The daungerous diuision of mens mindes, the ruinous renting of all estates, had nowe brought Arcadia to feele the pangs of vttermost perill (such convulsions neuer comming, but that the life of that gouernment drawes neere his necessarye periode) when to the honest and wise Philanax, equally distracted betwixt desire of his maisters reuenge and care of the states establishment, there came (vnlooked for) a Macedonian Gentleman, who in short, but pithye maner deliuered vnto him, that the renowmed Euarchus, King of Macedon, purposing to haue visited his olde friend and confederate the King Basilius, was nowe come within halfe a mile of the Lodges, where hauing vnderstoode be certayne Shepheards, the sodayne death of theyr Prince, had sent vnto him, (of whose authoritye and faith he had good knowledge) desiring him to aduertise him, in what securitie hee might rest there for that night, where willinglye hee woulde (if safely hee might) helpe to celebrate the funeralls of his auncient companion and alye, adding hee neede not doubt, since hee had brought but twentye in his companye, hee woulde be so vnwise as to enter into any forcible attempte with so small force. Philanax hauing entertayned the Gentleman, aswell as in the middest of so many tumultes hee coulde, pausing awhile with himselfe, considering howe if shoulde not onely be vniust, and against the lawe of Nations, not well to receyue a Prince whome good will had brought among them, but (in respecte of the greatnes of his might) very daungerous to geue him any cause of due offence; remembring withall the excellent tryalls of his equitie, which made him more famous then his victoryes, hee thought hee might bee the fittest instrumente to redresse the ruynes they were in, since his goodnes put hym without suspicion, and hys greatnesse beyonde enuye. Yet weighing with himselfe howe harde many heads were to be brideled, and that in this monstrous confusion such mischiefe mighte be attempted, of which late repentance should after be but a simple remedie: he iudged best first to knowe how the peoples mindes would sway to this determinacion. Therefore desiring the Gentleman to returne to the King his maister, and to beseech him (though with his paynes) to stay for an houre or two, where he was, till he had set things in better order to receiue him: he himselfe went fyrst to the Noble men, then to Kalander and the principall Mantineans, who were most opposite vnto him; desiring them, that as the night had most blessedly stayed them from entring into ciuill bloud, so they would be content in the night to assemble the people together, to heare some newes, which he was to deliuer vnto them. There is nothing more desirous of nouelties, then a man that feares his present fortune. Therefore they, whome mutuall diffidence made doubtfull of their vtter destruction, were quickly perswaded to heare of any newe matter, which might alter at least, if not helpe the nature of their feare. Namely the chiefest men, who as they had most to lose, so were most iealous of their owne case, and were alreadye growne as wearye to be followers of Timantus ambition, as before they were enuyers of Philanax worthinesse. As for Kalander and Sympathus, as in the one a vertuous friendship had made him seeke to aduaunce, in the other a naturall commiseration had made him willing to protect the excellent (though vnfortunate) prisoners, so were they not against this conuocation. For hauing nothing but iust desires in them, they did not mistrust the iustifyeng of them. Only Timantus laboured to haue withdrawne them from this assemblye, sayeng, it was time to stop their eares from the ambitious charmes of Philanax. Let them fyrst deliuer Gynæcia, and her daughters, which were fit persons to heare, and then they might begin to speake. That this was but Philanax comming, to linke broyle vpon broyle, because he might auoyd the answering of his trespasses, which as he had long intended, so had he prepared coullored speeches to disguise them. But as his words expressed rather a violence of rancour, then any iust ground of accusation, so pierced they no further, then to some partiall eares, the multitude yeelding good attention to what Philanax would propose vnto them: Who, like a man whose best building was a well-framed conscience, neyther with plausible words, nor fawning countenance, but euen with the graue behauiour of a wise father, whome nothing but loue makes to chide, thus sayd vnto them. I haue, said he, a great matter to deliuer vnto you, and thereout am I to make a greater demaund of you: But truly such hath this late proceeding bene of yours, that I knowe not what is not to be demaunded of you. Me thinkes I may haue reason to require of you, as men are woont among Pirates, that the life of him that neuer hurt you, may be safe. Me thinkes I am not without apparence of cause, as if you were Cyclopes or Cannibals, to desire that our Princes body, which hath thirtie yeares maintained vs in a flourishing peace, be not torne in pieces, or deuoured among you, but may be suffred to yeeld it selfe, which neuer was defiled with any of your blouds, to the naturall rest of the earth. Me thinkes, not as to Arcadians, renowmed for your faith to Prince, and loue of Country, but as to sworne enemyes of this sweete soyle, I am to desire you, that at least, if you will haue straungers to your Princes, yet you will not deliuer the seignory of this goodly Kingdome to your noble Kings murtherers. Lastly, I haue reason, as if I had to speake to mad men, to desire you to be good to your selues: For before God, what either barbarous violence, or vnnaturall follie, hath not this day had his seate in your mindes, and left his footsteps in your actions? But in troth I loue you too well, to stand long displayeng your faults: I would you your selues did forget them, so you did not fall againe into them. For my part, I had much rather be an orator of your prayses. But now (if you will suffer attentiue iudgement, and not foreiudging passion, to be the waigher of my wordes) I will deliuer vnto you what a blessed meane the Gods haue sent vnto you, if you list to embrace it. I thinke there is none among you so young, either in yeares, or vnderstanding, but hath heard the true fame of that iust Prince Euarthus King of Macedon. A Prince with whom our late maister did euer holde most perfit alliance. He, euen he, is this day come, hauing but twenty horse with him, within two miles of this place, hoping to haue found the vertuous Basilius aliue, but now willing to do honor to his death. Surely, surely the heauenly powers haue in so full a time bestowed him on vs, to vnite our diuisions. For my part therefore I wish, that since among our selues we can not agree in so manifold partialities, we do put the ordering of all these things into his hands, aswell touching the obsequies of the King, the punishment of his death, as the mariage and crowning of our Princesse. He is both by experience and wisedome taught how to direct: his greatnesse such, as no man can disdaine to obey him: his equitie such; as no man neede to feare him. Lastly, as he hath all these qualities to helpe, so hath he (though he would) no force to hurt. If therfore you so thinke good, since our lawes beare that our Princes murther be chastized before his murthered bodie be buried, we may inuite him to sit to morowe in the iudgement seate; which done, you may after proceede to the buriall. When Philanax first named Euarchus landing, there was a muttring murmur among the people, as though in that euil ordered weaknes of theirs he had come to conquer their country. But when they vnderstood he had so small a retinue, whispring one with another, and looking who should begin to confirme Philanax proposition, at length Sympathus was the first that allowed it, then the rest of the Noblemen, neither did Kalander striue, hoping so excellent a Prince could not but deale graciously with two such young men, whose authoritie ioyned to Philanax, all the popular sort followed. Timantus still blinded with his owne ambitious haste (not remembring factions are no longer to be trusted, then the factious may be perswaded it is for their owne good) would needes striue against the streame, exclaiming against Philanax, that now he shewed who it was, that would betray his country to straungers. But well he found, that who is too busie in the foundation of an house, may pull the building about his eares. For the people alreadie tyred with their owne diuisions, (of which his clampring had bene a principall nurse) and beginning now to espye a hauen of rest, hated any thing that should hinder them fro it: asked one another whether this were not he, whose euill toong no man could escape? whether it were not Timantus that made the first mutinous oration, to strengthen the troubles? whether Timantus, without their consent, had not gone about to deliuer Gynæcia? And thus enflaming one another against him, they threwe him out of the assembly, and after pursued him with stones and staues, so that with losse of one of his eyes, sore wounded & beaten, he was faine to flye to Philanax feete, for succour of his life: geuing a true lesson, that vice it selfe is forced to seeke the sanctuarie of vertue. For Philanax who hated his euill, but not his person, and knewe that a iust punishment might by the maner be vniustly done; remembring withall, that although herein the peoples rage might haue hit rightly, yet if it were nourished in this, no man knewe to what extremities it might extend it selfe: with earnest dealing, and employeng the vttermost of his authority, he did protect the trembling Timantus. And then hauing taken a generall oth, that they should in the noneage of the Princesse, or till these things were settled, yeeld full obedience to Euarchus, so farre as were not preiudiciall to the lawes, customes, and liberties of Arcadia: and hauing taken a particular bonde of Sympathus (vnder whome he had a seruaunt of his owne) that the prisoners should be kept close, without conference with any man: he himselfe honorablie accompanyed, with a great number of torches went to the king Euarchus, whose comming in this sort into Arcadia had thus falne out.
The wofull Prince Plangus receyuing of Basilius no other succours but only certayne to conduct him to Euarchus, made all possible speede towards Byzantium, where he vnderstood the King, hauing concluded all his warres with the winning of that towne, had now for some good space made his abode. But being farre gone on his way, he receyued certayne intelligence, that Euarchus was not only some dayes before returned into Macedon, but since was gone with some haste to visit that coast of his country that lay towards Italy. The occasion geuen by the Latines, who hauing already gotten into their hands, partly by conquest, and partly by confederacie, the greatest part of Italie, and long gaped to deuoure Greece also (obseruing the present oportunitie of Euarchus absence, and Basilius solitarines, which two Princes they knewe to be in effect the whole strength of Greece) were euen readye to lay an vniust gripe vpon it, which after they might beawtifie with the noble name of conquest. Which purpose though they made not knowne by any solemne denouncing of warre, but contrarywise gaue many tokens of continuing still their former amitie: yet the stayeng of his subiects shippes, traffiquing as Merchants into those partes, together with the dayly preparation of shipping, and other warlike prouisions in Portes, most conuenient for the transporting of souldyers, occasioned Euarchus (not vnacquainted with such practizes) first to suspect, then to discerne, lastly, to seeke to preuent the intended mischiefe. Yet thinking warre neuer to be accepted, vntill it be offred by the hand of necessitie, he determined so long openly to hold them his friends, as open hostilitie bewraied them not his enemies; not ceasing in the meane time by letters & messages to moue the States of Greece by vniting their strength, to make timely prouision against this perill: by many reasons making them see, that, though in respect of place some of the might seeme further remoued from the first violence of the storme, yet being imbarqued in the same ship, the finall wrack must needs be common to them all. And knowing the mighty force of example, with the weake effect of faire discourses not waited on with agreeable actions, what he perswaded them, himselfe performed, leauing in his owne realme nothing either vndone or vnprouided, which might be thought necessary for withstanding an inuasion. His first care was to put his people in a readinesse for warre, and by his experienced souldiers to traine the vnskilfull to martiall exercises. For the better effecting whereof, as also for meeting with other inconueniences in such doubtful times incident to the most setled states, making of the diuers regions of his whole kingdome so many diuisions as he thought conuenient, he appointed the charge of them to the greatest, and of greatest trust he had about him: arming them with sufficient authoritie to leauie forces within their seuerall gouernments, both for resisting the inuading enemy, and punishing the disordered subiect. Hauing thus prepared the body, and assured the heart of his countrey against any mischiefe that might attaint it, he then tooke into his carefull consideration the externall parts, geuing order both for the repairing and encreasing his nauy, and for the fortifying of such places, especially on the sea coast, as either commoditie of landing, weakenes of the countrey, or any other respect of aduantage was likelyest to drawe the enemy vnto. But being none of them who thinke all things done, for which they haue once geue direction, he folowed euery where his comandement with his presence: which witnes of euery mans slacknes or diligece, chastizing the one, & encouraging the other, suffred not the frute of any profitable counsaile for want of timely taking to be lost. And thus making one place succede another in the progresse of wisedome & vertue, he was now come to Aulon a principall porte of his realme, whe the poore Plangus extremely wearied with his long iourney (desire of succouring Erona no more relieuing, then feare of not succouring her in time aggrauating his trauaile) by a lametable narratio of his childres death, called home his cares fro encoutring foraine enemies, to suppresse the insurrection of inward passions. The matter so hainous, the maner so villanous, the losse of such persons, in so vnripe yeares, in a time so daungerous to the whole state of Greece, how vehemetly it moued to griefe & compassio others, only not blind to the light of vertue, nor deafe to the voice of their country, might perchance by a more cunning workman in liuely cullors be deliuered. But the face of Euarchus sorow, to the one in nature, to both in affection, a father, and iudging the world so much the more vnworthely depriued of those excellecies, as himselfe was better iudge of so excellet worthines, ca no otherwise be shadowed out by the skilful lest pencel, the by couering it ouer with the vaile of silece. And in deed that way himself took, with so pacient a quietnes receiuing this pitifull relation, that all words of weakenes suppressed, magnanimity seemed to triumph ouer misery. Only receiuing of Plangus perfit instruction of all things cocerning Plexirtus & Artaxia, with promise not only to aid him in deliuering Erona, but also with vehemet protestation, neuer to returne into Macedon, till he had pursued the murtherers to death: he dispatched with speed a ship for Byzantium, comanding the gouernor to prouide all necessaries for the war against his owne comming, which he purposed should be very shortly. In this ship Plangus would needs go, impacient of stay, for that in many days before he had vnderstood nothing of his Ladies estate. Soone after whose departure, newes was brought to Euarchus, that all the ships detained in Italy were returned. For the Latines finding by Euarchus procedings their intent to be frustrate (as before by his sodaine returne they doubted it was discouered) deeming it no wisdom to shew the will, not hauing the abilitie to hurt, had not only in free & frendly maner dismissed them, but for the time wholy omitted their enterprise, attending the oportunitie of fitter occasion. By meanes wherof Euarchus, rid fro the cumber of that war (likely otherwise to haue staied him longer) with so great a fleete as haste would suffer him to assemble, forthwith imbarqued for Byzantium. And now followed with fresh windes he had in short time runne a long course, when on a night encountred with an extreme tempest, his shippes were so scattered, that scarcely any two were lefte together. As for the Kings owne shippe, depriued of all company, sore brused, and weather-beate, able no loger to brooke the seas churlish entertainmet, a litle before day it recouered the shore. The first light made the see it was the vnhappy coast of Laconia: for no other country could haue shown the like euidece of vnnatural war. Which hauing long endured betwene the nobilitie and the Helotes , and once compounded by Pyrocles, vnder the name of Daiphantus, imediately vpon his departure had broken out more violently then euer before. For the King taking the oportunitie of their captaines absence, refused to performe the condicions of peace, as extorted from him by rebellious violence. Whereupon they were againe deepely entred into warre, with so notable an hatred towardes the very name of a King, that Euarchus (though a straunger vnto them) thought it not safe there to leaue his person, where neither his owne force could be a defence, nor the sacred name of Maiestie, a protection. Therefore calling to him an Arcadian (one that comming with Plangus had remained with Euarchus, desirous to see the warres) hee demaunded of him for the next place of suretie, where hee might make his staye, vntill hee might heare somewhat of his fleete, or cause his ship to bee repaired. The gentleman glad to haue this occasion of doing seruice to Euarchus , and honour to Basilius (to whom he knew hee shoulde bring a most welcome gueste) tolde him, that if it pleased him to commit himselfe to Arcadia, (a parte whereof laie open to their vewe) he woulde vndertake ere the next night were farre spent to guide him safely to his master Basilius. The present necessitie much preuailed with Euarchus, yet more a certaine vertuous desire to trie, whether by his authoritie he might withdrawe Basilius from burying himselfe aliue, and to imploy the rest of his olde yeares in doing good, the onely happie action of mans life. For besides the vniuersall case of Greece depriued by this meanes of a principall piller, he weighed and pitied the pittyfull state of the Arcadian people, who were in worse case then if death had taken away their Prince. For so yet their necessitie would haue placed some one to the helme: now, a Prince being, and not doing like a Prince, keeping and not exercising the place, they were in so much more euill case, as they coulde not prouide for their euill. These rightly wise & vertuous cosideratios especially moued Euarchus to take his iourny towards the desert, where arriuing within night, and vnderstanding to his great griefe the newes of the Princes death, hee wayted for his safe conduct from Philanax: in the meane time taking his rest vnder a tree, with no more affected pompes, then as a man that knew, how soeuer he was exalted, the beginning and end of his body was earth. But Philanax as soone as he was in sight of him, lighting from his horse, presented himselfe vnto him in all those humble behauiours, which not only the great reuerence of the partie but the conceit of ones owne miserie, is woont to frame. Euarchus rase vp vnto him with so gratious a coutenaunce, as the goodnes of his mind had long exercised him vnto: carefull so much more to descend in all curtesies, as he sawe him beare a lowe representation of his afflicted state. But to Philanax, assoone as by neere looking on him, he might perfectly behold him, the grauitie of his countenaunce, and yeares, not much vnlike to his late deceassed, but euer beloued master brought his forme so liuely vnto his memorie, and reuiued so all the thoughtes of his wonted ioyes within him, that in steede of speaking to Euarchus, hee stoode a while like a man gone a farre iorney from himselfe, calling as it were with his minde an account of his losses: imagining that this paine needed not, if nature had not ben violently stopped of her owne course: and casting more louing then wise conceites, what a world this woulde haue bene, if this sodaine accident had not interrupted it. And so farre strayed hee, into this rauing melancholy, that his eyes nimbler then his tounge let fall a floud of teares, his voice being stopped with extremitie of sobbing, so much had his friendshippe caried him to Basilius, that hee thought no age was timely for his death. But at length taking the occasion of his owne weeping, he thus did speake to Euarchus. Let not my teares most worthely renowmed Prince make my presence vnpleasant, or my speach vnmarked of you. For the iustnes of the cause, takes away the blame of any weakenes in me; and the affinitie that the same beareth to your greatnes, seemes euen lawfully to clayme pitty in you: A Prince of a Princes fall, a louer of iustice, of a most vniust violence. And geue me leaue excellent Euarchus to say, I am but the representer of all the late florishing Arcadia, which now with mine eyes doth weepe, with my toong doth complaine, with my knees doth lay it selfe at your feete, which neuer haue bene vnreadie to carie you, to the vertuous protecting of innocents. Imagine, vouchsafe to imagine most wise and good King, that heere is before your eyes, the pittifull spectacle of a most dolorously ending tragedie: wherein I do but play the part, of all the newe miserable prouince, which being spoiled of their guide, doth lye like a ship without a Pilot, tumbling vp and downe in the vncertaine waues, till it either runne it selfe vpon the rockes of selfe-diuision, or be ouerthrowne by the stormie winde of forreine force. Arcadia finding her selfe in these desolate tearmes, doth speake, and I speake for her, to thee not vainly puissant Prince, that since now she is not only robbed of the naturall support of her Lord, but so sodainly robbed, that she hath not breathing time to stande for her safetie: so vnfortunately, that it doth appall their mindes, though they had leisure: and so mischeuously, that it doth exceede both the sodainnes and infortunatenes of it: thou wilt lend thine arme vnto her, and as a man, take compassion of mankinde, as a vertuous man chastice most abhominable vice, and as a Prince protect a people, which all haue with one voyce called for thy goodnes: thinking that as thou art only able, so thou art fullie able, to redresse their imminent ruines. They do therefore with as much confidence as necessitie, flie vnto you for succour, they lay themselues open to you: to you, I meane your selfe, such as you haue euer bene: that is to say one, that hath alwayes had his determinacios bounded with equitie. They only reserue the right to Basilius blood; the maner to the auncient prescribing of their lawes. For the rest without exception, they yeld ouer vnto you, as to the elected protectour of this kingdome, which name and office they beseech you till you haue layde a sufficient foundacion of tranquilitie, to take vpon you the particularitie both of their statutes and demands, you shal presently after vnderstand. Now only I am to say vnto you, that this countrie falls to be a faire field, to prooue whether the goodlie tree of your vertue, will liue in all soiles. Heere I say will be seene, whether either feare can make you short, or the likorousnes of dominion make you beyond iustice. And I can for conclusion say no more but this, you must thinke vpon my words and your answere, depend not only the quiet, but the liues of so many thousands, which for their auncient confederacie in this their extreame necessity, desire neither the expence of your treasure, nor hazard of your subiects, but only the benefit of your wisedome, whose both glory and encrease stands in the exercising of it. The summe of this request was vtterly vnlooked for of Euarchus, which made him the more diligent in marking his speach, and after his speach take the greater pause for a perfect resolucion. For as of the one side, he thought nature required nothing more of him then that he should be a helpe, to them of like creation, and had his heart no whit commanded with feare, thinking his life well passed, hauing satisfyed the tyrannie of time which the course of many yeares, the expectation of the world with more then expected honour, lastly the tribute due to his own mind with the daily offring of most vertuous actions: so of the other hee wayed the iust reproach that followed those, who easely enter into other folkes busines, with the opinion might be conceaued, loue of seignorie rather then of iustice, had made him embarke himselfe thus, into a matter nothing pertaining to him, especially in a time when ernest occasion of his owne busines so greatly required his presence: But in the ende wisedome being an assentiall and not an opinionate thing, made him rather to bend to what was in it selfe good, then what by euill mindes might bee iudged not good. And therein did see, that though that people did not belong vnto him, yet doing good which is not enclosed within any tearmes of people did belong vnto him, and if necessitie forced him for some time to abide in Arcadia, the necessitie of Arcadia might iustly demaund some fruite of abiding. To this secreat assurance of his owne worthines (which although it bee neuer so well cloathed in modestie, yet alwaies liues in the worthyest mindes) did much push him forward saying vnto himselfe, the treasure of those inward guifts he had, were bestowed by the heauens vpon him, to be beneficiall and not idle. On which determination resting and yet willing before hee waded any further, to examine well the depth of the others proffer, hee thus with that well appeased gesture, vnpassionate nature bestoweth vpon mankind, made answere to Philanax most vrgent peticion. Although long experience hath made me knowe, all men (& so Princes which be but men) to be subiect to infinite casualties, the verie constitution of our liues remaining in continuall change: yet the affaires of this countrie, or at least my meeting so iumply with them, makes mee a bashed with the strangenes of it. With much paine I am come hither to see my long approued friend and now I finde if I will see him, I must see him dead: after, for mine owne securitie, I seeke to be waranted mine owne life: And their sodainely am I appointed to be a iudge of other mens liues, though a friend to him, yet am I a stranger to the countrie, and now of a stranger you would sodainely make a director. I might obiect to your desire my weakenes, which age perhaps hath wrought in mind and body: and iustly I may pretend the necessitie of mine owne affaires, which as I am by all true rules most neerely tyed so can they not long beare the delaye of my absence. But though I woulde and coulde dispence with these difficulties, what assurance can I haue of the peoples will? Which hauing so many circles of imaginations can hardly be enclosed in one pointe. Who knowes a people, that knowes not sodaine opinion makes them hope, which hope if it be not answered, they fall in hate? Choosing and refusing, erecting, and ouerthrowing, according as the presentnes of any fancie caries them. Euen this their hastie drawing to me, makes me thinke they wilbe as hastiely withdrawen form me, for it is but one ground of inconstancie, soone to take or soone to leaue. It may be they haue hard of Euarchus more the cause: their own eies wilbe perhaps more curious iudges, out of hearesay they may haue builded many conceites, which I can not perchaunce wil not performe, then wil vndeserued repentance be a greater shame and iniurie vnto me, then their vndeserued proffer, is honour. And to conclude I must be fully enformed, how the pacient is minded, before I can promise to vndertake the cure. Philanax was not of the moderne mindes, who make suiters magistrates: but did euer thinke the vnwilling worthy man, was fitter then the vndeseruing desirer. Therefore the more Euarchus drewe backe, the more hee founde in him that the cunningest pilot, doth most dread the rockes, the more earnestly hee pursued his publique request vnto him. Hee desired him not to make anye weake excuses of his weakenesse, since so manye examples had well proued his minde, was stronge to ouerpasse the greatest troubles, and his body strong enough to obey his minde; and that so long as they were ioyned together, he knew Euarchus would thinke it no wearisome exercise, to make them vessells of vertuous actions. The dutie to his countrie, he acknowledged, which as hee had so setled, as it was not to feare any soddaine alteration, so since it did want him, as well it might endure a fruictfull as an idle absence. As for the doubt he conceaued of the peoples constancie in this their election, hee saide it was such a doubt as al humane actions are subiect vnto: yet as much as in politique matters, which receaue not geometricall certainties, a man may assure himselfe there was euident likelyhoode to bee conceaued, of the continuance, both in their vnanimitie, and his worthynes: wherof the on was apt to be held, & the other to hold, ioyned to the present necessitie, the firmest band of mortall mindes. In sum hee alledged, so many reasons to Euarchus his minde, (alredy enclined to enter into any vertuous action) that he yeelded to take vpon him selfe the iudgement of the present cause, so as hee might finde in deede that such was the peoples desire out of iudgement and not faction. Therefore mounting on their horses they hasted to the lodges, where they found though late in the night, the people wakefully watching, for the issue of Philanax embassage. No man thinking the matter would be well done, without he had his voice in it, and each deeming his owne eyes the best gardiens of his throte in that vnaccustomed tumult. But when they saw Philanax returne, hauing on his right hande the King Euarchus on whome they had nowe placed the greatest burthen of their feares, with ioyfull shoutes and applawding acclamations, they made him and the world quickly know that one mans sufficiencie is more auailable then ten thousands multitude. So euill ballanced be the extremities of popular mindes: and so much naturall imperiousnes there rests in a well formed spirit. For as if Euarchus had ben borne of the princely bloud of Arcadia, or that long and well acquainted proofe had engrafted him in their countrie, so flocked they about this straunger, most of them alredie, from deiected feares, rising to ambitious considerations, who should catch the first hold of his fauour. And then from those crying welcomes to babling one with the other, some praysing Philanax for his succeeding paine, others likinge Euarchus aspect, & as they iudged his age by his face, so iudging his wisedome by his age, Euarchus passed thorow them like a man that did neither disdaine a people nor yet was any thing tickled with their flatteries. But alwayes holding his owne, a man might reade a constant determination in his eyes. And in that sorte dismounting among them, he forthwith demaunded the conuocation to bee made, which accordingly was done, with as much order and silence: as it might appeare. Neptune had not more force to appease the rebellious winde, then the admiration of an extraordinary vertue hath, to temper a disordered multitude. He being raysed vp vppon a place more hie then the rest, where he might be best vnderstoode, in this sorte spake vnto them. I vnderstande saide hee, faithfull Arcadians, by my L. Philanax, that you haue with one consent, chosen me to be the iudge of the late euills hapned: orderer of the present disorders: and finally protector of this countrie, til therein it be seene what the customes of Arcadia require. He could saye no further, being stopped with a generall crie, that so it was; geuing him all the honourable titles, and happie wishes, they could imagin. He beckned vnto them for silence, and then thus againe proceeded, well saide hee, how good choise you haue made, the attending must bee in you, the proofe in me. But because it many times falls out, we are much deceaued in others, we being the first to deceaue our selues, I am to require you, not to haue an ouershooting expectation of mee: the most cruell aduersary of all honourable doings. Nor promise your selues wonders, out of a sodaine lyking: but remember I am a man, that is to say a creature, whose reason is often darkned with error. Secondly, that you will laye your hearts voyde of foretaken opinions: els whatsoeuer I doe or say, will be measured by a wronge rule, like them that haue the yellow Iaundise, euery thing seeming yellowe vnto them. Thirdly, whatsoeuer debates haue rysen among you, may be vtterly extinguished, knowing that euen among the best men are diuersities of opinions, which are no more in true reason to breed hatred, then one that loues black, should be angrie with him that is clothed in white, for thoughts & conceits are the verie apparel of the mind. Lastly, that you do not easely iudge of your iudge, but since you will haue me to command, thinke it is your part to obay. And in rewarde of this, I will promise and protest vnto you, that to the vttermost of my skill; but in the generall lawes of nature, especially of Greece, and particular of Arcadia (wherein I must confesse I am not vnacquainted) I will not onely see the passed euills duly punished, and your weale here after established; but for your defence in it, if need shall require, I wil imploy the forces and treasures of mine owne country. In the meane time, this shalbe the first order I will take, that no man vnder paine of greeuous punishment, name me by any other name but protector of Arcadia. For I will not leaue any possible culloure, to any of my naturall successors, to make claime to this, which by free election you haue bestowed vpon me. And so I vowe vnto you, to depose my self of it assoone as the iudgement is passed, the King buried, and his lawfull successor appointed. For the first whereof (I meane the trying; which be guiltie of the Kings death, and these other haynous trespasses, because your customes require such haste I will no longer delay it, then till to morrowe as soone as the Sunne shall giue vs fit opportunitie. You may therefore retire your selues to your rest, that you may be reddier to be present, at these so great important matters. Which many allowing tokens, was Euarchus speech heard, who nowe by Philanax (that tooke the principall care, of doing all due seruices vnto him) was offred a lodging made ready for him, (the rest of the people aswell as the small commoditie of that place, would suffer yeelding their weery heads to sleepe) when loe the night thorowly spent, in these mixed matters, was for that time banished the face of the earth, and Euarchus, seing the daye beginne to discloase his comfortable beauties, desiring nothing more, then to ioyne speede with iustice, willed Philanax, presently to make the iudgement place bee put in order: and assoone as the people (who yet were not fully dispersed) might be brought together, to bring foorth the prisoners and the Kings body. Which the manner was, should in such cases be held in sight, though couered with blacke veluet, vntill they that were accused to be the murderers were quitted or condemned, whether the reason of the law were to shew the more gratefull loue to their Prince, or by that spectacle, the more to remember the iudge of his dutie. Philanax who now thought in himself, he approached by the iust reuenge he so much desired, went withall care and diligence to performe his charge. But first it shalbe well to knowe, how the poore and princely prisoners, passed this tedious night. There was neuer tyrante exercised his rage with more grieuous torments, vpon any he most hated; then afflicted Gynecia did crusifie her owne soule, after the guiltines of her harte, was surcharged with the sodainenes of her husbads death, for although that effect came not fro her minde yet her minde being euil, & the effect euill, she thought the iustice of God, had for the beginning of her paines copled the together. This incessantly boyled in her brest, but most of al, whe Philanax hauing cloasely imprisoned her, she was lefte more freely to suffer, the fierbrands of her owne thoughts, especially when it grewe darke, and had nothing left by her, but a little lampe, whose small light to a perplexed mind, might rather yeld feareful shadowes, then any assured sight. Then beganne the heapes of her miseries, to waye downe the platforme of her iudgement, then beganne despaire to laye his ougly clawes vpon her, shee beganne then, to feare the heauenly powers (shee was woont to reuerence) not like a childe, but like an enemie, neither kept she herselfe, from blasphemous repyning against her creation. O Gods would she crye out, why did you make me to destruction? If you loue goodnes, why did you not geue me a good minde? Or if I cannot haue it without your gifte, why doe you plague mee? Is it in me to resist the mightines of your power? Then would she imagine she sawe strange sights, and that she heard the cries of hellish ghostes, then would she skritch out for succour, but no man comming vnto her shee woulde faine haue killed her helfe, but knewe not how. At sometimes againe, the very heauines of her imaginations, would cloase vp her senses to a little sleepe: but then did her dreames become her tormentors. One time it would seeme vnto her, Philanax was haling her by the heare of the head, and hauing put out her eyes, was redy to throw her into a burning fornace. Another time she would thinke she sawe her husband making the complainte of his death to Pluto, and the magistrates of that infernall region, contending in great debate, to what eternal punishment they should allot her. But long her dreaming would not hold, but that it woulde fall vpon Zelmane: to whom shee would think she was crying for mercy, and that she did passe away by her in silence without any shew of pittying her mischief. Then waking out of a broken sleep, and yet wishing she might euer haue slept, new formes but of the same miseries, would seaze her minde, shee feared death, and yet desired death, shee had passed the vttermost of shame, and yet shame was one of her cruellest assaulters, she hated Pyrocles as the originall of her mortall ouerthrowe: and yet the loue shee had conceaued to him, had still a hie authoritie of her passions. O Zelmane, would she say (not knowing how neere he himselfe was to as great a daunger) now shalt thou glut thy eyes, with the dishonoured death of thy enemie! Enemie alas enemie, since so thou haste wel shewed, thou wilt haue me accompt thee, couldest thou not aswel haue giue me a determinate deniall, as to disguise thy first diguising, with a doble dissembling? Perchaunce if I had bene vtterly hopelesse, the vertue was once in me, might haue called together his forces, and not haue beene led captiue to this monstrous thraldome of punished wickednes. Then would her owne knowing of good enflame a new the rage of despaire: which becomming an vnresisted Lorde in her brest, shee had no other comforte but in death, which yet she had in horror, when she thought of. But the wearisome detesting of her selfe, made her long for the dayes approach, at which time shee determined to continue her former course in acknowledginge any thing, which might hasten her ende: Wherein although shee did not hope for the end of her torments, feeling alreadye the beginning of hell agonies; yet according to the nature of paine, the presente being most intollerable, shee desired to change that, and put to aduenture the ensuing. And thus rested the restlesse Gynecia, no lesse sorrowfull, though lesse ragefull were the mindes of the Princesse Pamela, and the Lady Philoclea, whose only aduantages were, that they had not consented to so much euill, and so were at greater peace with themselues: and that they were not lefte alone, but might mutually beare parte of each others woes. For when Philanax not regarding Pamelas princely protestations, had by force left her vnder garde with her sister, and that the two sisters were matched, aswell in the disgraces of fortune, as they had beene in the best beauties of nature: those thinges that till then, bashfullnes and mistrust had made them holde reserued, one from the other, now feare the vnderminer of all determinations, and necessitie the victorious rebell of all lawes, forced them enterchaungeably to lay open. There passions then so swelling in them, as they woulde haue made Auditors of stones, rather then haue swallowed vp in silence, the choking aduentures were falne vnto them. Truely the hardest hartes, which haue at any time thought womans teares to be a matter of sleight compassion (imagining that faire weather, will quickly after followe) would now haue beene mollyfied: and bene compelled to confesse, that the fayrer a diamond is, the more pittie it is it shoulde receaue a bleamish. Although no doubte their faces, did rather beautifie sorrow, then sorrow coulde darken that, which euen in darkenes did shine. But after they had so long, as their other afflictions would suffer them, with doleful ceremonies bemoned their fathers death: they sate downe together apparrelled as their misaduentures had founde them. Pamela in her iournying weedes nowe conuerted to a nother vse: Philoclea onely in her night gowne, which she thought should bee the rayment of her funeralls. But when the excellent creatures, had after much panting (with their inwarde trauell) gotten so much breathing power, as to make a pittifull discourse one to the other, what had befallne them; and that by the plaine comparing the case they were in, they thorowlye founde, that their greiues, were not more like in regarde of themselues, then like in respecte of the subiecte (the two Princes (as Pamela had learned of Musidorus) being so minded, as they woulde euer make both their fortunes one) it did more vnite, and so strengthen their lamentation: seing the one coulde not bee miserable, but that it must necessarilie make the other miserable also. That, therfore was the first matter their sweet mouths deliuered, the declaring the passionate beginning, troblesome proceeding, and daungerous ending, their neuer ending loues had passed. And when at any time they entred into the prayses of the young Princes, to long it woulde haue exercised their tonges, but that their memory foorthwith warned them, the more prayse worthy they were the more at that time they were worthy of lamentation. Then againe to crying and wringing of handes; and then a newe, as vnquiet greefe sought each corner, to newe discourses, from discourses to wishes, from wishes to prayers. Especially the tender Philoclea, who as she was in yeares yonger, and had neuer lifted vp her minde to any opinion of souereignetie, so was she the apter to yeelde to her misfortune; hauing no stronger debates in her minde, then a man maye saye a most wittie childehoode is woont to nourish: as to imagine with her selfe, why Philanax and the other noble men, shoulde deale so cruelly by her, that had neuer deserued euill of any of them? And howe they could finde in their hartes, to imprison such a personage, as she did figure Pyrocles, whome shee thought all the worlde was bounde to loue, as well as shee did? But Pamela, although endewed with a vertuous mildenes, yet the knowledge of her selfe, and what was due vnto her, made her hart full of a stronger disdaine, against her aduersitie.
So that she ioyned the vexacion for her friend, with the spite to see her selfe as she thought rebelliously detayned, and mixed desirous thoughts to helpe, with reuengefull thoughts if she could not helpe. And as in pangs of death, the stronger hart feeles the greater torment, because it doth the more resist to his oppressour; so her minde, the nobler it was set, and had already embraced the hyer thoughtes, so much more it did repine; and the more it repined, the more helplesse wounds it gaue vnto it selfe. But when great part of the night was passed ouer the dolefull musicke of these sweete Ladies complaints, and that leasure though with some strife, had brought Pamela to know, that an Eagle when she is in a Cage, must not thinke to do like an Eagle, remembring with themselues, that it was likely the next day, the Lords would proceed against those they had imprisoned. They imployed the rest of the night, in writing vnto them, with such earnestnes as the matter required, but in such stiles as the state of their thoughts was apt to fashion. In the meane time, Pyrocles and Musidorus, were recommended to so strong a guard, as they might well see it was meant, they should pay no lesse prise then their liues, for the getting out of that place, which they like men in deede, (fortifying courage with the true Rampier of patience) did so endure, as they did rather appeare gouernours of necessitie, then seruaunts to fortune. The whole summe of their thoughts resting vpon the safetie of their Ladyes, and their care one for the other: Wherein (if at all) their harts did seeme to receyue some softnes. For sometimes Musidorus would feele such a motion to his friend, and his vnworthy case, that he would fall into such kinde speeches. My Pyrocles would he say, how vnhappy may I thinke Thessalia, that hath bene as it were, the middle way to this euill estate of yours? For if you had not bene there brought vp, the Sea should not haue had this power, thus to seuer you from your deere father. I haue therefore, (if complayntes do at any time become a mans hart) most cause to complayne, since my Countrie, which receyued the honor of Pyrocles educacion, should be a step to his ouerthrowe, if humane chances can be compted an ouerthrowe to him, that stands vppon vertue. Oh excellent Musidorus aunswered Pyrocles, howe do you teache me rather, to fall out with my selfe, and my fortune, since by you I haue receyued all good, you only by me this affliction? to you and your vertuous mother, I in my tendrest yeares, and fathers greatest troubles, was sent for succour. There did I learne the sweete mysteries of Phylosophy; there had I your liuely example, to confirme that which I learned; there lastly had I your friendship, which no vnhappines can euer make me saye, but that hath made me happy. Now see how my desteny (the gods knowe) not my will, hath rewarded you: my father sends for you away out of your land, whence but for me you had not come: what after followed, you knowe. It was my loue not yours, which first stayed you heere; and therefore if the heauens euer held a iust proportion, it were I and not you, that should feele the smart. O blame not the heauens, sweete Pyrocles sayde Musidorus, as their course neuer alters, so is there nothing done by the vnreacheable ruler of them, but hath an euerlasting reason for it. And to saye the truth of these things, we should deale vngratefully with nature, if we should be forgetfull receyuers of her giftes, and so diligent Auditors of the chaunces we like not. We haue liued, and haue liued to be good to our selues, and others: our soules which are put into the sturring earth of our bodyes, haue atchieued the causes of their hether coming: They haue knowne, & honoured with knowledge, the cause of their creation, and to many men (for in this time, place, and fortune, it is lawfull for vs to speake gloriously) it hath bene behouefull, that we should liue. Since then eternitie is not to be had in this coniunction, what is to be lost by the separation, but time? which since it hath his ende, when that is once come, all what is past is nothing: and by the protracting nothing gotten, but labour and care. Do not me therefore that wrong, (who something in yeares, but much in all other deserts, am fitter to dye then you) as to say you haue brought me to any euill: since the loue of you, doth ouerballance all bodely mischiefes, and those mischiefes be but mischiefes to the baser mindes, too much delighted with the kennell of this life. Neither will I any more yeeld to my passion of lamenting you, which howsoeuer it might agree to my exceeding friendship, surely it would nothing to your exceeding vertue. Add this to your noble speech my deere Cozen said Pirocles , that if we complaine of this our fortune, or seeme to our selues faultie, in hauing one hurt the other, we showe a repentance of the loue we beare to these matchlesse creatures, or at least a doubt, it should be ouerdeerely bought, which for my part (and so dare I aunswere for you) I call all the gods to witnesse, I am so farre from, that no shame, no torment, no death, would make me forgoe the least part, of the inward honor, essentiall pleasure, and liuing life, I haue enioyed in the presence of the faultlesse Philoclea. Take the preheminence in all things, but in true louing, aunswered Musidorus, for the confession of that no death shall get of me. Of that aunswered Pirocles soberly smiling, I perceiue wee shall haue a debate in the other world, if at least there remayne any thing of remembrance in that place. I do not thinke the contrarye sayde Musidorus, although you knowe, it is greately helde, that with the death of bodye and sences (whiche are not onely the beginning, but dwelling and nourishing of passions, thoughts and immaginations) they fayling, memorye likewise fayles, which riseth onely out of them: and then is there left nothing, but the intellectuall parte or intelligence, which voide of all morall vertues, which stande in the meane of perturbacions, doth onely liue in the contemplatiue vertue, and power of the omnipotent good, the soule of soules, and vniuersall life of this great worke, and therefore is vtterly voide, from the possibilitie of drawing to it selfe, these sensible considerations. Certenly answered Pirocles, I easely yeeld, that we shall not knowe one another, and much lesse these passed things, with a sensible or passionate knowledge. For the cause being taken away, the effect followes. Neither do I thinke, we shall haue such a memorye, as nowe we haue, which is but a relicke of the senses, or rather a print the senses haue left of things passed, in our thoughtes, but it shall be a vitall power of that very intelligence; which as while it was heere, it helde the chiefe seate of our life, and was as it were the last resorte, to which of all our knowledges, the hyest appeale came, and so by that meanes was neuer ignorant of our actions, though many times rebelliously resisted, alwayes with this prison darkened: so, much more being free of that prison, and returning to the life of all things, where all infinite knowledge is, it cannot but be a right intelligence, which is both his name and being, of things both present and passed, though voyde of imagining to it selfe any thing, but euen growen like to his Creator, hath all things, with a spirituall knowledge before it. The difference of which is as hard for vs to conceaue, as it had for vs, when wee were in our mothers wombes, to comprehende (if any body would haue tould vs) what kinde of light we nowe in this life see. What kinde of knowledge we nowe haue, yet nowe we do not only feele our present being, but we conceaue what we were before we were borne, though remembrance make vs not do it, but knowledge, and though we are vtterly without any remorse of any misery, we might then suffer. Euen such and much more odds, shall there be at that second deliuery of ours; when voyde of sensible memorye, or memoratiue passion, wee shall not see the cullours, but lifes of all things that haue bene or can be: and shall as I hope knowe our friendship, though exempt from the earthlie cares of friendship, hauing both vnited it, and our selues, in that hye and heauenly loue of the vnquenchable light. As he had ended his speeche, Musidorus looking with a heauenly ioy vpon him, sang this song vnto him, he had made before loue turned his muse to another subiecte.
Since natures workes be good, and death doth serue
As natures worke: why should we feare to dye?
Since feare is vaine, but when it may preserue,
Why should we feare, that which we cannot flye? Feare is more paine, then is the paine it feares,
Disarming humane mindes, of natiue might:
While each conceate, an ouglie figure beares,
Which were not euill, well vew’d in reasons light. Our owly eyes, which dimm’d with passions bee,
And scarce discerne the dawne of comming day,
Let them be clearde, and now begin to see,
Our life is but a step, in dustie way.
Then let vs holde, the blisse of peacefull minde,
Since this we feele, great losse we cannot finde.
Thus did they like quiet Swannes, sing their owne obsequies, and vertuously enhable theyr mindes against all extremities, which they did thinke woulde fall vppon them, especially resoluing, that the fyrst care they would haue, should be by taking the faulte vpon themselues, to cleere the two Ladyes, of whose case (as of nothing else that had happened) they had not any knowledge. Although their friendly hoste, the honest Gentleman Kalander, seeking all meanes how to helpe them, had endeuored to speake with them, and to make them knowe who should be their iudge. But the curious seruaunt of Philanax forbad him the entrye, vppon paine of death. For so it was agreed vppon, that no man should haue any conference with them, for feare of newe tumults. Insomuch that Kalander was constrayned to retire himselfe, hauing yet obtayned thus much, that he would deliuer vnto the two Princes, their apparell and iewells, which being left with him at Mantinea, (wisely considering that theyr disguised weedes, which were all as then they had, would make them more odious in the sight of the iudges) he had that night sent for, and now brought vnto them. They accepted their owne, with great thankfulnes, knowing from whence it came, and attired themselues in it against the nexte daye, which being in deede ritch and princely, they accordinglye determined to maintaine the names of Palladius and Daiphantus, as before it is mencioned. Then gaue they themselues to consider, in what sort they might defende their causes, for they thought it no lesse vaine to wish death, then cowardly to feare it, till something before morning, a small slumber taking them, they were by and by after callde vp to come to the aunswere, of no lesse then theyr liues imported. But in this sort was the iudgement ordred. As soone as the morning had taken a full possession of the Element, Euarchus called vnto him Philanax, and willed him to draw out into the middest of the greene (before the chiefe lodge) the throne of iudgement seate, in which Basilius was woont to sit, and according to their customes, was euer carried with the Prince. For Euarchus did wisely consider, the people to be naturally taken with exterior shewes, farre more then with inward consideracion, of the materiall pointes. And therefore in this newe entrie into so entangled a matter, he would leaue nothing which might be eyther an armour or ornament vnto him, and in these pompous ceremonyes he well knewe a secreat of gouernment much to consist. That was performed by the diligent Philanax, and therein Euarchus did set himselfe all cloathed in blacke, with the principall men, who could in that sodainenes prouide themselues of such mourning rayments. The whole people commaunded to keepe an orderly silence of each side, which was duly obserued of them, partly for the desire they had to see a good conclusion of these matters, and partly striken with admiracion, aswell at the graue and princely presence of Euarchus, as at the greatnes of the cause, which was then to come in question. As for Philanax, Euarchus woulde haue done him the honour to sit by him, but he excused himselfe, desiring to be the accuser of the prisoners in his maisters behalfe; and therefore since he made himselfe a partie, it was not conuenient for him to sit in the iudiciall place. Then was it awhile deliberated, whether the two young Ladies, should be brought forth in open presence, but that was stopped by Philanax , whose loue and faith, did descend from his maister to his children, and only desired, the smart should light vpon the others, whome he thought guiltie of his death and dishonour, alleaging for this, that neyther wisedome would, they should be brought in presence of the people, which might herevpon growe to new vprores: nor iustice required, they should be drawen to any shame, till some body accused them. And as for Pamela, he protested the lawes of Arcadia would not allowe any iudgement of her, although she her selfe, were to determine nothing, till age or marriage enabled her. Then the Kings body being layde vppon a Table, iust before Euarchus, and all couered ouer with blacke, the prisoners, namely the Queene, and two young Princes, were sent for to appeare in the Protectors name: which name was the cause, they came not to knowledge, how neere a kinseman was to iudge of them, but thought him to be some Noble man, chosen by the Country, in this extremitye. So extraordinary course, had the order of the heauens produced at this time, that both nephewe and sonne, were not only prisoners, but vnknowen, to their vncle and father, who of many yeares had not seene them. And Pyrocles was to pleade for his life before that throne, in which throne lately before he had saued the Kings life. But first was Gynecia led foorth, in the same weedes that the daye and night before she had worne, sauing that in stead of Zelmanes garment in which she was founde, she had cast on a long cloake, which reached to the ground of russed course cloath, with a poore felt hat, which almost couered all her face, most part of her goodly heare (on which her hands had layd many a spitefull holde) so lying vpon her shoulders, as a man might well see, had no artificiall carelesnes. Her eyes downe on the ground, of purpose not to looke on Pyrocles face, which she did not so much shunne, for the vnkindnes she conceaued of her owne ouerthrow, as for the feare, those motions in this short time of her life, should be reuiued, which she had with the passage of infinite sorrowes mortified. Great was the compassion the people felt, to see their Princesse state, and beawtie, so deformed by fortune and her owne desert, whome they had euer found a Lady most worthy of all honour. But by and by the sight of the other two prisoners, drewe most of the eyes to that spectacle. Pyrocles came out led by Sympathus, cloathed after the Greeke manner, in a long coate of white veluet, reaching to the small of his legge, with great buttons of Diamonds all along vppon it: His neck without any coller, not so much as hidden with a ruffe, did passe the whitenes of his garments, which was not much in fashion vnlike to the crimson rayment, our Knightes of the order first put on. On his feete he had nothing but slippers, which after the auncient manner, were tyed vp with certayne laces, which were fastened vnder his knee, hauing wrapped about (with many pretty knots) his naked legs. His fayre auberne heare (which he ware in great length, and gaue at that time a delightfull shew, with being sturd vp and downe with the breath of a gentle winde) had nothing vppon it, but a white Ribbin, in those dayes vsed for a Diademe. Which rolled once or twise about the vppermost parte of his forehead, fell downe vppon his backe, cloased vp at each ende with the richest pearle were to be seene in the world. After him followed an other Noble man, guiding the noble Musidorus. Who had vpon him, a long cloake, after the fashion of that, which we call the Apostles mantle, made of purple Satten; not that purple which we now haue, and is but a counterfet of the Getulian purple (which yet was farre the meaner in price and estimacion) but of the right Tyrian purple, which was neerest to a cullour betwixt our murrey and skarlet. On his head, which was blacke and curled, he ware a Persian Tiara, all set downe with rowes of so rich Rubies, as they were inough to speake for him, that they had to iudge of no meane personage.
In this sorte with erected countenaunces, did these vnfortunate Princes suffer themselues to be ledd, shewing aright by the comparison of them and Ginecia, how to diuers persons, compassion is diuersly to be sturred. For as to Ginecia, a Ladie knowne of great estate, and greatly esteemed, the more miserable representation was made of her sodaine ruyne, the more mens heartes were forced to bewayle such an euident witnesse of weake humanitie: so to these men, not regarded because vnknowne, but rather (besides the detestacion of their facte) hated as straungers, the more they shoulde haue falne downe in an abiecte semblance, the more in steed of compassion they shoulde haue gotten contempt: but therefore, were to vse (as I may tearme it) the more violence of magnanimitye, and so to conquer the expectation of the lookers, with an extraordinarye vertue. And such effecte in deede it wrought in the whole assemblye, theyr eyes yet standing as it were in ballance, to whether of them they should most directe theyr sight. Musidorus was in stature so much higher then Pyrocles, as commonly is gotten by one yeares growth. His face now beginning to haue some tokens of a beard, was composed to a kinde of manlike beawtie. His cullour was of a well pleasing brownenes, & the features of it such, as they caried both delight and maiestie: his countenance seuere, and promising a minde much giuen to thinking. Pyrocles of a pure complexion, and of such a cheerefull fauour, as might seeme either a womans face on a boy, or an excellent boyes face in a woman. His looke gentle and bashfull, which bred the more admiracion, hauing shewed such notable proofes of courage. Lastly, though both had both, if there were any ods, Musidorus was the more goodly, and Pyrocles the more louely. But assoone as Musidorus saw himselfe so farre forth led among the people, that he knew to a great number of them his voyce should be heard, misdoubting their intention to the Princesse Pamela, (of which he was more carefull then of his owne life,) euen as he went (though his leader sought to interrupt him) he thus with a lowde voyce spake vnto them. And is it possible ô Arcadians, sayde he, that you can forget the naturall dutie you owe to your Princesse Pamela? hath this soyle bene so little beholding to her noble Auncesters? hath so long a time rooted no surer loue in your hearts to that line? Where is that faith to your Princes blood, which hath not only preserued you from all daungers heretofore, but hath spred your fame to all the nations in the world? Where is that iustice, the Arcadians were wont to flourish in, whose nature is to render to euery one his owne? Will you now keepe the right from your Prince, who is the only geuer of iudgement, the keye of iustice, and life of your lawes? Do you hope in a fewe yeares, to set vp such another race, which nothing but length of time can establish? Will you reward Basilius children with vngratefulnes, the very poyson of manhood? Will you betray your long setled reputation, with the fowle name of traytors? Is this your mourning for your Kings death, to encrease his losse with his daughters misery? Imagin your Prince do looke out of the heauens vnto you, what do you thinke he could wish more at your hands then that you do well by his children? And what more honor I pray you can you do to his obsequies, then to satisfie his soule with a louing memorie, as you do his body with an vnfelt solemnitie? What haue you done with the Princesse Pamela? Pamela the iust enheretrix of this Countrey, Pamela whom this earth may be happy, that it shall be hereafter sayde she was borne in Arcadia. Pamela in her selfe your ornament, in her education your foster childe, and euery way your only Princesse, what accompt can you render to your selues of her? Truly I do not thinke that you all knowe what is become of her: so soone may a Diamond be lost? so soone may the fayrest light in the world be put out. But looke, looke vnto it, O Arcadians, be not so wilfully robbed of your greatest treasure, make not your selues ministers to priuate ambitions, who do but vse your selues to put on your owne yokes. Whatsoeuer you determine of vs (who I must confesse are but strangers) yet let not Basilius daughters be straungers vnto you. Lastly, howsoeuer you barre her from her publicke souereigntie, (which if you do, little may we hope of equitie where rebellion raignes) yet deny not that childs right vnto her, that she may come and do the last duties to her fathers body. Deny not that happines (if in such a case there be any happines) to your late King, that his body may haue his last touch of his deerest child. With such like broken maner of questions and speeches, was Musidorus desirous as much as in passing by them he could, to moue the people to tender Pamelas fortune. But at length by that they came to the iudgement place, both Sympathus and his guider had greatly satisfied him, with the assurance they gaue him, this assemblie of people had neyther meaning nor power, to do any hurt to the Princesse, whome they all acknowledged as their souereigne Lady. But that the custome of Arcadia was such, till she had more yeares, the state of the country to be guided by a Protector, vnder whome, he and his fellow were to receiue their iudgement. That eased Musidorus hart of his most vehement care, when he found his beloued Lady to be out of daunger. But Pyrocles assoone as the Queene of the one side, he and Musidorus of the other, were stayed before the face of their iudge, (hauing only for their barre the Table on which the Kings body lay) being nothing lesse vexed with the doubt of Philoclea, then Musidorus was for Pamela, in this sort with a lowlie behauiour, and only then like a suppliant, he spake to the Protector. Pardon me most honoured Iudge, said he, that vncommaunded I begin my speech vnto you, since both to you and me, these wordes of mine shall be most necessary. To you hauing the sacred exercise of iustice in your hand, nothing appertaines more properly then truth nakedly & freely set downe. To me, being enuironed round about with many daungerous calamities, what can be more conuenient, then at least, to be at peace with my selfe, in hauing discharged my conscience, in a most behouefull veritie. Vnderstand therefore, and truly vnderstand, that the Lady Philoclea (to whose vnstayned vertue it hath bene my vnspeakeable miserye, that my name should become a blot) if she be accused, is most vniustly accused of any dishonorable fact, which by my meanes she may be thought to haue yelded vnto. Whatsoeuer hath bene done, hath bene my only attempt, which notwithstanding was neuer intended against her chastetye. But whatsoeuer hath bene enformed, was my fault. And I attest the heauens, to blaspheame which I am not now in fit tune, that so much as my comming into her chamber, was wholie vnwitting vnto her. This your wisdome may withall consider, if I would lye, I would lye for mine owne behoofe, I am not so olde, as to be weary of my selfe; But the very sting of my inward knowledge ioyned with the consideracion I must needes haue, what an infinite losse it should be to all those who loue goodnes in good folkes, if so pure a child of vertue should wrongfully be destroyed, compells me to vse my toong against my selfe, and receiue the burden of what euill was, vppon my owne doing. Looke therefore with pittifull eyes vppon so fayre beames, and that misfortune which by me hath fallen vppon her, helpe to repaier it with your publicke iudgement, since whosoeuer deales cruelly with such a creature, shewes himselfe a hater of mankinde, and an enuier of the worlds blisse. And this peticion I make, euen in the name of iustice, that before you proceed further against vs, I may knowe how you conceiue of her noble, though vnfortunate action, and what iudgement you will make of it. He had not spoken his last word, when all the whole people both of great and low estate, confirmed with an vnited murmur Pyrocles demaund, longing (for the loue generally was borne Philoclea) to knowe what they might hope of her. Euarchus though neither regarding a prisoners passionate prayer, nor bearing ouerplausible eares to a many hedded motion, yet well enough content, to winne their liking with things in themselues indifferent, he was content: first, to seeke asmuch as might be of Philocleas behauiour, in this matter: which being cleered by Pyrocles, & but weakely gaynesayd by Philanax (who had framed both his owne & Damætas euidence most for her fauour and in truth could haue gone no further then coniecture,) yet finding by his wisedome, that she was not altogether faultlesse, he pronounced, she should all her life long, be kept prisoner among certaine women of religion like the vestall nonnes, so to repaye their touched honour of her house, with well obseruing a stryctt pofession of chastitie. Although this were a greate preiudicating of Pyrocles case, yet was hee exceedingly ioyous of it, being assured of his Ladies life; and in the depth of his minde not sorry, that what ende soeuer he had, none should obtaine the after enioying that Iewell, whereon he had set his liues happines. After it was by publicque sentence deliuered, what should be done with the sweete Philoclea , (the lawes of Arcadia bearing, that what was appointed by the magistrates in the noneage of the Prince, coulde not afterwards be repealed) Euarchus still vsing to himselfe no other name but protector of Arcadia, commaunded those that had to say against the Queene Gynecia to proceede, because both her estate required shee shoulde bee first heard, and also for that shee was taken to bee the principall, in the greatest matter they were to iudge of. Philanax incontinently stepped foorth, and shewing in his greedy eyes, that he did thirst for her bloud, beganne a well thought on discourse of her (in his iudgement) execrable wickednes. But Gynecia standing vp before the iudge, casting abroad her armes, with her eyes hidde vnder the bredth of her vnseemely hatt, laying open in all her gestures the despairefull affliction, to which all the might of her reason was conuerted, with such like words stopped Philanax, as hee was entring into his inuectiue oration. Staye staie Philanax saide shee, do not defile thy honest mouth, with those dishonourable speeches thou arte about to vtter, against a woman, now most wretched, lately thy mistresse. Let either the remembraunce how great she was, moue thy harte to some reuerence; or the seing how lowe she is, sturre in thee some pittie. It may be truth doth make thee deale vntruely; and loue of iustice frames vniustice in thee, doe not therefore (neither shalt thou neede treade vpon my desolate ruines. Thou shalt haue that thou seekest; and yet shalt not be oppressoure of her, who cannot choose but loue thee, for thy singular faith to thy master. I doe not speake this to procure mercie, or to prolong my life, no no I say vnto you I will not liue, but I am onely loth, my death shoulde bee engreeued with any wronge thou shouldest doe vnto me. I haue beene to painefull a iudge ouer my selfe, to desire pardon in others iudgement. I haue beene to cruell an executioner of mine owne soule, to desire that execution of iustice shoulde bee stayed for me. Alas they that know, how sorrow can rent the spirits, they that know what fiery hells are cotiened in a self condemning mind, need not feare that feare can keepe such a one, from desiring to be seperated from that, which nothing but death can seperate. I therefore say to thee (O iust iudge) that I and only I, was the worker of Basilius death. They were these handes that gaue vnto him that poysonous potion, that hath brought death to him, and losse to Arcadia, it was I and none but I, that hastened his aged yeares, to an vnnaturall end, and that haue made all his people orphans, of their royall father. I am the subiect that haue killed my Prince, I am the wife that haue murdred my husband, I am a degenerate woman, an vndoer of this countrie, a shame of my children. What wouldest thou haue saide more Oh Philanax? and all this I graunt, there resteth then nothing els to say, but that I desire you, you will appointe quicklie somme to ridd mee of my life, rather then these handes, which ells are destenied vnto it, and that indeede it maye bee doone with such speede as I may not long dye in this life, which I haue in so greate horrour: with that shee crossed her armes, and sate downe vppon the grounde, attending the iudges aunswere. But a greate while it was, before anye boddye coulde bee heard speake, the whole people concurring in a lamentable crye, so much had Gynecias wordes and behauiour sturred their hartes to a dolefull compassion, neither in troath coulde most of them in their iudgements tell, whether they shoulde bee more sorrie for her faulte or her miserie: for the losse of her estate, or losse of her vertue. But most were most moued, with that which was vnder there eyes: the sense most subiecte to pittie. But at length the reuerent awe they stoode in of Euarchus, brought them to a silent wayting his determination, who hauing well considered the abhomination of the facte, attending more the manifest proofe of so horrible a trespasse; confessed by her selfe, and proued by others; then any thing relenting to those tragicall phrases of hers (apter to sturre a vulgare pittie, then his minde, which hated euill, in what culloures so euer he founde it) hauing considered a while with the principall men of the country, and demaunded there allowannce, he definitiuely gaue this sentence. That were as both in priuate and publike respectes, this woman had most haynously offeded, (in priuate, because marriage being the most holy coniunction that falls to mankinde, out of which all families and so consequently all societies doe proceede, which not onely by communitie goods, but communitie children, is to knit the mindes in a most perfet vnion, which who so breakes dissolues al humanitie, no man liuing free from the danger of so neere a neighbour, she had not onely broken it, but broken it with death, and the most pretended death that might be: In publike respect, the Princes persons; being in all monarchall gouernmentes the very knot of the peoples welfare, and light of all their doinges to which they are not onely in conscience, but in necessitie bounde to be loyall, she had trayterously empoysoned him, neither regarding her contries profit, her owne dutie, nor the rigor of the lawes.) That therefore, as well for the due satisfaction to eternall iustice, and accomplishment of the Arcadian statutes, as for the euerlasting example to all wiues and subiectes, she should presently be conueyed to cloase prison, and there be kept with such foode as might serue to sustaine her aliue, vntill the day of her husbands buryall, at which time, shee shoulde bee buried quicke, in the same tombe with hime. That so his murder might bee a murder to her selfe, and she forced to keepe company with the body from which she had made so detestable a seuerance; And lastly death might redresse their disioyned coniunction of marriage. His iudgement was receaued of the whole assemblie, as not with disliking, so with great astonishmet, the greatnes of the matter and person as it were ouerpressing the might of their conceites. But when they did set it to the beame, with the monstrousnes of her ouglye misdeede, they coulde not but yeeld in their hartes, there was no ouerbalancing. As for Gynecia, who had already setled her thoughts, not only to look but long for this euent, hauing in this time of her vexation, found a sweetnes in the rest she hoped by death, (with a countenaunce witnessing she had before hand so passed thorowe all the degrees of sorrowe, that shee had no new looke to figure forth any more) rase vp and offred forth her faire handes to bee bounde or led as they would, being indeed troubled with no parte of this iudgement, but that her death was as she thought long delayed. They that were appointed for it conueyed her to the place she was in before, where the guarde was relieued, and the number encreased to keepe her more sure for the time of her execution: None of them all that led her, though most of them were such, whose harts had beene long hardned with the often exercising such offices, being able to barre teares from their eyes, and others manifest tokens of compassionate sorrow. So goodly a vertue is a resolute constancie, that euen in euill deseruers, it seemes that partie might haue beene notably well deseruing. Thus the excellent Lady Gynecia, hauing passed fiue and thirtie yeares of her age, euen to admiration of her beautifull minde and body, and hauing not in her owne knowledge, euer spotted her soule with any wilfull vice, but her imoderate loue of Zelmane, was brought, first by the violence of that ill answered passion, and then by the dispayring conceite, she took of the iudgement of God in her husbandes death and her owne fortune, purposely to ouerthrowe her selfe, and confirme by a wronge confession, that abhominable shame, which with her wisdome, ioynde to the truth, perhappes shee might haue refelled. Then did Euarchus aske Philanax, whether it were he that would charge the two yonge prisoners, or that some other shoulde doe it, and hee sit according to his estate, as an assistant in the iudgement. Philanax tolde him as before hee had done, that hee thought no man coulde laye manifest the naughtines of those two yong men, with so much either truth or zeale as himselfe, and therefore he desired he might do this last seruice to his faithfully beloued master, as to prosecute the traiterous causers of his death and dishonour; which being done, for his parte hee ment to geue vp all dealing in publicke affaires, since that man was gone who had made him loue them. Philanax thus being redye to speake, the two Princes were commaunded to tell their names who aunswered according to their agreements, that they were Daiphantus of Lycia, and Palladius Prince of Iberia. Which when they had said, they demaunded to know by what aucthoritie, they coulde iudge of them, since they were not only forryners and so not borne vnder their lawes, but absolute Princes and therefore not to bee touched by lawes. But aunswere was presently made them, that Arcadia lawes, were to haue their force vpon any were founde in Arcadia: since strangers haue scope to know the customes of a contry, before they put them selues in it: and when they once are entred, they must knowe, that what by many was made, must not for one bee broken. And so much lesse for a straunger, as hee is to looke for no priueledge in that place, to which in time of neede, his seruice is not to be expected. As for their being Princes, whether they were so or no, the beleefe stood in their own wordes, which they had so diuersly falsifyed, as they did not deserue beleefe. But what soeuer they were, Arcadia, was to acknowledge them but as priuate men, since they were neither by magistracy nor alliance to the princely bloud, to claime any thing in that region. Therefore if they had offended, (which now by the plaintife and there defence was to bee iudged) against the lawes of nations; by the lawes of nations they were to be chastised: if against the peculiare ordinaunces of the prouince those peculiare ordinaunces were to laye hold of them. The Princes stoode a while vpon that demaunding leasure to giue perfecte knowledge of their greatnes; but when they were aunswered, that in a case of a Princes death, the lawe of that contrie had euer beene, that imediate tryall shoulde bee had: they were forced to yeelde, resolued that in those names, they woulde as much as they could, couer the shame of their royall parentage, and keepe as long as might be (if euill were determined against them) the euill newes from their carefull kinsfolke, wherein the chiefe man they considered was Euarchus: whom the strange and secreate working of iustice, had brought to be the iudge ouer them, in such a shadowe, or rather pit of darkenes, the wormish mankinde liues, that neither they knowe how to foresee, nor what to feare: and are but like tenisballs, tossed by the racket of the hyer powers. Thus both sides reddie, it was determined, because their cases were seperated. First Philanax shoulde be hard against Pyrocles, whome they termed Daiphantus, and that heard, the others cause shoulde followe, and so receaue together such iudgement, as they should be found to haue deserued. But Philanax that was euen shorte breathed at the first, with the extreame vehemencie he had to speake against them, stroking once or twise his forehead, and wiping his eyes, (which either wepte, or he woulde at that time haue them seeme to weepe,) looking first vpon Pyrocles, as if he had proclaymed all hatefullnes against him, humblie turning to Euarchus, (who with quiet grauitie, shewed great attention) he thus began his oration. That which all men, who take vpon them to accuse an other, are woont to desire (most worthy protector) to haue many proofes of my faultes in them they seeke to haue condemned: that is to me in this present action, my greatest comber, and anoyaunce. For the number is so great, and the quallitie so monstrous, of the enormities this wretched young man hath committed, that neither I in my selfe, can tell where to begin (my thoughts being confused with the horrible multitude of them) neither doe I thinke your vertuous eares will be able to endure the reporte: But will rather imagine, you heare some tragedie inuented of the extremitie of wickednes, then a iust resitall of a wickednes indeed committed, for such is the disposition of the most sincere iudgements, that as they can belieue meane faultes, and such as mans nature may slide into, so when they passe to a certaine degree, nay when they passe all degrees of vnspeakeable naughtines, then finde they in themselues a hardenes to geue credit, that humane creatures can so from all humanitie bee transformed. But in my selfe, the strength of my faith to my deade master wil helpe the weakenes of my memory; in you, your excellent loue of iustice will force you to vouchsafe attention: And as for the matter, it is so manifest, so pittifull euidences lie before your eyes of it, that I shall neede to bee but a breife recounter, and no rhetoricall enlarger of this most harmefull mischiefe. I will therefore, in as fewe wordes as so huge a trespasse can bee conteyned, deliuer vnto you the sum of this miserable fact: leauing out a great number of particular tokens, of his naughtines, and only touching the essentiall pointes, of this dolefull case. This man, whome to beginne withall I know not how to name, since being come into this contrie, vnaccompanied like a loste pilgrime, from a man grewe a woman, from a woman a rauisher of wemen, thence a prisoner, and now a Prince. But this Zelmane, this Daiphantus, this what you will, (for any shape or title he can take vpon him, that hath no restrainte of shame) hauing vnderstoode the solitatie life my late master liued, and considering how open he had layde himselfe to any trayterous attempte, for the first maske of his falsehoode, disguised himselfe like a woman: which being the more simple and hurtelesse sexe, might easier hide his subtle harmefullnes. And presenting himselfe to my master, the most curteous Prince that liued, was receaued of him with so greate gratiousnes, as might haue bounde not only any gratefull minde, but might haue mollified any enemies rancoure. But this venemous serpent, admitted thus into his bosome, as contagion will easily finde a fit body for it, so had he quickly falne into so neere acquaintaunce with this naughtie woman, whom euen now you haue most iustly condemned, that this was her right hand, shee sawe with no eyes but his, nor seemed to haue any life but in him, so glad shee was to finde one more cunning then her selfe, in couering wickednes with a modest vaile. What is to be thought passed betwixt two such vertuous creatures, whereof the one hath confessed murder, and the other rape, I leaue to your wise cosideration. For my hart hastens to the miserable point of Basilius murder, for the executing of which with more facilitie, this yong nimph of Dianas bringing vp, fayned certaine rites she had to performe, so furious an impietie had caried him, from all remembrance of goodnes, that hee did not onely not feare the Gods, as the beholders and punishers of so vngodly a villany, but did blasphemously vse their sacred holly name, as a minister vnto it. And forsooth a Caue hereby was chosen, for the temple of his deuotions, a Caue of such darkenes, as did prognosticate he ment to please the infernall powers, for there this accurssed catife, vpon the alter of falshood, sacrificed the life of the vertuous Basilius. By what meanes he trayned him thether, alas I knowe not, for if I might haue knowen it, either my life had accompanied my master, or this fellowes death had preserued him. But this may suffise, that in the mouth of this Caue, where this traytor had his lodginge and chapple, when already master sheepeheard his companion, had conueyed away the vndoubted enheritrix of this cuntrie, was Gynecia founde by the dead corps of her husband, newly empoysoned, apparelled in the garments of the young Lady, and reddy no question to haue fled to some place, according to their consorte, but that she was by certaine honest shepeheards arrested: while in the meane time, because their should be lefte no reuenger of this bloudy mischief, This noble Amazon, was violently gotten into the chamber of the Lady Philoclea, wherby the mingling as much as in him lay) of her shame, with his misdeede, he might enforce her to be the accessary to her fathers death, and vnder the countenaunce of her and her sister (against whom they knew wee woulde not rebell) seaze as it were with one gripe into their treacherous hands, the regiment of the mightie prouince. But the almightie eye preuented him of the end of his mischiefe, by vsing a villaine Damætas hand, to enclose him in there, where with as much fortification as in a house could be made, he thought himselfe in most securitie. Thus see you most iust iudge, a shorte and simple story of the infamous misery, falne vpon this contrie. In deed infamous, since by an effeminate man, we should suffer a greater ouerthrow, then our mightiest enemies haue ben euer able to lay vpon vs. And that all this, which I haue said is most manifest, aswell of the murdering of Basilius, as the rauishing of Philoclea, (for those two partes I establish of my accusation) who is of so incredulous a minde, or rather who will so stoppe his eyes from seing a thing cleerer then the light, as not to holde for assured so palpable a matter. For to beginne with his most cruell misdeede, is it to be imagined, that Gynecia (a woman though wicked, yet wittie) woulde haue attempted and atchieued an enterprise, no lesse hazardous then horrible, without hauing some councellor in the beginning, and some comforter in the performing? Had she, who shewed her thoughtes, were so ouerruled with some straunge desire, as in despite of God, nature and womanhood, to execute that in deedes, which in wordes wee cannot heare without trembling, had shee I saye no practise to leade her vnto it? Or had shee a practise without conspiracie? Or coulde shee conspire without some boddye to conspire with? And if one were; whoe so likelye as this, to whome shee communicated I am sure her minde, the worlde thinkes her boddye? Neither let her wordes taking the whole faulte vppon her selfe, bee heerein any thinge availeable. For to those persons who haue vomited out of their soules all remnants of goodnes, there restes a certaine pride in euill, and hauing ells no shadowe of glorye lefte them, they glorye to bee constante in iniquitye, and that God knowes must bee helde out to the laste gaspe, without reuealing their accomplices. As thinking greate courage is declared, in being neither affeard of the heauens nor ashamed of the worlde. But let Gynecias action dye with her selfe, what can all the earth answere for his comming hether? Why alone, if hee bee a Prince? How so richly Iewelled if he be not a prince? Why then a woman if nowe a man? Why now Daiphantus, if then Zelmane? Was all this play for nothing, or if it had an ende, what ende but the ende of my deere master? Shall we doubte so many secret conferences with Gynecia, such fained fauour to the ouer soone beguiled Basilius, a Caue made a lodging, and the same lodging made a temple of his religion, lastly such changes and trauerses, as a quiet Poet coulde scarse fill a poeme withal, were directed to any lesse scope, then to this monstrous murder? O snakie ambition, which can winde thy selfe in so many figures, to slyde thether thou desirest to come! O corrupted reason of mankinde, that can yeelde to deforme thy selfe with so filthie desires! And O hopelesse bee those mindes, whom so vnnaturall desires doe not, with their owne ouglinesse sufficiently terrefie! But yet euen of fauour let vs graunt him thus much more, as to fancie that in these foretolde thinges, fortune might be a greate Actor, perchaunce to an euill ende yet to a lesse euill end all these entangled deuises were entended. But I beseech your Ladyshippe, my Lady Daiphantus tell me, what excuse can you finde for the chaunging your lodging, with the Queene that verie instant shee was to finish her execrable practise? How can you cloake the lending of your cloake vnto her, was all that by chance too? Had the starres sent such an influence vnto you, as you should bee iuste weary of your lodging, and garments, when our Prince was destenied to the slaughter? What say you to this, O shamefull and shamelesse creature? Fit indeede to bee the dishonour of both sexes. But alas, I spend too many words in so manifest and so miserable a matter. They must be foure wilde horses (which according to our lawes are the executioners of men which murdre our Prince) which must decide this question with you. Yet see so farre had my zeale to my beloued Prince transported me, that I had almost forgotten my second parte, and his seconde abhomination, I meane his violence offred to the Lady Philoclea: wherewith as if it had wel become his womanhoode, he came brauing to the iudgement seate, indeede our lawes appointe not so cruell a death (although death too) for this facte as for the other. But whosoeuer well wayes it, shall finde it spronge out of the same fountaine of mischeuous naughtines, the killing of the father, dishonouring the mother, and rauishing the child. Alas could not so many benifites receaued of my Prince, the iustice of nature, the right of hospitalitie, be a bridle to thy lust, if not to thy crueltie? Or if thou hadest (as surely thou haste) a harte recompensing goodnes with hatred, could not his death, which is the last of reuenges, satisfie thy mallice, but thou must heape vpo it the shame of his daughter? Were thy eyes so stonie, thy brest so tygreshe, as the sweete and beautifull shewes of Philocleas vertue, did not astonish thee? O wofull Arcadia, to whom the name of this mankinde curtisan, shall euer be remembred as a procurer of thy greatest losse! But too farre I finde my passion, yet honest passion hath guided mee; the case is euerie way too too much vnanswearable. It resteth in you O excellent protector to pronounce iudgement, which if their bee hope, that such a yonge man may proue proffitable to the world, who in the first exercise of his owne determination, farre passed the arrantest strumpet in luxuriousnesse, the conningest forger in falsehoode, a player in disguising, a Tygre in crueltie, a Dragon in ingratefulnes; let him be preserued like a iewell, to doe greater mischeefe. Yf his youth bee not more defiled with trecherie, then the eldest mans age, let I say his youth, be some cause of compassion. If hee haue not euery way sought the ouerthrowe of humaine societie, if hee haue done any thing like a Prince, let his naming himselfe a Prince, breede a reuerence of his base wickednesse. If hee haue not broken all lawes of hospitalitie, and broken them in the most detestable degree that can be, let his being a guest, be a sacred protection of his more then sauage doings: or if his whorish beawtye, haue not bene as the hye waye of his wickednesse, let the picture drawne vppon so poysonous a wood, be reserued to shewe howe greatly coulours can please vs. But if it is as it is, what should I saye more, a very spirit of hellish naughtines, if his acte be to be punished, and his defiled person not to be pittied, then restore vnto vs our Prince, by duly punishing his murderers, for then wee shall thinke him and his name to liue, when wee shall see his killers to dye. Restore to the excellent Philoclea her honour, by taking out of the world her dishonour, and thinke that at this daye, in this matter are the eyes of the worlde vppon you, whether any thing can sway your minde from a true administracion of iustice. Alas though I haue much more to saye, I can saye no more, for my teares and sighes interrupt my speeche, and force me to geue myselfe ouer to my priuate sorrowe. Thus when Philanax had vttered the vttermost of his mallice, he made sorrowe the cause of his conclusion. But while Philanax was in the course of his speeche, and did with such bitter reproches defame the princely Pyrocles, it was well to be seene, his heart was vnused to beare such iniuries, and his thoughtes such, as could arme themselues better against any thing then shame. For sometimes blushing, his bloud with diuers motions comming and going, sometimes cloasing his eyes, and laying his hande ouer them, sometime geuing such a looke to Philanax , as might shewe hee assured himselfe, hee durst not so haue spoken if they had bene in indifferent place: with some impaciencie he bare the length of his Oration: which being ended, with as much modest humblenes to the Iudge, as despitefull skorne to the accuser, with words to this purpose, he defended his honour.
My accusors tale, may well beare witnes with me, most rightfull Iudge, in how hard a case, and inuironed with how many troubles, I may esteeme my selfe. For if hee, who shewes his toong, is not vnaquainted with rayling, was in an agonye in the beginning of his speech, with the multitude of matters he had to lay vnto me, wherein notwithstanding the most euill could fall vnto him, was, that hee should not do so much euill as hee would; howe combred do you thinke may I acknowledge my selfe, who in things no lesse importing then my life, must be mine owne aduocate, without leasure to aunswere, or foreknowledge what shoulde be obiected? in things I say promoted with so cunning a confusion, as hauing mingled truthes with falsehoodes, surmises with certaintyes, causes of no moment with matters cappitall, scolding with complayning, I can absolute neyther graunt nor denye, neyther can I tell, whether I come hether to be iudged, or before iudgement to be punished, being compelled to beare such vnworthye woordes, farre more grieuous then any death vnto me. But since the forme of this gouernment, allowes such toong libertye vnto him, I will picke aswell as I can out of his inuectiue those fewe poyntes, whiche may seeme of some purpose in the touching of mee, hoping that by your easye hearing of me, you will shewe, that though you hate euill, yet you wishe men may proue themselues not euill; so in that hee hath sayde, you will not waye so much what hee hath sayde, as what hee hath proued, remembring, that truth is simple and naked, and that if hee had guided himselfe vnder that banner, hee needed not out of the way haue sought so vilde and false disgracings of mee, enough to make the vntruest accusation beleeued. I will therefore, vsing truth as my best eloquence, repeate vnto you as much as I knowe in this matter, and then by the only cleerenes of the discourse, your wisedome I knowe will finde, the difference betwixt cauilling supposition, and directe declaration. This Prince Palladius and I, being enflamed with loue, (a passion farre more easely reprehended, then refrayned) to the two peerelesse daughters of Basilius, and vnderstanding, howe hee had secluded himselfe from the worlde, that like Princes, there was no accesse vnto him, wee disguised our selues, in such formes, as might soonest bring vs to the reuealing of our affections. The Prince Palladius, had such euent of his doings, that with Pamelas consent hee was to conuey her out of the thraldome she liued in, to receaue the subiection of a greater people then her owne, vntill her fathers consent might be obteyned. My fortune was more hard, for I bare no more loue to the chaste Philoclea, then Basilius deceaued in my sexe, shewed to me, insomuch that by his importunacy, I could haue no time to obtayne the like fauour of the pure Philoclea: till this pollicye I founde, taking, vnder cullour of some deuotions, my lodging, to drawe Basilius thether, with hope to enioye me, which likewise I reuealed to the Queene, that she might keepe my place, and so make her husband see his error. While I in the meane time, being deliuered of them both, and hauing lockt so the dores, as I hoped if the immaculate Philoclea would condescend to goe with me, there should be none to hinder our going. I was made prisoner there, I knowe not by what meanes when being repelled by her deuine vertue, I would faynest haue escaped. Heere haue you the thread to guide you in the Labyrinth, this man of his toong, had made so monstrous. Heere see you the true discourse, which hee mountbanke fashion, doth make so wide a mouth ouer. Heere may you conceaue the reason, why the Queene had my garment, because in her going to the caue, in the Moone-shine night, she might be taken for me, which he vseth as the knot of all his wise assertions: so that as this double minded fellowes accusation was double, double likewise my aunswere must perforce be, to the murder of Basilius, and violence offred to the inuiolate Philoclea. For the fyrst, O heauenly gods, who would haue thought any mouth could haue bene founde so mercenary, as to haue opened so slight proofes of so horrible matters? his fyrst Argument is a question who would imagine that Ginecia would accomplish such an Acte, without some accessaries? and if any, who but I? truly I, and so farre from imagining any thing, that till I sawe these mourning tokens, and heard Ginecias confession, I neuer imagined the King was dead. And for my part so vehemently, and more like the manner of passionate, then giltie folkes, I see, the Queene persecute her selfe, that I thinke condemnation may goe too hastely ouer her, considering the vnlikelyhood, if not impossibilitie, her wisedome, and vertue so long nourished, should in one moment throw downe it selfe, to the vttermost ende of wickednes. But whatsoeuer she hath done (which as I say, I neuer beleeued) yet how vniustly should that aggrauate my fault. She founde abroade I within dores (for as for the wearing my garment I haue tolde you the cause) she seeking as you saye to escape, I locking my selfe in a house: without perchaunce the conspiracie of one poore straunger, might greatly enable her attempt, or the fortification of the Lodge (as the trimme man alleadged) might make me hope to resist all Arcadia. And see how treacherously he seekes to drawe from me, my chiefest cleering, by preuenting the credit of her words, wherewith she had wholie taken the fault vpon her selfe. A honest and vnpartiall examiner, her words may condemne her, but may not absolue me. Thus voide of all probable allegacion, the crauen crowes vppon my affliction, not leauing out any euill, that euer he hath felt in his owne soule, to charge my youth withall. But who can looke for a sweeter breath out of such a stomacke? or for honny from so filthye a Spyder? What should I say more? if, in so inhumane a matter, which he himselfe confesseth, sincerest iudgements are lothest to beleeue, and in the seuerest lawes proofes clerer then the Sunne are required, his reasons are only the skumme of a base malice, my answeres most manifest, shining in their owne truth, there remayne any doubt of it, because it stands betwixt his affirming and my denyall, I offer, nay I desire, and humblie desire I may be graunted the tryall by combat, wherein let him be armed and me in my shirt, I doubt not Iustice will be my shield, and his hart will shew it selfe as faint as it is false.
Now come I to the second part of my offence, towards the young Lady, which howsoeuer you tearme it, so farre forth as I haue tolde you, I confesse, and for her sake hartely lament. But if herein I offred force to her, loue offred more force to me. Let her beawtie be compared to my yeares, and such effectes will be found no miracles. But since it is thus as it is, and that iustice teacheth vs not to loue punishment, but to flye to it for necessitye: the salue of her honour (I meane as the world will take it, for else in truth it is most vntouched) must be my marriage, and not my death, since the one stops all mouthes, the other becommes a doubtfull fable. This matter requires no more words, and your experience I hope in these cases shall neede no more, for my selfe me thinkes I haue shewed already, too much loue of my life to bestowe so many. But certainely, it hath bene loue of truth, which could not beare so vnworthy falsehood, and loue of iustice, that would brooke no wrong to my selfe nor other, and makes me now, euen in that respect to desire you, to be moued rather with pittie at a iust cause of teares, then with the bloudy teares this Crocodile spends, who weepes to procure death, and not to lament death. It will be no honour to Basilius tombe, to haue guiltlesse bloud sprinckled vpon it, and much more may a Iudge ouerway himselfe in crueltie, then in clemencie. It is hard, but it is excellent, where it is found, a right knowledge, when correction is necessary, when grace doth more auaile. For my owne respect, if I thought in wisedome I had deserued death, I would not desire life: for I knowe nature will condemne me to dye, though you do not; and longer I would not wish to drawe this breath, then I may keepe my selfe vnspotted of any horrible crime; only I cannot nor euer will denye, the loue of Philoclea, whose violence wrought violent effects in me: with that he finished his speeche, casting vp his eyes to the Iudge, and crossing his hands, which he held in their length before him, declaring a resolute pacience in whatsoeuer should be done with him. Philanax like a watchfull aduersary curiously marked all that he saide, sauing that in the beginning he was interrupted by two Letters were brought him from the Princesse Pamela, and the Lady Philoclea: who hauing all that night considered and bewayled their estate, carefull for their mother likewise, of whome they could neuer thinke so much euill, but considering with themselues that she assuredly should haue so due tryall by the lawes, as eyther she should not neede their helpe, or should be past their helpe, They looked to that which neerelyest touched them, and each wrate in this sort for him in whome their liues ioy consisted.
The humble harted Philoclea wrate much after this manner.
“My Lords, what you will determine of me, is to me vncertayne, but what I haue determined of my selfe I am most certaine, which is no longer to enioy my life, then I may enioy him for my husband, whom the heauens for my hyest glory, haue bestowed vpon me. Those that iudge him, let them execute me. Let my throate satisfye their hunger of murder. For alas what hath he done, that had not his originall in me? Looke vppon him I beseech you with indifferency, and see whether in those eyes all vertue shines not. See whether that face could hide a murder. Take leasure to knowe him, and then your selues will say, it hath bene too great an inhumanitie, to suspect such excellency. Are the gods thinke you deceaued in their workemanship? Artificers will not vse marble but to noble vses. Should those powers be so ouershot, as to frame so precious an Image of their owne, but to honorable purposes? O speake with him, ô heare him, ô knowe him, and become not the putters out of the worlds light. Hope you to ioy my fathers soule with hurting him he loued aboue all the world? Shall a wrong suspicion make you forget the certaine knowledge of those benefits, this house hath receiued by him? Alas alas, let not Arcadia for his losse, be accurssed of the whole earth and of all posteritie. He is a great Prince, I speake vnto you that which I knowe, for I haue seene most euident testimonies. Why should you hinder my aduancement? who if I haue past my childhood hurtlesse to any of you, if I haue refused no body to do what good I could, if I haue often mitigated my fathers anger, euer sought to maintayne his fauour towards you, nay if I haue held you all as fathers and brothers vnto me, rob me not of more then my life commes vnto. Teare not that which is inseparably ioyned to my soule; but if he rest misliked of you, (which ô God, how can it be) yet geue him to me, let me haue him, you knowe I pretend no right to your state. Therefore is it but a priuate petition I make vnto you. Or if you be hard hartedly bent, to appoint otherwise (which oh sooner let me dye, then knowe) then to ende as I began, let me by you be ordered to the same ende: without for more crueltie you meane to force Philoclea to vse her owne hands to kill one of your Kings children.”
Pamelas Letter (which she meant to send to the generall assemblie of the Arcadian Nobilitie,) (for so closely they were kept, as they were vtterly ignorant of the newe taken orders) was thus framed.
“In such a state my Lords you haue placed me, as I can neither write nor be silent; for how can I be silent, since you haue left me nothing but my solitary words to testifie my miserie? and how should I write (for as for speech I haue none but my Iaylor, that can heare me) who neither can resolue what to write, nor to whom to write? What to write is as hard for me to saye, as what I may not write, so little hope haue I of any successe, and so much hath no iniury bene left vndone to mewards. To whom to write, where may I learne, since yet I wot not how to entitle you? Shall I call you my Souereignes? set downe your lawes that I may do you homage. Shall I fall lower, and name you my fellowes? shew me I beseech you the Lord and mayster ouer vs. But shall Basilius heyre, name her selfe your Princesse? Alas I am your prisoner. But whatsoeuer I be, or whatsoeuer you be, ô all you beholders of these dolefull lines, this do I signifye vnto you, and signifye it with a hart, that shall euer remayne in that opinion. The good or euill you do to the excellent Prince was taken with me, and after by force from me, I will euer impute it as eyther way done to mine owne person. He is a Prince and worthie to be my husband, and so is he my husband by me worthely chosen. Beleeue it, beleeue it, eyther you shall be traytors for murdering of me, or if you let me liue, the murderers of him shall smart as traytors. For what do you thinke I can thinke? Am I so childish, as not to see, wherein you touch him you condemne me? Can his shame be without my reproach? no nor shall be, since nothing he hath done, that I will not auowe. Is this the comfort you bring me in my fathers death, to make me fuller of shame then sorrowe? would you do this, if it were not with full intention to preuent my power, with slaughter? And so do I pray you, it is hye time for me, to be weary of my life too long ledd, since you are weery of me, before you haue me? I say againe, I say it infinitely vnto you, I will not liue without him, if it be not to reuenge him: eyther do iustly in sauing both, or wisely in killing both. If I be your Princesse, I commaund his preseruation; if but a priuate person, then are we both to suffer. I take all truth to witnes he hath done no faulte but in going with me. Therefore to conclude, in iudging him you iudge me, neither conceaue with your selues, the matter you treate, is the life of a stranger, though euen in that name he deserued pittie, nor of a shepheard, to which estate loue of me made such a Prince descend, but determine most assuredly, the life that is in question is of Pamela, Basilius daughter.”
Many blots, had the teares of the sweet Ladyes made in their letters, which many times they had altred, many times torne, and written anewe, euer thinking some thing eyther wanted, or were too much, or would offende, or which was worst, would breede denyall: but at last, the day warned them to dispatch, which they accordingly did, and calling one of their guard (for no body else was suffred to come neere them) with great entreaty, they requested him, that hee woulde present them, to the principall Noblemen and Gentlemen together. For they had more confidence in the numbers fauour, then in any one, vppon whome they would not laye the liues they helde so precious. But the fellowe trustie to Philanax, who had placed him there, deliuered them both to him, (what time Pyrocles began to speake) which he sodaynly opened, and seeing to what they tended, by the first wordes, was so farre from publishing them (whereby he feared in Euarchus iust minde, eyther the Princesses might be endaungered, or the prisoners preserued, of which choyse he knewe not which to thinke the worst) that hee would not himselfe reede them ouer, doubting his owne hart might be mollified, so bent vpon reuenge. Therefore vtterly suppressing them, he lent a spitefull eare to Pirocles, and assoone as he had ended, with a very willing hart desired Euarchus he might accept the combat: although it woulde haue framed but euill with him, Pyrocles hauing neuer founde any match neere him, besides Musidorus. But Euarchus made aunswere, since bodyly strength is but a seruant to the minde, it were very barbarous and preposterous, that force shoulde bee made iudge ouer reason. Then woulde hee also haue replied in wordes vnto him, but Euarchus who knewe what they coulde saye, was already saide, taking their arguments into his minde, cammaunded him to proceede against the other prisoner, and that then he woulde sentence them both together. Philanax nothing the milder for Pyrocles purging himselfe, but rather (according to the nature of arguing, especially when it is bitter) so much the more vehement entred thus into his speech against Musidorus, being so ouergone with rage that hee forgate in this oration his precise methode of oratory. Behold most noble protector, to what a state Arcadia is come, since such manner of men, may challenge in combat the faithfullest of the nobilitie, and hauing merited the shamefullest of all deathes, dare name in marriage the Princesses of this cuntrie. Certainely my masters, I must saye, you were much out of taste, if you had not rather enioy such Ladies, then be hangd. But the one you haue as much deserued, as you haue dishonoured the other. But now my speech must be directed to you good master Dorus, who with Pallas helpe pardie, are lately growne Palladius. Too much this sacred seate of iustice, grauntes vnto such a fugitiue bondslaue who in steede of these examinations, shoulde be made confesse, with a whippe, that which a halter shoulde punish. Are not you he Sir, whose sheepehooke was prepared to be our Scepter? In whom lay the knot of all this tradgedy? or els perchaunce, they that shoulde gaine little by it were dealers in the murder, you onely that had prouided the fruites for your selfe, knewe nothing of it, knewe nothinge: hath thy companio here infected thee with such impudency as euen in the face of the world to deny that which al the world perceaueth? The other pleades ignorance, and you I doubt not will alleage absence. But he was ignoraunt, when he was hard by, and you had framed your absence, iust againe the time the acte shoulde bee committed, so fit a liuetenante he knew he had lefte of his wickednes, that for himselfe his safest meane, was to conuey away the Lady of vs all, who once out of the contrie, he knew wee woulde come with oliue branches of intercession vnto her, and fall at his feete to beseech him to leaue keeping of sheepe, and vouchesafe the tirannising ouer vs, for to think they are Princes, as they say (although in our lawes it behooues them nothing) I see at all no reason. These iewells certainly with their disguisinge sleightes, they haue pilfred in their vagabonding race. And think you such Princes should be so long without some followers after them? Truely if they be Princes, it manifestly shewes their vertues such, as all their subiectes are glad to be rid of them. But be they as they are, for we are to consider the matter, and not the men. Basilius murder hath beene the cause of their comming, Basilius murder, they haue most trecherously brought to passe; yet that I doubte not, you will denie as well as your fellowe. But howe will you denie the stealinge awaie the Princesse of this Prouince, which is no lesse then treason? So notably hath the iustice of the gods prouided, for the punishing of these malefactors, as if it were possible, men would not beleue the certaine euidences of their principall mischiefe, yet haue they discouered them selues sufficiently for their most iust ouerthrowe. I saye therefore (to omit my cheefe matter of the Kings death) This wooluish sheepheard, this counterfeite Prince, hath trayterously contrary to his alleageaunce (hauing made himselfe a seruant and subiecte) attempted the depriuing this contry of our naturall Princesse: and therefore by all right must receaue the punishment of traytors. This matter is so assured as he himselfe will not deny it, being taken and brought backe in the fact. This matter is so odious in nature, so shamefull to the worlde, so contrarye to all lawes, so hurtefull to vs, so false in him, as if I should stande further in declaring or defacing it, I shoulde either shewe great doubts in your wisedome, or in your iustice. Therefore I will transferre my care vpon you, and attend to my learning and comfort, the eternall example you will leaue to al mankinde of disguisers, falsefiers, adulterers, rauishers, murderers, and traytors. Musidorus while Philanax was speaking against his cosin and him, had looked rounde about him, to see whether by any meanes hee might come to haue caught him in his armes, and haue killed him; so much had his disgracing wordes filled his breste with rage. But perceauing himselfe so guarded as hee shoulde rather showe a passionate acte, then performe his reuenge, his hande trembling with desire to strike, and all the vaines in his face swelling; casting his eyes ouer the iudgement seate. O Gods saide hee, and haue you spared my life to beare these iniuries of such a driule? Is this the iustice of this place, to haue such men as we are, submitted not onely to apparent falsehood, but most shameful reuiling? But marke I pray you the vngratefulnes of the wretch, how vtterly hee hath forgotten, the benefits both he and all this contry hath receaued of vs. For if euer men may remember their owne noble deedes, it is then when their iuste defence, and other vniust vnkindenes doth require it. I omit our seruices done to Basilius in the late warte with Amphialus importing no lesse then his daughters liues, and his states preseruation: were not we the men that killed the wilde beastes which otherwise had killed the Princesses, if wee had not succourd them? Consider if it please you, where had bene Daiphantus rape, or my treason, if the sweete beauties of the earth, had then bene deuoured? Either thinke them nowe dead, or remember they liue by vs. And yet full often this telltale can acknowledge the losse they shoulde haue by their taking away, while maliciously he ouer passeth who were their preseruers, neither let this be spoken of mee, as if I ment to ballance this euill with that good, for I must confesse, that sauing of such creatures was rewarded in the acte it selfe: but onely to manifest the partial iangling of this vile pickthanke. But if we be the traytors, where was your fidelitie, O onely tonge-valliant Gentleman, when not onely the yonge Princesse, but the King himselfe was defended from vttermost perill, partely by me but principally by this excellent yonge mans both wisdome and valure? Were wee that made our selues against hundreds of armed men, openly the shieldes of his life, like secretly to bee his impoysoners? Did wee then shewe his life to bee dearer to vs then our owne, because wee might after robbe him of his life, to dye shamefully? Truely truely master orator, whosoeuer hath hired you to be so busie in their matters, who keepe honester seruauntes then your selfe, hee shoulde haue bid you in so manie raylings, bring some excuse for your selfe, why in the greatest neede of your Prince, to whome you pretend a miraculous good will, you were not then as forewarde to do like a man your selfe, or at leaste to accuse them that were slacke in that seruice, but commonlye the vse their feete for there defence whose tounge is their weapon. Certaynelye a verye simple subtiltie it had beene in vs, to repose our liues in the daughters, when we had killed the father. But as this Gentleman thinkes to winne the reputation of a copious talker by leauing nothing vnsaide which a filthy minde can imagine, so thinke I (or els all wordes are vaine) that to wise mens iudgement, our cleerenes in the Kings death is sufficiently notorious. But at length when the marchaunt hath set out his guilded baggage, lastly he comes to some stuffe of importance, and saith I conueied away the Princesse of this contrie. And is she indeede your Princesse? I pray you then whom should I waite of els, but her that was my mistres by my professed vow, & Princesse ouer me while I liued in this soile? Aske her why she went; aske not me why I serued her. Since accounting me as a Prince, you haue not to do with me, taking me as her seruant, then take withall that I must obay her. But you will say I perswaded her to flie awaye, certainely I will for no death deny it, knowing to what honour I shoulde bring her from the thraldome by such fellowes councell as you, shee was kept in. Shall perswasion to a Prince growe treason to a Prince? It might be error in me but falsehoode it coulde not be, since I made my selfe partaker of whatsoeuer I wished her vnto, who will euer counsaill his King, if his counsaill be iudged by the euent, and if it be not found wise, shall therefore be thought wicked? But if I be a traytor, I hope you will graunt me a correlatiue, to whom I shall be the traytor. For the Princesse against whom the treasons are considered, I am sure will avowe my faithfulnes, without you will saye that I am a traytor to her, because I left the contrie: and a traytor to the contrie, because I went with her. Heere do I leaue out my iust excuses of loues force, which as thy narrow hart hath neuer had noble roome inough in it to receaue, so yet to those manlike courages, that by experience know how subiect the vertuous mindes are to loue a most vertuous creature, (witnessed to be such by the most excellent guiftes of nature) will deeme it a veniall trespasse, to seeke the satisfaction of honourable desires. Honourable euen in the curiousest pointes of honour, whereout there can no disgrace nor disperagement come vnto her. Therfore O iudge, who I hope doest know what it is to be a iudge, that your ende is to preserue, and not to destroy mankinde, that lawes are not made like limetwigges, or nets, to catch euery thing that toucheth them, but rather like sea markes to auoide the shipwracke of ignoraunt passingers, since that our doinge in the extremest interpretation is but a humaine error, and that of it you may make a proffitable euent (we being of such estate, as their parents would not haue misliked the affinitie) you will not I trust at the perswasion of this brabler, burne your house to make it cleane, but like a wise father, turne euen the fault of your children to any good that may come of it: since that is the fruite of wisdome, and ende of all iudgements. While this matter was thus handling, a silent and as it were astonished attention, possest all the people. A kindely compssion moued the noble Gentleman Simpathus, but as for Kalander, euery thing was spoken either by or for his own deere guestes, moued an affect in him: somtimes teares, sometimes hopefull lookes, sometimes whispering perswasions in their eares, that stoode by him, to seeke the sauing the two yong Princes. But the generall multitude wayted the iudgement of Euarchus, who shewed in his face no motions, either at the ones or other speeche, letting passe the flowers of rhetoricke, and onely marking whether their reasons tended, hauing made the question to be asked of Gynecia, who continued to take the whole faulte vpon her selfe, and hauing caused Damætas, with Miso and Mopsa (who by Philanax order had bene helde in most cruell prison) to make a full declaration, howe much they knewe of these passed matters, and then gathering as assured satisfaction to his owne minde as in that case he could; not needing to take leasure for that, whereof a long practise had bred a well grounded habit in him, with a voice of gesture directed to the vniuersall assemblie, in this forme pronounced sentence. This weightie matter, wherof presently we are to determine, doth at the first consideration yeeld two important doubtes. The first whether these men be to be iudged. The second how they are to be iudged. The first doubt ariseth because they geue themselues out for Princes absolute, a sacred name, and to which any violence semes to be an impietie. For how can any lawes, which are the bonds of all humane societie be obserued if the lawe giuers, and lawe rulers, bee not helde in an vntouched admiration? But heereto although alredy they haue beene sufficiently aunswered, yet thus much againe I will repeate vnto you. That what soeuer they be or be not, heere they be no Princes, since betwixt Prince and subiect there is as necessarie a relation, as betweene father and sonne, and as there is no man a father, but to his childe, so is not a Prince, a Prince but to his owne subiects. Therefore is not this place to acknowledge in them any principallitie, without it should at the same time, by a secreate consent confesse subiection. Yet hereto may be obiected, that the vniuersall ciuillitie, the lawe of nations (all mankinde being as it were coinhabitors or worlde-citizens together) hath euer required publicke persons, shoulde be of all parties especially regarded since not onely in peace, but in warre, not only Princes, but herauldes and trumpets, are with great reason exempted from iniuryes. This pointe is true, but yet so true, as they that will receaue the benefit of a custome, must not be the first to breake it. For then can they not complaine, if they be not helpt by that which they themselues hurte. Yf a Prince do actes of hostilitie, without denouncing warre, if he breake his oath of amitie, or innumerable such other thinges contrary to the lawe of armes, he must take heede how he fall into their hands whom he so wrongeth, for then is courtesie the best custome he can claime, much more these men, who haue not onely lefte to doe like Princes, but to be like Princes, not onely entred into Arcadia, and so into the Arcadian orders, but into domesticall seruices, and so by making them selues priuate, depriued themselues of respecte due to their publicke calling. For no proportion it were of iustice, that a man might make himselfe no Prince when he woulde doe euill, and might a newe create himselfe a Prince, when he would not suffer euill. Thus therefore by al lawes of nature and nations, and especially by their owne putting themselues out of the sanctuary of them, these yong men can not in iustice auoide the iudgement: but like priuate men, must haue their doinges either cleared, excused, or condemned. There resteth then the second point, howe to iudge well. And that must vndoubtedly bee done, not by a free discourse of reason, and skill of philosophy: but must be tied to the lawes of Greece, and municipall statutes of this kingdome. For although out of them, these came, and to them muste indeede referre their offspringe, yet because philosophicall discourses, stande in the generall consideration of thinges, they leaue to euery man a scope of his owne interpretation. Where the lawes applyinge them selues to the necessary vse, folde vs within assured boundes, which once broken mas nature infinitly rageth. Iudged therfore they must be, & by your lawes iudged. Nowe the action offereth it selfe to dewe ballance, betwixte the accusers two-folde accusation, and their aunswere accordingly applied. The questions beeinge the one of a facte simplie, the other of the quallity of a fact. To the first they vse direct deniall, to the second quallification and excuse. They deny the murder of the king; & mightie against presumptios bring forth some probable answers, which they do principally fortefie with the Queenes acknowledging her selfe only culpable. Certainely as in equallitie of coniectures, we are not to take holde of the worse, but rather to be glad we may finde any hope that mankind is not growen monstrous, (being vndoubtedly lesse euill a guiltie man shoulde escape, then a guiltlesse perish) so if in the rest they be spotlesse, then is no farther to be remembred. But if they haue aggrauated these suspitions, with newe euills then are those suspitions so farre to showe themselues, as to cause the other pointes to be thorowly examined, and with lesse fauour wayed since this no man can deny they haue beene accidentall, if not principall causes of the Kinges death. Now then we are to determine of the other matters, which are laide to them, wherein they doe not deny the facte, but deny or at leaste diminish the faulte, but first I may remember (though it were not first alleaged by them) the seruices they had before done, truely honourable and worthy of great rewarde, but not worthy to counteruaile with a following wickednes. Rewarde is proper to well doing, punishment to euill doing, which must not bee confounded, no more then good and euill are to be mingled. Therefore hath bene determined in all wisedomes, that no man because he hath done well before, should haue his present euils spared, but rather so much the more punished, as hauing shewed he knew how to be good, woulde against his knowledge bee naught. The facte then is nakedly without passion, or partialitie to bee viewed: wherein without all question they are equallie culpable. For though he that termes himselfe Daiphantus were sooner disapointed of his purpose of conueying away the Lady Philoclea, then he that perswaded the Princesse Pamela to flie her countrie, and accompanied her in it: yet seing in causes of this nature, the wil by the rules of iustice standeth for the deed, they are both alike to bee founde guiltie, and guiltie of hainous rauishment. For though they rauished them not from themselues, yet they rauished them from him that owed them, which was their father. An acte punished by all the Græcian lawes, by the losse of the head, as a most execrable thefte. For if they must dye, who steale from vs our goodes, how much more they, who steale from vs that, for which we gather our goodes, and if our lawes haue it so in the priuate persons, much more forcible are they to bee in Princes children, where one steales as it were the whole state, and well being of that people, being tyed by the secret of a long vse, to be gouerned by none but the next of that bloud. Neither let any man maruaile, our ancestours haue bene so seuere in these cases, since the example of the Phenician Europa but especially of the Grecian Helene, hath taught them, what destroying fires haue growen of such sparckles. And although Helene was a wife, and this but a child, that booteth not since the principall cause of marrying wiues is, that we may haue children of our owne. But now let vs see how these yong men (truely for their persons worthy of pittie, if they haue rightly pittied themselues) do goe about to mittigate the vehemencie of their errors. Some of their excuses are common to both, some peculiar onely to him that was the sheepeheard. Both remember the force of loue, and as it were the mending vp of the matter by their marriage, if that vnbrideled desire which is intituled loue, might purge such a sickenes as this, surely wee shoulde haue, many louing excuses of hatefull mischiefe. Nay rather no mischiefe shoulde be committed, that should not be vailed vnder the name of loue. For as well he that steales, might alleage the loue of mony, he that murders the loue of reuenge, he that rebells the loue of greatnesse, as the adulterer the loue of a woman. Since they do in all speeches affirme they loue that, which an ill gouerned passion maketh them to follow. But loue may haue no such priuiledge. That sweete and heauenly vniting of the mindes, which properly is called loue, hath no other knot but vertue, and therefore if it be a right loue, it can neuer slide into any action that is not vertuous. The other and indeed more effectuall reason is that they may be married vnto them and so honourably redresse the dishonour of them, whom this matter seemeth most to touch. Surely if the question were, what were conuenient for the parties, and not what is iuste in the neuer changing iustice, there might much bee saide in it. But herein we must consider, that the lawes look how to preuent by due examples, that such thinges be not done: and not how to salue such things, when they are doone. For if the gouernors of iustice, shall take such a scope, as to measure the foote of the lawe, by a show of conueniencie, and measure that conueniencie not by the publike societie, but by that which is fittest for them which offende: young men, stronge men, and rich men, shall euer finde priuate conueniences, howe to palliate such committed disorders, as to the publike shall not onely bee inconuenient but pestilent. The marriage perchaunce might be fit for them, but verie vnfit were it to the state, to allowe a patterne of such procurations of marriage. And thus much doe they both alleage. Further goes he that went with the Princesse Pamela, & requireth the benefit of a councellor, who hath place of free perswasion; and the reasonable excuse of a seruant, that did but waite of his mistres. Without all question, as councellors haue great cause to take heede how they aduise any thing, directly opposite to the forme of that present gouernement, especially when they doe it singly without publike alowaunce, so yet is the case much more apparant: since neither she was an effectuall Princesse, her father being then aliue, & though he had bene deade, she not come to the yeares of aucthoritie, nor hee her seruant, in such manner to obey her, but by his owne preferment first belonging to Dametas, and then to the Kinge, and therefore if not by Arcadia lawes, yet by housholde orders, bounde to haue done nothing without his agreement. Thus therefore since the deedes accomplished by these two, are both abhominable and inexcuseable. I doe in the behalfe of iustice, & by the force of Arcadia lawes pronounce, that Daiphantus shalbe throwne out of a hie tower to receaue his death by his fall. Palladius shall bee behedded the time before the sunne set: the place in Mantinea : the executioner Dametas: which office he shall execute all the dayes of his life, for his beastly forgetting the carefull dutie he owed to his charge. This saide he turned himselfe to Philanax , and two of the other noblemen, commaunding them to see the iudgement presently performed. Philanax more greedie then any hunter of his praye, went straite to laye holde of the excellent prisoners, who casting a farewell looke one vpon the other, represented in their faces asmuch vnappalled constancie, as the most excellent courage can deliuer, in outward graces. Yet if at all there were any shewe of change in them, it was that Pyrocles was somthing neerer to bashfulnes, and Musidorus to anger; both ouer ruled by reason and resolution. But as with great number of armed men, Philanax was descending vnto them, and that Musidorus was beginning to saye something in Pyrocles behalfe. Beholde Kalander, that with armes caste abroade, and open mouth came crying to Euarchus, holding a stranger in his had that cried much more then he, desiring they might be heard speake before the prisoners were remoued. Euen the noble Gentleman Simpathus ayded them in it, and taking such as hee coulde commaund, stopped Philanax betwixt entreatie and force, from carrying away the Princes, vntill it were heard what new matters these men did bring. So againe mounting to the Tribunall, they hearkened to the straungers vehement speach, or rather appassionate exclayming. It was in deede Kalodulus, the faithfull seruaunt of Musidorus, to whome his maister, when in despite of his best grounded determinations he first became a slaue to affection, had sent the sheaphearde Menalcas to be arrested: by the helpe of whose rayment in the meane time he aduaunced himselfe to that estate, which he accompted most high, because it might be seruiceable to that fancy, which he had placed most high in his minde. For Menalcas hauing faithfully performed his errand, was as faithfully imprisoned by Kalodulus. But as Kalodulus perfourmed the first part of his duety in doing the commaundement of his Prince: so was he with abundance of sincere loyalty extremely perplexed, when he vnderstood of Menalcas the straunge disguising of his beloued Maister. For as the actes he and his Cosen Pyrocles had done in Asia, had filled all the eares of the Thessalians and Macedonians with no lesse ioy then admiration: so was the feare of their losse no lesse grieuous vnto them, when by the noise of report they vnderstood of theyr lonely committing themselues to the Sea, the issue of which they had no way learned. But now that by Menalcas hee perceyued where he was, gessing the like of Pyrocles, comparing the vnusednes of this act with the vnripenesse of theyr age, seeing in generall coniecture they could doe it for nothing, that might not fall out dangerous: he was somewhile troubled with himselfe, what to doe, betwixt doubt of theyr hurt, and doubt of theyr displeasure. Often he was minded (as his safest and honestest way) to reueale it to the king Euarchus : that both his authority might preuent any domage to them, and vnder his winges he himselfe might remaine safe. But considering a iourney to Byzantium (where as yet he supposed Euarchus lay) would require more time, then hee was willing to remaine doubtfull of his Princes estate, he resolued at length to write the matter to Euarchus, and himselfe the while to goe into Arcadia: vncertayne what to doe when he came thither, but determined to doe his best seruice to hys deare Maister, if by any good fortune he might finde him. And so it happened that being euen this day come to Mantinea, and as warely and attentiuely as he coulde giuing eare to al reports, in hope to hear some thing of them he sought, he straight receyued a straunge rumor of these thinges: but so vncertainely as popular reports cary so rare accidents. But this by all men he was willed, to seek out Kalander a great Gentleman of that Countrey, who would soonest satisfie him of all these occurents. Thus enstructed he came euen about the midst of Euarchus iudgement to the desert. Where seeing great multitudes, and hearing vnknowen names of Palladius, and Daiphantus, and not able to presse to the place where Euarchus sate, he enquired for Kalander, and was soone brought vnto him: partly because he was generallye knowen vnto all men, and partly because he had withdrawen himselfe from the presse, when he perceiued by Euarchus words whether they tended, being notable to endure his guests condemnation. Hee enquired forthwith of Kalander the cause of the assembly: and whither the fame were true of Euarchus presence: who with manye teares, made a dolefull recitall vnto him, both of the Amazon and sheepheard, setting forth their naturall graces, and lamenting their pittifull vndoing. But his description made Kalodulus immediatly knowe the sheepheard was his Duke, and so iudging the other to be Pyrocles, and speedely communicating it to Kalander, who he saw did fauour their case, they brake the presse with astonishing euery man with their cryes. And being come to Euarchus, Kalodulus fell at his feete telling him those he had iudged were his owne Sunne and Nephewe; the one the comforte of Macedon, the other the onely stay of Thessalia. With many such like words, but as from a man that assured himselfe in that matter he shoulde neede smal speeche. While Kalander made it knowen to all men, what the prisoners were to whom he cried they should salute their father, and ioy in the good hap the gods had sent them; who were no lesse glad, then all the people amazed at the strange euent of these matters. Euen Philanax owne reuengefull hart was mollified, when he saw from diuerse partes of the world so neere kinsemen should meete in such a necessitie. And with all the fame of Pyrocles and Musidorus, greatly drewe him to a compassionate conceite, and had already vncloathed his face of all shew of mallice. But Euarchus staide a good while vpon himselfe, like a valliant man that should receaue a notable encounter, being vehemently stricken with the fatherly loue of so excellent children, and studying with his best reason, what his office required. At length with such a kind of grauitie, as was neere to sorrow, he thus vttred his mind. I take witnes of the immortall gods (saide he) O Arcadians, that what this daye I haue saide, hath bene out of my assured perswasion, what iustice it selfe and your iuste lawes require. Though straungers then to me, I had no desire to hurt them, but leauing aside all considerations of the persons, I wayed the matter which you committed into my hands, with most vnpartiall and farthest reach of reason. And thereout haue condemned them to loose their liues, contaminated with so manye foule breaches of hospitalitie, ciuilitie and vertue. Now contrarye to all expectations, I finde them to be my onely sonne and Nephew, such vpon whom you see, what guiftes nature hath bestowed. Such who haue so to the wonder of the worlde heretofore behaued themselues, as might geue iuste cause to the greatest hopes, that in an excellent youth may be conceaued. Lastly in fewe wordes such, in whome I placed all my mortall ioyes, and thought my selfe now neere my graue, to recouer a newe life. But alas shall iustice halte? Or shall she winke in ones cause which had Lynces eyes in anothers? Or rather shall all priuate respectes geue place to that holy name? Bee it so, bee it so, let my graye heares bee layde in the dust with sorrow, let the small remnant of my life, bee to mean inward and outward desolation, and to the world a gazing stock of wretched misery: But neuer neuer, let sacred rightfulnes fall. It is immortal and immortally ought to be preserued. If rightly I haue iudged, then rightly I haue iudged myne own children. Vnlesse the name of a child, should haue force to change the neuer changing iustice. No no Pyrocles & Musidorus I prefer you much before my life, but I prefer Iustice as far before you, while you did like your selues, my body should willingly haue ben your shield, but I cannot keep you from the effects of your own doing. Nay I canot in this case acknowledge you for mine. For neuer had I sheapheard to my nephew, nor euer had woman to my son, your vices haue degraded you fro being princes, & haue disanulde your birthright.
Therefore if there be anie thing left in you, of Princely vertue, shew it in constant suffering, that your vnprincely dealing hath purchased vnto you. For my part I must tell you, you haue forced a father to rob himselfe of his children. Do you therefore, O Philanax , and you my other Lordes of this countrie, see the iudgment be rightly performed in time, place and maner, as before appointed. With that though he would haue refrained them; a man might perceiue the teares drop downe his long white beard. Which moued not onely Kalodulus and Kerxenus to roaring lamentations, but al the assembly dolefully to record that pittiful spectacle. Philanax himselfe could not abstaine from great shewes of pittying sorrow, and manifest withdrawing from performing the kinges commaundement. But Musidorus hauing the hope of his safety, and recouering of the princesse Pamela: which made him most desirous to liue, so sodainly dashed: but especialy moued for hys deare Pyrocles, for whom he was euer resolued his last speach should be, and stirred vp with rage of vnkindnesse, he thus spake. Enioy thy bloudie conquest tyrannicall Euarchus, said he; for neither is conuenient the title of a king, to a murderer, nor the remembrance of kindred, to a destroyer of his kindred. Go home and glorie that it hath been in thy power, shamefully to kill Musidorus. Let thy flattering Orators dedicate Crownes of Laurell vnto thee, that the first of thy race, thou hast ouerthrowne a Prince of Thessalia. But for me I hope the Thessalians are not so degenerate from their auncestors, but that they will reuenge my iniurie; and their losse vpon thee. I hope my death is no more vniust to me; the it shalbe bitter to thee, howsoeuer it be, my death shall triumph ouer thy crueltie, neither as now would I liue to make my life beholding vnto thee. But if thy crueltie hath not so blinded thine eyes, that thou canst not see thine own heart, if thy heart be not so diuelish, as thou hast no power but to torment thy self: then look vpo this yong Pyrocles, with a manlike eie; if not with a pittifull: Giue not occasion to the whole earth to say, see how the gods haue made the Tyrant teare his owne bowels! Examine the eies and voices of all this people, and what all men see, be not blinde in thine owne case. Looke I say looke vpon him, in whom the most curious searcher is able to finde no fault: but that he is thy sonne. Beleeue it, thy owne subiectes will detest thee, for robbing them of such a Prince, in whome they haue right as well as thy selfe. Some more wordes to that purpose he would haue spoken, but Pyrocles who often had cald to him, did nowe fully interrupt him, desiring him not to do him the wrong to geue his father ill wordes before him, willing him to consider it was their owne fault, and not his vniustice, and withall to remember their resolution of well suffering all accidents, which this impaciencie did seeme to varry fro: and then kneeling down with all humblenesse, hee tooke the speach in this order to Euarchus. If my dayly praiers to the Almightie Gods, had so farre preuayled, as to haue graunted me the end whereto I haue directed my actions; I should rather haue beene nowe a comfort to your minde, then an example of your iustice, rather a preseruer of your memorie by my life, then a monument of your iudgement by my death. But since it hath pleased their vnsearchable wisedomes, to ouerthrow all the desires I had to serue you, and make me become a shame vnto you; since the last obedience I can shew you, is to die: vouchsafe yet O father (if my fault haue not made me altogether vnworthy, so to terme you) vouchsafe I say to let the few & last words your sonne shall euer speake, not be tedious vnto you. And if the remembrance of my vertuous mother, who once was deare vnto you, may beare any sway with you, if the name of Pyrocles haue at any time bene pleasant, let one request of mine which shall not be for mine owne life, be graciously accepted of you. What you owe to iustice is performed in my death. A father to haue executed his onely sonne, wil leaue a sufficient example for a greater crime then this. My bloud will satisfie the highest point of equitie, my bloud will satisfie the hardest hearted in this countrie. O saue the life of this Prince, that is the onely all I will with my last breath demaund of you. With what face will you looke vpon your sister, when in reward of nourishing me in your greatest neede, you take away and in such sort take away that which is more deare to her then all the world, and is the onely comfort, wherewith she nourisheth her olde age? O giue not such an occasion to the noble Thessalians, for euer to curse the match that their Prince did make with the Macedon bloud. By my losse there followes no publique losse, for you are to hold the seate, and to prouide your selfe perchance of a worthier successor. But how can you or all the earth recompence that domage, that poore Thessalia shall sustaine? who sending out (whom otherwise they would no more haue spared then their owne eyes) their Prince to you, and you requesting to haue him, by you hee should thus dishonourably be extinguished. Set before you, I beseech you, the face of that miserable people, when no so oner shall the newes come that you haue met your Nephew, but withall they shall heare that you haue beheaded him. How manie teares they shall spend, how many coplaints they shal make, so manie iust execrations will light vpo you. And take heede O father (for since my death answeres my fault, while I liue I wil call vpo that deare name) Least seeking too precise a course of iustice, you be not thought most vniust: in weakning your neighbours mightie estate, by taking away their onely piller. In me, in me this matter beganne, in me let it receiue his ending. Assure your selfe no man will doubt your seuere obseruing the lawes, when it shal be knowne Euarchus hath killed Pyrocles. But the time of my euer farewell approcheth, if you do thinke my death sufficient for my fault, and doe not desire to make my death more miserable then death. Let these dying wordes of him, that was once your sonne, pearce your eares. Let Musidorus liue, and Pirocles shall liue in him, and you shall not want a childe. A childe cried out Musidorus, to him, that killes Pyrocles? with that againe he fell to intreate for Pyrocles, and Pyrocles as fast for Musidorus, each employing his wit how to shew himselfe most worthy to die, to such an admiration of all the beholders, that most of them examining the matter by their owne passions, thought Euarchus (as often extraordinarie excellencies, not being rightly conceiued, do rather offend then please) an obstinate hearted man, and such a one, who being pittilesse, his dominion must needes be insupportable. But Euarchus that felt his owne miserie more then they, and yet loued goodnesse more then himselfe, with such a sad assured behauiour as Cato killed himselfe withall, when he had heard the vttermost of that their speach tended vnto: he commaunded againe they should be carried away, rising vp from the seate (which he would much rather haue wished, should haue been his graue) and looking who would take the charge, whereto euerie one was exceeding backward. But as this pittifull matter was entring into, those that were next the Dukes bodie, might heare from vnder the veluet, wherewith he was couered, a great voice of groning. Whereat euerie man astonished, (and their spirites appalled with these former miseries, apt to take anie strange conceite) when they might perfitly perceiue the bodie stirre, Then some beganne to feare spirits, some to looke for a myracle, most to imagine they knew not what. But Philanax and Kerxenus, whose eies, honest loue (though to diuerse parties) held most attentiue, leapt to the table, and putting of the veluet couer, might plainly discerne, with as much wonder as gladnesse, that the Duke liued. For so it was, that the drinke he had receiued, was neither as Gynecia first imagined, a loue potion, nor as it was after thought, a deadly poyson, but a drinke made, by notable Arte, and as it was thought not without naturall magicke to procure for thirtie houres, such a deadly sleepe, as should oppresse all shew of life. The cause of the making of this drinke had first been, that a Princesse of Cyprus, graundmother to Gynecia, being notably learned, (and yet not able with al her learning, to answere the obiections of Cupid) did furiously loue a yoong nobleman of her fathers Court. Who fearing the kinges rage, and not once daring either to attempt or accept so high a place, shee made that sleeping drinke, and found meanes by a trustie seruaunt of hers, (who of purpose inuited him to his chamber) to procure him, that suspected no such thing, to receiue it. Which done, he no way able to resist, was secretly carried by him into a pleasant chamber, in the midst of a garden, she had of purpose prouided for this enterprise: where that space of time, pleasing her selfe with seeing and cherishing of him, when the time came of the drinks end of working, and he more astonished then if he had falne from the cloudes, she bad him choose either then to marrie her, and to promise to flie away with her in a bark she had made readie, or else she would presently crie out, and shewe in what place he was, with othe hee was come thither to rauish her. The noble man in these straightes, her beautie preuailed, he married her, and escaped the realme with her. And after many strange aduentures, were reconciled to the king her father, after whose death they raigned. But she gratefully remembring the seruice, that drinke had done her, preserued in a bottle (made by singular Arte long to keepe it without perishing) great quantitie of it, with the foretold inscription, which wrong interpreted by her daughter in law the Queene of Cyprus, was giuen by her to Gynecia at the time of her marriage, and the drinke finding an old body of Basilius, had kept him some houres longer in the trance, then it would haue done yoonger. But a good while it was, before good Basilius could come again to himself: in which time Euarchus more glad then of the whole worldes Monarchie, to be rid of his miserable magistracie, which euen in iustice he was now to surrender to the lawful Prince of that countrie; came from the Throne vnto him, and there with much adoe made him vnderstand, how these intricate matters had fallen out. Many garboiles passed through his fancie before he could be perswaded, Cleofila was other then a woman. At length remembring the Oracle, which now indeede was accomplished (not as before he had imagined) considering all had fallen out by the highest prouidence, and withall waying in all these matters his owne fault had been the greatest. The first thing he did, was with all honorable pompe, to send for Gynecia : who poore Ladie thought she was leading forth to her liuing buriall: and (when she came) to recount before all the people, the excellent vertue was in her, which she had not onely maintained all her life most vnspotted: but nowe was contented so miserably to die, to follow her husband. He told them how she had warned him to take heede of that drinke, and so withall the exaltinges of her that might be, he publikely desired her pardon, for those errours he had committed. And so kyssing her, left her to receiue the most honourable fame of anie Princesse throughout the world, all men thinking (sauing onely Pyrocles and Philoclea who neuer bewraied her) that she was the perfit mirrour of all wifely loue. Which though in that point vndeserued, she did in the remnant of her life daily purchase, with obseruing al dutie & faith to the example & glorie of Greece. So vncertain are mortall iudgments, the same person most infamous, and most famous, and neither iustly. Then with Princely entertainment to Euarchus, and many kinde words to Pyrocles, whom still he dearely loued though in a more vertuous kinde, the marriage was concluded, to the inestimable ioy of Euarchus, (towardes whom now Musidorus acknowledged, his fault betwixt these peerelesse Princes and Princesses. Philanax for his singular faith euer held deare of Basilius while he liued, and no lesse of Musidorus, who was to inherite that Dukedome, and therein confirmed to him and his, the second place of the Prouince, with great increase of his liuing to maintain it: which like proportion he vsed to Kalodulus in Thessalia: Highly honouring Kalander while he liued: and after his death continuing in the same measure to loue and aduannce this sonne Clitophon. But as for Sympathus, Pyrocles, (to whom his father in his owne time gaue the whole kingdome of Thrace) held him alwaies about him, giuing him in pure gift, the great Citie of Abdera: But the solemnities of these marriages, with the Arcadian pastoralles, full of many comicall aduentures, hapning to those rurall louers; the straunge stories of Artaxia and Plexirtus, Erona and Plangus; Helene and Amphialus, with the wonderfull chaunces that befell them: The shepheardish loues of Menalcas with Kalodulus daughter; the poore hopes of the poore Philisides in the pursuite of his affections; the strange continuance of Klaius and Strephons desire; Lastly the sonne of Pyrocles named Pyrophilus, and Melidora, the faire daughter of Pamela by Musidorus, who euen at their birth entred into admirable fortunes; may awake some other spirite to exercise his penne in that, wherewith mine is already dulled.
FINIS.