to Disteus, to speake with him alone. In good faith (saide Parisiles) the comming of Palna to Disteus was very pretie, for I was nowe halfe sorrie with my selfe, not kno∣wing what Palna would haue said, when he spake aloud, that both might haue heard. For Dardanea knew that she would send him to spie out Sagastes, and Disteus vnder∣stood that it was to go for a Chirurgian. And so with great discretion she spake that out aloud, which answered both their intents, in that he was sent to goe his waies, and so to deceiue them both by these means. Dardanea, bicause she might not know, that it was Disteus; and Disteus, bicause he might not then sinell out the deceit that Palna vsed with him, by making him beleeue, that Dardanea was hurt: but she came to him (hauing told him that Dardanea bad him go his waies) fit to the purpose, for then if he had passed further, his speech might haue marred all the matter, and dis∣couered the fine deceit. Truly (said Lord Felix) she must needs be wise in althings, and well she manifested the same by setting the candle before Dardanea. For these fauourable notes, Gentlemen, which by the way you haue gathered of mine Aunt, to confirme them (saide Placindus) I giue you my word, that she was accounted for such an one; and bicause I am her kinsman, I hold my peace, concerning that which might be spoken more in her praise, and also bicause by the processe of my tale you shall see it. To proceede therefore: As she came neere to Disteus, turning to Dar∣danea, she said, Do you command him any other seruice, and I will tel it him: No, said Dardanea, but he shall do me a pleasure if heerein he doe his diligence. Mine Aunt then tooke Disteus by the hande to bring him foorth, whereat hee seemed to make some small resistance, vnloosing his hand from hers, as though he woulde haue put on his cloake that fell downe: which when mine Aunt perceiued, with an angrie countenance, she saide softly vnto him. You shall come no more hither I promise you. Who hearing her sharpe threatning, with the teares in his eies, answered. Pardon (good mother) the body, that is loath to depart from the soule: whereupon they went out, and mine Aunt went talking with him, and asked him, if he was nowe cleered of the fault, that she made by her departure. Whereunto he answered not a word, for by contemplating of that soueraigne beautie, he was so much distraught in minde, that he heard not what she said. But afterwardes being come to himselfe againe, with a profound sigh he said. O what shall become of thee Disteus: where∣with he helde his peace. She blamed him for this speech, and reprooued him for that he had done, telling him plainly, that these were not the meanes to deliuer him from his passions. Some speeches being past betweene them, she opened vnto him the whole deceit, which she had fayned of her Mistresse breaking off her arme, and why she did it, and telling him all, euen to that point, when I, or rather he, was sent foorth, she said. You must now therefore, bicause my mistresse Dardanea commands this to be done, go by and by to your lodging, and giue my cosin his garments, and tell him what I said to you, that Dardanea doth pray him (not making mention of any other matter) and I cammaund him to goe about his errant with all diligence. But Disteus aunswered, God neuer graunt, that another fulfill that which was commaunded me. In mine owne person I will doe that, which my Mistresse commaunded mee, being but disguised and counterfeit: Doe as you thinke good, saide mine Aunt, but in such sort that it may bee thought that my ne∣nephew did it. Leaue that to me, said he, and take you care for the rest: And with this they tooke their leaue of one another. He went straight to his house, where he found me waiting for him, and said vnto me. Heere thou maiest safely stay Placin∣dus this night, for I will go walke a little vp and downe the citie, and weare thy gar∣ments:
