Montemayor's Diana

Page 172

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it, but where the Shepheds went in, and by another way right ouer against the same, made almost in the selfe same forme and fashion: for the thicknes of the trees stop∣ped vp all other waies, and also bicause the water that ranne by the sides, issuing to∣wards the side without in some places of that brooke, did wax so broad between the place of the trees, that by the playne it could not, by reason that it was somewhat higher. Neere to this fountaine did the Shepherds sit vnder the shadow of a braun∣chie Oke, and certaine Laurell trees, and taking out some of those victuals that Do∣ria had prouided for them (after they had rested themselues a little) they ouercame their importunate hunger, satisfying their appetites sufficiently with the same: and bicause they had a good way to goe that day, they tooke not their rest, as much as the place and their desires did inuite them; but before all the heate of the day was past (least the time should also passe away with it) they were about to goe from that place. But as they were preparing themselues to rise, and to be gone, Syrenus saide to Syluanus. It is not reason Syluanus, that, liuing now in such ioy and content, and in the presence of thy beloued Seluagia, thou shouldest let thy Bagpipe waxe so drie; nor, is it meete, that from this pleasant place (the friendly entertainment and de∣lights whereof thou hast enioyed) thou shouldest depart, without requiting it with the sweetnes of thy melodie, and song. With greater reason (answered Syluanus) should the Hamadryades preseruers of these trees, and the Driades inhabitours of these green woods complaine of thee, that wouldest go away, without giuing them some part of thy sweete harmonie, and melodious voice. Let vs leaue this courteous contention (said Syrenus) and doe that which I request thee, for the great reason which thou hast to do it for that which I told thee first, though thou wilt not (per∣haps) for that, which I alleaged last. For the first indeed I cannot deny thee said Syl∣uanus, but in faith I know not what to sing, that might not grieue thee, that art so far from loue, or offend me that am so full of amorous thoughts, so that in the end I can sing nothing (vnlesse it be to mine owne griefe) but that which belongs thereunto. To heare thy delicate songs, and inioy the sweetnes of thy voice (saide, Syrenus) I will be content with any thing: but since it must needes be in such sort, in thy song I pray thee shew, how far the firmnenes of thy loue extendeth, which thou bearest to thy louing Shepherdesse; for by occasion heereof I know she cannot, nor will not choose but answere thee againe, in whose sweet voice and song I shall take no lesse delight, then in thine. I am content said Syluanus. And then thus he began.

Syluanus.
IT may fall out the heauens may turne at leisure,
And stay themselues vpon the highest mountaines:
And Ezla, and Mondego, at their pleasure.
With hastie course turne backe vnto their fountaines:
And that the flaxe, or reede, laid to the fire,
May not consume in flames, but burne like wire:
But yet the day and time shall happen neuer,
When Syluan shall not loue Seluagia euer.

Immediately without any entreatie, Seluagia, bicause she would not die in Syl∣uanus debt, nor be beholding to him in this respect, taking her Baggepipe vp, in this sort did answer him.

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