doore opened to let mee in, one of the parties of the fray, flying backe, fell at my feete, crying faintly out he was killed. I perceiued my danger, if I stayed longer there; and there­fore quickly got me in with Siluia, where (that hauing been the first time we euer met so neerely) I was so out of coun­tenance, that I knew not vvhich way to begin to speake to her: (experience then teaching me how much, ouer-ioyed passion doth tongue-tye our expressions:) but at last with a tender sigh, forcing a way from my silence, I thus began:

What greater proofe of my affection and fidelitie could I render, since forgetting my iust exceptions, I come thus dangerously to your presence? where though death should seize me in midst of my effected desires, I should not thinke my selfe at all vnhappy.

To this, Siluia with teares replyed, To such loyaltie, all that my affection can answere, is; To runne thorow all the hazzards that may befall a woman (to her mis-fortune) in anothers power, to be euer truely yours: and thus both our affections shall still be equall: but (leauing this) my present griefe is, that, our content is like to last lesse time then I sup­posed, since, this day I receiued a Letter from my Hus­band, in which he writes, his returne is like to be very spee­die; though for the time of his absence, neuerthelesse (be­sides that I haue alwayes beene yours) I shall more freely now be so.

These last words and her newes, were like crosse-barres in my soule; yet, (making a vertue of necessitie) hand in hand, we walked towards her Chamber, where I no sooner offe­red [Page 325] to take possession of what I longed for, vvhen preuented from the sweet occasion, wee both were equally affrighted vvith a terrible noise and knocking at the houses fore-doore and backe-gate.

At first I could not but thinke it was Ascanio; and, so, whilst my Siluia ranne fearfully to the window, I was about to haue dressed me: but, the sudden surprisall neuer gaue me the least aime; onely my memory serued me to make my cloathes vp in a bundle, and being ready to runne out of the roome where I was, Siluia laying hold on me, began to cry out more cheerefully then I could expect: Whither are you going, Sir? will you vndoo your selfe and me? 'Tis the Round that thus knockes in seuerall places, whom (doubtlesse) either your small heed, or my misfortune haue brought hither. In hearing this, I was quite out of my vvittes, and in two so imminent dangers vvhol­ly vn-determinable, considering the breach of my ba­nishment, and Siluia's infamy; who, bidding mee follow her, hearing lowder knocking, with her Maids helpe and hers, I got vp into the Chimney stocke, in midst vvhereof, finding an iron barre athwart that serued to the Pot-hooks, I stood vpon it, whilst Siluia getting on her Gowne, bade open: so that instantly, they of the Round were come vp, where I might heare what they would haue. The chiefe of them very ciuilly desired my Mistris to pardon their vn­mannerlinesse; for though her Husband was absent, yet they vn-willingly were forced to this diligence, by reason there was a man slaine at her doore; and, as some of the neighbours declared, the murderer at the instant when hee fell, ran in there.

My heart with this was not a little reuiued, but still some feare of my misfortune remained: and that, I hold to bee the seuerest, when vpon mistake, worse faults are discoue­red. [Page 326] My Mistris with more confidence bade them search all the Chambers: for (besides that she was ignorant of the partie) she assured her selfe he durst not abide in her house, and therefore she willed them to look into all the Roomes, and not to leaue the least moate vnsearched. I, in the meane while, like a forlorne Sentinell, pierst thorow with the nights sharpe aire, and my feete galled with the narrow barre in extremitie of torment, knew not how longer to en­dure it: but perceiuing now by the hurry and shuffling of legs, weary of farther search, they took their leaues, I began to take heart, and faire and softly to descend; which, that I might (wanting helpe) the better be able to performe, I sought to quit my sword; willing to fasten: it some-where by the Hilt, and groping in the wall, I found a hole about the opening of the Plaistred-worke and the Brickes, into which I thrust one of the crosse-barres, and so, lesse cum­bred, returned to my intent: but my hard fortune not con­tent with the former surprisall prepared for mee, brought on a second incomparably farre more frightfull: for no sooner was the Round got out of the streete, vvhen her Husband newly arriued from Seuill, and wondring to see his house at such an vnreasonable houre beset with troopes, entred.

Consider, friend Gerardo, my feare as soone as I beganne to heare his voice; yet Siluia (though the suddennesse ama­zed her) cunningly dissembling her distaste, and giuing him notice of what passed, brought him leisurely on into the roome, where I was, not dreaming till then of this second traunce. And certainly, had not shee by her purposed dis­course giuen me a lowd warning, I had beene discouered, and both of vs ruined: for (ignorant of what passed) I was gotten more then halfe way downe, vvhen, taking notice of the present danger, not without infinit paine I turned back [Page 327] againe; and had much adoo (considering my fright) to keepe my selfe from falling. Her Husband with much per­swasion satisfied (for the rudenesse of the Officers much troubled him) by reason of his weary iourney, would needs goe to bed; but the seruants that came with him, called for their Supper. Siluia, though she were with Ascanio, hearing them, fearing (as I suppose) least they would make fire to dresse some victuals, commanded that they should haue onely cold meate to stay their stomakes till morning; but they grumbled in that sort, that, her Husband hearing the noise, gaue new order, that (considering their wearinesse) they might haue something hot; so that clapping wood to the chimney, I was instantly nothing but sparkes & smoke. This danger being almost helplesse, made me madde, and therefore I resolued vpon a desperate course, rather to cast my selfe into mine enemies hands, then to be stifled in the vn-mercifull smoke and flames; and (ready to effect it) hea­uen that had not vtterly forsaken me, permitted, that, draw­ing out my sword where I had fastned it, vsing with the sud­dennesse more strength then needed, there dropt out a huge square Bricke, insomuch, that discouering now good­ly broad Moone-light (a new remedy offered) I chang'd my purpose; and, for all the seruants below were in an vp­roare with the Bricke that fell; I beganne notwithstanding to vndoo some more, and to make way in the wall: from whence skipping vpon the Tyles, for their noise below ha­stened me (crying out, Here's the Murderer the Round sought for) I crossed from house to house, till at last, finding this window open, I cast my selfe (as you see) into your pro­tection.

Here, Gerardo hearing the end of this desperate story, with admiration and new embraces gaue thankes to the Re­ator; and incouraging his friend withall wisely (for his [Page 328] more conueniencie, and lesse danger) disswaded him from an enterprize, which, it seemed, Heauen it selfe so manifest­ly contradicted. And continuing in their Discourse til day-breake, Claudio, with good aduice, determined to returne; and so hauing escaped the danger, with Gerardo in his com­pany, they passed on to the first Village, and there friendly parted. He went toward Granada, and the same day in the afternoone, our Gerardo beeing imbarkt with fauourable wind set saile for the Straits. Much ioyed hee was, to see himselfe, after so stupendious miseries, now free and secu­red from his powerfull enemies, though the remembrance of Lisis and her disastrous end, did somthing sowre his con­tentednesse. The pittifull successe indeed deserued a farre greater resentment, and therefore (no maruell) if his ioy and griefes were thus intermingled.

In this manner, sometimes reuoluing in his sad minde an infinitie of misfortunes, and then againe, hoping that thus leauing his natiue soyle, their wofull remembrance would leaue him, Gerardo stroue to beguile the prolixe wea­rinesse of his Voyage, and the discommodities of being at Sea: and thus they launcht (beeing gotten from sight of their Port) into the maine, steering their course directly for Italy.

The Master Marriners and Passengers were all gene­rally filled with ioy, for the smooth calmnesse of the weather did almost assure them a happy passage: and so by Sunne-rise, they were gotten aboue threescore miles from the Coast.

The affaires of humane frailetie haue their ends as vn­certaine, as their stablenesse vnsure (a good fore-warning to our vaine confidence, & a true expression of the poore validitie and weake strength of mens designes.)

Gerardo well perceiued this truth, and his companions [Page 329] with him tasted of fortunes heauy indignation, feeling the power of her inconstancie: for before it was fully foure of the clocke, the ship-Boy with an out-cry from the Maine-Top had discouered fiue Sayles, and not long after, to the terrible affrightment of the hearers, he replide they were Vessels of Barbary, Frigots of that Coast. The poore Pas­sengers grew straight into a cold sweat, which, changing their bloudlesse colours into pale white, left them all e­qually amazed: but fore-warned by the certaintie of the danger, incouraging one another, and trusting to the Ships swiftnesse, with the faire winde they hoped to escape, and yet made ready for their defence.

Gerardo in this distresse made known to the whole com­pany the noblenesse of his courage, by his resolute alacri­tie. By this time the Frigots that had a pretty while giuen the Ship chase, seeing her with the windes helpe gaine of them, mad to loose their booty, and scourging the waues, with the violence and fury of their Oares, they stroue to equall their speed; but they had infallibly lost their labour, had not the winde scanted vpon the poore Ship, leauing her by that meanes quite distrest, which the others percei­uing, soone fetcht her vp, incompassing her now vvith shoutes and noise. They within her, changed their first resolution; for, seeing themselues so suddenly becalmed, and considering the aduantage of their enemies, and that, though they neuer so well defended themselues, they could not auoid either being taken or sunke, to Gerardo's great griefe, who would rather haue dyed then yeelded, they strooke saile, without expecting so much as a shotte from the Enemie: which as soon as the Pyrats perceiued, they boorded her, & dis-arming them that were a-boord, (who with Mariners and others might bee some fortie persons) they also distributed them to their seueral Vessels, [Page 330] and now, wonderfully gladded with their prize, towing her on with two of their Frigots they made for Barbary. The fiue Vessels had each of them foure and twenty Oares on a side: two of them belonged to one Ferru a Turke by Nation, and the rest to Ali Mami a Renegate Greeke: who (besides the present booty) had in this Voy­age mett with many more of goods and Prisoners on the coast of Spaine, whom, in respect there wanted roome vnder hatches, some of them they kept chained on one side of the sterne: these were Gerardo and some fiue or sixe more, to whose lots it fell, to bee in the selfe-same Frigot where Ferru vvent, who, seeing Gerardo's goodly presence, (besides his being well clad) questioned much with him, till such time as hee was interrupted by a sudden balling noise which the Turks and Moores made, crying out that the Christian Rowers were vp in Armes, and meant to force away the Frigot. Ferru himselfe all in a fright, pre­sently sought to appease the tumult, frō whose beginning resulted the pitifull successe you straight shall heare: which (the better to expresse, and the barbarous cruelty of those impious Infidels, because it is the first torment that in this captiuitie afflicted the good Gerardo's heart) I will particu­larly set down the beginning and motiue of it. The Barba­rians for ioy of their Prize, had licensed the poore Chri­stian Slaues to rest, as hauing been wearied with their con­tinuall former rowing; especially, with the last spell to o­uertake the Ship: and being in this quietnesse, a Christian found, that one of two Turbants was missing, which a­mongst other things were committed to his charge (as the manner is) that the Turkes euer vse to commit their things to the custody of such Christians as row at the Oar [...] where they sit:) wherfore the poore man much troubled, for feare lest the Turke would baste him, sought vp and [Page 331] downe euery where to find it, but all in vaine: his feare in­creasing, he desired some fellowes of his, that rowed neere him at the same Oare, that giuing the word, they would al­so passe frō one to another the Turbant that remained, to see if any had found the other which was lost; & doing this simply without any ill intent, one of the Renegates noted it, and giuing notice to the Turkes and Moores, vvith the suspition and doubt it caused, they beganne to cry out. The Christians rose, and that the Turbant vvhich passed from hand to hand, vvas the counter-signe of their intent: the rest vvere in such an vproare, that they forced Ferr [...] in a hurrie, vvithout expecting any further discharge vvhich the Christians offered to giue, to haue them punished; and therefore like so many rauenous Woolues, they set vpon him that sought for the Turbant, stripping him, and bin­ding his hands, and tying a huge stone at his feet, and him at the Maine-yard, snatched vp by a Pully, they so cruelly racked him, that his very sinewes were plucked from his limbes, and his bones broken, and the poore soule left euen for dead: though in all his paine the Christian was so ho­nest and constant, that for all the demands they made tou­ching the Authours or Conspiracie, they neuer could get other from him then the truth, rather faithfully calling on Heauens fauour, he freely and boldly said, they were base­ly and maliciously accused: yet all would not serue to molli­fie the obdurate hearts of these bloody miscreants; and so they caused the rest of the captiue slaues to be stripped, and stretcht from Poope to Prow, cruelly whipped; but when fresh Executioners were ready to haue renued the fearefull sacrifice, a Turke looking by chance into his bundle of Clothes, found the Turbant which the miserable Captiue sought for: whereupon perceiuing the innocencie of the Christians, crying out to loose them, hee stept in, and told [Page 332] the occasion; declaring, that neither he whom they had first racked, nor any of the rest were in any fault at all: and so with much adoo, by these and the like reasons, which made ignorance appeare in the one, and no purpose of commo­tion in the other, he appeased his angrie companions, who had well-nigh with stripes and lashes torne the miserable Christians.

A sad and horrid spectacle indeed, worthy of more then humane commiseration, vvhich vvrought in Gerardo's ten­der heart so sad an effect, that vnable to refraine, the trick­ling teares dropped downe his manly cheekes, his coura­gious spirits drooping, to see himselfe in the power of such barbarous enemies. The ship vvas towed still on by the Frigots, that were garnisht and set out with their Banners, Flags, and little Streamers; and so they steered towards the Cittie of Argiers, vvhere the next day they easily arriued; and scarce had their cutting Prowes toucht in the quiet har­bour, when opening, and lifting vp their hatches, they be­gan to discouer a great number of captiues taken from sun­dry Parts and Prouinces, of both Sexes, all ages. Our sor­rowfull Gerardo was with the discomfortable sight strange­ly daunted, and the more, when hee might see the poore creatures runne to imbrace each other with weeping eyes; for hauing beene vnder Decke, and in seuerall Vessels, they had not, since the time of their beeing taken till now, spo­ken to one another; and now astonisht and bereaued of their sences, to see such multitudes of Turkes, and Moores, as ranne to the Wharfe to view them, their grones began afresh, and Gerardo's dolefull resentment to increase, by see­ing the diuision that was made in the midst of the harbor, separating children from parents, parents from their chil­dren; brothers and sisters rent from each others embraces. Here, the afflicted wife sends foorth a sigh parted from her [Page 333] vnfortunate husband; there, the disconsolate mother, em­bracing her little chickes; (so much the more vvretched, by not apprehending their owne vvretchednesse) some han­ging at her amorous brests, others at her armes, the rest (poore fooles) tyed to her coates, vvho lowdly crying out, and bestowing her last farewell-kisses vpon those deare pled­ges of her intrails, beholds them, vvithout all pittie, lesse hope of remedie, snatcht from her eyes, she remaining like a sencelesse Statue, condemned as it vvere, for euer seeing, neuer to enioy againe those sweet comforts of her life. A­mongst the rest, Gerardo expected vvhen his turne would come to be disposed of: but not long after in the diuision, he fell to Ferru his share; so to his great griefe and discom­fort, he vvas conueyed, vvith others that fell to the Turkes lot, home to his house.

His manly presence had much pleased his barbarous Owner, who promising to himselfe, that Gerardo must needes be some person of qualitie, hee made sure also of a large Ransome, at least a good Composition; for the best part of their gaine consisting in Prisoners, the Turkes of small matters make mountaines, boasting (though they know the contrarie) that their Prisoner is some Prince or Lord: so, they that buy a Slaue of them, first informe them­selues what he is; and though some pre instructed, conceale their condition, yet it little auailes them: for inquiring, if the day they were taken, they were well clad, let them bee otherwise neuer so truly informed, they straight baptize them for Titular persons: and the ill lucke is, that so a poore Cobler, if he were but indifferently clothed at his beeing taken, passeth for such: and straight-way they call him, tell him, they are well inough informed of his qualitie, and know him to be Brother or Kinsman to such a Duke, Mar­quesse or Earle, (which comes first into their heads) and [Page 334] that therefore 'tis bootlesse to deny it; which done, they presently clappe a strong Chaine, or Shackles vpon him, in such manner that he can scarce stirre. And if, seeing him­selfe in this extremitie, the poore slaue make answere, pro­testing they are deceiued or mis-informed, it nothing hel­peth; for they, still obstinate, will haue them to bee such as they fancie them, whereby many are for euer depriued of libertie, wanting meanes or ability to pay the price of the others vaine estimation: in which these Barbarians many times settled, are not ashamed also to send young Youthes to Constantinople, presenting such to the Grand Signior and his Basha's, or other Viceroys, and great Potentates in those remote parts, giuing out, that they are the children of great Personages, and such as will bring huge Ransomes. Thus it happened in the time of Gerardo's C [...]ptiuity with three poore Souldiers, who taken prisoners in certaine Vessels of Ragusa, and comming into the Viceroy of Argiers his hands, the one a Spaniard, and the other two Flemmings, he sent them to the Turkes Generall his Patron, with the titles of great Personages: but the ieast beeing by him dis­couered, he caused them to be sent backe againe to Argiers, writing ioyntly to the Viceroy, that since those Gentlemen were so noble, and their Ransomes like to be so great, hee should suffer them to be redeemed, and send him the mo­nie; (a tricke, that for a long time after much disgraced and shamed the poore Viceroy:) but with many other Cap­tiues it falles out lesse happily, since with this tyrannous va­nitie, they are oftentimes perpetually banisht from their na­tiue Countries: for hauing once such titles bestowed on them, they are kept vp close in their Bathes, Prisons, or Towers of the Blacke-Sea, from whence they neuer come out againe; rather, baited with the intolerable waight of their Chaines, hunger, miserie, and deadly stench, and [Page 335] where none can know or relieue them, they end their sad and loathed liues.

Gerardo passed not this ill fortune yet, though in part, he had some taste of the vnsauourie afflictions, that in such oc­casions oft torment a noble and generous spirit: for in the night of that bitter day, he was equally shut vp with his o­ther companions in a dismall obscure Dungeon, in which, he till next morning remained, accompanied aswell by vn­cleane and nastie creatures, as sad and lamentable cares: now considering with what barbarous rigour he beganne to to be treated, and then acknowledging, that if hee should make knowne what he was, the price of his Ransome would be so enhaunced, as should bee impossible for him euer to procure it: so that determining till some happier time, to dissemble and conceale what he was, in the midst of these afflicting cogitations, the Dungeon was opened, and hee (remooued) carried to the presence of his new Master; whom he found dressing himselfe, in certaine spatious vp­per Roomes, but void of any furniture or houshold-stuffe; for euen the best and richest of those Barbarians neuer vse any; all their mooueables and ornaments, consisting onely in a Bed, with two or three hard Quilts, foure Sheetes, two Blankets, two or three Cushions, and three or foure Shirts a man, with as many paires of linnen Breeches, a couple of Towels, three Handkerchiefes, a Carpet or two, and as many Mattes to sit downe, lie or eate on; a couple of Tur­bants the men, and as many Coyfes after their fashion the women: and with some scrappes and pieces of different colour'd Silkes, the Roomes are hang'd, where they ordi­narily sit vpon two Cushions. This (as I say) belongs only to the best and richest of them; for, for the rest, there needs no longer description, then, that most penuriously base, they liue promiscuously like beasts.

[Page 336] Gerardo here making a low obeysance to his Master, stan­ding aloofe, expected his pleasure, by whom hee was pre­sently in reasonable good Spanish demanded, who and vvhence hee vvas, adding vvithall this following speech: Christian, from the very houre that thou wast taken, I had a purpose (thy presence liking mee) to haue thee for my Slaue, though (for the effecting my desire) I vvas, in ex­change, forced to forgoe two others for thee; in vvhich, I suppose, I haue not done amisse; for if thy gentle presence, and good Clothes deceiue me not, thou art (doubtlesse) a Gentleman of vvoorth: if so, 'tis in vaine to deny it, for be­sides the incurring my iust displeasure, thou vvilt also be the cause of thine owne ruine, by beeing either bound at an Oare, or put to some other most laborious toyle. This I am willing to make knowne vnto thee, because, knowing my mind, thou maist also procure thine owne good and Ran­some accordingly: I say accordingly, for I am not ignorant of thy qualitie, and the Maile that was found with thee in the shippe, as the Master of her, and some of thine owne companie confessed, vvas of good value in Iewels and Ap­parell, vvhich clearely testifie the truth. Besides, diuers let­ters and papers found in the same, not onely declare thee to be a Gentleman vvell descended, but likewise thy name, calling thee, The Spanish Gerardo.

Here Ferru ceased, and our sad Gentleman much won­dred at his strange and craftie diligence, and therefore see­ing how bootlesse it vvas to deny himself, he neither would, nor durst conceale the truth, though (disguizing it all hee might) informing his Owner largely of his life, and long imprisonment, he told him also, that by meanes of that, he and his kindred were vtterly impouerished; but in conclu­sion, put him in hope, that if he would be pleased to come to reasonable agreement, he could make meanes in Spaine [Page 337] for his ransome; at vvhich the Turke much pleased, looking more cheerefully vpon him, replied, that hee vvas glad of his resolution, and that they would not disagree of price; and so causing a great vvhite loafe to be brought out, with some fruites, and hony cakes, he bad him fall to: and com­manded also, that two of the oldest Captiues should goe abroad with him into the Cittie, to see it and recreate him­selfe. Gerardo vvondred not a little at his new entertaine­ment, vvhich seeming to him (by what he had heard) very vnusuall amongst those Infidels, hee could not but in his mind render thankes to high Heauen: and much more might he haue wondred at this singular proceeding, had he knowne by what meanes the higher Powers guided his af­faires, and the manner how his Owners brutish and cruell mind, vvith such contrary testimonies of his bloody na­ture, vvas made thus tractably propitious. The barbarous Pirate had, in diuers Dungeons, Bathes, and places of Til­lage, aboue three hundred Christians, and within the house where he liued, almost an hundred more; who hea­ring of Gerardo's courteous vsage, incompassing him round, thought they could neuer haue sight enough of him, nor time to demand the cause of this noueltie. For they who had a long time beene subiect to his more tyrannous con­dition, could not but thinke in what he now did, there was some particular mysterie.

These and other extremes pondered those poore soules, as they gazed vpon the afflicted Gentleman, and not with­out cause; for none of them (doubtlesse) had receiued, not onely no such fauours, but, not a word that sauoured of the least humanitie from his vnhallowed lippes: nor was he ac­customed to make knowne at all, to the partie hee would haue ransomed, his pleasure: they rather seeme to faine an vnwillingnesse, to the intent there may bee intercession [Page 338] made, and so they more largely enhaunce the price; which if the parties accept not, or flie backe from their promise, they double their Chaines and Yrons, increasing more and more their torments and miseries.

So that, they thought this proceeding quite contrary to their Masters fell disposition, and therefore their admira­tion was not to be wondred at, which might very well too, be so much the more, when they vnderstood, he had a rea­sonable handsome Chamber furnished to his mind, ap­pointed for his Lodging.

The next day after dinner, Ferru commanded two Chri­stians to goe out with Gerardo, and shew him the most re­markeable things of the Citie, and causing likewise his Bolts to be knockt off, he made him put on some of the Clothes which had beene formerly taken from him; this, increasing in his poore companions their former astonishment, the least they could coniecture, was, that the Turke enamour'd on his goodly presence, would with that gentle vsage dis­swade him from the Christian Faith, that so he might turne Infidell: but others of more settlednesse, remitted all to the successe of Time. Gerardo, not a little comforted with these fauours, went ioyfully out with his two new companions to see the Cittie; of which (hauing precisely viewed and ob­serued it) he might easily in his remembrance set downe a briefe and exact description, aswell of the forme, situation, and edifices, as Inhabitants, their habits, and the Strangers of different Nations; which for the Readers more delight­full varietie, I haue thought fit, not to passe ouer in silence.

The City of Argiers being the chiefest, and of most fame in all Barbary, hath in it some thirteene thousand houses, in­closed with a strong wal, and is in manner of a strung Cros­bow. The Fore-front, Harbor, Turrets, and Galleries stand exposed to the North-wind. The hinder-parts (which make [Page 339] the aforesaid Bow) ioyne to a huge hill, partly steepe, part otherwise; in such sort, that, as the houses are built in as­cents, they stand so one aboue the other, that the first, though spatious and high, hinders not the prospect of the rest, the latter.

The lowermost part of the Cittie becomes the String of this Bow, which stands so neere to the Sea, that the waues furiously beat against the Walles.

There reacheth naturally from thence a long necke of Land into the Sea, vvhich inuited Cairadin Barbarossa, to build a Harbour there, to make the hauen more secure, and ioyne to it a little Island neere the Cittie, vvith a goodly Rampire.

The whole Circuit is of most strong Lime and Stone, and (after the ancient manner) battlemented, and in height it hath some thirtie handfuls, yet towards the Sea (as being founded vpon high Rockes) it is much higher. In thicke­nesse it may be some three yards and a halfe; and besides, vpon the Rampire, that cuttes off the distance from the Cittie to the Island, there is another strong Curtaine of a Wall about some three hundred paces in length. This Counter-circuit was built, to resist the swelling furie of the deuouring waues, vvhich beate terribly on that side, when the West, and North-west windes doe blow: to the intent also, that they hinder not those passengers that walke vpon the secure Wharfe.

The Cittie hath nine goodly Gates to it, and vpon them and the rest of the Wall, Watch-towers and Bulwarkes, in which there is vsually great Artillerie, though the chiefe defence relies not on them, but consists most in three For­tresses, which the Turkes haue made: the first, neere the Gate called Babaluete, founded by Vthali: the second, vpon a little raised Mount neere the Castle, made by Mahamet [Page 340] Basha: and the third and last, neere the very self-same place, where that renowned Prince and Emperour Charles the fift in his vnluckie enterprize, pitcht his Royall Pauillion, at what time he layd siege to that denne of Rascals; a siege (though memorable) vnfortunate for the successe.

Within the Cittie, all the houses, poore and rich, one with another, may containe vpon the aforesaid number: for, though the circuit bee not very spatious, and that no house hath passing one court to it, yet the streetes are so streight and narrow, that a man on horse-backe can hardly passe them, or for two a-breadth on foote it is vnpossible: except in the Market-place, the principall street called the Coco, that thwarts the whole Cittie.

In fine, the whole and all of it lies so compactly close, and in-wouen together, that it rather appeares a confused Maze, then humane habitation. They haue neither Bay­window, or any other that lookes into the street: for their ielousie ouer their wiues and daughters permit not the vse of such.

The Inhabitants are Turkes, Moores, Renegates, Iewes, besides the greatest part, Christian captiues, which are sometimes (a strange number) neere fiue and twenty thou­sand persons.

The naturall Inhabitants, are, some of a reasonable good complexion, but the most swartie, all passing well fauour'd. The vvomen are generally white, and many of them braue and very handsome; all of them clothing themselues (accor­ding to their calling, or indeed rather, their abilities) som­times in died Linnen, cloth of seuerall colours, Silkes and Taffeta's, and otherwhiles in Damaske or Veluets. All which, when Gerardo sawe, together with an innumerable number of poore Christian slaues, that dragging their long Chaines after them, and busied in base drudgeries, couered [Page 341] the very streetes and Gates, his heart could not but yerne, considering how God, for our sinnes, had so long permit­ted that Nest and Sanctuary for Pyrates, from whom Chri­stendome hath, and daily doth receiue so continuall dam­mages.

In all former Ages, Africa, the Worlds third part, where this barbarous place lies, hath beene (as all Writers testi­fie) taxed of periurie and basenesse. And the reason is, be­cause the property of the Climate, and natiue condition of the Soyle is such, that it seemes to haue no other vertue more essentiall, then to produce wild Beasts, frightfull Monsters, pestilentiall Serpents, deadly and effectuall poy­sons; and by reason the Ayre here was so vnwholesome, Lu­can counsels men to liue farre enough from such a Coun­trey, vvhere the drowzie Aspis, the inconstant Chersidros, the spotted Cenchris, the sandie Amodites, the dis-ioynted Cerastes, the drie Dipsas, the Scitalis that casts her skinne in Winter, the heauie double-headed Amphisbaena, the great and venimous Dragons; and lastly, the murdering Basilisk, King and Monarch of those fearefull and frightfull Gob­lins, were not ingendred, but to the destruction of man­kinde.

So that, of necessitie, men borne vnder such a Constel­lation, and participating of the qualities, must needes bee barbarous, rude, discourteous, inhumane, and consequent­ly, they who haue to doe with them, miserable and wret­ched; and not such alone, but their seruants and poore slaues, aboue all others most vnfortunate. Wherefore, no resentment might seeme exorbitant in our sad Gentleman, considering himselfe now gotten into their clutches. The two captiues his Guides, were in some comfort, and Gerar­do, to sute with their good courage, dissembled all he could his owne sad disquietnesse, by diuerting himselfe with the [Page 342] different fashions, shapes and seuerall complexions, that, at each steppe of his, were to his eyes presented: till com­ming to the Market-place (the Cities chiefe street) in midst of it, he might see certaine smooth stones, all coue­red and spotted with fresh bloud; at which, amazed, he asked one of his companions if▪ he knew the reason: who, not without aboundance of teares, made answere; That, not passing three dayes since, the Viceroy of Arg [...]ers had commanded a valiant Christian, by Nation a Spaniard, by Country and Birth of Castile, and Toledo, to be dragged at a wilde Horses tayle, and afterwards put to the horriblest death, that barbarous fury could inuent; such, as his inhu­manitie will neuer be forgotten, as long as there is an eye­witnesse, or an eare to heare it left.

The compassionate Gerardo was strooke dumbe with this dolefull Preface; and at last infinitely desired to heare the whole Story; and (if it might not bee too trou­blesome to them) the Originall occasion of this bloudy spectacle. Al which, both his Companions equally willing to satisfie, that it might the safelier be done, they thought good to retire themselues into the fields, which they soon did; and sitting them downe vpon a hard Rocke, hee that first gaue notice of the Tragedy, began thus to make his Relation.

I would not, worthy Countri-man, that your selfe or any other that shall heare this wofull Story from my mouth, should owe the least thankes to my slender paines in reci­ting it; since the cause and motiue of recounting, must be to me sufficient satisfaction; which is, the exalting Gods glory, and his inscrutable Iudgements, which, in the deeds and actions of this most happy, most excellent Martyr, seem with particular admiration to shine bright: whom, hauing first, by incredible meanes deliuered from many mortall [Page 343] dangers, in which he might haue been irremediably ruin'd, at last he brought him to this happy end, and to the greater aduancement of our faith, and reproach of Moorisme, his diuine Maiestie permitted, that in this rare man should bee ioyntly seene the Constancie and Valour of all the anci­ent Martyrs, the contempt of temporall riches, of life, which naturally wee so much desire to nourish and con­serue.

In the yeere sixe hundreth and three, this valiant famous Toledanian was taken Prisoner by Iafer Basha, Vice-roy of this Citie, his name was Fernando Palomeque, who came to his slauerie in this insuing manner.

To begin first necessarily with his life, he was, in his yon­ger dayes, guiltie of the death of a certaine Officer of Iu­stice in Toledo, that for some disorderous ryot would haue apprehended him and others: but himselfe, knowing his companions were taken, and willing to escape the danger, retired secretly into the Kingdome of Valencia, where, ha­uing liued some yeeres (age and change of manners com­ming vpon him) an occasion offered, he married neere the Sea side, and with some small wealth hee had in portion with his Wife shortly after, set out a Brigantine Vessell with fourteene Oares to a side, to Sea, which (manned with tall fellowes that had long been vsed to Roue vpon seuerall Coasts) held her course for Barbary, and all that Coast o­uer he vsed to doe notable hurt to the Moores, bringing home with him diuers booties and Prisoners, so that in time, the valorous Palomeque grew to be so couragiously ha­zardous, that landing often at this Port, he would march vp to the very gates: and from thence carry away the Moorish Pesants, that (as their manner is) draw thither to rest more securely vnder shelter of the Courts of Guard, and some­times hee would leaue his Dagger sticking in the gate, cal­led [Page 344] Babaluete (which looked towards the Harbour) and the Turkes in the morning finding it without farther enquirie, soone presumed whose doing it was: such was the opinion they had of his valiant courage, which made his name ter­rible ouer all that Coast; insomuch that the Moorish wo­men, when they would still and quiet their little ones, vsed in their language to cry out vnto them, Accute, caychi Palo­meque, that is, Peace, or Palomeque will come.

Proceeding thus in this Rouing Trade in the beginning of the aforesaid yeere (beeing winter time) hee left the Wharfe of Valencia, hauing now also another Brigantine, which, by meanes of his gaines by seuerall booties gotten, hee had with valiant Souldiers manned out; and now hee began to plot and lay about with himselfe, how hee might performe in this Voyage some notable stratagem: and with that intent lanching into the deepe, and (supposing, like one cunning in the Trade, that Winter being now so farre entred, all the shipping of Argiers would bee in close Har­bour) hauing the wind fauourable, and not passing two hun­dreth and fifty miles from Valencia hither, in lesse then two dayes hee got sight of Barbary, where one night about a League to the westward of this Citie, hee tooke a Moore, who told him, that most of the Pyrats Vessels were in the Harbour vnrigged, as well of their Frigots, as Brigantines; wherefore, Palomeque, thinking it very facile for him to effect his designe (which was, to enter the Port and fire the secure Vessels) without more delay, taking his trusty com­panions aside, he made knowne vnto them his intent, and finding their willingnesse answerable, by midnight (that being the fittest season) he set the Prowes of his Vessels to Argires, and vn-perceiued, boldly entred the Port, inso­much, that he presently grappled with the enemies Frigots, amongst a world of Turkish Shippes hard by at Anchor: [Page 345] And (his companions instructed) their order was this:

Pernando had charged all his Souldiers, that they should be very circumspect in casting fire into all the Shipping; to which purpose, he deliuered them store of wilde-fire balles, and other such materials, of which he was plentifully pro­uided; and himselfe, whilst this was effecting, leaping on shore, would goe to the Bulwarke or Citties Gate towards the Sea-side, on which (as a token of his valour) he would (according to his custome) fasten his Ponyard, but not without much hazzard, in respect, that the Turkes kept Watch and Ward all night long, as well in the Harbour which he was to crosse ouer, as at the Bulwarke and Gate, whither he meant to goe.

With this resolution, the valiant Toledanian got on shore, and marching boldly on to the place, strooke his Dagger in three seuerall times, leauing it at last fastned in the nailed Boords. In the meane time his companions with all the speed and cunning they could, cast their wilde-fire into the Turkish Ships; but such was their ill lucke, that (doe what they could) the fire would neuer once take hold: vvhich when the inraged Christians saw, some of them leapt a­boord the Frigots, doing all they might to burne them; and beeing (though to small purpose) busie in this worke, the Turkish Guard about the Harbour and Bulwarkes, as also some Moores that lay a-boord the seuerall Vessels, awoke, and tooke notice of the Christians and their intent, which made them cry out to those within the Citie, whereby, in an instant, both within and without, there arose a terrible noise and vproare. By this time Palomeque was comming backe from the gate, and hearing the Turkes and Moores in alarme, running in to his Souldiers, hee began to encou­rage them not to desist from the commenced enterprize, and giue fire againe; which, notwithstanding, to their com­mon [Page 346] amazement, would neuer burne; wherefore he, mad with what he saw, not fearing the infinit numbers of Barba­rians that stood before him, with his sword in hand made way, casting himselfe amongst the formost, and satisfying his anger with the deaths of some two or three of the Watch-men, he got safely aboord his owne Brigantines; and seeing the Moores now flocking together from all parts, hee commanded his men to weigh Anchor and to Sea. In this manner got Palomeque out of the Port, and his men tugged as fast as they could at their Oares; but he himselfe was so sadde and pensatiue, that, after he had gone fifty miles, hee vvas vpon resoluing (as hee told vs since) to returne, within three dayes againe to his enter­prize.

Whilst these things passed, the Viceroy had notice of the successe; and therefore (though it were night) he wil­led that fiue of his best Captaines should come to him: whom he presently commanded, that they should with all speed, disperse themselues seuerall wayes in pursuite of the Brigantines, and though they rowed themselues to death, not returne without them. The fiue Masters hauing heard the Viceroys pleasure, were willing to effect his desire: and so, suddenly manning their Gallies, one of them held his course Eastward, and the other West: two others North; and the last Greeke No-North-East. And hauing lustie Rowers, and a strong desire to ouertake the Christians, they droue amaine. The Pyrats that went Northward directly for Valencia, rowed so fiercely, that, the next mor­ning before noone, they descried the two Brigantines, that had now also kenned the Gallies: and suspecting the worst, began to fly, and the Turks to giue them chase aboue for­ty miles; till at length, the Gallies hauing too great an ad­uantage, ouertooke the hindermost, in which our valiant [Page 347] Spaniard went; which, beeing boorded, but not without many wounds, deaths and braue resistance, was at length taken, and the men in her, Prisoners, whilst the other in the meane time escaped.

The Turkes were not a little glad of the good successe, and so much the more, when by the Christians they vn­derstood the famous Palomeque to be one of them, and al­so the intent of his Voyage: wherefore with wonderfull reioycing they came back to this Citie; vvhere they were no sooner landed, when (his Captiuitie being knowne) all the Harbour and Sea-shore vvas couered with Turkes, Moores and Renegates, desirous to see vvith their eyes, him, vvhom formerly they so much feared in their hearts. The Viceroy was exceedingly gladded, and thanking the Masters, for hauing so well discharged his commands, hee willed that Palomeque should be carried to his Bathes, and there placed vvith the rest of his Slaues, whither by next day a huge rabble of Moorish boyes were gotten toge­ther to behold (as a Prodigie) the distressed Palomeque tyed with a long Chaine, and marked in the face for a Slaue.

The Viceroy longed for examples sake to performe some notable piece of Iustice vpon him, and so, without deferring his purpose, commanded, that setting vp a Gal­lowes in the place where the Spaniard was landed, hee should bee taken, and as chiefe Ring-leader of such bold enterprizes, bee hung by the heeles at a Tenter-hooke, till with that miserable torment he dyed.

This barbarous intent was euen ready (to the whole Cities reioycing that went out to see it) to be put in execu­tion; but Heauen, that had not yet determined the happy accomplishment of his martyrdome, permitted, that (com­ming to notice of some of the Captaine Pyrats, how hee [Page 348] should be put to death) they thinking it too great a cruel­ty, and consulting amongst themselues, they resolued to present their supplication to the Viceroy, and desire him to reuoke the sentence: and amongst many forcible rea­sons they alledged, the chiefest was, the custome of good Warre, to procure what spoile they could to an enemy, in goods, lands, or shipping: but not to punish the persons with death: and the former they did, as, likewise the Chri­stians to them, by destroying and pillaging all that came in their wayes: but such cruelty, they said, was vnfitting; for that haply the Spaniard might requite them in the like kinde, if they (as it was likely enough) should at any time be taken Prisoners: and they that insisted most vpon this, were the two that had taken him: wherefore the Viceroy, much against his will, was forced to giue order for vn-hanging him, and (hauing remained so a long houre) to be returned to his bathes to the rest of the Cap­tiues, by whom he was most louingly comforted, and by a very good Surgeon then amongst them, cured.

A long time after his recouerie hee remained in this Captiuitie, the Viceroy not once offering to treat of his Ransome; though, diuers, at Palomeques instance and in­treatie proposed it: but hee to auoid those frequent per­swasions, towards the end of his Gouernment, in ex­change of other Slaues and handsome Youths, which hee hearkened after to present to the Grand Signiors Fauou­rites, gaue him to one of the Gouernours of Tremesin; to which place Palomeque was shortly after (to his no small griefe) carried: and now all his meanes being gone by the losse of his Brigantines, he was vtterly destitute of all his hope; which yet at Argiers he had, that by helpe of the Trinitarian Friers, who collect and carry charitable Ran­somes for diuers Captiues, as also by the goodnesse of [Page 349] some other Christian Merchants trading in those parts, his libertie might be effected: but wanting both these in Tremesine, he altogether despaired of remedy; besides, his misery was more increased; for his present Master, no sooner had notice of the Viceroy his leauing Argiers (for feare of whom he durst not sell him) when, he caused him to leade the wofullest life that was possible, all to the in­tent that the poore man should procure him a round ran­some, beeing impossible for him to effect, as you haue heard. In fine, seeing himselfe so strangely afflicted, and misse-vsed by his cruell Owner, he was forced to demaund of him, in how much hee esteemed the price of his liberty; telling him withall, that though himselfe were extremely poore and wretched; yet, if his demand vvere any thing reasonable, he vvould write to some friends at Argiers and others in Spaine to relieue him; which, when the Barbarian heard, he made knowne vnto him, that hee esteemed his ransome at two hundreth Ducats, which hee would haue paid downe vpon the naile (threatning a most horrible death withall vnto him, if hee did not speedily prouide the aforesaid summe:) Whereupon the poore Captiue, not daring to reply, thought vpon some meanes for his liberty, and to this purpose, wrote to many Christian Merchants, as also to the Bathes and Captiues of Argiers, in which, for his great Valour, he was well knowne and esteemed, giuing them particular account of the infinit miseries he endured, and requesting them for his ransome: so that at last, against all expectation, the redeeming Friers helping, the two hundreth Ducats were sent him, vvhich hee forthwith de­liuered to his curst Patron; who very leisurely fell to tel­ling the money, and hauing done, without a word spoken, laid hold vpon a knotty Truncheon, & catching the poore Slaue by the Collar, gaue him diuers bangs, crying out as [Page 350] then, Traitor, Dogge; Is this all I asked for thy Ransome? To this the miserable Christian, not a little afflicted, made answere: Why, Sir, are not the whole two hundreth there? perhaps, there may two or three be wanting. Good Ma­ster, be not angry for so small a summe, since it shall goe hard, but I will make them vp. Whereto the Infidell stri­king him a-fresh with the Truncheon, replide; Dogge, I demanded no lesse then two hundreth and fifty; which when Palomeque heard, and perceiuing withall the Barbari­ans villany, he was glad to write againe in the same stile for the other fifty, that were wanting, which, being not long af­ter remitted vnto him, most iocund now, as thinking the mi­series of this captiuitie might haue end, hee presented them to his Patron, which was no sooner done, when, that In­fernall Monster, caught hold on him againe, and with blowes and buffets most shamefully intreated him, saying, he was to giue him two hundreth and fourescore Ducats, or he should dye for it.

What should the vnfortunate man doe in this case? see­ing himselfe so causelessely tormented; and on the other side, considering, that, that cruell beast had neither word, nor honesty to rely on? Poore soule! hee accused his hard fortune, bewailed his misery, importuned Heauen, melted himselfe to sighes and teares, and wounded the very aire with sad grones: but seeing there was no other remedy, he durst not resist the infamous minde of his barbarous Ma­ster; and, so, re-soliciting his charitable benefactors, by gi­uing them to vnderstand of his strange misfortunes, he so mooued some of their hearts to compassion, that, in a short time they furnished him with the thirty Ducats that were yet behind: and, so, carrying them to the Gouernor, he desi­red, that his Letter of freedome might be drawne, since he had now gotten him the rest of his money.

[Page 351] Who could haue thought, but that all was here ended, and that the Barbarian was throughly satisfied? but nothing lesse: he rather (shamelesse) tels him, he must make vp the price of his Ransome, to iust three hundred Ducats; for that he, vvho could so speedily find two hundred and four­score, might easily procure the rest. And to force him to this, sweares by his Prophet, that if he did not comply, he vvould burne him aliue. When the valiant Palomeque had heard out this incredible wickednesse, and that the inhu­mane Rogue, had neither feare of God, faith nor reason, considering also how much paines and shame that money had already cost him; that, with the importunitie of his strange, seuerall new demands, hee had vvearied all his Christian friends; and that now no place vvas left from vvhence to expect further remedie, (his patience quite gi­uing him ouer, and his loathed life growne desperate) in an instant he ran to a sword, vvhich hung in the Chamber where they vvere, and clozing with his Patron, thrust him (vnable to defend himselfe) so often thorow the bodie, that he tumbled to the ground; and there, cutting and hacking him, at euery blow vvith furious indignation repeates, There, Dogge, take and satisfie thy insatiable auarice of money.

There were present towards night when this vvas done, two of the Gouernours Renegate Boyes, (or Ingles rather) each being about a sixteene yeeres of age. These, when they saw their Master thus slaine, began to enforce their cries, but Palomeque quickly ouertooke one of them and slue him, the other vvas too nimble for him, who had now raised the neighbours well-nigh, so that Palomeque seeing his danger, was faine (the best he could) to shift for himselfe, and vvan­ting no courage, vvith crossing three or foure Lanes, tho­row an open Gate in one of them, hee got into the fields, [Page 352] and running vp and downe there, at length (vnespied) hee made to the chiefe Gouernours Garden, in which he knew a captiue Countriman of his serued as Gardiner. To him then Palomeque addressing himselfe, made knowne his di­stresse, and considering how strict a search vvould be made for him, by mutuall aduice of both it was agreed, that Palo­meque should be locked into a Vault, vvhich stood in a se­cret part of the Garden, where for his safety hee remained fifteene dayes, without comming day or night out of that dismall obscuritie, till at last hoping the worst was past, hee determined to flie by land to Oran, a Garrison towne in Barbary belonging to the King of Spaine. To this resolu­tion, though full of danger, (as being his last refuge) he was forced; and such was his ill fortune, that the second day of his trauell, before he was aware, hee lighted vpon certaine wilde Alarbes Cottages, and perceiuing his danger, about to haue retired; they seeing him, and he defending himselfe, and withall offending those which followed him, vnable long to resist their violence, especially by beeing ouertur­ned by a horseman, that pittifully rode ouer him and brui­sed his face; and wounded in his body, with some Arrow­shots, hee was forced to yeeld. Not many daies after the misfortune, this Arabian, whose prisoner our Palomeque was, comming to the Port of Sargel, a towne not passing twenty Leagues to the Westward of this; he sold him to a Tagarin, or Moriscan Pyrate of Andaluzia, who straight set him to the Oare, with the rest of the Christian captiues that were in his Frigot, where (though his face was bruised, and hee disfigured) yet hee was by many knowne, who had beene formerly acquainted with him in this Cittie; where the oc­casion of his flight was by this time diuulged. Well knew the sorrowfull Palomeque the danger he was in, and therfore very sad and pensatiue, not knowing what course to take, [Page 353] he iustly feared, that if the Frigot went to Argiers, he should there be put to death: which made him resolue to set vp his rest vpon his valour and industry, either nobly to die, or brauely to escape.

It seemed that Fortune dallying with this man, presented him with all the occasions he could wish for, that she might in the accomplishment, the better shew her wauering in­constancie; and so in midst of this troublesome confusion, she offered him this last meanes, in which he shewed to the world his couragious mind, vndaunted courage. Argiers was at this time much afraid, lest the forces of men and mu­nition, which our King Don Philip the third caused to bee in a readinesse, (for the more safe expulsion of the Moris­co's) in the most important Ports of Spaine, were meant to her; and therefore one of her Viceroys cares was, to com­maund, that all the Wheat which might bee had in the Territory, and other parts of Africa, should bee brought hither; to which effect, he sent to Sargel, giuing order to the aforesaid Tagarin, Owner of our Castilian, to repaire to the Citty of Bona for prouisions; which hee accordingly effe­cting, assoone as he came thither, landed Wheat, Butter, and other prouisions, euen till Midsummer Eue, at which time all the Turkes and Moores went on shore, each desi­rous to buy some things for his family at home, so that, not passing twelue or fourteene Souldiers left now aboord, the couragious Palomeque intimating thus much to his com­panions that carried Victuals and burdens to and fro from the Towne to the Frigot, they perceiuing the slacknesse of their Masters, began to lay hold vpon the vvondrous occa­sion that was offered, to seize the Frigot. Palomeque too so helped on, that at length they resolued at their next vnloa­ding to effect their purpose. The Christians vvere in all, of those the Viceroy sent, and those that belonged to the bar­barous [Page 354] Andaluzian, some sixty and odde persons; and being thus resolued, as they entred vvith their Clothes and Victu­als, the Steward of the Frigot, vvho vvas also one of the conspiracy, gaue them foure Turkish Semitars, which hee had kept secretly hidden; and the rest that had no swords, layd hold vpon Plankes, Billets, or any kind of Armes that came next to hand, which fury or necessity ministred to them; and this done, they as suddenly set vpon the Turkes that remained in the Frigot: Palomeque rushing amongst them, gaue one a terrible cut in the head, and hee and his companions so outragiously bestirred themselues amongst the rest, and so furiously oppressed them, that they forced foure of eight Turkes which defended the Sterne, to cast themselues ouer-boord into the Sea. They that remained fore and off, sought all they could to hinder the Christians frō cutting the Cables, in which all their hopes cosisted; for they were sure (if they could keepe the Christians from making to sea from their Anchors) their own companions would soone from Land giue them ayde: which fell out as happily for them as they could wish; since their enemies vnable to withstand, gaue leaue to the multitudes of Turks and Moores that euery way beset them, to come aboord to their fellowes; who with their shot made such a slaughter amongst the poore vnarmed, naked Christians, that hauing slaine most of them, they now entred all in at the fore-Ca­stle, which they compelled the Defendants to yeeld vp.

The Tagarin thus re-possessed of his Vessell, the first thing he did, was, to clappe such (as hee thought fit) vnder Hatches, and threatning the rest with grieuous torments, he began to inquire out the author of this rebellion, (which vnderstood by some) their base feare made them not onely confesse the truth, but desiring also to gaine their Patrons good will, they made knowne vnto him, (which they might [Page 355] well haue concealed) that the causer of this sedition, was, the famous and feared Palomeque: with which, he extreme­ly inraged, though in part well pleased to haue that partie in his power, of whom so many wished to bee reuenged, caused him to be kept in sure hold, and being arriued at Ar­giers, he gaue the Viceroy account of the vvhole successe, and the Author of it: desiring him for cloze and vp-shot of his discourse, that he vvould bee pleased to haue some exemplarie iustice inflicted vpon him. The Basha, from the first time of his arriuall from Constantinople, desired much to know Palomeque, as, beeing extraordinarie affectionate to his strange valour and courage; and so vnable to dissem­ble his longing, hee commaunded to haue him foorthwith brought to his presence, vvhere hauing vvistly eyed him, and duely considered, that if this man vvould turne Maho­metan, (besides the great good seruice he might do his Pro­phet) hee should also gaine the Grand Signior an excellent, important Souldier; after hee had a little questioned with him, he proposed at last his intent: sometimes seeking by faire meanes, and then againe by threates to reduce him to his purpose; and not onely assured him (if he would fulfill his desire) his life, but with great oathes and offers obliged himselfe, to chuse him a vvife that should bring him large possessions, vvherewith he might liue nobly, and maintaine himselfe in all plenty. To all vvhich, our honest Spaniard, with much freedome answered, That his Highnesse needed not so vainely trouble himselfe, to perswade him to so des­perate a madnesse, from the accomplishment of vvhich he was so farre, that with the trial, hee should better perceiue by his constant resolution: for that not only the riches and earthly fortunes proposed, vvere insufficient to make him forsake his Religion he professed; but from that instant also he promised to suffer for it an infinitie of Torments, death, [Page 356] and Martyrdome. But for all this answer, the Viceroys hopes, nor their perswasions present ceased not; though neither one nor other, nor the Racke set before him, vvere once able to mollifie his firmenesse, rather with an inuinci­ble courage, when they most threatned, hee (least caring) smiled: wherefore the Viceroy, as well vexed with his per­seuerance, as importuned by a great number of Turkes and Moores, that cried to haue him put to death, without more delay, caused him to be deliuered to the kindred of those that were slaine by him, that they might take what reuenge they thought fittest on him: and straight this newes was blowne throughout the whole Cittie, so that (being known who it was that should die) the streets were in a trice euen strewed with people; and the women vnaccustomed to bee seene, got to their doores, and vpon their Turrets with con­fused showtes of gladnesse to be spectators.

Whilst these things past in euery corner of the vproard Cittie, the Turkes and Moores that were with Palomeque in the Palace, wearie of reuiling, commaunded a vvild horse to be brought, and tyed him with cords to his taile: and in that manner he was dragged to the Market-place, where those dogges perceiuing, that if they passed farther on, the Prisoner dying in that torment, might escape others more cruell and bloody prepared for him, mooued with their ra­uenous desires, they made him to bee vnbound, and a base Moore, that was to be his Executioner, suddenly stepped out; who fixing on the ground a paire of Stockes neere Pa­lomeque, of some yard long, he layd hold on his left legge, and putting it thorow a hole of the logge, proceeded in his Office, saying, Faithlesse Christian, is it possible that (the Viceroy hauing pardoned thee, by offering thee life, if thou wilt turne Moore) persisting so obstinately in thine errour, thou wilt rather suffer thy selfe to be torne in pieces? Con­sider, [Page 357] wretched man, whilst yet thou hast breath, and time to repent thy folly, beseeching his Highnesse to vse his ac­customed pitty and clemencie to thee. To this not falling one iot from his high courage, with an angry tone Palome­que suddenly replied: Wretched Barbarian, thou, and all those of your damned Sect that behold me, are those that blindly erre, and are most miserable; since following the senslesse abuses of a cursed Impostor, you suffer your selues to run headlong into damnation: and therefore I neither feare the torments of so loathsome, nasty a generation, nor make any other reckoning then thou hast seene of their me­naces. Cut, diuide, teare, and dis-ioyne this wearied Trunke of mine: vvhen you haue done all, and that this fee­ble body perish by your miscreant hands; yet my soule, ne­uer forsaking her true Creator, shall mount to heauen, and his diuine goodnesse shall (I doubt not) giue mee courage and sufferance for the extremest tortures you can inflict: and with this, raising a more then manly voyce, he conclu­ded, crying out, A Christian I am, and a Christian I will dye, maugre your powers, and Hels together. No sooner had he so ended, when the mercilesse Hang-man at foure or fiue blowes cut off his stirrop legge close by the knee, and some Moores holding him from falling, gaue order to the same Barbarian, that as hee had cut off the legge in the supporting place, he should do the same to his sword-arme, seruing both members alike, vvhich had beene the cruell terrours to their nation. This was (as the former) fulfilled, and our valiant Spaniard now turned into a double Spring of blood, the griefe and torment of his dismembred corps, could not but be euen insupportable; but heauen gaue this blessed Soule strength and courage to suffer, filling with a­mazement, all the Turkes, Moores and Renegates, by whom in infinit numbers this horrible spectacle was incom­passed. [Page 358] After this, the body vnder-propped by foure per­sons, they expected till the Gibbet was set vp, where he was to bee hoysted, and fastened vpon Tenter-hookes, which was soone done, and his body caught vp in the midst by a Pully, to the highest part of the Gibbet, and being furiously let downe againe, fixed vpon the Yron hookes, which were set vpon the fearefull Engine, and so the expiring body was strooke thorow by those sharpe points: but the blessed Palomeque in midst of that dolorous Traunce, lost not the least part of his manly courage; rather, in all those cruell and fearefull torments, the marueilous splendour of his true faith, and firme affection to his Redeemer, shined more gloriously; vpon vvhom calling vvith miraculous perseue­rance, he gaue vp the ghost, after hee had remained almost foure and twenty houres in that terrible anguish, to the ge­nerall astonishment of a vvorld of barbarous Turkes and Moores present at his glorious departure. The next mor­ning vpon the Boord, to which his arme and hand was nai­led, appeared an Epitaph in Verse, written in a faire sheete of white Parchment, which beeing read by many Christi­ans, before the Moores could take that and the member downe to burne them; and my selfe hauing beene one a­mongst the rest that had a sight of it, I thinke it not amisse, for the goodnesse, to make repetition of it vnto you.

Here ceased the compassionate Christian, leauing Ge­rardo to equall pittie, but with much more admiration at the strange successe, and now before their Patron should bee at home, to finde fault with their long being abroad, they were willing, by way of preuention, to returne to the Lodging.

You heard before, how Gerardo had a Chamber ap­pointed by himselfe, where separated from the other Cap­tiues, he might with some cheerefulnesse passe the irkesom­nesse of his slauerie. Hither (taking leaue of his compani­ons) he entred, and ready to sit him downe in a little cor­ner where his bed stood, vpon the Couerlet (contrary to his expectation) he found his supper wrapped vp in a poore course linnen Clowt; which was, a loafe of bread, and some little fruite; and giuing thankes presently to his diuine Ma­ker, who in so great miserie had granted this particular fa­uour vnto him; about to cut the bread, hee found a piece of paper, which (to conceale the bulke and bignesse of the same, was oft folded) stucke in it; which held him in no small suspence, till vnwrapping the folds, hee might see a womans hand (as he gessed) in Spanish Characters, which, though an ill one to reade, yet looking more warily vpon [Page 360] the Letters, he might make a shift to collect out of them the insuing Contents.

Whom would not the Contents of these lines haue rapt with admiration? and, who againe, in so sad an estate could but haue receiued comfort, with such hopes? which, though doubtfully fantasticall; yet, did much rowze vp Gerardo's afflicted spirits, who (it may well be said) neuer found him­selfe more wauering and irresolute, then with the present successe: for, though on one side his willing confidence might giue some credit to it; yet, on the other, his iudge­ment and good aduice obliged him to a heedy feare of his barbarous Masters subtiltie, whose stratagem he might well suppose this was, to make him yeeld to his demand, (which once performed) it would be altogether impossible for him to be againe freed from it.

In this manner he rested, betwixt two opinions, vncer­taine in his election, till, such time as Ferru, beeing come in, he was called to goe to him; so that vvith this shortnesse of time, hee now at length resolued to conforme himselfe to the instruction of the Letters vnknowne Owner.

[Page 361] Ferru, had but as then newly supped; and, therefore (though he found him alone) hee well perceiued, that iust as he came in, some women had retired newly out of his company, for his eyes got a sight of them, as they drew certaine Curtaines that serued for the roomes partition.

Gerardo had many times heard, that the Moorish wo­men were neuer so nice, as to hide them from being seene by their Slaues; and therefore this seemed the stranger no­uelty vnto him: but without consulting further with his suspitions, hee hearkened to his Patrons discourse, who, hauing courteously asked him of his health, and he answe­red as respectiuely to his Masters content, hee heard him on, in this manner: Esteeme it, Christian; for no small happinesse, that thou art come into my power: for (let me tell thee) hadst thou beene in any of our hands else, thy captiuitie would haue beene so insupportable to thee, that, thou wouldest not onely not haue expected thy Masters pleasure, but thou thy selfe wouldest haue proposed thine owne liberall Ransome, though it might not haue been ac­cepted: which we vse to doe often, not, that any of vs are vnwilling to ransome our Prisoners, but that they with seeing how difficultly their liberties are obtained, may make the greater estimation of them, and accordingly their owne offers voluntarily the larger. I, Gerardo, omit­ting this common custome, haue beene willing to excuse towards thee, all prolixe suspension of misery; and haue therefore left thee free to exempt thy selfe from my o­ther Captiues, which I shall continue so to doe, if thou re­solue to pay mee for the absolute cleering of thy person and ransome two thousand Ducats, which price, measured with moderation, I demaund: and, that, being no greater a summe, thou maist cause it to bee the sooner raised in thine owne Countrey. Thus, thou hast heard my last reso­lution: [Page 362] goe then to thy Chamber, and bethinke thee of a fit time and respite for the accomplishment (which beeing not ouer-tedious) thou shalt the better please mee: but withall know, that it is in vaine, and to thy preiudice, to reply vpon the said quantitie; for (not to weary thy selfe) I am assured thou art well able to pay it.

Gerardo, as soon as euer he heard the exorbitant summe named, would willingly haue answered the Patron, ma­king knowne his impossibility of payment, neither had he omitted so doing (knowing the scarcitie and shortnesse of his owne fortunes, which by his suite and long imprison­ment had beene decreased;) but that, iust as he was ready to vnfold his lips to speak, he might see one of the women from the Curtaines becken with her hand from her, gi­uing by that dumbe language to vnderstand, that he should be gone: (which increasing his care) yet he immediately obeyed, and left the roome, extremely sorrowfull; for his Patrons wilfull obstinacie wonderfully afflicted him, and more, the difficulty of the accomplishment; where­fore, his captiuitie now like to be more tedious then hee thought for, he could not but fall into afresh resentment of his calamities.

Plunged in these cares, Gerardo passed all that night, and part of the next day, when about dinner-time a Christian shee-Slaue brought him his ordinary sustenance, and lea­uing it with him, he found, as the first time, a Paper, vvhich (opened) shewed him these lines:

The greatest light that this Letter gaue to Gerardo, was, to increase in him a greater astonishment and confusion, but, disposed wholly to follow the aduice of that inuisible Counsellour, he put it in execution: and, iust as the Pa­per fore-spoke, it befell him with his Patron; and there­fore from that very moment, he purposed to write to his Brother Leoncio & his deare Mother, giuing them notice of his miserable captiuitie, conueying his Letters by means of some Christians ransomed, by the Trinitarian Redeeming Friers, who returned for Spaine; where they with the newes no sooner were landed, when (for his Tragicall successes had made him famous) his Captiuitie was spred thorow all those Prouinces; I will not (for breui­ties sake) cumber my selfe, with describing the fresh teares of his loued Mother, or the iust griefe of his good Bro­ther, his best friend Leoncio, and kindred: onely I must not slightly ouerpasse the sadde moane and amorous resent­ment of the faire ill-recompenced Nise, who still shewed to the world her firme and loyall affection, since neither Gerardo's obdurate hardnesse, his disdainfull proceeding, strange forgetfulnesse, nor time, that makes all thing to be forgotten, could one iot diminish her affection, nor lastly, excuse her afflicted amorous heart, from the griefe and torment that seized it, as soone as shee vnderstood of the bondage of her deare desired Owner.

[Page 364] She had (if in this Histories first part you remember) ta­ken Sanctuary at a Nunnery, from whence (conforming her selfe to her Fathers will) she attended the prosecution of her suite with Gerardo, which she had soone giuen ouer, but that a filiall respectfull feare, and the hope of obtai­ning him for a Husband, detained her: and therefore the first happy newes of his liberty, she bore with equall ioy and sadnesse; though in her Father it made a deeper im­pression: for as in mens noble brests such hurtfull acci­dents haue a more powerfull operation, then diseases or the bodies infirmities: so, the considering himselfe and his childe dishonoured, (hopelesse of amends) shortened his dayes, and quickly ended his life; insomuch that Nise's discomfort and solitarinesse was increased, and the more, with the care of her estate and Family: though none of all these were sufficient to drawe her from the Monastery; where, many a time, she would professe, that, liuing with­out her Gerardo, she would there end her weary life. Here then the newes came to her eares, and with notable sor­row to her soule, the discreet consideration of what dif­ficulties might be opposed to his liberty, (she lighting on the very same, that there troubled Gerardo in his captiuity) sure too that his suite & former imprisonment could leaue him very small meanes, and on the other side shee was no lesse afflicted in being ignorant of the place where hee en­dured his miserable slauery, for till then, shee had receiued no more then a kinde of confused knowledge of such a thing: so that, desirous to be certainly informed, shee pur­posed to send one of her seruants to Madrid, vvho might there secretly vnderstand the whole businesse.

These things thus passed in Spaine, whilst Gerardo ex­pecting in Barbary his Mother and Brothers Letters, wore away the tedious time of his imprisonment, sometimes, in [Page 365] part diuerted, by the seuerall tickets hee receiued from the vnknowne Writer, and otherwhiles with the hope of his expected ransome. But that was long delayed, till at last, when euen vveary with gaping attendance, hee had recko­ned dayes, measured houres, and numbred minutes: the time drew neere, in which, by all probability, (his Letters deliuered) he might expect an answere: After this, all hee receiued vvas onely a poore Letter, from his poorer Mo­ther, as full of comfortable words and sorrow for his mis­fortunes, as void of satisfaction for his Patron, concluding at length, with letting him know, that his Brother Leoncio had beene absent from her, and that to effect his desire, she had carefully dispatcht one to him; but it seemed Gerardo's ill lucke was such, that though his sorrowfull Mother vsed her best diligence, she could not so speedily as the limited time required, prouide his ransome, by reason of Leoncio's dangerous sicknesse, which was necessarily first to bee loo­ked into, that with the recouery of his health, his captiued Brothers liberty might the better be effected.

Gerardo altogether ignorant of what passed at home, fea­ring least the limited respite once expired, the Patron would change his stile, falling to his vsuall rigour, grew extremely melancholly, in such sort, that one of those Captiues vvho first bore him company, and with whom he most of al con­uersed, perceiuing his griefe, mooued with pitie and com­passion, endeuoured what he might, discreetely to incou­rage him, & ease his forlorne hopes; and one day amongst others, in which he saw him most heauy and sorrowfull, ta­king him by the hand, and leading him into a by-Court (lesse suspitious place) he beganne thus to set vpon him: I much vvonder, Signior Gerardo, that with so great vnquiet­nesse you thus goe about to hurt your selfe, not onely in discomforting your secret heart, but in making known your [Page 366] griefes also to vs that conuerse vvith you; so that, by meanes of some one lesse trusty, when you least thinke of it, they may come to the Patrons notice, and giue him induce­ments to fore-stall his suspitious condition, and ghesse that your sadnes proceedes from some impossibility of attai­ning your Ransome, whereby you may fall into his extreme indignation. These two yeeres haue I put him off in the like kinde, giuing him, as, To day, one excuse, to morrow an­other, faining still seuerall inconueniences; and though my limited time hath often passed, yet I still beare him in hand with new hopes: besides, his barbarous condition is not now so fierce and bloudy (as formerly it was vsed to be) to which maruellous alteration, the affable, amorous conuer­sation of a Spanish shee-Slaue of his hath reduced him, whom he hath married, and (strange amongst these Infi­dels) so truely and tenderly adores, that for her sake he will doe any thing, a story (that if time would permit, and our companions at hand were farther of) I infallibly perswade my self, would be of no smal entertainment to your selfe, & diuersion to your eares. There could nothing in the world haue offered it selfe more happily in this coniuncture to Gerardo's knowledge; so that the Captiue no sooner tou­ched vpon that straine, when, full of ioy, as thinking (doubt­lesse) he could not but meane the party whose frequent Let­ters himselfe had receiued, he most cunningly saying hold vpon the occasion offered, cut him off, saying:

Gods prouidence, gentle friend, neuer inflicts greater miseries vpon vs, then we should be willing to beare: I con­fesse (for my part) I haue strength for heauier burdens, if he please to loade mee, how bee it my sadde countenance may perswade you the contrary; and, though I might iustly be excused for this small shew of weakenesse; yet, ac­commodating my selfe to your disposition, from hence­foorth [Page 367] I shall grieue no more, onely I desire, that my so wil­ling embracing your profitable counsel, may be recompen­ced with the Relation of that womans fortunes, since the priuacie of my Chamber may keepe others from ouer-hea­ring, and the affection I beare you, excuse my bold de­mand: this I shall acknowledge for a most fauourable cour­tesie, (amongst many others I haue receiued from you) and Heauen may so order our affaires, that this vnfortu­nate man may one day stand you in some stead. Gerardo vsed no further intreaties, and indeed lesse might haue pre­uailed with the affectionate Fulgencio, (so vvas the Captiue called) and hauing signified so much vnto Gerardo, towards his Chamber they vvent; where, beeing set, the other thus beganne:

There is none (I may well assure you) in all this Cittie, can giue you so faithfull a Relation of the present businesse, as my selfe, since Fortune still made mee an equall compa­nion in all the circumstances of it.

The second yeere of seuen, (in which I haue beene Cap­tiue) Mahomet Zanaga, (my Master that then was) a famous and most cruell Pyrate, set saile from this Port in a Frigot, (where I was bound to an Oare) to his accustomed Trade of Rouing, and hauing taken some Prizes about the Iland of Maiorca, and done wonderfull dammage all thereabouts; being at last set vpon by a sudden terrible storme, wee were all likely to haue beene cast away; and vnable to resist the violence of it, suffered our selues to be hurried on by a for­cible Leuant wind, (which beginning though in some few houres to slacken) wee found our selues a great way distant from the place where it first tooke vs: so, wee discouered a Coast, and willing to make to the Land, by reason the Seas went yet very high, at last we put into a little Creeke, whi­ther (iust as we entred) a small Shallop had got from the [Page 368] storme to shelter. We could not very speedily take notice what passengers were in her, till such time as our Frigot drawing neerer, we might see that all in the Boat (being to the number of some twenty persons) were furiously in a bloody conflict together by the eares, and some amongst the rest were tumbled into the Sea. But Mahomet came in so opportunely, that (beyond expectation) hee freed eight or tenne Moores that were yet aliue, and captiuated seuen Christians, who fought in that desperate manner with the others for their liberties: but this their purpose so vnluckily frustrated, our Captaine without difficultie seizing them in­to his power, desirous to be informed of the successe, vn­derstood from some of the Moores in the Shallop, that ha­uing in the late storme lost a Frigot, in which their Cap­taine, and many others, with a great booty of Spanish Goods and Prisoners, perished; at the instant when she was sinking, hauing the Shallop ready, and taking some of the Christians for companie, they cast themselues into it, and made to that place for shelter, where they had beene thus furiously set vpon by those they saued; that had they not bin so fortunately by him succoured, not a man had escaped with life.

This successe (though told with many other circumstan­ces, vvhich I haue quite forgotten) much pleased our Cap­taine, aswell for hauing succoured and deliuered his Countrimen, as to haue remained by this meanes with the Christians, they carried for his owne; these hee tooke with him, leauing the Shallop to the Moores, to bring them in safety afterwards to this Cittie. Himselfe the next day safe­ly landed here; where making sale (as the manner is) of his Prisoners, amongst others, he parted with this woman wee now treate of, vvho by reason of her disguize in mans ap­parell, vvas not presently knowne, till such time as our Pa­trons [Page 367] affection discouered her: so hauing bought and brought her home vvith him, putting her into a Moorish habit befitting her Sex, he himselfe grew (vnexpectedly) to be as well captiu'd by her beauty, as she his Slaue by co­uetous purchase. At this time too Zanaga ridding himselfe of some vnprofitable persons, vvho by reason of sicknesse were no longer able to serue at the Oare; my selfe, one of the number, vvas sold to our Master here, by which meanes it was not difficult for me to know, vvhat became of the faire Christian; and by degrees I came to vnderstand more, then I should haue presumed on, as being not only told of Ferru his violent affection, but also of her stoute constancie, with which (fearelesse of death oft mentioned vnto her) she re­sisted his barbarous lust: vvhereupon he most cruelly trea­ted her, and his rigorous vsage was so extreme, that fearing to kill her, and so to lose the mony she stood him in, he pur­posed at last to let her be ransomed. At this time the Re­deeming Friers were here, (who told of this Christian wo­man, and fearing her Soules perdition, vnderstanding the Turkes mind, they dealt with him about the price: which (with some difficulties, at last being agreed on) he receiued his money, and she vvas committed to the custodie of a Iewish Merchant, with whom the Friers had also placed many other Christian women they had ransomed. Within some few daies after, the deuill had so vvrought in her Ma­sters imagination, that presenting afresh vnto him the re­membrance of his late affection, he repented him of hauing sold her; and therefore in a furious and raging madnesse, void of all shame, he ranne backe to the Friers, saying, that when they ransomed his slaue, he was out of his wits, and that now therefore (being better aduised) hee had brought them their money, and they should returne her vnto him a­gaine; and the rather, because beeing turned Mahometane, [Page 368] she was not to be redeemed. The compassionate Friers ex­tremely wondred at the Patrons base proceeding; but that which most grieued them, was, the manifest danger of this Christian foule, by returning againe to his power: and therefore first they went about to perswade with the barba­rous Turke, but seeing all their labour was but vaine to­wards him that was so resolutely bent, so blinded by passion, they hoped that the Law (as their last remedie) would on their sides decide the controuersie. The Iudge, whom they of Argiers call, The Cadi, commaunded the Slaue to bee brought before him; where being come, our Patron began disorderly to cry out, he would haue his owne: the Friers Redeemers alledged his owne voluntarie sale; so, debating the matter on both sides to and fro, the Turke perceiuing his cause like to goe hard with him, vrged, that the woman had turned Mahometan: which when the poore soule heard (trembling for feare) yet, vnable to suffer so manifest a fals­hood, she cried out many times together alowde, that shee was a Christian, and had neuer beene otherwise, and would die in that profession: which the angrie Turke no sooner heard, but fiercely setting on her with his fists, he also said: Thou shalt with me, thou damned Bitch, ile pay thee for thy impudence. Some there present were much offended with this boldnesse, and chiefly the Cadi himselfe, who se­uerely commanded him not to mis-vse the woman, but first to present witnesses to make good his cause. Ferru madde with choler, went straight out, and not long after returned with two as base periur'd Moores as himselfe, who came in and deposed, that the captiue woman was turned Mahome­tan; which the poore creature hearing, beganne to cry out lowder, they were false Villaines to testifie so notorious an vntruth; and in so saying, her many teares mooued the Spe­ctators to compassion: onely this monster stood like a ruth­lesse [Page 369] Rocke, and hearing her say all this, catching hold on her, (the standers by not once offering to helpe it) hee gaue her a terrible buffet on the face, which hee had seconded, had not one of the Redeeming Friers put himself betweene; who laying hold vpon his Coate, told him how much hee forgot himselfe, to wrong a Christian woman, and one that was no Slaue, in a place of so great respect. But the Barbarian with this temperate and sober reprehension, was not onely not mollified, but, in stead of relenting, hee be­gan fiercely to cry out, saying, Why permit you this Frier to lay violent hands (a most manifest lye) vpon a Turke, and one that is a Ianizarie? and that therefore according to the Lawes, and their preheminences, he was either to bee exe­cuted, or at least, his right hand to be cut off. And that you may perceiue what a damned Nation they are, there were at least forty Moores present, that swore it was true; and perswaded the Cadi, that the Turke was strucken, and that therefore he was to doe him iustice vpon the Frier: where­fore the Iudge tormented with their cries and noyse, com­manded his hand should be taken off, as the instrument of the disgrace.

Then a number of other Turkes and Moores began to lay hands vpon the innocent Frier, to haue executed the sentence; when a Turke assisting the Cadi in his place, (a great Lawyer) stayed their furie, commanding them not to inflict so rigorous a punishment, since those kind of Friers were priuiledged persons aboue other Christians; but, that because the Frier had strucken a Turke and Ianizarie, which was vnlawfull, they should all there present inflict the like punishment with their fists vpon him, and so there might be quid pro quo, one for another.

This then grew to bee partly a matter of laughter and mirth, but 'twas mournfull indeed, to see how vnmercifully [Page 370] those base vn-manly Infidels layd vpon the poore Frier; e­uery one of them reaching him such knockes, that had not some few of them (better minded) shifted him away, hee might very well haue beene banged to death.

Thus the distressed vvoman was left all alone, like a silly sheepe in midst of those insatiable Woolues, who present­ly adiudged her to go along with her Owner, and so to be a Mahometan perforce.

Certaine it is, that the compassionate Frier vvould not, for feare of his life haue thus returned, had there beene any possible hope of recouering her. God sure had a hand in all, of whom none ought to demand a reason, who doth no­thing without it. Our Patron hauing her home againe, began to exercise his former crueltie; by vvhich shee van­quished, but chiefly by seeing her selfe thus vnfortunately abandoned, began to grow lesse coy, more pliant; which he perceiuing, a little also slackened his hard vsage: and to make short, (a thing common amongst them) turned off his other vviues, thinking by this demonstration of his, he might the better attaine to his Slaues affection: vvhich in­deed fell out accordingly, she resoluing (vnable longer to resist) to free her selfe from the intolerable misery shee endured.

Three yeeres haue they liued in this sort, so contentedly, as that this change of his, hath not onely caused a singular admiration through all this Cittie, but with an extraordi­narie conformitie of manners, hath wrought maruellous effects in him; turning him from rude and beast-like, to ci­uill and affable, as your selfe best of all can iudge, hauing had experience; and which may most of all be wondred at, in all his actions, hee is wholly ruled and gouerned by the aduice and counsell of his faire wife, who is onely wayted on by women captiues, saue two Eunuch Renegates, that [Page 371] you may haue many times seene ouer-seeing vs.

Here Fulgencio finishing his relation, Gerardo doubled his thankes, but thence-forward his cares increased the more, by hauing now more notice of her that wrote his former Letters; but the care of his Ransome was incompa­rably greater, and the lingring of that lesse to be indured. It grew now towards Supper time; so his captiue friend taking leaue, gaue way to Gerardo to receiue another Ticket; which hauing opened, he read it with the content you may by and by perceiue.

At length, Gerardo, the day I most wished to see, since I first saw you in Captiuitie, is at hand: I (noble Signior) am a Chri­stian, and one, that were she knowne to you, your pittying heart would helpe bewaile her sad misfortunes; which, so publikely no­torious, cannot but in part haue come to your notice: as also the cruell affliction by which my frailtie was at last vanquished, though I was neuer desperate to forsake my Faith; wherefore hea­uen, I trust, taking compassion on my Soule, will affoord me some remedie; the which with confidence I rely vpon, helped by your valorous determination, and of that I haue had some experience, as you shall know in a fitter occasion. Looking accidentally int▪ some Papers of yours, which were taken with the rest of your Clothes a-ship-boord, I espied your name; so that (knowing you) I cunningly dealt with the Patron, that giuing you good vsage, he should likewise propose the price of your ransome: I prepared you in like manner to what you should doe, to giue him all the satis­faction possible in your answer, that so your person might in the Interim of your monies not being payd, enioy the greater liberty. Touching my present purpose, it is, so to dispose and gouerne our affaires, that without their preiudice, we may once out-liue this miserable Captiuity; for which, I haue waited till this present oc­casion, which is, (the Pyrates and shipping wintring now in safe [Page 372] harbour) our Patron goes to his Tillage, where he is like to busie himselfe for some twenty dayes at least: and with this happy con­iuncture (notwithstanding our Renegate Guardians remaine behinde) I haue so well ordered the matter, that, your industry helping, it shall (doubtlesse) obtaine the successe wee would wish for; and therefore (for more securitie) my opinion is, that you communicate the businesse with such of the Christian Captiues, as you may best trust, in this manner and forme ensuing.

First of all you may let them know, that they shall not onely haue all Ferru his Armes that are heere remaining, but the keyes also of his chiefest roomes; that so, beeing furnished with all necessaries, the rest may be by your selfe and them performed: to which purpose, it would be in the next place fitting to know, how we might rigge and set out one of the Frigots that lyes naked in the Hauen; for (this once compassed) it will not bee difficult for vs to get from Argiers, by letting our selues downe from that part of the wall, that ioynes to our house; and so, hauing our vi­ctuals ready (of which our warehouse hath plenty enough for ma­ny Ships) we may set saile and away to Sea.

Well know I, Gerardo, that, if my deuice suite with your dis­cretion, and our companions consider the facilitie that is offered, there will be no inconuenience in the effect: or, say, there should be some little, let no small doubt hinder vs; and suffer not for hea­uens sake, your selfe, me, and so many poore Christians, that lan­guish in this miserable thraldome, to misse the blessed opportuni­tie of their desired liberties: let mee therefore, by the Captiue that brings your meat, know your resolution, her I haue still tru­sted, and I know you may do the like; for to speake to mee is as im­possible, as mount the clouds; so warie and watchfull are our sub­orned Keepers. Heauen keepe, direct and incourage your Noble generous heart.

[Page 373] Hardly could Gerardo keep in his ioy from breaking into lowdnesse, as soone as hee had read the maruellous Con­tents of this discreet Letter, in whose consideration busied, and mincing (as it were) each particular, restlesse, he spent the lasting night, and longing to impart the important bu­sinesse, making first choise of the well-knowne Fulgencio his brest, he vp, and told him all, from the first letter to the last; and hauing giuen him so strict an account, he found as wil­ling entertainment of the braue exploit in his couragious heart, as he could possibly expect: who, thanking his friend with teares of his gladnesse, for imparting so great a good vnto him, desired him to leaue the ordering of it, to his care and industry, as being better experienced in the Coun­trey humours and conditions of the Christian Captiues, and therefore, best knew to select those, which might be fit­test for the turne; and also the best meanes for the furthe­rance of their attempt. Gerardo vvillingly resigned the vvhole businesse to Fulgencio, vvho hauing made it knowne to as many as he thought good, to the generall approbati­on, their flight vvas resolued on against the second night after their Patron his departure.

Their resolution, if it bee noted, was not rash; for accord­ing to the couragious shee-Captiues aduice, with the op­portunity offered, they might easily effect their designe, since Winter vvas now vvell entred, at vvhich time all the Pyrats and Rouers retire themselues higher into the Coun­trey from Argiers (sauing some few Ship-boyes, who lye a­boord the dis-armed Vessels) so that they might, vvithout being perceiued, at least ouer-taken, escape from any that should follow them.

The expected day being come, the faire Christian giuen to vnderstand of the prefixed agreement, and Ferru absent at his Countrey Farme, about eleuen of the clock at night, [Page 374] a shee-Christian Captiue, on vvhom they also relyde, car­ried the keyes vvith all secresie to Gerardo, and presently af­ter, by degrees, some forty Semitars, halfe-Pikes and the like weapons: and (this done, conducting him to a roome where one of the Renegates lay) shee (knocking at the doore, and the Eunuch frightfully answering) secured his feare, saying, 'twas she, such a one: and that her Mistris vvould haue him presently goe to her about a businesse of great consequence; so that hee, thinking no lesse, beganne hastily to dresse himselfe, and no sooner opened his doore, but Gerardo vvas straight vpon him, and in a trice claue his head with two sudden blowes of his Semitar; and so luc­kily, as he sent not out the least groane.

This good beginning adding double vigour to his cou­rage, did the better assure the successe of the maine busi­nesse: and therefore (losing no time) downe he went vvith his trusty guide, who brought him euen almost to the street doore, neere vvhich the other Renegate lay, that kept the keyes of the dungeons and close prisons vvhere the poore Christians remained; vvhere, the wench vsing the same slight that before, he comming out, but lesse carelesse, then his dead companion, vvas set vpon by Gerardo, so greedy of discharging his blow, that his speedy haste had like to haue marred all: for the Renegate slipping aside, seeing himselfe in that distresse, beganne to cry out, and vvithall to cloze with Gerardo: but he that beganne now to carry more heed about him, redoubling his force, with a wheeling cutte of his Semitar, diuided the Eunuchs winde-pipe; vvhich was done with so good a will, that the other had not a note left, nor voice to expresse his disaster: so, getting into his cham­ber, he brought out the bunch of keyes, vvhich were laid vnder his beds-head, and opening the seuerall doores, hee vn-shackled as many of the Christians as were able to fol­low [Page 375] them (to the number of some threescore.) And this done, vvith extraordinarie diligence and silence, distribu­ting the weapons amongst them, he went next (by helpe of his guide) to the Ware-house, where some beganne to fill sacks and bags, with Bisket, Butter and Fruits; and others, barrels of Water for their vse: a third sort, took the cordage and Candles which the Patron had there laid in store for the prouision of his Frigots.

In the meane time the beautifull Christian, who onely expected, when her maid, below with Gerardo, should giue the word, extremely ioyfull to see how well their businesse began to fadge, hauing not in all the while heard any of the rest of her women the Captiues, so much as once stirre, ta­king first the richest and most precious things that Ferr [...] had, to bestow vpon the Christian Captiues to encourage them, being called, shee went downe into the Court, clad in the Barbarian fashion, but so admirably becomming her, that (though I may a little digresse) I cannot but let you know in what manner shee appeared, by the flaming lights to Gerardo, and the rest of the Captiues that expected her.

Shee had on a transparent Smocke of pure Lawne, (whose seames, wrists, and Collar, were curiously wrought in different Silkes and Gold) a close Horse-mans arming Coat, which reached to her mid-legge, of Carnation Vel­uet, fastened at the brest with goodly great Buttons of Gold massie and enamelled; ouer which, shee woare a skarfe in the Romane manner, with the knot gathered and tyed vpon the tip of her shoulder, which falling partly downe to her waste, and drawing vpward againe ouer her head, an end of it came to bee doubled vnder her right arme, which kind of dressing most beautifully shaped and set her out. From her necke, eares and haire, hung Pearles, [Page 376] round, orientall, so naturally as if they grew there: her hand-bracelets were Gold set with rich Stones and Dia­monds, as her small fingers with seuerall fashioned Rings, and that euery part of her might suite, it seemed her Moo­rish Owner would haue her still remember shee vvas his Prisoner, by making her weare shackles of gold about her armes and legs, which he called, The brauery of Argiers. She had last of all a delicate Vaile of Tiffany, whose ends caught by certaine Buttons set with Saphires & Emeralds, were fast, and vpon her head so artificially, that no part of her face else, but the best of it, a paire of pleasing eyes, were shewne; with whose admiring cheerfulnesse the thanke­full Christians extraordinarily taken, as well as the short­nesse of the time would giue leaue, professed they vvere now entring into a new Slauery, Hers: and next, without more delayes, by two and two to auoid noise, they went into the street, and after, to the wall that was neere at hand.

You must note, that the principall diligence consisted in getting Oares & a Rudder that the Frigot wanted, which vvas (as you shall heare) by Gerardo's friend (who disposed the whole businesse) happily effected: for first, Fulgencio got from the top of the wall, and whilst the rest were des­cending, he (all alone) went toward the vvater side; and so (vvithout being perceiued) to the Bulwarke neere the Harbours Gate, where the Oares, vvhich he was to pro­cure, vvere vsually kept; and thus he made a shift to scram­ble vpon the wall (which vvithout helpe seemed a thing impossible) and vn-heard by the Warders now in a dead sleepe, knowing where the Oares lay, downe hee vvent; but suddenly two Dogges, vvho winding him, began to barke, had like to haue marred all; which made Fulgencio vvarily turne backe againe to his friends, the greatest part [Page 377] of whom were by this time gotten down, but much trou­bled to know his successe; who, as wishfully now came in vnto them, saying; Loued Companions, be of good cou­rage, and giue God hearty thankes; for let mee tell you, our intent goes happily on: and so making known what he had done, he told them the Oares might easily be had. So, leauing them with greater hopes of their liberty, he retur­ned with three or foure of the Christians, taking also two loaues of bread, to stay the Dogs from baying.

Towards the Bulwarke they went, where Fulgencio with lesse adoe by the help of his companions might get vp: & casting first some pieces of bread to the Dogs, he quickly stayed their barking, and whilst they fed, let downe some thirty of the best Oares, which his friends below receiued. This done, hee boldly crossed ouer the Bulwarke, and without being espied, went downe to the farther side of the Citie, and there, in a Plaine betwixt two of the wall-gates, he tooke a Frigots Rudder, drawing it from vnder certaine Raisin Frailes, whereon three Moores at the in­stant lay asleepe; which thing to seem credible, must needs haue been miraculous. And with the same speed & bold­nesse he went againe to the Bulwarke, and from thence let himselfe downe to the shore: and leauing the Rudder vvith the rest of the Oares, he gaue Gerardo and his com­pany diligent notice that the maine difficulty was ouer­blowne; so that they who were gotten downe, began to striue who should fastest carry Barrels, Sacks, Bags, Can­dles, Ropes, Cordage and binders for the Oares.

And being thus in the midst of their preparation (some nine or ten Christians being yet to let down) there chan­ced to passe by vnluckily (on the Citie side of the wall) a Turke, that liued in the same street, who going carelesly homeward, they that were vpon the wall, hearing his [Page 378] steps, began to feare and thinke he must needs espy them; for, besides his approaching neerer to them, hee carried a Lanterne to light him in respect of the nights darknesse: vnable therfore (as they thought) to preuent the mischiefe otherwise) they resolued to cloze with him and to kill him (if it were possible:) which one of them willing to effect, ranne him thorow the body with a halfe Pike, but (not deadly wounded,) he cryed fearefully out, insomuch that some Moores comming to the noise, seeing what had hap­ned, began to proclaime from the wals, that the Christians were vp in Armes: which exclamation seconded by the Warders of the Bulwarke, and Shore, the vnfortunate Captiues about the Wall, dispersing themselues disorderly vp and downe the Citie, gaue ouer their hopes of libertie: for hearing all that hurry, they much doubted the good successe of their friends: who, on the other side taking vp their Oares and Rudder, and in midst of their determi­nate squadron, the faire Captiue and her Maid, went to­wards the Sea-side where the Frigot was, which Fulgencio kept still in his aime, where setting the women a-boord and the most of the luggage; some of them resisting the on-set of the Warders, others fitting to the Oares, and a third sort weighing Anchor, in spight of those that went about to hinder them, Gerardo's exhortations and entrea­ties giuing new life and courage, with maruellous valour and celeritie they put to Sea; where (trusting to their good fortune) they began to row so stoutly, that in a very little time they were gotten two Leagues a-head the land; and setting vp Masts and Sayles with a prosperous gale of winde they sailed on till morning, by when they might see themselues (to their no small ioy) gotten neere fifteene Leagues to the East of Argiers. Our Gerardo grew to be extremely desirous of knowing who the faire Christian [Page 379] might be: but the winde (as God would haue it) beginning to change into North-West, the fury of it increasing, and the Seas beginning to goe very lofty, eased him quickly of that care, and made him more carefull with the rest of his Companions, to looke to the safety of the Vessell, they (poore soules, most sorrowfull to see their contrary fortune, [...]owing with all might and maine) laboured to resist the force of the vn-mercifull windes; but being altogether vn­able to preuaile, were forced backe to the shore-ward: and so endeuouring to shelter themselues in a Creeke, some twenty miles Eastward from Argiers, they set their Prowes thither-ward, at the iust time, that two other sayles in the same danger designed themselues to their course: but our Frigot in some doubt (for feare of a worse matter) what to doe, at last (euen desperate) suffered her selfe to bee forced on by the winde, in great danger of being swallowed vp by the waues, till seeing the two Vessels steere towards them, they were forced to prouide for their defence; suspecting, as by and by they might plainely see, they were enemies.

The two were Frigots, who the day before laden vvith fuell for the Viceroy of Argiers his prouision, had set saile from Sargel: and though they thought at first to coast a­long by the shore; yet fore-thinking they might haue some foule weather, they ghessed it more safe to keep the maine; and so driuen on by a strong Leuant that turned after to Nor-west, they were glad with the Christians to direct their course to the same shelter; whom ouer-taking and seeing what they were, vvith terrible noise and barbarous out­cries they set vpon them; and beeing two, well manned a­gainst one poore vnprouided Vessell, getting her in the midst of them, they furiously sought to lay her a-boord: but the Christians fighting with equall courage, and (more des­perate) were not so speedily boorded, but making braue re­sistance, [Page 380] vvounding and killing the Barbarians, they yet made a party good with them; but at the instant that the Christians beat off the Turks, and kept them from entring, it happened that an vnlucky Arrow shot Fulgencio, and stri­king him to the heart, layd him a-thwart one of the Fri­gots Benches; vvith vvhich disaster Gerardo beeing much in his mind griefe-strucken, and his courage failing him to cheere vp his companions, that fainted with the misfor­tune, the enemy perceiuing their deiectednesse, re-beset, and furiously at last began to boord them: yet here the battell at the last push, seemed to bee againe renued, and with streames of blood that increased, the Christians shewed most remarkable valour, chiefly the vndaunted Gerar­do, vvho vvith his sure Semitar (once his Patrons) scow­ring the Decke fore and off, more fierce and furious then a Quartanary Lyon, dealt fearefull blowes on all sides: the bloody skirmish held on a pretty vvhile, till such time as fresh Turkes comming on by heapes, and discharging their shot and Arrowes like Haile, seuenteene of the Chri­stians fell, and the rest remained in wofull plight.

But in this miserable state, Heauens Creatour, (whome the distressed soules ceased not to inuoke) taking compassi­on on their extremitie, when it seemed most impossible for any to escape from death, with his powerfull force, against which the fury of the Elements is nothing, most miracu­lously succoured them, by affoording as a minister of his pleasure, the vnexpected helpe of a tall Ship, which at this time weather-beaten, came where the fight was, and no sooner discouered the Barbarian Sailes, and the lone Frigots danger, when presuming vpon the truth, shee began to let flie a Chace-piece, and after, played vpon the Turkes so fu­riously with the rest of her Artillerie; that seeing themselues in danger of sinking, they were glad to quit the yeelded [Page 381] Christian Vessell, to looke to the safety of their owne: and so, quickly turning their Prowes to Barbary with losse of some thirty persons, they betooke themselues to flight. The lustie Ship was not forward to follow them, as fearing the danger and neerenesse of the Coast, but they within her were glad so to haue freed the hard-beset Frigot, whose Passengers hauing sung thankes to Heauen for their blessed deliuerance, Gerardo amongst other things was first of all most charitably carefull, to see, whether in all this bickering either of the Christian women had receiued any hurt: and no sooner turned he himselfe about to the effect, when (for her masking Vaile in midst of the fright was falne off) hee might discouer in the gallant Captiue no lesse then the dainty, cruell Iacinta's face. The vnexpected sight caused such an amazednesse in his afflicted spirits, that hee verily thought hee had seene some infernall ghostly apparition: wherefore he ranne amongst his companions, and as farre backe as he could, out of her sight, whom he long since had giuen ouer for dead, and drowned in the raging waues (as the first Part of the Storie mentions) therefore he thought this to be some diabolicall Vision.

The Spectators were more then he astonisht, with this sudden accident, and much more, when they might see the faire Dame, with eyes gushing foorth teares, runne to Ge­rardo, and casting her selfe at his feet, heare her breathe out these lamentable words:

Whither, Oh whither, valorous Gerardo, fliest thou, from this wretched, aboue all that euer liued, most vnfortunate woman? No more, deare Signior, refraine your iust dis­pleasure; permit not (though I deserue farre heauier pu­nishment) that, abhorred as I am by all the world, abando­ned by thee, my life come to some desperate end; by throwing my selfe into the deepe Sea, that heretofore with [Page 382] more pittie, then thy present lookes promise, preserued me. Suffice, what is past; and may thy killing indignation at length cease, striking the Sailes of thy reuenges desires, which Heauen hath thorowly inflicted on mee in thy be­halfe, reducing me to all the extremities that barbarous In­fidelity could inuent; from which thy hands haue beene in­struments to free mee: and not without particular proui­dence; that for the small seruice I haue also done thee in re­compence of thy wrongs, I might be restored to my coun­try and quiet, by him for whose loue and affection I first forgot and left it. 'Tis nothing else, Oh noble Gerardo, I desire of thee, to no other happinesse doe I aspire; this one­ly good I expect, that grace I beseech thee grant; and that, by the true affection I once bore thee, by all that is amia­ble and desired by thee, and lastly, for his sake, God his sake, who hath so miraculously freed our liues. Here, vn­done, melted in teares, confounding her intreaties with sad grones, the poore disconsolate Iacinta ceased; leauing the sence-bereaued Gentleman, so indeterminably meta­morphosed, that nailed to the place where he stood, a great while, he had neither tongue to speake, nor hand to rayse the grieued creature from the ground. Neither ended the strangenesse of this dayes successes thus; for iust as these things passed in the Frigot, they in the ship, desirous to see who they were they had so luckily saued, commanded to grapple with her; whereby it was not difficult for them, to heare the faire Dame make her moane, at whose tender and dolorous lamentation, some of the Passengers getting a-Sterne into the Gallerie; and amongst them two women, they might heare Gerardo's name seuerall times repeated, which made the one of them, with extraordinarie shewes of gladnesse, desire the Pilot and Mariners to hang out a Ladder, that they might the better passe into the Frigot▪ [Page 383] which, by helpe of the Saylers they did; where comming towards our Gentleman in the midst of his confused dumpes; she of the two, whose exceeding fairenesse the Christian Captiues most admired, spreading her armes, wound them about Gerardo's necke, who, as if he had really awaked out of a drowzie Lethargie, finding himselfe girt with no lesse then those ancient amorous kno [...]s, with which the diuine Nise once held him her captiue, acknowledging her presence, and ruminating on such strange vnheard-of accidents, wholly stupified, hee stood stocke-still like an vn­moouing Image. Indeed such successes beyond either hope or beliefe, might very well bring him into this deepe en­chantment. And because it is fit, that the Reader, by my Pens lazinesse, run not into the selfe same credulitie, let me, before Gerardo be deliuered from his, reconcile the strange­nesse of these marueilous euents.

Touching Iacinta, a very short recourse to our Stories first Part, may cleare the doubt: for (you cannot forget) how we left her at the last cast in the Storme, vvhen her Frigot willing to take shelter at Cape Gata, was sunke by the Spa­nish Admirall; in vvhich misfortune, (Gerardo supposing she had vvith the rest perished) heauen disposed otherwise, and gaue her helpe in the Shalloppe, vvhich some of the Turkes and Christian captiues hoisted into the Sea (as vvas there set downe) in vvhich the poore men vnable to resist, in respect that the Turks vvere well armed, and more in number then they, vvere forced to row on for Barbarie, ragaining the first Creeke they could discouer vpon the Coast for shelter: vvhere, the Christians, seeing that the Turkes and Moores, wearied with the late Storme, and their continuall labour, fell to sleepe; thinking they had now a happy opportunity to make their escape, they began to set vpon some of them that seemed to sleepe soundliest, [Page 384] and wresting their weapons from them, the rest awaked, and amongst all, there passed a well-fought Skirmish: but the Christians by the slaughter of many Turkes, hauing gotten the better of the Battell, vvere vnluckily surprized by a Fri­got, the same in which Mahomet Zanaga went, the rest hap­pening, as was formerly recounted by Fulgencio to Gerardo. The faire Nise hauing had notice of his captiuitie, and (as you heard) sent a seruant to Madrid, to be informed of the whole businesse: and assoone as the partie returned with the certaintie, the place of his abode, the price of his ran­some; and withall, signifying what diligence his Mother and Brother vsed for the effecting his liberty, she, without more adoo, mooued by compassion and pittie, but chiefly incited by the firme and loyall affection shee alwaies truly bore him, began with all speed to make ready monies: and so, greedy to giue the world, but more particularly to her Gerardo, a Testimonie, by this noble act, of her firme con­stancie, as also an humble discharge, for following (like an obedient child) the will and pleasure of her deceased Fa­ther: leauing the Nunnery, where till then shee had still re­mained, her friends, kindred, seruants, and aboue all, a world of hazardous inconueniences, nothing able to per­swade with her, she held on her fixed determination, and taking onely a waiting-woman and three men with her, she tooke a iourney to the Port of Cartagena, vvhere being ar­riued, and resolued to be the principall Actoresse in Gerar­do's redemption, fearing lest his mother or brother might preuent her, she imbarkt her selfe foorthwith in a ship, la­den with powder and vvarlike Munition, for the Garrison of Oran in Barbarie: her purpose vvas there to demand safe conduct of Count Aquilar, Viceroy and Captaine Gene­rall in those Parts, for her going by land to Argiers, that so, she might procure her Louers libertie: to which the stor­mie [Page 385] vvind and weather vnexpectedly now brought the ship and her, as also to giue life and succour to so many valiant distressed Christians.

Such and so admirable, oft times, are the happy succes­ses, to vvhich in part the affaires of our more wretched life are now and then subordinate; or to say truer, so incompre­hensible and miraculous is the diuine Prouidence, which disposeth things (when vve least imagine) for the best. This waighty consideration tooke vp Gerardo's vvhole vnder­standing, and his sences left him doubtfull in the certaintie and claritie of what he saw before him. Iacinta, she tender­ly lay weeping at his feet, ouer-ioyed with the sight of him that was once her Louer: Nise (clung to his necke and brest) hugged him so close, that hee could scarcely see her face, much lesse heare the words that she thus smoothering­ly close deliuered:

I wonder not, my best loued Signior, that (so doubt­full) you make difficultie of giuing credit to your know­ledge, since the small loue you bore mee, may haue easily blotted Nise out of your mind and memorie: but, not the experience of this truth that costs mee so dearely; not, the most cruell rigour, wherewith I haue beene wofully treated by you; not, the long forgetfulnesse, disdaines, absence, (af­fections bitterest tormenter) none of these, not all toge­ther, haue beene able to alter my loyaltie, or alienate my affection, or lastly, to lessen the least part of my happiest wishes. These, my Gerardo, haue made me seeke thee out, thus, nigh lost, hazarded amongst bloody Turkes and bar­barous Pyrats, who vniustly detained thee: this care alone, hath made me forget so many iniuries, brought me thorow dangers, to leaue my Monasterie, prouide thy ransome, to trauell day and night, tread downe all difficulties, to no o­ther end but to obtaine (finding thee) thy lost, by me most [Page 386] of all earthly goods desired, liberty. May then, my best Signior, this amorous demonstration deserue your admittance, by recompencing the firme loue of her that hath vndertaken it: and if it find not in your bosome equall reception, at least, permit, that my wearied toung may with your good liking publish, that Nise hath only beene (how­euer wronged) for euer true, and her vttermost affections wholly, solely her Gerardo's.

Amazement here left him, and it seemed, passed into the hearts of the Spectators: for Gerardo, like one spright­fully returning out of a heauie trance, most compassionate­ly tender, and with a more liuely admiration at Nise's strong affection, and equally pittying the poore Iacinta's crosse fortunes, now comforting with noble intrailes, the afflictions of this; then drawing neere with affectionate gratitude to that partie; sometimes mollifying his rigorous remembrance towards the one, and then forgetting his iust indignation for wrongs from the other, vnable without teares to dissemble his passion, hee raised Iacinta from the ground, and clasped the diuine Nise about the necke: and bashfully ashamed, craues her pardon, freely confesseth his hearts hardnesse, and blameth his vngratefull proceeding: then turning to the vvretched Iacinta, vvith like ioy com­forts, and promiseth her, not to forsake her, till with desi­red rest, she may arriue to the shelter of her friends, or a more peaceable harbour. And vvith this determination, whilst the two Dames, more cheerefully, with equal emula­tion admited at each others Beauty, he beganne to giue or­der for their returne for Spaine. Nise vvas dumbe and ie­lous, though confident, as beeing so neere her Louer. Ia­cinta dissembling her trouble, as one that knew her selfe too vnworthy to enioy him, to bring her out of her dumpes, broke the yce and silence by speaking first, and they vvere [Page 387] then mutually courteous, both willing to bee acquainted with the causes of each others peregrination.

Gerardo fearefull of another Storme, had desired that the Frigot might saile vnder the Ships protection, till such time as they should land at Oran, and from thence meet vvith more consorts for Spaine: so they agreed, that for their more conueniencie, the two Dames also should goe toge­ther in the Ship, till they came thither; to vvhich purpose, they both vvere helped vp by Nise's seruants and Gerardo: vvho thought fit not as yet to leaue the company of his good friends, and therefore taking leaue of Nise and Iacin­ta, (vvho seeing the reason hee had, vvould not contradict it) he vvent backe into the Frigot. But that we may more euidently perceiue the frailty of momentarie delights, and vvhat little assurance is to be expected from their vncertain beeing, let vs, in these ensuing Lines, note the last successe, that befell Gerardo and the faire Dames in this fortunate, vnfortunate day.

All the vvhile that the former matters passed, the Ship and Frigot vvere strongly fastened together, aswell for their more conueniencie of conuersation and keeping company, as the raking of the vvaues, which as yet went somewhat high; and (increasing more) the Master and Mariners fearing lest beeing so neere, the Frigot, as the weaker Ves­sell, vvith the Seas fury might split; and thinking Gerardo had beene in the Ship, the Frigot fell off; but it was iust at the instant, that he beeing in the Ship-boate, thought to haue gotten out of it into the Frigot; vvhich being now vn­der Saile, and the Boat notable to ouertake it, hauing bro­ken the Rope, by which she was tyed to the Ships Sterne, to the terrible griefe of the beholders, caught by the swel­ling waues, and violently carried on, was like to bee ouer­whelmed; where a long time Gerardo was seene to be in ma­nifest [Page 388] danger, though for all he was so farre off, hee might heare Nise and Iacinta's cries, vvhose eyes prooued vnwil­ling witnesses of the sad disaster.

Gerardo's valiant companions were not awhit dismayd in the Frigot, to see him in this conflict; but tugging at their Oares till they were ready to burst, at length they fetched vp the Boat, and casting out a Ropes end, on which he laid hold, by little and little (quitting the Boat) hee swamme to the Frigots Oares, and taking a little breath, holding by their broad feet, at last he was lifted into the Frigot; where, after he had shifted and refreshed himselfe, his Company began to steere the Ships course, till such time as the bil­lowes rising more and more, they had quite lost sight of her. It was then about one of Clocke in the afternoone, at what time the wind enlarging, they set Saile, and might haue sa­ued their Oares, in respect of the faire wind; but they vsed both, and so made on to the West-ward of Oran, whither the Shippe was bound; and not ceasing to row, (fresh men still helping) before darke night they were gotten aboue threescore miles from the place where the fight was: but since none of them knew to take the Altitude, and night came darke on them, vncertaine of their course, they yet held on West-ward, that being the safest; and so after the nights second watch, they found that they were neere a Coast, and the wind sitting a sterne, they were ere long dri­uen into a faire and well-sheltring Harbour, on whose land stood a strong Castle, that was founded on a sure high Rocke, vnresistable limit to the Seas salt waues.

THE SECOND PART OF GERARDO, THE VNFORTVNATE SPANIARD.
The third and last Discourse.

GERARDO, with the capacitie of his fraile vnderstanding, measured (though tempe­rately) the powerfull greatnesse of heauens prouidence: which made him a little stum­ble at the truth so full of strange diuersitie: till comming neerer to himselfe out of this mist of ignorance, his minde subiected his doubtfull credit, and his couragious heart, transcending all earthly hopes, [Page 390] promised a happy end to those aduerse meanes which brought him into so many narrow Straites. The present confused accident doth well and euidently paint out this truth.

The poore Christians, how-euer free from all Sea dan­ger, yet were now in worse taking then euer, ghessing, that by the land they plainely saw, they were in some Port of Barbary, which made their danger irremediably certaine: our Gentleman for his part, was more troubled now, then he had beene formerly for the losse of his liberty, to see that by the former mischance hee was separated from the faire Iacinta, but chiefely, firme and loyall Nise, whose notable resolution (duely considered by him, all ancient passion set aside) he could not but affoord it a worthy estimation in his affectionate thoughts (some dead Embers of those fires which once inwardly scorched him, lighting and nourish­ing his gratefull heart:) and, as his reuengefull desire could worke no greater effect in his noble brest then pitie, that taught him to bewaile the losse of Iacinta, fearing from her naturall weakenesse some other relapse, that would quite frustrate her, by him promised, remedy.

These iust and more then amorous cares, as much af­flicted his wearied mind, as any feare of imminent danger; though desiring too to auoid it, seeing that hitherto they had not bin at al from any on shore discouered. Taking ad­uice with his companions, it was concluded, and amongst them agreed, that some two of them landing, should with all possible vvarinesse informe themselues of the place, and accordingly, they might set downe some conuenient course.

Here, each Christian began to haue within himselfe a seuerall faction, disswading also his best friend from the en­terprize; but Gerardo, who vvas, as it vvere the President of [Page 391] this counsell, to whom they remitted the election that hee pleased, not willing to cause any difference, and trusting to his owne good courage, named himselfe for one, and one of the weakest persons in the Frigot besides for a Compa­nion; and therefore being all fully satisfied, they set the two on shore as farre off as they could from sight of the Castle, for feare of danger. They now on Land clambered vp cer­taine Rocks, and being got neere the top of them, might heare a noise of Horsemen, which made them stop. The least they could in this occasion feare, was to light vpon some Alarbian Cottage; and therefore hearkening some­what more wistly, they might heare voices and talking: but perceiuing those ceased (for they had a pretty while liste­ned from behinde the Rocke) and thinking that the parties had made a stand thereabouts, without more adoe, they stole creepingly on, till they came to a spacious Plaine (as it were) which were the Mountaines Toppe, from whose craggie precipices, they might plainely discouer two men on horsebacke armed, with their Launces in their hands, and Shields at the Saddles Pumels: who, discoursing (as it seemed) somewhat earnestly, caused the noise, which so carefully did leade these two on. Gerardo verily beleeued they were Moores, which his fearefull Companion was ea­sily also induced to, though gathering somewhat neerer close by the ground, to auoid being perceiued, they might heare the one of them vse these angry words to the other:

Goe to then, Don Martin, no more words, 'tis now no time to delay my reuenge; now you must satisfie the wrong'd Ismenia, with the price of your blood, in dying by my hand; for to this purpose alone was the drawing you from Oran contriued: and so ceasing, they might likewise heare his Aduersarie reply in this manner: Rather, base Ca­uallier, these Rockes of Massalquibir shall prooue the eter­nall [Page 392] sepulchre of thy vaine arrogance, which, how little I esteeme, thou shalt quickly perceiue, and how much fitter it had been for thee, not to haue owned anothers iniuries: and with this, both of them falling backe to come on vvith more force, wheeling about to take field-roome enough, be­gan to set spurres to their horses.

It is not possible to expresse our Gerardo's gladnesse, as soone as by the two Gentlemens discourse, he knew the se­cure Country where he was; & willing to free both of them from each others danger, but not daring alone to venter vpon two horsemen, hee instantly dispatcht his Compani­on to the Frigot with the happy newes, willing him to make all haste, and bring foure or fiue of the company with him, that, by their helpe, the furious couple might bee par­ted: who at this time (the Moone shining bright) making the staring Rockes dumbe witnesses to their valour, and the desert solitude their quiet Sticklers, with vndaunted spi­rits most desperately with their Launces rushed together. Gerardo could not so perfectly note (by reason of the di­stance) each particularitie of that bloudy combate, whose disastrous end he fearing, and that his friends would stay too long (setting his owne danger aside) he ranne in to part them: iust at the very instant, when both, with the violent shocke of their Horses, came together to the ground: when suddenly (one of them couragiously leaping vpon his feete, and about to haue set vpon his opposite with drawn sword) Gerardo stept betweene, and rebating the furious offers of his Semitar, desired him likewise to forbear; but the en­raged Gentleman was so blinded with reuengefull madnes, that, without either hearkening to the request, or least miti­gating his fury, seeing his Contrary still laid along, cryed out to Gerardo, to suffer him to make an end of the Trai­tor. By this time (for doubtlesse otherwise these two might [Page 393] haue fallen foule vpon each other) came in Gerardo's companions, but so speedily and fiercely, seeing him in that manner, that, had not he, very warily preuented their fury, the impatient Combatant might haue been in a great deale of danger; who, amazed with the vnexpected sight of so many, would faine (to haue auoided the hazzard) haue seized on his Horse: but Gerardo, presuming, his feare was the same, that his owne not long since satisfied it, by crying out to him, that they were not Moores, but Chri­stians: with which, lesse troubled, they began now to ap­proch neerer to one another.

But no sooner began they to treat in colder blood, when our Castillian by his voice remembred the present party, to be Don Iayme the Arragonian, his singularly intimate friend, whose company Gerardo lost (as you finde in the first parts second Discourse) when by his help they forced Iacinta out of the Nunnery. Hee was a little troubled with the vnexpected accident, as thinking it a dreame: but (his second cogitations working better in his noble brest) casting by his damasked Semitar, hee threw his armes a­bout the others necke. His old friend was no lesse moo­ued; for Gerardo's habit, and the improper Moone-light, did much make difficult the knowing him, so (the truth vncertaine) his confusion was at a stand, & the rather when he might heare these ensuing words:

Why, how now, Don Iayme, Valorous Sir, lift you your angry steele against your greatest friends? Hold, stay that arme; for, if Gerardo, in appeasing your wrath haue offen­ded you, as repentant as humble, he layes his head at your feete. This melting language called backe Don Iayme's remembrance, and represented to him the voice and pre­sence of his old acquaintance Gerardo: whereupon straight ensued his thankefull acknowledgement, making him ioy­fully [Page 394] admire at the strangenes of the accident. By this time some of the company, got in to the Gentlemen that lay on the ground, whom they found (weltring in his bloud, thorow-dead) run thorow the body with a Launce: which they made knowne (for feare of what might ensue) to the new friends: the newes was very vn-pleasing to Gerardo, in respect of his friends danger; who, now nobly com­passionate of his enemies mortall hap, made one to helpe to hide him in the secretest part of the Rocks: and (deter­mined wisely to stay no longer there, informed of their Frigot in the Hauen) he resolued with them to imbarke himselfe in her. This indeed was the safest course; and so both these Gentlemen longing to know the occasion of each others encounter in those parts, went backe with the company to their Vessell; where entring, by that time it grew to bee day, diuers persons, that desired passage for Spaine, repaired thither.

Gerardo had formerly desired to expect some newes of the two Dames and their Ship; but seeing as yet they were not arriued, fearing least some sinister chance might hin­der Don Iayme his Voyage; and preferring his friends safe­ty, before his owne satisfaction, hee was rather content that they should hold their course for Spaine; and hauing by the way recounted to the valiant Aragonian, his strange fortunes since the time he saw him: one day (his owne discourse ended) desirous to know the cause that brought Don Iayme to so remote hazzards, he made bold to moti­on an account of it, which the other most willingly gran­ted, not so much importuned by his friends request, as by his owne free desire to giue him greater content: and so, sitting them down vpon the Sterne, with sighes that drew on the past-future Story, Don Iayme thus began:

Not long before your comming to Zaragosa, some [Page 395] Gentlemen and my selfe bestowed the setting foorth of certaine shewes and triumphs; in midst of which and the solemnitie, a distaste arose, caused by Lisauro (whom you well knew) as a principall Motor, and my Vnkle Don Iulio de Arragon, was hee that most opposed him, and conse­quently my selfe was forced to make a party, maugre Li­sauro and his friends. It imports not much to know the particulars, I may onely tell you, that the maine matter was, about a businesse deciphered but to no ill intent, by the aforesaid Don Iulio, wherein Lisauro made construction of a wrong done to him. From this slight beginning, grea­ter combustions arose, nourished by the vnquietest spirits of both factions, and thus they grew to bandy together, and a long time after, with many fraies and brabbles to in­fest one another.

In the very heate of this feude, my Vnkle being necessa­rily to take a iourney out of towne, and I, to accompany him, this accident you shall heare hapned vpon our re­turne. As wee came merrily riding homeward, within some three Leagues of Zaragosa, a sudden storme came vp­on vs, in such violent manner, with Thunder-claps, Light­ning, Winde, and streames of water that gushed out of the Clouds; that (though the tempest caught vs not in the gulph of Narbona, but in a Valley of the Riuer Hebrus) we alike feared drowning: and therefore spurred on as fast as we could, till spying certaine habitations, and amongst them a good faire house of pleasure, which seemed to be­long to some Gentleman; striking out of the high-way, and guiding our Horses thither-ward, we got to the place, iust at the instant that a Coach entred in at another gate, dri­uen (as it might seeme) by the same necessitie that we.

Heere mine Vnkle and my selfe, with the rest of our company, stayed a long houre, expecting when the storme [Page 396] would cease, but with different intents, for mine Vnkle onely longed to be at home; but I, (as a thing more pro­per to my Peeres) desired to see what company went in the Carroach; supposing (for the Bootes were very close shut downe) they must needs bee women within, (as in­deed true it was) though the searching out of this truth had like to haue cost my boldnesse deare: for I had scarce offred to lift vp one of the boote lids and looke in, when, out issued two men; who laying hold on their swords, as they ioyntly blamed my vn-mannerly act, obliged mee to the like; and the rather, knowing them to bee no other then Lisauro and his kinsman Tirso, both, our vowed ene­mies: and though my youthfull rashnesse might some­thing haue beene excused; yet the matter proceeded now so farre (choller and late enmitie depriuing vs all of rea­son) that our seruants came in too to mend the businesse. I much feared, that (any mischance hapning, wee beeing more in number) it might bee after imputed to vs for co­wardize: which made me altering my purpose, seeke to shelter them, by causing our people to retire, and to lay the blame vpon my owne foolish curiositie.

And certainely the two Kinsmen, knowing how little there was to be gained from vs, would gladly haue accep­ted my Apologie, if at this time foure or fiue of their ser­uants had not entred newly in; who (it seemed) loytered behinde their Masters, that with their comming changing their notes, broke off all parley, and so the fray began, our side as willingly answering, that in a trice here was the bat­tell of Agrimant, nothing was heard but clashing of swords, noise, cryes, and groanes of such as vvere wounded on eue­ry side.

No lesse were the out-cryes within the Carroach, neere which the hottest of the skirmish was. My enraged Vnkle [Page 397] willing to end all distastes betwixt Lisauro and him, most eagerly followed him, till such time, as he, stumbling at one of the Carraoch Cushions, fell ouer and ouer: and Don Iu­lio with haste had like to haue falne vpon him: which it see­med Tirso had markt, and the aduantage made him ap­proach: but I fearing mine Vnkles misfortune, beat by two fierce thrusts that Tirso tilted at him, and with my Sword and Dagger crosse-warded, bore off a willing blow he made at me, for my charitie to saue another: by this time Lisau­ro was gotten vp; so that leauing Don Iulio and Tirso, to be­gin againe vpon euen termes, my fury, or rather good for­tune guided me to a new encounter with Lisauro: for with the first back-blow dealt, I left him without defence, since, the blade flying out of his hand, he remained onely with his swords hi [...]t. I then tooke notice of the good successe; and sure our old enmitie had here ended, had it not beene for the intercession of two Dames; one of which laying hold on my Contrary, all blubberd and afflicted, and the other comming towards me, sought to asswage my anger, and to mediate for the dis-armed Gentleman: she that spoke to me, had her face all couered with Tiffany, which seruing as a Maske, onely discouered two faire eyes, but at this time clouded with some pittifull teares, which accompanied with sighes and discreet phrase, not onely reined in my vn­bridled fury; but also (seeing Tirso on one side wounded by mine Vnkle, fly backe, and on the other their seruants dri­uen vp to a corner, labour in their defence) made me to se­cond Tirso, and re-bating Don Iulio's blowes and his, cryed out to them to hold: and by this time some other indiffe­rent parties came happily in and parted vs all. I signified to the vnknowne Dame, that her discreet and noble carriage gained me to be her seruant, as farre as the sauing her kins­man or friends life, and should command mine owne. So [Page 398] that at last my Vnkle constrain'd by my entreaties, got to horse, and the like did I; and with our haste, I forgot to take so much as a bare leaue of the Gentlewomen, onely com­manded our seruants to follow; with whom, (as vvell to take order for what had passed, as to cure some that vvere wounded) we returned to Zaragosa with such speed, that before night we were gotten to our lodgings, though I stayed not long in mine, rather following my Vnkles ad­uice, absented my selfe for at least twenty dayes in a Vil­lage some dayes iourney off, which was the cause I could not (to my desire) informe my selfe of the Dame that spoke to me, whom I much longed to know.

The Officers of Iustice hauing vnderstood from Don Iu­lio the late accident, with all the circumstances, fearing the resulting of some greater inconueniences from it, sought to pacifie all parties, which they so diligently laboured, that with much adoe a generall concord was effected, and all were publikely made friends.

Then I returned againe to my home and former care, but so vnluckily, that doing what possibly I could, I was not able to learn who the two former Dames were, or whether they went; which difficulty was the more encreased by the feare I had, least my iealous enemies might fall into some new suspitions; if, haply they should come but to the least notice of my curious intent: wherefore desisting, I tooke truce with my desires.

Thus past I on some two moneths and better, in vvhich time new inuitements, different occasions, and seuerall va­rieties, made mee forget the former businesse quite, till one morning amongst others, being to meet some friends, who had appointed the venturing of a Rest at Primera, as I was going out of my lodging, a Woman masked, came, and suddenly conueyed a Letter into my hand, saying, To mor­row [Page 399] morning, Don Iayme, you shall haue mee here for the answer, and without another word, left me, as full of trou­ble, as longing for the contents; and so opening it, I read, if not the same words, at least the matter you shall heare.

My fathers lingring sicknesse, and former troubles, haue made me deferre, though not forget, the acknowledgement of a parti­cular obligation, in which (Don Iayme) for your noblenesse not long since to Lisauro, I am ingaged to your valour. Let this iust motiue, worthiest Signior, be a sufficient warrant to excuse my loosenesse; rather, in your honour'd thoughts, affoord it a bet­ter title, since, though I presume as a stranger now, I doubt not but time and our correspondence, may make me worthy of a rea­sonable estimation in your affection; of which when I may haue some sufficient proofe, you shall know who I am: in the meane time I humbly beseech you suffer like your noble selfe, in which confi­dence Heauen protect you.

Here ended the pithie Letter, whose contents equally a­mazed, and gladded me, to haue gotten at length some (though confused) notice of the countrey Dame, whose Letter (infinitely contented) I answered, and fully satisfied for my neglect of not taking leaue of her, when our bicke­ring was, by letting her know the exquisit search I had made to excuse my selfe, and expresse how much I was her ser­uant; vrging withall, my desire with all earnestnesse to see her, though in conclusion I closed vp all, with submitting my selfe to her will, without seeking to know or enquire any thing that might contradict her pleasure; and what I wrote, I made good, giuing my Letter to the disguized partie, that the next morning came punctually for it, without daring to demand so much as her Mistrisses name, or the least cir­cumstance.

[Page 400] In this manner, I continued a good while; but to deale plainly, though her discreet Letters promised a subiect of much woorth and goodnesse, yet the want of knowing her did more disperse my affections.

'Twas now about the gladsom time of Shroue-tide, more solemnely kept in Zaragosa, then any other citie of Spaine; at which time, with some friends and kinsmen of mine owne age and condition, clad in colours, and Vizards, wee mar­ched vp and downe the streetes, enioying many a mirth­full opportunitie: for at this time of yeere, our women haue full libertie, and dispence with their ordinary reseruednesse. In the heate of our pastime, on the Sunday night, hauing notice of certaine Reuels that were kept in priuate houses, vvilling to affoord our eyes the content of seeing, vvee visi­ted all: till such time, as at last, comming to the house of one Signior Bellides; vvhere, all the youth, brauerie, and beauty of the City vvas, we purposed to enter, but most vvarily, in respect that the aforesaid Gentleman was of a contrary faction to vs; for (though vvee had beene before made friends) yet we still kept aloofe.

Neuer, since I vvas man, saw mine eyes a rarer Beauty, nor a more troublesome obiect to my soule, then one, a­mongst the Dames there; and although there were few present, that deserued not a particular commendation, yet she, who fell to my lot, (I meane) shee vvhom I set by, was so admirably beauteous, that the rest, in comparison, were but swartie Egyptians.

The spacious Hall was set round with Torches, and Lights of seuerall inuentions; and many of the Gallants and gallant Dames of the Reuels beganne to foot it, to the sound of harmonious musicall Instruments; so that all the Spectators eyes beeing fastened vpon them, I might the more freely employ mine, nail'd (as it were) to that beau­tifull [Page 401] obiect. And (but falteringly) something I would haue spoken, when mine eyes with their earnestnesse better supplied my tongues defect, by shewing my hearts cares.

I know not whether the knowledge of my voyce, or the lifting vp my Vizard to wipe my face, made her the more attentiue to my words; but drawing closer to mee, with a soft and low voyce she bestowed on mee this answer: I am much indebted to Heauen, Don Iayme, for my good for­tune in seeing you, wherein my desires are accomplisht, which shall euer be ready, seruiceable to your happinesse, though you may happely want good will to repay their af­fection: at which you may not wonder, when hereafter you shall vnderstand how much they esteeme you. And willing to haue gone on in this discourse, (which strangely amazed me, not knowing what she meant, and therefore troubled to answer) one of the Gallants of the Reuels inter­rupted vs, who inuiting her out to a Galliard, left me with­out her, and another Dame to take her place; whither, af­ter she had most gracefully danced, about to haue returned, seeing the Roome filled, shee was constrained to make choice of another; so that, to my soules griefe, not know­ing how to get out of that aduenture, into which I was thus imbarked, hardly could I dissemble my distaste, at least I made it knowne to one of my greatest friends there with me, proposing to him, if he knew the occasion of it: he told mee shee was daughter to the Gentleman of the house, which made me much more wonder at the successe, and sorrowfully despairefull, lest the differences betwixt her friends and mine, would quite dash the prosecution of that amorous fire, which by little and little had wholly seiz'd my heart.

In these carefull imaginations my affections wauered in their beginning, when (the Reuels growing to an end) be­ing [Page 402] late, euery man went home, and my selfe, and compa­ny vnknowne, (as we came) and hauing rested that night, we returned to our disguizes, and the pastimes: and though the sight of this faire Dame beset mee in diuers places, where the Shrouetide sports were, yet I could neuer after get a fit opportunitie to speake to her: so these merry daies passed away, and many others, in which, frequenting both day and night her street and house, and otherwhiles com­ming punctually to the Church where shee vsed to heare Masse, I tempered with the fauours she sent from her eyes, the amorous ardour of my desires, mitigating with such poore comforts, the restlesse torment that afflicted me.

Howsoeuer this new affection might haue beene suffici­ent to diuert me from all other, yet it blotted not out of my remembrance, how much the Country-Dame had shewed in her Letters, who vnderstanding (I know not by what meanes) of my new vvatchfulnesse and cares, vvhen I least expected, by the vsuall seruant sent mee a Ticket, in which she not onely signified her ielous complaints, but particula­rized also the most singular acts and signes, euen to the ve­ry Phrase I vsed to the Dame of the Reuels, so right, that I was exceedingly astonisht, not gessing how it vvas possible for her to come by that punctuall knowledge of hers; and therefore vvilling to diuert her, I resolued to deny all, re­questing likewise most earnestly to see her, that by laying such a necessarie obligation vpon me, she might make sure my correspondence, and secure her owne ielous suspitions: and in conclusion, though in many other Papers of hers, she seemed to be lesse satisfied with my excuses, yet since hers, for the accomplishing my desire of seeing her, vvere farre more, wanting a sight of her, mine eyes were not to be blamed, if they were bent vpon a subiect lesse disdainful and coy: so that slackening my returne of answers to her [Page 403] Tickets, I began to re-prosecute my amorous intents with the sprightly Dame of the Reuels: And desiring nothing more, then that she might truly know my affection, and how much the difficulty of conuersing with her, troubled mee, I vvas bold to request that my mind might be signified vnto her in a Song; and giuing her notice of the time, with her consent, accompanied with that friend, to whom (the night of the Reuels) I made knowne my thoughts, about Mid­night, at the appointed time, vve went into her Street; where hauing taken Stand right opposite to my Mistrisses Win­dow, the Musicians began to touch their Strings, and one of them to warble out a Dittie in the following Verses, ha­uing for subiect my impossible Loue.

All the while the Musicke plaid and the Song lasted, not onely the Windowes of Signior Bellides, but the rest of the whole neighbourhood were stucke with auditors, to heare the Song, and many other toyes and fancies, till such time [Page 404] as day-breake being neere, we returned homeward, where I remained, taking rest vntill day was well come on, and go­ing after dinner to haue a reuenge for my losses at Primero, to the accustomed meeting, the seruant that vsed to bring me the Tickets from the Countrey-Dame, met mee vpon the way, and deliuering a Paper from her Mistrisse, left me to reade the ensuing Contents:

I know not, Don Iayme, how you can excuse your proceeding; for though my slacknesse to see you may seeme to discharge you, yet that is but a poore euasion, to matters of greater consequence, such as the promised vowes of all your Papers sent me: wherefore fin­ding at present (witnesse your last nights Musicke to Signior Bel­lides his daughter) your false dealing with me, no maruell though my complaints (how iust soeuer) be shunned by your eares. But that you may know, what you contemne in me, is not inferiour to ought of that Dames, as well to do my selfe right, as to make you see your owne losse, (though you vniustly deserue the fauour) I shall this night giue you leaue to see me. The Bearer, if you list to expect her late at night at your owne house doore, shall conduct you where we may speake together. Heauen keepe you, and make you acknowledge how much you owe to my affection.

No sooner, my Gerardo, had I read these last Lines, when I was much more confounded, then pleased, with the recei­ued promise: so exceeding was my trouble, to see how small credit was giuen to my truth, howsoeuer I determined to obey; expecting the night, by which time my Guide was come, who taking me by the hand, willing me alone to follow her, (the Clocke then striking newly ten) wee went crossing the greatest part of the Citty, till comming to a narrow Lane, without any sallie at the other end, drawing neere to certaine ruinous white Walles; when we were iust [Page 405] vnder them, she left me to expect, till such time, as shee by another vvay returned to giue notice to her Mistris; and so trudging apace from me, I waited the euent, vvondring as much at the manner and contriuing of it, as vvary and ar­med to preuent all hazard or inconuenience. In this con­fused sort, I attended a long houre at least, by when I might heare a Window not farre from the Wall open, at which a Woman appearing; for though the darknesse hindred my sight, yet her voice made me easily perceiue it vvas the par­ty vvhich brought me thither, and so drawing neerer, shee bade me get to the top of the broken Wall, from vvhence they might conueniently speake to me. That vvithout dif­ficulty I performed, and being nimbly mounted, she bade me there stay awhile, and shutting the Window I went in, (my mind beeing now in such trouble, as if vvillingly it would haue forsaken my body) and my desires hung on e­uery the least noyse, iudging each breath of ayre to bee my Mistrisses vvary steppe, vvhom at last I might heare gently open the Window and present herselfe. The Wall where I stood vvas so high, that it well-nigh raught to the Yron Frame of her Bay-window; and so, together vvith the glimpse of a Light in the chamber, I could quickly take no­tice, that the faire creature present, vvas no other then the gallant daughter of Signior Bellides; vvhich so vvonder­strucke me, that though I had bethought me sufficiently of vvhat I meant to say, yet, in respect the reasons I had for­ged in my brest, were more for satisfying the ielous com­plaints of the Countrey-Dame, then for courting the pre­sent subiect; my tongue waxing dumb, I grew to that passe, that had not the faire Dame (perceiuing my alteration) laid hold on me, the Wall and my countenance had been much of a complexion, but feeling my selfe reuiued by her soft touch, recouering my lost spirits, I might heare her pro­ceed. [Page 406] Why, how now, Gallant, vvhat fright is this? afraid of a Woman? or doth my presence make you feare the iust punishment due to your inconstancie? I am she whom you so vnkindly vsed for Signior Bellides his daughter, and yet (obliged for the seruices you did her) must pardon grea­ter iniuries: I, Don Iayme, am she, that in the Country and company of Lisauro, your noble courteous behauiour won vnto you: the same she that enioyed your gladding con­uersation at the Reuels; lastly, the same Ismenia, Signior Bellides his daughter, and whilst life shall last, maugre the Worlds contradiction, Yours. Knowing, my best loued Signior, that the inuetrate enmitie of our houses, might crosse my designes, I deferred our meeting, expecting, till some of times vnexpected seasons, might (as at the present) facilitate our desires; which I trust are now accomplisht, since you are disposed to loue Ismenia, one of your Houses greatest enemies. That this is true, your last nights Mu­sicke perswaded mee; vvhich fauour, for the paines it cost you, I esteeme with equall recompence, as my determinate resolution hath well expressed by this nights meeting; the disposing of vvhich, hath not beene vvithout some difficul­ties and no lesse hazard. Heauen grant, my good Don Iayme, that you acknowledge better then to the Country-Dame, how much Ismenia's loue and loyall affection merits; and in so doing, I shall liue most happy, neither shall your selfe complaine at all of our not mutuall correspondence.

And ending her discourse, she gaue vvay to my vnloo­sened tongue, to satisfie her amorous obligation: with the best discourse therefore my Soule could on the sudden frame, she made knowne her gratefull and greatest secrets: last of all I excused the errour of my inconstancie against the Country-Dame, attributing it to the rare beauty, attractiue power of Ismenia; so that, the distaste I before was guiltie [Page 407] of, turned straight into mirthfull pastime, in vvhich wee spent most part of that pleasing night; at vvhich time I vn­derstood from my Mistris, that the reason of her comming with Lisauro and Tirso to the Country-house, was, to auoid the Storme which that afternoone tooke them, as they were going from Zaragosa to a Village, vvhere at the same time her father lay very sicke; for whom, together with her mo­ther, (the fore-mentioned woman in the Fray) they went to bring him more commodiously home: and that after­ward returning to the Cittie, inforced, as she said (but more by her owne generous condition) by my courtesie, she en­deuoured by her trustie maid, to giue me notice of her affe­ction.

So that after all this (both of vs extremely ioyfull) day comming on, she quitted the Window, and I leaped from the Wall, agreeing onely still to continue our amorous night-meetings at the same place. The next day passed on, and night vvith my ioyfulnesse being come, at our prefixed houre, I vvent towards my Ismenia's Street, and from thence to the vsuall Stand; which, as I might now (lesse troubled) plainly perceiue, was the backe-side of Signior Bellides his house, though the former night little dreaming of any such thing, I took no notice of it. Here stood I close expecting when the Window would open; when, about to climbe my Wall, I might vpon a sudden perceiue three or foure enter the Lane, and making a stand in the midst of it, heard them closely whispering: so that the desired instant too for my approach, being come, I was in a double feare, either of hauing the act (if I mounted) discouered, or if not, my selfe: both which, and either of them might make mee equally thereabouts suspected.

In midst of this confusion, the worst that could bee, fell out: for Ismenia at her Window taking no notice of those [Page 408] men, out of her greedinesse to spie, and onely guessing it was I, called out, saying, Hist, why come you not, Don Iayme, at which call, the parties in the Lane began to draw neerer, but I (fearing lest by comming too neere they might know me) without a word speaking, let flie at them so outragiously, that at the very first encounter one of them fell downe sure enough; and his companions frighted with the mischance, instantly turned their backes, crying out for helpe so lowd, that I durst no longer expect the issue; which was, that I had no sooner slipped out of the Lane, when an­other troope of men entred into it, whom afterward I vn­derstood to haue beene all of one partie, Officers appoin­ted purposely to apprehend some suspicious persons there­abouts. Considering then my danger, before any one might follow, I hastily tooke flight to my Lodging, remai­ning all that night as sad and pensatiue, as the night before merrie and ioyfull. As soone as it was morning, I receiued a Ticket from my Mistris; in which, excusing with her shal­low experience, the inconsiderate neglect, cause of our dis­quiet, she concluded, aduertizing me, how fitting it was for the securitie of our loues, to deferre priuate meetings, in respect of the carefull watch which was kept, as well, as without doores, in her house, being it was publikely repor­ted, that an Officer of Iustice was slaine in the night-time, for no more then hauing taken some notice of a Gentle­man, that spoke to some-body at her Window.

I well perceiued the inconuenience with Ismenia's rea­son, and how important therefore it was for me to follow her aduice, since the danger, (my pretension to her kin­dred knowne) was no lesse hazzardous then irremediable: and though the losse of her sight tormented me to the ve­ry soule; yet, the feare of her ruine, more then mine own, kept my affection at distance, and the better to dissemble [Page 409] the matter, I absented my selfe from Zaragosa. Ismenia sa­tisfied with my intent, by her leaue, I tooke a iourney to a towne of mine, your selfe at that time and Iacinta going along with mee; the accident in our iourney falling out, which enforced you to take her out of the Nunnery, where by my order she was left, and likewise of losing our selues in the darke night, I arriued by morning at my own home; and hauing caused all possible search to be vsed af­ter you, hearing no newes, I endeuoured to pacifie mat­ters in the Nunnery, which I might easily doe, considering the neerenesse of alliance betweene the Abbesse and my selfe; who, vnwilling to bring me into danger, was con­tented to dissemble the outrage.

At this time (though farre off from my Mistris) yet still wee held correspondence by meanes of my trusty friends, whom (as you heard) I made priuy to my secret: and so, Ismenia's Maid deliuering her Mistresses Letters into his hands, they came safely to mine. But at last my heart vnable to support longer absence, at two moneths end, I returned to Zaragosa, and there to my former cares. Ismenia soone knew of my arriuall; for (to deale truely) no lesse was I sol­licited by her Letters and perswasions, then mine owne ar­dent desires; and so the ensuing night, in company of Don Martin de Vrrea (this being my friends name) I went to the vsuall place; where I remained in louing conuersation with my Mistris, till towards morning, and thus many a night after continued our affections: which at last grew to that height of increase, that neither of vs, powerfull to resist their inflaming effects, vve at length determined to giue a ioyfull consummation to our passions. And Ismenia van­quished by my entreaties for the appointed night, taking first Heauen and her true seruant to vvitnesse, of my hand and faithfull vow to be her Spouse; she consented I should [Page 410] by the window enter her Chamber, though for some ne­cessary respects, the reward of my labours vvas deferred till the next night: from vvhich time I vvas able to take no rest at all, but toiling vp and downe from one place to ano­ther, at all, but toiling vp and downe from one place to ano­ther, thought euery minute a long Age, till the vvished mo­ment approached; so that, vvhat should haue beene my greatest ioy, bred me greater disquiet, in vvhich I passed the greatest part of the day, till visited by my friend Don Mar­tin, to the intent that he might not discouer my vveaknesse, I forced my selfe to as much cheerefulnesse as I could (which being forced, and I but counterfetly dissembling my inward trouble) he might vvell perceiue my alteration. This he made knowne vnto me, and vvithall requested to know the cause of my discontent: vvhereupon, I, that had formerly trusted him vvith my bosomes greatest secrets, thought it no raritie now to discouer the present; and ther­fore made knowne vnto him (vvould God I had dyed first) our agreement: and indeed, Gerardo; though (as then) I tooke not the notice I ought to haue done of his lookes, by vvhat afterward hapned (too late to bee helped) I called to minde, how Don Martin became suddenly sad, as soone as euer I had made knowne vnto him the cause of my vnqui­etnesse, but mine eyes were so blinded from his passion, that they neuer so much as marked the least part of it, nor (though they had) might I haue iudged it to redound to my preiudice.

Lastly, I requested to haue his company (as I was wont) which he easily agreed to; and so (faining a leaue to pre­pare himself) home he vvent; and within a few houres after, when it was time, came backe againe to mee: and before we went out, he was desirous we should change Cloakes, by which meanes (said hee) vvee shall the better disguize our selues: in this manner then comming to the lane and place [Page 411] (being somewhat late) I might perceiue that Ismenia expe­cted; so that with my friends helpe I got speedily vpon the wall, from whence, about to haue climbed to the window, I no sooner went about it, when, two fellowes newly rush­ed into the Lane, beganne hastily to set vpon Don Martin, vvith vvhom (though to my seeming by him valiantly resi­sted) they began such a bickering, as (the night you vvot of) hapned vnto me; but, suspecting as then no other, then that we were laid wait for, I leapt to the ground, and seconding Don Martin, we easily droue them out of the Lane, and I, desiring no more then to set my Contrary from thence, see­ing him begin to turne tayle, following somewhat hard to remoue him a good way from my Mistresses danger, after I had effected my desire, somewhat weary and breathlesse, I returned againe to my stand, where finding no Don Martin, nor any sign of the past skirmish, thinking the same chance had happened to him, that to me; meaning not to expect him longer, I ventured once againe to the top of the wall, to effect my desires: but hauing found the window close shut, thinking verily the fray and clashing of our swords, for more security had caused it, I turned backe againe, though, so perplexed with the vnlookt for accident, that, I could wil­lingly haue sacrificed my selfe.

In all that ensuing night, I could not affoord my distract­ed minde one minutes rest, whose morning comfort it fits, you next heare. About ten of the clocke the next mor­ning, my Ismenia's Wench, as frollicke as 'twas possible, comes into my Chamber, and giuing me a Paper from her Mistresse, asked me, if I were more liuely and lesse maidenly then ouer-night? I vnderstood not her meaning, and there­fore making no direct reply, onely demanded, whether we had been perceiued? who answered, Not. At last, some­what more contented, I dispatcht her; but no longer lasted [Page 412] this contentednesse with me, then mine eyes were running ouer these Lines.

As in all my life I neuer had happier night, so, my delight ne­uer paid greater abatement; for, as wel your strange silence made my soule sorrowfull, as the danger also in which I first saw you: I am yet fearefull, not knowing whether yeu arriued safely at your lodging, which doth mortally afflict me; and therefore, loued Spouse, I beseech you, faile not to see me this night, since you are now obliged to know, how ill I shall passe the tedious minutes, without re-enioying your desired presence.

Euen yet, Gerardo, the affrightment of these Lines still haunts me; which, hauing as then sundry times read ouer, and comparing the Wenches former questions with them, I could not tell what to imagine: but knowing that, till I spoke with Ismenia, my labour was vain, I was forced to pa­tience, and expectation of nights approach, by when and before my accustomed houre, I went to Don Martin his lodging, aswell with purpose to haue him along with mee, as to know also how he had sped the last night: but, though I bounced and often called at his doore, no answere was made me, which caused me to goe alone; and comming to the place, vp I got, where Ismenia expected me.

Me thought as then, deare friend, my dis-ioynted lim [...] were shattered from my bodie; and, that my afflicted heart opprest with some future mischiefe, leaping within me, began to rent and teare: in fine, neuer such a stupid sadnesse possest mans faculties, though at the present I en­ioyed all the happinesse I could in this world desire.

Ismenia soone tooke notice of my trouble, though no other light was by, then what might haue been sent from her sparkling eyes; and so, with equall astonishment, and [Page 413] some few sighes, she said: Is it possible, Don Iayme, that your extraordinary sadnesse thus should lessen our ioyes? last night you would not haue me so much as see you, nei­ther could I obtaine an amorous word from you, in stead of many, that one who so freely deliuered vp the possessi­on of her selfe, might haue expected: and now you pro­ceed againe with the same strangenesse: for Heauens loue, loued Sir, leaue this irkesomnesse, the occasion of which I am wholly ignorant of, at least hide it not from me, since fit it is, that your Ismenia should now bee partaker both of your good and bad.

What griefe (thinke you) could here bee equall to that my soule indur'd, hearing such bitter, vn-imagined mis­fortune? What tongue or words might expresse the ra­ging torment of my griefe-strucke heart; seeing Ismenia with such simplicitie to treat of my weightiest lifes af­faires? But, for all this, not bending a iot vnder my passi­on, I resolued to try whether she iested; and after, percei­uing her to be terribly altred, when I denied my hauing been at all with her the night before, knowing then plainly that there had been some mistake, and that some other had been my substitute, so powerfull was the anguish of my heart, that, my spirits failing, I swouned in Ismenia's armes: who, presently causing her Maid to bring a light, and perceiuing in my lost colour the truth of her ill for­tune, not any way suspecting my affection, which she euer held to be vnfained, she began by degrees to feare she had been beguiled, and with one experiment was quickly sa­tisfied that she was: for remembring her selfe at that in­stant, of a little Relicke and Purse, which was found vnder her Pillow, she knew it was left by him that possessed the place and her honour; within the Purse also there was a little Booke with Pictures, in whose first leafe the Owners [Page 414] name, the false Don Martin was written: which her Maid no sooner heard, when roaring out, and turning to the af­flicted Ismenia, and me that had now my sences better a­bout mee, she said:

You need not, Master and Mistresse, trouble your ima­ginations longer, or search for farther euidence of the truth: for vndoutedly the treacherous Author of this vil­lanie, is Don Martin; which, heauen knowes, I might (beast that I vvas) haue helped, if the feare of some greater misfor­tune had not forced me to silence; howsoeuer, I could ne­uer be perswaded, that his base thoughts would euer haue aimed at such an end: Know therefore, vvorthy Sir, that, as soone as you had absented your selfe from this Citie, lea­uing (for better conuenience) your conueyance of Letters to the said party, as soone as I had carried my Mistresses first vnto him, after some speech, he broke at last with mee, say­ing, My Mistris was much deceiued in affecting you, to thinke to receiue the like recompence, for that your returne of loue was not onely contrarie, but that, by your dissem­bling, you sought too to reuenge the enmitie of your hou­ses vpon her honour: and that (to confirme this to bee so) vnmindfull of her, hauing violently stolne a certaine Dame from a Nunnery, you liued lasciuiously with her at your owne home. This he told me, but so weakely hiding his owne passion, that I well enough ghessed at the falshood, by perceiuing the Owners infirmitie: his cares ended not so, but with all opportunities hee returned to the former theame, declaring himselfe at last so far as to offer me some gifts of value, if I would make knowne his affection to my Mistris, insisting also to haue me perswade her (how trea­cherously you dealt with her) and the aime and intent of your fained affection: but, the loue I euer bore to your noble proceeding, & the loyall seruice I owe to my Mistris, [Page 415] made me not onely shut mine eares to such base offers, but desire her to sollicite your speedy returne: which Don Mar­tin no sooner heard, and that you would bee backe, when, with a false smiling countenance he made me beleeue, that all his former endeuours were onely to try my fidelitie, as well as my Mistresses constancie; and though I perceiued, this was, but (like the Lapwing) crying out in the false place, yet I durst not make it knowne to my Mistris, as thinking, that if she should discouer it to you, there must needs be some breach betwixt your selfe and Don Martin, which might in the end light heauily vpon me, to my Mi­stris and her friends dishonours.

This (though well pondered) silence, is that, which hath wrong'd you both; and if the honest end for which it was meant, cannot free the Owner from punishment; Loe, here's the party before you, inflict what reuenge on her you please.

Thus ending, and all of vs falling into an exact conside­ration of each circumstance in this wofull misfortune; as first, how vnseasonably Don Martin vrged our exchanging Clokes, next the beeing set vpon by those fellowes iust at the instant when I was to get to the window, and my Con­traries easie retiring, comparing also the time that my false friend had to get into Ismenia's Chamber, his silence all the while hee was with her, with his commanding the lights to be first remooued, and lastly his feare and fright; by all these wee not onely knew Don Martin to bee the Ac­tor of the Villany, but the Author of the fray also, plot­ting it with some friends or seruants of his, in the manner related, that whilst I should hazzard my selfe in his de­fence, he might effect his treacherous purpose: all these strong presumptions confirming poore Ismenia, no humane thoughts can conceiue her infinite teares, equall sighes, [Page 416] hearts oppression, sad groanes, and frequent dismaying. Many a dead traunce shee had in my armes, and as often certainly had I seconded her, if the raging desire of reuenge had not couragiously strengthened me. In fine, conside­ring that for my sake shee had suffered so great an iniurie, and how much also I was in point of honour obliged to mine owne satisfaction, giuing her the best comfort that griefe would permit, with a louing embrace I tooke leaue, promising her faithfully not to bee at quiet, till her honour were fully satisfied, if not restored.

The next morning in the Torment you may well sup­pose, I priuily lay in wait for my treacherous friend: but af­ter I had long and to small purpose watched, I vnderstood, that the day before, he was ridden out of towne; so that now it appeared plainely, that hauing missed his Purse, and knowing by it his villany must needs bee discouered, his guilt made him fly, as hauing neither heart nor face to shew himselfe to a friend whom hee had so basely wronged.

This absence of his somewhat troubled me, as well, in re­tarding my reuenge, as being ignorant of his abode: but iust Heauen prouoked by his wickednesse, was pleased, by the meanes (that hee thought was his securest) to make knowne vnto me where he resided; putting into my minde to goe to the Post-house, where hauing sundry times loo­ked ouer the Letters from all parts, at last I lighted vpon a superscription to a kinsman of his, which I broke open, and reading it, perceiued it came from mine enemy who wrote from Oran in Barbary, requesting his kinsman to take order for the sending certaine moneyes and trunkes of apparell. This ioyfull newes I made knowne to Ismenia, and taking a speedy leaue, addressed my selfe for Oran, determined, if I could, to kill mine enemie; and about some sixe dayes agoe [Page 417] I arriued in a small Barke at the Port of Massalquibir, where, fearing to be discouered, I came not till yesterday abroad, informing my selfe as diligently as I could from one of the Souldiours of the Fort, whether one Don Mar­tin de Vrrea were not in the Citie.

As soone as the fellow had resolued me he was, giuing him some pieces of Siluer to drinke, that hee might the more willingly take some paines for me, I desired him to let Don Martin know, that in the Barke (which I fained to be mine) there came certain Trunkes directed to him from Zaragosa, for which he must of necessitie come a-boord to fetch them that night, because with the first faire vvinde the Barke was to set sayle for Spaine. All which the glad Souldier willingly beleeued; and so promising to himselfe a new reward for his good tidings, he effected my will (as by the successe here you haue seene:) for before Sunne-set my Messenger returned with Don Martins answere, that he was preparing to come, only stayd to prouide himselfe of a Horse, and desired mee therefore to expect him: for, though it were late first, hee would not faile to fetch his Trunkes that night away.

So leauing my Souldier, and prouiding my selfe of a reasonable good Horse I bought of a Moore (of those that peaceably traffike amongst vs) and well instructed in the vvay to the Citie, I betooke me to my fortune: and hauing (as I supposed) rode on the better halfe of the way, and expected vnder these Rockes before vs some two or three houres, hearing none passe by, I began to grow doubtfull of the Souldiers diligence, and hopelesse of any good suc­cesse, was ready to haue gone backe againe: but in the midst of these imaginations, I might heare a horses tram­pling not farre from me, and by and by perceiued a horse­man comming somewhat towards me, and (as that Coun­try [Page 418] manner is) armed as I was, who comming close vp to me, saluting mee, asked whether I trauelled towards the Citie or the Port. My heart betwixt trouble and ioy was ready to haue burst within me; and 'twas maruell, hauing knowne the Traitor by his voice, I affoorded him any o­ther answere then with my Launce: but though his trea­cherie deserued no courtesie, I, not knowing how to bee base, yeelded him this reply; Thy selfe, false Don Martin, art the Port and Hauen to which I goe, at which the satis­faction of my reuenge must safely land; and to no other am I bound; and therefore speedily defend thy selfe; for, know, I haue not crossed the stormie Seas, to returne to the vvronged Ismenia, with lesse then thy lifes reuenge. I suppose, my Contrary vvas not altogether pleased with this note: from whom, though I receiued diuers replyes, yet assured of his wickednesse, my angry spirit could not deferre a vvrathfull execution, remitting to my hand the iust Reuenge, which Heauen hath pleased I should take, before such witnesses as your selfe, and your valorous com­panions. Of Ismenia's goodnesse as confident am I, as sa­tisfied with the deseru'd chastisement of her wrong, which I purpose to solder (since with honour I now may) by ac­complishing my wedlocke vow. This, Gerardo, is my intent, this resolution carries me for Spaine, more ioyfull then vvhen I left my Country, for I shall not onely com­ply vvith my loues obligation, but with a greater, my soules.

Thus farre held on the generous Aragonian his Relation, and (that ceasing) Gerardo began with his thankes, no lesse ioyfull for the successe, then approuing Don Iayme's neces­sarie reuenge; hee applauded his laudible and noble pur­pose also: and so, within a few houres after, they put safely into the ancient and famous Port of Cartagena, vvhere, to [Page 419] the addition of Gerardo's ioy, they found the Ship, vvhich vvith Nise and Iacinta he thought was lost: wherefore, de­sirous to heare further newes, the first thing he did (gotten on shore) vvas to seeke the Master of her; whom hee soone found out, vvho vvondring extremely to behold Gerardo, hauing giuen him for a dead man, informed him of all that had passed euen to that very instant; how that after they vvere parted, the Ship vnable to hold her course for Oran, vvas forced backe to Cartagena; from vvhence, the faire Nise verily perswaded, that Gerardo vvas cast away, bitter­ly bewailing her misfortune, accompanied by her seruants, meant to returne to Cesarina; and that Iacinta with her Christian woman too, returned towards Castile, but he knew not to what place there they vvould go.

This information (sauing the sorrow of those Dames for him) in another respect much ioyed him, as knowing for certaine they had safely escaped the dangerous storme in which he left them; and imagining that Iacinta (accor­ding to her purpose) was gone towards Castile, desirous to make good his promise to her, he determined to seeke her out; and though he should misse of her, at least he might be in his way to his Mother and Brother Leoncio, to vvhom he resolued to make knowne his last mind, vvhich vvas: To re­pay vvith vvorthie recompence the daintie Nise's firme and loyall affection: and making Don Iayme acquainted vvith this resolution, they both a-fresh exchanging promises and vowes of loue and affection, with an imbrace tooke leaue of each other, as also of the rest of the captiue Christians: the Aragonian going towards Zaragosa, and our determi­nate Gentleman making what haste hee could, for Castile. The third day of his trauell hee was forced to lie some sixe Leagues short of the Imperiall Cittie of Toledo, at a Venta, that is, a lone Inne vpon the way; where hauing alighted, (in [Page 420] stead of a better Lodging) he was carried into an vgly close dog-hole, where he was forced to bee contented, and so re­solued to lie in his Clothes, that hee might the sooner bee vpon his way, and the earlier in the morning enter the City of Toledo. His hard riding exceedingly wearied him, so that going supperlesse to bed, before it grew thorow darke, he was well entred into his first sleepe; from which, within a few houres after, the sollicitous care of his iourney awoke him, together with the Cockes crowing, which vn-tuneable Musicke was his Alarum, and made him iudge the time to be about midnight; wherefore thinking it was too soone to stirre out of the house, hee settled himselfe once againe to rest: but his confused thoughts would scarce allow him a winke, keeping him in this manner so long waking, till neere his beds head he might heare some talking; so that with the suddennesse, and thinking it to haue beene in his Chamber, hee instantly rose vp, and groping about the doore, feeling that to be shut, he returned with more quiet to his bed; where hearing the noyse againe, hearkening more calmely to it, he might easily distinguish it to bee in the next roome, diuided onely by some few boords, and an old painted-cloth from his; thorow which, by the glimpse of a candle he might perceiue two men, who appeared to him earnestly contending: for thus he might heare the one say to the other, In all the time of our acquaintance I neuer knew thee so faint-hearted as now, which I am ashamed of, and sorry these ghests came to thy house; for any where else I had sped better, and not lost so good a bootie.

To this, Gerardo might heare the other, whom hee saw to be the Inne-keeper himselfe, thus reply: Looke you, Si­gnior Isaguirre, 'tis not faint-heartednesse which you see in me at present; for had I euer beene so, I could neuer haue thriued so well, as to be reputed reasonable wealthie, and [Page 421] still to maintaine my house and family by the meanes chief­ly you know; and therefore you may thinke there is more in it then so: these Ghests (I much doubt) whether they be vvorth our venturing on, for I suppose they haue but lit­tle money, since they supped so poorely, and besides, offe­red to abate of their reckening: why then belike (quoth I­saguirre) you haue forgot what I told you, or you beleeue it not. I say againe vnto you, that vvith these eyes (though warily) I beheld very good Iewels of theirs, which they brought on shore vvith them at Cartagena, and euer since I haue followed them to an inch I am sure; and therefore since time hath offered vs a fit occasion, vvee may this one time grow both of vs rich: and besides, to saue vs harmelesse, look you, there is another Ghest in the next roome; there's no more to be done, but conuey something of theirs tho­row the cloth and boords into his Chamber, and vve shall easily make him thought to haue beene the authour of our handi-worke; your selfe and I, with our people, vvitnessing what vve please.

With this diuellish resolution finishing his discourse, mine Oast vvas vanquished; and so, not deferring the least minute their mischieuous purpose, one of them taking in his hand the Light, both vanished out of Gerardo's sight, leauing him in the strangest confusion that might be, consi­dering the danger vvhich on euery side encompassed him: but resoluing vvith himselfe, that the lesser (though more hazardous) of the two, vvas to hinder their villanous en­terprize, he straight most couragiously disposed himselfe to set vpon them: and so taking his Pistoll charged, and his sword in his right hand, hee stept out of his Chamber, iust as these Rogues vvere lifting a doore at the further end of the entry off the hindges, where from within he might also heare a terrible scrieking and noise (as hee guessed) of wo­men: [Page 422] wherupon the good Gentleman, without delay, clapt in to the couple, who void of cowardize, (which such peo­ple are commonly accustomed to) like rauenous beasts, see­ing their trecherie discouered, sought to haue clozed with him, but Gerardo had too much aduantage ouer them, aswel in respect of his owne personall valour, as hauing also the better Armes: and so, discharging his Pistoll at one of them, the bullet of it quickly discouered the certainty of the hurt; for hauing strucke the partie in the right arme, his sword fell from him, and himselfe likewise with the griefe, tumbled to the ground, yet at that time his companion vnluckily raught Gerardo a wound, and cut him ouer the forehead; which he feeling, his fury had soone guided him to a reuenge vpon his Contrarie, had the Light beene more propitious to his indignation; which (he that stood against Gerardo, hauing on purpose or accidentally troden vnder foot) was extinguished, and so the darke preuented his pu­nishment, at the instant, that with much knocking and noise some company at the doore called to bee let in. The cla­mors within doores, what with the wounded parties how­ling, the Inne-keepers roaring, the womens wailing, and the whole houses affrightment, were so terribly outragious, that neither the one nor other could distinctly be heard: till such time as he that had beene Pistol-shot taking some cou­rage, (which he might the better do, in respect Gerardo in the darke retired further from him) groping about the doore, and putting backe the Bolt, he straight-way opened it; and seeing fiue or sixe persons (those that called) with­out, he cried out to them not to enter, for feare of a despe­rate theefe within: whom he and the Inne-keeper (he sayd) hauing resisted to keepe him from robbing two women that lay there, he set vpon them, and discharging a Pistoll, wounded him pittifully in the arme: so that some of the [Page 423] companie compassionate towards the party, sought to help him; and the rest thought fit to beset the house, and not to enter, that so the theefe within might not escape.

All this while, they within kept vvary silence, for Gerar­do feeling himselfe vvounded, and knowing not how to be reuenged, was onely carefull in the darke to stop his wound close, to keepe it from too much bleeding. And honest, mine Oast, for feare of another bickering, squatting downe as close as he could, and as round together as a third-bot­tome, stirring neither legge nor arme, vvas settled vnder the Table; and the poore vvomen that first cried out, know­ing their good or bad fortune depended vpon the dayes ap­proach, vvith vvishes and prayers expecting it, had hidde themselues in seuerall places. They without, thought it no whit secure for them to runne into darknesse, nor in the be­halfe of strangers, to vndergo a certaine danger; and there­fore both the one and the other waited for day, and Sun­rise; whose rayes not long after crowning the Mountaine toppes, (all being now visible) the false Inne-keeper came leaping to the doore, crying, Theeues, theeues! whereup­pon the Trauellers hauing got sight of Gerardo, called out to him to yeeld; and by this too, the fearefull women also were gotten out with their noise, the whole house appea­ring to be rather an inchanted Mansion, then receptacle for Ghests.

The good Gerardo, with this roguerie of the Inne-kee­per and his companions, was as much afflicted, as doubtful how to behaue himselfe, his noble mind hauing neuer be­fore beene plunged into so disgracefull an accident, but re­ferring the successe of all to his innocencie, and relying al­together vpon heauens prouidence, he determined to stand foorth; and being come to the dores threshold, was scarce ready to haue begun his satisfaction to those that incom­passed [Page 424] him, when in the midst of them hee might perceiue his brother Leoncio, whose vnexpected sight so amazed him, that (not knowing what he did) his sword and Pistoll dropt from him, which no sooner happened, but the Inne-keeper and the rest thinking that to be a signe of yeelding, clozed with him; some laying sure hold, and others seeking for Cords to binde him withall; and this, with such outcries and balling, that though Gerardo cryed out vnto them, he was Leoncio's brother, he could not be heard, lesse knowne, by reason his face was all stained with the blood that ranne from his wound; till Leoncio himselfe taking more carefull notice of those loued Eccho's of his brothers voice, which pierc't his very heart; causing also some that laid hands on him to stand off, (though all bloudy and disfigured) hee foorthwith knew him, and with incredible astonishment, and ioyfull teares embracing him, thought hee should ne­uer enough claspe him in his armes, breeding much amaze­ment in all the beholders.

Leoncio's seruants were euen madde with ioy, when they saw the so-much-bewailed Captiue now returned: and the wretched Women hearing what passed, rendring due thankes to Heauen, for beeing freed from their great dan­ger, drying vp the remainders of their former sorrowes, went out to shew themselues; and (though clad in strange array) no sooner were they seene by the two Brothers, when Leoncio first knew Iacinta's face, and Gerardo both of them; for the other was the Captiue that acccompanied her from Argiers.

The afflicted Dame was so troubled at Gerardo's sight, that had it beene in the dead time of night, it might (possi­bly) haue strucken her dead: for perswaded (as you heard) that he was cast away, at such a time, her amazed sences must needes haue failed her, since euen Leoncio with her [Page 425] sight in broad day-light (for all his courage) was astonied, as if he had beheld some apparition, till Gerardo awoke his confusion, vvho amorously embracing her, satisfied his brother.

The next businesse vvas to hearken after mine Oast and his friend, but their care of themselues, saued the others a labour; for no sooner saw they this change, and heard the name of Brother passe to and fro, vvhen they shifted them­selues away: and Gerardo now vnderstanding from his bro­ther, that the cause of his iourney vvas onely to haue car­ried Monies to Valencia for his ransome, (there beeing no need of his passing further) they returned all together ioy­fully toward Madrid vvith the faire Iacinta vvhom they had along vvith them.

They thought it not fit to surprize their mother with Ge­rardo's vnexpected sight; and so they commanded a seruant to goe before to prepare her first by degrees vnto it: letting her know, they vvere faire and softly vpon their way to­wards her, some two dayes iourneys behind: in which time Gerardo giuing his brother particular notice of all that befel him in his captiuity; Leoncio also quitted his Relation, by gi­uing him to vnderstand what passed at Granada in his ab­sence, and that which was of most importance and greatest griefe to him, his friend Arsenio's death, Heauen pleasing to remooue him from earth, before the arriuall of his desi­red, deserued liberty: and also the sentence of Violante's Louer the new Leandro, whom, after a tedious imprison­ment, the incensed Iudges at last sentenced to end his life in our Kings seruice at the Garrison of Larache. This newes, especially that of Arsenio, to saue his hearts sorrow, hee could willingly haue wished to be spared: but this discom­fort of his was quickly sweetned with the sight of his most louing Mother, to whose presence the same day they ar­riued. [Page 426] Here the whole company rested some little time, before any mention was had of Iacinta's affaires, vvhom (knowing that by her meanes Gerardo obtained his free­dome) the Mother as louingly entertained as her sonne, and (ignorant of their first more illicite acquaintance) she com­plied with her iust obligation, till time passing away, the faire Dame carefull of her owne businesse, by good aduice considering that, giuing her Parents or friends notice of her abode, and her husband too liuing, her life and honour might be endangered, desisting from that, shee dedicated the rest of her daies to a religious retirement; to vvhich, without any help, but of the Iewels brought vvith her from Argiers, she might easily attaine, hauing not only in them enough to make vp her owne portion for the Nunnerie, but for others also as vvell borne, and of as good quality as her selfe: and so, making Leoncio and Gerardo priuy to her in­tent, they vnanimously approued it, onely were a little trou­bled for the place, vvhich at length they agreed should be at a Monasterie in a Village, not passing sixe Leagues from the Court; vvhich being thus necessarily resolued on, and all things fitting prouided, taking Iacinta, the Captiue that would neuer forsake her, and another poore maid that Ge­rardo's Mother recommended to her, along vvith them, they accompanied her till such time as shee was admitted and settled in the Nunnerie, where after so many strange and different successes of her life, in singular abstinence, and austerenesse of deuotion she to this day remaines.

This then to Leoncio's ioy, and Gerardo's comfort happily effected, home they went, and beeing now at full leisure, treated about the particular of most consequence, touching the faire and discreet Nise, whose firme and constant thoughts maturely waighed by Gerardo, and the new flames of his old Loues remembrance breaking out, sollicited his [Page 427] care so much, that at last hee resolued to recompence her affection, by bestowing himselfe vpon her: and so com­municating the businesse with the rest of his friends and kinsmen, accompanied (to their good liking) by them and his Brother, he purposed to set forward to Cesarina, where he doubted not, but (as the Pilot told him) to finde his Nise: so, fitting all things for a iourney, he began the same, onely for Deuotions sake meant to take the famous Mo­nasterie of Guadalupe in his way, which was indeede the shorter, saue that it was not so full of good Townes and Innes as the other more vsuall; which defect was well e­nough supplide by their owne mirth, and varietie of com­pany. Gerardo had a purpose, that Nise's ioy might bee the more complete, to take her vn-awares, that (suppo­sing him long before dead, seeing him now againe beyond all hope or expectation) her affectionate content must necessarily be augmented; and therefore hee would not that any notice should bee carried to her before they all arriued.

The sharpest of Winter was at this time quite past, though in the beginning of March, it seemed to bee retro­grade: for the tender sprigs and grasse vvere couered with hoare frost, as in Ianuary, and the staring Mountaine Tops with condensed snow; so that by the fourth day of their iourney, all the Gentlemen, wearied and toiled out, with Raine, Snow, and other discommodities in the midst of those wilde Mountaines of Guadalupe, desired (the euening drawing on) to rest themselues at the neerest lodging they could come at; and to this purpose willed their Muletiers to guide them to a knowne Inne in that way, called, The Mary Magdalen; but the poore fellowes were so wet and weary, that, though they laboured what they could, to bring their Masters thither, yet night and darknesse ouer-taking [Page 428] them, they lost their way, and the horsemen had much adoe to keepe themselues from tumbling headlong: so steepy are the Cliffes and dangerous precipices of those Mountaines. All of them well perceiued the misfortune, and fearing yet some greater, if they should all night long remaine thus to the inclemencie of the weather; considering their danger, they trooped together, till, at length, when they least thought of it, not knowing how or which vvay, they were gotten to the foote of the Mountaine; and being now in a Valley neere certaine mudde walles, that ioyned (as they might ghesse) to a house: drawing neerer to it, they might perceiue it had some close entries on euery side; so, thin­king they had met with no bad shelter, all of them alighted. And Gerardo supposing there wanted not some inhabitant there, who, taking pitie vpon their distresse, might yet af­foord them a better welcome; about to knocke at the gate, going as neere as he could, hee might by the manner of the building (hauing some small glimpse of it) perceiue it to be a Hermitage; whereupon, forsaking his intent of knocking, as (perswaded that in so desart a place there could bee no body to open to them) he turned back to the company. But he vvas deceiued in his distrust: for no sooner was he be­ginning to vtter his minde, vvhen, perceiuing the Hermi­tage doore open, they might also see a venerable ancient man vvith a light in his hand come out, whose long siluer Lockes, gray beard, as well as his Religious habit, moued the by-standers vvith a kinde of deuout respect to draw neere.

The good old Father vvondred at the raritie, though, with gentle phrase he saluted them, and cheerefully deman­ded the cause of their vnseasonable trauelling thorow those vncouth parts: of vvhich being by Gerardo sufficiently satis­fied, and of the necessitie they were driuen to, with most [Page 429] charitable entrailes he offred them his Cell for a Harbour: where all of them entring, more speedily then from his vveake Age might haue beene expected, hee made them a reasonable good fire, with whose warmth (which they estee­med as an extraordinary dainty) they by little and little dryed themselues; and they that had beene before almost frozen vvith cold, and sicke with wet, were now newly re­uiued; and making ready their supper (which was the Re­likes of some dinner meates that their seruants carried in their Wallets) together with some little fruit the old man set before them, giuing God thankes that affoorded them so good a shelter, they began to fall to. All those Gentle­men were maruellously taken with the reuerend presence of the holy Man, who at Gerardo's request sate with them for company, to whose vvords and graue discourse they were more attentiue, then sollicitous to taste of the Cates set before them. So, Supper ended, Leoncio and Gerardo would haue begunne to renue their thankes for his curtesie: which hee preuented, vvilling them to attribute all to the higher powers, to whom their thankes were solely due.

And so leading them by the hands (the rest following) they came to the foote of an Altar, where, by the light of a small Lampe, they might behold a Crucifix, to which they all kneeled, and after their Deuotion, were about to haue returned to their former seates; when, Gerardo, rising vp, perceiued, that the ground where hee had kneeled, vvas somewhat loose, and as if it had beene but that day newly broken vp for a graue (as true it was:) at vvhich maruelling, and that any should be buried in so remote a desart; or thin­king perhaps they might be neere some towne, desirous to be resolued; he demanded the cause of the Reuerend Her­mite: from whom, in stead of an answer, he might see, how vvith those hoarie skeines of his, he wipte his grieued eyes, [Page 430] to conceale their teares: at vvhich vnlookt for resentment not a little wondring, and much greedier to know this and the former cause, he began with this effectuall entreaty thus to mooue him:

Honest Father, though the demonstration of your eyes might interrupt my purpose, since I presume by my questi­on your teares haue been occasioned: yet the force of my desires vvilleth me in the behalfe of this vvorthy company to importune your satisfying my request, and making knowne the reason of your sudden sorrow, that, if any here may giue you ease or comfort, it shall be no trouble or dif­ficulty for him herein to serue you: and therefore the soo­ner you declare your griefe, the neerer growes your re­medie.

Further had Gerardo proceeded, so much vvished he to dispose the Hermit to his vvill, but, perceiuing, that by the others beginning to speake, himselfe vvas cut off, with care and silence he gaue eare: In all the time, my loued Sonne, that in this solitarinesse my wretched life hath been dedica­ted to Heauen, I may safely promise you, that neither temporall goods haue disturbed my mindes quiet, nor worldly cares my penitence or soules saluation; for which I must incessantly praise my Creator; yet, I cannot but ac­knowledge and esteeme as an especiall obligation vvhat your noblenesse hath imposed vpon me, which I should most heartily repay in the kinde you demaund, vvere not the time more necessary for your rest, then my small paines for your satisfactions. Rest your selues all therefore for the present, for your weary trauell hath much need of it, and to morrow morning, I shall accompany you (God vvilling) to Guadalupe; at which time I not onely promise to fulfill your command, but ioyntly for your better edification to recount vnto you the stupendious life of that Graues Ow­ner. [Page 431] Here, with a relenting groane, hee finished his speech, though, in the hearers their desires began a-new: and ther­fore falling againe to importune him, they requested him not to deferre his Relation, laying before him the hardnesse of their lodging and tediousnesse of the night, which would be the better beguiled, by their being by him kept waking; so that, at length loth to be held too obstinate, hee was wil­ling to obey: but first he renues their fire with some pieces of dry logs, and then the Brothers and whole company round besetting the good old man, hee thus sets vpon their attentiue silence with the following Tragedy.

All wounds (an effect of the soueraigne salue) are lesse­ned by their cure; but if any carelessely touch them, such rubbing encreaseth their dolour, and their recouery is so much the longer deferred; the same now befals me: this last night I lost my best friend; and though my Soule, Gods creature, be comforted; yet, her affection cannot but resent the blow that was inflicted with your demand; I obey notwithstanding, sacrificing my will to your wish; and though it may bee some ease to my paine, to diuert your wearinesse, yet I must desire more, that is, to haue your attention beare a part in my Discourse, and your selues to giue to the truth of this accident, the credit and applause it iustly deserueth.

To prouide my selfe of some sustenance (the in-excusa­ble Tribute to our wretched bodies) I vse weekely to im­portune certaine poore Villages within a foure Leagues compasse of this Valley with my necessities, from whence about sixe yeeres since, returning to this Hermitage, for­ced as well by Iulies scorching heate, as my weakenesse of Age by the way, I sate me downe to rest my ouer-wearied limbes, on the shady brinke of a swift running Spring, the briefe Originall of the neere Brooke: here then my [Page 432] thoughts found a waighty subiect, in which they might (considering the beauty, fragrancie of different Plants, sha­die Trees, enamelled Flowers, springing Grasse, and cry­stall streames, mounting euen to the very foote of their glorious Artificer) reuerence in them the excellency of his Diuine handy-worke.

In this eleuation was I, when turning mine eyes to­wards certaine Bryers, there appeared from them a kinde of glimmering brightnesse, that almost dazled them, and altogether amazed me. At first I thought it to bee some reflexion of the Sunne-beames, which shined into that thornie shade: but making seuerall trials with my sight, I might perceiue the same light to remaine stil fixed and im­mooueable in one place, which made mee suspect greater matters, promising to my worldly desire some stone of price, or metall of equall value.

With this imagination, vp got I; and comming to the Bushes, with helpe of my Crab-tree-staffe, I began to put them by, and so, quickly discouered the occasion of my search, which was, a Ginet Saddle of maruellous neat workemanship, embroidered, with all furniture to it, in seue­rall colours; at the Bow hung the bit, head-stall & Reines. The Stirrops and Poitrall were fairely gilt and enamelled. The accident made me somewhat wonder, yet the gilded irons vvhich made that shining, satisfide my first doubtfull imagination. The mysterie of the Saddle, being thus left I was vtterly ignorant of; and therefore not once search­ing into the cause, couering the vvhole furniture, I left it to the Owner in the same manner I found it; and so walked on to my Cell; where (my minde better emploide) my thoughts had no leisure to wander.

A weeke passed on after the accident, in whose last day (I being retired, my doore close shut) the sky couered with [Page 433] clouds, not without Lightning and Thunder, there began a terrible storme (which are in this Valley, though not last­ing, yet as frequent as frightfull.) The violence of it much afflicted me for the hurt it might doe the Countrey; and so I made the matter of my Oraisons for more moderate wea­ther, praying to God to protect the earths increase: but at the instant, the trampling, neighing and snuffling of a horse, suspended my pious Zeale, and caused me to approch nee­rer to the Altar, thinking verily some spirit had beene neere.

And wonder not at it: for I tell you true, the noise this night of your Moyles and Horses worked no lesse horrid effect at first: for, now, as then, it seemed impossible to mee to heare any creature come neere this place: which (though not farre from habitations) yet hath euer beene, by reason of the dangerous narrow wayes so inaccessible, and indeed so vn-promising a sally to Horsemen, that it makes me think your comming hither miraculous; and therefore with these circumstances, you need not thinke my feares then triuiall. So I stayed a pretty while within my doores, not once stir­ring from the Sacred refuge that protected me: but per­ceiuing, as soone as I began to heate the noise, the weather grew calmer, and the storme ceased, together vvith the Horses neighing, I got me to my doore, from whose open grates I might see a dainty Bay-horse, with blacke feet, and of a very handsome shape, but without any furniture at all vpon him.

At first with much admiration I could not tell what to imagine of the sight; till, calling to mind the Saddle found by me, I began to thinke, it might happely haue belonged to that Horse, and that some misfortune had befalne his Owner, either by falling headlong from the steepy Moun­taine, or being slaine by Theeues in the maine high-way, [Page 434] not passing a League from this place: though the manner of the Saddles beeing as it were carefully laid vp, and the Horse left fo free, quickly made frustrate this opinion also.

At last (not to weary you) resoluing my selfe, that the Thunder and extremitie of weather had forced the poore beast to seeke some shelter, I purposed to seize on him, thinking it better for mee to keepe him for his Master, then to leaue him as a stray in those desarts: and fo, opening my doore, the Horse no sooner heard the creaking of it, when suddenly he startted back. The showres were quite ouer­past; and therefore though the Beast fled from mee, yet I left not to prosecute my purpose, and so fetched a com­passe to run before him, that I might make him turne backe againe: in this manner as well as mine Age and weaknesse would permit me, I was gotten at least halfe a League from the Hermitage after him. But growing weary, at length I I was forced to rest, where I remained some little while re­freshing my selfe, and keeping the Horse still in sight; and longer had I there stayed (so out of breath was I) but that the clouds againe thickning, I was compelled to seeke out some place lesse subiect to the violence of a storme, so that rising vp, not farre off, I made choise of the strong Trunke, and broad boughes of a wilde Walnut-tree, whose height reaching euen to the Mountaines Top, gaue shade & shel­ter to the ground. Where being arriued, I no sooner pur­posed to enter the hollow of it (caused either by Art or An­tiquitie) when, I perceiued a man who by way of preuen­tion was gotten into it before me. This kept me from my intent; for the noueltie surprized mee, and the more, in re­spect that hauing heard me, hee did not once offer to stirre, but, onely hiding his face, now & then sent forth a mourne­full sigh. His attire and cloathes by their goodnes shewed the Owners quality; and the liuelinesse of his well-fauour'd [Page 435] countenance, no store of yeeres. All which (besides admi­ration) caused a curious desire in me to know more; and accordingly I expected a while, to see if the party would forsake his dumpes: but seeing his behauiour was still the same, taking the name of Iesus in my mouth, I saluted him alowd; vvho, as if he had beene awaked out of a dreame, looking vp, replyed: For euer bee my Sauiours glorious name praised; and truning about, re-saluted mee, asking what I would haue? To which, not a little astonisht, thus I replide:

I know not, Christian Brother, what austere Cinicall person in the vvorld there may bee, that, beholding you in this manner, would not desire to be informed, and to know the cause of this your solitarie being; and therefore I most earnestly request you, to make knowne vnto me, not onely your griefe; but, vvithall, whether you bee the Ow­ner of a goodly Horse, in vvhose pursuite, I haue left my harbour: and hearing this, hee answered me in this calme manner:

Though the power of so courteous a Request might en­ioyne mee to obey; yet, many times, such are the mis­fortunes of our life, as, oblige rather with vvarie silence to leaue the desire vnsatisfied: So now it fares vvith me, that desiring to giue your demaund content, the quality of my mishaps doth contradict my desire: Pardon, if this dis­charge serue not, for impossible it is to obtaine other from me: though, not to bee altogether harsh or vnsauourie, touching my beeing in these Desarts, I vvill resolue your doubt, vvhich is, to end my dayes in them. I was not willing to importune him vvith farther questions, taking this his last answere for a settled resolution; neither would I on the other side so leaue him; but seeming to bee ioyed with his intent, replide:

[Page 436] These forty yeeres haue I liued in these Mountaines, and though I haue met with many, in their rough and rug­ged pathes, yet neuer before with such determinate reso­lution in any: for, I suppose, the extremities of this Wil­dernesse are much more difficult to bee tolerated, then pleasing to bee desired; and therefore wondring at your singular election, I cannot but reioyce, and giue you my best aduice, since this kinde of lifes experience giues me freedome, and may deserue credit for it: yet, if you would so please, I should thinke it farre better, for the vndergo­ing so much hardnesse, that you vvould accept of my com­pany. Consider vvell of it; and if you thinke good, I now presently offer it, together with my shelter, which is a poore Hermitage seated in the secret'st part of these Mountaines, sufficient to containe vs both.

Here (after some little pawse) vvithout expecting fur­ther entreaties, vp he rose, saying; Come on then, Father mine; Goe on, I follow; for it must needs bee, that God taking compassion of my soule, by this wholesome course disposeth of her remedy: 'twas he, that brought me thorow these vnusuall wayes; he, that hath now twelue dayes mira­culously sustained mee with the plenty of these Hearbs, preseruing me onely to deliuer me to such a Master.

What stay we for, reuerend Father? let vs goe: for from henceforward, I submit my affections to your graue aduice; and from this instant, euen till death, doe dedicate my life vnto the Almighty his seruice; and so getting out of his hollow seat, he followed mee; and by that time wee were gone some few paces, the horse that was before so wilde, as gentle now as any lambe, came to his Master, and suffering himselfe easily to be laid hold on, we brought him along to the Hermitage; and being here, I perceiued him to be his Owner: for hauing changed his apparell, and putting on [Page 437] some of mine, he desired me to take the clothes, with some Iewels and Monies that he had, and in his name offer them to our Ladie of Guadalupe; which I did, together with the faire Horse, Saddle and Furniture, which he himselfe told me, he had hidden formerly in the Bryers.

So that now in a poore Hermits Weed, in heauenly me­ditations, he so shined in a short time in pious exercises, that, anticipating my yeeres, he left me behind: such and so strict were his fasts, so rigorous his penitence, and so con­tinually feruent his meditations; all which, chiefly the ma­cerating his flesh, had beene much more outragious, if my perswasions had not something mitigated his feruorous spirit. In this manner he went on sixe yeeres together, in which time, hee would many a time and oft freely recount vnto me the rare and admirable euents of his life; the which (stealing some houres from him) for an example and war­ning to others, I haue as exactly as I could, (which you shal see) set downe in these Lines; and drawing out a little Tiller, and out of that a Paper-booke, opening the same, and ta­king some fresh breath, he beganne with the ensuing Con­tents:

In the Kingdome of Toledo, not farre from the Royall Citties selfe, is situated the famous Talbora, qualified as well for her owne Antiquitie, as knowne by her noble and an­cient Gentrie. Here, a Gentleman sprung from worthy Ancestors, called Fernando, vvas borne; vvhose childhood, (though with maruellous forwardnes it gaue a strong like­lihood of his more flourishing maturer yeeres) I passe o­uer, as little suting vvith our purpose, and come to his six­teenth yeere of age, at vvhich time, his parents dying, hee being left free and rich, the disposition of his noble mind might the better be declared, in which his generous ver­tues [Page 438] posting, as it vvere, in a short time, made him the most loued by the vulgar, and most emulated by his equals, that might be. Hee vvas not guiltie of the least habituall noted vice, nor disposed much to that youthfull wantonnes most proper to young Gallants of his age: or, though his natu­rall frailtie might happely something incline him that way, yet his proceeding was such, so warie, as escaped (at least) publike notice: which retirednesse in his actions, made him singular in the generall opinion. In his expences hee was most prouidently regular, though farre from pinching; for in point of honour, vpon himselfe, his family, and friend, in any good occasions, hee would expresse a liberall boun­ty neerer prodigalitie; being then the most forward, most braue, most liberall. To strangers hee was vvonderfully courteous, in defending or protecting them in extremities, carefull for the aduenturing in the behalfe of friends too, his wealth, life, or what dearest, reputation. To make this good, you shall clearely perceiue it in the course of his life, since his greatest troubles tooke their beginning from this cause.

Fernando at this time exceedingly affected a certaine Dame, who, had his parents liued some longer time, might haue beene his wife; and though this loue of his were go­uerned with the vsuall warinesse that the rest of his affaires, yet it could not so bee concealed from some of her friends and kindred, but by meanes of a Damozell of hers, to whose notice it came, it was discouered to the others: and although the alliance displeased them not, they closely dis­sembled their knowledge, expecting when himselfe should first become an open suiter; which had doubtlesse beene effected, were it not that in the Interim a crosse businesse worthy your obseruing happened; from whence much vn­quietnesse arose, and indeed the breach of these amorous [Page 439] prosecutions: and therefore though it bee to enter into a different matter from the present, I cannot but make a suc­cinct mention of that, to giue the better light to our Story. Fernando proceeding in his noble conditions, grew into a streight league of friendship with a Gentleman, a stranger, one that also extremely loued another Dame of Auila, both of them (vpon seuerall occasions) then residing in Tal­bora, she with her Kinsman Segundo Octauio; he, with his fa­ther, Gouernour and chiefe Iustice of the place.

Gerardo from that very moment that the Hermit named Fernando, expected some more euident token in his know­ledge, but now thorowly satisfied, crying out, interrupting the relation, and pittifully fixed vpon those hoarie lockes, he said: Peace, good Father, for Heauens sake forbeare the prosecution of my lifes torment: Wretched and vnfortu­nate man, that at length art arriued to such growne ills; to be a witnesse, if not of thy best friends death, yet at least of his grieuous disasters, of his tragicall story, and igno­rantly with thy rude foot-steppes to presse his quiet Graue!

He could no more for teares: but his brother Leoncio, who with better temper vnderstood the successe, perceiuing plainely that the deceased Hermit was their ancient friend Fernando, hee could no lesse then hold fellowship with his brothers sighes; they also that were ignorant of the first Parts successes, were strucke into greater confusion, but not long remained they in these dumpes; for the godly old man, ghessing as well by the sad extremes of both, as the speech of Gerardo onely, that they two were (doubtlesse) the Gentlemen, of whom he had heard so many things from his dead companion, he requested them, that mitigating their passion, they vvould affoord him a second, better at­tention; vvhich they agreed to, so that seeing them in more [Page 440] quiet, this following discourse he first framed to their com­fort.

Scarce could I this night (considering your vnexpected arriuall so full of desperate passages) credit mine eyes in the truth before them: but hauing this present occasion to know you, I am not onely vvell apaid, but rest also most assured and satisfied, that God Almighty was pleased out of a par­ticular goodnesse to direct you to this house, that the prodi­gious life, and late death of this Gentleman comming to his chiefest friends notice, might not be buried in the ob­scure silence of these remote Desarts: and therefore, though hitherto I not condemne your iust resentment; yet from henceforward it were a fondnesse to embrace it: for know­ing his valorous determination, holy election, and happy ending, these should rather make you reioyce at his maruel­lous actes and vertues, since they are rather vvorthy of ad­miration and enuie, then lamentation and teares; such are fitter to be vsed to the Author of his happinesse, to be sorry that we liue behind him in a world of miseries: vse teares to him, or rather feruent prayers, to make you like your dead brother; and beleeue for certaine, that this arriual of yours, guided against a naturall and ordinary course, hath beene disposed to the intent, that hearing these your friends ad­mirable successes from my mouth, they may serue you as examples, shunning their bad, to attaine by his like repen­tant penitence, so happy an end as that of his life, in which I now with your good pleasures will proceed, and so much the more willingly, since I suppose the Relation may not be vnprofitable for some one present among you.

Leoncio and Gerardo had no replies left, which made him the more contentedly turne to his Storie, and so rehear­sing the greatest part of that amorous, tragicall Discourse [Page 441] of Gerardo and Clara mentioned in the first Part, and poin­ting at the actions, (in which Fernando as his familiar friend shewed himselfe on his behalfe) at length hee concluded them, saying, that the parents and friends of Fernando's Mi­stris allied to the deceased Don Rodrigo and Segundo Octauio, seeing him sided with their contrary Faction, not only con­tradicted his suite, but altogether auerse from what so much concerned them, the more to spight him, they wrought so effectually with her, that in fine they perswaded her to a Nunnery; where, though Fernando laboured by all possible meanes to disswade her, at the end of her yeeres Probatio­ner-ship, taking the holy profession vpon her, shee cut the thred of his intents.

This wound of Fortune (sayd the reuerend Hermit) our affectionate Gentleman so painefully felt, that his griefe now desperate, without all consideration hee suffered him­selfe to be carried headlong on, in such sort, that with the continuance of his passion, his complaints comming to Camila's notice, (so hight his quondam Mistris) perceiuing (though late) better then formerly her lost Sweet-hearts af­fection, and calling to mind some ancient passages of their amorous meetings, vnable to resist the strong temptation of her thoughts, she at length vvilfully plunged her selfe in­to them, and sent these following Lines vnto Fernando:

Though well I might (had you any reason to blame my deter­mination) find a iust excuse from the necessarie obedience due to my Parents; yet it shall be needlesse, (there being no occasion) that I desire you to admit any; since you can neither haue the face to deny your selfe to haue beene the cause, nor can I want courage to complaine of your coldnesse. Your friend Gerardo was more hap­pie, whose affaires ('tis well knowne) you preferred before our affection, smoothing all difficulties, to make his party good against [Page 442] my friends and Allies; who, not vniustly (that beeing the grea­test harme they meant you) haue taken what reuenge on you they might. Consider then, whether I haue not reason to bee sensible of what is past satisfaction, and you shall soone perceiue that my complaints are more warrantable, then those of yours (I am told of) which might better be concealed; which that they may, I shall not much need, I presume when you shall haue read these Lines, to request you; my desire is onely to see you, and receiue my satis­faction, which Camila better then your selfe deserueth.

Any Medicine comforts and reioyceth the poore sicke man, that panting for desired health, oft couets those most hurtfully preiudiciall. Fernando's heart was vvrung by his blind passion, and so (though his cleare vnderstanding might haue preuented a greater danger) the sharpe pricke of his scorching affection, checking the free vse of reason, spurred on his swift determination, and oppositely crossed his more considerate iudgement, vvhich made him, to gaine an amorous conquest, aduenture at one bold Vye, his soules perdition.

But Religion had little to do, vvhere Fernando still ledde by blind passion, followed his affection; vvho, by Camila's order, vvent often to the Nunneries Grate to visit her, and had those cold Barres in stead of hardnesse, tongues, they vvould (no doubt) haue lowdly vvarned him from the de­testable pursuite of that subiect, in that place. At this time (he before an afflicted Louer) had lesse cause to complain; for Camila with his presence had more satisfaction then e­uer, vvhich made them fall backe into their former loues, or (to limit my selfe) to a kind of new deuotion, vvhich long (disposed warily) might haue lasted: but as such stations are much in fauour of our common Enemy, so is hee more carefully punctuall, more strong and powerfull, to enflame [Page 443] the mind, trouble the sences, and adde Fewell to the fire. It seemed, his subtiltie found best accesse to the vveaker ves­sell, by the readier way Camila's heart, which hauing (hea­uen so permitting) possest, stirring vp by degrees her bru­tish appetite, and fyring her inward concupiscence, shee was at last quite vanquished. No longer could her determi­nate will, for any danger of her close retirement, deferre the vnchaste execution: for the Diuell doth easily facilitate such difficulties, and till a sinne bee acted, all is plaine and smoothest way.

Onely a shamefastnesse of her personall honour, pinched at the infamous price, though by Fernando she was antici­pated in that point; so that the consideration of her Louers modest behauiour, (from whom, or in him, in all the time of their conuersation, she had not so much as heard a lasci­uious word, seene a lustfull action) perplexed her ignorance for want of meaner: but he, whose craft (as is said) moo­ued the whole engine, fearing the losse of so likely a bootie with new deuices and stratagemes forced this last Bulwarke to yeeld.

How farre at this time (though amorous) was Fernando from a carnall thought? he, onely satisfied with the sight of his Votaresse, desired no other happinesse, neither could his warie condition hurry him to more vn-limited bounds: he vsually conuersed with her, and indeed, beeing a most punctuall frequenter of the Grate, not an hower passed him without a sight of her, nor a day, in which she receiued not some dainty or other from him, holding the expence of his estate vpon Camila, as a gaine and haruest; though she now burning in the flames of lust, beeing one day alone with him, meant thus (as you shall heare) to breake her mind vnto him.

The better to declare it, I must first aduertize you of this [Page 444] necessary point. Camila, when she heard Fernando one day was come to see her, had purposely (longer then she vsed) deferred her comming to him; insomuch, that sensible of the noueltie, his heart began to mis-doubt something; and in this trouble, desirous to know the cause of her stay, glad would he haue beene, that the Nunnes sight might haue preuented his asking: now shee that vsed this fit occasion, the better to order the Dance, vvhen she came, fained, that as she was comming to her vsuall Grate, a friend of hers by the way entertaining her Votary at another, had called her; the cause proceeding from a certaine nice doubt which the two were sifting, in which, (making her, whether she would or not, their Iudge) shee was to heare their allegations, which was the reason of her (more important) not seeing him.

Here, Fernando much longed more originally to know the proposition; whose desire, Camila not ouer-squeamish to be intreated, as one well studied in the thing, most cheer­fully fulfilled.

Clemencia and Fausto (said shee) both vvhom you well know, haue falne into a deepe controuersie, and into a tic­kle point: Fausto maintaines, that in all kinds, Possession of a thing is the chiefest good; vvhich opinion Clemencia con­tradicts, who holds, that Hope: to vvhich she attributes the greater excellency; and hereupon grounds her Tenet, say­ing, That this is so much the more to be esteemed, by how much neerer it is to Ioy and Pleasure, and consequently di­stant from sorrow and repentance; but Hope is neerer Con­tent, and hath lesse neighbour-hood with distastes: where­as in Possession happens the quite contrary; which alwaies, or for the most part, is accompanied with griefe and afflicti­on: and with all (such is our naturall frailty) things once possessed, grow to lesser estimation: for there is no Beauty on [Page 445] earth so rare, which once enioyed, becomes not (if not loathsome) yet lesse prized then before: wherefore too, it must needes be euident, that the time we spend in our pre­tensions is incomparably better, then when accomplished with possession, it is lesse lookt after: for so, hee that hopes, doth carefully desire, couets with delight and pleasure, that, which he who possesseth, wants; since in the glutted state he liues, hee neither likes, desires, or esteemes: and thus shee clozed vp all, alledging, that Hope by it selfe alone, hath much more excellency and perfection, then Possession of what is hoped for: for the thing desired, is in a manner ioyntly possessed as hoped after: when he that possesseth, hath onely the dominion of the thing he attaines to, and then his hope finisheth.

But now you must marke, that Fausto wanted no reply, for the making good of his part, and therfore inforcing the superiority of his opinion, he goes on, saying, The whole life and encouragement of Hope, is in respect of Possession: so that the good which redounds from Hope, is not in it selfe, but in the thing hoped for; whereby the thing it selfe desi­red, is better then the hope of it: for the end is euer more to be esteemed, then the meanes, which are onely disposed to the same.

The securitie and safenesse of a good consists in the grea­ter perfection of it, and this, he onely that doth possesse, not he that hopeth, hath: who (held he Hope to be the better) ne­uer caring to come to Possession, he might, not onely expect, but also, not call that expectation Hope, rather, mortall de­spaire; for ill could he bee said to desire a good, that decli­ned so much from the Possession: so that the perfection con­sists in the reality and accomplishment of the desire, and not in the appetite it selfe: therefore lastly, he that com­forts himselfe with bare Hope, must needes bee cast, since [Page 446] plainely, hee affects that which is most profitable: liking rather to liue in a continuall warfare, then settled quiet peace, which is onely found in quietest Possession. They vrged many other reasons to this purpose, but these are the most materiall; and though they haue named me for their Iudge Arbitresse, yet I confesse my shortnesse of vnderstan­ding; and therefore, Fernando relying on your discretion, I meane to take you as an Assistant to sentence this cause before we part.

Fernando gaue pleasing attention to the whole disputa­tion, and thorowly satisfied, thus replied to Camila: Beleeue me, deare Votaresse, the parties (though to my cost) may render you many thankes, as not needing to complaine for want of attention in their Iudge, nor to distrust the iustice of their cause: for it is not possible, that shee, vvho hath so well related each point, and duely considered euery cir­cumstance, should erre a iot in the sure determination; and though I be well enough assured of this truth, yet, subiecting my selfe to your commands, I must obey: and therefore resoluedly set downe, that you may sentence on Fausto's be­halfe, of vvhose right so confident am I, that had not he to my liking sufficiently made good his opinion, I should with fresh reasons endeuour to vnderprop it. Then belike (re­plied Camila) vvhosoeuer is of that mind is vvisest, and con­sequently, he that is against it, peruerse and ignorant: To which Fernando, ignorant of her purpose, sayd, for his part he thought no lesse; vvhen, vvithout more adoo the reso­lute Dame in this manner proceeded: Go to then, Fernan­do, either you or I loue not; or, if the greatest good bee in possession, and this wanting, vvhy spend vve all our time thus fruitlesse to no purpose? Our Gallant hearing his Camila, was strucke speechlesse, and though at first he had supposed all to haue beene pastime and merriment, yet looking nee­rer [Page 447] into the matter, and perceiuing those Arguments to haue beene before-hand premeditated, he fell into the pur­posed stratagem. It oppressed him strangely, for his thoughts had neuer been so outragiously boundlesse: hee wisely feared the greatnesse of the danger; and yet the be­ing inthralled by his amorous passion, made him confu­sedly wauer in his answere; which at last was the safest, in­deuouring to diuert her from the impossibility of her de­sires, framing greater difficulties in the obtaining them, then Camila could euer haue imagined: but she resolutely bent vpon her will, not onely desisted not from her pur­pose, but angrily disdained his coldnesse, attributing it to cowardize, and so was about to haue turned from him.

But those fained shewes of leauing him, so much preuai­led vvith the Captiue Louer, that inconsiderately hee con­discended to her pleasure; and reconciled, they agreed vp­on a meeting, which should be, that Fernando might enter the Garden by climbing the Wall, where (as the ensuing night) she would expect him.

Camila affoorded him no longer time, fearing lest vvith more, he might repent; and so the prefixt limit drawing neere, Fernando hauing prouided himselfe of a strong-cor­ded Ladder, made knowne his intent to a kinsman of his that liued with him; & finding sufficient company in him, both wel-armed, prepared themselues to the exploit, which heauē auerted by more different means then they imagin'd.

Fernando had at this time caused certaine Scutcheons of his Armes, grauen in Marble, to be set vpon the Arch of his Doore, and to his purpose the Workemen had raised scaffolding; so that, as he was going out to the said intent, dazled, as it were, vpon a sudden, he stumbled vpō the Tim­ber, which fell downe so forcibly, that it brought down one [Page 448] of the Posts that sustained the boords aloft, one of vvhich vvanting the proppe, or not vvell fastened, or (which vvas likeliest, Heauen so permitting) falling downe, lighted vp­on his foote, which, ('twas maruell) crushed it not to pie­ces, though notwithstanding it shrewdly bruised him: his kinsman and companion was farther behinde him, and therefore hauing no share in the blow, might the better help and lift him vp, which hee did; and knowing his hurt, vvas forced to carry him to his Chamber, where he kept his bed a long time after.

This accident somewhat troubled Fernando, not that his blinde affection vvould let him fall into the true con­sideration of the cause of this effect; but how hee might giue Camila satisfaction; for, for this he had much to doe, neither vvould shee giue credit to his hurt, till shee had procured some trusty persons, to bee eye-witnesses of the same.

At length, after hee was recouered, they fell backe into their amorous pursuite; and Camila re-solliciting her Lo­uer, a new appointment was made, against which time the two kinsmen prouided, came faire and softly to the Garden wall: where, vpon the lowest part of it they cast their Ladder; and Fernando began to mount iust at the in­stant that, about the Nunnery gate, not farre from them, a great noise and clashing of Swords was heard, which made him (fearing to be seene) step downe againe; and passing forward, he might perceiue three men (to his thinking two against the third) together by the eares. Fernando seeing so manifest oddes, and the poore single party begin to giue ground, could not containe; but, leauing his kinsman to looke to the Ladder, in a trice he ranne in to the lone mans aide, but his charitie came somewhat of the latest; for the [Page 449] others Contraries hauing found their Aduantage, gaue him seuerall wounds, vvherewith fainting, he fell downe at Fernando's feet: which the two perceiuing (though hard laid to by the new-comer) betooke them to their heeles; leauing him to looke to their enemy that was falne. So that now giuing ouer the principall businesse for which he came, both he and his kinsman vvholly intended the poore wounded man; whom, because hee cryed out for Confessi­on, they tooke vp betweene them to haue conueyed him to their owne home.

Yet carefull they were to auoid meeting with the Watch, and therefore went thorow the least frequented and by-Lanes; but in one of those (their endeuours mis-carrying) they met with those they shunned: it was not possible for them to haue escaped, neither thought they fit, by run­ning away, to make themselues delinquents in a matter vvherein their charitie was shewne. So the Gouernour of the Towne, meeting and knowing them, sorry to see their carriage (though they truely related what passed) and obliged by his Office, could not but commit them both to sure custody.

Fernando, though his innocencie might haue prouoked him, was little sensible of this vvrong; rather for feare of falling into a new suspition with his Votaresse, hee vvas so much afflicted, that his blinded heart bereaued him of all other considerations; as also of the dangerous illicite busi­nesse, into which he was so wilfully imbarked. In fine (glad) the Officers had not seen their Ladder, they suddenly con­ueyed it from them, and now expected the wished day; by when Fernando's imprisonment knowne and published; some, approouing it, did much aggrauate the matter, others gentler minded, blamed the Gouernours hasty proceeding, [Page 450] as supposing that to a Gentleman of his quality better re­spect might haue been had, if not entire credit giuen vnto him; and passionate in the case, thought his imprisonment was too rigorously inflicted. The whole businesse at last was cleered; for the wounded party before he dyed, decla­red the truth, accusing one of the two, who first set vpon him, about a difference at Play, to haue with the others help slaine him; which appearing plainely by the Homicides their flight, Fernando was out of hand set at libertie, and Camila now fully satisfied, more earnestly then euer, insi­sted in her purpose: yet they resolued for more fitting­nesse, to put it off for one three or foure dayes more, since, in respect of the late vnluckie accident, the Watch would bee sure to walke more carefully, or some curious busie-bodie might haply prie into his actions, being knowne to walke so late, till such time as the noueltie was a little o­uer-blowne and past.

In this they were not vnwise, for in small or lesse popu­lous Citties, where other varieties are wanting, suspitious persons lay hold vpon all occasions, maliciously to pry into their friends or neighbours actions. But the difficul­ties of their meeting ceased not thus; for against a new prefixed time by them, Fernando's kinsman fell desperate­ly sicke of a burning Feuer, which much hindered their businesse, in respect that the Physicians now had wholly giuen him ouer.

Fernando made Camila acquainted with the mishap, but shee would not beleeue or admit of his excuse, the which her hardned resolution more plainely appeared in these briefe Lines:

I well see, Fernando, by this last fained inconuenience, [Page 451] what all the former haue beene: Let your dallying cease; for if this night you fulfill not your promise, I shall bee satis­fied, and your selfe forbeare to bee so hardie as euer againe to see me.

It seemed that the deadly sinne of sacrilegious lust gui­ding her hand and stile, framed for Camila these Contents: so her owne hand was made the Sentencer of that destru­ction, which Heauen had fore-decreed to the Owner.

The blinde Louer receiued this Ticket, and as the rigo­rous verdict of his death, so feared hee his Mistresses com­plaints, and so disposed to obey her: all alone towards midnight he got him to the Nunnery wall. He had no soo­ner climbed to the top of it, but hee might heare a voice iust vnderneath him, calling out, Is it Fernando? Who re­plide, 'Tis I, sweet, I come. But with this, I come, and his sudden haste to fasten the thred-Ladder, for his better getting downe on the other side, with the darknesse of the night together, and his owne want of heed, hee stumbled vpon a great loose stone which fell from the wall and him, & (it seemed) guided by Camila's destiny, or higher Proui­dence, lighted vpon the vnfortunate Creatures head; the waight of it was such as gaue her no leaue to cry out, one­ly Fernando might heare by one soft mortall groane, the execution done, and his bitter losse. 'Twas in vaine for him to leape downe; for the misfortune was helplesse, but vainer to waste time there in teares or sorrowfull excla­mations, since dayes approach would but pull an irreme­diable danger vpon his owne head: euery way he was mi­serable, all he could doe (hoping yet to heare some com­fortable newes in the morning) was to make to his lod­ging: which he did, though there with the amazement of [Page 452] his griefes he had much adoe to liue. His family and ser­uants were not a little troubled at the strange accident, in­somuch that some thought best to haue his Confessor to him, others began to thinke of Physicians. Fernando had one onely Sister, very faire and equally discreet, and be­tweene both, liuing thus priuately to themselues, there was an extraordinary tendernesse of affection: she was priuy to her Brothers cares, and therefore ghessing that his in­firmitie was more of Loue then more mortall danger, would not for the present that her seruants should call for any helpes without; but, making no noise, left him to his rest.

Towards eight of the clocke in morning (after hee had long considered his misfortune, and at length taken some sleepe) he awoke: and somewhat better recouered, at what time they in the Nunnery (little knowing what state Fernando had been in, or that hee knew of Camila's death) sent him word of the lamentable successe; how (it seemed) the last night going late into their Garden to her Deuotions, walking vnder part of the wall, a loose stone had falne downe and dashed out her braines; in which la­mentable manner they found her, being first found missing in her bed in the morning.

This aduice (though wofully set downe in writing) could adde nothing to Fernando's extremitie, vvho vvas full e­nough of mistrust before: and yet though he suspected the worst that might be, his humanitie could not but take one wailing leaue more: and now in midst of his mournefull grones he craues pardon of his diuine Maker; and so from that instant, with new and fresh vowes hee proposed in his heart, not onely neuer to haue further conuersation with Religious Women, but for euer to abandon their houses, [Page 453] and Monasteries, which afterward hee shunned as his mor­tall bane.

With this happy intent (said the good Hermit turning to Gerardo) he remained in Talbora, till such time as your im­prisonment, and Clara's fearefull end, comming to his no­tice, mindfull of your ancient friendship, hee left his Coun­try, and soone effected your liberty, being then some mo­neths absent, till his Sisters carefull solliciting his returne, made him, to giue her content, come backe, where new suc­cesses began, such as follow.

Many matches had beene seuerally both to Brother and Sister proposed, and some conuenient enough, though Fernando excusing himselfe, refused all, by saying he would first see his Sister bestowed; shee flying likewise from all Treaties, as mannerly retorted her Brothers courtesie: so that each gaue colour of deniall of marriage to the other, and matter to the busie world to censure both: yet some there vvanted not, to affirme, that Alcina, so was the Dame called, was vvilling enough to marry, might it stand vvith her owne liking, and not her Brothers choise; their malice alluding to one Tirso whom she much affected, but in re­spect he was Brother to Rodrigo, and consequently enemy to hers, he durst not demand her to Wife, nor shee owne him for Husband. These and the like speeches flew a­bout Talbora, though no man willing to aduertise so much to Fernando, he (ignorant) was obstinate in his resolution, and Alcina vvarie and circumspect least her amorous wa­kings might come to his notice, vvhich heauily ended (as you shall heare:) but first it is necessarie for you to know some other circumstances, before that disaster was com­passed.

About this time there arriued a dainty Granadinian Dame, [Page 454] that, for some priuate respects, at the instance of her kin­dred and friends, was dedicated to the Religious retire­ment of a certaine Couent there; vvhither, at the day ap­pointed for her receiuing the habit and holy Order, all the Gentry, and best of the Citie, were solemnely inuited: only Fernando, mindfull of his Vow, in not going was singular; though, to comply with the faire Dames kindred his friends of one faction, he sent his Sister Alcina to supply his place at the solemnitie. Which ended, and (the New Nunne ge­nerally extolled) she remained in the Monastery, and all the ghests returned to their seuerall homes, wonderfully plea­sed with the sight, especially Alcina, and so enamoured on the new Nunne, that she thought all possible commendati­ons must needs come short of her due praise: which went on in such height of endeerement, as at length bredde an inward longing in Fernando, to see so much beauty, though hauing barred himselfe the meanes, he was forced to giue ouer his difficult curiositie.

Some there are so particular in their actions, so strange in their affections, that many times vvithout all foundation or ground, they fall to like or hate something, forno other occasion indeed, then to haue their opinions generally vpheld, though most commonly they prooue erroneous: such in extremitie vvas Alcina, a vvoman that wholly taken with her owne iudgement, desired that her thoughts should haue in euery thing precedency, which made her vnpro­perly lay hold on Elisa's beauty (that beeing the Granadini­ans name) labouring all shee might, that her Brother Fer­nando with his eyes might qualifie her election.

To which purpose, going to visit some of her owne kins­women in the Nunnery, she desired Elisa's acquaintance, making such shewes of loue or Court-ship to her, that, but [Page 455] for the vvarrant of her sexe; the other might haue suspected a hazzard to her retirednesse.

This acquaintance of theirs beganne so to kindle betwixt them both, as it grew to an exceeding height of affection; by which meanes Elisa also, from his Sister, came to haue some notice of Fernando, whose parts and merit being cun­ningly set out by the shee-relator (no maruell if haply Elisa might couet an eyesight of the Owner.) The Nunne, be­sides many excellencies in which Heauen was propitious to her, had a most sweet and pleasing voice; and of her e­quall skill too (though more warily, in respect she was but in her yeere of approbation) Alcina now and then participa­ted, giuing afterwards (but with circumstances more flou­rishingly surpassing all that hitherto) notice to Fernando, of that and other rarities; which doubling the former itch of desire in him, made him plainely declare his minde: which vnderstood by Alcina (but to no other intent more then the confirming her opinion) she quickly so contriued the mat­ter, that without publike note it might be effected: and so, sending a warning to her kinswomen to prouide her a seat neere the Nunnes Grate, shee went also thither before, a­greeing onely with her Brother, that he should stand close, and not shew himselfe, till such time as shee had intreated Elisa to begin to sing, which (because she was not yet a pro­fessed Nunne) was very difficult; and should Fernando bee seene, or any other man, altogether impossible.

The businesse suited iust to her wish: and her Brother as ready, as vnmindfull of his Vow, went thither, and came so opportunely, that both his eye and his eare were quickly beleeuers of Alcina's truth. Elisa (that knew nothing of his comming, for Alcina fained it to haue been casuall) espied him, and blushing, would faine haue hid her selfe, but that [Page 456] the rest of the Nunnes kept her backe, and the new-come Ghest making himselfe knowne to her, (a hardinesse in him, considering her modest composednesse was not inferiour to that rare beauty that astonisht him) they grew to some complementall acquaintance; and before they parted, him­selfe vvas caught a tender louer as euer, and shee (but vvith more chaste intentions) lesse coy and disdainfull, which she better expressed, by not suffering the Couple to returne empty home, without a full satisfaction of Natures best Mu­sicke, her voyce.

This Gentlemans relapse doth so at the present vexe my consideration, that me thinks I euen vvith my wish forestall the punishment that after happened vnto him, which I shal briefly come to: but this ensuing circumstance must first be the Prologue or Introduction.

Fernando, after many a sight of Elisa, was so extremely gone in her affection, that at last (the end of her yeere draw­ing on, at which time, if shee professed there was no helpe for him) caused his sister Alcina to put in for his marriage. She made knowne his mind, but Elisa deferring her answer, and wisely dissembling her intent, shewed little will: rather, a strong inclination to that deuout life she had made choice of: which might haue sufficed to haue kept him from mole­sting her quiet profession; but this, which hee thought dis­daine, so blew the fire of his growing loue, that not now secretly, but in publike he prosecuted it, and made meanes to Elisa's kindred, who ioyned as suiters with him, and vsed such diligent perswasions, that at last they wonne her to consent.

They esteemed themselues most happy in the alliance, and no lesse honoured: and so, notice also was giuen to her Parents, and in the interim of their answer, Fernando as one [Page 457] sure enough, began to make seuerall preparations of braue­rie for himselfe, and the future Bride; and turning night in­to day with Maskes, Musicke, and seuerall delights; and day, into Bull runnings, Canes-sport, and Dancing: the time passed on in mirth and pastimes, till at last the answer of the Nunnes parents was, that themselues were vpon the way: which generally reioyced the Bridegroome, Bride, and their kindred. So their arriuall, and the time happily meeting, the desired Nuptials were solemnely performed; which, and some weeks ouerpassed, the Parents returned to their home at Granada, leauing their sonne-in-law with his Spouse as contented, as themselues ioyfull with the match. Elisa was no lesse inwardly vertuous, then faire without; so warily modest, that her Fernando might iustly esteeme himselfe fortunate in her; who being himselfe also such, as wee haue formerly described him, knew how sufficiently to account of those good parts in his Spouse; and therefore giuing himselfe wholly now to be guided by her will, he liued most happy and contentedly: which to consummate and make vp, the bestowing Alcina onely kept him wakefull, to pro­cure her a deseruing husband, and ridde himselfe of the carefull burden of their double honour. Indeed Fernando was ignorant of his Sisters secrets; vvho, though shee were in loue, yet fearing the awfull austere condition of her bro­ther, dissembled all she might her affection: and now with Elisa's free conuersation and companie, she was lesse solita­ry, more then formerly at liberty.

In this manner, two yeeres from Fernando's marriage were accomplished, at the end of which, his wiues father, and soone after, an onely brother of hers dying, shee remai­ning sole Inheretrix of a good Estate, and her husband im­portuned by her mothers Letters, was forced, for settling [Page 458] of the new Inheritance, to repaire to Granada: and though it much troubled him, to be thus for some long time absent, yet the necessity compelled his patience to submit, leauing his house and domesticall affaires (for the better gouer­ning them) to his Kinsmans carefull ouerseeing, whom hee loued dearely: and hee hauing beene long maintained by him, relying with good satisfaction vpon his honesty, he be­tooke himselfe the more cheerfully to that vn-willing iour­ney and businesse, which kept him almost halfe a yeere: in which time, though Fabricio (so was the kinsman called) had at the beginning beene very sollicitous, at the first, percei­uing the retirednesse of Elisa and her sister-in-law, thinking his watchfulnesse and labour vaine, by little and little hee grew carelesse, and so passed on some dayes, till at length in one stormy Winters night, when he was fast and securely sleeping, a seruant that lay in his Chamber, awoke him, saying, hee heard Musicke and singing neere Elisa's Window; wherupon suddenly, and desirous to be satisfied, Fabricio got him to a low Grate which lookt that way: from whence hee might see one walke to and fro in the Street, which made him expect what the issue would be: and the Instruments sounding, he might at another corner perceiue a company together, who in three Voyces began sweetly to send foorth this following Ode:

This Ditty madded the waking Fabricio: for coniectu­ring he might know the subiect to whom it was meant, yet his ignorance of the certainty robbed him of vnderstan­ding, though on the other side obliged by his care, he must proceed in his attendance: yet comforted he was, as imagi­ning the Musick might be giuen to some other in the Street, and out of his loue to his kinsman, he would not rashly sus­pect his chaste Spouse, till such time, as the new Eccho's of those Voyces began againe in the following Song to en­crease his doubtfull feares.

With greater confusion the Sentinels eares turned into hollow trunkes, impatiently heard out the Ditty, and with more torment, vvhen hee might heare a Window open in Elisa's Chamber, and the vnknown Gallant drawing neere, beginne to discourse.

The two sisters in Fernando's absence lay together, but Fabricio, ignorant of that, no sooner saw this, vvhen vvithout distinction he condemned Elisa's lust and falshood towards his kinsman. Impossible it was for him from where he was, to heare their vvhole Dialogue, though by some answers of the one, he might ghesse at the demands of the other. And [Page 461] hearkening with all attentiuenesse, he might heare the man thus proceed: You cannot at last deny my iust complaints; for after so many vaine shifts and delayes, I cannot but bee wearie, though (as I am a Gentleman) vvere your excuses grounded vpon any the least reason, I should still willingly suffer and expect, as I haue hitherto done, and you know how patient I haue alwaies beene: but, if I see what a happy occasion vve lose in Fernando's absence, what may I thinke, but that I am abused, and that with your falshood you mocke my vnfained affection? Here Fabricio vnwilling to hearken longer, vvas thorowly satisfied with what hee had already heard: and though his indignation egged him fu­riously on to haue runne into the street, yet his more dis­creet vnderstanding, suggesting vnto him his kinsmans ho­nour, vvhich might not haue beene so publikely wronged, by laying open a vviues infamie, reined in his courage, only from that time forward made him more circumspectly wa­ry about the house.

But impossible it is to set sufficient guard vpon a dissolute woman: Lust (though locket vp like Danaë) will finde way: so his vvatching was vaine; for (to his griefe) not long after he came to the knowledge of more mischiefe; there beeing some in the house, who pittying their poore absent Master, told Fabricio not onely of night-walking and Musicke, but vnlawful egresse and regresse too: and that at the same win­dow where he heard discoursing, a man most nights at vn­seasonable houres mounted by a Ladder, whom the partie that gaue the more certaine notice of it, beeing an old ser­uant of Fernando's, many nights saw from his owne house, which was directly opposite.

Fabricio seeing the matter so openly scandalous, could no longer conceale his resolute purpose; so that though the [Page 462] reuenge belonged not to his hands, he with them prepared it, by writing to Fernando; that without all delay hee should immediatly returne to Talbora, for as much as it concerned his honour so to do.

Any noble heart may easily suppose without my relation, the effect that this Letter wrought in Fernando's brest; who, not without some sinister thoughts, ruled by his kinsmans aduice, tooke speedy Posts, and vvithin foure dayes arri­ued at his house, to his Alcina's no little admiration; vvho not so soone expected him, vvhich made him the more ioy­fully welcomed, especially by the faire Elisa; and next, lon­ging to be resolued of his doubt, with a conuenient oppor­tunity, he vnderstood all that had passed in his absence from his carefull Kinsman; who, considering Fernando's disho­nour and affront, vvas ready to haue slaine himselfe. The other after he had pawsed a little with himselfe, made no difference or distinction of the vvrong; for whether Alcina or Elisa, one of the two he was sure had defamed her selfe and him: his vvife was most deare to him, for which rea­son his ielousie led him to suspect rather her falshood: for it is a naturall effect of this hel-bred Passion, that where wee most naturally loue and affect, there we most carefully feare. I [...] his sister were in fault, why, the grieuance was as equall to his blood, which equally prouoked his reuenge. But after he had waighed with himselfe all and sundry particulars, he beganne to thinke of first satisfying his owne eyes, not whol­ly relying vpon the relation of another, in a matter that so neerely concerned his honour. And so much the rather in­clined he to this resolution, by seeing his wiues behauiour and carriage in the same equall ballance he left it; her ob­seruance punctually the same; her honest looks and shame­fac't blush no way diminished; her affection equally com­posed, [Page 463] and her embraces as louing, as loyall as euer. But if this relenting consideration would presse too much vp­on his somewhat mollified mind, the bitternesse of the wrong would call backe his furious remembrance, and shut the doores to all commiseration: and then thinking there was nothing but falshood and dissimulation in woman, hee fell passionately backe into his watchfull diligence. Most desirous was he to satisfie his sight, but the actors too cun­ningly deferred their dangerous pleasures. Fernando still haunted with his ielousie, thought this was but a tricke, and therefore with a counter-plot, hee fained a new occasion to returne to the prosecution of his businesse at Granado, and putting his intent in practice, without note or least suspition of his house and family, causing Fabricio and the seruant priuy to the secret, to be in a readinesse, who (as is sayd) had some of his windowes iust opposite to his; in conclusion, all things cunningly handled, their designe was quickly effe­cted.

But although he lay all that night, and the next following in waite, with more care then Argus, yet hee neither saw ought that might trouble him, nor heard any noyse that might increase his suspition, which made him, a little hear­tened, now beginne to wauer in the truth and credit of the matter, blaming go himselfe his kinsmans too rash and easie being perswaded; (a fault that sometimes the most carefull are lyable to:) yet his ielousie still prompting him with mis­doubts, the third night came on, in which (then thorowly satisfied) he saw no visions; no: but about midnight two men plainly walking in the street, who hauing fetcht a turne or two, perceiuing the coast was cleare, one of them whi­stling, gaue the signe, at which, the feare-cloth leaues of a Bay-window were opened, and a woman appearing vvas [Page 464] his answer. The Moone shone brightly at that time, so that though Fernando could neither heare the voyce, nor vvell know the face, yet by the apparell shee wore hee might perceiue it was Elisa, the stuffe of her Gowne siluer Tinsall, vvith the Lace and trimming sutable, giuing his eyes an ap­parent Testimonie. The vnfortunate Gentleman was with the accident extremely heart-strucken, though without any sudden haste he quietly attended their short discourse: af­ter vvhich he might see (vvhich he thought vvas a prepara­tion to the mans getting vp) a String, and to that a Ladder fastened at the Window, by which the Gallant nimbly mounted, and straight the Window-leaues were clap­ped to.

Fernando more enraged then any angry Lionesse that had lost her young ones, could no longer forbeare, but taking the speediest vvay, returned in by his owne doore, where finding his kinsman, and two of his seruants surely armed, hauing giuen them instructions vvhat to do, he left them to make good the Street, if happely the adulterer should escape him vvithin: vvhich done, with a false Key he opened the street doore, and soone after got into his owne Chamber, where vndauntedly rushing in, though the close roome were darke, he furiously lighted vpon the bed, and finding first the vvretched Elisa, hastily bestowed three or foure stabbes vpon her: at the very first the poore soule awoke, securely sleeping, and not thinking her latest houre was so neere: and seeing her selfe so bloodily handled, all amaz'd, not knowing the Homicide, threw her body out of the bed with the mortall pangs.

Fernando next of all carefully groped about with his hand for the adulterer, and perceiuing some stirring vnder him, thinking he was sure there, drawing the Curtaine, he [Page 465] directed his sword and rage thitherward; where he had no sooner seconded his thrust, vvhen knowing the voyce of his sister, crying out, Enough, deare Signior, oh I am slaine, made him hold his hand, suspended by the frightfull Ec­cho's of his owne blood, yet he could not so much as ima­gine her to haue beene the sole cause of his dishonour: and now too he might heare the Window-leaues pulled open, at vvhich the fearefull Gallant had meanes vvith the darke to leape into the street; vvhich vvithout Fernando's hinde­rance he did: but his feare making him lose his ayme, toge­ther vvith the height, vvhen hee came to ground, hee broke his legge with the fall; howsoeuer his escape had bin beyond possibility, in respect of the three armed that there waited for him, who quickly in the state hee was in, vvith their swords dispatched him. By this time Elisa's maides, hauing heard the deadly grones of their Mistris, were got­ten into the Chamber with Lights; vvhere beholding the bloody spectacle, they quickely ranne to hide themselues from their Masters angry presence; vvho, seeing how vvell his kinsman and seruants had behaued themselues, yet, not wholly satisfied, taking a Light from one of the vvomen, with it soone vnderstood his bitter misfortunes: finding his Elisa with dolorous grones, clung to an Yuory Crucifixe, that hung before, at her beddes-head, euen giuing vp the ghost, and by her, his only sister weltring in the gore-blood of her two deadly wounds. His wife was not quite dead, with nothing but her Smocke vpon her: but Alcina clad in her faire sisters Robes, in perfect sence and memory, fully satisfied her wronged Brother, by letting him in her last a­gony know, that Elisa died innocently, as hauing not so much as beene a partaker of her wakings; for, tempering her supper with drowzie Opium, which prouoked her to [Page 466] deadly sleepe, she made sure of beeing seene or heard by her sister; so that she her selfe alone iustly deserued the fatall punishment: since so against her honour and shamefastnes, she had admitted the embraces of her Houses enemy, with whom, without her brothers knowledge or approbation, she had beene pre-contracted. And so ceasing, oppressed by her mortall pangs, she yeelded vp her spirit; leauing the miserable brother that heard her, amazed with griefe, and sorrowfull aboue measure, when repentance came too late; for Elisa too was now starke dead in his armes. His tongue was fast tyed, which silence wrought in his mind in such manner, that his vitall spirits euen failing him, hee might suddenly haue followed his deare Spouse, but that Fabricio comming hastily vpon him, rowzed him vp, by telling him, the party whom they had slaine below, was no other then Tirso, Don Rodrigo's brother, one of his greatest enemies. The noyse also began to increase within doores, and to bee seconded without: so that seeing so many, so vnexcusable mischiefes before him, to adde no more (by his owne for vpshot) to the number, hee was forced to prouide for his owne safety, desperately leauing his house and houshold­goods to the arbitrement of a distracted family.

With this resolution accompanied only by his kinsman, mounted on horse-backe, they left the Towne, posting on all that night, and the next following, till such time as Fer­nando laying hold vpon a fit opportunity, gaue Fabricio the slip, and crossing by a Bridge the Cristalline streames of Tagus, turning toward the rugged mountaines of Guada­lupe, in a short time he got into the secretst and wildest parts of those rockie Desarts, where euen spent almost by the van­quishing oppression of his disasters, he had by degrees wa­sted away, had not Heauen that helped him, and enlightned [Page 467] his vnderstanding, made him fall into this consideration, that his present euils were but slight punishments for his past crimes, which hee aboundantly in teares bewayling, not to be vngratefull to his diuine Creator, that had but su­perficially chastised him, resolued in my company vpon a rigorous penitent life, in which after he had remained sixe yeeres, three dayes since, with maruellous tranquillitie of soule, betooke himselfe to his latest rest.

Thus ended the long, but not tedious Story of the de­uout Hermit, with no lesse attention then sorrow from the Auditors, especially the two Brothers his dearest friends; though conforming themselues to the diuine pleasure, his happy ending was a comfort to them; in whose lifes cir­cumstances, and diuers other matters they spent the nights remainder; & in the morning accompanied by their good old Oast, betooke them to their way, and in the best part of it, visited the famous Monasterie of Guadalupe: and after­ward taking leaue of the Reuerend Hermit, and holding on their iourney, within foure dayes they came in sight of the strong walles, and Towry Castle of Cesarina; and arriuing about Sun-set, assuring themselues Nise must be within, they all alighted.

Gerardo had no sooner set footing on the threshold, when knowne by some of his Mistresses seruants, not without extraordinarie shewes of admiration, they ranne greedily to haue imbraced him; for as the newes which Nise had divulged held currant, he was in all those parts giuen for a dead man, so that wholly amazed, though they felt him, they doubted; and (though they saw him) whether he were the obiect of their eye-sight. These extremes filled Gerardo with no lesse wonder, though at last informed of the cause, his desire increasing to satisfie his Mistresse, hee could not [Page 468] be at quiet till he had seene her; but manifesting his minde, he was by one of those seruants told the occasion why Nise was at that time out of the Castle, which was, that perswa­ded verily that hee had beene cast away vpon the Coast of Barbary, she returned to the Nunnery where she had be­fore liued; and leauing her possessions (against all perswa­sions of her kindred) meant to take vpon her the Reli­gious habit of Saint Clara, and to liue and dye in that profession.

The ghests at the vnexpected Relation were much trou­bled, though, in Gerardo, this vvas not onely an effect of trouble; for his eyes, vvithout vvagging their lids, staringly fixed vpon earth, he stood as immoueable, as if he had been a Statue of brasse, rather then a man of flesh.

Leoncio vvell noted the sudden alteration, and expecting a little to haue him come to himselfe, thinking it too long for a muze: about to haue giuen him a secret iogge, hee had like to set him off his legges to the ground. Gerardo's passion vvas not so slight, nor the Torment he endured so tolerable as his Brother imagined, his heart quite failed him; and therefore applying new helpes, and causing a bedde suddenly to be made, they laid him in it, his Bro­ther and kinsmen in this strange accident round besetting him.

These things passed not so couertly (the distance being not much) but that the fame of them in an instant flew to Nise's eares: who though at first (relying wholly vpon her owne thoughts) she could giue no credit to the newes; yet, vvhen at last shee heard it seuerally confirmed, no tongue can expresse her ioy, though indeed her Louers present dan­ger mingled it with some sorrow: to whom, shee carefully dispatched sundry messages, disposing them so, that one [Page 469] came in the necke of the other, yet all were answered by Leoncio: for the brother lay yet in a profound Extasis, which made her ready to haue forsaken the Nunnery; which she had straight performed, leauing her holy habit, but that such an Act might haue been imputed to much leuity. But Leoncio with the rest of the Gentlemen, not long after went to visit her, by whom she was told (to her no small ioy and comfort) that Gerardo amended: and after some speech be­twixt them the agreement was, that the next day (since the onely cause of her retirement, vvas, thinking that Gerardo vvas dead, and that the contrary at present appearing, shee might, without her honours hazard, quit the Order) their so long desired Nuptials should in the Monasteries Church be solemnized.

This newes was quickly spred about the Village, and so heartily celebrated, that ere night, all the Turrets, Battle­ments and walles of the enclosure; as also, Streets, Market­place, Doores and Windowes, were full of Lights, Tor­ches and Bonefires, nothing was heard but noise of ioy and Musicke. The better sort of the Gentry likewise, with the Ginetiers of the Coast, then in the Village ranne their seue­rall Carreeres before the Nunnery & Castle Gates: where, though Gerardo were now somewhat better come to him­selfe, yet hee could not thorowly bee comforted, neither could his kinsmen or Leoncio know what to attribute the cause of it to, who much afflicted to see him still in that manner, importuned him all he might, to know the ground of his strange discontentment.

Gerardo, out of the mutuall affection betwixt them, would soone haue satisfied his Brother, but that hee iustly feared, Leoncio's perswasions might preiudice his secret intent: wherefore, dissembling the true cause, hee told him that the [Page 470] vnexpected newes of Nise's Religious estate (presuming his owne to be desperate, his sudden griefe allowing him no time to weigh the matter) had so much hitherto oppressed him; but that, vnderstanding now the truth of her affecti­on, he vvas better pleased and contented. So vvas Leoncio vvhen he heard this, and assured that his Brother concealed not his cares from him, his, were to prouide against the pre­fixed time; and so taking order to haue all things, and the Bridegroomes brauery in a readinesse, they all, that night, the better to cheere vp his brother, supped in Gerardo's Chamber. And toward midnight euery one withdrew to his lodging, and all, vvhen day came, went downe into the Castle yard; where, with shewes of noble emulation, in rich embroideries, an Epitome of our West-Indies might bee seene: and in this manner (hauing sent word first to Nise) Leoncio with them vvent to fetch the gallant Bridegroome out of his bed: but finding the Chamber doore shut, and his seruants attending his awaking, wondring at his drow­zinesse (though some imputed it to the late accident) they knocked aloude; but hearing no answere, Leoncio hastily vvith his foot shoued the doore open, which was but only close put to; and himselfe with the rest entring in, thinking Gerardo vvas yet asleepe, they drew the Curtaines, but nei­ther found Gerardo in bed, not saw any of his apparell; wherfore Leoncio much troubled, and fearing some disaster, caused search to be made for him all about, and willed that they should see if his Horse were missing, which vvas as he mis-doubted; and therefore his kinsmen called to haue theirs saddled, with purpose to seeke him out: but a Letter which one of them found vpon one of the Pillowes, stayed their intent. The hand was knowne to be Gerardo's, and seeing the superscription to Leoncio, he taking it, not with­out [Page 471] some teares read it ouer first closely to himselfe, and then asswaging his passions as vvell as he could, in presence of them all, he read alowd the ensuing Lines.

Deare Brother, that this vnexpected Act of mine, especially in an occasion so vrgent, must of necessity cause in your Noble brest (if not also compassionate) a strong distaste against your Gerar­do; I cannot doubt; yet must I likewise, relying vpon your wisedome, duely weighing the reasons thereunto mouing me, hope, your punishment may be turned into the pardon I presently de­sire: but first let me request you, that, calling to your remem­brance my past life so full of affrighting, dangers and hazzard, you would also consider the miraculous meanes and wayes, by which Gods goodnesse hath freed me from them: to whom I must, besides the generall obligation of my Redemption, owe a more par­ticular dutie, which, his vnspeakeable bounty, in raising me from the bondage of a vicious life, hath imposed vpon mee. This truth then granted, had you your selfe receiued some especiall benefit not from an equall friend, but some meane soule, could you bee o­therwise then thankefull for it? And, tell me, instead of beeing so, were it fit with vile ingratitude, to goe about to bereaue him of his onely Iewell? What pittying brest would not reuile you for so loude a crime? which out of louing gratitude, or modest feare, you should not dare commit, or lesse imagine.

If then, oh Brother, such be now my case; If this haue hapned in my lifes whole course: why should not I, by falling into the rec­koning of my sinnes, striue to expiate someone, by leauing to the quiet possession of my gracious Maker, a Spouse, admitted to his Hymenean rites? And this, if not for infinit blessings and mer­cies bestowed, at least for the iust feare (Fernando's example my wofull President) of an equall punishment. And thinke not you or any else, that, that stupendious accident which befell vs, was only [Page 472] casuall (farre be it) To loose our selues in a high-way, to descend with such sure and certaine danger, a steepe craggie Mountaine at midnight, to finde in such a wildernesse so good shelter and company; and our old true friend, (though dead) proclaiming lowdly in his life such successes. All this (beleeue mee) was not without some mysterie, or gouernment of Gods most liberall hand. Nise to me shall be no Elisa, neither will I to niceties with hea­uen, or quiddities of her professing or not professing: whether she may, ought or will accomplish my wil (though now it be different:) for should you say; 'Twere fitter too to satisfie her; and that if Fernando wooed Elisa, 'tis otherwise with mee: I wooed not Nise, rather, there is a necessitie to pay the forcible debt of ho­nour; my answere is, That the diuine prouidence, from which no­thing is hidden, fore-knew all this; and notwithstanding that I was safe from the Seas danger, disposed her heart and whole af­fection to so sure a choise, Wherby I collect, that that was fittest for her, and most profitable for both our soules, which, mine, by Hea­uens fauour, shall follow, and I hope the discreet Nise will admit of the reasons of this Letter, and my resolution, which I request you make knowne vnto her, and withall, that none of you trouble your selues in my search; for, doubtlesse, in worldly affaires wee shall neuer meet. And thus my only Brother, and you, the rest, my Kinsmen, Friends, receiue my last best wishes for embraces; in exchange, if euer I were acceptable to your hearts or eyes, comfort my absent, poore afflicted Mother; and lastly heauen giue—

But here Leoncio's tongue was knotted, and the Paper dropping from him, the paine he was in, bereaued him of his speech. The rest of those Gentlemen bore a part also with him: so that nothing was heard amongst them, but a confused murmure of inward sighes, which grew quickly to sad groanes, with whose noise Leoncio awaking out of [Page 473] his passionate slumber, cryes out outragiously; Oh my Gerardo! And so his whole cōtent melted into bitter teares, and the cause of them was straight dispersed about the Village.

'T was not the least of the good Leoncio's afflictions, to consider in the midst of his griefes, Nise's iust sorrow, which made him, as if he were within her bosome, pro­claime her complaints, fearing in himselfe, that not with­out cause shee might exclaime of her double iniury, and being twice abused by his Brother; and calling to his mind withall, that Masculine exploit of hers, when for his libertie she left her home and Countrey, exposing her life to a fraile piece of wood, and the Seas danger, ashamed then, he durst not looke vpon her. But knowing how pre­cise a necessity there was of seeing her, deferring it no lon­ger, accompanied by his Kindred, hee went to the Mo­nasterie.

Here, though he might haue supposed all things to be in a readinesse, and at the first sight the Wals clad with Arras or Tapistrie, he saw no more alteration then the day before, nor the least noyse or stirring, that such a solemnity might haue required: wherefore with more admiration he desired tha the faire Nise might be called: and thinking (according to the last agreement) to haue seene her in all her Iewels and brauery, he found himselfe beguiled, and Nise, as for­merly in her Vaile and religious habit.

Accompanied she was by some other Nunnes, her face and countenance, more awfully graue, lesse cheerefull then the day before: which perswaded them that shee was ac­quainted with Gerardo's absence: and therefore Leoncio pre­suming that it was so, turning to the faire Dame, framed this discourse:

[Page 474] Considering you know of my Brothers vnexpected ac­cident, I may saue a labour to giue you notice of it, com­plying in the rest, with what he hath committed to my trust and charge. Nise's heart was much oppressed with hearing this, and cutting him thus passionately off, answered; How said you, Sir? Alas, what should I know, that know nothing of his disasters? Is he dead, or vvhat doe you meane? If so, said Leoncio in more confusion, I may proceed, though Gerardo's absence, and the finding you so carelesse of these Nuptials (since ouer-night to your liking they were agreed on) cannot but containe some especiall mysterie: so, with­out more pawse he told her the vvhole businesse, as also of the Letter: at all which, her compassionate eyes sent foorth their teares, and the afflicted Gentleman making an end, Nise, not so much troubled (as might haue beene feared) made this modest answere: When Heauen so cleerely shewes his wonders, 'twere needlesse to make strange my thoughts, or longer to conceale my intention. Your noble Brother, Leoncio, hath discreetly in fine made the happiest e­lection: in which (though you may thinke hee preuented me;) I gain'd him by the hand and eldership; for I no soo­ner yesterday departed from you, resolued to be his Spouse, when my heart beginning to ponder, and my affections al­tering, God Almighty was pleased to illuminate better my weake vnderstanding; and, considering I left cleere light for lasting darknesse, chose momentary ioyes for eternall; and lastly, the Creature, in stead of my Creator, seeing the manifest errour I was in, my sorrow & repentance brought me to this wholesome remedy of holy retirement: from which, not all worldly respects, or aboue all other, that powerfull loue I once bore to your Brother, must euer re­moue mee: and therefore, I vndoubtedly inferre that two, [Page 475] so equall determinations, two so mutually concurring affe­ctions, haue been by Gods particular prouidence disposed, whom I professe in this Religious Order to obey, as long as vitall breath shall—

In the midst of this valour she was drowned in teares, as accompanied by the Spectators, and vnable to vtter a word more, with a farewell courtesie, shee meltingly left them, went into her Cell, and Leoncio with his kinsmen backe to the Castle; from whence that very afternoone, not once looking after Gerardo, willing to obey his last com­mands, they returned to the famous Village of Madrid: where these passages cōming to my knowledge, I thought good to publish them: desiring that for example and memory of men worthy to be immortalized in the Presse, they may last to future Ages.