_The wonderfull and chaste resolved continency of faire Serictha,daughter to Siwalde King of Denmark, who being sought and sued unto bymany worthy persons, that did affect her dearly, would not looke anyman in the face, untill such time as she was married._
The tenth Novell.
_A very singular and worthy president, for all yong Ladies andGentlewomen: not rashly to bestow themselves in mariage, without theknowledge and consent of their Parents and Friends._
_Dioneus_ having diligently listened to the Queens singular discourse,so soone as she had concluded, and none now remaining but himselfe, togive a full period unto that dayes pleasure: without longer triflingthe time, or expecting any command from the Queene, thus he began.Gracious Ladies, I know that you do now expect from me, some suchqueint Tale, as shall be suteable to my merry disposition; rathersavouring of wantonnesse, then any discreet and sober wisedom; and sucha purpose indeed, I once had entertained. But having well observedall your severall relations, grounded on grave & worthy examples,especially the last, so notably delivered by the Queene: I cannot butcommend faire _Juliet_ of _Narbona_, in perfourming two such strangeimpossibilities, and conquering the unkindnesse of so cruel a husband.If my Tale come short of the precedent excellency, or give not suchcontent as you (perhaps) expect; accept my good will, and let me standengaged for a better heereafter.
The Annales of _Denmarke_ do make mention, that the King of the saidcountry, who was first set downe as Prince, contrary to the ancientcustom and lawes observed among the _Danes_, namely _Hunguinus_; had ason called _Siwalde_, who succeeded him in the estates and kingdome,belonging to his famous predecessors. That age, and the Court of thatRoyall Prince, was verie highly renowned, by the honour of faire_Serictha_, Daughter to the sayde _Siwalde_; who beside her generallrepute, of being a myracle of Nature, in perfection of beautie, andmost compleate in all that the heart of man could desire to note, ina body full of grace, gentlenesse, and whatsoever elsee, to attractthe eyes of everie one to beholde her: was also so chaste, modest,and bashfull, as it was meerely impossible, to prevaile so farre withher, that any man should come to speake with her. For, in those dayes,marriages were pursued and sought by valour, and by the onely opinion,which stoute Warriours conceived, of the vertuous qualities of a Ladie.Notwithstanding, never could any man make his vaunt, that she hadgiven him so much as a looke, or ever any one attained to the favour,to whisper a word in her eare. Because both the custome and will ofParents then (very respectively kept in those Northerne parts of theworld) of hearing such speak, as desired their daughters in marriage;grew from offering them some worthy services; and thereby compassedmeanes, to yeeld their contentation, by some gracious and kinde answers.
But she, who was farre off from the desire of any such follies,referring her selfe wholly to the will and disposition of the King herLord and Father; was so contrary, to give any living man an answer,that her eye never looked on any one speaking to her, appearing assparing in vouchsafing a glance, as her heart was free from a thoughtof affection. For, she had no other imagination, but that Maides, bothin their choise & will, ought to have any other disposition, but suchas should bee pleasing to their parents, either to graunt, or denie,according as they were guided by their grave judgement. In like manner,so well had shee brideled her sensuall appetites, with the curbe ofReason, Wisedome, and Providence; setting such a severe and constantrestraint, on the twinkling or motions of her eyes, in absoluteobedience to her Father; as never was she seene to turne her headaside, to lend one looke on any man of her age.
A worthy sight it was, to behold Knights errant, passing, repassing to_Denmarke_, and backe againe, labouring to conquer those setled eyes,to win the least signe of grace and favour, from her whom they sodutiously pursued, to steale but a silly glimpse or glance, and wouldhave thought it a kind of honourable theft. But this immovable rock ofbeauty, although she knew the disseignes of them which thus frequentedthe Court of the King her Father, and could not pretend ignorance oftheir endeavour, ayming onely at obtaining her in mariage: yet did shenot lend any look of her eye, yeelding the least signall of the heartsmotion, in affecting any thing whatsoever, but what it pleased herFather she should do.
_Serictha_ living in this strange and unusuall manner, it mooved maniePrinces and great Lords, to come and court her, contending both bysignes and words, to change her from this severe constancie, and makeknowne (if possible it might be) whether a woman would or could be soresolute, as to use no respect at all towards them, coming from somanie strange countries, to honour her in the Courts of the King herfather. But in these dayes of ours, if such a number of gallant spiritsshould come, to aske but one looke of some of our beauties; I amhalfe affraide, that they should finde the eyes of many of our daintydarlings, not so sparing of their glances, as those of _Serictha_ were.Considering, that our Courtiers of these times, are this way emulousone of another, and women are so forward in offering themselves, thatthey performe the office of suters, as fearing lest they should not besolicited, yea, though it bee in honest manner.
The King, who knew well enough, that a daughter was a treasure of somedanger to keepe, and growing doubtfull withall least (in the end)this so obstinate severity would be shaken, if once it came to passe,that his daughter should feele the piercing apprehensions of love, &whereof (as yet) she never had any experience; he determined to usesome remedy for this great concourse of lovers, and strange kinde ofcarriage in the Princesse his daughter. For, hee apparantly perceived,that such excelling beauty as was in _Serictha_, with those good andcommendable customes, and other ornaments of his daughters mind, couldnever attaine to such an height of perfection; but yet there would befound some men, so wittily accute and ingenious, as to convert andhumour a maid, according to their will, and make a mockery of them, whowere (before) of most high esteeme. Beside, among so great a troope ofLords, as daily made tender of their amorous service, some one or otherwould prove so happy, as (at the last) she should be his Mistresse.And therefore forbearing what otherwhise he had intended, as a finallconclusion of all such follies: calling his daughter alone to himselfein his Chamber, and standing cleere from all other attention, hee usedto her this, or the like Language.
I know not faire daughter, what reason may move you to shew yourselfe so disdainfull towards so many Noble and worthy men, as come tovisite you, and honour my Court with their presence, offering me theirlove and loyall service, under this onely pretence (as I perceive)of obtaining you, and compassing the happinesse (as it appearethin plaine strife among them) one day to winne the prize, you beingthe maine issue of all their hope. If it be bashfull modesty, which(indeede) ought to attend on all virgins of your yeares, and so veylesyour eyes, as (with honour) you cannot looke on any thing, but whatis your owne, or may not justly vouchsafe to see; I commend yourmaidenly continencie, which yet neverthelesse, I would not have to beeso severe; as (at length) your youth falling into mislike thereof, itmaybe the occasion of some great misfortune, either to you, or me,or elsee to us both together: considering what rapes are ordinarilycommitted in these quarters, and of Ladies equall every way to yourselfe; which happening, would presently be the cause of my death.
If it be in regard of some vow which you have consecrated to virginity,and to some one of our Gods: I seeke not therein to hinder yourdisseignes, neither will bereave the celestiall powers, of whatsoeverappertaineth to them. Albeit I could wish, that it should bee kept ina place more straited, and separate from the resort of men; to theend, that so bright a beauty as yours is, should cause no discordsamong amorous suters, neither my Court prove a Campe destinied untothe conclusion of such quarrelse, or you be the occasion of ruining somany, whose service would beseeme a much more needfull place, then todye heere by fond and foolish opinion of enjoying a vaine pleasure,yet remaining in the power of another bodie to grant. If therefore Ishall perceive, that these behaviours in you do proceede from pride, orcontempt of them, who endeavour to do you both honour and service, and insted of granting them a gracious looke, in
arrogancie you keepe fromthem, making them enemies to your folly and my sufferance: I sweare toyou by our greatest God, that I will take such due order, as shall makeyou feele the hand of an offended Father, and teach you (hencefoorth)to bee much more affable.
Wherefore deere daughter, you shall do me a singular pleasure, freelyto acquaint me with your minde, and the reasons of your so stricteseverity: promising you, upon the word and faith of a King, nay more,of a loving and kinde Father, that if I finde the cause to bee justand reasonable, I will desist so farre from hindering your intent,as you shal rather perceive my fatherly furtherance, and rest trulyresolved of my help and favour. Wherefore faire daughter, neither blushor dismay, or feare to let me understand your will; for evidently Isee, that meere virgin shame hath made a rapture of your soule, beeingnothing elsee but those true splendours of vertue derived from yourAuncestors, and shining in you most gloriously, gracing you with a muchricher embellishing, then those beauties bestowed on you by Nature.Speake therefore boldly to your Father, because there is no law toprohibit your speech to him: for when he commandeth, he ought to beeobeyed: promising uppon mine oath once againe, that if your reasons aresuch as they ought to be, I will not faile to accommodate your fancy.
The wise and vertuous Princesse, hearing the King to alledge suchgracious reasons, and to lay so kinde a command on her; making him mostlowe and humble reverence, in signe of dutifull accepting such favour,thus she answered. Royall Lord and Father, seeing that in your PrincelyCourt, I have gathered whatsoever may be termed vertuous in me, & youbeing the principall instructer of my life, from whom I have learnedthose lessons, how maides (of my age) ought to governe and maintainethemselves: you shall apparently perceive, that neither gazing lookes,which I ought not to yeelde without your consent, nor pride orarrogancie, never taught me by you, or the Queene my most honourableLady and Mother, are any occasion of my cariage towards them, whichcome to make ostentation of their folly in your Court, as if a meerelook of _Serictha_, were sufficient to yeeld assurance effectually oftheir desires victory.
Nothing (my most Royall Lord and Father) induceth mee to this kindeof behaviour, but onely due respect of your honour & mine owne: andto the end it may not be thought, that I belye my selfe, in not eyingthe affectionate offers of amorous pursuers, or have any other privatereserved meaning, then what may best please King _Siwalde_ my Father:let it suffice Sir, that it remaineth in your power onely, to make anapt election and choice for me; for I neither ought, nor will allowethe acceptance of any suters kindnesse, so much as by a looke (muchlesse then by words) untill your Highnesse shall nominate the man, tobe a meete husband for _Serictha_. It is onely you then (my Lord) thatbeares the true life-blood of our Ancestors. It is the untainted lifeof the Queene my Mother, that sets a chaste and strict restraint onmine eyes, from estranging my heart, to the idle amorous enticementsof young giddy-headed Gentlemen, and have sealed up my soule with anabsolute determination, rather to make choise of death, then any way toalter this my warrantable severity.
You being a wise King, and the worthie Father of _Serictha_, it isin you to mediate, counsell, and effect, what best shall beseeme thedesseignes of your daughter: because it is the vertue of children,yea, and their eternall glory and renowne, to illustrate the livesand memories of their parents. It consisteth in you, either to granthonest license to such Lords as desire me, or to oppose them with suchdiscreete conditions, as both your selfe may sit free from any furtherafflicting, and they rest defeated of dangerous dissentions, accordingas you foresee what may ensue. Which yet (neverthelesse) I hold as amatter impossible, if their discord should be grounded on the soleapprehension of their soules: and the onely prevention thereof, is, notto yeeld any signe, glance of the eie, or so much as a word more to oneman then another: for, such is the setled disposition of your daughterssoule, and which shee humbly entreateth, may so be still suffered.
Many meanes there are, whereby to winne the grace of the greatestKing, by employing their paines in worthy occasions, answerable untotheir yeeres and vertue, if any such sparkes of honour doe shine intheir soules; rather then by gaining heere any matter of so meanemoment, by endeavouring to shake the simplicity of a bashfull maide:Let them cleare the Kings high-wayes of Theeves, who make the passagesdifficult: or let them expell Pirates from off the Seas, which make our_Danish_ coasts every way inaccessible. These are such Noble meanesto merit, as may throw deserved recompence uppon them, and much moreworthily, then making Idols of Ladies lookes, or gazing for babiesin their wanton eyes. So may you bestowe on them what is your owne,granting _Serictha_ to behold none, but him who you shall please togive her: for otherwise, you know her absolute resolve, never to lookeany living man in the face, but onely you my gracious Lord and Father.
The King hearing this wise and modest answer of his daughter, couldnot choose but commend her in his heart; and smiling at the counsellwhich she gave him, returned her this answer. Understand me wel, fairedaughter; neither am I minded to breake your determination wholly, noryet to governe my selfe according to your fancie. I stand indifferentlycontented, that untill I have otherwise purposed, you shall continuethe nature of your ancient custome: yet conditionally, that when Icommand an alteration of your carriage, you faile not therein to declareyour obedience. What elsee remaineth beside, for so silly a thing as aWoman is, and for the private pleasing of so many great Princes andLords, I will not endanger any of their lives; because their parentsand friends (being sensible of such losses) may seeke revenge, perhapsto their owne ruine, and some following scourge to my indiscretion.For I consider (daughter) that I have neighbours who scarsely love me,and of whom (in time) I may right my selfe, having received (by theirmeanes) great wrongs & injuries. Also I make no doubt, but to manageyour love-sute with discretion, and set such a pleasing proceedingbetweene them, as neyther shall beget any hatred in them towards me,nor yet offend them in their affections pursuite, till fortune maysmile so favourably upon some one man, to reach the height of both ourwished desires.
_Siwalde_ was thus determinately resolved, to let his daughter live ather owne discretion, without any alteration of her continued severitie,perceiving day by day, that many came still to request her in mariage;& he could not give her to them all, nor make his choise of any one,least all the rest should become his enemies, and fall in quarrell onewith another. Onely this therefore was his ordination, that among sucha number of amorous suters, he onely should weare the Lawrell wreath ofvictory, who could obtaine such favour of _Serictha_, as but to lookehim in the face. This condition seemed to bee of no meane difficulty,yea, and so impossible, that many gave over their amorous enterprize:whereof _Serictha_ was wondrouslie joyfull, seeing her selfe easedof such tedious importunitie, dulling her eares with their profferedservices, and foppish allegations of fantasticke servitude: such asydle-headed Lovers do use to protest before their Mistresses, whereinthey may beleeve them, if they list.
Among all them that were thus forward in their heate of affection,there was a young _Danish_ Lord, named _Ocharus_, the sonne of aPirate, called _Hebonius_, the same man, who having stolne the Sisterunto King _Hunguinus_, and Sister to _Siwalde_, & affiancing himselfeto her, was slaine by King _Haldune_, and by thus killing him,enjoyed both the Lady, and the kingdome of the _Gothes_ also, as herinheritance. This _Ocharus_, relying much on his comelinesse of person,wealth, power, and valour, but (above all the rest) on his excellentand eloquent speaking; bestowed his best endeavour to obtaine_Serictha_, notwithstanding the contemptible carriage of the resttowards him; whereupon prevailing for his accesse to the Princesse, andadmitted to speake, as all the other did, he reasoned with her in thismanner.
Whence may it proceede, Madam, that you being the fairest and wisestPrincesse living at this day in all the Northerne parts, should make sosmall account of your selfe, as to denie that, which with honour you mayyeeld to them, as seeke to doe you most humble service; and forgettingthe rank you hold, doe refuse to deigne them recompence in any mannerwhatsoever, seeking onely to enjoy you in
honourable marriage? Perhapsyou are of opinion, that the gods should become slaves to yourbeauty, in which respect, men are utterly unworthy to crave any suchacquaintance of you. If it be so, I confesse my selfe conquered: But ifthe gods seeke no such association with women, and since they forsookethe World, they left this legacy to us men; I thinke you covet afternone, but such as are extracted of their blood, or may make vaunt oftheir neere kindred and alliance to them. I know that many have wished,and doe desire you: I know also, that as many have requested you ofthe King your Father, but the choyce remaineth in your power, and youbeing ordained the Judge, to distinguish the merit of all your Sutors;me thinkes you doe wrong to the office of a Judge; in not regardingthe parties which are in suite, to sentence the desert of the best andbravest, and so to delay them with no more lingering.
I cannot thinke Madam, that you are so farre out of your selfe, andso chill cold in your affection, but desire of occasions, equall toyour vertue and singular beauty, doe sometime touch you feelingly,and make you to wish for such a man, answerable to the greatnesse ofyour excellency. And if it should be otherwise (as I imagine it to beimpossible) yet you ought to breake such an obstinate designe, onelyto satisfie the King your Father, who can desire nothing more, then tohave a Sonne in Law, to revenge him on the Tyrant of _Swetia_; who,as you well know, was sometime the murtherer of your Grand-father_Hunguinus_, and also of his Father. If you please to vouchsafe meso much grace and favour, as to make me the man, whom your hearthath chosen to be your Husband; I sweare unto you by the honour ofa Souldier, that I will undergoe such service, as the King shall berevenged, you royally satisfied, and my selfe advanced to no meanehappinesse, by being the onely fortunate man of the World. GentlePrincesse, the most beautifull daughter to a King, open that indurateheart, and so soften it, that the sweete impressions of love may beengraven therein; see there the loyall pursuite of your _Ocharus_, who,to save his life, cannot so much as winne one looke from his divineMistresse.
This nicenesse is almost meerely barbarous, that I, wishing toadventure my life prodigally in your service, you are so cruell, asnot to deigne recompence to this duty of mine, with the least signe ofkindnesse that can be imagined. Faire _Serictha_, if you desire thedeath of your friendly servant _Ocharus_, there are many other meaneswhereby to performe it, without consuming him in so small a fire,and suffering him there to languish without any answere. If you willnot looke upon me; if my face be so unworthy, that one beame of yourbright Sunnes may not shine upon it: If a word of your mouth be tooprecious for me; make a signe with your hand, either of my happinesseor disaster. If your hand be envious of mine ease, let one of yourwomen be shee, to pronounce the sentence of life or death; because, ifmy life be hatefull to you, this hand of mine may satisfie your will,and sacrifice it to the rigour of your disdaine. But if (as I am ratherperswaded) the ruine of your servants be against your more mercifullwishes; deale so that I may perceive it, and expresse what compassionyou have of your _Ocharus_, who coveteth nothing more, then your dailyhearts ease and contentment, with a priviledge of honour above otherLadies. All this discourse was heard by _Serictha_, but so little wasshee moved therewith, as shee was farre enough off from returning himany answer, neither did any of the Gentlewomen attending on her, everheare her use the very least word to any of her amorous sollicitors,nor did shee know any one of them, but by speech onely, which drovethem all into an utter despaire, perceiving no possible meanes wherebyto conquer her.
The Histories of the Northerne Countries doe declare, that in thosetimes, the rapes of women were not much respected; and such as pursuedany Lady or Gentlewoman with love, were verily perswaded, that theynever made sufficient proofe of their amourous passions, if theyundertooke not all cunning stratagems, with adventure of their livesto all perils whatsoever, for the rape or stealth of them, whom theypurposed to enjoy in marriage. As we reade in the _Gothes_ Historyof _Gramo_, Sonne to the King of _Denmarke_, who being impatientlyamourous of the daughter to the King of the _Gothes_, and winning thelove of the Lady, stole her away, before her Parents or friends had anynotice thereof; by meanes of which rape, there followed a most bloodywarre betweene the _Gothes_ and the _Danes_. In recompence of whichinjury, _Sibdagerus_, King of _Norway_, being chosen chiefe Commanderof the _Swetians_ & _Gothes_, entred powerfully into _Denmarke_,where first he violated the Sister to King _Gramo_, and led away herDaughter, whom in the like manner he made his Spouse, as the _Dane_ haddone the Daughter of _Sigtruge_, Prince of the _Gothes_.
I induce these briefe narrations, onely to shew, that while _Ocharus_made honest and affable meanes, to win respect from _Serictha_, andused all honourable services to her, as the Daughter of so great aPrince worthily deserved: some there were, not halfe so conscientiousas he, especially one of the amourous sutors, who being weary ofthe strange carriages of _Serictha_, dissembling to prosecute hispurpose no further; prevailed so farre, that he corrupted one of herGovernesses, for secretly training her to such a place, where theravisher should lie in ambush to carry her away, so to enjoy her bypollicy, seeing all other meanes failed for to compasse his desire.
Behold to what a kind of foolish rage, which giddy headed dullardsdoe terme a naturall passion, they are led, who, being guided more bysensuality, then reason or discretion, follow the braine-sicke motionsof their rash apprehensions. He which pursueth, and protesteth to lovea Lady for her gentillity and vertue; knoweth not how to measure whatlove is, neither seeth or conceiveth, how farre the permission of hisowne endeavour extendeth. Moreover, you may observe, that never any agewas so grosse, or men so simple, but even almost from the beginning,avarice did hood-winke the hearts of men, and that (with gold) the verystrongest Fortification in the World hath beene broken, yea, and thebest bard gates laide wide open. _Serictha_, who shunned the light ofall men, and never distrusted them which kept about her; shee who neverknew (except some naturall sparke gave light to her understanding)what belonged to the embracements of men, must now (without dreamingthereon) fall as foode to the insatiable appetite of a wretch, whocompassed this surprisall of her, to glory in his owne lewdnesse, andmake a mocke of the Princesses setled constancy.
Shee, good Lady, following the councell of her trayterous guide, wentabroade on walking, but weakely accompanied, as one that admitted nomen to attend her, which shee might have repented very dearely, ifHeaven had not succoured her innocency, by the helpe of him, who wishedher as well as the ravisher, though their desires were quite contrary;the one to enjoy her by violence, but the other affecting rather todie, then doe the least act which might displease her. No sooner was_Serictha_ arrived at the destined place, where her false Governessewas to deliver her; but behold a second _Paris_ came, and seized onher, hurrying her in haste away, before any helpe could possibly rescueher; the place being farre off from any dwelling.
Now the ravisher durst not convey her to his owne abiding, to enjoythe benefit of his purchase; but haled her into a small thicket oftrees, where, although shee knew the evident perill, whereinto hersevere continency had now throwne her: yet notwithstanding, shee wouldnot lift up her eyes, to see what he was that had thus stolne her,so firmely shee dwelt upon grounded deliberation, and such was thevigor of her chaste resolve. And albeit shee knew a wickednesse (worsethen death) preparing for her, who had no other glory then in hervertue, and desire to live contentedly; yet was shee no more astounedthereat, then if hee had led her to the Palace of the King her Father:perswading herselfe, that violence done to the body, is no prejudice tohonour, when the mind is free and cleere from consent.
As thus this robber of beauty was preparing to massacre the modesty ofthe faire Princesse, shee resisted him with all her power, yea, anddefended her selfe so worthily, that he could not get one looke of hereye, one kisse of her cheeke, nor any advantage whatsoever, crying outshrilly, and strugling against him strongly: her outcryes were heardby one, who little imagined that shee was so neere, whom he lovedmore dearely then his owne life, namely, _Ocharus_; who was walkingaccidentally alone in this wood, devi
sing by what meanes hee mightwinne grace from his sterne Mistresse. No sooner tooke he knowledgeof her, and saw her (in the armes of another) to be ravished; but hecryed out to the thiefe, saying; Hand off villaine, let not such aslave as thou, prophane with an unreverend touch the sacred honour ofso chaste a Princesse, who deserveth to be more royally respected, thenthus rudely hurried: Hand off I say, or elsee I sweare by her divineperfections, whom I esteeme above all creatures in this World, to makethee die more miserably, then ever any man as yet did.
Whosoever had seene a Lyon or an Ounce rouse himselfe, chafing whenany one adventureth to rob him of his prey; and then with fierce eyes,mounted creasts, writhed tayles, and sharpened pawes, make against himthat durst to molest him. In the like manner did the ravisher shewhimselfe, and one while snarling, another while bristling the darteddisdainefull lookes at _Ocharus_, and spake to him in this manner. Vileand base Sea-thiefe, as thou art, welcome to thy deserved wages, andjust repayment for thy proud presuming. It glads my heart not a little,to meete thee here, where thou shalt soone perceive what good will Ibeare thee, and whether thou be worthy or no to enjoy the honour ofthis Lady, now in mine owne absolute possession. It will also encreaseher more ample perswasion of my worth, and pleade my merit moreeffectually in her favour; when shee shall see what a powerfull arme Ihave, to punish this proud insolence of a Pirate.
This harsh language was so distastfull to _Ocharus_, that like aBull, made angry by the teeth of some Mastive Dogge, or pricked bythe point of a weapon, he ran upon his enemy, and was so roughlywelcommed by him, as it could not easilly be judged which of them hadthe better advantage. But in the end Fortune favoured most the honestman, and _Ocharus_ having overthrowne the robber, hee smote the headof him quite from his shoulders, which he presented to her, whom hehad delivered out of so great a peril, and thus he spake. You maynow behold Madam, whether _Ocharus_ be a true lover of _Sericthaes_vertues, or no, and your knowledge fully resolved, at what end hisaffection aimeth; as also, how farre his honest desert extendeth,for you both to love him, and to recompence the loyall respect hehath used towards you. Never looke on the villaines face, who stroveto shame the King your Fathers Court, by violation of theevery, thechastest Princesse on the Earth; but regard _Ocharus_, who is readie tosacrifice himselfe, if you take as much pleasure in his ruine, as (hethinketh) hee hath given you contentment, by delivering you from thisTraytor.
Doth it not appeare unto you Madam, that I have as yet done enough,whereby to be thought a worthy Husband, for the royall Daughterof _Denmarke_? Have I not satisfied the Kings owne Ordinance, bydelivering his Daughter, as already I have done? Will _Serictha_ beso constant in her cruelty, as not to turne her eye towards him,who exposed his life, to no meane perill and daunger, onely in thedefence of her Chastity? Then I plainely perceive, that the wages ofmy devoire, is ranked amongest those precedent services, which I haveperformed for so hurtfull a beautie. Yet gentle Princesse, let me tellyou, my carriage hath bin of more importance, then all the otherscan be, and my merit no way to be compared with theirs; at least,if you pleased to make account of him, who is an unfeigned lover ofyour modesty, and devoutly honoureth your vertuous behaviour. And yetMadame, shall I have none other answere from you, but your perpetuallsilence? Can you continue so obstinate in your opinion, in making yourselfe still as strange to your _Ocharus_, as to the rest, who have noother affection, but onely to the bare outside of beauty? Why then,Royall Ladie, seeing (at this instant time) all my labour is but lost,and your heart seemeth much more hardned, in acknowledging any of myhonest services: at least yet let me bee so happy, as to conduct youbacke to the Palace, and restore you to that sacred safetie, which willbe my soules best comfort to behold.
No outward signe of kinde acceptation, did any way expresse itselfe inher, but rather as fearing, lest the commodiousnesse of the place sholdincite this young Lord, to forget all honest respect, and imitate theother in like basenesse. But he, who rather wished a thousand deathes,then any way to displease his Mistresse, as if hee were halfe doubtfullof her suspition, made offer of guiding her backe to the place, fromwhence shee had before bene stolne, where she found her company stillstaying, as not daring to stirre thence, to let the King know hisdaughters ill fortune; but when they saw her returne, and in thecompany of so worthie a Knight, they grew resolved, that no violencehad bene done unto her.
The Princesse, sharpely rebuking her women, for leaving her so baselyas they had done, gave charge to one of them (because she would notseeme altogether negligent & discourteous) that she being gone thence,she should not faile to thanke _Ocharus_, for the honest and faithfullservice he had done unto her, which she would continually remember,and recompence as it lay in her power. Neverthelesse, shee advised himwithall, not to hope of any more advantage thereby, then reason shouldrequire. For, if it were the will of the Gods, that she should be hiswife, neither she or any other could let or hinder it: but if herdestiny reserved her for another, all his services would availe to nopurpose, but rather to make her the more rigorous towards him.
This gracious answer, thus given him by her Gentlewoman, although itgave some small contentment to the poore languishing lover: yet heesaw no assured signe whereon to settle his resolve, but his hopesvanished away in smoake, as fast as opinion bred them in his braine.And gladly he would have given over all further amorous solicitings,but by some private perswasions of her message sent him, which in timemight so advance his services done for her sake, as would derive fargreater favours from her. Whereupon, he omitted no time or place, butas occasion gave him any gracious permission, still plied her memorie,with his manly rescuing her from the ravisher, sufficient to pleadehis merite to her Father, and that (in equity) she ought to bee hiswife, by right both of Honour and Armes; no man being able to deserveher, as he had done.
So long he pursued her in this manner, that his speeches seemed hatefullto her, and devising how to be free from his daily importunities, atlength, in the habite of a poore Chamber-maide, she secretly departedout of the Court, wandering into the solitary parts of the country;where she entered into service, and had the charge of keeping Sheepe.It may seeme strange, that a Kings onely daughter should stray insuch sort, and despising Courtly life, betake herselfe to paines andservility: but such was her resolution, and women delighting altogetherin extremes, spare no attempts to compasse their owne wils. All theCourt was in an uprore for the Ladies losse, the Father in no meaneaffliction, the Lovers well-nere beside their wits, and every one elseemost greevously tormented, that a Lady of such worth should so sodainlybe gone, and all pursuit made after her, gaine no knowledge of her.
In this high tide of sorrow and disaster, what shall we say of thegentle Lord _Ocharus_? What judgement can sound the depth of his wofullextreamity? Fearing least some other theefe had now made a secondstealth of his divine Goddesse; he must needs follow her againe,seeking quite throughout the world, never more returning backe to theCourt, nor to the place of his owne abiding, untill hee heard tidingsof his Mistresse, or ended his dayes in the search of her. No Village,Town, Cottage, Castle, or any place elsee of note or name, did heeleave unsought, but diligently he searched for _Serictha_; strivingto get knowledge, under what habit she lived thus concealed, but allhis labour was to no effect: which made him leave the places so muchfrequented, and visite the solitary desert shades, entering into allCaves and rusticke habitations, whereon hee could fasten his eye, toseeke for the lost Treasure of his soule.
On a day, as hee wandred along in a spacious valley, seated betweenetwo pleasant hilles, taking delight to heare the gentle murmure of therivers, running by the sides of two neighbouring rockes, planted withall kinde of trees, and very thickely spred with mosse: hee espied aflocke of Sheepe feeding on the grasse, and not farre off from themsate a Maide spinning on her Distaffe; who having got a sight of him,presently covered her face with a veile. Love, who sate as Sentinellboth in the heart and eye of the gentle _Norwegian_ Lord, as quicklydiscovered the subtilty of the faire Shephearddesse, enstructing theso
ule of _Ocharus_, that thus she hid her face, as coveting not tobe knowne: whereupon he gathered, that doubtlesse this was shee, forwhom he hadde sought with such tedious travaile, and therefore goingdirectly unto her, thus hee spake.
Gentle Princesse; wherefore do you thus hide your selfe from mee?Why do you haunt these retreats and desolate abodes, having power tocommand over infinite men, that cannot live but by your presence?What hath moved you Madame, to flye from company, to dwel among desertRockes, and serve as a slave, to such as are no way worthy of yourservice? Why do you forsake a potent King, whose onely daughter andhope you are; leaving your countrey and royall traine of Ladies,and so farre abasing your selfe, to live in the dejected state of aservant, and to some rusticke clowne or peazant? What reason have you,to despise so many worthy Lords, that dearely love and honour you, but(above them all) your poore slave _Ocharus_, who hath made no spare ofhis owne life, for the safety of yours, and also for the defence ofyour honour? Royal maid, I am the same man that delivered you from thevillaine, who would have violated your faire chastity; and since then,have not spared any payne or travell in your search: for whose losse,King _Siwalde_ is in extreme anguish, the _Danes_ in mourning habites,and _Ocharus_ even at the doore of death, being no way able to endureyour absence.
Are you of the minde, worthy Madame, that I have not hitherto deservedso much as one good looke or glance of your eye, in recompence ofso many good & loyall services? If Alas! I am neither ravisher, nordemander of any unjust requests, or elsee incivill in my motions:I may merit one regard of my Mistresse. I require onely so sillya favour, that her eyes may pay me the wages for all which I havehitherto done in her service. What would you do Madam, if I were animportunate solicitor, and requested farre greater matters of you, injust recompence of my labours? I do not desire, that you should embraceme. I am not so bold, as to request a kisse of _Sericthaes_, more thenimmortall lips. Nor doe I covet, that she should any otherwise entreatemee, then with such severity as beseemeth so great a Princesse. I askeno more, but onely to elevate your chaste eyes, and grace me withone little looke, as being the man, who for his vertue and loyallaffection, hath deserved more then that favour, yea, a much greaterand excellent recompence. Can you then be so cruell, as to denie me sosmall a thing, without regarde of the maine debt, wherein you standengaged to your _Ocharus_?
The Princesse perceiving that it availed nothing to conceale hirselfe, being by him so apparantly discovered; began now to speake(which she had never done before, either to him, or any other of heramorous suters) answering him in this manner. Lord _Ocharus_, it mightsuffice you, that your importunity made me forsake my Fathers Court,and causeth me to live in this abased condition, which I purpose toprosecute all my life time; or so long (at the least) as you, and suchas you are, pursue me so fondly as you have presumed to do. For I amresolved, never to favour you any otherwise, then hitherto I have done;desiring you therefore, that _Serictha_ wanting an Interpreter to tellyou her will, you would now receive it from her owne mouth, determiningsooner to dye, then alter a jot of her intended purpose.
_Ocharus_ hearing this unwelcome answer, was even upon the point tohave slaine himselfe: but yet, not to lose the name of a valiant man,or to be thought of an effeminate or cowardly spirite, that a Womanshould force him to an acte, so farre unfitting for a man of hisranke; hee tooke his leave of her, solemnly promising, not to forgether further pursuite, but at all times to obey her so long as helived, although her commaund was very hard for him to endure. So heedeparted thence, not unto the Court, she being not there, that hadthe power to enjoyne his presence: but home to his owne house, wherehe was no sooner arrived, but he began to waxe wearie of his formerfolly; accusing himselfe of great indiscretion, for spending so muchtime in vaine, and in her service, who utterly despised him, and allhis endeavours which he undertooke. He began to accuse her of greatingratitude, laying over-much respect uppon her vertue, to have nofeeling at all of his loyall sufferings; but meerely made a mockeryof his martyrdome. Heereupon, he concluded to give over all furtheraffection, to languish no longer for her sake, that hated him and allhis actions.
While he continued in these melancholly passions, the Princesse, whoall this while had persisted in such strict severity, as astonishedthe courages of her stoutest servants; considering (more deliberately)on the sincere affection of _Ocharus_, and that vertue onely made himthe friend to her modesty, and not wanton or lascivious appetite; shefelt a willing readinesse in her soule, to gratifie him in some worthymanner, and to recompence some part of his travailes. Which to effect,she resolved to follow him (in some counterfeite habite) even to theplace of his own abiding, to try, if easily he could take knowledge ofher, whom so lately he saw in the garments of a Shephearddesse. Beingthus minded, shee went to her Mistresse whom she served, and who hadlikewise seen Lord _Ocharus_ (of whom she had perfect knowledge) whenhee conferred with the Shephearddesse, and enquiring the cause, why heeresorted in that manner to her; _Serictha_ returned her this answer.
Mistresse, I make no doubt, but you will be somewhat amazed, and(perhaps) can hardly credit when you heare, that she who now servethyou in the poore degree of Shephearddesse, is the onely daughter to_Siwalde_ King of the _Danes_: for whose love, so many great Lords havecontinually laboured; and that I onely attracted hither _Ocharus_,the Noble Sonne of valiant _Hebonius_, to wander in these solitarydeserts, to finde out her that fled from him, and helde him in as highdisdaine, as I did all the rest of his fellow rivals. But if my wordsmay not heerein sufficiently assure you, I would advise you, to sendwhere _Ocharus_ dwelleth, & there make further enquiry of him, to theend that you may not imagine me a lyar. If my speeches do otherwiseprevaile with you, and you remain assured, that I am she, whom yourNoble neighbour so deerely affecteth, albeit I never made any accountat all of him: then I do earnestly intreat you, so much to stand myfriend, as to provide some convenient means for me, whereby I may passeunknowne to the Castle of _Ocharus_, to revenge my selfe on his civillhonesty, & smile at him hereafter, if he prove not so cleerely sighted,as to know her being neere him, whom he vaunteth to love above allwomen elsee.
The good Countrey-woman hearing these wordes, and perceyving that shehad the Princesse in her house, of whose speeches she made not anydoubt, in regard of her stout countenance, gravity, and faire demeanour,began to rellish something in her minde, farre differing from matterof common understanding, and therefore roundly replied in this kind oflanguage.
Madam (for servant I may no longer call you) I make no question tothe contrary, but that you are derived of high birth; having observedyour behaviour, and womanly carriage. And so much the more I remaineassured thereof, having seene such great honour done unto you, by theNoble Lord, and worthy Warriour _Ocharus_: wherefore, it lieth notin my power, to impeach your desseignes, much lesse to talke of yourlonger service, because you are the Princesse _Serictha_, whom I am toperforme all humble dutie unto, as being one of your meanest subjects.And although you were not shee, yet would I not presume any way tooffend you, in regarde of the true and vertuous love, which that goodKnight _Ocharus_ seemeth to beare you. If my company bee needefullfor you, I beseech you to accept it: if not, take whatsoever is mine,which may any way sted you; for, to make you passe unknowne, I can andwill provide sufficiently, even to your own contentment, and in suchstrange manner, as _Ocharus_ (were he never so cleerely sighted) shalbe deceived, you being attired in those fashion garments, which heerein these parts are usually worne.
_Serictha_ being wonderously joyfull at her answer, suffred hir topaint, or rather soile her faire face, with the juice of divers hearbesand rootes, and cloathed her in such an habite as those women use toweare that live in the mountaines of _Norway_, upon the sea-coastfronting _Great-Britain_. Being thus disguised, confidently shewent, to beguile the eie of her dearest friend, and so to returnebacke againe from him, having affoorded him such a secret favour, inrequitall of his honourable services; delivering her out of so greata danger, and comming to visite her in so solitarie a life. Nor w
ouldshe have the womans company any further, then till she came within thesight of _Ocharus_ his Castle; where when she was arrived (he beingthen absent) the mother unto the Noble Gentleman, gave her courteouswelcom; and, notwithstanding her grosse & homely outward appearance,yet she collected by her countenance, that there was a matter of muchmore worth in her, then to bee a woman of base breeding.
When _Ocharus_ was returned home, he received advertisement by hismother, concerning the arrivall of this stranger, when as sodainely hissoule halfe perswaded him, of some kinde courtesie to proceede from hissweet rebell, pretending now some feigned excuse, in recompence of allhis travailes, and passed honest offices. Observing all her actions andgestures, her wonted rigour never bending one jot, or gave way to hereye to looke upon any man; he grew the better assured, that she was thedaughter to King _Siwalde_. Yet feigning to take no knowledge thereof,he bethought himselfe of a queint policy, whereby to make triall,whether secret kindnesse had conducted this Lady thither, or no, toconclude his torments, and give a final end to his greevous afflictions.
Upon a watch-word given to his Mother, he pretended, and so caused itto be noised through the house, that he was to marry a very honourableLady; which the constant and chaste maide verily beleeved; andtherefore gave the more diligent attendance (as a new-come servant) tosee all things in due decency, as no one could expresse herselfe moreready, because she esteemed him above all other men. Yet such was theobstinate opinion she concerned of her owne precisenesse, as she wouldrather suffer all the flames of love, then expresse the least shew ofdesire to any man living. Neverthelesse, she was inwardly offended,that any other should have the honour, to make her vaunt of enjoying_Ocharus_; whom (indeed) she coveted, and thought him only worthy inher heart, to be Son in law to the King of _Denmarke_.
Now, as the Mother was very seriously busied in preparing the Castle,for receiving the pretended Bride; shee employed her new Mayde(_Serictha_ I meane) as busily as any of the rest. In the meanewhile, _Ocharus_ was laid upon a bed, well noting all her carriageand behaviour, shee having a lighted Candle in her hand, without anyCandlesticke to hold it in. As all the servants (both men and maids)were running hastily from place to place, to cary such occasions asthey were commanded, the candle was consumed so neere to _Sericthaes_fingers, that it burned hir hand. She, not to faile a jote in herheight of mind, and to declare that her corage was invincible; wasso farre off from casting away the small snuffe which offended her,that she rather graspt it the more strongly, even to the enflaming ofher owne flesh, which gave light to the rest about their businesse. Amatter (almost) as marvellous, as the acte of the noble _Romane_, whogave his hand to be burned, in presence of the _Tuscane_ King, that hadbesiedged _Rome_. Thus this Lady would needs make it apparantly knowne,by this generous acte of hers, that her heart could not be enflamed orconquered, by all the fires of concupiscence, in suffering so stoutlyand couragiously, the burning of this materiall fire.
_Ocharus_, who (as we have already saide) observed every thing that_Serictha_ did; perceiving that she spake not one worde, albeit herhand burned in such fierce manner, was much astonished at her sprightlymind. And as he was about to advise her, to hurle away the fire so muchoffending her; Curiositie (meerely naturall unto Women) made the Ladielift uppe her eyes, to see (by stealth) whether her friend had notedher invincible constancy, or no. Heereby _Ocharus_ won the honour ofhis long expected victory; and leaping from off the bed, hee ranne toembrace her, not with any such feare as he had formerly used, in notdaring so much as to touch her: but boldly now clasping his armes abouther, he said. At this instant Madam, the King your Fathers decree isfully accomplished, for I am the first man that ever you lookt in theface, & you are onely mine, without making any longer resistance. Youare the Princely Lady and wife, by me so constantly loved and desired,whom I have followed with such painefull travelse, exposing my lifeto infinite perils in your service: you have seene and lookt on him,who never craved any thing of you, but onely this favour, whereof youcannot bereave me againe, because the Gods themselves, at such time asI least expected it, have bestowne it on me, as my deserved recompence,and worthy reward.
In the delivery of these words, he kissed and embraced her a thousandtimes, shee not using any great resistance against him, but onelyas somewhat offended with her selfe, either for being so rash inlooking on him, or elsee for delaying his due merit so long; or rather,because with her good will shee had falne into the transgression. Sheedeclared no violent or contending motion, as loath to continue solong in his armes; but rather, evident signes of hearty contentment,yet in very bashfull and modest manner, willing enough to accept hisloving kindnesse, yet not wandring from her wonted chaste carriage. Hebeing favourably excused, for the outward expression of his amourousbehaviour to her, and certified withall, that since the time of freeingher from the wretch, who sought the violating of her chastity, shee hadentirely respected him, (albeit, to shun suspition of lightnesse, andto win more assurance, of what shee credited sufficiently already, sheecontinued her stiffe opinion against him) yet alwayes this resolutionwas set downe in her soule, never (with her will) to have any otherHusband but _Ocharus_, who (above all other) had best deserved her, byhis generosity, vertue, manly courage, and valiancy; whereof he mightthe better assure himselfe, because (of her owne voluntary disposition)shee followed to find him out, not for any other occasion, but torevenge her selfe (by this honest Office) for all that he had done orundertaken, to winne the grace and love of the King of _Denmarkes_Daughter, to whom he presented such dutifull service.
_Ocharus_, who would not loose this happinesse, to be made King ofall the Northerne Ilands, with more then a thankfull heart, acceptedall her gracious excuses. And being desirous to waste no longer timein vaine, lest Fortune should raise some new stratagem against him,to dispossesse him of so faire a felicity; left off his counterfeitintended marriage, and effected this in good earnest, and was weddedto his most esteemed _Serictha_. Not long had these lovers lived inthe lawfull and sacred rites of marriage, but King _Siwalde_ wasadvertised, that his Daughter had given her consent to _Ocharus_, andreceived him as her noble Husband. The party was not a jot displeasingto him, hee thought him to be a worthy Son in Law, and the conditiondid sufficiently excuse the match; onely herein lay the error andoffence, that the marriage was sollemnized without his knowledge andconsent, he being not called thereto, or so much as acquainting himtherewith, which made him condemne _Ocharus_ of overbold arrogancy, hebeing such a great and powerfull King, to be so lightly respected byhis Subject, and especially in the marriage of his Daughter.
But _Serictha_, who was now metamorphosed from a maide to a wife,and had lyen a few nights by the side of a Soldiour, was become muchmore valiant and adventurous then she was before. She took the matterin hand, went to her Father, who welcommed her most lovingly, andso pleasing were her speeches, carried with such wit and womanlydiscretion, that nothing wanted to approve what she had done. Matterswhich he had never knowne, or so much as heard of, were now openlyrevealed, how _Ocharus_ had delivered her from the ravisher, whatworthie respect he then used towards her, and what honour he extendedto her in the deserts, where she tended her flocke as a Shephearddesse,with manie other honourable actions beside: that the Kings anger becamemildely qualified, and so farre he entred into affection, that he wouldnot do any thing thence-forward, without the counsell and advise of hisSonne in Law, whom so highly he esteemed, and liked so respectively ofhim, and his race; that his Queene dying, hee married with the Sisterto _Ocharus_, going hand in band with the gentle and modest Princesse_Serictha_.
This Novell of _Dioneus_, was commended by all the company, and so muchthe rather, because it was free from all folly and obscennesse. And theQueene perceiving, that as the Tale was ended, so her dignitie mustnow be expired: she tooke the Crowne of Laurell from off her head, &graciously placed it on the head of _Philostratus_, saying; The worthyDiscourse of _Dioneus_, being out of his wonted wanton element, causethmee (at the resignation of mine Authority) to make
choise of him as ournext Commander, who is best able to order and enstruct us all; and so Iyeeld both my place and honour to _Philostratus_, I hope with the goodliking of all our assistants: as plainly appeareth by their instantcarriage towards him, with all their heartiest love and sufferages.
Whereupon _Philostratus_, beginning to consider on the charge committedto his care, called the Maister of the houshold, to knowe in whatestate all matters were, because where any defect appeared, everiething might be the sooner remedied, for the better satisfaction ofthe company, during the time of his authority. Then returning backeto the assembly, thus he began. Lovely Ladies, I would have you toknowe, that since the time of ability in me, to distinguish betweenegood and evill, I have alwayes bene subject (perhaps by the meanes ofsome beautie heere among us) to the proud and imperious dominion oflove, with expression of all duty, humility, and most intimate desireto please: yet all hath prooved to no purpose, but still I have binrejected for some other, whereby my condition hath falne from ill toworse, and so still it is likely, even to the houre of my death. Inwhich respect, it best pleaseth me, that our conferences to morrow,shal extend to no other argument, but only such cases as are mostconformable to my calamity, namely of such, whose love hath had unhappyending, because I await no other issue of mine; nor willingly would Ibe called by any other name, but onely, the miserable and unfortunateLover.
Having thus spoken, he arose againe; granting leave to the rest, torecreate themselves till supper time. The Garden was very faire andspacious, affoording large limits for their severall walkes; theSun being already so low descended, that it could not be offensiveto anyone, the Connies, Kids, and young Hindes skipping every whereabout them, to their no meane pleasure and contentment. _Dioneus_ &_Fiammetta_, sate singing together, of _Messire Guiglielmo_ and theLady of _Vertue. Philomena_ and _Pamphilus_ playing at the Chesse, allsporting themselves as best they pleased. But the houre of Supper beingcome, and the Tables covered about the faire fountaine, they sate downeand supt in most loving manner. Then _Philostratus_, not to swerve fromthe course which had beene observed by the Queenes before him, so sooneas the Tables were taken away, gave command, that Madam _Lauretta_should beginne the dance, and likewise to sing a Song. My graciousLord (quoth shee) I can skill of no other Songs, but onely a peece ofmine owne, which I have already learned by heart, & may well beseemethis faire assembly: if you please to allow of that, I am ready toperforme it with all obedience. Lady, replyed the King, you your selfebeing so faire and lovely, so needs must be whatsoever commeth fromyou, therefore let us heare such as you have. Madam _Lauretta_, givingenstruction to the Chorus, prepared, and began in this manner.
_The Song.
No soule so comfortlesse, Hath more cause to expresse, Like woe and heavinesse, As I poore amorous Maide.
He that did forme the Heavens and every Starre, Made me as best him pleased, Lovely and gracious, no Element at jarre, Or elsee in gentle breasts to moove sterne Warre, But to have strifes appeased Where Beauties eye should make the deepest scarre. And yet when all things are confest, Never was any soule distrest, Like mine poore amorous Maide. No soule so comfortlesse, &c.
There was a time, when once I was helde deare, Blest were those happy dayes: Numberlesse Love-suites whispred in mine eare, All of faire hope, but none of desperate feare; And all sung Beauties praise. Why should blacke clowdes obscure so bright a cleare? And why should others swimme in joy, And no heart drowned in annoy, Like mine poore amorous Maide? No soule so comfortlesse, &c.
Well may I curse that sad and dismall day, When in unkinde exchange; Another Beauty did my hopes betray, And stole my dearest Love from me away: Which I thought very strange, Considering vowes were past, and what elsee may Assure a loyall Maidens trust, Never was Lover so unjust, Like mine poore amorous Maide. No soule so comfortlesse, &c.
Come then kinde Death, and finish all my woes, Thy helpe is now the best. Come lovely Nymphes, lend hands mine eyes to close, And let him wander wheresoere he goes, Vaunting of mine unrest; Beguiling others by his treacherous showes, Grave on my Monument, No true love was worse spent, Then mine poore amorous Maide. No soule so comfortlesse, &c._
So did Madam _Lauretta_ finish her Song, which beeing well observed ofthem all, was understood by some in divers kinds: some alluding it oneway, & others according to their own apprehensions, but all consenting,that both it was an excellent Ditty, well devised, and most sweetlysung. Afterward, lighted Torches being brought, because the Stars hadalready richly spangled all the heavens, and the fit houre of restapproaching: the King commanded them all to their Chambers, where weemeane to leave them untill the next morning.
_The End of the Third Day._