In keeping with the purposes of this edition I have very lightly annotated. Excellent annotations are available in the Cerasano and Wynne-Davies edition in Renaissance Drama by Women and in my own edition in Early Modern Women's Writing : An Anthology.

Venus and Cupid*: The Penshurst MS begins like a Jacobean masque with venus and Cupid appearing, and Venus precipitating the action (as she does the denouement in Penshurst). In Huntington their role is diminished, even taking into account the missing last section of Act Five.

Ioy's lost for liues vnrest indeed I ∫ee

alas poore sheapheard mi∫erable mee

Yett faire Mu∫ella loue, and worthy bee

I blame thee nott, butt mine owne mi∫erie

liue you still hapy, and inioy your loue,

and lett loues paine in mee destre∫sed moue

for ∫ince itt is my freind thou doest affect

then wrong him once my ∫elf I will neglect,

and thus in ∫ecrett will my pa∫sion hide

till time, or fortune doth my feare de∫ide

making my loue apeere as the bright morne,

w^thout, or mist, or cloud, but truly borne,

Love's Victory

Philisses:

You pleasant flow'ry mead

Which I did once well love,

your paths no more I'll tread,

your pleasures no more prove,

your beauty more admire,

your colours more adore,

nor grass with daintiest store

of sweets to breed desire.

Walks once so sought for now

I shun you for the dark,

birds to whose song did bow,

my ears your notes ne'er mark;

brook which so pleasing was

upon whose banks I lay,

and on my pipe did play,

now, unregarded pass.

Meadows, paths, grass, flowers,

walks, birds, brook, truly find

all prove but as vain showers

wished welcome, else unkind.

You once I loved best

but love makes me you leave,

by love I love deceive.

Joy's lost for lives unrest, indeed I see,

Alas, poor shepherd, miserable me.

Yet fair Musella love, and worthy be:

I blame thee not, but mine own misery;

live you still happy, and enjoy your love,

and let love's pain in me distressed move,

for since it is my friend thou dost affect

than wrong him once, myself I will neglect,

and thus in secret will my passion hide

till time, or fortune doth my fear decide,

making my love appear as the bright morn,

without or mist, or cloud, but truly borne.

Lissius:

Joyful pleasant spring

which comforts to us bring

flourish in your pride;

never let decay

your delights allay

since joy is to you tied.

Philisses: No joy is tied to you, you 'tis do prove

the pleasure of your friend's unhappy love;

'tis you enjoy the comfort of my pain,

'tis I that love, and you that love obtain.

Lissius:

Let no frost nor wind

your dainty colours blind,

but rather cherish

your most pleasing sight;

let never winter bite

nor season perish.

Loues Victorie ƒ [ Loues Victory:]*

Phili∫ses*

You plea∫ant floury meade

w^ch I did once well loue

your [ yor] pathes noe more I'le tread

your [ yor] plea∫ures noe more proue

your [ yor] beauty more admire

your [ yor] coulers more adore

nor gras [ gra∫s] w^t [ wth] daintiest store

of ∫weets to breed de∫ire, [ de∫ire]

Walks[ Waulks] once ∫oe ∫ought for now

I shunn [ shun] you for the darcke, [ dark]

birds to who∫e ∫ong did bow

my [ mine] eares [ ears] your notes nere mark;

brooke [ Brook] w^ch ∫oe plea∫ing was

vpon who∫e banks I lay,

and on my pipe did play

now, vnreguarded pa∫s,[ pas]

Meadowes, pathes, gra∫s, flouers [ gra∫se, flowrs]

walkes, birds, brooke, truly finde

all proue butt as Vaine shouers

wish'd wellcome [ wellcome,] els vnkind: [ unkind]

you once I loued best

butt loue makes mee you leaue

by loue I loue de∫eaue [ deceaue]

Joy's lost for liues vnrest

Ioy's lost for liues vnrest indeed I ∫ee

alas poore sheapheard mi∫erable mee

Yett faire Mu∫ella loue, and worthy bee

I blame thee nott, butt mine owne mi∫erie

liue you still hapy, and inioy your [ yor] loue,

and lett loues paine [ loue paines] in mee destre∫sed moue

for ∫ince itt is my freind thou doest affect

then wrong him once my ∫elf I will neglect ,[ neglect]

and thus in ∫ecrett will my pa∫sion [ pa∫sions] hide

till time,[ time] or fortune doth my feare de∫ide

making my loue apeere as the bright morne,

w^thout, or mist, or cloud, but truly borne,

Li∫sius

Ioyfull [ Joyfull] plea∫ant spring

w^ch comforts to vs bring

flourish [ flowrish]in yo^r pride

neuer lett decay

your delights alay

∫ince ioye is to you ti'de, [ tide]

Phi:

Noe ioye is tide to you, you t'is doe proue

the plea∫ure of your [ yor]freinds vnhapy loue

t'is you enioy [ inioy] the comfort of my paine,[ paine]

t'is I that loue, and you that loue obtaine,

Li∫sius, [ Liss:]

Lett noe frost nor wind

your dainty [ daintiest] coulers blind

butt rather cherish

your most plea∫ing [ pleasant] ∫ight

lett neuer winter bite

nor ∫ea∫on perish

Phi:

I cannott perish more then now I doe

vnle∫s my death my mi∫eries vndoe

Li∫sius is hapy, butt phili∫ses curst

loue ∫eekes to him, on mee hee doth his wurst,

and doe thy wurst on mee still froward boy

more ill thou can'st nott, butt poore lyfe destroy

w^ch doe, and glory in thy conquest gott

all men must dy, and loue drew my ill lott

My deare Phili∫ses what alone, and ∫ad,

nether, butt mu∫ing Why the best is bad

butt you were merry I'le nott marr yo^r ∫ong

my thoughts ar tedious, and for you to long ex:

Alas what meanes this, ∫urely itt is loue

that makes in him this alteration moue,

this is the humor makes our sheapheards raue

I'le non of this, I'le ∫ouner ∫eeke my graue

loue, by your fauour, I will non of you

I rather you should mi∫s, then I should ∫ue

yett Cupid, poore Phili∫ses back restore

to his first witts, and I'le affect thee more; ex:

Faire shining day, and thou Apollo bright

w^ch to the∫e plea∫ant Vallys giues thy light,

and w^t ∫weet shoures mixt w^th golden beames

inrich the∫e meadowes, and the∫e gliding streames

Wherin thou ∫eest thy face like mirrour faire

dre∫sing in them thy curling, shining haire;

this place w^th ∫weetest flouers still doth deck

who∫e coulers show theyr pride, free from the check

of fortunes frowne ∫oe long as spring doth last

butt then feele chang, wherof all others tast

as I for one, who thus my habitts chang

Once sheapherde∫s, butt now in woods must rang,

and after the chaste Gode∫s beare her bowe,

though ∫eruice once to Venus I did owe,

who∫e ∫eruante then I was, and of her band

butt farewell folly, I w^th Dian stand

against loues changings, and blind foulery

to hold w^th hapy, and ble∫'sd chastity

for loue is idle hapines ther's none

when freedomes lost, and chastity is gone,

and where, on earth most ble∫sednes their is

loues fond de∫ires neuer faile to mi∫s,

and this beeleeue mee you will truly find

lett nott repentance therfor chang yo^r mind

butt chang befor, yo^r glory wilbee most

When as the waggish boy can least him bost;

for hee doth ∫eeke to kindle flames of fire

butt neuer thinks to quench; a chaste de∫ire

hee calls his foe; hee hates non more then tho∫e

who ∫triues his lawe to shun, and this haue chose

Philisses:

I cannot perish more than now I do,

unless my death my miseries undo.

Lissius is happy, but Philisses cursed,

love seeks to him, on me he doth his worst --

and do thy worst on me still froward boy,

more ill thou canst not, but poor life destroy,

which do, and glory in thy conquest got,

all men must die, and love drew my ill lot.

Lissius:

My dear Philisses, what alone, and sad?

Philisses:

Neither, but musing why the best is bad;

but you were merry, I'll not mar your song

my thoughts are tedious, and for you too long.

Lissius:

Alas, what means this? Surely it is love

that makes in him this alteration move.

This is the humour makes our shepherds rave;

I'll none of this, I'll sooner seek my grave.

Love, by your favour, I will none of you.

I rather you should miss, than I should sue --

yet Cupid, poor Philisses back restore

to his first wits, and I'll affect thee more.

Silvesta:

Fair shining day, and thou Apollo bright

which to these pleasant valleys gives thy light,

and with sweet showers mixed with golden beams

enrich these meadows, and these gliding streams

wherein thou seest thy face like mirror fair

dressing in them thy curling, shining hair;

this place with sweetest flowers still doth deck

whose colours show their pride, free from the check

of fortunes frown so long as spring doth last,

but then feel change, whereof all others taste

as I for one, who thus my habits change.

Once shepherdess, but now in woods must range,

and after the chaste Goddess bear her bow,

though service once to Venus I did owe,

whose servant then I was, and of her band;

but farewell folly, I with Dian stand

against love's changings and blind foolery,

to hold with happy and blest chastity,

for love is idle happiness; there's none

when freedom's lost, and chastity is gone,

and where on earth most blessedness there is,

love's fond desires never fail to miss,

and this believe me you will truly find.

Let not repentance therefore change your mind,

but change before, your glory will be most

when as the waggish boy can least him boast;

for he doth seek to kindle flames of fire,

but never thinks to quench; a chaste desire

he calls his foe; he hates none more than those

who strives his law to shun, and this have chose.

ex: Wroth marks numerous exits in both manuscripts, clearly envisaging the technical requirements for a performance.

Phi:

I cannott perish more then now I doe

vnle∫s my death my mi∫eries vndoe

Li∫sius is hapy, [ happy] butt phili∫ses[ Phili∫ses] curst

loue ∫eekes to him, on mee hee doth his wurst,

and doe thy wurst on mee still froward boy

more ill thou can'st [ canst] nott, butt poore lyfe destroy

w^ch doe, and glory in thy conquest gott

all men must dy, and loue drew [ drewe] my ill lott

Li∫sius, [ Liss:]

My deare [ deere] Phili∫ses what alone, and ∫ad,

Phi:

nether [ Neither], butt mu∫ing why the best is bad

butt you were merry I'le nott marr yo^r [ your] ∫ong

my thoughts ar tedious, and for you to [ too]long [ longe;]ex:*

Li: [ Liss:]

Alas what meanes this,[ ?] ∫urely itt is loue

that makes [ doth] in him this alteration moue,

this is the humor makes our sheapheards [ sheapherds] raue

I'le non of this, I'le ∫ouner [ rather] ∫eeke my graue

loue,[ Loue] by your fauour,[ fauor] I will non of you

I rather you should mi∫s, [ mi∫s] then I should [ showld] ∫ue

yett Cupid, [ Cupid] poore Phili∫ses back restore

to his first witts, and I'le affect thee more; ex: [ more]

Siluesta:

Faire shining day, and thou Apollo bright

w^ch to the∫e plea∫ant Vallys [ vallies] giues thy [ pleasant] light,

and w^t ∫weet shoures [ showrs] mixt w^th golden beames

inrich the∫e [ thes] meadowes, and the∫e gliding streames[ streams]

Wherin thou ∫eest thy face like mirrour [ mirror] faire

dre∫sing in them thy curling,[ curling] shining haire;[ haire]

this place w^th ∫weetest flouers [ flowres] still doth deck

who∫e coulers [ colors] show [ shew] theyr pride, free from the check

of fortunes frowne ∫oe long as spring doth last

butt then feele change, [ change]wherof all others tast

as I for one, who thus my habitts change

Once sheapherde∫s, [ sheapherde∫s] butt now in woods must range,

and after the chaste Gode∫s beare her bowe, [ bowe]

though ∫eruice once to Venus I did owe, [ owe]

who∫e ∫eruante then I was, and of her band

butt farewell folly, [ folly] I w^th Dian stand

against loues changings, [ changinge] and blind foulery [ foulerie]

to hold w^th hapy, and ble∫'sd [ blest] chastity

for loue is idle hapines ther's none

when freedomes [ freedom's] lost, and chastity is gone, [ gon]

and where, on earth most ble∫sednes their [ ther] is

loues fond de∫ires neuer faile to mi∫s,

and this beeleeue mee you will truly find

lett nott repentance therfor change yor [ your] mind

butt chang [ change] befor, [ beefor] yo^r [ your] glory wilbee most

When as the waggish boy [ boye] can least him bost;[ boast]

for hee doth ∫eeke to kindle flames of fire

butt neuer thinks to quench; [ heale] a chaste de∫ire

hee calls his foe; hee hates non more then tho∫e

who ∫triues [ striue] his lawe to shun, and this haue [ life] chose

All Vertu hates, his kingdomes wantones

his crowne de∫ires, his ∫epter idlenes

his wounds hott fires, his helps like frost

glad to hurt, butt neuer heales; think's time lost

if any gaine theyr long ∫ought ioye w^t bli∫s,

and this the gouernment of folly is:

Butt heere Phili∫ses comes, poore sheapheard lad

w^t loues hott fires, and his owne made mad,

I must away, my Vowe allowes noe ∫ight

of men, yett must I pitty him poore wight

though hee reiecting mee this change haue wrought

hee shalbee noe le∫s worthy in my thought;

yett wish I doe hee were as free as I

then were hee hapy now feels mi∫ery;

for thanks to heauen, and to the Gods aboue

I haue wunn chastity in place of loue;

now loue's as farr from mee as neuer knowne,

then bacely tied, now freely ame mine owne;

slauery, and bondage w^th mourning care

was then my liuing, ∫ighs, and teares my fare,

butt all the∫e gon now liue I ioyfully

free, and vntouch'd of thought but chastitye, ex:

Loue beeing mist in heauen att last was found

lodg'd in Mu∫ella's faire though cruell brest

cruell alas, yett wheron I must ground

all hopes of ioye, though tired w^th vnrest;

O deerest deere, lett plaints which true felt are

gaine pitty once doe nott delight to proue

∫oe mercyles, still killing w^th despaire

nor plea∫ure take ∫oe much to try my loue;

Yett if your triall, will you milder make,

try, butt nott long, least pitty come to late;

butt Ô. she can nott, may nott, will nott take

pitty on mee, she loues, and lends mee hate,

Fy my Phili∫ses will you euer fly

my ∫ight that loues you, and your good de∫ires

All virtue hates his kingdom's wantonness,

his crown desires, his sceptre idleness,

his wounds' hot fires, his helps like frost

glad to hurt, but never heals; thinks time lost

if any gain their long sought joy with bliss,

and this the government of folly is.

But here Philisses comes, poor shepherd lad,

with love's hot fires, and his own, made mad.

I must away, my vow allows no sight

of men, yet must I pity him, poor wight,

though he rejecting me this change have wrought,

he shall be no less worthy in my thought;

yet wish I do he were as free as I,

then were he happy, now feels misery;

for thanks to heaven, and to the gods above

I have won chastity in place of love.

Now love's as far from me as never known,

then basely tied, now freely am mine own;

slavery and bondage with mourning care

was then my living, sighs and tears my fare.

But all these gone, now live I joyfully

free, and untouched of thought but chastity.

Philisses:

Love being missed in heaven at last was found

lodged in Musella's fair though cruel breast.

Cruel, alas, yet whereon I must ground

all hopes of joy, though tired with unrest.

O dearest dear, let plaints which true felt are

gain pity once; do not delight to prove

so merciless, still killing with despair,

nor pleasure take so much to try my love.

Yet if your trialwill you milder make,

try, but not long, lest pity come too late.

But O, she cannot, may not, will not take

pity on me; she loves, and lends me hate.

Lissius:

Fie, my Philisses will you ever fly

my sight that love you, and your good desires?

Philisses:

Fly you dear Lissius, no, but still a cry

I hear that says I burn in scorner's fires.

Farewell good Lissius, I will soon return,

but not to you, a rival like to burn.

Lissius:

Ah poor Philisses: would I knew thy pain

that as I now lament, might help obtain,

but yet in love they say none should be used

but self-deserts, lest trust might be abused.

A Forester:

Did ever cruelty itself thus show?

Did ever heaven our mildness thus far move?

reiecting mee: Silvesta's rejection by Philisses, which drove her to renounce Venus and embrace Diana, is part of the play's complex network of misplaced, misunderstood and trejected desire. While much is resolved by the end of the play (in Penshurst), a number of characters fail to gain their desire, and Silvesta concludes somewhat ambiguously by offering Forester her 'chaste love'.

A Forester: Forester, unlike the shepherds, offers what Wynne-Davies in her edn. has referred to as an example of neoPlatonic love. He remains true to Silvesta throughout the play.

All Vertu hates, his kingdomes [ kingdom's ]wantonnes

his crowne [ Crowne] de∫ires, his ∫epter idleness [ Idlenes]

his wounds hott fires [ are], his helps like frost

glad to hurt, butt neuer heales; [ ,] think's [ thinks] time lost

if any gaine theyr long ∫ought ioye w^t bli∫s,

and this the gouernment of folly is:

Butt heere Phili∫ses comes, poore sheapheard lad

w^t [ w^th ] loues hott fires, and his owne made mad,

I must away, my Vowe allowes noe ∫ight

of men, yett must I pitty him poore wight

though hee reiecting mee* this change haue wrought

hee shalbee [ shalbe] noe le∫s worthy in my thought;

yett wish I doe hee were as free as I

then were hee hapy [ happy] now feels mi∫ery;

for [ For] thanks to heauen, and to the Gods [ gods] aboue

I haue wunn [ wun] chastity in place of loue;

now loue's as farr from mee as neuer knowne, [ knowne]

then bacely tied, [ tyde,] now freely ame mine owne;

slauery, and bondage w^th [ w^t ] mourning care

was [ were] then my liuing, ∫ighs, and teares my fare,

butt all the∫e [ thes] gon now liue I ioyfully

free, and vntouch'd of thought but [ butt] chastitye, ex: [ chastity]

Phi:

Loue beeing mist in heauen [ heau'n] att last was found

lodg'd in Mu∫ella's faire though cruell brest

cruell [ ,] alas, yett wheron I must ground

all hopes of ioye, though tired w^th [ w^t ] vnrest;

O deerest [ heerest] deere, lett plaints which [ w^ch] true felt are

gaine pitty once, doe nott delight to proue

∫oe mercyles, [ merciles] still killing w^th despaire [ dispaire,]

nor plea∫ure take ∫oe much to try my loue; [ loue]

Yett [ yett] if your triall, will you milder make,

try, butt nott long, least pitty come to late; [ late]

butt Ô. [ o] she can nott, may nott, [ may nott, cannott,] will nott take

pitty on mee, she loues, and lends mee hate,

Li: [ Li∫sius,]

Fy my Phili∫ses will you euer fly

my ∫ight that loues you, and your good de∫ires [ ?]

Phi:

Fly you deare Li∫sius no, butt still a cry

I heere that ∫ayes I burne in ∫corners fires

farwell good Li∫sius, [ ?] I will ∫oune [ soone] returne

butt nott to you, a riuall like to burne; ex: [ burne,]

Li∫s

Ah poore phi: [ Phili∫ses,] would [ wowld] I knew thy paine

that as I now lament might help obtaine

butt yett in loue they ∫ay non should [ showld] bee v∫'d [ u∫de]

butt ∫elf de∫arts [ de∫erts,] least trust might bee abu∫'d;

A Forester:*

Did euer cruelty [ cruelty] itt ∫elf thus [ euer] showe?

did euer heauen our [ owr]mildnes thus farr moue?

all ∫weetnes, and all beauty to orethrow [ orethrowe]

all ioy deface, and crop in spring time loue?

could [ Cowld] any mortall brest inuent ∫uch harme?

could [ cowld] liuing creature think on ∫uch a lo∫s?

noe, noe [ no, no] (alas) itt was the furies charme

who ∫ought by this our [ owr] best delights to cro∫s,

and now in triumph glory in their [ theyr] gaine,

Wher was true beauty found if nott in thee

O deere Siluesta? butt accur∫ed ∫waine

that cau∫'d this change, Ô mi∫erable mee

that liue to ∫ee this day, and days bright light

to shine when plea∫ure's turn'd into dispite; [ dispight]

Li: [ Liss:]

An other of loues band [ ?] ô [ O] mighty loue

that can thy folly make in most to moue;

Fo: [ Forester]

Accur∫ed sheapheard why wert thou ere borne

vnles itt were to bee true Vertues ∫corne

curst bee thy days, vnlucky euer bee

nor euer liue least hapynes [ hapines] to ∫ee,

butt wher thou lou'st lett her as cruell proue

as thou wert to Siluesta, and my loue,

Li:

If [ Iff] one may ask: what is th'offence is dunn? [ dun]

Fo:

that curst Phili∫ses hath mee quite vndun

all ∫weetnes, and all beauty to orethrow

all ioy deface, and crop in spring time loue,

could any mortall brest inuent ∫uch harme?

could liuing creature think on ∫uch a lo∫s?

noe, noe (alas) itt was the furies charme

who ∫ought by this our best delights to cro∫s,

and now in triumph glory in their gaine,

Wher was true beauty found if nott in thee

O deere Siluesta? butt accur∫ed ∫waine

that cau∫'d this chang, Ô mi∫erable mee

that liue to ∫ee this day, and days bright light

to shine when plea∫ure's turn'd into dispite;

An other of loues band ô mighty loue

that can thy folly make in most to moue;

Accur∫ed sheapheard why wert thou ere borne

vnles itt were to bee true Vertues ∫corne

curst bee thy days, vnlucky euer bee

nor euer liue least hapynes to ∫ee,

butt wher thou lou'st lett her as cruell proue

as thou wert to Siluesta, and my loue,

If one may ask: what is th'offence is dunn?

that curst Phili∫ses hath mee quite vndun

Vndun as how; Fo: ∫itt downe, and you shall know,

for glad I am y^t I my griefe may tell

∫ince t'is ∫ome ea∫e my ∫orrowes cau∫e to show

disburdning my poore hart w^ch griefe doth ∫well;

then know I lou'd (alas) and euer must

Siluesta faire, ∫ole m^rs: of my ioy

who∫e deere affections were in ∫urest trust

laid vp in flames, my hopes cleane to destroy:

for as I truly lou'd, and only shee,

she for phili∫ses ∫igh'd who did reiect

her loue, and paines, nor would (she cruell) ∫ee

my plaints, nor teares butt followed his neglect

w^th greater pa∫sion; I, her followed still

she rann from mee, hee flew from her as fast

I after both did by though for my ill

who thus doe liue all wrechednes to tast;

long time this lasted, still she constant lou'd;

and more she lou'd, more cruell still hee grew;

till att the last thus tiran like hee prou'd,

forcing that chang w^ch maks my poore hart rue;

For she par∫eauing hate ∫oe farr to guide

his ∫ettled hart to nothing butt di∫daine,

hauing all fashions, and all manners tride

that might giue comfort to her endles paine,

butt ∫eeing nothing would his fauor turne

from fondly flying of her truest loue,

led by tho∫e pa∫sions w^ch did firmly burne

∫o hott as nothing could tho∫e flames remoue

All sweetness and all beauty to o'erthrow,

all joy deface, and crop in Spring-time love.

Could any mortal breast invent such harm?

Could living creature think on such a loss?

No, no (alas), it was the Furies' charm

who sought by this our best delights to cross,

and now in triumph glory in their gain.

Where was true beauty found if not in thee,

O dear Silvesta? But accursed swain

that caused this change. O miserable me

that live to see this day, and day's bright light

to shine when pleasure's turned into despite.

Lissius:

Another of love's band! O mighty love

that can thy folly make in most to move.

Forester:

Accursed shepherd, why wert thou e'er born

unless it were to be true virtue's scorn.

Cursed be thy days, unlucky ever be

nor ever live least happiness to see,

but where thou lov'st let her as cruel prove

as thou wert to Silvesta, and my love.

Lissius:

If one may ask: what is th'offence is done?

Forester:

That cursed Philisses hath me quite undone.

Lissius:

Undone as how?

Forester: Sit down, and you shall know,

for glad I am yet I my grief may tell,

since 'tis some ease my sorrow's cause to show

disburd'ning my poor heart which grief doth swell.

Then know I loved, (alas), and ever must

Silvesta fair, sole mistress of my joy,

whose dear affections were in surest trust,

laid up in flames, my hopes clean to destroy:

for as I truly loved, and only she,

she for Philisses sighed, who did reject

her love, and pains, nor would (she cruel) see

my plaints, nor tears, but followed his neglect

with greater passion. I her followed still;

she ran from me, he flew from her as fast.

I after both did hie, though for my ill,

who thus do live all wretchedness to taste.

Long time this lasted, still she constant loved;

and more she loved, more cruel still he grew;

till at the last thus tyrant-like he proved,

forcing that change which makes my poor heart rue;

For she perceiving hate so far to guide

his settled heart to nothing but disdain,

having all fashions and all manners tried

that might give comfort to her endless pain,

but seeing nothing would his favour turn

from fondly flying of her truest love,

led by those passions which did firmly burn

so hot as nothing could those flames remove,

Li:

Vndun [ Vndone] as how; [ ?] Fo: [ Forr:] ∫itt downe, and you shall know,

for glad I am y^t [ that] I my griefe may tell

∫ince t'is ∫ome ea∫e my ∫orrowes [ sorrows] cau∫e to show [ shew]

disburdning my poore hart w^ch griefe doth ∫well;

then know I lou'd (alas) [ alas,] and euer must

Siluesta faire, ∫ole m^rs: [ m^rs ] of my ioy [ ioye]

who∫e deere affections were in ∫urest trust

laid [ layd] vp in flames, [ flames] my hopes cleane to destroy: [ destroy,]

for as I truly lou'd, and only shee,

she for phili∫ses [ Phili∫ses] ∫igh'd who did reiect

her loue, and paines, nor would (she cruell) [ wowld she cruell] ∫ee

my plaints, nor teares butt followed his neglect

w^th [ w^t ] greater pa∫sion; I, [ passion: I] her followed still

she rann [ flew] from mee, hee flew [ ran] from her as fast

I after both did hy though for my ill

who thus doe liue all wrechednes to tast;

long [ Long] time this lasted, still she constant lou'd;

and more she lou'd, more cruell still hee grew; [ grew]

till att the last thus tiran like hee prou'd, [ proud]

forcing that chang w^ch maks my poore hart rue; [ rew,]

For [ for] she par∫eauing [ parceauing ] hate ∫oe farr to guide

his ∫ettled hart to nothing butt di∫daine

hauing all fashions, [ manners] and all manners [ fashions] tride

that might giue comfort to her endles paine, [ paine:]

butt ∫eeing nothing would his fauor turne

from fondly flying of her truest loue,

led by tho∫e pa∫sions w^ch did firmly burne

∫o hott as nothing could tho∫e flames remoue

butt still increa∫e, she, for the last, re∫olu'd

to kill this heat this hopeles cour∫e to take

making a Vow w^ch can nott bee de∫olu'd,

As nott obtaining loue, will loue for∫ake;

for she hath Vowed vnto Diana's lyfe

her pure Virginitie, as she who could

noe more thene once loue, nor an others wyfe

con∫ent to bee, nor his now if hee would;

this hath hee dun by his vngratfullnes;

would itt might turne to his owne wrechednes

Ô cur∫e him nott, alas itt is his ill

to feele ∫oe much as doth his ∫ences kill,

and yett indeed this cruelty, and cour∫e

is ∫omwhat hard for sheapheards heere to v∫e,

yett ∫ee I nott how this can proue the wur∫e

for you, who∫e loue she always did refu∫e,

butt much the better ∫ince your ∫uffer'd paine

can bee noe glory to an others gaine;

Would itt could bee to anys gaine the most

of glory, honor, fortune, and what more

can added bee, though I had euer lost,

and hee had gain'd the chiefe of beauties store,

for then I might haue her ∫omtimes beheld

butt now am bar'd, for my loue placed was

in truest kind wherin I all excel'd

nott ∫eeking gaine, butt lo∫ing did ∫urpa∫s

tho∫e that obtaine, for my thoughts did a∫send

no higher then to looke, that was my end;

What strang effects doth phant'∫ie 'mong vs proue

who still brings forth new images of loue,

butt this of all is strangest to affect

only the ∫ight, and nott the ioys respect

nor end of whining loue, ∫ince ∫ight wee gaine

w^t ∫male adoe, the other w^th much care

doubling the plea∫ure hauing left dispaire

and ∫ure if euer I should chance to loue

the fruictfull ends of loue I first would moue,

I wish you may obtaine yo^r harts de∫ire,

and I butt ∫ight who wast in chastest fire, ex:

Thes tow to meete in one I ne're did finde

loue, and chastity link'd in ones mans mind

butt now I ∫ee loue hath as many ways

to win, as to destroy when hee delayes;

The ∫un growes hott 'twer best wee did retire

but still increase, she, for the last, resolved

to kill this heat, this hopeless course to take,

making a vow which cannot be dissolved,

as not obtaining love, will love forsake;

for she hath vowed unto Diana's life

her pure virginity, as she who could

no more than once love, nor another's wife

consent to be, nor his now if he would;

this hath he done by his ungratefulness.

Would it might turn to his own wretchedness.

Lissius:

O curse him not, alas it is his ill

to feel so much as doth his senses kill,

and yet indeed this cruelty and course

is somewhat hard for shepherds here to use,

yet see I not how this can prove the worse

for you, whose love she always did refuse,

but much the better since your suffered pain

can be no glory to another's gain.

Forester:

Would it could be to any's gain the most

of glory, honour, fortune, and what more

can added be, though I had ever lost,

and he had gained the chief of beauty's store,

for then I might have her sometimes beheld,

but now am barred, for my love placed was

in truest kind wherein I all excelled,

not seeking gain, but losing did surpass

those that obtain, for my thoughts did ascend

no higher than to look, that was my end.

Lissius:

What strange effects doth fancy 'mong us prove

who still brings forth new images of love,

but this of all is strangest: to affect

only the sight, and not the joy's respect,

nor end of winning love, since sight we gain

with small ado, the other with much care

doubling the pleasure having left despair,

and sure if ever I should chance to love

t the fruitful ends of love I first would move.

Forester:

I wish you may obtain your heart's desire,

and I but sight who was in chastest fire.

Lissius:

These two to meet in one I ne'er did find:

love and chastity linked in one man's mind,

but now I see love hath as many ways

to win, as to destroy when he delays.

Dalina:

The sun grows hot 'twere best we did retire.

ones: this is a typical correction in the Huntington manuscript where Wroth has struck out the incorrect letter; elsewhere she deletes words and inserts corrections above lines.

butt still increa∫e, she, for the last, re∫olu'd

to kill this heat this hopeles cour∫e to take

making a Vow w^ch can nott bee de∫olu'd, [ di∫solu'd]

As nott obtaining loue, will loue for∫ake;

for she hath Vowed [ Vow'd] vnto Diana's lyfe

her pure Virginitie, [ Virginitie] as she who could

noe [ no] more thene [ then] once loue, nor an others wyfe

con∫ent to bee, nor his now if hee would; [ wowld,]

this hath hee dun by his vngratfullnes; [ vngratefullnes,]

would [ wowld] itt might turne to his owne wrechednes [ ,]

Li: [ Liss:]

Ô [ O]cur∫e him nott, alas itt is his ill

to feele ∫oe much as doth his ∫ences kill,

and yett indeed this cruelty, and cour∫e

is ∫omwhat hard [ strang] for sheapheards heere to v∫e,

yett ∫ee I nott how this can proue the wur∫e

for you, who∫e loue she always did refu∫e,

butt much the better ∫ince your ∫uffer'd [ suffred] paine

can bee noe glory to an others gaine;

Fo:

Would [ Wowld] itt could [ cowld] bee to anys [ any's] gaine the most

of glory, honor, fortune, and what more

can added bee, though I had euer lost,

and hee had gain'd [ obtaind] the chiefe of beauties store,

for then I might haue her ∫omtimes beheld

butt now am bar'd, for my loue placed was

in truest kind wherin I all excel'd [ excelld]

nott ∫eeking gaine, butt lo∫ing did ∫urpa∫s

tho∫e that obtaine, for my thoughts did a∫send

no higher then to looke, that was my end; [ end./]

Li:

What strange effects doth phant'∫ie [ Phant'sy] 'mong [ 'monge] vs proue

who still brings forth new images of loue, [ ?]

butt this of all is strangest to affect

only the ∫ight, and nott the ioys respect

nor end [ ends] of whining loue, ∫ince ∫ight wee gaine

w^t ∫male [ ∫mall] adoe, the other w^th much care [ paine]

doubling the plea∫ure hauing left dispaire

[ and fauor wun w^ch kills all former care,]

and ∫ure if euer I should chance to loue

the fruictfull [ fruitfull] ends of loue I first would moue,

Fo: [ Forr:]

I wish you may obtaine yo^r [ your] harts de∫ire,

and I butt ∫ight who wast [ waste] in chastest fire, ex:

Li:

Thes tow to meete in one I ne're [ nere] did finde

loue, [ Loue,] and chastity [ Chastitie] link'd in ones* mans [ Mans] mind

butt now I ∫ee loue hath as many ways

to win, as to destroy when hee delayes;

Phili∫ses, Dalina,

Rustick, Lacon, and Li∫sius,

Da:

The ∫un growes hott 'twer best wee did retire

Li: Ther's a good shade, phi: butt heer's a burning fire

La:

neuer did I ∫ee man ∫oe chang'd as hee

Da

truly [ Truly] nor I what can the rea∫on bee

Ther's a good shade, phi: butt heer's a burning fire

neuer did I ∫ee man ∫oe chang'd as hee

truly nor I what can the rea∫on bee

Loue, loue itt is, w^ch you in time may know

butt happy they can keepe their loue from show

Mu∫ella wellcom to our meeting is

of all our fellowes you did only mi∫s

∫male lo∫s of mee for often'st when I'me here,

I am as if I were another wher

butt wher is Fillis ∫eldome doe I find

her, or ∫imeana mi∫sing, yett the blind

god Cupid late hath strooke her yeelding brest,

and makes her lonely walk to ∫eek for rest

Yett when the paine is greatest t'is ∫ome ea∫e

to lett a freind partake his freinds di∫ea∫e

That were no frindly part in this you mi∫s

impart vnto yo^r freind no harme, butt bli∫s;

∫ome freind's will redy bee to ea∫e on's ∫mart

∫o to beefreind your ∫elf, you'l make them ∫mart,

Now wee ar mett what sport shall wee inuent

while the ∫uns fury ∫omwhat more bee spent

Lett each one heer their fortune past relate

ther loues, ther froward chance, or their good fate

And ∫oe di∫cource the ∫ecretts of the mind

I like nott this, thus mirth may cro∫ses find,

Let one begin a tale Da: nor that I like

then what will plea∫e wee ∫ee what doth dislike

dislike is quickly knowne, plea∫ure is ∫cant

And wher ioy's ∫eeme to flow alas ther's want

Lissius:

There's a good shade.

Philisses: But here's a burning fire.

Lacon:

Never did I see man so changed as he.

Dalina:

Truly nor I, what can the reason be?

Philisses:

Love, love it is, which you in time may know,

but happy they can keep their love from show.

Dalina:

Musella welcome to our meeting is;

of all our fellows you did only miss.

Musella:

Small loss of me for often'st when I'm here,

I am as if I were another where.

But where is Fillis? Seldom do I find

her or Simeana missing, yet the blind

god Cupid late hath struck her yielding breast,

and makes her lonely walk to seek for rest.

Philisses:

Yet when the pain is greatest 'tis some ease

to let a friend partake his friend's disease.

Musella:

That were no friendly part, in this you miss,

impart unto your friend no harm, but bliss.

Philisses:

Some friends will ready be to ease one's smart.

Musella:

So to befriend yourself, you'll make them smart,

Dalina:

Now we are met what sport shall we invent

while the Sun's fury somewhat more be spent?

Lacon:

Let each one here their fortune past relate,

their loves, their froward chance, or their good fate.

Musella:

And so discourse the secrets of the mind;

I like not this, thus mirth may crosses find.

Philisses:

Let one begin a tale.

Dalina:

Nor that I like.

Lacon:

Then what will please; we see what doth dislike.

Philisses:

Dislike is quickly known, pleasure is scant.

Musella:

And where joys seem to flow, alas there's want.

Climena:

Climeana: Wroth changed the names Climeana and Simeana in Huntington to Climena and Simena in Penshurst. At this point in Huntington while it is slightly unclear she seems to be indicating Climeana's song with the slashed S.

The song contest at this point in the play is the first of a series of competitions between the characters, perhaps in imitation of the ecloguies at the end of each 'act' of Philip Sidney's Old Arcadia. Wroth extends these contests from songs, to riddles, to stories, all connected to the genre of the questioni d'amore which dervived from Italian sources but was, by the time Wroth wrote, popular in pastoral Romance as well as drama, see eg Julie D Campbell, Literary Circles and Gender in Early Modern Europe (2006).

Phi:

Loue, loue itt is, w^ch you in time may know [ knowe]

butt happy they can keepe their [ theyr] loue from show

Da:

Mu∫ella wellcom [ wellcome] to our meeting is

of all our fellowes you did only mi∫s

Mu:

∫male lo∫s of mee [ ,] for often'st [ oftnest] when I'me heere,

I am [ ame] as if I were another [ an other] wher

butt wher is Fillis [ ?] ∫eldome doe I find

her, or ∫imeana [ Simena] mi∫sing, yett the blind

god [ God] Cupid late hath strooke her yeelding brest,

and makes her lonely walk to ∫eek for rest

Phi:

Yett when the paine is greatest t'is ∫ome ea∫e

to lett a freind partake his freinds di∫ea∫e

Mu:

That were no frindly [ freindly] part in this you mi∫s [ :]

impart vnto yo^r [ your] freind no [ noe] harme, [ harme] butt bli∫s; [ ,]

Phi:

∫ome freind's [ freind] will redy [ reddy] bee to ea∫e on's ∫mart

Mu:

∫o [ ∫oe] to beefreind [ befreind] your ∫elf, you'l make them ∫mart, [ they showld bear part,]

Da:

Now wee ar [ are] mett what sport shall wee inuent

while the ∫uns fury ∫omwhat more bee spent

La:

Lett each one heer their fortune past relate

ther [ theyr] loues, ther [ theyr] froward chance, or their [ theyr] good fate

Mu:

And ∫oe di∫cource the ∫ecretts of the mind

I like nott this, thus mirth [ sport] may cro∫ses find, [ :/]

Phi

Let one begin a tale Da: nor that I like

La:

then what [ What then] will plea∫e [ ?] wee ∫ee what doth dislike

Phi:

dislike is quickly knowne, plea∫ure is ∫cant

Mu:

And wher [ where] ioy's [ ioyes] ∫eeme to flow [ flowe,] alas ther's want [ ,]

Climena s Climena [ Climeana]* [ song has no stanza breaks in Penshurst]

O my [ mine] eyes how [ why] do [ doe] you lead

my poore hart thus forth to rang

from the wounted cour∫e to strang [ strange]

vnknowne ways, and pathes to tread [ :]

Lett itt home returne againe

free vntouch'd of gadding thought

and your forces back bee brought

to the ridding of my paine

Butt mine eyes if you deny

this ∫male [ ∫mall] fauor to my hart,

and will force my thoughts to fly

know yett you gouerne butt your [ yo^r ] part;

Li: [ Liss:]

Climena [ Climeana] hath begunn a prety sport

lett ech [ each] one ∫ing, and ∫o the game is short

Ru: [ Rustick]

Indeed well ∫ayd, and I will first begin

Da:

And who=∫o=euers [ who∫oeuer's ] out, you'll nott bee in [ ,]

Phi:

∫ing [ Singe] they who haue glad harts, or Voice to ∫ing

I can butt patience to this plea∫ure bring

Mu:

then [ Then] you, and I will ∫itt, and iudges bee

Phi:

Would faire Mu∫ella first would iudg of mee

Mu:

will you then ∫ing, Phi: noe, [ Noe] I would only ∫ay

Mu:

chu∫e [ Choose] ∫ome time els, [ ;] who will beegin this play [ ?]

Ru:

why that will I, and I will ∫ing of thee

Climena hath begunn a prety sport

lett ech one ∫ing, and ∫o the game is short

Indeed well ∫ayd, and I will first begin

And who=∫o=euers out, you'll nott bee in

∫ing they Who haue glad harts, or Voice to ∫ing

I can butt patience to this plea∫ure bring

then you, and I will ∫itt, and iudges bee

Would faire Mu∫ella first would iudg of mee

will you then ∫ing, Phi: noe, I would only ∫ay

chu∫e ∫ome time els, who will beegin this play

why that will I, and I will ∫ing of thee

∫orry I ame I should your ∫ubiect bee,

Well, you haue pray∫es giuen enough, now lett

an other come ∫ome others to commend,

I had much more to ∫ay but thus I'me mett,

and staid, now I will hearken, and attend,

Lissius:

Climena hath begun a pretty sport;

let each one sing, and so the game is short.

Rustick:

Indeed well said, and I will first begin.

Dalina:

And whosoever's out, you'll not be in.

Philisses:

Sing they who have glad hearts, or voice to sing;

I can but patience to this pleasure bring.

Musella:

Then you and I will sit, and judges be.

Philisses:

Would fair Musella first would judge of me.

Musella:

Will you then sing?

Philisses: No, I would only say.

Musella:

Choose some time else. Who will begin this play?

Rustick:

Why that will I, and I will sing of thee.

Musella:

Sorry I am I should your subject be.

Rustick:

Musella:

Well, you have praises given enough, now let

another come some other to commend.

Rustick:

I had much more to say, but thus I'm met

and stayed; now I will hearken, and attend.

Lacon:

Ru: Rustick's parodic song not only sends up pastoral clichés but at the same time underlines how unsuitable a match he is for Musella. There is some uncertainty as to how much he might represent Wroth's husband Robert, with Wroth's biographer Margaret P Hannay doubtful of any connection, but other critics pointing to the way Love's Vitory seems to play out a fantasy of avoiding an arranged marriage to an unloved suitor, given the apparent shaky start to Wroth's marriage and her later affair with William Herbert.

Mu:

∫orry I ame I should your ∫ubiect bee,

[ Ru:]*

When I doe ∫ee

thee, whitest thee

Yea whiter then lambs wull

how doe I ioy

that thee inioy

I shall W^t [ w^t] my hart full

Thy eyes [ Eyes] do play

like goats [ Goats] w^th [ w^t ] hay,

and skip lik [ like] kids fly'ing [ flying]

from the sly Fox [ fox]

∫oe eye lids [ eyelids] box

shutts vp thy ∫ights priing

Thy cheecks as red

as okar spred

On a fatted sheeps back

thy paps are [ ar] found

as [ like] aples round

noe pray∫es [ prai∫es] shall lack, [ lack]

Mu:

Well, you haue pray∫es giuen enough, now lett

an other come ∫ome others to commend, [ comend.]

Ru:

I had much more to ∫ay but [ butt] thus I'me mett,

and staid, [ stayd,] now I will hearken, and attend,

La:

By a plea∫ant riuers ∫ide

hart, and hopes on plea∫ures ti'de [ tide]

might I see w^t in a bower [ bowre,]

proudly [ prowdly] drest w^t euery floure [ flowre]

w^ch the spring can to vs [ v∫s] lend

Venus, and her louing freind

I vpon

butt what became then of this ∫ubtile boy

When hee had dunn his wurst hee fled away

And ∫oe lett vs 't'is time that wee returne

to tend our flocks who all this time doe burne

Burne, and must burne this ∫odainly is ∫ayd

butt heat nott quench'd, alas butt hopes decai'd;

What haue you dunn, and must I lo∫e my ∫ong

nott lo∫e itt thought awhile wee itt prolong

I ame content, and now lett all retire

and ∫oune returne ∫ent by loues quickest fire;

Fy this is nothing, what is this your care

that among ten the haulf of them you spare

I vould haue all to vayle, and all to weepe

will you att ∫uch a time as this goe sleepe

awake your forces, and make Li∫sius find

Cupid can cruell bee as vell as kind

shall hee goe ∫corning thee and all thy traine:

and plea∫ure take hee can thy force di∫daine

strike him, and tell him thou his lord vill proue

and hee a va'∫sell vnto mighty loue

and all the rest that ∫corners bee of thee

makes w^t theyr griefe thy povre a feeler bee

T'is true that Li∫sius, and ∫ome others yett

ar free, and liuely, butt they shall bee mett

butt care ∫ufficient, word butt 'tis nott ther time

as yett into my word plea∫ing paine to clime,

Musella:

But what became then of this subtle boy?

Lacon:

When he had done his worst he fled away.

Musella:

And so let us; 'tis time that we return

to tend our flocks who all this time do burn.

Philisses:

Burn, and must burn, this suddenly is said,

but heat not quenched, alas but hopes decayed.

Dalina:

What, have you done, and must I lose my song?

Musella:

Not lose it though awhile we it prolong.

Dalina:

I am content, and now let all retire.

Philisses:

And soon return sent by love's quickest fire.

Venus:

Fie, this is nothing! What, is this your care

that among ten the half of them you spare?

I would have all to wail, and all to weep.

Will you at such a time as this go sleep?

Awake your forces, and make Lissius find

Cupid can cruel be as well as kind.

Shall he go scorning thee and all thy train

and pleasure take he can thy force disdain?

Strike him, and tell him thou his lord will prove,

and he a vassal unto mighty love,

and all the rest that scorners be of thee.

Make with their grief thy power a feeler be.

Cupid:

'Tis true that Lissius and some others yet

are free, and lively, but they shall be met

but [sic perhaps 'by' intended]care sufficient, but 'tis not their time

as yet into my pleasing pain to climb.

in the clowds: this added stage direction in Penshurst points once again to the influence of the Masque on the play.

I vpon her beauty ga∫'de [ gaz'd]

they [ They] mee ∫eeing were ama∫'de

till att last vp stept [ vpstept] a child

in his face, [ face] nott actions mild

fly away ∫aide [ ∫ayd] hee for ∫ight

shall both breed, [ breed] and kill delight

Come [ Fly] away, and follow mee

I will lett thee beautys [ beauties] ∫ee

I obay'd [ obayd] him, then [ when] hee staid

hard be∫id [ be∫ide] a heau'nly [ heaunly] maide

When hee threw a flaming dart,

and vnkindly strooke my hart,

Mu:

butt what became then of this ∫ubtile [ the cruell] boy

La:

When hee had dunn his wurst hee fled away

Mu:

And ∫oe lett vs [ ,] 't'is time that wee [ wee doe] returne

to tend our [ owr] flocks who all this time [ while] doe burne

Phi:

Burne, and must burne [ ,] this ∫odainly is ∫ayd

butt heat nott quench'd, alas [ quenchd alas,] butt hopes decai'd; [ decayd,]

Dali:

What haue you dunn, and must I lo∫e my ∫ong [ ?]

Mu:

nott [ Nott] lo∫e itt though awhile wee itt prolong [ ;]

Da:

I ame content, and now lett all retire [ ,]

Phi:

and [ And] ∫oune [ ∫oone ] returne ∫ent by loues quickest fire; / [ page break]

Venus, and Cupid [ apeering in the clowds]*

Venus;

Fy this is nothing, [ ?] what is this your care [ ?]

that among ten the haulf of them you spare

I would [ wowld] haue all to wayle, and all to weepe

will you att ∫uch a time as this goe sleepe

awake your forces, and make Li∫sius find [ finde]

Cupid can cruell bee as well as kind

shall hee goe ∫corning thee [ ,] and all thy traine:

and plea∫ure take hee can thy force di∫daine

strike him, and tell him thou his lord will [ willt] proue

and hee a va∫sell [ Va∫sell] vnto mighty loue

and all the rest that ∫corners bee of thee

makes [ make] w^t theyr griefe thy povre a feeler [ of thy might feelers] bee

Cupid; [ Cu:]

T'is true that Li∫sius, and ∫ome others yett

ar free, and liuely, butt they shall bee mett

butt [ w^th] care ∫ufficient, y butt [ for] 'tis nott ther [ theyr] time

as yett into my phr plea∫ing paine to clime,

lett them alon [ alone], and lett them∫elues beeguile [ beguile]

they shall haue torments [ torment] when they thinke [ think] to ∫mile

they are [ ar] nott yett in pride of all theyr ∫corne

butt er'e [ ere] they haue theyr plea∫ures haulfway worne

they shall both cry, [ and ∫igh,] and waile [ wayle] , and weepe [ ,]

and for our [ owr] mercy shall most humbly creepe

loue [ Loue] hath most glory when as greatest sprites

hee downeward throw∫e vnto his owne delights

then take noe care loues victory [ Victory] shall shine

when as [ whenas] your honor shall bee [ shalbee] rai∫d [ ray∫d] by mine

lett them alon, and lett them∫elues beeguile

they shall haue torments vhen they thinke to ∫mile

they are nott yett in pride of all theyr ∫corne

butt er'e they haue theyr plea∫ures haulfvay worne

they shall both cry, and vaile, and veepe

and for our mercy shall most humbly creepe

loue hath most glory vhen as greatest sprites

hee dovnevard throv∫e vnto his ovne delights

then take noe care loues victory shall shine

when as your honor shall bee rai∫d by mine

Thanks Cupid if thou doe parform thy othe

and needs you must for gods must vant noe trothe

lett mortalls neuer think itt od or vaine

to word heere that Loue can in all spiritts raine

prin∫es ar nott exempted from ovr mights

word word much les should sheapheards ∫corne vs, and owr rights

though they as vell can loue, and like affect

they must nott therfor our commands reiect

word Nor shall, and mark butt vhat my vengeance is

I'le mi∫s my force or they shall vant theyr blis

and arrovs heere I haue of purpo∫e fram'd

v^ch as they qualities ∫oe are they namd

Loue, iealou∫ie, malice, word feare, and mistrust

yett all thes shall att last incounter iust

harme shall bee non, yett shall they harme indure

for ∫om ∫mall ∫ea∫on then of ioy bee ∫ure

like you this mother, ve: ∫unn I like this vell

and faile nott nov in least part of this spell; ƒ

Let them alone, and let themselves beguile;

they shall have torments when they think to smile;

they are not yet in pride of all their scorn,

but e'er they have their pleasures halfway worn

they shall both cry, and wail, and weep,

and for our mercy shall most humbly creep.

Love hath most glory whenas greatest sprites

he downward throws unto his own delights,

then take no care, love's victory shall shine

whenas your honour shall be raised by mine.

Venus:

Thanks Cupid; if thou do perform thy oath --

and needs you must for gods must want no troth --

let mortals never think it odd or vain

to hear that Love can in all spirits reign;

princes are not exempted from our mights

much less should shepherds scorn us, and our rights,

though they as well can love, and like affect,

they must not therefore our commands reject.

Cupid:

Nor shall, and mark but what my vengeance is:

I'll miss my force or they shall want their bliss,

and arrows here I have of purpose framed

which as their qualities, so are they named:

love, jealousy, malice, fear, and mistrust,

yet all these shall at last encounter just,

harm shall be none, yet shall they harm endure

for some small season then of joy be sure.

Like you this mother?

Venus: Son I like this well,

and fail not now in least part of this spell.

Venus [ Ve:]

Thanks Cupid if thou doe parform thy[ thine] othe

and [ as] needs you must for gods must want noe trothe

lett mortalls neuer think itt od or vaine

to knowe heere [ hear] that Loue [ loue] can in all spiritts raine

prin∫es [ princes] ar nott exempted from owr mights

and much much les [ les∫] should [ showld] sheapheards [ sheapherds] ∫corne vs, and owr rights

though they as well can loue, and like affect

they must nott therfor our [ owr] commands reiect

Cu:

word Nor shall, and mark butt what my vengeance [ Vengance] is

I'le mi∫s my force [ ,] or they shall want theyr blis [ ,]

and arrows [ arrowes] heere I haue of purpo∫e fram'd

w^ch as they [ theyr] qualities ∫oe are they namd [ nam'd]

Loue, iealou∫ie, [ iealou∫y,] malice, word feare, and mistrust

yett all thes shall att last incounter iust

harme shall bee [ shalbe] non, yett shall they [ all shall] harme indure

for ∫om ∫mall ∫ea∫on then of ioy bee ∫ure

like you this mother, ve: ∫unn [ ∫on]I like this well [ ,]

and faile nott now in least part of this spell; ƒ

ƒ [ No S fermé, but flourish]

My thinks wee now to ∫ilent ar, let's play

att ∫omthing while wee yett haue plea∫ing day,

heer's sport enough, Viewe butt her new atire,

and ∫ee her slaue who burns in chast de∫ire

Mark butt theyr greeting; Li: shee I'me ∫ure will fly,

and hee poore foole will follow still, and cry,

What plea∫ure do you take to mock att loue

ar you ∫ure you can nott his pouer proue

butt looke he kneels, and weepes, Li:, and cries ay mee

∫weet Nimph haue pitty or hee dies for thee

Alas deere nimph, why fly you still my ∫ight

can my true loue, and firme affection

∫o litle gaine mee as your fairest light

must darckned bee for my affliction

Ô looke on mee, and ∫ee if in my face

true griefe, and ∫orrow show nott my di∫grace;

If y^t dispaire doe nott by ∫ighs apeere

if felt di∫daine doe not w^th tears make show

my euer wailing, euer ∫addest cheere

and mourning w^ch noe breath can e're o'reblowe

pitty mee nott; els iudg w^t your faire eyes

my louing ∫oule w^ch to you captiue lies

Alas fond forester vrge mee no more

to y^t w^ch now lies nott w^t in my might

nor can I grant, or you to ioye restore

by any meanes to yeeld you least delight

for I haue Vow'd w^ch Vowes I will obay

Vnto Diana what more can I ∫ay

Ô this I know yett giue mee butt this leaue

to doe as birds, and trees, and beasts may doe,

doe nott ô doe nott mee of ∫ight beereaue

for w^th out you I ∫ee nott, ah! vndoe

nott what is yo^rs: o'rethrowe nott what's your owne

lett mee though conquer'd nott bee quite or'ethrowne;

I know you Vowed haue, and Vowes must stand,

yett though you chaste must bee I may de∫ire

to haue your ∫ight, and this the strictest band

can nott refu∫e, and butt this I require

then grant itt mee, w^ch I on knees doe ∫eeke,

bee nott to nature, and yo^r∫elf vnlieke

Dalina:

Methinks we now too silent are, let's play

at something while we yet have pleasing day.

Lissius:

Here's sport enough; view but her new attire,

and see her slave who burns in chaste desire.

Dalina:

Mark but their greeting.

Lissius: She I'm sure will fly,

and he poor fool will follow still, and cry.

Musella:

What pleasure do you take to mock at love?

Are you sure you cannot his power prove?

But look, he kneels and weeps.

Lissius: And cries. Ay me,

sweet Nymph, have pity or he dies for thee.

Forester:

Alas dear nymph, why fly you still my sight?

Can my true love, and firm affection

so little gain me as your fairest light

must darkened be for my affliction?

O look on me, and see if in my face

true grief and sorrow show not my disgrace.

If yet despair do not by sighs appear,

if felt disdain do not with tears make show

my ever wailing, ever saddest cheer

and mourning which no breath can e'er o'erblow,

pity me not; else judge with your fair eyes

my loving soul, which to you captive lies.

Silvesta:

Alas fond Forester, urge me no more

to that which now lies not within my might,

nor can I grant, or you to joy restore

by any means to yield you least delight;

for I have vowed -- which vows I will obey --

unto Diana. What more can I say?

Forester:

O this I know, yet give me but this leave:

to do as birds, and trees, and beasts may do.

Do not, O do not me of sight bereave,

for without you I see not. Ah! Undo

not what is yours; o'erthrow not what's your own;

let me though conquered not be quite o'erthrown;

I know you vowed have, and vows must stand,

yet though you chaste must be I may desire

to have your sight, and this the strictest band

cannot refuse, and but this I require.

Then grant it me, which I on knees do seek;

be not to nature, and yourself unlike.

The ∫econd Act:

[ no line]

Mu∫ella, Dalina, Simena, [ Simeana] Phili∫ses,

Li∫sius, Rustick, Lacon; Siluesta

and a forester

Da:

My [ Mee] thinks wee now to ∫ilent ar, let's play

att ∫omthing [ ∫omething ] while wee yett haue plea∫ing day,

Li

heer's [ Heer's] sport enough, Viewe butt her new atire,

and ∫ee her slaue who burns in chast de∫ire

Da:

Mark butt theyr greeting; [ meeting] Li: shee [ she] I'me ∫ure will fly,

and hee poore foole will follow still, and cry, [ :]

Mu:

What plea∫ure do you [ you doe] take to mock att loue

ar you ∫ure you can nott his pouer [ powr] proue

butt looke he kneels, and weepes, Li:, and cries [ cryes] ay mee

∫weet Nimph haue pitty or hee dies for thee

Fo:

Alas deere nimph, [ Nimph,] why fly you still my ∫ight

can my true loue, and firme affection

∫o [ ∫oe] gaine mee as your fairest light

must darckned litle [ little] bee for my affliction

Ô [ O] looke on mee, and ∫ee if in my face

true griefe, and ∫orrow show nott my di∫grace;

If y^t [ that] dispaire doe nott by ∫ighs apeere

if felt di∫daine [ disdaine] doe not w^th tears make show

my euer wailing, [ wayling,] euer ∫addest [ ∫adest] cheere

and mourning [ ;] w^ch noe breath can e're o'reblowe [ ouerblow]

pitty mee nott; els iudg w^t your faire eyes

my louing ∫oule w^ch to you captiue lies [ . /]

Sill:

Alas fond forester [ Forester] vrge mee no more

to y^t [ that] w^ch now lies nott w^t in my might

nor can I grant, or you to ioye restore

by any meanes to yeeld you least delight

for I haue Vow'd w^ch Vowes I will obay

Vnto Diana [ :] what more can I ∫ay [ ?]

Fo:

Ô this I know yett giue mee butt this leaue

to doe as birds, and trees, and beasts may doe,

doe nott ô [ o] doe nott mee of ∫ight beereaue [ bereaue]

for w^th out [ w^tout] you I ∫ee nott, ah! [ Ah] vndoe

nott what [ whatt] is yo^rs: [ yours,] o'rethrowe [ orethrow] nott what's your [ yo^r] owne

lett mee though conquer'd [ conquerd] nott bee quite or'ethrowne;

I know you Vowed haue, and Vowes must stand,

yett though you chaste must bee I may de∫ire

to haue your [ yo^r] ∫ight, and this the strictest band

can nott [ cannott] refu∫e, and butt this I require

then [ Then] grant itt mee, w^ch I on knees doe ∫eeke,

bee nott to nature, and yo^r∫elf vnlieke [ vnleeke;]

Noe noe, I ne're beeleeue your fond made othe

I chastity haue ∫worne then noe more moue

I know what t'is to ∫weare, and breake itt both

what to de∫ire, and what itt is to loue;

protest you may that theyr shall nothing bee

by you imagin'd 'gainst my chastitie,

butt this I doubt; your loue will make you cur∫e

(if you ∫oe much doe loue) that cur∫ed day

when I this Vow'd, attempt itt may bee wur∫e,

then follow nott thus hopeles your decay,

butt leaue of louing, or ∫ome other chu∫e

who∫e state, or fortune need nott you refu∫e;

Indeed deere nimph 't'is true that chastity

to one who loues may iustly raging moue,

yett louing you, tho∫e thoughts shall banish'd bee

∫ince t'is in you, I, chastitie will loue,

and now depart ∫ince ∫uch is yo^r plea∫ure

depart (ô mee) from lyfe from ioy, from ea∫e

goe I must, and leaue behind that trea∫ure

w^ch all contentment gaue, now to displea∫e

my ∫elf w^t liberty, I may free goe,

and w^th most liberty most grieu'd, most woe; ex:

Li∫sius I hope this ∫ight doth ∫omthing moue

in you to pitty ∫oe much constant loue;

Yes thus itt moues that man should bee soe fond

as to bee ty'de t'a womans faithles bond

for wee should woemen loue butt as our sheepe,

who beeing kind, and gentle giues vs ea∫e,

butt cro∫s, or straying, stuborne, or vnmeeke

shun'd as the woulf w^ch most our flocks di∫ea∫e,

Wee little ar, beeholding vnto you,

word in kindnes le∫s, yett you the∫e words may rue;

I hope to liue to ∫ee you waile, and weepe,

and deeme your griefe farr ∫weeter then your sleepe

then butt remember this, and think on mee

who truly told, you could nott still liue free,

I doe nott know, itt may bee Very well

butt I beleeue I shall vncharme loues spell,

Silvesta:

No, no! I ne'er believe your fond-made oath;

I chastity have sworn; then no more move.

I know what 'tis to swear, and break it both,

what to desire, and what it is to love;

protest you may that there shall nothing be

by you imagined 'gainst my chastity,

but this I doubt; your love will make you curse

(if you so much do love) that cursed day

when I this vowed; attempt it may be worse,

then follow not, thus hopeless your decay,

but leave off loving, or some other choose

whose state or fortune need not you refuse.

Forester:

Indeed dear nymph, 'tis true that chastity

to one who loves may justly raging move,

yet loving you, those thoughts shall banished be

since 'tis in you, I chastity will love,

and now depart since such is your pleasure,

depart (O me) from life, from joy, from ease,

go I must, and leave behind that treasure

which all contentment gave, now to displease

myself with liberty, I may free go,

and with most liberty most grieved, most woe.

Musella:

Lissius I hope this sight doth something move

in you to pity so much constant love.

Lissius:

Yes thus it moves: that man should be so fond

as to be tied t'a woman's faithless bond,

for we should women love but as our sheep,

who being kind and gentle gives us ease,

but cross, or straying, stubborn, or unmeek,

shunned as the wolf which most our flocks disease.

Musella:

We little are beholding unto you,

in kindness less, yet you these words may rue;

I hope to live to see you wail, and weep,

and deem your grief far sweeter than your sleep,

then but remember this, and think on me

who truly told, you could not still live free.

Lissius:

I do not know, it may be very well,

but I believe I shall uncharm love's spell,

sheepe: Lissius' scornful view of women will be suitably punished. However this insouciant bit of misogyny points to a contest in the play between the sexes, with a wide variety of attitudes manifested by different characters.

Sill:

Noe noe, I ne're [ nere] beeleeue your [ yo^r] fond made othe

I chastity haue ∫worne then noe more moue

I know what t'is to ∫weare, and breake itt both

what to de∫ire, and what itt is to loue; [ loue]

protest you may that theyr [ ther] shall nothing bee

by you imagin'd 'gainst [ gainst] my chastitie,

butt this I doubt; [ doubt] your loue will make you cur∫e

(if you ∫oe much doe loue) that cur∫ed day

when I this Vow'd, attempt itt may bee wur∫e,

then follow nott thus hopeles your decay, [ decaye]

butt leaue of louing, or ∫ome other chu∫e

who∫e state, or fortune need nott you refu∫e; [ refu∫e]

Fo:

Indeed deere [ sweet] nimph 't'is true that chastity [ chastitie]

to one who [ that] loues may iustly raging moue, [ moue]

yett louing you, tho∫e thoughts shall banish'd [ banisht] bee

∫ince t'is [ 't 'is] in you, I, [ I] chastitie will loue,

and now depart ∫ince ∫uch is yo^r [ your] plea∫ure

depart (ô mee) [ o mee] from lyfe from ioy, [ from ioy, from lyfe,] from ea∫e

goe I must, and leaue behind that trea∫ure

w^ch all contentment gaue, [ giues,] now to displea∫e

my ∫elf w^t liberty, I may free goe,

and w^th most liberty most grieu'd, [ griefe,] most woe; ex: [ ./ex:]

Mu:

Li∫sius I hope this ∫ight doth ∫omthing moue

in you to pitty ∫oe much constant loue;

Li:

yes thus itt moues that man should [ showld] bee soe fond

as to bee ty'de [ tide] t'a womans faithles bond [ band]

for wee should [ showld] woemen loue butt as our [ owr] sheepe, [ sheepe]*

who beeing kind, and gentle giues vs ea∫e,

butt cro∫s, or straying, stuborne, or vnmeeke

shun'd as the woulf [ wulf] w^ch most our [ owr] flocks di∫ea∫e,

Mu:

Wee little ar, [ ar] beeholding vnto you,

and in kindnes le∫s, [ les,] yett you the∫e [ thes] words may rue; [ ,]

I hope to liue to ∫ee you waile, and weepe,

and deeme your griefe farr ∫weeter then your sleepe [ yo^r ∫leep]

then butt remember this, and think on mee

who truly told, you could nott still liue free,

Li:

I doe nott know, itt may bee Very well

butt I beleeue I shall vncharme loues [ lous] spell,

And cupid if I needs must loue

take yo^r [ your] aime, and shute your [ yo^r] wurst

once more rob your [ yo^r] mothers doue

all your last shafts ∫ure were burst

tho∫e you stole, and tho∫e you gaue

shute nott mee till new you haue;/ [ .]

Rustick faith tell mee word hast thou euer lou'd

what call you loue, I' haue bin to trouble mou'd

as when my best cloke hath by chance bin torne

I haue liu'd wishing till itt mended were

and butt ∫oe louers do, nor could forbeare

to cry if I my bag, or bottle lost

as louers doe who by theyr loues ar crost

and grieue as much for thes, as they for ∫corne,

Call you this loue, why loue is noe ∫uch thing

loue is a paine w^ch yett doth plea∫ure bring

a pa∫∫ion w^ch alone in harts doe moue

and they that feele nott this they can nott loue;

't' will make one Ioyfull, merry, plea∫ant, ∫ad

cry, weepe, ∫igh, faste, mourne, nay ∫omtimes starck mad

if they par∫eaue ∫corne, hate, or els desdaine

to wrap their woes in store for others gaine

for y^t (butt iealou∫ie) is ∫ure the wurst;

and then bee iealous better bee accurst

but ô ∫ome are, and would itt not di∫clo∫e

though ∫ilent loue, and louing feare, ah tho∫e

de∫erue most pitty, fauor, and reguard,

yett are they an∫wered butt w^th ∫corns reward

this theyr mi∫fortune, and the like may fall

to you, or mee who waite mi∫fortunes call

butt if itt doe take heed, bee rul'd by mee,

though you mistrust, mistrust nott that shee ∫ee

for then shee'lle ∫miling ∫ay allas poore foole

this man hath learn'd all parts of follys skoole;

bee wi∫e, make loue, and loue though nott obtaine

for to loue truly is ∫ufficient gaine,

∫ure you doe loue you can ∫oe well declare

the ioys, and plea∫ures, hopes, and his dispare,

I loue indeed; Ru: Phi: butt who is she you loue

she who, best thoughts, must to affection moue

if any loue, non neede ask who itt is

w^thin thes plaines, non loues that loues nott this

delight of sheaphards, pride of word this faire place

noe beauty is that word shines not in her face

who∫e whitnes whitest Lillys doth excell

match'd word w^th a ro∫ie morning to compell

all harts to ∫erue her, yett doth she affect

butt only Vertue word nor will quite neglect

tho∫e who doe ∫erue her in a modest fashion

w^ch ∫ure doth more increa∫e, then decrea∫e pa∫sion;

Philisses:

Rustick, faith, tell me hast thou ever loved?

Rustick:

What call you love? I have been to trouble moved,

as when my best cloak hath by chance been torn

I have lived wishing till it mended were,

and but so lovers do, nor could forbear

to cry if I my bag, or bottle lost,

as lovers do who by their loves are crossed

and grieve as much for these, as they for scorn.

Philisses:

Call you this love? Why love is no such thing;

love is a pain which yet doth pleasure bring,

a passion which alone in hearts do move,

and they that feel not this they cannot love.

'Twill make one joyful, merry, pleasant, sad,

cry, weep, sigh, fast, mourn, nay sometimes stark mad,

if they perceive scorn, hate, or else disdain

to wrap their woes in store for others gain,

for yet (but jealousy) is sure the worst;

and than be jealous, better be accurst;

but some are, and would it not disclose

though silent love, and loving fear; ah those

deserve most pity, favour, and regard,

yet are they answered but with scorn's reward;

this their misfortune, and the like may fall

to you, or me who wait misfortunes call,

but if it do take heed, be ruled by me,

though you mistrust, mistrust not that she see

for then she'll smiling say, 'alas poor fool,

this man hath learned all parts of folly's school.'

Be wise, make love, and love though not obtain,

for to love truly is sufficient gain.

Rustick:

Sure you do love you can so well declare

the joy, and pleasures, hope and his despair,

Philisses:

I love indeed.

Rustick: But who is she you love?

Philisses:

She who, best thoughts, must to affection move,

if any love, none need ask who it is

within these plains, none loves that loves not this

delight of shepherds, pride of this fair place;

no beauty is that shines not in her face

whose whiteness whitest lilies doth excel

matched with a rosy morning to compel

all hearts to serve her, yet doth she affect

but only virtue, nor will quite neglect

those who do serve her in a modest fashion

which sure doth more increase, than decrease passion.

Phi:

Rustick faith tell mee didst hast thou euer lou'd

Ru:

what call you loue, I' haue bin to trouble mou'd

as when my best cloke hath by chance bin torne

I haue liu'd wishing till itt mended were [ ,]

and butt ∫oe louers do, [ :] nor could forbeare

to cry if I my bag, or bottle lost

as louers doe who by theyr loues ar crost [ ,]

and grieue as much for thes, as they for ∫corne,

Phi:

Call you this loue, why loue is noe ∫uch thing

loue is a paine w^ch yett doth plea∫ure bring

a pa∫∫ion [ pa∫sion] w^ch alone in harts doe moue

and they that feele nott this they can nott [ cannott] loue;

't' will [ T'will] make one Ioyfull, [ ioyfull,] merry, plea∫ant, ∫ad

cry, weepe, ∫igh, faste, [ fast,] mourne, nay ∫omtimes starck mad

if they par∫eaue ∫corne, hate, or els desdaine

to wrap their [ theyr] woes in store for others gaine

for y^t [ that] (butt iealou∫ie) [ Jealousie)]is ∫ure the wurst;

and then bee iealous [ iealou∫e] better bee accurst

but ô [ O]∫ome are, [ bee,] and would itt not di∫clo∫e

though [ they] ∫ilent loue, and louing feare, ah tho∫e

de∫erue most pitty, fauor, and reguard,

yett are they an∫wered [ an∫werd] butt w^th ∫corns reward

this theyr mi∫fortune, and the like may fall

to you, or mee who waite mi∫fortunes [ misfortunes]call

butt if itt doe take heed, bee rul'd [ ruld] by mee,

though you mistrust, mistrust nott that [ y^t] shee ∫ee

for then shee'lle [ shee'll] ∫miling ∫ay allas [ alas] poore foole

this man hath learn'd [ learnd] all parts of follys skoole; [ ∫coole,]

bee wi∫e, [ wy∫e,] make loue, and loue though nott obtaine

for to loue truly is ∫ufficient gaine, [ ./]

Rustick; [ Ru:]

∫ure you doe loue you can ∫oe well declare

the ioys, [ ioyes,] and plea∫ures, hopes, [ hope] and theyr his dispare, [ dispaire.] [ space and Phi:]

I loue indeed; Ru: Phi: butt who is she you loue

Phi:

she whose who, best thoughts, must to affection moue

if any loue, non neede ask who itt is

w^thin thes plaines, non loues that loues nott this

delight of sheaphards, [ sheapheards] pride of all this [ this] faire place

noe beauty is that shows shines [ shines] not in her face

who∫e whitnes whitest Lillys doth [ di∫grace] excell

match'd [ matchd] with? w^th a ro∫ie morning to compell

all harts to ∫erue her, yett doth she affect

butt only Vertue yet nor will quite neglect

tho∫e who doe ∫erue her in a modest [ an honest] fashion

w^ch ∫ure doth more increa∫e, then decrea∫e pa∫sion;

Heere are they mett wher beauty only raines

who∫e pre∫ence brings the excellentest light,

and brightnes word dimming Pheabus who butt faines;

to outshine thes itt is nott in his might

Faire troope heere is a sport will well beefitt

this time, and place if you will li∫ence itt

What is't good Arcas; Ar: why stay, and you shall ∫ee

heer is a booke wherin each one shall draw

a fortune, and therby their luck shall bee

coniectur'd, like you this, you ne're itt ∫awe

itt is noe matter t'is a prety one

Mu∫ella you shall drawe Mu: though chu∫e alone

I neuer ∫awe itt butt I like itt well

then hee chiefs best of all must beare the bell

pray thee good Arcas lett mee hold the book

w^t all my hart, yett you'll nott ∫ome lotts brooke

you tell by booke then ∫ure you can nott mi∫s

butt shall I know what shalbee, or what is

what shalbee, nay neuer feare,

Rustick doth thy fortune beare,

draw, and when you cho∫en haue

prais mee who ∫uch fortune gaue

And ∫oe I will if good, or if vntrue

I'le blame my owne ill choi∫e, and nott blame you

pray, may I ∫ee the fortune you did chu∫e

yes, and if right I will itt nott refu∫e

non can bee cro∫s to you except you will

read itt, Phi: I will although itt were my ill

Refu∫e, beeleeue mee noe you haue no cau∫e

thus hope brings lingring, patience pa∫sions drawes

I'le try what mine shalbee good Rustick hold

Arcas:

Here are they met where beauty only reigns,

whose presence brings the excellentest light,

and brightness dimming Phoebus, who but feigns

to outshine these: it is not in his might.

Fair troop, here is a sport will well befit

this time and place, if you will licence it.

Philisses:

What is't good Arcas?

Arcas:

Why stay, and you shall see.

Here is a book wherein each one shall draw

a fortune, and thereby their luck shall be

conjectured. Like you this? You ne'er it saw.

Rustick:

It is no matter 'tis a pretty one.

Musella you shall draw.

Musella: Though choose alone.

Philisses:

I never saw it but I like it well.

Lissius:

Then he 'chieves best of all must bear the bell.

Rustick:

Pray thee good Arcas, let me hold the book.

Arcas:

With all my heart, yet you'll not some lots brook.

Rustick:

Musella:

You tell by book, then sure you cannot miss;

but shall I know what shall be, or what is.

Rustick:

Musella:

And so I will if good, or if untrue,

I'll blame my own ill choice, and not blame you.

Philisses:

Pray, may I see the fortune you did choose?

Musella:

Yes, and if right I will it not refuse.

Philisses:

None can be cross to you except you will.

Musella:

Read it.

Philisses: I will although it were my ill.

Fortune cannot cross your will

though your patience much must be;

fear not that your luck is ill

you shall your best wishes see.

Refuse, believe me -- no, you have no cause

thus hope brings ling'ring, patience passion draws.

Dalina:

I'll try what mine shall be, good Rustick hold.

fortune: the drawing of lots was again a popular pastime, at least as depicted in plays and masques.

bold: Dalina is the most combative of all the women, here being 'too bold' in stepping in before a man's turn, and later speaking against the way that infatuation is a tytrap for women. It is hard to know exactly how we are meant to interpret her ready acceptance of Rustic's (rebound) offer of marriage at the end of the play.

Arcas [ ,]

Heere are they mett wher beauty only raines [ raignes,]

who∫e pre∫ence brings [ giues] the excellentest light,

and brightnes moueth dimming Pheabus who butt faines; [ faines]

to outshine thes itt is nott in his might

Faire troope heere is a sport will well beefitt

this time, and place if you will li∫ence [ licence] itt

Phi:

What is't good Arcas; Ar: why stay, and you shall ∫ee

heer is a booke wherin each one shall draw

a fortune,* and therby their [ theyr] luck shall bee [ shalbee]

coniectur'd, like you this, [ this?] you ne're itt ∫awe [ ∫aw.]

Rustick: [ Ru:]

itt [ Itt] is noe matter t'is [ 't'is] a prety [ pretty] one

Mu∫ella you shall drawe [ :] Mu: though chu∫e alone

Phi:

I neuer ∫awe itt [ ,] butt I like itt well

Li∫s:

then [ Then] hee chiefs [ chieues] best of all must beare the bell

Ru:

pray thee good Arcas lett mee hold the book [ booke]

Arcas [ Ar:]

w^t [ W^th] all my hart, yett you'll nott ∫ome lotts brooke

Rus: [ Ru:]

Fairest, ∫weetest, bonny las

you that loue in mirth to pas

time delightfull word come to mee,

and you shall your fortune ∫ee, [ ;]

Mu:

you tell by booke then ∫ure you can nott mi∫s

butt shall I know what shalbee, [ shalbe] or what is

Ru:

what shalbee, nay neuer [ you need nott] feare,

Rustick doth thy fortune beare,

draw, and when you cho∫en haue

prais [ prays] mee who ∫uch fortune gaue

Mu:

And ∫oe I will if good, or if [ iff] vntrue

I'le blame my [ mine] owne ill choi∫e, and nott blame you

Phi:

pray, [ Pray,] may I ∫ee the fortune you did chu∫e

Mu:

yes, and if right I will itt nott refu∫e

Phi:

non [ Non] can bee cro∫s to you [ ,] except you will

Mu:

read itt, Phi: I will although itt were my ill

Fortune can nott cro∫s yo^r will

though your patience much must bee

feare nott that your luck is ill

you shall your best wishes ∫ee

Refu∫e, beeleeue mee noe you haue no cau∫e

thus hope brings lingring, [ longing,] patience pa∫sion drawes

Da

I'le try what mine shalbee good Rustick hold

Arcas.

A man must follow, Da: I ame [ 'ame] still to bold*

Phi:

then [ Then] I will try though ∫ure of cruelty [ crueltie]

and yett this promi∫es [ lott doth promi∫e] ∫ome ioy [ good] att last

that though I now feele greatest mi∫ery [ mi∫erie]

my ble∫sed days to come ar nott all past [ ,]

Da:

come this fond louer knowes nott yett the play

hee studdies [ studies] while our fortunes runn away

what haue you gott, [ !] lett's ∫ee, do you this loue [ ?]

Phi [ :]

Read itt, butt heaun grant mee the end to proue

A man must follow, Da: I ame still to bold

then I will try though ∫ure of cruelty

and yett this promi∫es ∫ome ioy att last

that though I now feele greatest mi∫ery

my ble∫sed days to come ar nott all past

come this fond louer knowes nott yett the play

hee studdies while our fortunes runn away

what haue you gott, lett's ∫ee, do you this loue

Read itt, butt heaun grant mee the end to proue

Arcas:

A man must follow!

Dalina: I am still too bold.

Philisses:

Then I will try though sure of cruelty.

And yet this promises some joy at last,

that though I now feel greatest misery

my blessed days to come are not all past.

Dalina:

Come, this fond lover knows not yet the play;

he studies while our fortunes run away.

What have you got, let's see, do you this love?

Philisses:

Read it, but heav'n grant me the end to prove.

Dalina:

Truly I cannot blame you. Like you this?

So I at last might gain, I well could miss

Musella:

After a rain the sweetest flowers do grow,

So shall your hap be as this book doth show.

Dalina:

Now I may draw, sweet fortune be my guide.

Musella:

She cannot see, yet must your chance abide.

Dalina:

Blind or not I care not, this I take, and

if good my luck, if bad a luckless hand.

Philisses:

If Fortune guide she will direct to love,

they cannot parted be; what now, dost move?

Dalina:

Move? Did you ever see the like?

Philisses: Not I.

Dalina:

Nay read it out; it shows my constancy.

Philisses:

In troth Dalina, fortune is proved curst

to you without desert.

Dalina: This is the worst

that she can do; 'tis true, I have fickle been

and so she, 'tis then the lesser sin.

Let her prove constant, I will her observe,

and then, as she doth mend, I'll good deserve.

Da:

you doe liue to be much crost

yett esteeme no labour lost

∫ince you shall w^th ioy [ blis] obtaine

plea∫ure for yo^r [ your] ∫uffer'd [ ∫uffred] paine,

truly I can nott blame you, like you this

∫o [ ∫oe] I att last might gaine I well could [ cowld] mis [ mi∫s.]

Mu:

After a raine the ∫weetest floures [ flowres] doe grow

∫oe shall yo^r [ your] hap bee as this book doth show

Da:

now I may [ must I] draw, [ drawe] ∫weet fortune bee my guide

Mu:

she can nott [ cannott] ∫ee, yett must yo^r chance abide

Da:

blind, [ blinde] or nott [ noe] I care nott [ ,] this I take, and

if good [ ,] my luck, if bad [ nott] a luckles hand [ ,]

Phi:

If [ Iff] Fortune guide she will direct to loue

they can nott parted bee; what [ how] now, do'st moue?

Da:

moue? [ Moue?] did you euer see the like; phi: nott I

Da:

nay read itt out itt showes my constancie [ .]

Phi:

They that can nott [ cannott] stedy bee

to them ∫elues; [ them∫elues] the like must ∫ee

ficle [ fickle] poeple, [ people]ficly [ fickly] chu∫e

∫lightly like, and ∫oe refu∫e

this your fortune [ ,] who can ∫ay

heerin iustice bears nott ∫way [ !]

In troth Dalina fortune is prou'd [ proud] curst

to you w^t out de∫ert, [ .] Da: this is the wurst

that she can doe t'is true, I' haue fickle [ ficle] bin

and ∫oe is shee, t'is [ 't 'is] then the le∫ser ∫in,

lett her proue constant, I Will [ will] her ob∫erue,

and then [ ,] as shee doth mend, I'le good de∫erue;/ [ ,]

Arcas

who cho∫eth next [ ?] Li: nott I least ∫uch I proue

Si:

nor I, itt is ∫ufficient I could loue [ ,]

Arcas [ Ar:]

I'le wish, [ wish] for one but fortune [ Fortune] shall nott try

on mee her tricks who∫e fauours ar ∫oe dry,

Da:

Non can wish if they their wishes loue nott

nor can they loue if that [ that theyr] wishings moue nott

Phi:

you faine would [ wowld] ∫aulue this bu∫ines, Da: who would I

nay my cares past, I, Loue, and his deny [ .]

who cho∫eth next Li: nott I least ∫uch I proue

nor I, itt is ∫ufficient I could loue

I'le wish, for one but fortune shall nott try

on mee her tricks who∫e fauours ar ∫oe dry,

Non can wish if they their wishes loue nott

nor can they loue if that wishings moue nott

you faine would ∫aulue this bu∫ines, Da: who would I

nay my cares past, I Loue, and his deny

It ∫eemes hee must beefore hee had this guid

I'me ∫ure nott mee, I nere my hart could hid

butt hee itt found, ∫oe as I well may ∫ay

had hee bin blind I might haue stolne away

butt ∫oe hee ∫aw, and rul'd w^t rea∫ons might

as hee hath kild in mee all my delight,

hee wounded mee (alas), w^t double harme

and non butt hee can my distre∫s vncharme;

an other wound must cure mee or I dy,

but stay this is enough, I hence will fly,

and ∫eeke the boy that strooke mee, fare you well,

yett make nott still yo^r plea∫ures proue my hell

Phili∫ses now hath left vs, lett's goe back

and tend our flocks who now our care doe lack

yett would hee had more plea∫ant parted hence

or that I could but iudg the cau∫e from whence

thes pa∫sions grow, itt would giue mee much ea∫e

∫ince I par∫eaue my ∫ight doth him displea∫e

Well lett's away, and hether ∫oune returne

that ∫unn to mee who∫e ab∫ence makes mee burne;/

He ∫eeks him yett, and of him truly knov

vhat in him hath bred this vnv∫iall woe

If hee deny mee then I'le ∫weare hee hates

mee ore affects that humour v^ch debases

in his kinde thought v^ch showld the master bee

Arcas:

Who chooseth next?

Lissius: Not I, lest such I prove.

Silvesta:

Nor I, it is sufficient I could love.

Arcas:

I'll wish for one, but fortune shall not try

on me her tricks, whose favours are so dry.

Dalina:

None can wish if they their wishes love not,

nor can they love if that wishings move not.

Philisses:

You fain would salve this business.

Dalina: Who would I?

Nay my care's past; I love and his deny.

Philisses:

Lissius:

It seems he missed before he had this guide.

Philisses:

I'm sure not me, I ne'er my heart could hide

but he it found, so as I well may say

had he been blind I might have stolen away,

but so he saw, and ruled with reason's might

as he hath killed in me all my delight;

he wounded me (alas) with double harm,

and none but he can my distress uncharm;

another wound must cure me or I die;

but stay, this is enough, I hence will fly,

and seek the boy that struck me. Fare you well,

yet make not still your pleasures prove my hell.

Lissius:

Philisses now hath left us; let's go back and tend our flocks who now our care do lack.

Yet would he had more pleasant parted hence,

or that I could but judge the cause from whence

these passions grow; it would give me much ease

since I perceive my sight doth him displease.

Musella:

Well let's away, and hither soon return

that sun to me whose absence makes me burn.

He seeks him yet, and of him truly know

what in him hath bred this unusual woe.

If he deny me then I'll swear he hates

me or affects that humour which debases

in his kind thought which should the master be.

Ioue: part of the light-hearted use of mythology in the play, which again underlines its association with masques as well as tragicomedies.

Phi:

Loue, and Rea∫on [ rea∫on] once att warr

Ioue* came downe to end the iarr

Cupid ∫aid [ ∫ayd] loue must haue place

Rea∫on that itt was his grace

Ioue then brought itt to this end

rea∫on should on loue attend

loue [ Loue] takes rea∫on for his guid [ guide]

rea∫on [ Rea∫on] can nott [ cannott] from loue slide

This [ this] agreed, they plea∫d did part

rea∫on ruling Cupids dart

∫oe as ∫ure loue can nott mi∫s

∫ince that rea∫on ruler is; [ . /]

Li:

It [ Itt] ∫eemes hee must beefore hee had this guid

Phi:

I'me ∫ure nott mee, I nere my hart could hid [ hide]

butt hee itt found, ∫oe as I well may ∫ay

had hee bin blind I might haue stolne away

butt ∫oe hee ∫aw, and rul'd w^t rea∫ons might

as hee hath kild in mee all my delight,

hee wounded mee (alas), w^t double harme

and non butt hee can my distre∫s vncharme;

an other wound must cure mee or I dy,

but [ butt] stay this is enough, I hence will fly,

and ∫eeke the boy that strooke mee, fare you well,

yett make nott still yo^r [ your] plea∫ures proue my hell

Li:

Phili∫ses now hath left vs, lett's goe back

and tend our flocks who now our care doe lack

yett would hee had more plea∫ant parted hence

or that I could but iudg the cau∫e from whence

thes pa∫sions grow, [ grewe,] itt would giue mee much ea∫e

∫ince I par∫eaue [ parceaue] my ∫ight doth him displea∫e

*inserted text on the side*

He ∫eeks him yett and of him truly know

what in him hath bred this vnu∫uall woe.

If hee deny mee, then I'le ∫weare he hates

mee or affects that humor w^ch debases [ debates]

In his kinde thought which showld the master bee,

[ butt who the freind is, I will quickly ∫ee; ex:]

Mu:

Well lett's away, and hether ∫oune [ soone] returne

that ∫unn to mee who∫e ab∫ence makes mee burne;/ [ ex:]

{*paste in which should follow Philisses' later speech

Lissius:

O plainly deal with me; my love hath been

still firm to you, then let us not begin

to seem as strangers. If I have wronged you speak

and I'll forgiveness ask, else do not break

those bands of friendship of our long held love

which did this plainness to admiration move.

Philisses:

I cannot change, but love thee ever will

for no cross shall my first affection kill,

but give me leave that sight once loved to shun,

since by the sight I see myself undone.

Lissius:

When this opinion first possessed thy heart

would death had struck me with his cruel dart;

live I to be mistrusted by my friend?

'Tis time for me my wretched days to end,

but what began this change in thee.

Philisses: Mistrust.

Lissius:

Mistrust of me?

Philisses: I am not so unjust.

Lissius:

What then? Pray tell, my heart doth long to know.

Philisses:

Why then, the change and cause of all my woe

proceeds from this: I fear Musella's love

is placed on you, this doth my torment move,

for if she do, my friendship bound to you

must make me leave for love, or joy to sue,

for though I love her more than mine own heart,

if you affect her I will ne'er impart

my love to her; so constant friendship binds

my love where truth such faithful biding finds.

Li: [ Phili∫ses, Li∫sius,]

O.? [ O] plainly deale w^t mee my loue hath bin

still firme to you then lett vs nott beegin [ begin]

to ∫eeme as strangers if I' haue wrongd you speake [ ,]

and Ile forgiunes ask, els doe nott breake

that band of freindship of our long held loue [ s]

w^ch all did this [ thes] plaines to admiration moue

Phi

I can nott [ cannott] change, butt loue thee euer will

for noe cro∫s shall my first affection kill,

butt giue mee leaue that ∫ight once lo'ud [ (once lou'd)] to shunn

∫ince by the ∫ight I ∫ee my ∫elf vndunn

Li:

When this opinion first po∫sest thy hart

would death had strooke mee w^t his cruell dart;

liue I to bee mistrusted by my freind? [ freind]

't'is time for mee [ to end ] my wreched days to end

butt what begann [ began] this change in thee; Phi: mistrust

Li:

mistrust [ Mistrust] of mee; Phi: I ame nott ∫oe vniust

Li:

vhat then? pray [ praye] tell, my hart doth long to knowe

Phi:

Why then the change and cau∫e of all my woe

proceeds from this, I feare Mu∫ellas loue

is placed on you, this doth my torment [ torments] moue,

for [ ∫ince] if she doe, my freindship bound to you

must make mee leaue my for loue, or ioy for to ∫ue,

for though I loue her more then mine owne hart

if you affect her I will ner [ ne'er] impart

my loue to her; ∫oe constant freindship binds

my loue wher truth ∫uch faithfull biding finds

{*paste in which should follow Philisses' later speech Penshurst follows straight on.

Cupid ble∫sed bee thy might

lett thy triumph ∫ee noe night

bee thou iustly god of loue

who thus can thy glory moue

harts obay to Cupids ∫vay

prin∫es non of you ∫ay nay

eyes, lett him direct your vay

for v^t out him you may stray

hee your ∫ecrett thoughts can spy

beeing hid els from each eye

lett your ∫ongs bee still of loue

write noe ∫atirs w^ch may proue

least offen∫iue to his name

if you doe you vill butt frame

words against your ∫elues, and lines

wher his good and your ill shines

like him vho doth ∫ett a ∫nare

For a poore betrayed hare}

Then truly speak, good Lissius plainly say,

nor shall a love make me your trust betray.

Lissius:

O my Philisses! What? Was this the cause?

Alas, see how misfortune on me draws;

I love, but vow 'tis not Musella's face

could from my heart my freer thoughts displace,

although I must confess she worthy is,

but she alas can bring to me no bliss;

it is your sister who must end my care.

Now do you see you need no more despair?

Philisses:

Yet she may love you, can you that deny?

Lissius:

And swear I never yet least show could spy,

but well assured I am that she doth love;

and you, I venture dare, doth her heart move;

'tis true she speaks to me, but for your sake

else for good looks from her, I might leave take.

Her eyes cannot dissemble though her tongue

to speak it hazards not a greater wrong,

her cheeks cannot command the blood, but still

it must appear although against her will.

Thus have I answered, and advice do give.

Tell her your love if you will happy live;

she cannot, neither will she, you deny

and do as much for me, or else I die.

Philisses:

What may I do that you shall not command?

Then here I gauge my word, and give my hand.

If with my sister I but power have,

she shall requite you, and the love you gave

so freely to her -- but once more say this:

from fair Musella hope you for no bliss?

Lissius:

None but her friendship which I will require;

from both as equal to my best desire.

Philisses:

Then thus assured that friendship still remain

or let my soul endure endless pain.

Venus:

S Wroth uses the S fermé to mark the end of acts, but she also uses it constantly in her work. There remains some uncertainty about its import, with earlier opinion by scholars like Roberts that it represented Wroth's sense of being a Sidney under a certain erasure now challnged by those who note its common use in early modern manusvcripts to denote a pause, and also by a number of women writers to mark an affectionate salutation.

then truly speak, good Li∫sius plainly ∫ay

nor shall a loue make mee your trust betray,

Li:

O my Phili∫ses, what was this the cau∫e

alas ∫ee how mi∫fortune on mee drau∫e [ drawes:]

I loue butt Vowe t'is [ 't'is] nott Mu∫ellas face

could [ cowld] from my thou hart my freer thoughts displace

although I must confe∫s she worthy is

butt she allas [ (alas)] can bring to mee noe bli∫s; [ blis;]

it [ itt] is your ∫ister who must end my care

now doe you ∫ee you need noe more dispaire

Phi:

yett shee may loue you [ ,] can you that deny; [ ?]

Li:

and ∫veare I neuer yett least show could spy

butt well a∫surd [ a∫sur'd] I ame that she doth loue [ ,]

and you I venter dare doth her hart moue

t'is true she speaks to mee, butt for your ∫ake

els for good looks from her, I might leaue take [ ,]

her eyes can nott di∫semble though her toungue

to speake itt ha∫ards nott a greater wrong, [ wronge]

her cheeks can nott [ cannott] command the blood, butt still

itt will must appeere [ ,] allthough against her will

thus [ Thus] haue I an∫werd, [ you] and adui∫e doe giue

tell her your loue if you will happy liue

she can nott, nether will she you deny [ ;]

and doe as much for mee [ ,] or els I dy

Phi:

what [ What] may I doe that you shall nott command

then heare I gage my vord, and giue my hand

{*In MS pasted in

if [ Iff ] w^t my ∫ister I butt power [ powre] haue

she shall requite, you, and the loue you gaue [ your ∫orrow ∫aue,]

∫oe freely to her [ w^t gift of her loue,] butt once more ∫ay this

from faire Mu∫ella hope you for noe blis [ bli∫s?]

Li:

Non butt her freindship, w^ch I will require

from both as equall to my best de∫ire,

Phi:

Then thus a∫sur'd that freindship still [ shall] remaine

or lett my ∫oule endure endles [ eternall] paine; Ex:}

Venus; [ Venus Priests to Loue, or his

Cupid ble∫sed bee thy might

lett thy triumph ∫ee noe night

bee thou iustly god [ God] of loue [ Loue]

who thus can thy glory moue

harts obay to Cupids ∫vay

prin∫es [ Princes] non of you ∫ay nay

eyes, [ Eyes] lett him direct your way

for w^t ovt him you may stray

hee your ∫ecrett thoughts can spy

beeing hid els from each eye

lett your [ yo^r] ∫ongs bee still of loue

write noe ∫atirs [ Satires] w^ch may proue

least offen∫iue to his name

if you doe you will butt frame

words against your ∫elues, and lines

wher his good, and your ill shines

like him who doth ∫ett a ∫nare

For [ for] a poore betrayed hare

{Continued on the other side of the paste in}

and that thing hee best doth loue

luckle∫ly [ lucklesly] the ∫nare doth proue,

Loue the king is of the mind

plea∫e him, and hee will bee kind

cro∫s him [ ,] you ∫ee what doth com

harmes w^ch make your plea∫ures tomb [ tombe,]

then take heed, and make your blis

in his fauour, [ fauor,] and ∫oe mi∫s

noe content, nor [ noe] ioy nor pea∫e [ peace]

butt still in all hapines increa∫e,

Loue command your harts [ ,] and eyes

and inioy [ enioy] vhat plea∫ure tries

Cupid gouern, [ gouerne,] and his care

guard [ guide] your harts from all dispaire; S

S [ ;/ flourish]

{*In MS pasted in

in mee was: Silvesta here underlines her choice of chastity as a response to loving Philisses but understanding tht he loves Musella: it is accordingly a strategic choice on her part, rather than just a blind response. It is accordingly fitting that Silvesta (apparently acting for Venus) arranges Musella's escape from marriage to Rustic.

The 3 Act;/ [ The third Act.]

Siluesta;

Silent woods w^t de∫arts shade

giuing peace

wher all plea∫ures first ar made

to increa∫e

giue your fauor to my mone

now my louing time is gone [ :]

Chastity my plea∫ure is

folly fled

from hence now I ∫eeke my blis

cro∫s loue dead

In your shadows [ shadowes] I repo∫e

you then loue I now haue [ rather] cho∫e

Mu:

Choi∫e ill made were better left

beeing cro∫s

of ∫uch choi∫e [ choice] to bee bereft

were no [ noe] lo∫s

Chastity my plea∫ure is

folly fled

from hence now I ∫eeke my blis

cro∫s loue dead

In your shadows [ shadowes] I repo∫e

you then loue I now haue [ rather] cho∫e

Mu: [ Mu∫ella. ]

Choi∫e ill made were better left

beeing cro∫s

of ∫uch choi∫e to bee bereft

were no lo∫s

chastity [ Chastitie] you thus commend

doth proceed butt from loues end

And if loue the fountane was

of your fire

loue must chastitie ∫urpas

in de∫ire

loue lost bred your chastest thought

chastity [ Chastitie] by loue is wrought

Sill: [ Si:]

Ô poore Mu∫ella, now I pitty thee

I ∫ee thou'rt bound [ ,] who most haue made vnfree

t'is true di∫daine of my loue made mee turne,

and hapily I think, butt you to burne

in loues faulce [ faul∫e] fires your ∫elf, [ yo^r∫elf] poor [ poore] ∫oule take heed

bee ∫ure beefor [ beefore] you too much pine to speede [ speed,]

you know [ knowe] I loued [ lou'd] haue, [ butt] behold my gaine,

this you dislike I purcha∫'d w^t loues paine

and true felt ∫orrow, yett my an∫wer was

from (my then deere) Phili∫ses you must pas

vnlou'd by mee, and for your owne good leaue

to vrg [ vrge] that w^ch most vrgd, [ vrg'd] can butt de∫eaue [ deceaue,]

yo^r [ your] hopes, for know Mu∫ella is my loue [ ,]

as then of duty I should [ showld] noe more moue

and this his will hee gott, yett nott his minde [ mind,]

for yett itt ∫eemes you ar noe le∫s vnkind [ ;]

Mu:

Wrong mee nott chast Siluesta t'is my greif [ griefe]

that from poore mee hee will nott take reliefe [ ,]

Sill: [ Si:]

What, will hee lo∫e [ loo∫e]what hee did most de∫ire [ ?]

Mu:

Soe is hee led [ lead] away w^t iealous fire

And this ∫illuesta [ Siluesta] butt to you I speak, [ speake]

for ∫ouner [ ∫ooner] should [ showld] my hart w^t [ w^th] ∫ilence break [ breake,]

then any els should [ showld] heere [ hear] mee thus much ∫ay

butt you, who I know will not mee betray [ beetray.]

Sill: [ Si:]

betray [ Betray] Mu∫ella, [ ?] ∫ouner [ ∫ooner ] will I dy

noe I do [ doe] loue you, nor will help deny

that [ what] lies in mee to bring your care to end

or ∫eruice w^ch to your content may tend

for when I lou'd Phili∫ses as my lyfe

par∫eauing hee lou'd [ loud] you, I killd [ kild] the strife,

w^ch in mee was,* yett doe I wish his good,

and for his ∫ake loue you, though I w^th stood

good fortunes [ ,] this chast lyfe well plea∫eth mee [ ,]

and yett ioy most [ would ioy more] if you tow hapy bee

few would [ fewe wowld] ∫ay this, butt fewer would [ wowld] itt doe

butt th'one I lou'd, and loue the other too, [ tooe:]

Mu:

I know you lou'd him, nor could I the le∫s

att [ that] time loue you, ∫oe did hee po∫ses

my hart as my thought all harts ∫ure must yeild [ yeeld]

to loue him most, and best, who in this field

doth liue and haue [ hath] nott had ∫ome kind of touch [ tuch]

to like him, butt ô you, and I to much

Sill: [ Sil:]

Mine is now past tell mee now what yo^rs [ yours] is

and I'l [ I'le] wish butt the meanes to work yo^r [ your] blis

Mu:

Then know [ knowe] Siluesta I Phili∫ses loue,

butt hee allthough, (or that becau∫e) hee loues

doth mee mistrust (ah) can ∫uch mi∫chief [ mi∫chiefe] moue

as to mistrust her who such pa∫sion proues; [ proues!]

butt ∫oe hee doth, and thinks I haue Li∫sius made

master of my affections w^ch hath staid [ stayd]

him euer yett from letting mee itt know

by words allthough hee hid's [ hides] itt nott from show, [ showe]

∫ome times [ somtimes] I faine Would speake then straite forbeare

knowing itt most vnfitt; thus woe I beare [ ;]

Sill: [ Si:]

indeed [ Indeed] a woman to make loue is ill

butt heere, [ heare,] and you may all thes ∫orrowes kill;

hee poore distre∫sed sheapherd [ sheapheard] eur'y morne

befor the ∫unn to our [ owr] eyes new is borne

walks [ waulks] in this place, and heer [ heere] alone doth cry,

against his lyfe, and your great cruelty;

now, [ now] ∫ince you loue ∫oe much, come butt, [ heere] and find

him in thes woes, and show your ∫elf butt kind

you ∫oune [ ∫oone] shall ∫ee a hart ∫oe truly wunn [ wun]

as you would nott itt mi∫s to bee vndunn; [ vndun,]

Mu:

Silluesta [ Siluesta] for this loue I can butt ∫ay

that peece of hart w^ch is nott giuen away

shalbee your owne, the rest will you ob∫erue

as ∫auor of tow harts, w^ch tow: [ too] will ∫erue

you euer w^t ∫oe true, and constant loue

yo^r [ your] chastity itt ∫elf shall itt aproue.

Sill:

I doe beleeue itt; for in ∫oe much worth

as liues in you Vertue [ Vertu] must neds spring [ break] forth;

and for Phili∫ses I loue him & [ and] will

in chastest ∫eruice hinder still his ill,

then keepe your time [ ,] alas [ ,] lett him nott dy

for whom ∫oe many ∫ufferd [ suffred] mi∫ery

Mu:

Lett mee noe ioy receaue if I neglect

this kind adui∫e, [ advice,] or him I ∫oe respect

Sill:

farewell [ Farwell] mu∫ella, [ Musella] loue, and hapy bee ex,

Mu:

And bee thou blest that thus doth comfort mee ex,

Ô poore Mu∫ella, now I pitty thee

I ∫ee thou'rt bound who most haue made vnfree

t'is true di∫daine of my loue made mee turne,

and hapily I think, butt you to burne

in loues faulce fires your ∫elf, poor ∫oule take heed

bee ∫ure beefor you too much pine to speede

you know I loued haue, behold my gaine,

this you dislike I purcha∫'d w^t loues paine

and true felt ∫orrow, yett my an∫wer was

from (my then deere) Phili∫ses you must pas

vnlou'd by mee, and for your owne good leaue

to vrg that w^ch most vrgd, can butt de∫eaue

yo^r hopes, for know Mu∫ella is my loue

as then of duty I should noe more moue

and this his will hee gott, yett nott his minde

for yett itt ∫eemes you ar noe le∫s vnkind

wrong mee nott chast Siluesta t'is my greif

that from poore mee hee will nott take reliefe

What, will hee lo∫e What hee did most de∫ire

Soe is hee led away w^t iealous fire

And this ∫illuesta butt to you I speak,

for ∫ouner should my hart w^t ∫ilence break

then any els should heere mee thus much ∫ay

butt you, who I know will not mee betray

Silvesta:

Musella:

Choice ill made were better left,

being cross.

Of such choice to be bereft

were no loss.

Chastity, you thus commend,

doth proceed but from love's end.

And if love the fountain was

of your fire,

love must chastity surpass

in desire.

Love lost bred your chastest thought,

chastity by love is wrought

Silvesta:

O poor Musella, now I pity thee.

I see thou'rt bound who most have made unfree.

'Tis true disdain of my love made me turn,

and happily I think, but you to burn

in love's false fires yourself; poor soul take heed,

be sure before you too much pine to speed.

You know I loved have, behold my gain,

this you dislike I purchased with love's pain

and true felt sorrow, yet my answer was

from (my then dear) Philisses 'you must pass

unloved by me, and for your own good leave

to urge that which most urged, can but deceive

your hopes. For know, Musella is my love.'

As then of duty I should no more move

and this his will he got, yet not his mind,

for yet it seems you are no less unkind.

Musella:

Wrong me not chaste Silvesta; 'tis my grief

that from poor me he will not take relief.

Silvesta:

What, will he lose what he did most desire?

Musella:

So is he led away with jealous fire,

and this Silvesta but to you I speak,

for sooner should my heart with silence break

than any else should hear me thus much say

but you, who I know will not me betray.

betray Mu∫ella, ∫ouner will I dy

noe I do loue you, nor will help deny

that lies in mee to bring your care to end

or ∫eruice w^ch to your content may tend

for When I lou'd Phili∫ses as my lyfe

par∫eauing hee lou'd you, I killd the strife,

w^ch in mee was, yett doe I wish his good,

and for his ∫ake loue you, though I w^th stood

good fortunes this chast lyfe well plea∫eth mee

and yett ioy most if you tow hapy bee

few would ∫ay this, butt fewer would itt doe

butt th'one I lou'd, and loue the other too,

I know you lou'd him, nor could I the le∫s

att time loue you, ∫oe did hee po∫ses

my hart as my thought all harts ∫ure must yeild

to loue him most, and best, who in this field

doth liue and haue nott had ∫ome kind of touch

to like him, butt ô you, and I to much

Mine is now past tell mee now what yo^rs is

and I'l wish butt the meanes to work yo^r blis

Then know Siluesta I Phili∫ses loue,

butt hee allthough, (or that becau∫e) hee loues

doth mee mistrust (ah) can ∫uch mi∫chief moue

as to mistrust her who ∫uch pa∫sion proues;

butt ∫oe hee doth, and thinks I haue Li∫sius made

master of my affections w^ch hath staid

him euer yett from letting mee itt know

by words allthough hee hid's itt nott from show,

∫ome times I faine Would speake then straite forbeare

knowing itt most vnfitt; thus woe I beare

indeed a woman to make loue is ill

butt heere, and you may all thes ∫orrowes kill;

hee poore distre∫sed sheapherd eur'y morne

befor the ∫unn to our eyes new is borne

walks in this place, and heer alone doth cry,

against his lyfe, and your great cruelty;

now, ∫ince you loue ∫oe much, come butt, and find

him in thes woes, and show your ∫elf butt kind

you ∫oune shall ∫ee a hart ∫oe truly wunn

as you would nott itt mi∫s to bee vndunn;

Silluesta for this loue I can butt ∫ay

that peece of hart w^ch is nott giuen away

shalbee your owne, the rest will you ob∫erue

as ∫auor of tow harts, w^ch tow: will ∫erue

you euer W^t∫oe true, and constant loue

yo^r chastity itt ∫elf shall itt aproue.

Silvesta:

Betray Musella? Sooner will I die.

No, I do love you, nor will help deny

that lies in me to bring your care to end,

or service which to your content may tend.

For when I loved Philisses as my life,

perceiving he loved you, I killed the strife,

which in me was, yet do I wish his good,

and for his sake love you, though I withstood

good fortunes. This chaste life well pleaseth me

and yet joy most if you two happy be.

Few would say this, but fewer would it do,

but th'one I loved, and love the other too.

Musella:

I know you loved him, nor could I the less

at time love you, so did he possess

my heart as my thought all hearts sure must yield

to love him most, and best, who in this field

doth live and have not had some kind of touch

to like him, but O you and I too much!

Silvesta:

Mine is now past, tell me now what yours is,

and I'll wish but the means to work your bliss.

Musella:

Then know, Silvesta, I Philisses love,

but he although, (or that because) he loves

doth me mistrust. (Ah) can such mischief move

as to mistrust her who such passion proves?

But so he doth, and thinks I have Lissius made

master of my affections, which hath stayed

him ever yet from letting me it know

by words, although he hides it not from show.

Sometimes I fain would speak than straight forbear,

knowing it most unfit; thus woe I bear.

Silvesta:

Indeed, a woman to make love is ill

but hear, and you may all these sorrows kill;

he poor distressed shepherd ev'ry morn,

before the Sun to our eyes new is born,

walks in this place, and here alone doth cry,

against his life, and your great cruelty.

Now, since you love so much, come but, and find

him in these woes, and show yourself but kind,

you soon shall see a heart so truly won

as you would not it miss to be undone.

Musella:

Silvesta, for this love I can but say

that piece of heart which is not given away

shall be your own, the rest will you observe

as savour of two hearts, which two will serve

you ever with so true, and constant love

your chastity itself shall it approve.

I doe beleeue itt; for in ∫oe much worth

as liues in you Vertue must neds spring forth;

and for Phili∫ses I loue him &? will

in chastest ∫eruice hinder still his ill,

then keepe your time alas lett him nott dy

for whom ∫oe many ∫ufferd mi∫ery

Lett mee noe ioy receaue if I neglect

this kind adui∫e, or him I ∫oe respect

farewell mu∫ella, loue, and hapy bee ex,

And bee thou blest that thus doth comfort mee ex,

O wreched man: and thou all conquering loue

w^ch showst thy pouer still on haples mee

yett giue mee leaue in thes ∫weet shades to moue

rest, but to show, my killing mi∫erie;

and bee once plea∫d to know my wreched fate,

and ∫omthing pitty, my ill, and my state

Could euer Nature, or the heauns e're frame

∫oe rare a part ∫o like them ∫elues deuine

and yett that work be blotted w^t the blame

of cruelty, and dark bee, who should shine;

To bee the brightest star, of deerest pri∫e,

and yett to murder harts w^ch to her cries

Cry, and euen att the point of death for care

yett haue I nothing left mee butt dispaire,

despaire, ô butt dispaire, alas hath hope

noe better portion, nor a greater ∫cope

well then dispaire w^t my lyfe coupled bee,

and for my ∫oddaine end doe ∫oune agree,

Ay! mee vnfortunate would I could dy

butt ∫oe ∫oune as this company I fly ex:

Now wee're alone lett euery one confe∫s

truly to other what our lucks haue bin

how often lik'd, and lou'd, and ∫oe expre∫s

our pa∫sions past shall wee this sport beegin,

non can accu∫e vs, non can vs betray,

vnles our ∫elues, our owne ∫elues will bewray,

I like this, butt will each one truly tell

trust mee I will, who doth nott, doth nott well

I'le plainly speake butt who shalbe the first

Silvesta:

I do believe it; for in so much worth

as lives in you, virtue must needs spring forth;

and for Philisses I love him and will

in chastest service hinder still his ill.

Then keep your time, alas, let him not die

for whom so many suffered misery.

Musella:

Let me no joy receive if I neglect

this kind advice, or him I so respect.

Silvesta:

Farewell Musella, love, and happy be

Musella:

And be thou blest that thus doth comfort me.

Philisses:

O wretched man: and thou all conquering love

which showest thy power still on hapless me,

yet give me leave in these sweet shades to move,

rest, but to show my killing misery;

and be once pleased to know my wretched fate,

and something pity my ill, and my state,

Could ever Nature, or the heav'ns e'er frame

so rare a part so like themselves divine

and yet that work be blotted with the blame

of cruelty, and dark be, who should shine;

To be the brightest star, of dearest prize,

and yet to murder hearts which to her cries.

Cry, and even at the point of death for care,

yet have I nothing left me but despair,

despair, O but despair. Alas, hath hope

no better portion, nor a greater scope?

Well then, despair with my life coupled be,

and for my sudden end do sound agree.

Aye me unfortunate, would I could die

but so sound as this company I fly.

Dalina:

Now we're alone let everyone confess

truly to other what our lucks have been,

how often liked, and loved, and so express

our passions past. Shall we this sport begin?

None can accuse us, none can us betray,

unless ourselves, our own selves will betray.

Phillis:

I like this, but will each one truly tell?

Climena:

Trust me I will; who doth not, doth not well.

Simena:

I'll plainly speak, but who shall be the first?

Phili∫ses [ Phi:]

O wreched man: and thou all conquering loue

w^ch showst thy pouer [ poure] still on haples mee

yett giue mee leaue in thes ∫weet shades to moue

rest, [ rest] but to show, [ show] my killing mi∫erie;

and bee once plea∫d to know my wreched fate,

and ∫omthing [ ∫omething] pitty, my ill, and my state

Could euer Nature, or the heauns e're frame

∫oe rare a part ∫o [ ∫oe] like them ∫elues deuine [ ?]

and yett that work [ wourk] be blotted w^t the blame

of cruelty, and dark bee, who should shine; [ ,]

To [ to] bee the brightest star, of deerest pri∫e, [ pryse,]

and yett to murder harts w^ch to her cries [ ,]

Cry, [ cry,] and euen att the point of death for care [ ,]

yett haue I nothing left mee butt dispaire,

despaire,[ Dispaire] ô butt dispaire, [ ?] alas hath hope

noe better portion, [ ?] nor a greater ∫cope [ ?]

well [ Well] then dispaire w^t my lyfe coupled bee,

and for my ∫oddaine end doe ∫oune [ ∫oone] agree,

Ay! mee [ Ay mee] vnfortunate would I could dy

butt ∫oe ∫oune [ ∫oone] as this company I fly ex: [ :ex:]

Dalina, Climena,

Simena, [ Simeana] fillis [ Fillis]

Dalina [ Da:]

Now wee're [ w'are] alone lett euery one confe∫s

truly to other what our lucks haue bin

how often lik'd, and lou'd, and ∫oe expre∫s

our [ owr] pa∫sions past [ :] shall wee this sport beegin, [ begin?]

non can accu∫e vs, non can vs betray,

vnles our ∫elues, our owne ∫elues will bewray,

Fillis [ Fi:]

I like this, butt will each one truly tell [ ?]

Cli:

trust [ Trust] mee I will, who doth nott, doth nott well [ ,]

Si:

I'le plainly speake butt who shalbe the first

Dalina [ Da:]

I can ∫ay least of all yett I will speake

A sheapherd once ther was, and nott the wurst

of tho∫e were most esteem'd who∫e sleepe did breake

w^t loue for-∫outhe of mee, I found itt thought

I might haue him att lea∫ure, lik'd him nott,

then was ther to our hou∫e a farmer brought

rich, and liuely; butt tho∫e bought nott his lott

for loue; tow Jolly youthes att last ther came

w^ch both mee thought I very well could loue

when one was ab∫ent t'other had the name,

in my staid hart hee pre∫ent did most moue

both att a time in ∫ight I ∫carce could ∫ay

w^ch of the tow I then Would wish away

butt they found how to chu∫e, and as I was

like changing, like vn∫ertaine lett mee pa∫s,

I would nott this beeleeue if other tongue

should this report butt think itt had bin wrong

butt ∫ince you speake this could nott you agree

to chu∫e ∫ome one butt this vncho∫en bee

truly nott I, I plainly tell the truth

yett doe confe∫s t'was folly in my youth

w^ch now I'le mend the next that comes I'le haue

I will noe more bee foulish, nor delay

∫ince I do ∫ee the lads will labor ∫aue

one an∫were rids them, I'le noe more ∫ay nay

but if hee ∫ay Dalina will you loue,

and thank you I'le ∫ay if you will proue;

the next go on, and tell what you haue dun

I am the next, and haue butt lo∫ses wunn

butt yett I constant was, thoug still reiected

lou'd, and nott lou'd I was, lik'd, and neglected

yett now ∫ome hope reuiues when loue thought dead

doth like the spring=young bud When leaues ar fled,

Yo^r hap's the better, would mine were as good

though I as long as you dispi∫ed stood,

for I haue lou'd, and lou'd butt only one,

yett I di∫daind could butt receaue y^t mone

w^ch others doe for thou∫ands ∫oe vniust

is loue to tho∫e who in him most doe trust

nor did I euer lett my thoughts bee showne

butt to Mu∫ella who all els hath knowne

w^ch was long time I had Phili∫es lou'd

and euer would though hee did mee dispi∫e

for them allthough hee euer cruell prou'd

from him nott mee the fault must needs ari∫e,

and if Simena thus your brother deere

should bee vnkind my loue shall still be cleere;

Dalina:

I can say least of all, yet I will speak.

A shepherd once there was, and not the worst

of those were most esteemed, whose sleep did break

with love forsooth of me. I found it, thought

I might have him at leisure, liked him not.

Then was there to our house a farmer brought,

rich, and lively, but those bought not his lot

for love. Two jolly youths at last there came

which both me thought I very well could love.

When one was absent t'other had the name,

in my staid heart he present did most move.

Both at a time in sight, I scarce could say

which of the two I then would wish away.

But they found how to choose, and as I was

like changing, like uncertain, let me pass.

Simena:

I would not this believe if other tongue

should this report, but think it had been wrong,

but since you speak this, could not you agree

to choose someone but this unchosen be?

Dalina:

Truly not I, I plainly tell the truth,

yet do confess 'twas folly in my youth

which now I'll mend. The next that comes I'll have;

I will no more be foolish, nor delay,

since I do see the lads will labour save.

One answer rids them, I'll no more say nay,

but if he say 'Dalina will you love?'

and 'thank you', I'll say; 'if you will prove.'

The next go on, and tell what you have done.

Simena:

I am the next, and have but losses won,

but yet I constant was, though still rejected.

Loved, and not loved I was, liked, and neglected,

yet now some hope revives when love thought dead

doth like the spring-young bud when leaves are fled.

Phillis:

Your hap's the better, would mine were as good,

though I as long as you despised stood.

For I have loved, and loved but only one,

yet I disdained could but receive that moan

which others do for thousands. So unjust

is love to those who in him most do trust.

Nor did I ever let my thoughts be shown

but to Musella, who all else hath known,

which was long time I had Philisses loved

and ever would though he did me despise.

For then, although he ever cruel proved,

from him not me the fault must needs arise,

and if, Simena, thus your brother dear

should be unkind, my love shall still be clear.

the truth: indeed as noted above Dalina accepts Rustic's proposal at the end of the play

Da:

I can ∫ay least of all yett I will speake

A sheapherd once ther was, and nott the wurst

of tho∫e were most esteem'd who∫e [ who] sleepe did breake

w^t loue for-∫outhe [ for∫ooth] of mee, I found itt thought

I might haue him att lea∫ure, lik'd him nott, [ nott]

then was ther to our [ owr] hou∫e a farmer brought

rich, and liuely; [ liuely] butt tho∫e bought nott his lott

for loue; [ :] tow Jolly [ iolly] youthes [ youths] att last ther came

w^ch both mee thought I very [ verie] well could loue

when one was ab∫ent t'other had the name, [ name]

in my staid [ stayd] hart hee pre∫ent did most moue

both att a [ one] time in ∫ight I ∫carce could ∫ay

w^ch of the tow I then Would [ wowld] wish away

butt they found how to chu∫e, and as I was

like changing, like vn∫ertaine [ vncertaine,] lett mee pa∫s, [ pas:/]

Si:

I would [ wowld] nott this beeleeue if other tongue [ toungue]

should this report butt think itt had bin wrong [ ,]

butt ∫ince you speake this could nott you agree

to chu∫e ∫ome one butt this [ thus] vncho∫en bee [ ?]

Da:

truly [ Truly] nott I, I plainly tell the truth*

yett doe confe∫s t'was folly in my youth

w^ch now I'le mend the next that comes I'le haue [ the next that coms this fault I'le mend, and haue]

I will noe more bee foulish, nor [ or] delay

∫ince I do ∫ee the lads will labor ∫aue

one an∫were rids them, I'le noe more ∫ay nay [ :]

but if hee ∫ay Dalina will you loue, [ ?]

and thank you I'le [ I will] ∫ay if you will proue; [ .]

the next go [ goe] on, and tell what you haue dun

Si:

I am [ ame] the next, and haue butt lo∫ses wunn [ wun]

butt yett I [ yett still I] constant was, thoug [ though] still reiected

lou'd, and nott lou'd I was, lik'd, and neglected

yett now ∫ome hope reuiues [ hopes remaines] when loue thought dead

doth like the spring=young bud [ proues like the spring's young bud,] When leaues ar fled,

Fillis

Yo^r [ your] hap's the better, would [ wowld] mine were as good

though I as long as you dispi∫ed stood,

for I haue lou'd, and lou'd butt only one,

yett I di∫daind [ di∫daine'd] could butt receaue y^t [ that] mone

w^ch others doe for thou∫ands ∫oe vniust

is loue to tho∫e who in him most doe trust

nor did I euer lett my thoughts bee showne

butt to Mu∫ella who all els hath knowne

w^ch was long time I had Phili∫es lou'd.

and euer would though hee did mee dispi∫e

for then allthough hee [ had] euer cruell prou'd

from him nott mee the fault must needs ari∫e,

and if Simena [ Simeana] thus your brother deere

should [ showld] bee vnkind my loue shall still be cleere; [ .]

T'is well re∫olu'd but how lik'd she you yo^r choy∫e

did she or blame or els your mind commend

Niether she ∫eem'd to dislike or, reioi∫e

nor did comend I did this loue intend

butt ∫miling ∫aid 't'were best to bee adui∫'d

comfort itt were to win butt death dispi∫'de

I doe beeleeue her; butt climena yett

hath nothing ∫aid wee must nott her forgett

Why you haue ∫aid enough for you, and mee

yett for your ∫akes I will the order keepe

who though I stranger heere by birthe I bee,

and in Arcadia euer kept my sheepe

yett heere itt is my fortune w^th the rest

of you to like, and louing bee oprest;

for ∫ince I came I did a louer turne,

and turne I did indeed when I lou'd heere

∫ince for an other I in loue did burne

to whom I thought I had bin held as deere

butt was de∫eau'd when I for him had left

my freinds and country was of him bereft,

and all, butt that you kindly did imbrace,

and welcome mee into this hapy place

wher for your ∫akes I ment to keep ∫ome sheep word

nott doubting euer to bee more de∫eau'd

butt now alas I am anew beereau'd

of hart, now time itt is my ∫elf to keepe,

and lett flocks goe, vnles ∫imeana plea∫e

to giue con∫ent, and ∫oe giue mee ∫ome ea∫e

Why what haue I to do w^t whom you loue

beecau∫e t'is hee who doth your pa∫sion moue,

The les I fear the wining of his loue

∫ince all my faith could neuer ∫o much moue,

yett can hee nott ∫oe cruell euer bee

butt hee may liue my mi∫erie to ∫ee,

And when his eyes to loue shall open bee

I trust hee will turne pitty vnto mee,

and lett mee haue reward w^ch is my due

W^ch is your due, what pitty's due to you

dreame you of hope? ô you to high aspire

think you to gaine by kindling an old fire?

My loue wilbee the ∫urer when I know

nott loue alone; butt how loue to bestow,

You make him yett for all this butt to bee

the ∫ecound in your loue, ∫oe was nott hee

in mine, butt first, and last of all, the chiefe

that can to mee bring ∫orrow, or reliefe

Simena:

'Tis well resolved, but how liked she you your choice?

Did she or blame, or else your mind commend?

Phillis:

Neither she seemed to dislike or rejoice,

nor did commend I did this love intend.

But smiling said 'twere best to be advised,

comfort it were to win but death despised.

Simena:

I do believe her; but Climena yet

hath nothing said we must not her forget.

Climena:

Why you have said enough for you, and me,

yet for your sakes I will the order keep,

who though I stranger here by birth I be,

and in Arcadia ever kept my sheep,

yet here it is my fortune with the rest

of you to like, and loving be oppressed.

For since I came I did a lover turn,

and turn I did indeed when I loved here.

Since for another I in love did burn

to whom I thought I had been held as dear,

but was deceived. When I for him had left

my friends and country was of him bereft,

and all, but that you kindly did embrace,

and welcome me into this happy place,

where for your sakes I meant to keep some sheep,

not doubting ever to be more deceived.

But now, alas, I am anew bereaved

of heart, now time it is myself to keep,

and let flocks go, unless Simena please

to give consent, and so give me some ease.

Simena:

Why, what have I to do with whom you love?

Climena:

Because 'tis he who doth your passion move.

Simena:

The less I fear the wining of his love,

since all my faith could never so much move,

yet can he not so cruel ever be,

but he may live my misery to see.

Climena:

And when his eyes to love shall open be,

I trust he will turn pity unto me,

and let me have reward which is my due.

Simena:

Which is your due! What pity's due to you?

Dream you of hope? O you too high aspire.

Think you to gain by kindling an old fire?

Climena:

My love will be the surer when I know

not love alone, but how love to bestow.

Simena:

You make him yet for all this but to be

the second in your love, so was not he

in mine, but first, and last of all, the chief

that can to me bring sorrow, or relief.

Arcadia: traditional country of pastoral but also perhaps a homage to Wroth's uncle Philip Sidney's prose romance Arcadia.

Si:

T'is well re∫olu'd but how lik'd she you yo^r [ yo^r] choy∫e

did she or blame or els your mind commend [ ?]

Fi:

Niether she ∫eem'd to dislike or, [ or] reioi∫e

nor did comend I did this loue intend

butt ∫miling ∫aid [ told mee] 't'were best to bee adui∫'d

comfort itt were to win butt death dispi∫'de [ dispi∫'d,]

S [ Si:]

I doe beeleeue her; butt climena [ Climeana] yett

hath nothing ∫aid wee must nott her forgett

Cli:

Why you haue ∫aid [ ∫ayd] enough for you, and mee

yett for your [ yo^r] ∫akes I will the order keepe

who though I stranger heere by birthe I bee,

and in Arcadia* euer kept my sheepe [ ,]

yett heere itt is my fortune w^th the rest

of you to like, and louing bee oprest;

for ∫ince I came I did a louer turne,

and turne I did indeed when I lou'd heere [ ,]

∫ince for an other I in loue did burne

to whom I thought I had bin [ binn] held as deere

butt was de∫eau'd [ deceau'd] when I for him had left

my freinds [ ,] and country was of him bereft,

and all, butt that you kindly did imbrace,

and welcome [ wellcome] mee into this hapy place [ ,]

wher for your ∫akes I ment to keep ∫ome sheep to keepe

nott doubting euer to bee more de∫eau'd [ deceau'd,]

butt now alas I am [ ame] anew beereau'd [ bereaud]

of hart, now time itt is my ∫elf to keepe,

and lett flocks goe, vnles ∫imeana plea∫e

to giue con∫ent, and ∫oe giue mee ∫ome ea∫e

Si:

Why what haue I to do w^t [ w^th] whom you loue

Cli:

beecau∫e t'is [ 't'is] hee who doth your [ yo^r] pa∫sion moue, [ proue;]

Si:

The les [ le∫ser need ] I fear the wining [ winning] of his loue

∫ince all my faith could [ cowld] neuer ∫o much moue,

yett can hee nott ∫oe cruell euer bee

butt hee may liue my mi∫erie to ∫ee,

Cli:

And when his eyes to loue shall open bee

I trust hee will turne pitty vnto mee,

and lett mee haue reward w^ch is my due

Si:

W^ch is your due, [ ?] what pitty's due to you [ ?]

dreame you of hope? ô you to high aspire

think you to gaine by kindling an old fire?

Cli:

My loue wilbee [ wilbe] the ∫urer [ ,] when I know

nott loue alone; [ ,] butt how loue to bestow,

Si:

You make him yett for all this butt to bee

the ∫ecound in your loue, ∫oe was nott hee

in mine, butt first, and last [ ,] of all, [ all] the chiefe

that can to mee bring ∫orrow, or reliefe [ ,]

Cli:

This will not win him, you may taulke, and hope

butt, [ butt] in loues pa∫sages ther is larg ∫cope [ ,]

Si:

T'is true, and you haue ∫cope to chang, [ change,] and chu∫e

to take, and dislike, like, and ∫oune [ ∫oone] refu∫e,

Cli:

My loue as firme is to him as is thine

This will not win him, you may taulke, and hope

butt, in loues pa∫sages ther is larg ∫cope

T'is true, and you haue ∫cope to chang, and chu∫e

to take, and dislike, like, and ∫oune refu∫e,

My loue as firme is to him as is thine

yett mine did euer ri∫e, neuer decline

noe other mou'd in mee the flames of loue,

yett you dare hope, as much as I to moue

folly indeed is proud, and only Vaine

and word you his ∫eruante feeds to w^t hope of gaine,

I loue him most, Si: I loue him best can you

chaleng reward, and can nott ∫ay you'r true

In this you wrong mee, faulce I haue nott bin

butt chang'd on cau∫e Si: well now you hope to win

this ∫ecound, yett, I like tho∫e lo∫e noe time

butt can you thinke y^t you can this way clime

to your de∫ires, this showes you loue haue trid,

and that you can both chou∫e, and choi∫e deuide

butt take yo^r cour∫e, and win him if you can

and I'le pro∫eed in truth, as I began

Fy what a lyfe is heere about fond loue

neuer could itt in my hart thus much moue

this is the rea∫on men ar growne ∫oe coy

when they par∫eaue wee make their ∫miles our ioy

lett them alone, and they will ∫eeke, and ∫ue,

butt yeeld to them, they will w^t ∫corne pour∫ue;

hold awhile of they'll kneele, nay follow you,

and Vowe, and ∫weare, yett all their othes vntrue;

lett them once ∫ee you coming; then they fly

butt strangly looke, and they'll for pitty cry,

and lett them cry ther is noe euill dunn

they gaine butt that w^ch you might els haue wunn,

is this your coun∫ell why butt not you ∫aid

your folly had your loues, and good betraid,

and that heerafter you would wi∫er bee

then to di∫daine ∫uch as haue left you free,

't'is true, that was the cour∫e I ment to take

butt this must you doe, your owne word ends to make

I haue my fortunes lost, yours doe begin

and to cro∫s tho∫e could bee noe greater ∫in

I know the world, and heare mee, this I' adui∫e

rather then to ∫oune wunn, bee too pre∫i∫e

Climena:

This will not win him, you may talk, and hope,

but, in love's passages there is large scope.

Simena:

'Tis true, and you have scope to change, and choose

to take, and dislike, like, and soon refuse.

Climena:

My love as firm is to him as is thine.

Simena:

Yet mine did ever rise, never decline,

no other moved in me the flames of love,

yet you dare hope, as much as I to move.

Folly indeed is proud, and only vain,

and you his servant feeds with hope of gain.

Climena:

I love him most.

Simena:

I love him best; can you

challenge reward, and cannot say you're true?

Climena:

In this you wrong me, false I have not been

but changed on cause.

Simena: Well, now you hope to win

this second. Yet, I like those, lose no time,

but can you think yet you can this way climb

to your desires? This shows you love have tried,

and that you can both choose, and choice divide.

But take your course, and win him if you can

and I'll proceed in truth, as I began.

Dalina:

Fie, what a life is here about fond love!

Never could it in my heart thus much move.

This is the reason men are grown so coy,

when they perceive we make their smiles our joy.

Let them alone, and they will seek, and sue,

but yield to them, they will with scorn pursue.

Hold awhile off, they'll kneel, nay follow you,

and vow, and swear, yet all their oaths untrue.

Let them once see you coming, then they fly,

but strangely look, and they'll for pity cry.

And let them cry, there is no evil done.

They gain but that which you might else have won.

Simena:

Is this your counsel? Why, but now you said

your folly had your loves, and good, betrayed,

and that hereafter you would wiser be

than to disdain such as have left you free.

Dalina:

'Tis true, that was the course I meant to take,

but this must you do, your own ends to make.

I have my fortunes lost, yours do begin,

and to cross those could be no greater sin.

I know the world, and hear me, this I advise:

rather than too soon won, be too precise.

Si:

yett mine did euer ri∫e, neuer decline [ ,]

noe other mou'd in mee the flames of loue,

yett you dare hope, as much as I to moue

folly [ Folly] indeed is proud, and only Vaine

and word you his ∫eruante feeds w^t hope of gaine,

Cli:

I loue him most, [ :] Si: I loue him best can you

chaleng reward, and can nott ∫ay you'r [ you're] true

Cli:

In this you wrong mee, faulce [ faulse] I haue nott bin

butt chang'd on cau∫e [ :] Si: well now you hope to win

this ∫ecound, yett I like tho∫e lo∫e noe time [ ,]

butt can you thinke y^t [ that] you can this way clime

to your [ yo^r] de∫ires, this showes you loue haue trid, [ tride,]

and that you can both chou∫e, [ chu∫e,] and choi∫e [ choyce] deuide [ ,]

butt take yo^r [ your] cour∫e, and win him if you can

and I'le pro∫eed [ proceed] in truth, as I began [ ; /]

Da:

Fy what a lyfe is heere about fond loue

neuer could itt in my hart [ ,] thus much moue

this is the rea∫on men ar growne ∫oe coy

when they par∫eaue [ parceaue] wee make their [ theyr] ∫miles our [ owr] ioy

lett them alone, and they will ∫eeke, and ∫ue,

butt yeeld to them, they will [ they'll] w^t ∫corne pour∫ue; [ pur∫ue]

hold awhile [ a while] of they'll kneele, nay [ and] follow you,

and Vowe, and ∫weare, yett all their [ theyr] othes vntrue; [ ,]

lett them once ∫ee you coming; [ coming] then they fly

butt strangly looke, and they'll for pitty cry,

and lett them cry ther is noe euill [ euile] dunn

they gaine butt that w^ch you might els haue wunn,

Si:

is [ Is] this your coun∫ell why butt now you ∫aid

your folly had your loues, and good betraid, [ betrayd,]

and that heerafter you would wi∫er bee

then to di∫daine ∫uch as haue left you free,

Da:

't'is [ 'Tis] true, that was the cour∫e I ment to take

butt this must you doe, your [ yo^r] owne good ends to make

I haue my fortunes lost, yours doe begin

and to cro∫s tho∫e could bee noe greater ∫in [ ,]

I know the world, and heare [ heere] mee, this I' adui∫e

rather then to ∫oune [ ∫oone] wunn, [ wun,] bee too pre∫i∫e [ preci∫e]

nothing is lost by beeing carefull still,

nor nothing ∫oe ∫oune wun as louers ill,

heer Li∫sius comes, alas thee is loue shooke

hee's euen now learning loue w^t out the booke

Loue pardon mee I know I did ami∫s

when I thee ∫corn'd or thought thy blame my bli∫s

Ô pitty mee, alas I pitty craue

doe nott ∫ett trophies on my luckles graue,

though I, poore slaue, and ignorant, did ∫corne

thy ble∫ed name, lett nott my hart be torne

w^th thus much torture, ô butt looke on mee

take mee a faithfull ∫eruant now to thee,

Deere Li∫sius, my deere Li∫sius fly mee nott

lett nott both ∫corne, and ab∫ence bee my lott,

'pray lett mee goe you know I can nott loue

doe nott thus farr my pa∫ience stiriue to moue;

Why cruell Li∫sius wilt thou neuer ment

butt still increa∫e thy frounes for my ∫ad end,

Climeana t'is enought that I haue ∫aide

bee gon, and leaue mee, is this for a maide

to follow, and to haunt mee thus, you blame

mee for di∫daine butt ∫ee nott your owne shame

fy, I doe blush for you, a woman woo,

the most vnfittest, shamfullst thing to doo

Vnfitt, and shamefull, I indeed t'is true

∫ince ∫ute is made to hard relentles you

well I will leaue you, and restore the wrong

I ∫uffer for my louing you too long,

noe more shall my words trouble you nor I

er'e follow more if nott to ∫ee mee dy; ex:

farewell you now doe right, this is y^e

way

to win my wish, for when I all neglect

that ∫eek mee she must needs something respect

my loue the more, and what though she should ∫ay

I once denide her, yett my true felt paine

must needs from her ∫oft brest ∫ome fauor gaine

Li∫sius is taken, well ∫aid Cupid, now

you partly haue parform'd your taken Vow

of all our sheapheards I ne're thought that hee

would of thy foulish troupe a follower bee;

butt this itt is a godele∫s to dispi∫e,

and thwart a wayward boy who wants his eyes;

come lett's nott trouble him, hee is distrest

enough hee neede nott bee w^t vs oprest,

Nothing is lost by being careful still,

nor nothing so soon won as lovers' ill.

Here Lissius comes; alas, he is love shook.

He's even now learning love without the book.

Lissius:

Love, pardon me, I know I did amiss,

when I thee scorned or thought thy blame my bliss.

O pity me, alas, I pity crave.

Do not set trophies on my luckless grave,

though I, poor slave, and ignorant, did scorn

thy blessed name, let not my heart be torn

with thus much torture. O but look on me,

take me a faithful servant now to thee.

Dear Lissius, my dear Lissius, fly me not.

Let not both scorn and absence be my lot.

Lissius:

Pray let me go, you know I cannot love.

Do not thus far my patience strive to move.

Climena:

Why cruel Lissius, wilt thou never mend,

but still increase thy frowns for my sad end?

Lissius:

Climena, 'tis enough that I have said,

begone and leave me. Is this for a maid

to follow, and to haunt me thus? You blame

me for disdain, but see not your own shame.

Fie, I do blush for you! A woman woo,

the most unfittest, shamefull'st thing to do.

Climena:

Unfit, and shameful, I? Indeed 'tis true,

since suit is made too hard, relentless you.

Well, I will leave you, and restore the wrong

I suffer for my loving you too long.

No more shall my words trouble you, nor I

e'er follow more if not to see me die.

Exit Climena

Lissius:

Farewell, you now do right. This is the way

to win my wish, for when I all neglect

that seek me, she must needs something respect

my love the more; and what though she should say

I once denied her, yet my true felt pain

must needs from her soft breast some favour gain.

Dalina:

Lissius is taken, well said. Cupid, now

you partly have performed your taken vow;

of all our shepherds, I ne'er thought that he

would of thy foolish troop a follower be.

But this it is a goddess to despise,

and thwart a wayward boy who wants his eyes.

Come, let's not trouble him, he is distressed

enough, he need not be with us oppressed.

blame: this exchange between Lissius and Climeana perhaps owes something to the tangled desires of Shakespeare's As You Like It.

eyes: ie Cupid

nothing is lost by beeing carefull still,

nor nothing ∫oe ∫oune [ ∫oone ] wun as louers ill,

heer [ heere] Li∫sius comes, alas thee [ he] is loue shooke

hee's euen now learning loue w^t out the booke [ ;]

Li∫sius

Loue pardon mee [ ,] I know I did ami∫s

when I thee ∫corn'd or thought thy blame my bli∫s [ blis,]

Ô [ O] pitty mee, alas I pitty craue

doe nott ∫ett trophies [ Trophes] on my luckles graue,

though I, [ I] poore slaue, and ignorant, [ ignorant] did ∫corne

thy ble∫ed name, lett nott my hart be torne

w^th thus much torture, ô [ O] butt looke on mee [ ,]

take mee a faithfull ∫eruant now to [ vnto] thee,

Cli:

Deere [ Deer] Li∫sius, my deere Li∫sius fly mee nott

lett nott both ∫corne, and ab∫ence bee my lott,

Li∫s:

'pray [ Pray] lett mee goe [ ,] you know I can nott loue

doe nott thus farr my pa∫ience [ patience] stiriue [ striue] to moue;

Cli:

Why cruell Li∫sius wilt thou neuer mend

butt still increa∫e thy frounes [ frowns] for my ∫ad end, [ ?]

Li:

Climeana t'is enought that I haue ∫aide [ ∫ayd]

bee [ be] gon, and leaue mee, [ ;] is [ Is] this for a maide [ mayd]

to follow, and to haunt mee thus, [ ?] you blame*

mee for di∫daine butt ∫ee nott your [ yo^r] owne shame

fy, I doe blush for you, a woman woo, [ ?]

the most vnfittest, [ vnfittingst] shamfullst [ shamfull'st] thing to doo [ doe]

Cli:

Vnfitt, and shamefull, [ shamfull] I indeed t'is true

∫ince ∫ute is made to hard relentles you [ ,]

well I will leaue you, and restore the wrong [ wronge]

I ∫uffer for my louing you too [ ∫oe] long,

noe more shall my words trouble you [ ,] nor I

er'e [ ere] follow more if nott to ∫ee mee dy; [ dye,] ex:

Li∫s: [ Li:]

farewell [ Farewell] you now doe right, this is ye [ the] way

to win my wish, for when I all neglect

that ∫eek [ ∫eeke] mee she must needs something [ something] respect

my loue the more, and what though she should [ showld] ∫ay

I once denide [ deny'd] her, yett my true felt paine

must needs from her ∫oft brest ∫ome fauor gaine [ ;]

Da:

Li∫sius is taken, well ∫aid [ ∫ayd,] Cupid, now

you partly haue parform'd [ perform'd] your taken Vow

of all our sheapheards [ shepherds] I ne're [ nere] thought that [ y^t] hee

would [ wowld] of thy foulish [ foolish] troupe [ troope] a follower bee;

butt this itt is a godele∫s [ Godde∫s] to dispi∫e,

and thwart a wayward boy who [ that] wants his eyes;* [ ,]

come lett's nott trouble him, hee is distrest

enough hee neede nott bee w^t vs oprest,

Si:

Ile [ I'le] stay, and aske him who t'is hee doth loue

Da:

do nott a pen∫iue [ pensiue] hart to pa∫sion moue

Si:

to [ To] pa∫sion [ ?] would I could his pa∫sion find

to an∫were my distre∫sd, [ de∫ire,] and griued mind [ ,]

Ile stay, and aske him who t'is hee doth loue

do nott a pen∫iue hart to pa∫sion moue

to pa∫sion would I could his pa∫sion find

to an∫were my distre∫sd, and griued mind

Stay then, and try him, and yo^r fortune try

itt may bee hee loues you, come letts goe by

Ô Sweet ∫imena looke butt on my paine

I grieue, and cur∫e my ∫elf for my di∫daine

now butt haue pitty loue doth make me ∫erue,

and for yo^r wrong, and you I will re∫erue

my lyfe to pay, your loue butt to de∫erue,

and for your ∫ake I doe my lyfe pre∫erue,

pre∫erue itt nott for mee I ∫eeke nott now,

nor can I creditt this, nor any Vow

w^ch you shall make, I was to long dispi∫'d

to bee dea∫eau'd, noe, I will bee aduis'd

by my owne rea∫on, loue shall noe more blind

mee, nor make mee beeleeue more then I find,

beleeue butt that, and I shall haue the end

of all my paine, and wishes, I pretend

a Vertuous loue, then grant mee my de∫ire

who now doe wast in true, and faithfull fire,

how can I this beeleeue; Li: my faith shall tell

that in true loue I will all els excell,

butt then will you loue mee as I doe you

I promi∫e may, for you can nott bee true,

then you will promi∫e breake, Si: nott if I find

that as your words are, ∫oe you'll make yo^r mind,

lett mee nor speach, nor mind haue, when that I

in this or any els doe faul∫sefy

my faith, and loue to you; Si: then bee att rest

and of my true affection bee po∫sest

Soe deere Simeana bee of mee, and mine

now doe my hopes, and ioys together shine,

nor lett the least cloud ri∫e to dim this light

w^ch loue makes to apeere w^t true delight;/ ex

Simena:

I'll stay, and ask him who 'tis he doth love.

Dalina:

Do not a pensive heart to passion move.

Simena:

To passion? Would I could his passion find

to answer my distressed and grieved mind.

Dalina:

Stay then, and try him, and your fortune try;

it may be he loves you. Come let's go by.

Lissius:

O sweet Simena, look but on my pain,

I grieve, and curse myself for my disdain;

now but have pity, love doth make me serve,

and for your wrong, and you I will reserve

my life to pay, your love but to deserve,

and for your sake I do my life preserve.

Simena:

Preserve it not for me, I seek not now,

nor can I credit this, nor any vow

which you shall make. I was too long despised

to be deceived. No, I will be advised

by my own reason; love shall no more blind

me, nor make me believe more than I find.

Lissius:

Believe but that, and I shall have the end

of all my pain, and wishes. I pretend

a virtuous love, then grant me my desire,

who now do waste in true, and faithful fire

Simena:

How can I this believe?

Lissius:

My faith shall tell

that in true love I will all else excel,

but then will you love me as I do you?

Simena:

I promise may, for you cannot be true.

Lissius:

Then you will promise break.

Simena: Not if I find

that as your words are, so you'll make your mind.

Lissius:

Let me nor speech, nor mind have, when that I

in this or any else do falsify

my faith, and love to you.

Simena: Then be at rest

and of my true affection be possessed.

Lissius:

So dear Simena, bee of me, and mine.

Now do my hopes, and joys together shine.

Simena:

Nor let the least cloud rise to dim this light,

which love makes to appear with true delight.

Da:

Stay then, and try him, and yo^r fortune try

itt may bee hee loues you, come [ com] letts goe by [ ex:]

Li∫s: [ Li∫sius.]

Ô [ O] Sweet ∫imena looke butt on my paine

I grieue, and cur∫e my ∫elf for my di∫daine [ ,]

now butt haue pitty [ ,] loue doth make me ∫erue,

and for yo^r [ your] wrong, and you I will re∫erue

my lyfe to pay, your loue butt to de∫erue,

and for your ∫ake I doe my lyfe pre∫erue, [ ;]

Si

pre∫erue [ Preserue] itt nott for mee [ ,] I ∫eeke nott now, [ nowe]

nor can I creditt this, nor any Vow [ Vowe]

w^ch you shall make, I was to long dispi∫'d

to bee dea∫eau'd, [ deceau'd] noe, I will bee [ wilbe] aduis'd

by my owne rea∫on, [ by reason now,] loue shall noe more blind

mee, nor make mee beeleeue more then I find,

Li:

beleeue [ Beeleeue] butt that, and I shall haue the end

of all my paine, and wishes, I pretend

a Vertuous loue, then grant mee my de∫ire

who now doe wast in true, and faithfull fire, [ /]

Si:

how [ How] can I this beeleeue; [ :] Li: my faith shall tell

that in true loue I will all els excell,

butt then will you loue mee as I doe you [ ?]

Si: [ Simeana:]

I promi∫e may, for you can nott bee true,

Li:

then you will promi∫e breake, Si: nott if I find

that as your words are, [ ar,] ∫oe you'll make yo^r mind,

Li:

lett [ Lett] mee nor speach, nor mind haue, when that I

in this or any els doe faul∫sefy [ faulsify]

my faith, and loue to you; Si: then bee att rest [ ,]

and of my true affection bee po∫sest [ ,]

Li:

Soe deere Simeana [ Simena] bee of mee, and mine [ ,]

now doe my hopes, and ioys together shine,

Si:

nor [ Nor] lett the least cloud [ clowd] ri∫e to dim [ dimm] this light

w^ch loue makes to apeere w^t [ w^th] true delight;/ ex [ / flourish]

word

Venus:

Cupid: this interlude between Venus and Cupid underlines the way that the penshurst version of the play lays greater stress on the mnasque-like interventiuon of supernatural beings in human affairs.

The Forth;/

Musella

Venus;/

[ Venus, and Cupid;

Cu:

Is nott this pretty? who doth free remaine

of all this flock that waits nott in owr traine?

will you haue yett more ∫orrow? yett more woe?

shall I an other bitter arrow throwe?

speak if you will, my hand now knows the way

to make all harts your ∫acred power obay;

Venus

'T'is pretty, butt 't'is nott enough, ∫ome are

to slightly wounded, they had greater share

in ∫corning vs. Li∫sius to ∫oone is blest,

and w^t too little paine hath gott his rest

∫carce had hee learn'd to ∫igh beefor hee gaind,

nor shed a teare, 'ere hee his hopes obtain'd,

this ea∫y wining breeds vs more neglect

w^tout much paine, few doe lous ioys respect,

then are they ∫weetest purcha∫'d w^th felt griefe

to floods of woe ∫weet looks giues full reliefe

a world of ∫orrow is ea∫d w^t one ∫mile,

and hart wounds cure'd when kind words rule, the while

that foregon wailings in forgotten thoughts

shall wasted ly di∫daind, once deerly bought

one gentle speach more heals a bleeding wound

then baulins of plea∫ure, if from other ground,

strike then too fauor him, and lett him gaine

his loue, and blis by Loues ∫weet plea∫ing paine,

Cu:

That shalbee dun, nor had hee this delight

beestow'd butt for his greater harme, and spite,

you shall beefor this Act bee ended ∫ee

hee doth ∫ufficiently taste mi∫erie

t'is farr more griefe from ioye to bee downe throwne

then ioy to bee aduanc'd to plea∫urs throwne,

Venus:

Lett mee ∫ee that, and I contented ame:

∫uch gratious fauor, wowld butt gett thy shame,

Cu:

Hee and others yett shall taste

∫uch distre∫s as shall lay waste

all ther hopes, theyr ioys, and liues,

by ∫uch lo∫s owr glory thriues;

fear nott then all harts must yeeld

when owr forces come to field; {S with diagonal line through it}

{flourish}

This is the place Siluesta 'pointed mee

to meete my ioy, my ∫ole felicitie

and heere Phili∫ses is, (ay mee) this showes

the wounds by loue giuen ar noe childish blowes

You ble∫sed woods into who∫e ∫ecrett guard

I Venter dare my inward wounding ∫mart

and to you dare impart the cro∫ses hard

w^ch harbour in my loue destroyed hart

to you, and butt to you I durst dis∫clo∫e

the∫e flames, thes paines, thes griefs w^ch I do find

for your true harts ∫oe constant are to tho∫e

who trust in you as you'll nott chang your mind

Noe Echo shrill shall yo^r deere ∫ecretts utter,

or wrong yo^r ∫ilence w^th a blabing tongue

nor will your springs against your priuate mutter

or thinke that coun∫ell keeping is a wrong;

then ∫ince woods, springs, echo∫es, and all are true,

my long felt woes I'le tell, shew, write in you;

Alas Mu∫ella, cruell sheapherde∫s

Who takes no pitty on mee in distre∫s

for all my pa∫sions, plaints, and all my woes

I am ∫oe farr from gaine, as outward showes

I neuer had could feede least hope to spring

or any while least comfort to mee bring;

yett pardon mee deere m^rs of my ∫oule,

I doe recall my words, my tongue controle,

for wronging thee, accu∫e my poore steru'd hart

w^ch wither'd is w^t loues all killing ∫mart,

∫ince truly I must ∫ay I can nott blame

thee, nor condemne thee w^th a ∫corners name,

noe, noe (alas) my paines thou dost nott know

nor dare I wrech to thee my torments show,

why did I wrong thee then, who all must ∫erue,

and happy hee by thee thought to de∫erue,

Who heauen hath fram'd to make vs heere beelow

de∫erne they striue all worth in thee to show,

and doth the∫e Vallies, and the∫e meads di∫grace

when thou art pre∫ent w^th excelling grace

as now; who att this time doth show more bright

then faire Aurora when she lends best light;

Ô that I might butt now haue hart to speake,

and ∫ay I loue, though after hart did breake

I faine would comfort him, and yett I know

word nott if from mee 't' will comfort bee or noe

∫ince cau∫les iealo∫ie hath ∫oe po∫se∫t

his hart, as noe beeleefe of mee can rest;

yett why stay I, I came to giue reliefe

should I then doubt, no I may ea∫e his griefe,

and help will ∫eeke, none should ones good neglect

much more his blis who for mee ioys reiect

Musella:

This is the place Silvesta 'ppointed me

to meet my joy, my sole felicity

and here Philisses is, (ay me), this shows

the wounds by love given are no childish blows.

Philisses:

You blessed woods into whose secret guard

I venture dare my inward wounding smart,

and to you dare impart the crosses hard

which harbour in my love-destroyed heart,

to you, and but to you, I durst disclose

these flames, these pains, these griefs which I do find.

For your true hearts so constant are to those

who trust in you as you'll not change your mind;

no echo shrill shall your dear secrets utter,

or wrong your silence with a blabbing tongue.

Nor will your springs against your private mutter

or think that counsel keeping is a wrong.

Then since woods, springs, echoes, and all are true,

my long felt woes I'll tell, show, write in you.

Alas Musella, cruel shepherdess,

who takes no pity on me in distress.

For all my passions, plaints, and all my woes,

I am so far from gain, as outward shows

I never had could feed least hope to spring

or any while least comfort to mee bring;

yet pardon me dear mistress of my soul,

I do recall my words, my tongue control,

for wronging thee, accuse my poor starved heart

which withered is with love's all killing smart.

Since, truly, I must say I cannot blame

thee, nor condemn thee with a scorner's name.

No, no (alas), my pains thou dost not know

nor dare I, wretch, to thee my torments show:

why did I wrong thee then, who all must serve,

and happy he by thee thought to deserve,

who heaven hath framed to make us here below

discern they strive all worth in thee to show, and doth these valleys, and these meads disgrace

when thou art present with excelling grace

as now; who at this time doth show more bright

than fair Aurora when she lends best light.

O that I might but now have heart to speak,

and say I love, though after heart did break.

Musella:

I fain would comfort him, and yet I know

not if from me 'twill comfort be or no,

since causeless jealousy hath so possessed

his heart, as no belief of me can rest.

Yet why stay I? I came to give relief.

Should I then doubt? No, I may ease his grief,

and help will seek. None should one's good neglect

much more his bliss who for me joys reject.

word: nott crossed out but the rest is indecipherable.

The 4 [ Forth] Acte;

Mu∫ella;

This is the place Siluesta 'pointed mee

to meete my ioy, [ ioye,] my ∫ole felicitie

and heere Phili∫ses is, (ay mee) [ ay mee] this showes

the wounds by loue giuen ar noe [ no] childish blowes [ ,]

Phi:

You ble∫sed woods into who∫e ∫ecrett guard

I Venter dare my inward wounding ∫mart [ ,]

and to you dare impart the cro∫ses hard

w^ch harbour in my loue destroyed [ distroyed] hart

to you, and butt to you I durst dis∫clo∫e

the∫e [ thes] flames, thes paines, thes griefs w^ch I do find

for your true harts ∫oe [ so] constant are to tho∫e

who trust in you as you'll nott chang your [ yo^r] mind

Noe [ No] Echo shrill shall yo^r deere ∫ecretts utter,

or wrong yo^r [ your] ∫ilence w^th a blabing [ blabbing] tongue

nor will your springs against your priuate [ yo^r priuatt] mutter

or thinke that coun∫ell keeping is a wrong; [ .]

then [ Then] ∫ince woods, springs, echo∫es, [ Echoes,] and all are true,

my long felt woes [ long hid loue] I'le tell, shew, write in you;

Alas Mu∫ella, cruell sheapherde∫s [ sheapherdes,]

who takes no pitty on mee in distre∫s

for all my pa∫sions, plaints, and all my woes

I am ∫oe farr from gaine, as outward showes

I neuer had could feede [ feed] least hope to spring

or any while least comfort to mee bring;

yett pardon mee deere m^rs [ M^rs] of my ∫oule,

I doe recall my words, my tongue controle,

for wronging thee, accu∫e my poore steru'd hart

w^ch wither'd [ witherd] is w^t loues all killing ∫mart,

∫ince truly I must ∫ay I can nott blame

thee, nor condemne [ accuse] thee w^th [ w^t] a ∫corners name,

noe, [ Noe,] noe (alas) my paines thou dost nott know

nor dare I wrech to thee my torments [ my torments to thee] show,

why [ Why] did I wrong thee then, [ ?] who all must ∫erue,

and happy hee by thee thought to de∫erue,

Who heauen [ heau'n] hath fram'd to make vs heere beelow [ bolow]

de∫erne they striue all worth in thee to show,

and doth the∫e Vallies, and the∫e meads di∫grace

when thou art pre∫ent w^th [ w^t] excelling grace

as now; [ ,] who att this time doth show more bright

then faire Aurora [ ,] when she lends best light;

Ô [ O] that I might butt now haue hart to speake,

and ∫ay I loue, though after hart did breake [ ,]

Mu:

I faine would [ wowld] comfort him, and yett I [ doe nott] know

word* nott [ whether from mee] if from mee 't' will comfort bee or noe

∫ince cau∫les iealo∫ie hath ∫oe po∫se∫t

his hart, as noe beeleefe of mee can rest;

yett [ butt] why stay I, [ ?] I came to giue reliefe

should I then doubt, [ ?] no I may ea∫e his griefe,

and help will ∫eeke, none should ones good neglect

much more his blis who for mee ioys reiect [ ,]

How now Phili∫ses, why do you thus grieue

speake, is ther non that can your paines relieue

Yes faire Mu∫ella, butt ∫uch is my state

reliefe must come from her who can butt hate;

What hope can I wrech haue least good to moue

wher ∫corne doth grow for mee, for others loue;

butt are you ∫ure she doth your loue di∫daine,

itt may bee for your loue she feels like paine;

like paine for mee, I would nott craue ∫oe much,

I wish noe more butt that loue might her tuch,

and that she might de∫erne by loue to know

that kind reguard is fitt for her to show;

∫ure this she knowes; Phi: proue itt, and I may liue

tell mee who 't'is you loue, and I will giue

my word I'le win her if she may bee wunn

ay^ that doubt in mee made mee first runn

into this labourinth of woe, and care

w^ch makes mee thus to wed my owne dispaire

butt haue you made itt knowne to her you loue

that for her ∫corne you do the∫e torments proue

Yes now I haue, and yett to ea∫e ∫ome paine

I'le plainlier speake, though my owne end I gaine,

and ∫oe to end itt were to mee a bli∫s,

then know for your deere ∫ake my ∫orrow is,

itt may bee you will hate mee, yett I haue

by this ∫ome ea∫e though w^t itt come my graue,

yett deere Mu∫ella ∫ince for you I pine,

and ∫uffer welcom paine, lett fauor shine

thus far, that though my loue you doe neglect

yett ∫orry bee I died; w^t this respect

I shalbee ∫ati∫fied, and ∫oe content

as I shall deeme my lyfe, ∫oe lost, well spent,

Sory (alas Phili∫ses) can itt bee

butt I should grieue, and mourne, nay dy for thee,

yett tell mee, why did you thus hide your loue,

and ∫uffer wrong con∫eits thus much to moue

now 't'is allmost to late your wish to gaine

yett you shall pitty, word for your loue obtaine

Pitty, when helples t'is, is endle∫s giuen

am I to this vnhapy bondage driu'n

yett truly pitty, and t'will bee ∫ome ea∫e

vnto my griefe though all els doe displea∫e,

butt doe nott yett vnles you can affect

for forced pitty's wur∫e then is neglect,

and to bee pitty'd butt for pitty ∫ake

How now Philisses, why do you thus grieve?

Speak, is there none that can your pains relieve?

Philisses:

Yes fair Musella, but such is my state,

relief must come from her who can but hate.

What hope can I, wretch, have least good to move

where scorn doth grow for me, for others love?

Musella:

But are you sure she doth your love disdain?

It may be for your love she feels like pain.

Philisses:

Like pain for me! I would not crave so much.

I wish no more but that love might her touch,

and that she might discern by love to know

that kind regard is fit for her to show.

Musella:

Sure this she knows.

Philisses:

Prove it, and I may live.

Musella:

Tell me who 'tis you love, and I will give

my word I'll win her if she may be won.

Philisses:

Ay that doubt in me made me first run

into this labyrinth of woe, and care,

which makes me thus to wed my own despair.

Musella:

But have you made it known to her you love

that for her scorn you do these torments prove?

Philisses:

Yes now I have, and yet to ease some pain,

I'll plainlier speak, though my own end I gain,

and so to end it were to me a bliss.

Then know for your dear sake my sorrow is,

it may be you will hate me, yet I have

by this some ease, though with it come my grave.

Yet dear Musella, since for you I pine,

and suffer welcome pain, let favour shine

thus far, that though my love you do neglect,

yet sorry be I died; with this respect

I shall be satisfied, and so content

as I shall deem my life, so lost, well spent.

Musella:

Sorry (alas Philisses) can it be

but I should grieve, and mourn, nay die for thee?

Yet tell me, why did you thus hide your love?

And suffer wrong conceits thus much to move?

Now 'tis almost too late your wish to gain,

yet you shall pity for your love obtain.

Philisses:

Pity, when helpless 'tis, is endless given,

am I to this unhappy bondage driv'n?

Yet truly pity, and 'twill be some ease

unto my grief though all else do displease.

But do not yet, unless you can affect,

for forced pity's worse than is neglect,

and to be pitied but for pity sake

How now Phili∫ses, why do you thus grieue

speake, is ther non that can your paines relieue

Phi:

Yes faire Mu∫ella, butt ∫uch is my state

reliefe must come from her who can butt hate; [ ,]

What hope can I wrech haue least good to moue

wher ∫corne doth grow [ growe] for mee, for others loue;

Mu:

butt [ Butt] are you ∫ure she doth your loue di∫daine,

itt may bee for your loue she feels like paine; [ .]

Phi:

like [ Like] paine for mee, [ ?] I would nott craue ∫oe much,

I wish noe more butt that loue might her tuch,

and that she might de∫erne by loue to know

that kind reguard [ respect] is fitt for her to show;

Mu:

∫ure this she knowes; Phi: proue itt, and I may liue [ ,]

Mu:

tell [ Tell] mee who 't'is [ 'tis] you loue, and I will giue

my word I'le win her if she may bee wunn [ wun]

Phi:

ay^ [ Ay] mee that doubt in mee made mee first runn [ run]

into this labourinth of woe, and care

w^ch makes mee thus to wed my [ mine] owne dispaire [ ;]

Mu:

butt [ Butt] haue you made itt knowne to her you loue

that for her ∫corne you do the∫e [ thes] torments proue [ ?]

Phi:

Yes now I haue, and yett to ea∫e ∫ome paine

I'le plainlier speake, though my owne end I gaine,

and ∫oe to end [ ,] itt were to mee a bli∫s,

then know for your deere ∫ake my ∫orrow is,

itt may bee you will hate mee, yett I haue

by this ∫ome ea∫e though w^t itt come my graue,

yett deere Mu∫ella ∫ince for you I pine,

and ∫uffer welcom paine, [ wellcome death,] lett fauor shine

thus far, [ farr,] that though my loue you doe neglect

yett ∫orry bee I died; [ dide;] w^t [ w^th] this respect

I shalbee ∫ati∫fied, and ∫oe content

as I shall deeme my lyfe, [ lyfe] ∫oe lost, [ lost] well spent,

Mu:

Sory (alas Phili∫ses) [ alas Philisses] can itt bee

butt I should [ showld] grieue, and mourne, nay dy for thee, [ ?]

yett tell mee, why did you thus hide your loue, [ ?]

and ∫uffer wrong con∫eits thus much to moue [ ?]

now 't'is [ t'is] allmost to late your wish to gaine

yett you shall pitty, and my for your loue obtaine

Phi:

Pitty, when helples t'is, is endle∫s [ endles] giuen

am I to this vnhapy bondage driu'n [ ?]

yett truly pitty, and t'will bee ∫ome ea∫e

vnto my griefe though all [ things els] els doe displea∫e,

butt doe nott yett vnles you can affect

for forced pitty's wur∫e [ ,] then is neglect,

and to bee pitty'd butt for pitty ∫ake

and nott for loue do neuer pitty take

Mu:

Well then I loue you, and ∫oe euer must

though time, or Fortune should bee still vniust;

for wee may loue, and both may constant proue

butt nott inioy vnle∫s [ vnles] ordaind [ ordain'd] aboue

Phi

Dost thou loue mee, [ ?] o [ O] deere Mu∫ella ∫ay

and ∫ay itt still to kill my late di∫may

Mu:

More then my ∫elf, or loue my ∫elf for thee

the better much; [ ,] butt wilt thou loue like mee?

Phi:

My only lyfe, heer doe I Vow to dy

when I proue faulce, [ faulse,] or show inconstancy,[ vnconstancie.]

Mu:

All true content may this to both procure [ ,]

P:

and when I breake lett mee [ may I] all shame indure

and nott for loue do neuer pitty take

Well then I loue you, and ∫oe euer must

thought time, or Fortune should bee still vniust;

for wee may loue, and both may constant proue

butt nott inioy vnle∫s ordaind aboue

Dost thou loue mee, o deere Mu∫ella ∫ay

and ∫ay itt still to kill my late di∫may

More then my ∫elf, or loue my ∫elf for thee

the better much; butt wilt thou loue like mee?

My only lyfe, heer doe I Vow to dy

when I proue faulce, or show inconstancy,

All true content may this to both procure

and when I breake lett mee all shame indure

nor doubt you mee nor my true hart mistrust,

for dy I will befor I proue vniust;

butt heere comes Rustick who∫e incombred braine

w^t loue, and iealou∫ie must our lo∫s gaine

for ∫ince hee hops, nay ∫ays that I am his

I can nott ab∫ent bee butt hee'l mee mi∫s

butt when that is, lett day no longer shine,

or I haue lyfe, if liue nott truly thine

butt now least that our loue should be found out

lett's ∫eeke all meanes to keepe him from this doubt,

and lett non know itt butt your ∫ister deere

who∫e company I keepe, ∫oe hold all cleere;

the lett him wach, and keepe what hee can gett,

his plotts must want ther force our ioys to lett;

I'le step awhile a∫ide; till you doe meet

this wellcom man, who∫e ab∫ence were more ∫weet

for though that hee pour thing can litle find

yett I shall blush w^t knowing my owne mind,

fear, and de∫ire still to keepe itt hid

word will blushing show itt when t'is most forbid,

Non can haue pouer against a pouerfull loue

nor keep the blood butt in the cheeks t'will moue

butt nott for feare, or care itt ther doth show

butt kinde de∫ire makes you blushing know

that ioy takes place, and in your face doth chime

w^t leaping hart, like lambkins in the prime;

butt ∫weet Mu∫ella ∫ince you will away

take now my hart and lett yours in mee stay, Mu: ex:

could I expre∫s the ioy I now con∫eaue

I were vnworthy ∫oe much to receaue

butt ∫oe much am I thine, as lyfe, and ioy

are in thy hands to nur∫e, or to destroy:

how now Rustick, whether away ∫oe fast?

and not for love do never pity take.

Musella:

Well then, I love you, and so ever must,

though time, or Fortune should be still unjust.

For we may love, and both may constant prove,

but not enjoy, unless ordained above.

Philisses:

Dost thou love me? O dear Musella say,

and say it still to kill my late dismay.

Musella:

More than myself, or love myself for thee,

the better much; but wilt thou love like me?

Philisses:

My only life, here do I vow to die

when I prove false, or show inconstancy.

Musella:

All true content may this to both procure.

Philisses:

And when I break, let me all shame endure.

Musella:

Nor doubt you me, nor my true heart mistrust,

for die I will before I prove unjust.

But here comes Rustick, whose encumbered brain

with love, and jealousy must our loss gain,

for since he hopes, nay says that I am his,

I cannot absent be, but he'll me miss.

But when that is, let day no longer shine

or I have life, if live not truly thine.

But now lest that our love should be found out,

let's seek all means to keep him from this doubt,

and let none know it but your sister dear,

whose company I keep, so hold all clear.

Then let him watch, and keep what he can get,

his plots must want their force our joys to let.

I'll step awhile aside till you do meet

this welcome man, whose absence were more sweet.

For though that he, poor thing, can little find,

yet I shall blush with knowing my own mind.

Fear, and desire, still to keep it hid

will blushing show it when 'tis most forbid.

Philisses:

None can have power against a powerful love,

nor keep the blood but in the cheeks 'twill move.

But not for fear, or care it there doth show,

but kind desire makes you blushing know

that joy takes place, and in your face doth chime

with leaping heart, like lambkins in the prime.

But sweet Musella, since you will away,

take now my heart and let yours in me stay.

Could I express the joy I now conceive,

I were unworthy so much to receive.

But so much am I thine, as life, and joy

are in thy hands to nurse, or to destroy.

How now Rustick, whether away so fast?

lambkins: very young lambs, emphasises again the pastoral setting, though on the whole Wroth's 'shepherds' are the aristocratic kind found in pastoral literature rather than in actual pastures, as the contrast with Rustic underlines.

Mu:

nor [ Nor] doubt you mee [ ,] nor my true hart mistrust,

for dy I will befor I proue vniust;

butt heere [ heer] comes Rustick who∫e incombred [ encomber'd] braine

w^t loue, and iealou∫ie must our [ owr] lo∫s gaine

for ∫ince hee hops, [ hopes,] nay ∫ays that I am his

I can nott ab∫ent bee butt hee'l [ hee'le] mee mi∫s

butt when that is, lett day no [ noe] longer shine,

or I haue lyfe, if liue nott truly thine [ .]

butt now least that our [ owr] loue should [ showld] be found out

lett's ∫eeke all meanes [ means] to keepe him from this doubt,

and lett non know itt butt your ∫ister deere [ ,]

who∫e company I keepe, ∫oe hold all cleere; [ ,]

then [ Then] lett him wach, and keepe what hee can [ hath] gett,

his plotts must want ther force our [ owr] ioys to lett;

I'le step awhile a∫ide; till you doe meet [ meete]

this wellcom [ welcome] man, who∫e ab∫ence were more ∫weet [ ,]

for though that hee pour thing [ (poore thing] can litle find

yett I shall blush w^t knowing my owne mind,

fear, [ feare,] and de∫ire still to keepe [ conceale] itt hid

w^t will blushing show itt when t'is most forbid, [ .]

Phi:

Non can haue pouer [ powre] against a pouerfull loue [ ,]

nor keep [ keepe] the blood butt in the cheeks t'will moue [ ,]

butt nott for feare, or care itt ther doth show

butt kinde [ kind] de∫ire makes you blushing know

that ioy [ ioye] takes place, and in your face doth clime

w^t leaping hart, like lambkins* [ lamkins] in the prime;

butt ∫weet Mu∫ella ∫ince you will away

take now my hart and lett yours in mee stay, [ /] Mu: ex:

could [ Could] I expre∫s the ioy [ ioye] I now con∫eaue

I were vnworthy ∫oe much [ such blis] to receaue

butt ∫oe much am I thine, as lyfe, and ioy

are [ ar] in thy hands to nur∫e, or to destroy: [ distroy:]

how [ How] now Rustick, whether away ∫oe fast?

To ∫eeke Mu∫ella; phi: now that labour's past

∫ee wher she comes: Mu: Rustick wher were you

I ∫ought butt could nott find: you Ru: word is that true

faith I was butt the truth to you to tell

marking ∫om kattle, and asleepe I fell

and I was ∫eeking of a long lost lamb

w^ch now I found eu'n as along you came

I'me glad you found itt; Mu: truly ∫oe am I

now lett vs goe to finde our company

∫ee wher ∫ome bee, Mu: itt ∫eemes to ∫oune, alas

that loue di∫pi∫'d should com to ∫uch a pas

Li∫sius mee thinks you ar growne ∫ad of late,

and priuately w^t your owne thoughts debate

I hope you ar nott fal'ne in loue, that boy

can nott I trust your ∫ettled hart inioy

'T'is well; you may bee merry att my fall

reioi∫e, nay doo, for I can lo∫e butt all;

and ∫oe to much; ex: Mu: ∫ure ∫ome strang error is

learne you itt out, Ru: wee'll leaue you, and bring bliss;

Come Li∫sius tell mee whence pro∫eeds this griefe

di∫couer itt, and you may find reliefe

Now I'le goe ∫eeke Phili∫ses, hee I'me ∫ure

will comfort mee who doth the like indure;

yett faire Mu∫ella do thus much for mee

as tell ∫imena she hath murder'd mee,

and gaine butt this that she my end will ble∫s

w^th ∫ome (though ∫malest griefe) for my distre∫s,

and that she will butt grace my haples tombe

as to beehold mee dead by her hard dombe;

this is a ∫male request, and 't'is my last,

who to obay, to my ∫ad end will haste

Nay Li∫ius heere mee, tell mee ere word you goe

what ∫odaine matter moues in you this woe

Alas t'is loue of one I did di∫daine,

and now I ∫eeke, the like neglect I gaine

Rustick:

To seek Musella.

Philisses:

Now that labour's past.

See where she comes.

Musella:

Rustick, where were you?

I sought but could not find you.

Rustick:

Is that true?

Faith, I was but, the truth to you to tell,

marking some cattle, and asleep I fell.

Musella:

And I was seeking of a long lost lamb,

which now I found ev'n as along you came.

Rustic:

I'm glad you found it.

Musella:

Truly so am I.

Rustic:

Now let us go to find our company.

Philisses:

See where some be.

Musella: It seems too soon, alas,

that love despised should come to such a pass.

Lissius [and] Simena:

Musella:

Lissius, methinks you are grown sad of late,

and privately with your own thoughts debate.

I hope you are not fallen in love; that boy

cannot, I trust, your settled heart enjoy.

Lissius:

'Tis well, you may be merry at my fall;

rejoice, nay do, for I can lose but all.

Simena:

And so too much.

Musella: Sure some strange error is.

Philisses:

Learn you it out.

Rustick:

We'll leave you, and bring bliss.

Musella:

Come Lissius, tell me whence proceeds this grief?

Discover it, and you may find relief.

Lissius:

Now I'll go seek Philisses; he I'm sure

will comfort me who doth the like endure.

Yet fair Musella do thus much for me

as tell Simena she hath murdered me,

and gain but this, that she my end will bless

with some (though smallest) grief for my distress,

and that she will but grace my hapless tomb

as to behold me dead by her hard doom.

This is a small request, and 'tis my last,

who to obey, to my sad end will haste.

Musella:

Nay Lissius, hear me; tell me ere you go

what sudden matter moves in you this woe.

Lissius:

Alas 'tis love of one I did disdain,

and now I seek, the like neglect I gain.