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threedes of fine Arabian golde hanging loose and blowen abroad with the winde, were euer wont to dance in the greene and pleasant forrestes. There was no curte∣ous contention amongst them, who should begin to sing first: For Syrenus, who was the chiefest man in all that feast, being somewhat ashamed of the small regard hee had of Diana till that time, the thought whereof (he also suspected) was likewise a hinderance vnto him from iustly excusing himselfe, resolued in song to tell Diana his minde, which shame woulde not permit him to acquaint her with in familiar talke. Therefore without any more adoo (the rest answering him as it was decreed) he sung as followeth.
Diana was of a contrarie opinion. For hauing satisfied her old obliuion and dis∣daine that she had of Syrenus with a renewed and entire loue of him againe, and see∣ing herselfe sufficiently recompenced for her passed paines and greefes, she had now no cause to lament the small care she had of him in times past, but rather fin∣ding her hart filled with all content and ioy that she could wish, and free from all paine, by manifesting her gladnes and blaming Syrenus needlesse excuse, she answe∣red him with this song.
While Diana was singing her song, there came a most beautifull Shepherdesse to the fountaine, but newly (as it seemed) come to Felicias Palace, and being tolde, that the Ladie was in the garden, she came thither to see her and to talke with her. Be∣ing come to the place where Felicia was, she kneeling downe before her, kissed her hands, and said vnto her. Pardon (good Lady) my boldnes, for comming into this presence without leaue, since the desire I had to see you, and the neede which I haue of your skill and wisedome, was so great, that I was forced hereunto. I bring with
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