The History of Titana and Theseus

The History of Titana and Theseus. Very pleasant for age to avoid drowsy thoughts: profitable for youth to eschew wanton pastimes: so that to both, it brings the mind’s content. Written by W. Bettie. London, printed by Thomas Creede for Thomas Pavier, and are to be sold at his shop in Cornhill, near the Exchange. 1608.

To the right worshipful Humphrey Conisby, W. Bettie wisheth all joy, and happiness in this world, and in the world to come, life everlasting.

Right Worshipful, ever since my childish years were adopted with that mutual sense of seeing, and emboldened with your favourable smiles, I presumed to survey the manifold favours that I found written in the margent of your love; (which seeing) I find myself so deeply indebted to your Worship, that although I should endeavour myself even to the last gasp, yet were it impossible for me to deserve, or make you restitution for the least of them: but as heretofore I still presumed on your kindness, presenting your worship, the frowns of Fortune, so rudely and roughly polished, that I fear you will smile with Alexander at the crooked deformity of Vulcan: yet sometimes the mind is as well pleased to hear of Pan’s homely fancies, as of Hercules’ renowned labours; Homer wrote verses as well on Irus the beggar, as Eurymauchus the wooer: Apollo gives oracles as well to the poor for his mite, as to the rich for his treasure: Darius as well received the rough unpolish’d colours of Myson, as the curious pictures of Apelles. Therefore I beseech you, to shroud this imperfect pamphlet under your Worship’s patronage: assuring myself that your Worship’s learned education, and virtuous disposition, will be a sufficient defence to protect me from the envious tongues of the scorning sycophants, and hoping as Jupiter and his son vouchsafed to lie in Philemon’s poor cottage: so I hope your Worship will excuse my slender skill, and except of my willing mind, and when you have given them a favourable view, with Minerva under your golden target cover a deformed owl, so hoping for more than yet I have deserved, I rest: wishing you the happy success of heart’s content, where I leave you to the Heavens’ disposing.

   Your Worship’s most dutiful and ever bounden W. Bettie.

The History of Titana and Theseus.

In Greece, there dwelt a mighty king, called Aegeus, who had reigned fifty years; fortunate and successive in all his warlike affairs: that through the puissance of his force to his foes, and bountiful courtesy to his friends, he was feared in hate, and embraced in love. This Aegeus had one only son, whose name was Theseus, who was by birth royal, learned by education, by nature valorous, and by virtues famous: in so much that it was hard to judge whether his valour, fortune, or virtue, won the greatest praise.

   This young prince, being so richly adorned with the rare feats, and accomplishments of chivalry, that he did not only enjoy his father’s love, but also won his subjects’ hearts: at that instant, there lived Meleagar, king of Achaia, not far distant from the court of Aegeus, who had a daughter, a fair young virgin, whose name was Titana, her virtuous dispositions were such, as might justly challenge more love than the world could yield her: for her beauty was such, as it tainted Venus’ cheeks, her virtue shadowed Diana’s altars, her learning stained sacred Pallas, and her loyalty was such as it quite surpassed Penelope: how can the world then extoll these excellent gifts of nature to the high sphere of their deserts, being so exquisitely limited, and so lovingly applauded by their subjects’ reports, but by committing them to those glittering creatures, enclosed within the spangled skies, where we’ll leave them to the Heavens’ disposing, and turn to Meleagar her father: who, in his youth, had been brought up with Aegeus, and was his schoolfellow; so as they had been schoolfellows in their youth, they remained loving neighbours in their age, maintaining course, and recourse, to and fro each other’s courts, upholding golden amity, with the pillars of brotherly love, which did not only rejoice the Achaians, but also augment the Grecians’ love, with such inordinate and extreme passions, that every year, upon the king’s coronation day, the people throughout all Greece, and Achaia, held a general feast, for the space of forty days, with jousts, and tourneys, with running, wrestling, leaping, and dancing, with bonfires, ringing of bells, and such like pleasant pastimes: not only to honour their two kings, but also to show their inward joy by their outward actions: as well to show their kings their royal deserts, as their loyalty, being subjects. When this solemn triumph was quite ended, the people returned unto their former labour, and wonted course of life, where we’ll leave them and turn to Theseus: who though but young in years, yet old in experience, though valorous with Hercules, yet not too venturous with Phaeton; though upheld with the wings of Fortune, yet not rash in flying with Icarus, but keeping lower bounds with Dedalus; he feared not the thunderbolts of Jove, nor yet the raging waves of Neptune: well (to be brief), Theseus, who had ever since he was able to harbour, or conceive one amorous thought, marked the excellency of Titana’s behaviour, and the exquisity of her beauty, persuaded himself that she was matchless on earth: in so much, that at last he fell into passionate affections with Titana; and burst out his passions in these terms, being alone in a garden, sitting under an orange tree:

   “Ah Theseus thou art a King’s son, and art applauded by the Greeks, to be the only champion of this climate, and wilt thou live a slave to Venus, confined and barred of liberty? No, no, cast off these foolish affections; for Theseus, surely thou dost not love, these are but instant conceits, sweetened with honey, or fire made with straw, they are not amours of perfection. Ah Theseus, flatter not thyself, thy heart doth feel the deadly wound of Cupid’s dart: Oh, that blind boy hath pierced it clean through, like an Indian pearl: yet be cheerful Theseus, what needst thou fear, thou knowst the salve to cure thy amorous corrosive; Titana is a king’s daughter, and she is by birth royal, learned by education, fair by nature, by virtues famous, and by possessions rich: why then what needst thou fear, cast off these despairing follies, and put on assuring fancies, for Cupid never throws his dart, but Venus seeks the wound: why then Theseus, art thou a prince, and a valiant soldier, and wilt live thus perplexed with foolish love, or a wound given by a boy; expel such capital follies, as would include thee with ignominious conceit!”

   When he had thus sufficiently explained his passions, and searched the deepness of his still bleeding wound, he takes his farewell of the orange tree, that shadowed him from the beams of Phoebus, and returns to his chamber, where we’ll leave him ruminating on his love, and turn to Titana: who all this while, even from her infancy, had noted the princely gesture of Theseus, and seeing his face so perfectly featured, and viewing each limb, the portraiture of his body so well limited, that she greatly commended Dame Nature’s art and excellency in shadowing such perfection under her Fortune’s lot; persuading herself, that none but Theseus should reap the harvest of her affection: being thus perplexed with inordinate passions, and possessed with amorous affection, it wrought like a purgation with her, in so much that at last she brake her passions in these terms.

   “Ah Titana, thou art in love. I, with whom? With Theseus (with Theseus!), he is a king’s son, why so art thou a king’s daughter; he is famous in birth; thou art virtuous, and fair by Nature; he is a prince; why thou art a princess: thou every way art equivalent with him: why thou, if thou lovest Theseus, Theseus cannot choose but love Titana: Ah Titana, thou fond fool, sigh, sob, and lament thee of thy follies, art thou so fond to think that Theseus being a valiant warrior, the Grecians’ champion, and heir apparent to that invincible King Aegeus, will look on thee? No, thou art not an object fitting for his expective eye, though thy virtuous qualities be opposite to his valorous accomplishments, yet he cannot love Titana: Why? Titana is beautiful, virtuous, and rich, ay, and after her father’s decease, heir to the crown of rich Achaia: why then Titana, suppress these frantic passions, and incline to lovely affections, for do thou but smile, he cannot choose but love”. Well, when she had thus at large played, and displayed her passionate affection, she returns to her chamber, to be melancholy, where we’ll leave her.

   Theseus, who had received such a deadly wound, thought it long until he had some remedy for it, starts him up from the embracements of his restless bed, and walks towards the court of Meleagar: even at his approach within the court gates, the clock struck eight. Quoth Theseus: “It is too early days to seek to speak with Titana yet; I’ll go walk a course or two about the garden, till the clock strikes again, and that I think will be about the time of Titana’s rising”. He immediately turns on the back side of the court, to enter into the garden, but when he came he found the door fast locked: yet Fortune willing to favour his presence, would not suffer him to return, but caused him to knock, the which he did, and immediately it was opened by a groom of Titana’s chamber. Quoth Theseus: “Where is your lady and mistress, stirring yet?”. Quoth the groom: “And shall please your Highness, she sits alone at the further end of the garden, a-reading”. With that Theseus cast up his eye, and espied his lovely paramour: walking in the garden unseen of Titana, he stepped into a green arbour, which stood directly opposite against her, and not far distant from her, where he first viewed each limit, or proportraiture of her body: and then began he to break his passions: “Ah Theseus, ecce! See how her crimson lips stands like two pilgrims, to adorn those vermilion cheeks of hers, which like as the adamant draws the steel, so they draw thee to love: Nay behold her crystal eyes how like to unestimable diamonds, they glitter and give light to the out-chanted Cynthia: now last of all, see how far her twined locks doth surpass the Arabian gold in golden beauty”.

   When he had thus breathed out his passions in these passionate terms, he stands a while commenting in this dull perplexity, yet at last begins to prosecute his passions with these terms: “Theseus, thou seest her excellency, perfection and beauty, why then make a mixture with those, and thy entire love, and drink them as a physic potion, either to cure, or kill, and so shalt thou be sure to be eased by death, else cured to life, for in love there is life, in hate there is death, but Titana’s face resembles an adamant’s virtue, to draw love by affection, and not kill love with rejecting, (and more) it is impossible, that she should cover a flinty heart with a smiling face, for I know the virtue of Venus mollifies the heart of Titana: why then Theseus, what needst thou fear, show thyself as valiant a prince to Titana, as thou hast done in former time to Mars, and returned victor of the field, when thou wast beset with millions of foes, and wilt thou now fear the repulse of a woman, and being thy love too? No, thou shalt scale the walls and lay battery to the fairest”: and with that he steps out of the arbour with a modest behaviour, and full resolution, takes her by the hand, and withal dimples her cheeks with a lovely smile, as love gives lovers direction: and thus begins. “Fair Titana, ever since I could conceive one amorous thought, or cast a wanton eye on beauty’s perfection, I have remained imburdened with the essence of your beauty, and wounded with the ulcerous sore of your love: therefore, fair lady, reject me not with disdain, because I approach with courtesy: and as our two aged fathers lives in peaceful amity, so let us combine a matrimonial unity, it will not only be a comfort to them, but also an eternal joy to us”. Titana resting, and meditating a while, at last bepaints her cheeks with a maiden blush, and thus replies: “Prince Theseus, this is very strange to me, that such inordinate passions of love should so far overflow her shores on the sudden, being no storm nor spring to be the causer: therefore Theseus, surely this is not love, these are but feigned fictions to try simplicity: in-luring baits, to catch fond folly in wanton’s snares: for Demophoon was fair by nature, but proved false to Phyllis: Aeneas was a brave man, but as false as Almider: yet were their protested vows greater than common hearts can conceive. Therefore, Theseus, suppress thy passions, and leave to love Titana, for she cannot love thee again, she is like the star Artophylax, that is beauteous to the eye, but fit for no use: even so is Titana, just opposite against Nature”.

   Well still she keeps him at the staff’s length, and sits her still on the green bank where he found her; shadowing her yielding passions with denying frowns. Theseus, who all this while had marked, and viewed each limit of her body, and the feature of her face, thought it very strange, that Nature should endow so fair a face, with so hard a heart, such comely limits, with such perverse conditions: at last thus began to prosecute his cause again in these terms.

   “Fair Titana, be not proud of beauty’s painting, for it is but a summer’s flower, the winter fades it, and those which disdain in youth, are despised in age: therefore, fair lady, make not a goddess of beauty, but yield me love for love, and let not the Destinies cause me to despair, now in the verdancy of my blooming youth”. Titana sitting still on the bank (as it were, not regarding him), thus begins. “Theseus, I commend thine exceeding wit, but in this case, I pity thy distress, and for thy extremity of love thou bearest to me, I vow the recompense; but with contract I dare not promise, therefore good Theseus, suppress those passions, which now thy mind’s perplexed with”. Theseus standing a while, commenting in this dull perplexity, scarcely dared vouchsafe to give an answer, or demand a remedy, yet said he: “Opportunities neglected are signs of follies”, therefore he began again in these terms. “Titana, the fatal doubts of cruel death is not so feared of me, but I dare extend my life with fortune’s fate, to enjoy thy love: why then fair lady, sith I am so wounded with your love, yield to my request, which is within the bounds of modesty desired. If I were lascivious, demanding unchaste desires, to use thee as a concubine, then mightest thou justly be perverse and say me nay: or were I a beggar, or a base-born vassal, of no desert, or for reputation vile, then would I hold it wisdom: or came I like a Scythian shepherd, with my sheep-crook on my neck, but coming like a Grecian prince, with my sceptre in my hand, demanding love with a chaste devotion, methinks you should not be so perverse to deny so kind a demand”.

   Quoth Titana: “Good Theseus, be not so tedious, for to be short in terms, I will not grant thee love; for love is the only thing I hate, therefore trouble me no more with such frivolous speeches; if you please to accompany me, as in former time you have done, you shall be the welcomest man in Greece: but if you reply with such like speeches as love, I rather desire your absence than your presence”. Theseus hearing her still in that froward denying vein, quite expelled hope, and included despair: and thus began he, which scarcely found beginning. “Oh wicked and despairing wretch: forlorn, and of Titana forsaken, worse than the servilest slave in Achaia, more base than the slimy earth underneath thy feet: more in bondage than Tunisian galley slaves, more vacant on earth than Indians in Arabia, and more wretched than Progne in her transformation: why how camst thou thus metamorphosed, being a king’s son? Oh, with love, with love of that ingrateful Titana, for had I not loved Titana, she had not caused my untimely death, but measuring my adverse fortune with thy perverse obstinacy, I’ll end my life”, and with that he unsheathes his fatal engine and said thus: “Fair lady, as like the chameleon, I have lived by the airy essence of thy love: so like faithful Theseus by thy hate I’ll die”.

   He sets the point of his sword to his breast. Titana seeing him so desperate, lightly skipped from off the bank whereon she sat, and suddenly takes him by the hand which held his sword, and thus began: “Theseus, art thou a prince, and a king’s son, a warrior, and Grecians’ champion: and wilt at a wench’s frown ruin thy body, and bring thy aged father’s grey hairs with grief unto his grave, and his careful head on a restless pillow? Remember this, thou art heir apparent unto thy father’s crown, and kingdom; and by thy well living, thy father’s days are prolonged on earth, but by thy ill dying, with grief they are soon ended. Why then know this, brave Theseus, wenches will most deny the thing they most desire; and seem most perverse, where most they love; and prove most constant, where they seem most wavering (and so will I, my love) although I feigned a frown, yet detested I to hate, and though my tongue said no, my heart protested I. Therefore, sweet Theseus, impute me not perverse, for the heavens know, I shame to express how proud I have been of Theseus’ love, yet would I not say Theseus I love thee: because then thou mightst repute me immodest being a lady, but the gods doth know, I have honoured Theseus with a zealous devotion, and I loved Theseus with as dutiful affection, as Titana could perform, or Theseus desire: therefore, sweet love, think not I yield with urgent prayers, but with the force of love”.

   Theseus noting her behaviour, and hearing such unexpected terms, and sugared allurements of Titana, which made such pleasing harmony in his half-dead ears, was half ravished, and wholly revived to his former senses: sheathed his fatal blade again, embracing her in his arms, laid battery to her scarlet lips, with many a sugared kiss he gives assault and wins the fort: In brief, they suddenly combined, and fully accomplished a monumental contract, so that after many lovely embracings, and pleasing wanton toys (as love hath many), they parted for the time, so fraught with inordinate joy, that it is impossible for the capacity of man to look so high as their joy did raise rebounds.

   Fortune, now envying their good acts, turns her wheel, and as she had dimpled her cheeks, so now she wrinkled her forehead, and unreeled the Destinies, for in Achaia there dwelt Oenie, which every year did sacrifice the firstlings of his store: the which he first assigned of his corn, and fruits to Ceres: to Bacchus the first pressing of his wine, and unto Pallas olive-oil, and thus honouring the gods of grain, and fruit, he offered frankincense, but at Diana’s altars none was offered, he overslipped them, the which Diana took in high disdain, and said: “He shall not scape unpunished, though he past mine altars unworshipped, nor vaunt of his escape unrevenged, if I be a goddess, I’ll plague him and his fruits”, and with that away she flies: and on the next morn, she sent a huge overgrown boar to Oenie’s ground, such as the like had never yet been seen. This greedy boar devoured his corn, and grass, and rent his vines unto the ground: and not so sufficed but began to overrun, and devour the country of Achaia, insomuch that the husbandmen had laboured in vain, he overran their lambs, sheep, and herds of kie, nay men, women, and children, went daily in danger, of this orped swine’s dreadful tusks. In so much, that the people of Achaia preferred supplications to Aegeus, Meleagar and Theseus, and many other kings, dukes, lords, and knights, to desire their aid to conquer this merciless hog: the which they all were very willing and affable, but Theseus: yet he said ay, although he could have wisht it no, for the reason that moved him rather to have stayed at home, than have gone was this: he was newly returned from his love Titana, and they had both agreed to make their fathers acquainted with their loves on the next day following, which was the day appointed that this princely knot should meet and accompany each other, to the face, of the Achaians’ foe: Theseus very much discontent with this news, could have feigned himself sick, and stayed at home, but his heart was so ennobled with valour, that it would suffer excuse to take no place: he seeing no remedy, but go he must, being that renowned King Meleagar, with his royal troops of valiant knights, accompanied with his father Aegeus were come, he like Jason, when he ventured for Medea, or Hercules for Deianira, or like Turnus, before he went to his bloody fight, armed and ennobled himself with valour: which done, he accompanied this princely knot of noble knights, even to the very brink of his own adverse fortune, where we’ll leave him unreeling the destinies, and turn to Meleagar the causer of his grief: who being upholden with the wings of Fortune, reaped the plenteous harvest of a renowned encounter, by the winning a famous victory.

   Meleagar with the rest of the valiant knights threw his lucky dart against this orped swine, who being more potent with Fortune’s favour, than impotent with Diana’s frown, gave this boar his deadly wound: this being done, though old in years yet young in conceit, for with pride merely of his fortunate stroke, he presently fell into amorous sick, with Atalant, Schoenie’s daughter, of Tegea, and suddenly stepping to the swine, said thus:

   O Lady Atalant,

   receive thou this my fee:

   And of my glory, vouch thou safe,

   partaker for to be.

And with that gave her the head of the swine.

   This lady for the giver’s sake was as glad in heart, as for the gift, and received it very thankfully: but the rest repined that she such honour had, and arms displayed, that all the field might easily see, and hear, their murmuring discontent. Plexippus and Toxey cried: “Dame, lay down this gear, do we take the toil, and thou the honour of our game? No, nor let that fair face, smooth face of thine beguile thee, lest he that being doted in thy love, and giving thee our fee, be over far to rescue thee”, and with that word they took the gift away from her, and right of gift from him. Quoth Meleagar, with a stern and fierce looking countenance: “You Thestie’s race, learn this from me, and do not other folks despoil of honour given, for princes’ gifts are free, of none to be rejected: and princes’ wills are laws, of none to be usurped. Therefore Plexippus, what difference is betwixt your threats and deeds, I’ll with this weapon try”, and with that he suddenly strikes him through the breast with his boar spear. Toxey seeing his brother slain, stood doubting what way to take, desiring to revenge his brother’s blood, yet fearing to be murdered as his brother was before, stood amazedly commenting. Meleagar, to dispatch his doubtful muses, drew his fatal sword and slew him for company of his brother Plexippus, whose blood was hardly cold as yet. This bloody prospect bred such a mutiny amongst them, that their arms displayed on both sides, insomuch that the two houses, Meleagar and Aegeus, fell to civil dissention, and much blood was spilt on both sides: and not only these two houses of Meleagar, and Aegeus, but almost all Greece, Achaia, and Calydon was in an uproar, for each took arms against other, and being renowned and famous princes, friends took parts, and they began to bandy, and overrun each other’s dominions.

   This disagreement between the parents, although it was a heart-breaking to these two lovers, Titana, and Theseus, yet did it not at all disparage their affection, but the greater the mutiny, the deeper was the impression of their minds, and by this means their liberty was confined, and meeting places quite debarred; yet Love being a privy searcher of secrets, found a time and opportunity, which gave them place, time, and leave to parle, to play and display each other’s minds: when these two lovers came together, they were in fear, and danger to be espied, which caused them one while, to sigh, sob, lament, and grieve; another while, kiss, smile, laugh, and toy: and thus they spent the time as pleasantly as distressed lovers could do, yet they sware to each other that their fathers’ dissention should never separate their loves, nor adverse Fortune should diminish their affections, but would remain joyful unto death, in despite of the hateful Destinies: having thus recounted each other’s love to their heart’s content, yet seeing they could not enjoy the full fruition of their loves in Greece, nor Achaia, Theseus determined as soon as time and opportunity gave him leave, to provide a mass of money, and jewels for the easier carriage: and so transport themselves into Spain, to Tunis: and there to live a contented life, not known, but as a Grecian knight, until he heard of some united peace betwixt their fathers, else by succession to enjoy their kingdoms. Titana hearing his determinate course, commended highly his witty device, and said thus: “Fair love, if thy father Aegeus should take me within his precinct it were death, or at least perpetual imprisonment, and again on the other side, if my father Meleagar, should take thee in his dominions, it were the like danger for thee to come into. But if my father should hear of this contract, his fury would be such, that the torturous death were so easy for us both, first you for presumption, then I for simplicity, and so we shall bite both on the Destinies’ bridle. Therefore, sweet Theseus, make haste with all expedition, and provide all things fitting for our voyage, for delay breeds danger, and false Fortune despite”.

   Theseus being fraught with boundless joy and pricked forward with love’s desire, did protest unto her as soon as opportunity gave him leave, he would provide such necessaries as were fitting for their voyage, so resting upon this resolution, and night beginning to listen to their complement, after many embracings, paid and repaid kisses they parted. Theseus having taken the leave of his best beloved Titana, returns him back again to his father’s court: which being there arrived, called unto him an ancient servant of his fathers, whose name was Junia: this Junia being a faithful servant, and Theseus’ approved friend, he thought him not less than fitting to employ about this his secret pretence. Theseus deposing confident trust in him, declared the whole volume of his mind unto him, from the beginning to the end. Junia, hearing him so fully bent, and determinately resolved on this imperfect course: began to dissuade, or divert him to the contrary, alleging divers instant inconveniencies: Theseus being too determinate in his pretence began to reject Junia for his folly in dissuading him, and told him he did not call nor disclose his mind unto him, to ask his advice, or to be intercepted by him, but the cause he had him there present, was this, he did depose trust unto him, and impose this secret busines on him, to provide a small bark, or pinnace to transport them into Spain, with moneys and certain jewels and such like commodities for the easier carriage: which if he could provide and make ready against such a time he would reward him royally for his pains. Junia hearing this, that there was no persuasion would take effect, or instant examples to the contrary divert him, and withal respecting the prince’s bountiful promise began to yield unto him, ay, and in the end promised him to provide all things ready for their voyage within the space of forty days at the furthest. Theseus hearing this direct answer and promise of Junia, was exceedingly fraught with joy, in so much, that to show his bounty, and bind him unto his promise, he sent him away very richly rewarded, where we’ll leave him providing for their voyage, and turn to Meleagar.

   Fortune, who had already laid her train, so destinated, that it utterly brake the united bands of these two lovers’ fathers’ combined league, and almost to the separating of their love, with heart-breaking: yet not so content, intending as she had given them a slender check, so now she should give them a cruel blow; and to bring her pretence to be managed with perfection, she laid her plot in this wise. Meleagar walking privately in his garden, commenting on his daughter Titana, brake out his passions in these terms: “Meleagar, thou hast but one only daughter, and she is now about the years of 23 and she is a prince so richly decked, and adorned with the gifts of Nature, so fraught with beauty, and virtuous qualities, that she is not only a comfort to thee, but also a joy to thy poor commons: why then, place all thy joy in her perfection, and sith she is now marriageable, provide her a husband that is equivalent with her”.

   When he had thus passioned a while, he sat him down under a pome-citron tree, to meditate on whom he might bestow his daughter Titana: till at last, he called to mind great Ambrosa, king of Portugal, who in former time had been brought up together for the space of seven years in school: and knowing this Ambrosa to have a son, whose name was Pirismus, who was fair by nature, royal by birth, by virtues famous, and by possessions rich: presently sends embassadors to the King of Portugal, to entreat a marriage between his daughter Titana, and his son Pirismus. Ambrosa hearing this, was exceedingly fraught with joy, and told the embassadors, it was his decree before they came, to have sent to their King Meleagar, concerning the same matter, but sith they were so happily come, he told them his navy was ready, and his son Pirismus should along with them to Calydon, and if God did permit him, he would be there with them within forty days. The embassadors having received their answer, and the prince boarded his fleet, the mariners hoisted their mainsails, weighed anchors, and hauled into the deep.

   Fortune favouring Theseus’ destiny, opens the windows of Aeolus, and gives them a full wind, which in a short space arrived them on the shores of Achaia: being so fortunately arrived, they instantly retired to the court with the young prince Pirismus, and made report to Meleagar of Ambrosa’s answer, and how he had sent his son as a pledge in the meanwhile. When Meleagar heard that was Ambrosia’s son, he seemed very angry they did not send him word of their coming, that he might have received him in a more princelike manner, but seeing it was now too late to recall what was past, he saluted him very submissively, and told him he was very sorry he knew not of his coming, for if he had, he would have met him by the way. Well after these, and such like words, Meleagar takes him about the middle, and leads him into the privy chamber, causing the nobles to attend them, whereas Titana sat a-sewing. Quoth Meleagar: “Young Prince Pirismus, behold, there sits mine only daughter Titana, my chiefest joy, and the original cause of your voyage hither, and if you please to acquaint yourself with her you may”. Quoth Pirismus: “My noble liege, with your leave else not”. Quoth Meleagar: “Young prince, you have our leave to use your pleasure”. Quoth Pirismus with a low obeisance: “Thanks my noble liege”, and with that steps unto Titana, takes her by the hand, and thus begins: “Fair lady, if a pilgrim prince may vouchsafe so bold to be, as to prefer a rough unpolished touch unto those soft lips of yours, without offence, my desire is accomplished, otherwise my suit is cold”. Titana seeing him a stranger, and hearing such inordinate terms proceed from him, was half in a misdoubt that her father had brought him to be a suitor in a cause that was already overthrown, and damages recovered, yet hoping the best, though fearing the worst, with a low courtesy, she thus replies: “Noble knight, as your request is small it is the easier granted; again, if I should by denial refuse it, you might justly appeach me foolish”; with that he gives her a kiss, which she very thankfully received, and accompanied him unto her father, the which did greatly rejoice the king, her father: by this time there was a table furnished with such cates, and dainties, as could at so small a warning be provided. Meleagar sitting down, caused Pirismus to sit on the same side which he sat on, and Titana to sit on the other side, right opposite against him, because they should take a full view of each other, the which Pirismus did; in so much that her perfection dinted so deep an impression in his heart, that none but Titana could satisfy the amor of Pirismus’ eye: when he was thus solemnly, and sumptuously feasted, and royally entertained, and so entertained, that if Ambrosa had been there himself in person, having so small warning, they could not receive him with more triumphant royalty. After they had thus sufficiently past the day in sumptuous feasts, and banquets, the king gave command he should be attended on to his lodging, and all his lords, knights and gentlemen, and their followers appointed their lodgings, and attended also: which being done and all departed, Meleagar calls for Titana, and thus brake his mind unto her:

   “Titana, my grey hairs sounds an alarum, and calls me to my grave: therefore actions measured by time, are seldom bitten with repentance; thou art young, and I am old, my white hairs are fading blossoms, and thy fresh colours blooming flowers; mine preparing to die, and thine repairing to live: therefore Titana, I take care, and tell thee as a father, hoping thou wilt give care, and obey as a child. The chief thing I have taken care for, and desired, hath been to see the happily married before I die, or thou grow old”.

   Titana, hearing her father’s counsel, and marking well his words, began to feel which way the wind sat, and at last persuaded herself in her opinion, as this, that her father had chosen this young prince Pirismus to be her spouse; fearing to displease her father, yet swearing and vowing not to forsake Theseus, made him this answer: “May it please your Grace, to give me leave to speak?”. Quoth Meleagar: “We give you free leave”. Quoth Titana: “Sir, there is no greater bond than duty, nor stricter law than Nature: for often disobedient youth are despised in age, and parents’ wills are laws; therefore, rather than by denial I should be appeached of disobedience, I’ll rest content to love, although it be the only thing I hate: If it may please your Highness to appoint whom I shall love”. Meleagar hearing this unexpected answer of his daughter, and seeing how light she accounted of love, began to be very hot, and choleric, and with a frowning countenance, made her this hasty answer.

   “What Titana, canst thou not love? Why, doth the cynical passion of prone desires overcome thee with frantic frowardness, or peevish perverseness? Or doest thou think thyself a young phoenix, that there is none to equal thee? Ah Titana, take heed, least high pride bring low poverty; and young disobedience, aged repentance: the tree Alpia wasteth not with fire, but withereth with dew, and that which love nourisheth not, hate perisheth. Well, yield Titana to thy father’s persuasions, which may prevent all after-perils; thou seest I am old, and full of grey hairs, daily walking on the brink of my grave, ready to fall in every hour, and thou heir apparent to my crown, after my decease, shalt succeed my kingdom, in more triumphant throne than ere thy father Meleagar did in his youngest years: knowing this, thou being young in years, and scarce governess of thine own dispositions, it would be a greater trouble, and a heavier burden, to be so over-pressed with the charge of a whole kingdom, to govern and look to: with joy, I have chosen thee a husband here, the Prince Pirismus, thou sawest here erewhile, he is a prince, fair by nature, royal by birth, by virtues famous, and by possessions rich: therefore if thou like Pirismus, thou breedst my content, and in loving him, thou shalt have my love, otherwise an everlasting hate”.

   Titana standing a while, called to mind that Theseus did purpose to take his voyage to Tunis very shortly, where she determined to arrive with him, and therefore she thought it was as good for her to say she loved him, and keep her father’s good will, as say she could not love him, and have his ill will: and again, she thought this, if she should be perverse and say him nay, it might be a means in her father’s anger to make him suspect, and misdoubt some other matters, and so look more nearer unto her, and so be a hinderance to her departure with Theseus: therefore she determined to yield with words unto her father’s desire, and thus bespake him, with a low courtesy: “Father, I obey your command as a child, hoping to enjoy your love as a father: and if Pirismus can love Titana, Titana will love Pirismus; but pray father think not, but that I yield with love, and not with your persuasions: and please you to appoint the nuptial day, I will be ready to accomplish what you please to impose on me”. Quoth Meleagar: “Now hast thou won my heart, and shalt enjoy my love, I’ll make thee rich by possessions, and happy by marriage, I’ll endow thee with wealth, and Pirismus with love; I joy to see thee toward, and hate to see thee perverse: now shall my grey hairs enjoy a rest, which long hath been disturbed with care.”

   So after these, and many other such like speeches, he appointed her the nuptial day, which should be at Ambrosa’s coming: Titana being mindful of her true love Theseus, was sorely troubled in mind, because her father had appointed the time within so short a space, she was fearful that Theseus could not provide all things for their voyage so soon, yet bearing it out with a good countenance, she looked pleasantly in the sight of her father, and determined, if things were not ready soon enough, she would feign some excuse to prorogue the time. Well, for that time, they departed, and betook them to their rest; on the morrow morning, Meleagar was stirring very early, and calls to him, his chief admiral, and commands him to provide a fleet of his chiefest ships, and furnish them with men and ordinance, and all things else fitting to receive a prince; he being no less than willing to fulfil the king’s joyful determination, very speedily prepared all things fitting for their voyage, took his embassage of the king, and suddenly boarded the navy, hoisted mainsails, weighed anchors, and away they cut through the deep, where we’ll leave them to the favour of the wind, and the seas.

   Meleagar, having sent his embassadors for the king of Portugal, calls his nobles, and chief officers together, and told them that the tenth day of that present month should be the nuptial day: and bad them proclaim a feast, jousts, and tourneys, and invite all their neighbour princes, with the chief of his own dominions; and that it was Meleagar’s command and will, the court gates should stand open, and receive all comers for the space of twenty days as well for the royal entertainment of Ambrosa, as for honour of his country; his nobles being no less than willing to further his pretence, very diligently according to the King’s command, prepared all things in a readiness, where we’ll leave them attending Ambrosa’s coming, and turn to Titana: who in the sight [of] her new love Pirismus, seemed no less than fraught with the wanton sicks of love, to lead that toyish fool into a purblind paradise, where in the end she meant to leave him champing off Cupid’s bridle: and in her father’s sight, she seemed so abundant in her love, that she almost made his grey hairs begin afresh to bud, and to bloom forth youthful blossoms again, in so much that it is impossible to conceive the inward joy that he received by their outward toying; and though she forced herself to be joyous and pleasant in her father’s, and Pirismus’ presence, yet was she forced to baleful melancholy, and hateful grief in their absence: well, it happened that in few days after, there came news to Meleagar’s court, that Ambrosa was come within two days’ sailing of Calydon, and by contrary winds forced to cast anchor, and lie there for the wind’s return. Meleagar hearing this news, caused a fleet of his best ships to be made ready; which being done, he himself, and Pirismus with others, boarded the fleet, and Titana should have gone too, but the seas unwilling to cross her submissive love, with adverse hate, caused a tempestuous storm to rise, in so much that the very sight of Neptune’s frowns cast her into a despairing fear, the which her father seeing, caused her to return to the court again, and they took their voyage towards Ambrosa, where we’ll leave them to their fortune, and turn to Titana again.

   Who being so long absented from her love Theseus, and so often presented with her hated Pirismus, like a true lover discontented, desired to walk and sit alone to meditate: on the back side of her father’s palace, there was a very large garden, which had divers doors to enter in at; this garden was the place, where Theseus did use to meet her, which place she held most convenient, and fit for her to passion out her griefs: when the afternoon came, she walked all alone into the garden, unto the wonted place where Theseus was wont full often to embrace her, with many lovely kisses, hoping that the gods, seeing her distress, would relieve her want, and as they had been witnesses to her vows, so she hoped they would be favourers to her pretence: and thus walked she a while commenting in these dull perplexities, till at last, her passions were so urgent with her, she could no longer suppress them, but sat her down on a green bank, and burst out her passions in these terms.

   “Ah Titana, thou infortunate wretch, art thou a king’s daughter, and live thus a slave to Cupid? Better wert thou a country wench, to enjoy their lovely pleasure than a courtly mistress, thus wrapped in froward misery: now mayst thou see the Destinies plague the, for thy disobedience. Ah sigh Titana, draw dry those two crystal fountains, from whence these pearled streams descends, to overflow these tender cheeks of thine: love Pirismus, and in loving him thou lovest thyself. Ah no, I dare not; Pirismus no: ’tis Theseus, and none but Theseus shall have my true love: ah fool that thou art, to fix so fondly; thou knowst Theseus is a Grecian, and Greeks thy father’s foes: then stick to thy father’s election, and love Pirismus, for in loving him thou shalt enjoy the world’s content. Ah no, I have made my solemn vows to Theseus, and will keep them, ’tis not worldly content alone that I desire, but Theseus’ love, the patron of my meditating thoughts, the couch of my weary jointures’ rest, and the crown of my eartherial glory”. When she had thus breathed forth her solitary passions, from the grey morn to the red even, Zephyr began to draw the melancholy curtains of portendous night, which caused Titana to depart, which having taken her leave of the orange and lemon trees, which only did accompany her all that day, returns to her chamber again, where she immures herself in contemplation.

   It happened that in two days after, her father, Ambrosa, Pirismus, and all their followers arrived on Calydon shores: and pageants, drums, and trumpets were provided, with sweet perfumes, and frankincense, the streets were sweetened for their passage, which greatly pleased Ambrosa: so that they suddenly arrived at Meleagar’s court, where they were most sumptuously entertained with banquets, and feasting; which being done, Meleagar willing to make known by outward shows, how he was possessed with inward joys, leapt from his chair of state, and fetched his daughter Titana, leading her into Ambrosa’s presence by the middle: Titana seeing her supposed fere, feigned on him a smile, and with all to grace the dimples of her cheeks, she gives them a comely and modest blush, and with a low and reverent courtesy, she did obeisance to King Ambrosa, the which he seeing, suddenly stepped to her, took her in his arms, and lovingly embraced her with many courteous and royal speeches. Pirismus, who had all this while marked her behaviour, blessed his Fortune, and thanked the gods for his good access: when he had so done, he thought himself to have most right to her, took her aside to the further side of the room where he sported his blind folly, and catched at shadows, yet to his heart’s content, and both their fathers’ increased joy: but alas to poor Titana’s heart breaking, though she feigned a smile in her father’s presence, yet was she forced to weep in his absence: Meleagar was so fraught with joy, that he thought everyday a year that his daughter went unmarried, yet past he six days more in keeping Ambrosa company, and showing him the pastimes and pleasures that he chiefly took delight in: the mean time he called to him his chief officers and nobles, and demands if all things were ready for the nuptial; the which they all answered: “ay”. When Meleagar heard that, he was very joyful, and presently makes Ambrosa, Pirismus, and Titana acquainted with his pretence (which was this) that on the seventh day following, being the sixteen day of the month, he did purpose to accomplish the marriage betwixt Pirismus and Titana, the which they all seemed to be very joyful and glad of, save only Titana, yet she seemed no less than joyful in the sight of her father, but in her chamber she passioned whole rivers of tears from her crystal eyes, where we’ll leave her to the favour of the gods, and turn to Theseus; who, all this while, hath been very busy and laborious in his careful affairs, and having accomplished his busines, finished his purpose, and laid the ship ready in the haven, is very desirous to speak with his love Titana, but his father being present, he could find no opportunity fitting to make an escape forth, which bred hateful melancholy, in so much that he immured up himself in his chamber, to solicit sadness; Fortune smiling at his folly, dandled him once again on her indulgent knee: it happened at that instant, a nobleman of Aegeus’ court, riding through a forest that was some eight miles distant from Athens, espied a wild boar, and knowing the king loved the sport of hunting, as well as the one half of his kingdom, came riding post to the king, and made report of his business: the king hearing him, caused sudden preparation to be made, he having a very fair palace standing in the midst of that forest, determined to go thither to bed that night, the which preparation being made, and all things ready, he calls for Theseus, but he had heard some inkling of his father’s hunting progress, and how he was upon going, feigned himself sick, and took physic: when word was brought to the king that Theseus could not go, he demanded the occasion, they answered: “He was not well, he took physic”. The king hearing that news and loth to delay time, and so lose his sport, called his nobles about him, where they mounted their steeds, and rode towards the forest, where we’ll leave them to their sport, and turn to Titana; who now hath little hope to enjoy Theseus’ love, for the six days are almost expired, and the seventh is the nuptial day appointed, which was the next day following, yet being the last day of her hope, she went one morning to walk in the garden to seek her Theseus, bearing a sharp engine in her hand, determining with herself, that as she had made her vows to Theseus, none should enjoy her love but Theseus: and where she did protest those vows to Theseus, there she meant to sacrifice her blood to the gods for Theseus’ sake, where we’ll leave her.

   Theseus hearing his father was gone, puts on a disguised suit of apparel, and secretly conveys himself forth at the court-gates by Junia’s means, determining never to come in again, sends Junia to the haven, where the ship lay, and caused him to attend his coming there; which done, he walks towards the court of Meleagar, which was at that time near adjoining to the city of Athens: he being arrived at the court, suddenly makes means to enter the garden: which being entered, he walked to the farther side, where he was wont to meet his love Titana: he was no sooner approached, but he spied her where she sat, leaning her head on her hand, as though she had been asleep: he no less than glad to see her, began to step hastily to her, but even as he was ready to touch her, he perceived that she was weeping and lamenting very grievously to herself, breathing out her passions in these terms. “Ah infortunate Titana, and therefore infortunate wretch, born under the Destinies’ displeasure, and therefore crossed with Fortune’s frowns; bound to Theseus by love, therefore pinched with care by fate: yet Theseus, ah sweet Theseus, my dearer far than my self is to my self, and none shall deflower me of his virgin’s rose, except this fatal engine; sith protestations, vows, and bonds are made, and sealed with the wax of love’s sweet lips, ’tis Theseus, and none but Theseus shall enjoy my love”.

   Theseus, seeing her in that dull perplexity, and so metamorphosed, stood astonished at that sight, and had not the power to go backward nor forward, he was driven to such an exigent: fain he would go back to lose the sight of so grievous a prospect, and fainer go to her, to know the cause, and seek redress, yet could he do neither, but stood still in a dull extasy, half dead with grief: till at the last she removed her head, and looked up after a mournful fashion, as Phillis looked for Demophoon; and casting aside her blubbered eyes, she espied her Theseus. She rose off the bank whereon she sat making her complaints: threw away her fatal engine, took him about the neck and kissed him, smiled, and thus bespake him: “Ah Theseus, art thou come to prosecute my weal or woe?”. Quoth Theseus: “Thy weal I hope, with heart’s content, sweet Love: but I pray thee sweetheart, what’s the occasion of these thy pre-ambling passions, thus sobbed with sourcing tears?”. “Oh”, said Titana, “sinister Fortune hath cast me into adverse perplexities: for since thou departedst from these sweet embracements of mine, Fortune hath frowned on our pretence”. Quoth Theseus: “How sweete Love?”. Titana feigned to smile, yet forced to weep, thus began: “Oh Theseus, my father sent ambassadors to Ambrosa king of Portugal, to entreat a marriage between his son Pirismus, and thy love Titana; his father being as willing to yield, as my father to demand, presently sends over his son Pirismus, as a pledge of his promise, by the return of my father’s embassadors, and now is come himself to accomplish the match: when my father heard the return of his embassage, and saw Pirismus, he called me to him, where he opened the whole volume of his pretence, persuading me of the prince’s entire love, his rare accomplishments, and how happy I was to enjoy the love of so rich a friend, with many such capital persuasions; in so much that in the end, I did reply this obstinate answer: I could not love, it was the only thing that I did hate: with such like words, that at last he fell from kind persuasions, and fell into thundering threats, and in such frantic manner, that I durst no longer withstand him, but gave consent, and promised to be ready whensoever he pleased to appoint the time, the which he was very joyful to hear, and appointed the nuptial to be the sixteenth day of this month, which is the next day following: yet good Theseus account not my behaviour light, though I have promised love to two men at once: but know this dear love, it is the one is steadfastly to abide, the other but falsely to delude: for if I should have stood obstinate, and perverse denying him; then should I have had his perpetual hate, and in having his hate, like poor Jove with Argus should still be watched and looked after, that I the harder should find opportunity to depart with thee to Tunis: therefore to avoid suspicion, I made him a feigned promise, but still brave Theseus resting at thy command, and obeying as thy handmaid, I’ll live and die with thee”; and with that, takes him about the neck, and doth so pay and repay him with kisses, that she half smothers him.

   Theseus heard her politic answer; hearing her witty reply, and seeing her love so constant; much commended her wit, but more pitied her grief, desired her to patience, and wishing her not to be so passionate, promised her that every tear that she had for him spent, should from him return ten thousand joys again and, quoth Theseus: “I have provided a ship, and all things necessary for our passage, which lies ready in the haven, and if you are ready and willing, now there is a fit gale of wind to transport us from the Grecian shores to Tunis”. Quoth Titana: “My dear love, it is the only thing I desire, through fire and water to follow thee, sweet Theseus”. Quoth Theseus: “Fair Titana, this night about the hour of twelve, I will come and meet thee here, for then I hold it the best time to depart without suspicion of any, therefore sweetheart, make no delays, neither for jewels, or rich array, lest that we permitting this opportunity, may stay long for the like again, for I have all things needful already provided”. Titana hearing these joyful tidings, was exceedingly fraught with boundless joy, thinking that every hour before night came would prove a year, in so much that the time being appointed, and fearful to be espied in their private parley, after many lovely interchanges, and sweet eclipsed lips, they parted, where we’ll leave them a while ruminating on their ensuing fortunes, and turn to Pirismus.

   Who now is providing robes for the nuptial, which I doubt will prove his funeral, yet love being so urgent with him, it casts a mist before the eyes of his folly, in so much, that he thinks every smile that Titana lends him, is a promise of perfection: but alas poor fool, that such infancy should rest in such experienced years: but ’tis not to be marvelled at, for Cupid doth greater miracles than this sometimes, for he forceth the bond slave to love, and blinds his eyes with folly: he makes the young old, and the old become young again; he clears the aged’s eyes, and make the youthful dim: therefore blame I not Pirismus, nor yet commend him, but as he deserves, so let fortune attribute her favours unto him, where we’ll leave him a spectator to his adverse hopes, and turn to Titana: Who being mindful of her promise to Theseus, as soon as the court was quiet, and every man betook him to his rest, Titana very carefully had respect that none might see, nor hear her, stayed till the dead time of the night, which was much about the hour that Theseus had appointed her to come: she hearing no noise, nor seeing no light throughout all the court, having a door that opened into the garden, she secretly unlocks it, and away she goes to the wonted place, where she finds Theseus attending her coming, and without any great circumstance took her by the arm, and led her forth at a back gate that Titana had given him the key on before, where his man Junia stayed his coming with his gelding: he suddenly mounted on his horse’s back, took Titana up behind him, and rode to the haven where the ship lay, which was about a mile distant from that place; he no sooner came there, but the mariners were ready with their cockboat to receive them aboard: where being couched together in a cabin, they passed away the time in recounting their old loves, till their man Junia came: he had no sooner boarded the ship, but the mariners hoisting their mainsails, weighed anchors and hauled into the deep, where we’ll leave them to the favour of the wind and the seas, and return to Meleagar, and the bridegroom Pirismus.

   The morn being come, and Phoebus saluted the day with his glorious beams, Pirismus starts him from the embracements of his bed to rouse Titana from her nightly couch; he being entered her chamber, and saw she was stirring before him, and forsaken her chamber, he thus began: “What hungry fiend or croaking night worm, durst be so bold as to disturb my Titana from her rest, till I, Pirismus, gave her the bon jour? What lowing beast, or bleating lambkin, durst attempt my love, Titana’s unrest, before that I bestowed the morning’s salutation on her? What Scythian shepherd durst be so bold, with his hoops and cries, to fright my Titana from her native sleep, before I interchanged a kiss with her, to embrace this nuptial morn? What Indian ravens, and Grecian larks, what canary-finch, or silver swans durst with their harmonial tunes entice my love from forth her bed before I came? But yet methinks I feel no hate proceed from forth their chirping blasts, therefore surely thou dost misconceive them: for thy love is gone to recreate herself in the garden this fresh morn, and is espied by these loving creatures; and to adorn her and her nuptial, they all accord, striking the sweet relaces of their consorted tunes, to give the heavens an echo of their joy, and thy Titana the harmony of so happy a day”.

   When he had thus passioned a while, he was returning forth of her chamber again; even as he was parting, comes Meleagar, calling hastily for his daughter Titana, and meeting Pirismus, asked him for Titana, who answered, she was not in her chamber: Meleagar returning again enquired, and sent about the court and garden to seek her, but no news could be heard of her, in so much that in the end Meleagar began to fear some ill was betide her, and that she had been walking late, and so was taken by some of Aegeus’ men and kept prisoner: well this conceit took such effect, that he sends embassadors to Aegeus’ court, to demand the question, if Titana were taken prisoner by any of his soldiers, who had an answer “no”: returning again, told Meleagar their answer. They had no sooner delivered their message, but there comes a post from Aegeus’ court, to demand if they had not taken Theseus prisoner, the which had his answer delivered him in the same manner, “no”: which done, he returns again. Meleagar; who thought to have feasted, and made a triumphant nuptial, now casts off his sumptuous robes, and put on mourning weeds, and instead of delicious feasting, embraceth mournful fasting: Pirismus, who fed on the beauty ofTitana as the chameleon feeds on the air, was frantic at this sudden extasy. Ambrosa from his aged eyes shed many tears, to see Meleagar so grieved, and his son so impatient: the guests that were invited, at this sudden change were cast into dumps, and dull perplexities, in so much that you might have passed through the court, to and fro, and hardly have heard a word spoken, but have seen many a weeping eye, which held for the space of four days; the fifth day he caused proclamation to be made, that whosoever could but bring tidings where Titana is, or what is become of her, he would bestow a living on him worth an hundred pound a year, enduring his life: this being proclaimed, at that time, there was a sailor that should have gone in the ship with them, but he had some hindrance: he being forth of the ship when Theseus and Titana boarded it, he stayed something long, and Theseus and his love thought it seven year till they were put from the shore, lest Fortune should chance to bewray their pretence, he would stay no longer, but commanded them to put off and launch into the deep: so that this sailor was left behind, and hearing this great promise of the king, determined to go instantly, and inform the king of her departure: but you must note this, he did it more for the benefit of the living, than to certify the king: he being arrived at the court, made means to come to the speech of the king, he being in presence, did his duty, and as far as he could he unfolded the matter, in every point; the king hearing how it was, and that she was gone with Theseus, began to be in an exceeding great rage, in so much that the sailor wished himself forth of his presence, though he never had his gift: yet the king, being a noble prince, bestowed his promise on him, and sent him away a joyful man. Meleagar, though he heard tidings of his daughter, yet could it no whit persuade him to patience, but rather kindled the hot fire of war against Aegeus for a revenge, because he had but one only daughter, and she to be carried away by an enemy’s son. Aegeus missing his son Theseus, and hearing that he was gone with Meleagar’s daughter Titana, he sware a bloody revenge on Meleagar: and thus the two fathers fell into bloody passions, in so much that all Achaia, Calydon, and Greece were up in arms against each other, where we’ll leave them a while, and turn to Pirismus. Who hearing of the ingrateful departure of Titana, presently betakes him to his chamber, where he sat ruminating on her, and her departure with Theseus, in so much that he persuaded himself never to return to Portugal again, sith Titana had deceived him: well, he being as it were half frantic, grew careless what became of himself, and in this discontented humour sitting alone in his chamber, thus breathed out his passions:

   Titana’s love did lend thee life,

   Titana’s hate will cause thy death:

   Titana’s parting hath sharped the knife,

   That now must stop thy vital breath.

   Titana farewell, for love I die,

   As here these lines, will testify.

When he had thus passioned a while, he draws his fatal engine, and stabs himself: when Meleagar and Ambrosa were sitting at dinner, Pirismus was called for, but he could not be found; in the end they looked in his chamber, where they found him most grievously murdered: news was presently carried to the king’s table, who hearing of this piteous tidings, caused him to be brought into the presence, and sent for doctors, and surgeons, but all in vain, for he was quite gone, and past recovery: they seeing no help, caused preparation for the funeral, which all things being in a readiness, those neighbour princes which were invited to the nuptial, were now entreated to his funeral: these solemn obsequies, and funeral being ended every man took his leave, and departed: but Ambrosa stayed till the beginning of the next month, and when the time came, he departed towards Portugal, with a heavier heart than he came towards Greece: withal, when he had taken his leave of Meleagar, he boarded the fleet, weighed anchors, and away they cut through the deep, where we’ll leave him and turn to Titana and Theseus.

Whom fortune begins to sport herself, in their adversities, for as she had smiled on them a while, and given them a full wind fitting to transport them to the haven of their desire: so now she meant to frown on them, and give them a calm; when as they lay thus becalmed, fortune who loves to sport herself in the variable accidents of love, brought it thus to pass: certain galleys that were robbers under the French king, espied this Grecian ship, and thinking to have some rich prize, made out, and gave onset, commanding them to yield: the Grecians being calm could not make away from them, yet although too weak, Theseus stoutly denied to be boarded, and fought it out to the utmost: yet in the end they boarded the ship, and bestowed Titana and Theseus under the hatches amongst the sailors, and then rifled the ship of all their rich jewels: which done, they took the sailors and carried them into their galleys, and chained them fast, and made galley-slaves of them, when they had so done, they took Theseus into one of the galleys, but the chief commanded that they should offer no rigor at all unto him, for he saw by his behaviour, that he was of good birth and parentage, which made him the more favourable unto him. Theseus desired of the general that he would entertain or suffer Titana to come into the galley to him, and fare as he fared, they both desired and entreated, but it could not be granted, which caused poor Titana’s eyes all blubbered with tears, and almost dead for fear and grief, but all would not prevail: the chief general sent half a dozen shake-rags with the ship, and her to Rone, where they stripped her out of her princely robes, and put her into beggars’ rags, and when they came to the shore, they gave her three ducats and turned her off there in a strange country, that she neither knew their language, nor had she any friends there: but sith her fortune was so allotted unto her, for her own part she took it very patiently, but when she called to mind her Theseus she wept bitterly, but sith there was no remedy, she meant to pass, and spend her life in pilgrimage, where we’ll leave her travelling towards Italy, and turn to Theseus: whose chief solicitor is careful grief for his poor love Titana, and is forced to live as a roving pirate on the seas; it happened about six months after they chanced to meet with some merchants of Venice, on whom these Pirates gave onset; these merchants being well provided, breathed defiance on them, at which these pirates took great disdain and discharged upon them; the merchants seeing that, began to play upon them, piece after piece, so long that in the end, they overcame them, and took two of their galleys: in which two, Theseus and Junia were prisoners in: Fortune, favouring Theseus for Titana’s sake, bare her target of defence before him, that he escaped with life, but Junia was slain. When the merchants had thus rifled the galleys, being near the coast of Bohemia, sent the galley slaves, and others that were prisoners in the galleys to the shore’s side, and set them a-land to shift for themselves; then had Theseus but half a ducat to buy him meat and drink, and his clothes were but simple rags God knows, yet glad he was that he was so happily landed, but yet poor Titana, the very thought of her struck him half dead, he determined never to return unless he met with his love Titana, but would spend his life in pilgrimage till death claimed his right: where we’ll leave him travelling in Germany, and turn to Meleagar.

   Who is in the field with troops of soldiers, waging war against Aegeus: but his mother envying him, for killing her two brothers, Plexippus, and Toxey, had sworn on him to be revenged, yet studied she a long time, and knew not how to be cruel enough in her revenge, till in the end, she called to mind a brand that the Destinies put in the fire when she lay in child-bed of Meleagar: which brand was of this merciless force and power, by the Destinies’ charms, that when this brand was in the fire burnt, Meleagar should consume and burn to ashes, for the Destinies spun his fatal thread at his birthday, and did put this brand in the fire, to take him the first day of his birth: but Althaea, to prevent it, took it forth again, and laid it up very charily, till now she meant to make use of it, as thus. Meleagar, being in the field against Aegeus, in fierce and cruel battle, and having given an overthrow to Aegeus, there was great rejoicing, and bonfires made throughout all Calydon, with ringing bells, and such like. Thestie’s daughter seeing so much wood laid on the fire for Meleagar, and to show the love they bear to the king her son, she thought whilst the fire was burning to bestow one stick on him, to show the hate she bare to him, although she died for company with him herself, she cared not, so she might be revenged on him: after she bethought herself, she steps to a chest where she safely had laid this brand, and takes it forth, and with a zeal to mischief, stretched out her fatal arm, and threw it in the fire, which being done, she thus began:

   Behold ye triple goddesses

   Of wreck, ye hellhounds three:

   Behold you all this furious fact,

   And sacrifice of me.

   I wreck and do against all right,

   With death must death be paid:

   On mischief, mischief must be heaped,

   On curse, must curse be laid.

   Confounded let this wicked house,

   With heaped sorrows be:

   Shall Oenie joy his happy son,

   In honour for the sea:

   And Thestie’s morn bereft of his,

   Nay better yet it were,

   That each with other company,

   In mourning you should bear:

   Now brothers’ ghosts and souls new dead,

   I wish no more but you

   To feel the solemn obsequies,

   Which I prepare as now.

This said,

   She turned away her face,

   And with a trembling hand

   Did cast amid the fire,

   This deathful burning brand.

Meleagar being absent, and busied about his warlike affairs, thinks not of his mother’s cruelty, but following his urgent occasions, with very attentive care, it happened not long after as he was walking alone to recreate himself, upon the sudden he felt an extreme pain in his belly, it waxed more and more, insomuch that he did plainly perceive that his bowels burnt with flames of secret fire, but yet denied he to die, but bare it out with a princely courage, for it grieved him to die so cowardly without shedding his blood: yet death being so predominate, and potent over him, he began to yield, and with sighing sobs, called on his aged father, which with age lay bed-rid seven years before, and then with grief departed; then called he on his brother, and his sisters, and lastly on his mother; by this time his pain increased so extreme with the fire, that he fell therewith again, and at that self-same instant quite extinguished were they both: and as his body burnt to ashes, the glowing coals his spirit from him drew! Then drooped stately Calydon; both young and old did mourn, the lords and commons did lament, and married wives their hairs like frantics rent from off their heads, for grief of King Meleagar’s death. The folk of Calydon not so sufficed, gathers the ashes of his consumed body, and entombs them up, and makes a solemn funeral; nay, the blackest dismal day that ere was known in Calydon, or Achaia, and on his tomb, engraves an epitaph to this effect.

   The Epitaph.

   Here lies the famous king of Calydon,

   Which for his fame the world’s mirror won,

   That Achaian land can say, though he be gone,

   Foul fall the author, and of this mother’s doom:

   Who passeth by, and chance these lines to read,

   Curse them that caused Meleagar lie here dead.

Having this done, every man returns again to his abiding place. Aegeus hearing that Meleagar was dead, provided a great host of men, and marcheth towards Calydon, and overruns their camps, and puts their soldiers to the sword, so that in a short space he gets the chief part of Calydon, and still invades further into the country, and much blood hath been spilt, and a great deal more is like to be, but the winter being come, they have left the field and lie now in garrison till the next spring, where we’ll leave them and turn to Titana.

   Who now hath spent full four years in pilgrimage, from country, to country in very poor manner, and now it was her fortune to come into Germany, and as she was travelling up into the country, she chanced to come to Fuesen, where being late she purposed to lie there all that night, yet knowing not how to get a lodging, for she had no money, sat down and wept bitterly: as she thus sat washing her tender cheeks with salt briny tears, the high constable of Fuesen was passing by and saw a young maid sit lamenting, and wringing her hands in such grievous manner, pitied her, and demanded of her what she was, and whence; she answered she was a gentleman’s daughter of Athens; he demanded what she made so far from home then, and how she came there. The which she answered that there was a young gentleman of the same city that was in love with her, and she with him, but their parents would not give consent, “Whereupon we determined to transport ourselves into Spain, where we both have friends, and there to enjoy the fruition of our loves; as we were passing from Greece to Spain, we met with pirates that rifled and robbed us of all we had, set me on land in France, and carried my love away, I know not whither: and these, all these griefs am I possessed withal”. The high constable pitied her very much, asked her if she could write, and read; she answered “ay”; he demanded if she could sew, she said “ay”; quoth the high constable: “Wilt thou be content to dwell with me, and teach my children for a year or two, or longer as thou shalt think good?”; Titana being weary of travelling, and was ashamed to go beg, thought she could not do better than to serve him, till she had gotten money and clothes to her back, answered him she was very well content, if it pleased him to except of her service; the which he answered very willingly with all his heart, so he caused her to follow him home, where he instantly strips her out of rags, and put her on good apparel, which done, she settles herself very closely to her needle, and teacheth his children, that in short time, she grew famous for her womanship, civil, modest, and gentlewoman-like behaviour, in so much that she might have had divers wealthy and rich marriages, only upon the good report that was spread abroad of her, but still she refused all, and would except of none, yet all this time she never made it known, that she was a king’s daughter, but kept it close, never meaning to reveal it, but still following her business, with careful diligence, where we’ll leave her, and turn to Theseus: who, being in very poor estate, is entertained by the landsgrave of Heston: and serving him for the space of three years, greatly grew in credit with him, in so much that he would do nothing without the advice of his man Pirigrino (for so he feigned his name to be) the landsgrave taking such an extraordinary liking unto him (as truly to say the truth, he deserved the love of all), never had any jousts, and tourneys, but his Pirigrino should be one, ay, and still did put them to the foil, whatsoever they were that waged against him, in so much that in few years he began to be admired of all; not only for his rare feats at arms, but also for his gentleman-like accomplishments, civil, and modest behaviour: that in the end, the landsgrave began to misdoubt that he came of some noble descent, and by some discontent parted with his country, and went as a pilgrim to seek his fortune.

   Well, it happened not long after, he took an occasion to walk after supper, in a garden that stood on the backside of his palace, with a meaning to demand of his man what countryman he was, and of what parentage; calls for his Pirigrino, and charged him to tell him the truth of a question he meant to ask him. Pirigrino marvelling at this sudden charge, answered thus: “My dread sovereign, as near as I can I will certify you with the truth”; quoth the grave: “But this then, tell of what parentage thou comest on, and what was the occasion of thy coming into this country? For thou toldst me thou wast a Grecian born”. Quoth Pirigrino: “My sovereign lord, truly so I am, and my father was a poor gentleman, and the occasion that I came hither was this: there was a gentlewoman dwelling in Athens whom I dearly loved, and so did she me; I being a younger brother, and had but small means to maintain her, her friends being rich, would not give consent at all; we having but little hope to enjoy the fruition of our loves in Greece, provided a little bark to transport ourselves into Spain, which being done, as we were passing the Ocean, there came certain pirates that were roving on the sea, and took us, and robbed us of all that we had; this done, they sent my love away towards the coast of France, and clapt me into a galley, where I was forced to manage an oar, till I was released by a Venetian merchant, who landed me on the coast of Bohemia, and I purposing to spend my life in pilgrimage, wandering up and down, it was my fortune to come hither, where I fortunately happened into your service”; he thus ending his speech wept very bitterly. The landsgrave being very sorry to see him weep and lament so bitterly, demanded the occasion of his passions, who answered: “The loss of my love”. Quoth the landsgrave: “Come, leave off this womanish weeping, and remain with me, and thou shalt never want for anything so long as I am able to give thee”; well after these and such like words, they departed to their rest.

   At that instant, there was attendant in the house of Alphonsus the landsgrave a young gentlewoman whose name was Impio; this gentlewoman came of very good parentage; she wishly viewing, and noting the excellency of Pirigrino’s face, presently fell in love with him; but having but small acquaintance, could not tell how to unfold her mind unto him, but thus she past the time, for the space of half a year, and could find no time nor place fitting for to disclose her love: till at last she watched him when he went to walk in the garden alone, and lightly skips after him; he espying her coming after him, returns again and met, giving her the time of the day, and she the like to him again, so that in the end there passed and re-passed many questions between them: in so much that at last my young gentlewoman mistress Impio, grew so impudent with love, that she could bridle her passionate affection no longer but desired him to sit down on a green bank that was by them, for she told him that she had good news to tell him; he being no less than willing to hear good news, according to her desire he sat down, where suddenly she sat down by him, where she declares the whole volume of her mind unto him. Pirigrino hearing her so passionate in her terms, wondered much at these sudden accidents, or what should be the occasion that should provoke her to such inordinate sicks, which in his conceit overflowed the bounds of modesty, yet would he not seem to reject her for her folly, but mildly persuaded her to be content and pacify herself with patience, for he was already provided, yet did he humbly thank her for her good will, but grant her marriage he could not: yet she would not be so answered, but began to prosecute it fresh again, and like Venus, when she wooed Adonis, strove with him for a kiss, in so much that he, ashamed of her folly, flung away from her; Impio seeing him gone, meant not to let him go so, but on the next morning, she goes to his chamber, and in the like manner begins again. Pirigrino seeing her, and hearing her in her old tune, would not stay, but flings from her in an angry fume; yet she would not give him over nor let him rest, but still would be troubling and molesting him, in so much, that in the end, he told her of her immodesty very sharply, and told her, that if she came any more troubling him with the like matter again, he would declare her name to his lord Alphonsus. Impio hearing this hasty check and rebuke of Pirigrino whom she loved so dearly, turned now her love to hate, and as in former time she had sought means to get his love, so now ten times more busy she was to seek means to destroy his life: Pirigrino whom Fortune had turned on her wheel so oft with frowns and smiles, meant once more, to cast him into adverse perplexities, and for the better conveyance of it, she brought it thus to passe.

   At that instant there lay in Fuesen one of the emperors of Germany, who had to daughter a very fair and proper young gentlewoman: this virgin being known to the duke of Brunswick, and he having but one only son thought it a good match for him, being resolved in this opinion, very speedily sends embassadors to this emperor, to entreat a marriage between his son and his daughter; to which the emperor, being very willing, told them, with all his heart, and had them pray him to come and accomplish it as soon as he could, for his business would be so urgent with him shortly, that he should hardly attend their coming else; they received their answer, and hasted back to the Duke their master, where they made report of their embassage; when the duke heard each joyful tidings, with all expedition, he caused preparation for the nuptial, which being all finished, and all things ready, they took their journey to the emperor’s court, being then in Fuesen. The emperor, hearing they were coming, invited divers of the chief of Germany to the nuptial: whereof Alphonsus, the landsgrave of Hessen amongst the rest was one: well, within few days after the duke of Brunswick arrived at the emperor’s court in Fuesen, this nuptial day being past, and their royalty ended, every man taking his leave of the emperor departed, only the duke of Brunswick, the landsgrvue of Heston, and their followers. It happened in a short time after, Pirigrino being chief attendant on Alphonsus; and Impio on his fair lady, Fortune began to turn her wheel, and raise an adverse fate, on poor submissive Pirigrino, in this manner: this wicked lust-sulphuring Impio, whose heart was fraught with burning hate, had long studied how she might bring him to disgrace, or take his life from him, because he did reject her for her folly: in so much that in the end, she agreed thus; for to invite him to her chamber to dinner, where if she could obtain love at his hands, it was as much as she desired, otherwise she meant to cry out, and say he would ravish her, and so by that means bee revenged on him: she being profoundly grounded on this hellish pretence, thought it long ere she were acting it: yet she considered this, that if she should do so having no witness of it, it was but her ay, and his no: and she saw that he was so in favour, that he should be believed before her, therefore to bring her matter the better to pass, she hires a young man, and gives him fifty crowns to come and swear against him: when she was thus provided of a witness, she invites Pirigrino to come the next day to dinner. He thinking no hurt, nor imagined not the mischief she pretended to him, very courteously thanked her, and said he would make bold to trouble her: with this answer she returned, and called this young man to her, and told him where he should stand to hear her, when she called him; and what he should say: well, this being done, on the next day according to promise, Pirigrino came to dinner, where they sat all alone, and were very merry all the dinner time; when they had sufficiently allayed the hunger of their stomachs, she took away the table herself, and had none to attend her at all, which made Pirigrino muse much thereat; when she had thus taken away, and set things in order, she came to Pirigrino, and began her wonted tune again, and again, but still he denied her; yet would she take it for no answer, but still importuned him for love, in so much that he began to be very angry with her, and began to go forth of her chamber: she seeing no hope to obtain love of him, she sware she would have his life: she steps to him again, and thus besets him: “Thou fair-faced Pirigrino, canst thou deny a wench that comes of gentle blood, no vassal nor runnagate, but bred and born in gentility: therefore read the margent of my brows and thou shalt see that thy birth is not equivalent with mine; thou knowst how my lord and master entertained thee but the other day, as a pilgrim that meant to spend his life in pilgrimage, and wilt thou reject me that am a gentlewoman of good account? No, no, Pirigrino; remember thyself what thou wert when thou camest hither; and yield Impio love”. Pirigrino hearing her so insatiable in this vain attempt, began to wrest away from her, whereupon she cried out: “Help, help! He will ravish me!”; with that steps in the young man that she had appointed to bear false witness against him, and cries out for help too, [to] which suddenly came running in divers of the court, and laid hands on him, and news was carried to the landsgrave, and the emperor, of Pirigrino’s fact: Alphonsus very sorry to hear this tidings, yet would not seek to excuse him, but suffered him to go to prison, where he lay for the space of six days, the seventh, according to the order of their law, he was had in examination; and for the ***

ter himself, that he should have no wrong: but when he heard how evidently the matter was proved against him, by this young fellow’s means, that came in, and sware directly against him, it was a fact that was so heinous, and not to be forgiven, their laws were so strict against it, when he had thus considered with himself, the greatness of the offence and the severeness of their law, he held his tongue and suffered the law to passe on him, which overthrew him, and the sentence of death was pronounced against him, that the next market day, there should be in the midst of the market place, a stake erected; unto which stake, he must be bound fast with iron-chains, and so done, fire kindled about him, and so burn to death: the law having thus past on him, and the sentence of death pronounced against him, they carried him back to prison, until the next market day: in the meanwhile, they made ready the stake, and set it in the midst of the market, and when the day came, according to their order they brought him to the place of execution, where was gathered together two or three hundred to see him executed; he was so beloved that there was many a weeping eye for him, and cried out to the sheriffs, saying it was a great pity so brave a man should die for so small an offence, yet they could not do withal, but caused him to be tied to the stake, which done, they laid straw and faggots about him, and were kindling the fire about him; yet did he smile and laugh on the people, and prayed them to pray for him, the which they did all very heartily; he provided himself to die. Even as the fire was kindling, there came riding by a knight of Athens by chance, as he was travelling into France, espying a multitude of people gathered together, turns his horse-head, and rides to the place to see the occasion, when he came near to the place, and seeing a man bound fast to the stake, began to look very earnestly on him, in so much that in the end, he began to persuade himself that it was Theseus: thrusts in amongst the people and thus spake: “Prince Theseus!”. Theseus suddenly looked up marvelling who was that which knew his name so perfectly, looking on this knight called him to mind, and answered: “Horatio!”. Quoth the knight Horatio, for so was his name: “My noble liege, what make you here thus bound with chains so near your death?”. Quoth Theseus: “I have been falsely accused, and now condemned to die”. Horatio entreated the sheriffs to hold back the

***

he was, for he is a king’s son, and falsely accused”. The sheriffs although they were to have done the execution by an hour, yet for the love they bore to him, they pulled back the fire: Horatio galloped to the emperor, and told him in few words that he knew not what, to put a king’s son to death upon a false accusation; with such, and such like words, he roughly bespake the emperor, without all fear or reverence: in so much that the emperor sent some of his chief attendants with his privy signet to fetch him again to hear the matter more plainly proved: the whilst they went to fetch him, Horatio declared what he was, and the occasion of his departure from his own country. Quoth Alphonsus: “He told me that was the occasion of his departure, but he told me he was a gentleman, and a younger brother”; by this time, the emperor’s men came to the place of execution, where they declared his will and showed the sheriffs the emperor’s signet for a sign and token they should bring him to the emperor’s court: when they saw the signet, they knew it was the emperor’s will he should be brought, then they caused him to be untied, which when the people heard it, there was such casting up of hats, hooting and rejoicing, as though Heaven and Earth would have gone together: when he came to the court, he was examined again of this matter, the which he utterly denied, whereupon the fellow was called again, that came in against him, and demanded if this man were guilty or no; he answered: “ay”. The emperor would not believe him so, but would make a farther trial of it, sends presently for a rack, to rack him till he told the truth: as soon as the rack came, the very fear, and sight of the rack, made him fall on his knees and confess all: telling how Impio did hire him to do it and gave him fifty crowns. The emperor and the landsgrave hearing this, sends for Impio, who hearing that her knavery was come out, gets her into her chamber, where she suddenly strangles herself with a towel: she being found there dead in this manner, they were all very sorry, and desired Theseus to pardon their hasty and rash judgement, the which he freely pardoned: this being past, the emperor, and the landsgrave intended to accompany Theseus into Greece, and command a fleet of ships to be prepared for this voyage. This news being bruited about, that Pirigrino was a king’s son and of Greece, in so much, that in the end it came to Titana’s ear, who was half persuaded that it was her Theseus, well, she could not be quiet in mind till she saw him: the next day she made an excuse to go forth, and goes to the emperor’s court, and as ***

ing him directly, but stood still and looked on him, and he did the like on her, till at last Theseus said: “Titana”. When she heard him say so, she stepped to him, and with joy she wept, and the like did he, like two turtledoves they sweetly billed each other, when they had thus done, they made it known to the emperor and Alphonsus, that she was King Meleagar’s daughter, and she was she, that the pirates took from him: this news bred more admiration, and more in Fuesen: this being past, the ships ready and all things provided; the emperor clothes them in very rich array, and causeth them to board the navy, who did accompany them the Emperor, the duke of Brunswick, the landsgrave of Hesten, and divers other knights, and gentlemen of good account and reckoning; which being a full wind suddenly arrived in Athens. The King Egeus, seeing such a fleet of goodly ships coming, began to misdoubt the worst and sent out a pinnace to see what they were, and to what intent they came, which returned him this answer: “And shall please your Highness, there is the emperor of Germany, the duke of Brunswick, the landsgrave of Heston and your prince, Theseus”. Aegeus hearing that, ne’er stayed to call any to attend him, neither to put on his cloak; butran to meet them, without hat or cloak. His son Theseus coming foremost in the troop, when he saw his father, fell down on his knees: the aged king stooped and took him up in his arms and wept bitterly for joy; having so done, he salutes Titana, and the rest in the courteousest manner he could devise. The citizens hearing of their coming again, to show their joy made bonfires, and shows, with bells ringing throughout all the city: the courtiers and knights, appointed jousts, and tourneys, to signify their willing minds, gratifying the king’s fortunate hap. Aegeus hearing of his son Theseus adverse haps since he departed from him, thought now to accomplish his joy, caused preparation for the nuptial, which being done, and twenty days fully expired in solemn feasting: the emperor, the duke, and the landsgrave with their followers took their leave and departed. Aegeus sent for his men that were in the field against the Achaians, and Calydons, proclaimed a final peace, and crowned Theseus king of those three kingdoms; having this done, and finished all things as he could wish, he gave his son charge of the well governing his estate, to keep the hearts of his commons; after these and such like words he died, even with overjoying himself at Theseus’ return: his father being dead, caused a funeral to be made, which done, his father entombed, and his solemn ***