第154章

Madame Fiammetta, whose lockes of haire were curled, long, and like golden wiers, hanging somewhat downe over her white and delicate shoulders, her visage round, wherein the Damaske Rose and Lilly contended for priority, the eyes in her head, resembling those of the Faulcon messenger, and a dainty mouth; her lippes looking like two little Rubyes, with a commendable smile thus she replyed.

Philostratus, gladly I do accept your gift; and to the end that ye may the better remember your selfe, concerning what you have done hitherto: I will and command, that generall preparation be made against to morrow, for faire and happy fortunes hapning to Lovers, after former cruell and unkinde accidents.Which proposition was very pleasing to them all.

Then calling for the Master of the Houshold, and taking order with him, what was most needfull to be done; she gave leave unto the whole company (who were all risen) to go recreate themselves untill supper time.Some of them walked about the Garden, the beauty whereof banished the least thought of wearinesse.Others walked by the River to the Mill, which was not farre off, and the rest fell to exercises, fitting their owne fancies, untill they heard the summons for Supper.Hard by the goodly Fountaine (according to their wonted manner) they supped altogether, and were served to their no meane contentment: but being risen from the Table, they fell to their delight of singing and dancing.While Philomena led the dance, the Queene spake in this manner.

Philostratus, I intend not to varie from those courses heretofore observed by my predecessors, but even as they have already done, so it is my authority, to command a Song.And because I am well assured, that you are not unfurnished of Songs answerable to the quality of the passed Novels: my desire is, in regard we would not be troubled hereafter, with any more discourses of unfortunate Love, that you shall sing a Song agreeing with your owne disposition.Philostratus made answer, that hee was ready to accomplish her command, and without all further ceremony, thus he began.

THE SONG

Chorus.My teares do plainly prove, How justly that poore heart hath cause to greeve Which (under trust) findes Treason in his Love.

When first I saw her, that now makes me sigh, Distrust did never enter in my thoughts.

So many vertues clearly shin'd in her, That I esteem'd all martyrdome was light Which Love could lay on me.Nor did I greeve, Although I found my liberty was lost.

But now mine error I do plainly see:

Not without sorrow, thus betray'd to bee.

My teares do, etc.

For, being left by basest treachery Of her in whom I most reposed trust:

I then could see apparant flatterie In all the fairest shewes that she did make.

But when I strove to get forth of the snare, I found my selfe the further plunged in.

For I beheld another in my place, And I cast off, with manifest disgrace.

My, etc.

Then felt my heart such hels of heavy woes, Not utterable.I curst the day and houre When first I saw her lovely countenance, Enricht with beautie, farre beyond all other:

Which set my soule on fire, enflamde each part, Making a martyrdome of my poore hart.

My faith and hope being basely thus betrayde;I durst not moove, to speake I was affrayde.

My teares do, etc.

Thou canst (thou powerfull God of Love) perceive, My ceasselesse sorrow, voyde of any comfort:

I make my moane to thee, and do not fable, Desiring, that to end my misery, Death may come speedily, and with his Dart With one fierce stroke, quite passing through my heart:

To cut off future fell contending strife, An happy end be made of Love and Life.

My teares do, etc.

No other meanes of comfort doth remaine, To ease me of such sharpe afflictions, But onely death.Grant then that I may die, To finish greefe and life in one blest houre.

For, being bereft of any future joyes, Come, take me quickly from so false a friend.

Yet in my death, let thy great power approve, That I died true, and constant in my Love.

My teares do, etc.

Happy shall I account this sighing Song, If some (beside my selfe) do learne to sing it, And so consider of my miseries, As may incite them to lament my wrongs.

And to be warned by my wretched fate;

Least (like my selfe) themselves do sigh too late.

Learne Lovers, learne, what tis to be unjust, And be betrayed, where you repose best trust.

The words contained in this Song, did manifestly declare, what torturing afflictions poore Philostratus felt, and more (perhaps)had beene perceived by the lookes of the Lady whom he spake of, being then present in the dance; if the sodaine ensuing darknesse had not hid the crimson blush, which mounted up into her face.But the Song being ended, and divers other beside, lasting till the houre of rest drew on; by command of the Queene, they all repaired to their Chambers.

THE INDUCTION TO THE FIFT DAY

WHEREON, ALL THE DISCOURSES DO PASSE UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF THEMOST NOBLE LADY FIAMMETTA: CONCERNING SUCH PERSONS, AS HAVE BENESUCCESSEFULL IN THEIR LOVE, AFTER MANY HARD ANDPERILLOUS MISFORTUNES

Now began the Sunne to dart foorth his golden beames, when Madam Fiammetta (incited by the sweete singing Birdes, which since the breake of day, sat merrily chanting on the trees) arose from her bed: as all the other Ladies likewise did, and the three young Gentlemen descending downe into the fields, where they walked in a gentle pace on the greene grasse, untill the Sunne were risen a little higher.On many pleasant matters they conferred together, as they walked in severall companies, till at the length the Queene, finding the heate to enlarge it selfe strongly, returned backe to the Castle; where when they were all arrived, she commanded, that after this mornings walking, their stomackes should be refreshed with wholsom Wines, as also divers sorts of banquetting stuffe.