The sun doth beat upon the plain fields. Wherefore let us sit down, 17Galatea, under this fair oak, by whose broad leaves being defended from the warm beams we may 18enjoy the fresh air, which softly breathes from Humber floods.

Father, you have devised well. And whilst our flock doth roam up and 20down this pleasant green, you shall recount to me, if it please you, for what cause this 21tree was dedicated unto Neptune, and why you have thus disguised me.

I do agree thereto, and, when thy state and my care be considered, thou shalt know this question was not asked in vain.

I willingly attend.

In times past, where thou see'st a heap of small pebble stood a 25stately temple of white marble, which was dedicated to the God of the Sea, and in right, 26being so near the sea. Hither came all such as either ventured by long travel to see 27countries or by great traffic to use merchandise, offering sacrifice by fire to get safety by water, 28yielding thanks for perils past and making prayers for good success to come. But Fortune, constant in 29nothing but inconstancy, did change her copy, as the people their custom; for, the land being oppressed 30by Danes -- who instead of sacrifice committed sacrilege, instead of religion rebellion, and made a prey 31of that in which they should have made their prayers, tearing down the temple even with the earth, being almost equal with the skies -- enraged so the god who binds the winds in 33the hollows of the earth that he caused the seas to break their bounds sith men 34had broke their vows, and to swell as far above their reach as men had swerved beyond 35their reason. Then might you see ships sail where sheep fed, anchors cast where ploughs go, fishermen 36throw their nets where husbandmen sow their corn, and fishes throw their scales where fowls do breed 37their quills. Then might you gather froth where now is dew, rotten weeds for sweet roses, and take view of monstrous mermaids instead of passing fair maids.

To hear these sweet marvels I would mine eyes were turned also into ears.

But at the last our countrymen repenting, and not too late, because at 40last Neptune, either weary of his wroth or wary to do them wrong, upon condition consented to 41ease their miseries.

What condition will not miserable men accept?

The condition was this: that at every five years' day, the fairest and 44chastest virgin in all the country should be brought unto this tree, and, here being bound (whom 45neither parentage shall excuse for honor, nor virtue for integrity), is left for a peace-offering unto Neptune.

Dear is the peace that is bought with guiltless blood.

I am not able to say that, but he sendeth a monster called 48the Agar, against whose coming the waters roar, the fowls fly away, and the cattle in the 49field for terror shun the banks.

And she bound to endure that horror?

And she bound to endure that horror.

Doth this monster devour her?

Whether she be devoured of him, or conveyed to Neptune, or drowned between 54both, it is not permitted to know, and incurreth danger to conjecture. Now, Galatea, here endeth my 55tale and beginneth thy tragedy.

Alas, father! And why so?

I would thou hadst been less fair or more fortunate. Then shouldst thou 58not repine that I have disguised thee in this attire, for thy beauty will make thee to 59be thought worthy of this god. To avoid therefore destiny (for wisdom ruleth the stars), I think 60it better to use an unlawful means, your honor preserved, than intolerable grief, both life and honor 61hazarded; and to prevent, if it be possible, thy constellation by my craft. Now hast thou heard 62the custom of this country, the cause why this tree was dedicated unto Neptune, and the vexing care of thy fearful father.

1.1.2063Galathea. Father, I have been attentive to hear, and by your patience am ready 64to answer. Destiny may be deferred, not prevented; and therefore it were better to offer myself in 65triumph than to be drawn to it with dishonor. Hath nature (as you say) made me so 66fair above all, and shall not virtue make me as famous as others? Do you not know, 67or doth overcarefulness make you forget, that an honorable death is to be preferred before an infamous 68life? I am but a child, and have not lived long, and yet not so childish as 69I desire to live ever. Virtues I mean to carry to my grave, not gray hairs. I 70would I were as sure that destiny would light on me as I am resolved it could 71not fear me. Nature hath given me beauty, virtue courage; nature must yield me death, virtue honor. 72Suffer me therefore to die, for which I was born, or let me curse that I was 73born, sith I may not die for it.

Alas, Galatea, to consider the causes of change thou art too young, and 75that I should find them out for thee, too too fortunate.

The destiny to me cannot be so hard as the disguising hateful.

To gain love, the gods have taken shapes of beasts, and to save 78life art thou coy to take the attire of men?

They were beastly gods, that lust could make them seem as beasts.

In health it is easy to counsel the sick, but it's hard for 81the sick to follow wholesome counsel. Well, let us depart. The day is far spent.