2Containing the most excellent, pleasant and variable history of the strange accidents that befell unto Prince Apollonius, the Lady Lucina his wife, and Tharsia his daughter.

3Wherein the uncertainty of this world, and the fickle state of man's life are lively described.

4Gathered into English by

5LAURENCE TWINE

6Gentleman.

7Imprinted at London by Valentine Simmes for the Widow Newman. [1594]

8To the worshipful Master John Donning, Customer and Jurat of the town of Rye in Sussex.

12Being diversly moved in mind, to signify my good will and hearty love towards you, gentle M. Donning, I could not devise any means more effectual than by presenting the same to you, which cost me some small labor and travail, not seeming thereby to acquit your manifold courtesies towards me diversly extended, but rather to discharge me of the note of ingratitude which otherwise I might seem to incur. Wherefore, instead of a greater present to countervail your friendliness, I am bold in the setting forth of this simple pamphlet under your name, to make a proffer of my thankful heart to you again. Wherein, though want of farther ability appear, yet is there no let, but that a well-willing heart may be expressed, yea in the smallest gift. Now if haply the argument hereof appear unto you other than you could much wish, or I well afford, yet have I no fear of any great misliking, considering your natural disposition, which is to be delighted with honest pleasure and commendable recreation, and not to lie evermore weltering, as it were, in doleful dumpishness. Which thing did put me in the greater hope, that this work would be the welcomer unto you, especially considering the delectable variety and the often changes and chances contained in this present history, which cannot but much stir up the mind and senses unto sundry affections. Whatever it be, take it, I beseech you, in good part instead of some better thing which I might well afford, promising the same when occasion shall serve, not being at this present so well furnished as I could wish of God, to whose good grace I recommend you and yours, both now and evermore.

13Your worship's to use,

14Laurence Twine.

16How Antiochus committed incest with his own daughter, and beheaded such as sued unto her for marriage, if they could not resolve his questions.

18How Apollonius arriving at Antiochia, resolved the King's question; and how Taliarchus was sent to slay him.

20How Taliarchus, not finding Apollonius at Tyrus, departeth joyfully; and Apollonius arriving at Tharsus, relieveth the city with victual.

22How Apollonius departing from Tharsus by the persuasion of Stranguilio and Dionisiades his wife, committed shipwreck, and was relieved by Altistrates, King of Pentapolis.

24How Lucina, King Altistrates' daughter, desirous to hear Apollonius' adventures, fell in love with him.

26How Apollonius is made schoolmaster to Lucina; and how she preferreth the love of him above all the nobility of Pentapolis.

28How Apollonius was married to the Lady Lucina, and hearing of King Antiochus' death, departeth with his wife towards his own country of Tyrus.

30How fair Lucina died in travail of child upon the sea, and being thrown into the water, was cast on land at Ephesus, and taken home by Cerimon a Physician.

32How Lucina was restored to life by one of Cerimon the Physician's scholars; and how Cerimon adopted her to his daughter, and placed her in the Temple of Diana.

34How Apollonius arriving at Tharsus, delivereth his young daughter Tharsia unto Stranguilio and Dionisiades to be brought up, and how the Nurse, lying in her death-bed declareth unto Tharsia who were her parents.

36How after the death of Ligozides the Nurse, Dionisiades, envying at the beauty of Tharsia, conspired her death, which should have been accomplished by a villein of the country.

38How certain Pirates rescued Tharsia when she should have been slain, and carried her unto the city Machilenta, to be sold among other bondslaves.

40How the Pirates which stole away Tharsia, brought her to the city Machilenta, and sold her to a common bawd; and how she preserved her virginity.

42How Tharsia withstood a second assault of her virginity, and by what means she was preserved.

44How Apollonius coming to Tharsus, and not finding his daughter, lamented her supposed death, and taking ship again, was driven to Machilenta where Tharsia was.

46How Athanagoras Prince of Machilenta seeing the beauty of Apollonius' ship, went aboard of it, and did the best to comfort him.

48How Athanagoras sent for Tharsia, to make her father Apollonius merry, and how, after long circumstance they came into knowledge one of another.

50How Apollonius leaving off mourning, came into the city Machilenta, where he commanded the bawd to be burned, and how Tharsia was married unto Prince Athanagoras.

52How Apollonius, meaning to sail into his own country by Tharsus, was commanded by an Angel in the night to go to Ephesus, and there to declare all his adventures in the church with a loud voice.

54How Apollonius came to the knowledge of his wife, the Lady Lucina; and how they rejoiced at the meeting of each other.

56How Apollonius departed for Ephesus and sailed himself, his wife, his son and daughter unto Antiochia, and then to Tyrus, and from thence to Tharsus, where he revenged himself upon Stranguilio and Dionisiades.

58How Apollonius sailed from Tharsus to visit his father-in-law Altistrates, King of Pentapolis, who died not long after Apollonius coming thither.

60How Apollonius rewarded the fishermen that relieved him after he had suffered shipwreck: how he dealt also with old Calamitus, and likewise with the Pirates that stole away Tharsia.

62How Apollonius had a young son and heir by his wife Lucina likewise of Apollonius' age, and how he died, with some other accidents thereunto incident.

63How Antiochus committed incest with his own daughter, and beheaded such as sued unto her for marriage if they could not resolve his questions.

64THE most famous and mighty King Antiochus, which builded the goodly city of Antiochia in Syria, and called it after his own name, as the chiefest seat of all his dominions and most principal place of his abode, begat upon his wife one daughter, a most excellent and beautiful young lady. Who in process of years growing up as well in ripeness of age as perfection of beauty, many princes and noblemen resorted unto her for entreaty of marriage, offering inestimable riches in jointure. Howbeit the king her father, evermore requiring deliberation upon whom rather than other to bestow his daughter, perceived eftsoons an unlawful concupiscence to boil within his breast, which he augmented with an outrageous flame of cruelty sparkling in his heart, so that he began to burn with the love of his own child more than it was beseeming for a father. Thus being wrapped in the toil of blind desire, he sustained within himself a fierce conflict, wherein madness put modesty to flight and he wholly yielded himself unto love.

65Wherefore not long after on a certain day he came into his daughter's chamber, and, bidding all that were there for to depart as though he had had some secret matter to confer with her, the furious rage of lust pricking him forward thereunto, he violently forced her -- though, seely maiden, she withstood him long to her power -- and threw away all regard of his own honesty and unloosed the knot of her virginity. Now, when he was departed, and she, being alone, devised within herself what it were best for her to do, suddenly her nurse entered in, and, perceiving her face all be-blubbered with tears, "What is the matter, dear child and madam," quoth she, "that you sit thus sorrowfully?" "O, beloved nurse," answered the lady, "even now two noble names were lost within this chamber." "How so?" said the nurse. "Because," quoth she, "before marriage through wicked villainy I am most shamefully defiled." And when the nurse had heard these words and, looking about more diligently, perceived indeed what was done, being enraged with sorrow and anger and almost distract of her wits, "Alas, what wretch or rather infernal fiend," quoth she, "durst thus presumptuously defile the bed of a princess?" "Ungodliness hath done this deed," quoth the lady. "Why then do you not tell it the king your father?" said the nurse. "Ah nurse," answered the lady, "where is my father? For if you well understood the matter, the name of father is lost in me, so that I can have no remedy now but death only." But the nurse now by a few words perceiving the whole tale and weighing that the young lady gave inkling of remedy by death, which she much feared, began to assuage her grief with comfortable words and to withdraw her mind from that mischievous purpose. Wherein she prevailed so effectually in short time that she appeased the fresh bleeding of the green wound, howbeit the scar continued long time, as deeply struck within her tender heart, before it could be thoroughly cured.

66In the mean season, while this wicked father showeth the countenance of a loving sire abroad in the eyes of all his people, notwithstanding, within doors and in his mind he rejoiceth that he hath played the part of an husband with his daughter, which false resemblance of hateful marriage, to the intent he might always enjoy, he invented a strange device of wickedness to drive away all suitors that should resort unto her by propounding certain questions, the effect and law whereof was thus published in writing: Whoso findeth out the solution of my question, shall have my daughter to wife, but who so faileth, shall lose his head.

67Now, when Fame had blown abroad the possibility to obtain this lady, such was the singular report of her surpassing beauty, that many kings and men of great nobility repaired thither. And if haply any through skill or learning had found out the solution of the king's question, notwithstanding, he was beheaded as though he had answered nothing to the purpose: and his head was set up at the gate to terrify others that should come, who beholding there the present image of death, might advise them from essaying any such danger. These outrages practised Antiochus, to the end he might continue in filthy incest with his daughter.

68How Apollonius arriving at Antiochia resolved the king's question, and how Taliarchus was sent to slay him.

69WHILST Antiochus thus continued in exercising tyranny at Antiochia, a certain young gentleman of Tyrus, prince of the country, abounding in wealth and very well learned, called Apollonius, arrived in the coast, and coming unto the city of Antiochia was brought into the king's presence. And when he had saluted him, the king demanded of him the cause of his coming thither. Then said the young prince, "Sir, I require to have your daughter in marriage." The king, hearing that which he was unwilling to hear, looking fiercely upon him, said unto him: "Dost thou know the conditions of the marriage." "Yea, sir king," said Apollonius, "and I see it standing upon the gate." Then the king, being sharply moved and disdaining at him, said, "Hear then the question which thou must resolve, or else die: I am carried with mischief; I eat my mother's flesh; I seek my brother, my mother's husband, and I cannot find him." Apollonius, having received the question, withdrew himself a while out of the king's presence, and being desirous to understand what it meant, he found out the solution thereof in short space through the help of God, and returned again to the king, saying, "Your Grace proposed a question unto me; I pray you hear the solution thereof. And whereas you said in your problem, I am carried with mischief, you have not lied, for look unto your own self. But whereas you say further, I eat my mother's flesh, looked upon your daughter."

70Now the king, as soon as he perceived that Apollonius had resolved his problems, fearing lest his wickedness should be discovered, he looked upon him with a wrathful countenance, saying, "Thou art far wide from the solution of my demand and hast hit no part of the meaning thereof; wherefore thou hast deserved to be beheaded. Howbeit I will show thee this courtesy as to give thee thirty days respite to bethink thyself of this matter. Wherefore return home into thine own country, and if thou canst find out the solution of my problem, thou shalt have my daughter to wife. If not, thou shalt be beheaded." Then Apollonius, being much troubled and molested in mind, accompanying himself with a sufficient train, took shipping, and returned into his own country.

71But, so soon as he was departed, Antiochus called unto him his steward, named Taliarchus, to whom he spake in manner following: "Taliarchus, the only faithful and trusty minister of my secrets: understand that Apollonius, Prince of Tyrus, hath found out the solution of my question. Wherefore, take shipping and follow him immediately, and if thou canst not overtake him upon the sea, seek him out when thou comest to Tyrus and slay him either with sword or poison; and when thou returnest I will bountifully reward thee." Taliarchus promised to accomplish his commandment with all diligence, and, taking to him his shield with money sufficient for the journey, departed on his way and shortly after arrived at the coast of Tyrus. But Apollonius was come home unto his own Palace long time before, and, withdrawing himself into his study, perused all his books concerning the king's problem, finding none other solution than that which he had already told the king. And thus he said within himself: "Surely, unless I be much deceived, Antiochus burneth with disordinate love of his daughter." And discoursing further with himself upon that point: "What sayest thou now, or what intendest thou to do?" Apollonius said he to himself: "Thou hast resolved his problem, and yet not received his daughter, and God hath therefore brought thee away that thou shouldst not die." Then brake he off in the midst of these cogitations, and immediately commanded his ships to be prepared, and to be laden with an hundred thousand bushels of wheat, and with great plenty of gold, silver and rich apparel. And taking unto him a few of his most trustiest servants, about midnight embarked himself, and, hoisting up his sails, committed himself to the wide sea.

72The day following, his subjects the citizens came unto the palace to have seen their prince, but when they found him not there, the whole city was forthwith surprised with wonderful sorrow, every man lamenting that so worthy a prince [was] so suddenly gone out of sight and knowledge, no man knew whither. Great was the grief, and woeful was the wailing which they made, lamenting his own private estate and the commonwealth's in general, as it always happeneth at the death or loss of a good Prince, which the inhabitants of Tyrus took then so heavily, in respect of their great affection, that a long time after no barbers' shops were opened, the common shows and plays surceased, baths and hot-houses were shut up, taverns were not frequented, and no man repaired unto the churches. All thing was full of sorrow and heaviness. What shall I say? There was nothing but heaviness.

73How Taliarchus, not finding Apollonius at Tyrus, departeth joyfully and Apollonius, arriving at Tharsus, relieveth the city with victual.

74IN the midst of this sorrowful season Taliarchus cometh to Tyrus to execute the cruel commandment of Antiochus; where, finding all things shut up and a general show of mourning, meeting with a boy in the street: "Tell me," said he, "or I will slay thee: for what cause is all this city thus drowned in heaviness?" To whom the child answered: "My friend, dost thou not know the cause, that thou askest it of me? This city mourneth because the prince thereof, Apollonius, returning back from King Antiochus, can nowhere be found or heard of." Now so soon as Taliarchus heard these tidings, he returned joyfully unto his ships and took his journey back to Antiochia, and being landed, he hastened unto the king and fell down on his knees before him, saying: "All hail, most mighty prince, rejoice and be glad; for Apollonius, being in fear of your grace, is departeth no man knoweth whither." Then answered the king: "He may well fly away from me, but he shall never escape my hands." And immediately he made proclamation, that whosoever could take that contemnor of the king, Apollonius, Prince of Tyrus, and bring him alive unto the king's presence, should have an hundred talents of gold for his labor, and whosoever could bring his head should have fifty talents. Which proclamation being published, not only Apollonius' enemies but also his friends made all haste possible to seek him out, allured thereto with covetousness of the money. Thus was this poor Prince sought for about by sea and by land, through woods and wild deserts, but could not be found.

75Then the king commanded a great navy of ships to be prepared to scour the seas abroad, if haply they might meet with him; but, for that every thing requireth a time ere it can be done, in the mean season Apollonius arriveth at Tharsus where, walking along by the seaside, he was espied by one of his own servants named Elinatus, who landed there not long before, and overtook him as he was going; and coming near unto him with dutiful obeisance, said unto him: "God save you Prince Apollonius." But he, being saluted, did even so as noblemen and princes use to do, set light by him. But Elinatus, taking that behaviour unkindly, saluted him again saying: "God save you, Prince Apollonius, salute me again and despise not poverty beautified with honesty. And if you knew that which I know, you would take good heed to yourself." Then answered Apollonius: "If you think good, I pray you tell me." Elinatus answered, "You are by proclamation commanded to be slain." "And who," said Apollonius, "dares command by proclamation, the prince of a country to be slain?" "Antiochus," said Elinatus. "Antiochus! For what cause?" demanded Apollonius. "For that," said Elinatus, "thou wouldst be unto his daughter which he himself is." Then demanded Apollonius, "For what sum of money is my life sold by that proclamation?" Elinatus answered, "Whosoever can bring you alive unto the king shall have an hundred talents of gold in recompense: but whoso bringeth your head shall have fifty talents of gold for his labor, and therefore I advise you my lord, to fly unto some place for your defence." And when he had so said he took his leave and departed. But Apollonius called him again, and said that he would give him an hundred talents of gold: "For," said he, "receive thus much now of my poverty, where nothing is now left unto me but flight, and pining misery. Thou hast deserved the reward, wherefore draw out thy sword and cut off my head, and present it to the king as the most joyful sight in the world. Thus mayst thou win an hundred talents of gold and remain without all blame or note of ingratitude, since I myself have hired thee in the king's behalf to gratify him with so acceptable a present." Then answered Elinatus: "God forbid, my lord, that by any such sinister means I should deserve a reward. In all my life I never consented to any such matter in my heart. And, my lord, if the deed were good, the love of virtue were a sufficient force to allure any man thereunto. But since it respecteth your life, to whom in consideration of the cause no man may do violence without villainy, I commit both you and your matter unto God, who no doubt will be your defender." And when he had thus said, he departed.

76But Apollonius walked forth along upon the shore, where he had gone not far but he descried a man afar off coming towards him with heavy cheer and a sorrowful countenance; and this was Stranguilio, a Tharsian born and of good reputation in the city. To whom said Apollonius, "God save you Stranguilio." And he likewise resaluted him saying, "And you likewise my good lord, Apollonius. I pray you tell me what is the cause that you walk in this place thus troubled within your mind?" Apollonius answered: "Because, being promised to have King Antiochus' daughter to my wife if I told him the true meaning of his question, now that I have so done I am notwithstanding restrained from her. Wherefore I request you it may so be that I may live secretly in your city; for why, I stand moreover in some doubt of the king's farther displeasure." Stranguilio answered: "My lord Apollonius, our city at this present is very poor, and not able to sustain the greatness of your dignity; and even now we suffer great penury and want of victual, insomuch that there remaineth small hope of comfort unto our citizens but that we shall perish by extreme famine; and now certainly there resteth nothing but the fearful image of ghastly death before our eyes." When Apollonius heard these words, he said unto him: "Then give thanks unto God, who in my flight hath brought me a land into your coasts. For I have brought great store of provision with me, and will presently give unto your city an hundred thousand bushels of wheat, if you will only conceal my coming hither." At these words Stranguilio, being struck, as it were, into a sudden amazedness as it happeneth when a man is overjoyed with some glad tidings, fell down prostrate before Prince Apollonius' feet and said: "My lord Apollonius, if you could, and also if it might please of your great goodness, in such sort as you say to succor this afflicted and famished city, we will not only receive you gladly and conceal your abode, but also, if need so require, willingly spend our lives in your quarrel. Which promise of mine, to the intent you may hear to be confirmed by the full consent of the citizens, might please your grace to enter into the city, and I most willingly will attend upon you."

77Apollonius agreed thereto, and, when they came into the city, he mounted up into the place of judgment to the intent he might the better be heard, and, gathering all the people together, thus he spake unto the whole multitude. "Ye citizens of Tharsus, whom penury of victual pincheth at this present, understand ye that I, Apollonius Prince of Tyrus, am determined presently to relieve you. In respect of which benefit I trust ye will be so thankful as to conceal mine arriving hither. And know ye moreover, that not as being driven away through the malice of King Antiochus, but sailing along by the seas I am happily fallen into your haven. Wherefore I mean to utter unto you an hundred thousand bushels of wheat, paying no more than I bought it for in mine own country, that is to say, eight pieces of brass for every bushel." When the citizens heard this, they gave a shout for joy, crying, "God save my Lord Apollonius," promising to live and die in his quarrel, and they gave him wonderful thanks and the whole city was replenished with joy, and they went forthwith unto the ships and bought the corn. But Apollonius, doubting lest by this deed he should seem to put off the dignity of a prince and put on the countenance of a merchant rather than a giver, when he had received the price of the wheat, he restored it back again to the use and commodity of the same city. And when the citizens perceived the great benefits which he had bestowed upon their city, they erected in the market place a monument in the memorial of him, his statue made of brass standing in a chariot, holding corn in his right hand, and spurning it with his left foot, and on the baser foot of the pillar whereon it stood was engraven in great letters this superscription: "Apollonius, Prince of Tyrus, gave a gift unto the city of Tharsus whereby he delivered it from a cruel death."

78How Apollonius, departing from Tharsus by the persuasion of Stranguilio and Dionisiades his wife, committed shipwreck, and was relieved by Altistrates, King of Pentapolis.

79THUS had not Apollonius abided many days in the city of Tharsus but Stranguilio and Dionisiades, his wife, earnestly exhorted him, as seeming very careful and tender of his welfare, rather to address himself unto Pentapolis or among the Tirenians, as a place most fit for his security, where he might lie and hide himself in greatest assurance and tranquillity. Wherefore hereunto he resolved himself, and with convenient expedition prepared all things necessary for the journey. And when the day of his departure was come, he was brought with great honor by the citizens unto his ships, where, with a courteous farewell on each side given, the mariners weighed anchor, hoisted sails, and away they go, committing themselves to the wind and water.

80Thus sailed they forth along in their course, three days and three nights with prosperous wind and weather, until suddenly the whole face of heaven and sea began to change; for the sky looked black and the northern wind arose and the tempest increased more and more, insomuch that Prince Apollonius and the Tyrians that were with him were much appalled and began to doubt of their lives. But, lo, immediately, the wind blew fiercely from the South-west, and the North came singing on the other side, the rain poured down over their heads and the sea yielded forth waves as it had been mountains of water, that the ships could no longer wrestle with the tempest, and especially the Admiral, wherein the good prince himself fared, but needs must they yield unto the present calamity. There might you have heard the winds whistling, the rain dashing, the sea roaring, the cables cracking, the tacklings breaking, the ship tearing, the men miserable shouting out for their lives. There might you have seen the sea searching the ship, the boards fleeting, the goods swimming, the treasure sinking, the men shifting to save themselves, where, partly through violence of the tempest and partly through darkness of the night which then was come upon them, they were all drowned, only Apollonius excepted, who by the grace of God and the help of a simple board, was driven upon the shore of the Pentapolitans.

81And when he had recovered to land, weary as he was, he stood upon the shore and looked upon the calm sea, saying: "O most false and untrusty sea! I will choose rather to fall into the hands of the most cruel King Antiochus than venture to return again by thee into mine own country. Thou hast showed thy spite upon me and devoured my trusty friends and companions, by means whereof I am now left alone, and it is the providence of Almighty God that I have escaped thy greedy jaws. Where shall I now find comfort? Or who will succor him in a strange place that is not known?" And whilst he spoke these words, he saw a man coming towards him, and he was a rough fisherman with an hood upon his head and a filthy leathern pelt upon his back, unseemly clad and homely to behold. When he drew near, Apollonius, the present necessity constraining him thereto, fell down prostrate at his feet, and, pouring forth a flood of tears, he said unto him: "Whosoever thou art, take pity upon a poor sea-wrecked man, cast up now naked and in simple state yet born of no base degree but sprung forth of noble parentage. And that thou mayst in helping me know whom thou succorest: I am that Apollonius, Prince of Tyrus, whom most part of the world knoweth, and I beseech thee to preserve my life by showing me thy friendly relief."

82When the fisherman beheld the comeliness and beauty of the young gentleman, he was moved with compassion towards him, and lifted him up from the ground and led him into his house and feasted him with such fare as he presently had, and, the more amply to express his great affection towards him, he disrobed himself of his poor and simple cloak, and, dividing it into two parts, gave the one half thereof unto Apollonius, saying: "Take here at my hands such poor entertainment and furniture as I have, and go into the city, where perhaps thou shalt find some of better ability that will rue thine estate. And if thou do not, return then again hither unto me, and thou shalt not want what may be performed by the poverty of a poor fisherman. And in the meantime of this one thing only I put thee in mind, that when thou shalt be restored to thy former dignity, thou do not despise to think on the baseness of the poor piece of garment." To which Apollonius answered: "If I remember not thee and it, I wish nothing else but that I may sustain the like shipwreck." And when he had said so, he departed on the way which was taught him, and came unto the city gates, whereinto he entered.

83And while he was thinking with himself which way to seek succor to sustain his life, he saw a boy running naked through the street, girded only with a towel about his middle, and his head anointed with oil, crying aloud and saying: "Hearken all, as well citizens as strangers and servants, hearken. Whosoever will be washed, let him come to the place of exercise." When Apollonius heard this, he followed the boy, and, coming unto the place, cast off his cloak and stripped himself, and entered into the bath and bathed himself with the liquor. And looking about for some companion with whom he might exercise himself according unto the manner of the place and country, and finding none, suddenly unlooked-for entered in Altistrates, king of the whole land, accompanied with a great troupe of servitors. Anon he began to exercise himself at tennis with his men, which when Apollonius espied he intruded himself amongst them into the king's presence, and struck back the ball to the king, and served him in play with great swiftness. But when the king perceived the great nimbleness and cunning which was in him, surpassing the residue, "Stand aside," quoth he unto his men, "for methinks this young man is more cunning than I." When Apollonius heard himself commended, he stepped forth boldly into the midst of the tennis court, and, taking up a racket in his hand, he tossed the ball skilfully and with wonderful agility. After play, he also washed the king very reverently in the bath, and when all was done, he took his leave dutifully and so departed.

84When Apollonius was gone, the king said unto them that were about him: "I swear unto you of truth as I am a prince, I was never exercised nor washed better than this day, and that by the diligence of a young man I know not what he is." And turning back, "Go," said he unto one of his servants, "and know what that young man is that hath with such duty and diligence taken pains with me." The servant going after Apollonius and seeing him clad in a filthy fisher's cloak, returned again to the king, saying: "If it like your grace, the young man is a sea-wrecked man." "How knowest thou that?" said the king. The servant answered: "Though he told me not so himself, yet his apparel bewraieth his state." Then said the king to his servant: "Go apace after him, and say unto him that the king desireth him to sup with him this night." Then the servant made haste after Apollonius and did the king's message to him, which so soon as he heard, he granted thereto, much thanking the king's majesty, and came back with the servant. When they were come to the gate, the servant went in first unto the king, saying: "The sea-wrecked man, for whom your Grace sent me, is come but is ashamed to come into your presence by reason of his base array." Whom the king commanded immediately to be clothed in seemly apparel and to be brought in to supper, and placed him at the table with him, right over against himself. Immediately the board was furnished with all kind of princely fare, the guests fed apace, every man on that which he liked, only Apollonius sat still and ate nothing, but earnestly beholding the gold, silver, and other kingly furniture, whereof there was great plenty, he could not refrain from tears. Then said one of the guests that sat at the table unto the king: "This young man, I suppose, envieth at your Grace's prosperity." "No, not so," answered the king, "you suppose amiss; but he is sorry to remember that he hath lost more wealth than this is," and looking upon Apollonius with a smiling countenance, "Be merry, young man," quoth he, "and eat thy meat with us and trust in God, who doubtless will send thee better fortune."

85How Lucina, King Altistrates' daughter, desirous to hear Apollonius' adventures, fell in love with him.

86Now while they sat at meat, discoursing of this and such like matters at the board, suddenly came in the king's daughter and only child named Lucina, a singular beautiful lady and a maiden now of ripe years for marriage. And she approached nigh and kissed the king her father and all the guests that sat with him at the table. And when she had so done, she returned unto her father, and said, "Good father, I pray you, what young man is this which sitteth in so honorable a place over against you, so sorrowful and heavy?" "O sweet daughter," answered the king, "this young man is a sea-wrecked man, and hath done me great honor today at the baths and place of exercise, for which cause I sent for him to sup with me; but I know not neither what, neither whence he is. If you be desirous to know these things, demand of him, for you may understand all things; and peradventure when you shall know, you will be moved with compassion towards him." Now when the lady perceived her father's mind, she turned about unto Apollonius, and said: "Gentleman, whose grace and comeliness sufficiently bewraieth the nobility of your birth: if it be not grievous unto you, show me your name I beseech you and your adventures." Then answered Apollonius, "Madam, if you ask my name, I have lost it in the sea; if you enquire of my nobility, I have left that at Tyrus." "Sir, I beseech you," then said the Lady Lucina, "tell me this more plainly, that I may understand."

87Then Apollonius, craving silence to speak, declared his name, his birth and nobility, and unripped the whole tragedy of his adventures in order as is before rehearsed, and when he had made an end of speaking, he burst forth into most plentiful tears. Which when the king beheld, he said unto Lucina: "Dear daughter, you have done evil in requiring to know the young man's name, and his adventures, wherein you have renewed his forepast griefs. But since now you have understood all the truth of him, it is meet, as it becometh the daughter of a king, you likewise extend your liberality towards him, and whatsoever you give him I will see it be performed." Then Lucina, having already in her heart professed to do him good, and now perceiving very luckily her father's mind to be inclined to the desired purpose, she cast a friendly look upon him, saying, "Apollonius, now lay sorrow aside, for my father is determined to enrich you." And Apollonius, according to the courtesy that was in him, with sighs and sobs at remembrance of that whereof he had so lately spoken, yielded great thanks unto the fair lady Lucina.

88Then said the king unto his daughter: "Madam, I pray you take your harp into your hands and play us some music to refresh our guests withal, for we have all too long hearkened unto sorrowful matters." And when she had called for her harp, she began to play so sweetly, that all that were in company highly commended her, saying that in all their lives they never heard pleasanter harmony. Thus, whilst the guests every man for his part much commended the lady's cunning, only Apollonius spake nothing. Then said the king unto him: "You are to blame Apollonius, since all praise my daughter for her excellency in music, and you commend not her, or rather dispraise her by holding your peace." Apollonius answered: "My sovereign and good lord, might it please you to pardon me, and I will say what I think. The Lady Lucina, your daughter, is prettily entered, but she is not yet come to perfection in music. For proof whereof, if it please your Grace to command the harp to be delivered unto me, she shall well perceive that she shall hear that which she doth not yet know." The king answered: "I see well, Apollonius, you have skill in all things, and [there] is nothing to be wished in a gentleman but you have perfectly learned it; wherefore, hold, I pray you, take the harp, and let us hear some part of your cunning." When Apollonius had received the harp, he went forth and put a garland of flowers upon his head and fastened his raiment in comely manner about him, and entered into the parlour again, playing before the king and the residue with such cunning and sweetness that he seemed rather to be Apollo then Apollonius, and the king's guests confessed that in all their lives they never heard the like before.

89But when Lucina had heard and seen what was done, she felt herself suddenly moved within, and was sharply surprised with the love of Apollonius, and, turning to her father: "Now suffer me, good father," said she, "to give unto this young gentleman some reward, according as I shall think convenient." "I give you leave to do so fair daughter," said the king. Then she, looking towards Apollonius, "My lord Apollonius," said she, "receive here of my father's liberality two hundred talents of gold, four hundred pounds of silver, store of raiment, twenty menservants, and ten handmaidens." "Now therefore," said she unto the officers that stood by, "bring hither all these things which I have here promised, and lay them down in the parlour in the presence of our friends." And immediately they were all brought into their sight as she had commanded. When this was done, the guests arose from the table, and, giving thanks unto the king and Lady Lucina, took their leave and departed. And Apollonius, thinking it likewise time for him to be gone, "Most gracious King Altistrates," quoth he, "thou which art a comforter of such as are in misery, and thou also, renowned princess, a favourer of philosophy and lover of all good studies, I bid you now most heartily farewell; as for your great deserts toward me, I leave them to God to requite you with deserved recompense." And looking unto his servants which the lady Lucina had given him, "Sirs, take up this gear," quoth he, "which is given me, and bring it away, and let us go seek some lodgings."

90When Lucina heard those words she was suddenly struck into a dump, fearing that she should have lost her new lover before she had ever reaped any fruit of his company, and therefore turning to her father, said: "I beseech you, good father and gracious king, forasmuch as it has pleased you this day to enrich Apollonius with many great gifts, you would not suffer him now to depart so late, lest he be by some naughty persons spoiled of the things which you have given him." The king willingly granted the lady's request, and commanded forthwith that there should be a fair lodging prepared for him and his, where he might lie honorably, and when he saw convenient time he went to bed and took his rest.

91How Apollonius is made schoolmaster to Lucina, and how she preferreth the love of him above all the nobility of Pentapolis.

92WHEN night was come and every one was at rest, Lucina lay unquietly tumbling in her bed, always thinking upon Apollonius, and could not sleep. Wherefore in the morning she rose very early and came in to the king her father's chamber. Whom when her father saw, "What is the matter, daughter Lucina," quoth he, "that contrary to custom you be stirring so early this morning?" "Dear father," quoth Lucina, "I could take no rest all this night for the desire I have to learn music of Apollonius; and therefore I pray you good father to put me unto him to be instructed in the art of music and other good qualities wherein he is skilful." When Altistrates heard his daughter's talk, he smiled within himself when he perceived the warmed affection kindled within her breast, which with so seemly a pretence she had covered as the desire to learn, and determined in part presently to satisfy her request: and when time served, he sent a messenger for Apollonius. And when he was come, he said unto him: "Apollonius, my daughter much desireth to be your scholar, and therefore I pray you take her to your government and instruct her the best you can, and I will reward you to your contentation." Apollonius answered, "Gracious prince, I am most willing to obey your commandment." So he took the lady and instructed her in the best manner he could, even as himself had learned; wherein she profited so well that in short time she matched or rather surpassed her master. Thus increased she not only in learning, but grew also daily in more fervent love of Apollonius, as whether standing in doubt of her father's resolute good will if he were moved concerning marriage, or fearing the time would be deferred in respect whereof she was presently ready, insomuch that she fell sick and became weaker every day than other. When the king perceived his daughter's infirmity to increase, he sent immediately throughout all the dominions for the learnedst physicians to search out her grief and to cure it, who, examining her urine and feeling her pulse, could find out no manifest cause or substance of her disease.

93After a few days that this happened, three noble young men of the same country, which had been suitors a long time unto Lucina for marriage, came unto the court, and, being brought into the king's presence, saluted him dutifully. To whom the king said, "Gentlemen, what is the cause of your coming?" They answered, "Your Grace had oftentimes promised to bestow your daughter in marriage upon one of us, and this is the cause of our coming at this time. We are your subjects, wealthy and descended of noble families; might it therefore please your Grace to choose one among us three to be your son-in-law." Then answered the king, "You are come unto me at an unseasonable time, for my daughter now applieth her study and lieth sick for the desire of learning, and the time is much unmeet for marriage. But to the intent you shall not altogether lose your labor, nor that I will not seem to defer you too long, write your names every one severally in a piece of paper, and what jointure you will make, and I will send the writings to my daughter that she may choose him whom she best liketh of." They did forthwith as the king had counselled them and delivered the writings unto the king, which he read and signed them and delivered them unto Apollonius, saying: Take here these bills, and deliver them to your scholar, which Apollonius received, and took them immediately unto the Lady Lucina.

94Now when she saw her schoolmaster whom she loved so entirely, she said unto him: "Master, what is the cause that you come alone into my chamber?" Apollonius answered: "Madam, I have brought writings from the king your father, which he willeth you to read." Lucina then received the writings and broke them up, and when she had read the names of the three noblemen her suitors, she threw away the bills, and, looking upon Apollonius, she said unto him: "My well-beloved schoolmaster Apollonius, doth it not grieve you that I shall be married unto another?" Apollonius answered, "No madam, it grieveth not me, for whatsoever shall be for your honor, shall be unto me profitable." Then said Lucina, "Master, if you loved me, you would be sorry," and therewithal she called for ink and paper, and wrote an answer unto her father in form following. "Gracious king and dear father, forasmuch as of your goodness you have given me free choice and liberty to write my mind, these are to let you understand that I would marry with the sea-wrecked man and with none other, your humble daughter, Lucina."

95And when she had sealed it, she delivered it unto Apollonius to be carried unto the king. When the king had received the letters, he perused them, wherein he perceived his daughter's mind, not knowing whom she meant by the sea-wrecked man. And therefore, turning himself towards the three noblemen, he demanded of them which of them had suffered shipwreck? Then one of them, named Ardonius, answered, "If it like your Grace, I have suffered shipwreck." The other twain, named Munditius and Carnillus, when they heard him say so, waxed wroth and fell into terms of outrage against him, saying: "Sickness and the fiends of hell consume thee, for thy foul and impudent lie! Do not we, who are thy equals both of birth and age, know right well that thou never wentest almost out of this city gates? And how couldst thou then suffer shipwreck?" Now when the king Altistrates could not find out which of them had suffered shipwreck, he looked towards Apollonius, saying: "Take these letters and read them, for it may be that I do not know him whom thou knowest, who was present." Apollonius, receiving the letters, perused them quickly, and, perceiving himself to be loved, blushed wonderfully. Then said the king to Apollonius, "Hast thou found the sea-wrecked man?" But Apollonius answered little or nothing, wherein his wisdom the rather appeared according to the saying of the wise man: In many words there wanteth discretion; whereas, contrariwise, many an undiscreet person might be accounted wise if he had but this one point of wisdom: to hold his tongue. Wherein indeed consisteth the whole trial or rather insight of a man, as signified the most wise philosopher, Socrates.

96How Apollonius was married to the Lady Lucina, and, hearing of King Antiochus' death, departeth with his wife towards his own country of Tyrus.

97BUT to return again to my story from which I have digressed: when King Altistrates perceived that Apollonius was the man whom his daughter Lucina disposed in her heart to prefer in love before any of the other three noblemen, he found means to put them off for that present, saying that he would talk with them farther concerning that matter another time; who, taking their leave, immediately departed. But the king withdrew himself into the chamber where his daughter lay sick, and said unto her: "Whom have you chosen to be your husband?" To whom Lucina, humbling herself and with trickling tears, answered: "Gracious prince and dear father, I have chosen in my heart the sea-wrecked man, my schoolmaster Apollonius, for whom I most dutifully desire your fatherly goodwill." When the king saw her tears, his heart bled inwardly with compassion toward his child whom he loved tenderly, and he kissed her, and said unto her: "My sweet Lucina, be of good cheer and take not thought for anything, and assure thyself thou hast chosen the man that I liked of as soon as I first saw him, whom I love no less than thee -- that is to say, than if he were my natural child. And therefore since the matter is now thus fallen out, I mean forthwith to appoint a day for your marriage, after that I have broken the matter unto Apollonius." And when he had said that, Lucina with blushing cheeks thanked her father much, and he departed.

98Now would I demand of lovers, whether Lucina rejoiced or not? Or whether there were any better tidings in the world could chance to a man or woman? I am sure they would answer no. For such is the nature of this affection that it preferreth the beloved person above all earthly things, yea and heavenly too, unless it be bridled with reason: as the same likewise, though moderately and within the bounds of modest womanhood, working the wonted effect in the Lady Lucina, revived her so presently that she forsook her bed and cast away her mourning apparel, and appeared as it had been a new woman restored from death to life and that almost in a moment.

99The king being alone in the parlor called for Apollonius, and when he was come, he said thus unto him: "Apollonius, the virtue which I have seen in thee I have testified by my liberality towards thee, and thy trustiness is proved by committing mine onely child and daughter to thine instruction. As these have caused me to prefer thee, so have they made my daughter to love thee, so that I am as well contented with the one as I am well pleased with the other. And for thy part likewise, I hope, Apollonius, that as thou hast been glad to be my client, thou wilt rejoice as much to be my son-in-law. Tell me thy mind out of hand for I attend thine answer." Then Apollonius, much abashed at the king's talk, falling down upon his knees, answered: "Most gracious sovereign, your words sound so strangely in mine ears that I scarcely know how to give answer, and your goodness hath been so great towards me that I can wish for no more. But since it is your Grace's pleasure that I should not be indebted to many but owe all thing unto you, as life and wife, honor and goods and all, you shall not find me unthankful, howsoever God or fickle fortune deal with me, to remain both loyal and constant to you and your daughter, whom above all creatures, both for birth and beauty and good qualities, I love and honor most entirely."

100Altistrates rejoiced much to hear so wise and conformable an answer, and embracing Apollonius, called him by the name of dear beloved son. The next day morning, the king addressed his messengers and pursuivants to assemble the noblest of his subjects and friends out of the confederate cities and countries, and to show them that he had certain affairs to communicate unto them. And when they were come altogether unto Pentapolis, after due greeting and accustomable entertainments showed as in the manner of great estates, he said thus unto them: "My loving friends and faithful subjects, my meaning was to let you understand that my daughter is desirous to marry with her schoolmaster Apollonius, and I am well pleased therewith. Wherefore, I beseech you all to rejoice thereat and be glad, for my daughter shall be matched to a wise man. And know you, moreover, that I appoint this day six weeks for the solemnization day of the marriage, at what time I desire you all to be here present that like friends we may rejoice and make merry together." And when he had all said, he dismissed the assembly.

101Now as the time wore away, so the wedding day drew near, and there was great preparation made, as well for the feast as for jewels and rich clothes to furnish the bridegroom and bride withal, as all thing else that appertained to the beautifying of so great a wedding. And when the day was come, the king, appareled in his princely robes with a diadem of great price upon his head, accompanied his daughter Lucina and Apollonius unto the church, whom thousands of lords and ladies followed after, all clothed in rich attire and marshaled in comely order. The bride wore a gown of cloth of gold, cut and drawn out with cloth of silver, and a kirtle of crimson velvet embroidered with pure gold and thickly beset with oriental pearls. Her hair hung down in tresses fairly braided with a lace of gold, and a coronet upon her head set with precious stones of inestimable value. Her neck was bare, whereby her naked skin appeared whiter than the driven snow, curiously bedecked with chains of gold, and every other link enameled with black amel; great baldrics of perfect goldsmiths' work [were] upon each arm to fasten the sleeves of her garment from sliding up at the wrist; lastly, a massy collar of fine gold, made S-wise upon her shoulders, hanging down behind and before, with a diamond reaching down unto her middle, esteemed in value at three-score thousand pound, which the king her father had sent unto her for a present that morning while she was appareling. The bridegroom wore on a doublet and hose of costly cloth of silver, guarded with goldsmiths' work of the same color, and a gown of purple satin embroidered with gold and beset with rich stones. His cap was of fine black velvet, all over bespangled with rubies set in gold and fastened on by loops; the band of massy gold, beset with courses of stones in order: first a ruby, then a turquoise, then a diamond, and so beginning again with a ruby. This was their raiment, and thus went they forth together hand in hand, after whom, as is already declared, the lords and ladies followed by three and three in a rank.

102When the solemnities were done at the Church and the words spoken and the princes joined in marriage, they returned home and went to dinner. What shall I now speak of the noble cheer and princely provision for this feast? And after dinner, of the exquisite music, fine dancing, heavenly singing, sweet devising, and pleasant communication among the estates? I may not discourse at large of the liberal challenges made and proclaimed at the tilt, barriers, running at the ring, ioco di can, managing fierce horses, running a-foot and dancing in armor; and at night of the gorgeous plays, shows, disguised speeches, masks and mummeries, with continual harmony of all kinds of music, and banqueting in all delicacy. All these things I leave to the consideration of them which have seen the like in the courts and at the weddings of princes, where they have seen more than my simple pen is able to describe, or may be comprehended within the recital of so short an history.

103When night was come and revels were ended, the bride was brought to bed and Apollonius tarried not long from her, where he accomplished the duties of marriage, and fair Lucina conceived child the same night. The next day, every man arose to feasting and jollity, for the wedding triumphs continued a whole month. This while Lucina's belly began to grow, and as it fortuned that the lord Apollonius and his lady on a day walked along the sea-side for their disport, he saw a fair ship fleeting under sail, which he knew well to be of his country, and he hallowed unto the master, whose name was Calamitus, and asked of him of whence his ship was. The master answered, "Of Tyrus." "Thou hast named my country," said Apollonius. "Art thou then of Tyrus?" said the master. "Yea," answered Apollonius. Then said the master, "Knowest thou one Apollonius, prince of that country? If thou do, or shalt hear of him hereafter, bid him now be glad and rejoice, for King Antiochus and his daughter are struck dead with lightning from heaven, and the city of Antiochia with all the riches and the whole kingdom are reserved for Apollonius."

104With these words the ship, being under sail, departed, and Apollonius, being filled with gladness, immediately began to break with his lady to give him leave to go and receive his kingdom. But when fair Lucina heard him begin to move words of departing, she burst out into tears, saying: "My Lord, if you were now in some far country, and heard say that I were near my time to be delivered, you ought to make haste home unto me. But since you be now with me and know in what case I am, methinks you should not now desire to depart from me. Howbeit, if your pleasure be so, and tarriance breed danger, and kingdoms want not heirs long, as I would not persuade you to tarry, so do I request you to take me with you." This discreet answer pleased Apollonius well; wherefore he kissed his lady, and they agreed it should be so. And when they were returned from walking, Lucina, rejoicing, came unto the king her father, saying, "Dear father, rejoice I beseech you and be glad with my lord Apollonius and me, for the most cruel tyrant Antiochus and his daughter are by the just judgement of God destroyed with lightning from heaven; and the kingdom and riches are reserved for us to inherit. Moreover, I pray you good father, let me have your goodwill to travel thither with my husband." The king rejoiced much at this tidings, and granted her reasonable request, and also commanded all things to be provided immediately that were necessary for the journey. The ships were strongly appointed and brought unto the shore, and fraught with all things convenient, as gold, silver, apparel, bedding, victuals and armour. Moreover, whatsoever fortune might befall, the king prepared to sail with them Ligozides, the nurse, and a midwife, and all things meet for the child whensoever Lucina should need them: and with great honor himself accompanieth them unto the seaside when the time appointed for their departure was come; where with many tears, and great fatherly affection he kissed his daughter and embraced his son-in-law, and recommended them unto God, in whom he did wish unto them a most prosperous journey, and so returned unto his palace.

105How fair Lucina died in travail of child upon the sea; and being thrown into the water, was cast on land at Ephesus, and taken home by Cerimon, a Physician.

106THE mariners immediately merrily hoisted sail and departed; and when they had sailed two days, the master of the ship warned Apollonius of a tempest approaching, which now came on and increased so fast that all the company was amazed, and Lucina, what with sea-sickness and fear of danger, fell in labor of child, wherewith she was weakened that there was no hope of recovery, but she must now die, yet being first delivered of a fair daughter, insomuch that now all tokens of life were gone, and she appeared none other but to be dead. When Apollonius beheld this heavy spectacle, no heart was able to conceive his bitter grief, for like a mad man distracted he tore his clothes and rent his hair, and, laying himself upon the carcass, he uttered these words with great affection: "O my dear lady and wife, the daughter of King Altistrates, what shall I now answer to thy father for thee: would God thou hadst remained with him at home; and if it had pleased God to have wrought this his pleasure in thee, it had rather chanced with thy loving father in his quiet land than with me thy woeful husband upon the wild seas." The whole company also made great lamentation for her, bewailing the death of so noble and beautiful a lady and so courteous a gentlewoman.

107Howbeit in the hottest of the sorrow the governor of the ship came unto Apollonius, saying, "My lord, pluck up your heart, and be of good cheer, and consider I pray you that the ship may not abide to carry the dead carcass, and therefore command it to be cast into the sea that we may the better escape." Then answered Apollonius: "What sayst thou, varlet? Wouldst thou have me cast this body into the sea, which received me into house and favor when I was in misery? And drenched in the water, wherein I lost ship, goods and all?" But taking further consultation and advising himself what were best to do, he called certain of his men unto him, and thus he devised with them. "My trusty servants, whom this common mischance grieveth as well as me, since sorrowing will not help that which is chanced, assist me, good sirs, to provide for the present necessity. Let us make forthwith a large chest, and bore the lid full of small holes, and we will sear it all over within with pitch and resin melted together, whereinto we will put cunningly a sheet of lead, and in the same we will enclose the tender corpse of the wife of me, of all other a most unfortunate husband." This was no sooner said, but it was almost likewise done with semblable celerity. Then took they the body of the fair Lady Lucina and arrayed her in princely apparel and laid her into the chest, and Apollonius placed a great sum of gold at her head and a great treasure of silver at her feet, and he kissed her, letting fall a flood of salt tears on her face, and he wrote a bill, and put in it also, the tenor whereof was in form as followeth: "Whosoever shall find this chest, I pray him to take ten pieces of gold for his pains, and to bestow ten pieces more upon the burial of the corpse, for it hath left many tears to the parents and friends, with doleful heaps of sorrow and heaviness. But whosoever shall do otherwise than the present grief requireth, let him die a shameful death, and let there be none to bury his body." And then closing all up very safe, commanded the chest to be lifted overboard into the sea: and willed the child to be nursed with all diligence, that if ever fortune should so fall, he might present unto good King Altistrates a niece in stead of a daughter.

108Now fleeted away the ship fast with the wind, and the coffin tumbled backward with the tide, and Apollonius could not keep his eye from the body whereon his heart rested, until kenning failed, and the sea rose up with a bank between. There were two days passed, and the night was now at hand, when the next day morning the waves rolled forth this chest to the land, and cast it ashore on the coast of Ephesus. Not far from that place there dwelt a physician whose name was Cerimon, who by chance walking abroad upon the shore that day with his scholars, found the chest which the sea had cast up, and willed his servants to take it up and diligently to carry it to the next town, where he dwelt; and they did so.

109When Cerimon came home he opened the chest, marveling what should be therein, and found a lady arrayed in princely apparel and ornaments, very fair and beautiful to behold, whose excellency in that respect as many as beheld were strangely affectioned thereat, perceiving such an incomparable gleam of beauty to be resident in her face, wherein Nature had not committed the least error that might be devised, saving that she made her not immortal. The hair of her head was naturally as white as snow, under which appeared her goodly forehead, fair and large, wherein was neither blemish nor wrinkle. Her eyes were like two stars turning about in their natural course, not wantonly roving here and there, but modestly moving as governed by reason, representing the stability of a settled mind; her eyebrows decently commending the residue of her countenance; her nose straight, as in were drawn with a line, comely dividing her cherry cheeks asunder, not reaching forth too long, nor cut off too short, but of a commendable proportion. Her neck was like the white alabaster shining like the bright sun-beams, wonderfully delighting the minds of the beholders. Her body of comely stature, neither too high nor too low, not scragged with leanness, nor undecently corpulent, but in such equality consisting that no man would wish it otherwise. From her shoulders sprang forth her arms, representing two branches growing out of a tree, beautified with a white hand, and fingers long and slender, surpassing to behold. To be short, such was the excellency of her beauty in each respect that it could suffer no deformity to accompany it, whereby also may be discerned a singular perfection of her mind, created by God and infused into her body, whereby it was moved, and those good qualities of hers expressed in operation: so that all outward beauty of the body proceedeth from the inward beauty of the mind, from whence sprang up the old and true saying of the wisest philosophers, that the sundry nature of the form or soul diversely disposeth the matter according unto its own quality: as it expressly appeared in the beautiful countenance and stature of this lady's body, whereof Cerimon stood amazedly taking the view.

110How Lucina was restored to life by one of Cerimon the physician's scholars; and how Cerimon adopted her to his daughter, and placed her in the temple of Diana.

111THE surpassing beauty of fair Lucina being such as is before recited, no wonder it was though Cerimon were marvelously ravished at the sight, whereby his affection enforced him to break out into these words: "Alas good beautiful gentlewoman, what unhappy and cruel chance hath thus made thee away and caused thee to be so woefully forsaken?" And as he spake those words, he perceived the gold that lay at her head, and the silver that lay at her feet, with a scroll of paper written, the which he took up and read, the tenor whereof was this: "Whosoever shall find this chest, I pray him for to take ten pieces of gold for his pains, and to bestow ten pieces more on the burial of the corpse; for it hath left many tears to the parents and friends, with doleful heaps of sorrow and heaviness. But whosoever shall do otherwise than the present grief requireth, let him die a shameful death, and let there be none to bury his body." And as soon as he had read over the writing, he said unto his servants: "Now let us perform unto the body that which the sorrow requireth; and I swear to you, by the hope which I have to live, that I will bestow more money upon the accomplishing of the same than the sorrowful schedule requireth." Wherefore, according to the manner of the burial which was at that time to burn the bodies of the dead, and to bury the ashes, gathered up and put into pots, he commanded a pile of wood to be erected, and upon the top thereof he caused the body to be laid.

112Now Cerimon had a scholar in physic, whose name was Machaon, very towardly in his profession, of years but young but ancient in wit and experience, who, coming in while these things were doing and beholding so beautiful a corpse laid upon the pile, he stood still and wondered at it. Which thing Cerimon perceiving, "Thou art come in good time" said he to Machaon, "and I looked for thee about this time. Take this flagon of precious ointment, and pour it upon the corpse, being the last ceremony of the sepulture." Then came Machaon unto the corpse, and pulled the clothes from the lady's bosom and poured forth the ointment, and, bestowing it abroad with his hand, perceived some warmth in her breast, and that there was life in the body. Machaon stood astonished, and he felt her pulses and laid his cheek to her mouth and examined all other tokens that he could devise, and he perceived how death strived with life within her, and that the conflict was dangerous and doubtful who should prevail. Then said he unto the servants: "Set fire unto the wood at the four corners of the pile and cause it to burn moderately, and bring me hither a bed that I may take the body out of the chest and lay it thereon."

113This being done, he chafed the body against the fire, until the blood, which was congealed with cold, was wholly resolved. Then went Machaon unto his master Cerimon and said: "The woman whom thou thinkest to be dead is alive, and that you may the better believe my saying, I will plainly prove it to be so." And when he had so said, he took the body reverently in his arms and bare it into his own chamber, and laid it upon his bed, grovelling upon the breast. Then took he certain hot and comfortable oils, and, warming them upon the coals, he dipped fair wool therein, and fomented all the body over therewith, until such time as the congealed blood and humours were thoroughly resolved, and the spirits eftsoons recovered their wonted course, the veins waxed warm, the arteries began to beat and the lungs drew in the fresh air again, and she opened her eyes and looked about, and, being perfectly come to herself, "What art thou?" said she unto Machaon, "See thou touch me not otherwise than thou oughtest to do, for I am a king's daughter, and the wife of a king."

114When Machaon heard her speak these words, [he] was exceeding glad, and he ran unto his master and said: "Sir, the woman liveth, and speaketh perfectly." Then answered Cerimon: "My well-beloved scholar Machaon, I am glad of this fortunate chance, and I much commend thy wisdom, and praise thy learning, and cannot but extoll thy diligence. Wherefore be not unthankful to thy knowledge, but receive here the reward which is due unto thee, namely, that which by the writing was appointed to be bestowed upon her burial, for thou hast restored her unto life, and she hath brought with her great sums of money." When he had so said, they came unto her and saluted her, and caused her to be appareled with wholesome and comfortable clothes, and to be refreshed with good meats. A few days after, when she had fully recovered strength, and Cerimon by communication knew that she came of the stock of a king, he sent for many of his friends to come unto him, and he adopted her for his own daughter, and, she with many tears requiring that she might not be touched by any man, for that intent her placed in the Temple of Diana, which was there at Ephesus, to be preserved there inviolably among the religious women.

115How Apollonius, arriving at Tharsus, delivereth his young daughter Tharsia unto Stranguilio and Dionisiades to be brought up; and how the nurse lying in her death-bed declareth unto Tharsia who were her parents.

116LET us leave now a while the lady Lucina among the holy nuns in the Temple of Diana at Ephesus, and let us look back unto sorrowful Apollonius, whose ship, with fortunate wind and the good providence of God directing the same, arrived at the shore of Tharsus, where he immediately came forth of the ship, and entered into the house of Stranguilio and Dionisiades, whom he saluted and told then the heavy chances that had befallen him, both of the great storms and tempests on the sea which he had endured, as also of the death of the good Lady Lucina his wife: "Howbeit" said he, "God be thanked, my daughter remaineth alive, for the which I am very glad: wherefore, dear friends Stranguilio and Dionisiades, according to the trust which I have in you, I mean in some things to use your friendship, while I go about to recover the kingdom which is reserved for me. For I will not return back again unto King Altistrates, my father-in-law, whose daughter, alas, I have lost in the sea; but, meaning rather to exercise the trade of merchandize, I commit my daughter unto you to be nourished and brought up with your young daughter, Philomacia, and I will that my daughter be called Tharsia. Moreover, I will leave my dear wife Lucina's nurse here also, called Ligozides, to tend the child, that she may be less troublesome unto you." And when he had made an end of talking, he delivered the infant and the nurse unto Stranguilio, and therewithal great store of gold, silver, and raiment; and he swore a solemn oath, that he would not poll his head, clip his beard, nor pare his nails, until he had married his daughter at ripe years. They wondered much at so strange an oath, promising faithfully to bring up his daughter with all diligence.

117When these things were ended according to his mind, Apollonius took his leave, departed unto his ship, and sailed into far countries, and unto the uppermost parts of Egypt. Therewhile the young maiden, Tharsia, sprang up in years, and when she was about five years old, being free born, she was set to school with other free children, always jointly accompanied with Philomacia, being of the same age that she was of. The time passed forth apace, and Tharsia grew up so well in learning as in years, until, coming to the age of fourteen years, one day when she returned from school, she found Ligozides, her nurse, suddenly fallen sick, and, sitting beside her upon the bed, demanded of her the cause and manner of her sickness. Then said the nurse unto her, "Hearken unto my words, dear daughter Tharsia, and lay them up in thine heart. Whom thinkest thou to be thy father, and thy mother, and in what country supposest thou wast thou born?" Tharsia answered, "Why, nurse, why ask you me this question? Stranguilio is my father, Dionisiades my mother, and I was born in Tharsus." Then sighed the nurse, and said: "No, sweet Tharsia, no, thou art deceived.

118But hearken unto me, and I will declare unto thee the beginning of thy birth, to the intent thou mayst know how to guide thyself after my death. Apollonius, the Prince of Tyrus, is thy father, and Lucina, King Altistrates' daughter, was thy mother, who, being in travail with thee, died after thou wast born, and thy father, Appollonius, enclosed her body in a chest with princely ornaments, laying twenty talents of gold at her head, and as much at her feet in silver, with a schedule written, that whithersoever it were driven, it might suffice to bury her according to her estate. Thus wast thou born upon the sea; and thy father's ship, with much wrestling of contrary winds and with his unspeakable grief of mind, arrived at this shore and brought thee in thy swaddling clothes unto this city, where he with great care delivered thee unto this thine host, Stranguilio, and Dionisiades, his wife, to be fostered up diligently; and left me here also to attend upon thee. Moreover, he swore an oath, that he would not poll his head, clip his beard, nor pare his nails, until he had married thee unto some man at ripe years. Wherefore now I admonish thee, that if after my death thine host or thine hostess, whom thou callest thy parents, shall haply offer thee any injury, then run thou into the market place, where thou shalt find the statue of thy father standing; and take hold of it, and cry aloud saying: 'O citizens of Tharsus, I am his daughter whose image this is!' and the citizens, being mindful of thy father's benefits, will doubtless revenge thine injury." Then answered Tharsia: "Dear nurse Ligozides, I take God to witness, if you had not told me thus much, I should utterly have been ignorant from whence I had come. And therefore now, good nurse, I thank thee with all my heart, and if ever need so require, thy counsel shall be followed." And while they were debating these matters between them, Ligozides being very sick and weak, gave up the ghost, and by the death of this present body passed into the state of live everlasting.

119How, after the death of Ligozides the nurse, Dionisiades, envying at the beauty of Tharsia, conspired her death, which should have been accomplished by a villein of the country.

120THARSIA much lamented the death of Ligozides, her nurse, and caused her body to be solemnly buried not far off in a field without the walls of the city, and mourned for her a whole year following. But when the year was expired, she put off her mourning attire and put on her other apparel, and frequented the schools and the study of liberal sciences as before. And whensoever she returned from school, she would receive no meat before she had visited her nurse's sepulchre, which she did daily, entering thereinto and carrying a flagon of wine with her, where she used to abide a space, and to call upon her father and mother. Now on a day it fortuned that as she passed through the street with Dionisiades and her companion Philomacia, the people, beholding the beauty and comeliness of Tharsia, said: "Happy is that father that hath Tharsia to his daughter, but her companion that goeth with her, is foul and evil-favored." When Dionisiades heard Tharsia commended and her own daughter Philomacia so dispraised, she returned home wonderful wroth, and, withdrawing herself into a solitary place, began thus secretly to discourse of the matter: "It is now fourteen years since Apollonius, this foolish girl's father, departed from hence, and he never sendeth letters for her nor any remembrance unto her, whereby I conjecture that he is dead. Ligozides, her nurse, is departed, and there is nobody now of whom I should stand in fear; and therefore I will now slay her and dress up mine own daughter in her apparel and jewels."

121When she had thus resolved herself upon this wicked purpose, in the meanwhile there came home one of their country villeins called Theophilus, whom she called, and said thus unto him: "Theophilus, my trusty friend, if ever thou look for liberty, or that I should do thee pleasure, do so much for me as to slay Tharsia." Then said Theophilus: "Alas mistress, wherein hath that innocent maiden offended that she should be slain?" Dionisiades answered, "She innocent? Nay, she is a wicked wretch, and therefore thou shalt not deny to fulfil my request, but do as I command thee, or else I swear by God thou shalt dearly repent it." "But how shall I best do it, mistress?" said the villein. She answered: "She hath a custom, as soon as she returneth home from school, not to eat meat before that she have gone into her nurse's sepulchre, where I would have thee stand ready, with a dagger drawn in thine hand; and when she is come in, grip her by the hair of the head, and so slay her. Then take her body and cast it into the sea, and when thou hast so done I will make thee free, and, besides, reward thee liberally." Then took the villein a dagger, and girded himself therewith, and, with an heavy heart and weeping eyes, went forth towards the grave, saying within himself, "Alas, poor wretch that I am, alas, poor Theophilus that canst not deserve thy liberty but by shedding of innocent blood." And with that he went into the grave and drew his dagger, and made him ready for the deed.

122Tharsia was now come from school, and made haste unto the grave with a flagon of wine as she was wont to do, and entered within the vault. Then the villein rushed violently upon her, and caught her by the hair of the head, and threw her to the ground. And while he was now ready to stab her with the dagger, poor silly Tharsia all amazed casting her eyes upon him, knew the villein, and, holding up her hands, said thus unto him: "Oh, Theophilus against whom have I so grievously offended that I must die therefore?" The villein answered, "Thou hast not offended, but thy father hath, which left thee behind him in Stranguilio's house with so great a treasure in money and princely ornaments." "Oh," said the maiden, "would to God he had not done so! But I pray thee, Theophilus, since there is no hope for me to escape with life, give me licence to say my prayers before I die." "I give thee licence," said the villein, "and I take God to record that I am constrained to murder thee against my will."

123How certain Pirates rescued Tharsia when she should have been slain, and carried her unto the city Machilenta to be sold among other bondslaves.

124AS fortune -- or rather the providence of God -- served, while Tharsia was devoutly making her prayers, certain pirates which were come a-land and stood under the side of an hill watching for some prey, beholding an armed man offering violence unto a maiden, cried unto him, and said: "Thou cruel tyrant! That maiden is our prey and not thy victory; and therefore hold thine hands from her, as thou lovest thy life." When the villein heard that, he ran away as fast as he could and hid himself behind the sepulchre. Then came the pirates and rescued Tharsia and caried her away to their ships, and hoisted sail and departed. And the villein returned home to his mistress, and said unto her: "That which you commanded me to do is dispatched, and therefore now I think it good that you put on a mourning garment, and I also, and let us counterfeit great sorrow and heaviness in the sight of all the people, and say that she died of some grievous disease."

125But Stranguilio himself consented not to this treason, but so soon as he heard of the foul mischance, being as it were a-moped and mated with heaviness and grief, he clad himself in mourning array, and lamented that woeful case, saying: "Alas, in what a mischief am I wrapped? What might I do, or say herein? The father of this maiden delivered this city from the peril of death; for this city's sake he suffered shipwreck, lost his goods and endured penury, and now he is requited with evil for good. His daughter, which he committed unto me to be brought up, is now devoured by a most cruel lioness. Thus I am deprived as it were of mine own eyes, and forced to bewail the death of an innocent, and am utterly spoiled through the fierce biting of a most venomous serpent." Then casting his eyes up towards heaven, "O God," said he, "thou knowest that I am innocent from the blood of silly Tharsia, which thou hast to require at Dionisiades' hands." And therewithal he looked towards his wife, saying: "Thou wicked woman, tell me, how hast thou made away Prince Apollonius' daughter? Thou that livest both to the slander of God and man?"

126Dionisiades answered in many words evermore excusing herself, and, moderating the wrath of Stranguilio, she counterfeited a feigned sorrow by attiring herself and her daughter in mourning apparel, and in dissembling tears before the people of the city, to whom she said: "Dearly beloved friends and citizens of Tharsus, for this cause we do weep and mourn in your sight, because the joy of our eyes and staff of our old age, the maiden Tharsia, is dead, leaving unto us bitter tears and sorrowful hearts. Yet have we already taken order for her funerals and buried her according to her degree." These words were right grievous unto the people, and there was almost none that let not fall some tears for sorrow. And they went with one accord unto the market place, whereas her father's image stood made of brass, and erected also another unto her there with this inscription: Unto the virgin Tharsia in lieu of her father's benefits, the citizens of Tharsus have erected this monument.

127How the Pirates which stole away Tharsia brought her to the city Machilenta and sold her to a common bawd, and how she preserved her virginity.

128THE meantime while these troubles were at Tharsus, the pirates, being in their course upon the sea, by benefit of happy wind arrived at Machilenta and came into the city. Now had they taken many more men and women besides Tharsia, whom all they brought ashore and set them to sell as slaves for money. Then came there sundry to buy such as they lacked for their purposes, amongst whom a most vile man-bawd, beholding the beauty and tender years of Tharsia, offered money largely for her. Howbeit Athanagoras, who was prince of the same city, beholding likewise the noble countenance, and regarding the great discretion of the maiden in communication, out-bid the bawd, and offered for her ten sesterces of gold. But the bawd, being loth to lose so commodious a prey, offered twenty. "And I will give thirty," said Athanagoras. "Nay I will give forty," said the bawd. "And I fifty," quoth Athanagoras, and so they continued in outbidding one another until the bawd offered an hundred sesterces of gold to be paid ready down, "And whosoever will give more," said he, "I will yet give ten sesterces more than he." Then Prince Athanagoras thus bethought him secretly in his mind: "If I should contend with the bawd to buy her at so high a price, I must needs sell other slaves to pay for her, which were both loss and shame unto me. Wherefore I will suffer him to buy her; and when he setteth her to hire, I will be the first man that shall come unto her, and I will gather the flower of her virginity, which shall stand me in as great stead as if I had bought her." Then the bawd paid the money, and took the maiden and departed home.

129And when he came into his house, he brought her into a certain chapel where stood the idol of Priapus made of gold and garnished with pearls and precious stones. This idol was made after the shape of a man, with a mighty member unproportionable to the body always erected, whom bawds and lechers do adore, making him their god and worshiping him. Before this filthy idol he commanded Tharsia to fall down. But she answered, "God forbid, master, that I should worship such an idol. But, sir," said she, "are you a Lapsatenian?" "Why askest thou?" said the bawd. "I ask," quoth she, "because the Lapsatenians do worship Priapus." This spake she of simplicity, not knowing what he was. "Ah, wretch," answered he, "knowest thou not that thou art come into the house of a covetous bawd?" When Tharsia heard that, she fell down at his feet and wept, saying: "O master, take compassion upon my virginity and do not hire out my body for so vile a gain." The bawd answered, "Knowest thou not that neither bawd nor hangman do regard tears or prayers?" Then called he unto him a certain villein which was governor over his maids, and said unto him: "Let this maiden be decked in virgin's apparel, precious and costly, and write upon her: 'Whosoever deflowereth Tharsia shall pay ten pieces of gold, and afterward she shall be common unto the people for one piece at a time'." The villein fulfilled his master's commandment, and the third day after that she was bought, she was with great solemnity conducted through the street with music, the bawd himself with a great multitude going before, and so conveyed unto the brothel house.

130When she was come thither, Athanagoras the Prince, disguising his head and face because he would not be known, came first in unto her; whom when Tharsia saw, she threw herself down at his feet, and said unto him: "For the love of God, gentleman, take pity on me, and by the name of God I adjure and charge you that you do no violence unto me, but bridle your lust and hearken unto my unhappy estate, and consider diligently from whence I am sprung. My father was poor Apollonius, Prince of Tyrus, whom force constrained to forsake his own country. My mother was daughter to Altistrates, King of Pentapolis, who died in the birth of me, poor wretch, upon the sea. My father also is dead, as was supposed, which caused Dionisiades, wife of Stranguilio of Tharsus, to whom my father committed me of special trust to be brought up being but an infant, envying mine estate and thirsting after my wealth, to seek my death by the hands of a villein; which had been accomplished, and I would to God it had before I had seen this day, but that I was suddenly taken away by the pirates which sold me unto this filthy bawd." With these or such-like words declared she her heavy fortune, eftsoons sobbing and bursting out into streams of tears, that for extreme grief she could scarcely speak. When she had in this manner uttered her sorrow, the good prince, being astonished and moved with compassion, said unto her: "Be of good cheer, Tharsia, for surely I rue thy case; and I myself have also a daughter at home, to whom I doubt that the like chances may befall."

131And when he had so said, he gave her twenty pieces of gold, saying: "Hold here a greater price or reward for thy virginity than thy master appointed; and say as much unto others that come unto thee as thou hast done to me, and thou shalt withstand them." Then Tharsia fell on her knees, and weeping said unto him: "Sir, I give you most hearty thanks for your great compassion and courtesy, and most heartily I beseech you upon my knees, not to descry unto any that which I have said unto you." "No surely," answered Athanagoras, "unless I tell it unto my daughter, that she may take heed when she cometh unto the like years, that she fall not into the like mishap." And when he had so said, he let fall a few tears and departed. Now as he was going he met with another pilgrim that, with like devotion, came for to seek the same saint, who demanded of him how he liked of the maiden's company. "Truly," answered Athanagoras, "never of any better." Then the young man, whose name was Aportatus, entered into the chamber, and the maiden, after the manner, shut the door to and Athanagoras listened at the window. Then said Aportatus unto Tharsia, "How much did the prince give unto thee?" She answered, "Forty pieces of gold." Then said he, "Receive here of me an whole pound weight of gold." The prince which heard this talk thought then in his mind, "The more that you do give her, the more she will weep, as thinking that you would look for recompense, the which she meaneth not to perform."

132The maiden received the money, and fell down on her knees at his feet, and declared unto him all her estate with tears, as is before showed. When Aportatus heard that, he was moved with compassion, and he took her up from the ground, saying: "Arise, Lady Tharsia. We are all men and subject to the like chances," and therewithal he departed. And when he came forth he found Prince Athanagoras before the door laughing at him, to whom he said: "Is it well done, my liege, thus to delude a poor gentleman? Was there none to whom you might begin in tears but unto me only?" Then communed they further of the matter, and swore an oath between themselves that they would not bewray those words unto any; and they withdrew themselves aside into a secret place to see the going-in and coming-forth of other, and they saw many which went in and gave their money, and came forth again weeping. Thus Tharsia, through the grace of God and fair persuasion, preserved her body undefiled.

133How Tharsia withstood a second assault of her virginity, and by what means she was preserved.

134WHEN night was come the master bawd used always to receive the money which his women had gotten by the use of their bodies the day before. And when it was demanded of Tharsia, she brought him the money as the price and hire of her virginity. Then said the bawd unto her: "It is well done, Tharsia. Use diligence henceforth and see that you bring me thus much money every day." When the next day was past also, and the bawd understood that she remained a virgin still, he was offended, and called unto him the villein that had charge over the maids, and said unto him: "Sirrah, how chanceth it that Tharsia remaineth a virgin still? Take her unto thee and spoil her of her maidenhead, or be sure thou shalt be whipped." Then said the villein unto Tharsia, "Tell me, art thou yet a virgin?" She answered, "I am, and shall be as long as God will suffer me." "How then," said he, "hast thou gotten all this money?"

135She answered with tears falling down upon her knees, "I have declared mine estate, humbly requesting all men to take compassion on my virginity. And now likewise," falling then down at his feet also, "take pity on me, good friend, which am a poor captive, and the daughter of a king, and do not defile me." The villein answered: "Our master the bawd is very covetous and greedy of money, and therefore I see no means for thee to continue a virgin." Whereunto Tharsia replied: "I am skilful in the liberal sciences, and well exercised in all studies, and no man singeth or playeth on instruments better than I, wherefore bring me into the market place of the city that men may hear my cunning. Or let the people propound any manner of questions, and I will resolve them: and I doubt not but by this practice I shall get store of money daily." When the villein heard this devise, and bewailed the maiden's mishap, he willingly gave consent thereto, and broke with the bawd his master touching that matter, who, hearing of her skill and hoping for the gain, was easily persuaded.

136Now when she was brought into the market place, all the people came thronging to see and hear so learned a virgin, before whom she uttered her cunning in music and her eloquence in speaking, and answered manifestly unto all such questions as were propounded unto her with such perspicuity that all confessed themselves fully satisfied, and she won great fame thereby and gained great sums of money. But as for Prince Athanagoras, he had evermore a special regard in the preservation of her virginity, none otherwise than if she had been his own daughter, and rewarded the villein very liberally for his diligent care over her.

137How Apollonius, coming to Tharsus and not finding his daughter, lamented her supposed death; and, taking ship again, was driven by a tempest to Machilenta where Tharsia was.

138RETURN we now again unto Prince Apollonius, who, whiles these things were doing at Machilenta, when the fourteenth year was expired, arrived at Tharsus, and came into the city unto the house of Stranguilio and Dionisiades, with whom he had left his young daughter Tharsia. Whom when Stranguilio beheld and knew, he ran hastily unto his wife Dionisiades and said: "Thou reportedst that Prince Apollonius was dead, and lo now where he is come to require his daughter. What shall we now do, or say unto him?" Then cried she out "Alas, wretched husband and wife that we are! Let us quickly put on our mourning attire and shed forth tears, and he will believe us that his daughter died a natural death." And when they had appareled themselves, they came forth unto Apollonius, who, seeing them in mourning attire, said unto them: "My trusty friends, Stranguilio and Dionisiades, why weep ye thus at my coming? And tell me, I pray you (which I rather believe) whether these tears be not rather mine than yours." "Not so, my lord Apollonius," answered the wicked woman. "And I would to God some other body, and not mine husband or I, were enforced to tell you these heavy tidings: that your dear daughter Tharsia is dead."

139When Apollonius heard that word, he was suddenly cut to the heart, and his flesh trembled and he could scarce stand on his legs, and long time he stood amazed with his eyes intentively fixed on the ground. But at length recovering himself and taking fresh breath, he cast up his eyes upon her, and said: "O woman, if my daughter be dead, as thou sayest she is, is the money also and apparel perished with her?" She answered, "Some is, and some yet remaineth. And as for your daughter, my Lord, we were always in good hope that when you came you should have found her alive and merry. But to the intent that you may the better believe us concerning her death, we have a sufficient witness. For our citizens, being mindful of your benefits bestowed upon them, have erected unto her a monument of brass by yours, which you may go see if you please." And when she had so said, she brought forth such money, jewels and apparel which it pleased her to say were remaining of Tharsia's store.

140And Apollonius, believing indeed that she was dead, said unto his servants: "Take up this stuff and bear it away unto the ships, and I will go walk unto my daughter's monument." And when he came there, he read the superscription in manner as is above written, and he fell suddenly as it were into an outrageous affection and cursed his own eyes, saying: "O most cruel eyes, why can you not yield forth sufficient tears, and worthily bewail the death of my dear daughter?" And with that word, with grief and extreme sorrow he fell into a swoon, from which so soon as ever he was once revived, immediately he went unto the ships unto his servants, unto whom he said, "Cast me, I beseech you, unto the very bottom of the sea, for I leave no joy of my life, and my desire is to yield up my ghost in the water." But his servants used great persuasions with him to assuage his sorrow, wherein presently they some deal prevailed, as they might in so woeful a case; and partly the time, which is a curer of all cares, continually mitigated some part of the grief, and he espying the wind to serve well for their departure, hoisted up sail, and bid the land adieu.

141They had not thus sailed long in their course, but the wind came about to a contrary quarter, and blew so stiffly that it troubled both sea and ships. The rain fell fiercely overhead, the sea wrought wondrously under the ships, and, to be short, the tempest was terrible for the time. It was then thought best in that extremity to strike sail and let the helm go, and to suffer the ship to drive with the tide whither it should please God to direct it. But as joy evermore followeth heaviness, so was this sharp storm occasion of a sweet meeting of the father with the daughter, as in process hereafter it shall appear. For while Apollonius' ship runneth thus at random, it striketh upon the shore of the city Machilenta, where at that present his daughter Tharsia remained.

142Now it fortuned that this very day of their arrival was the birth day of Prince Apollonius, and when as the mariners saw themselves so happily come to the land, both for the gladness of the one, and joy of the other, the master of the ship and all the whole company gave a great shout.

143When Apollonius, who lay solitarily under the hatches, heard such a sudden voice of mirth, he called unto the master, and demanded what it meant. The master answered, "We rejoice, and be you glad also with us, my lord, for this day we do solemnize the feast of your birth." Then Apollonius sighed, and said himself: "All keep holiday save I only, and let it suffice unto my servants that I only remain in sorrow and heaviness. Howbeit, I give unto them ten pieces of gold to buy what they will to keep holiday withal. But whosoever shall call me unto the feast or go about to provoke me unto mirth, I command that his thighs shall be broken." So the caterer took the money, and went a-land, and provided necessaries, and returned again unto the ship.

144How Athanagoras, Prince of Machilenta, seeing the beauty of Apollonius' ship, went aboard of it and did the best he could to comfort him.

145AS fortune thereto served, and delight to take the fresh air moved Athanagoras, Prince of the City, to walk toward the seaside, he saw Apollonius' ships riding at anchor, at the view whereof he took great pleasure, especially at the Admiral, which was a great ship and a beautiful, wherein Apollonius himself was carried, the like whereof haply he had not seen often before. This was that Athanagoras that loved Tharsia so tenderly, and he hailed unto the mariners, and asked of whence that fair ship was? The mariners answered that she came now from Tharsus. "Truly," said Athanagoras, "it is a fair ship, and well appointed, and of all that I have seen, I like best of her." Now when the mariners heard their ship so highly commended, they desired him to come aboard, whereunto he willingly granted.

146And when he was come aboard, he sat down with them at meat, and he drew his purse and laid down ten pieces of gold upon the table, saying "You shall not say that you have bidden an unthankful person; take this small sum of money at my hands for a reward," and they thanked him. But when he was set down and beheld all that sat at the board, he demanded who was owner of the ship and where he was. The master answered, "Our owner is sick and weak with sorrow and taking thought, and needs will die. He lost his wife upon the sea and his daughter in a strange land." Athanagoras said unto one of the servants, called Ardalius: "I will give thee two pieces of gold to go down and tell thy master that the prince of this city desireth him to come up out of darkness into light." The servant answered, "I cannot buy new thighs for thy gold and therefore get some man else to go on the errand, for he hath said that whosoever troubleth him, his thighs shall be broken." "That law hath he made over you," said Athanagoras, "and not over me, and therefore I will go down unto him: but first tell me, I pray you, what you call his name?" They answered "Apollonius." And when he heard that name, he remembered in his mind that he heard Tharsia call her father so, and he went down unto him where he lay, whom when he beheld, having a long beard and rough fligged hair and long nails on his fingers, he was somewhat astonished and called upon him with a soft voice, saying: "Apollonius!"

147When Apollonius heard himself named, thinking it had been some of his men that had called him, [he] arose up suddenly with a fierce countenance, and seeing a stranger looking very comely and honorably attired, he held his peace. Then spake Athanagoras: "Sir, I think you do marvel that I, being a stranger, am so bold as to come to trouble you. You shall understand that I am prince of this city, and my name is Athanagoras. I walked by chance unto the seaside, where, beholding thy ships, especially commending this wherein thou art for beauty and strength, I was by thy men desired to come aboard, which I did and have eaten with them. Then inquired I for the owner and they told me thy name and that thou remainest in great sorrow, and for that cause I am come down unto thee to bring thee, if I may, out of darkness into light, hoping that after this heaviness God shall restore thee unto gladness." Apollonius lifted up his eyes, saying: "I thank thee, my Lord, whosoever thou art, and I beseech thee not to trouble me longer, for I am not worthy to eat meat or make good cheer, and I will live no longer." Athanagoras much mused at this answer, and wondered at the wilfulness of the man, and came up upon the deck and said unto the servants: "I cannot persuade your lord to come up out of that dark place into the light. What way therefore, were I best to devise to bring him from his purpose and to preserve him from an obstinate death? For it were great pity that a notable gentleman should so consume away in hucker-mucker and die by a dishonorable death."

148How Athanagoras sent for Tharsia to make her father Apollonius merry; and how after long circumstance they came into knowledge one of another.

149AND as he was devising with himself it came into his mind to send for the maiden Tharsia, for which purpose he called unto him one of his men, and said unto him. "Go unto the bawd, desire him to send Tharsia hither unto me, for she hath wisdom and can move pleasant talk, and perhaps she may persuade him not to die thus wilfully." The messenger went speedily and returned immediately, bringing the maiden Tharsia with him unto the ship. Whom when Athanagoras beheld, "Come hither unto me, Tharsia," quoth he "and show now the uttermost of thy cunning and knowledge in comforting the owner of the ship, which lieth in darkness and will receive no comfort nor come abroad into the light for the great sorrow that he taketh for his wife and his daughter. Go unto him, good Tharsia, and prove if thou canst persuade him to come into the light. For it may be that God hath appointed by thy means to bring him from sorrow into gladness, which thing if thou canst bring to pass, as I am a gentleman, I will give thee thirty sesterces of gold and as many of silver, and I will redeem thee from the bawd for thirty days." When Tharsia heard this, she went boldly down into the cabin unto him, and with a mild voice saluted him, saying: "God save you sir, whosoever you be, and be of good comfort, for an innocent virgin, whose life has been distressed by shipwreck, her chastity by dishonesty, and yet hath both preserved, saluteth thee." Then began she to record in verses, and therewithal to sing so sweetly that Apollonius, notwithstanding his great sorrow, wondered at her. And these were the verses which she sung so pleasantly unto the instrument:

174When Apollonius heard her sing these verses, lifting up his eyes and sighing, he said: "Alas, poor wretch as I am, how long shall I strive with life and abide this grievous conflict? Good maiden, I give hearty thanks both to your wisdom and nobility, requiting you with this one thing: that whensoever, if ever such occasion do chance, I shall have desire to be merry, I will then think on you, or if ever I be restored unto my kingdom. And perhaps, as you say, you are descended of the race of kings, and indeed you do well represent the nobility of your parentage. But now, I pray you, receive this reward at my hands, an hundred pieces of gold, and depart from me and trouble me no longer, for my present grief is renewed by your lamentable recital, and I consume with continual sorrow."

175When the maid had received the reward, she was about to depart. Then spake Athanagoras, "Whither goest thou, Tharsia?" quoth he, "Hast thou taken pain without profit, and canst thou not work a deed of charity and relieve the man that will consume his life with mourning?" Tharsia answered: "I have done all that I may, and he hath given me an hundred pieces of gold and desired me to depart." "I will give thee two hundred." said Athanagoras, "And go down unto him again, and give him his money and say unto him, "I seek thy health and not thy money." Then went Tharsia down again, and set herself down by him and said unto him: "Sir, if you be determined to continue always in this heaviness, give me leave, I pray you, to reason a little with you. And I mean propose certain parables unto you, which, if you can resolve, I will then depart, and restore your money." But Apollonius, not willing to receive the money again, but thankfully to accept whatsoever she should utter, without discouraging of her: "Albeit in my troubles," quoth he, "I have none other felicity but to weep and lament, yet because I will not want the ornaments of your wisdom, demand of me whatsoever shall be your pleasure, and, while I am answering you, pardon me, I pray you, if sometime I give liberty unto my tears, and shall not be able to speak for sobbing." "Sir, I will bear with you somewhat in that respect," said Tharsia, "and now if it please you I will begin":

184"Now if indeed you be a prince, as your men say you are, it behoveth you to be wiser than a simple maiden, and to resolve my problem." Apollonius answered: "Maiden, to the intent you may not think you were told a lie, hearken now to the resolution."

185"The house on the earth is the sea or every great water, the fish is the dumb guest, which followeth the water whithersoever it run." "Sir, you have answered truly," said Tharsia, "and now I assail you the second time":

194Apollonius answered: "If I might be so bold, and opportunity served thereto, I could declare unto you many things that you do not know, fair maiden, but not [without] interrupting your questions whereunto I have to answer, wherein I much wonder at your young years so plentifully fraught with excellent knowledge. But to come to the purpose: the daughter of the wood is the tree, whereof is made the long ship, which is accompanied with many companions, and walketh upon the seas many ways leaving no print or footsteps behind." "You have guessed right," said Tharsia, "and therefore now I propose my third parable":

205Apollonius answered: "Maiden, this that you mean were a meet place for men that live in delight and pleasure. And the time hath been, when I have also delighted in the bath and hot-house, where the heat entereth through the crevices of the boards and chinks of the stones, and where, by reason of sweating, it behoveth a man to be naked." When he had done speaking, Tharsia, wondering at his wisdom and the rather lamenting his discomfortableness, threw herself upon him, and with clasped arms embraced him, saying, "O good gentleman, hearken unto the voice of her that beseecheth thee, and have respect to the suit of a virgin that think[eth] it a far unworthy thing that so wise a man should languish in grief, and die with sorrow. But if God of his goodness would restore unto thee thy wife safe, whom thou so much lamentest, or if thou shouldst find thy daughter in good case, whom thou supposest to be dead, then wouldst thou desire to live for joy."

206Then Apollonius fell in a rage, and, forgetting all courtesy, his unbridled affection stirring him thereunto, rose up suddenly and struck the maiden on the face with his foot so that she fell to the ground and the blood gushed plentifully out of her cheeks. And like it is that she was in a swoon, for so soon as she came to herself, she began to weep, saying, "O immortal God, which madest heaven and earth, look upon my afflictions and take compassion upon me. I was born among the waves and troublesome tempests of the sea. My mother died in pangs and pains of childbed and burial was denied her upon the earth, whom my father adorned with jewels and laid twenty sesterces of gold at her head, and as much in silver at her feet, and enclosed her in a chest and committed her to the sea. As for me, unfortunate wretch, I was at Tharsus committed to Stranguilio and wicked Dionisiades, his wife, whom my father put in trust with me, with money and princely furniture, and their servants were commanded to slay me. And when I desired time to pray, which was granted me, there came pirates in the meanwhile, and carried me away, and brought me unto this woeful city, where I was sold to a most cruel bawd, and with much ado have preserved my virginity, and I see nothing ensuing but continual sorrow, whereof I feel both now and every day some part, and shall do ever more and more, until it please God to restore me unto my father, Apollonius."

207Apollonius gave good ear unto her words, and was strangely moved within himself, knowing that all these signs and tokens were most certain that she was his daughter, and he cried out with a mighty voice and said: "O merciful God, which beholdest heaven, earth and hell, and discoverest all the secrets therein, blessed be thy most holy name for ever." And when he had said those words, he fell upon his daughter Tharsia's neck and kissed her, and for extreme joy wept bitterly, saying: "O most sweet and only daughter, the half part of my life, for the love of thee I lust not now to die, for I have found thee for whom I had desire to die only." And therewithal he cried out aloud, saying: "Come hither my servants and friends, come ye all hither and see now the end of all my sorrow, for I have found my dear daughter and only child which I had lost." When the servants heard the noise, they came hastily together and with them Prince Athanagoras; and when they came down under the hatches, they found Apollonius weeping for joy and leaning upon his daughter's shoulders, and he said unto them: "Behold here my daughter, for whom I have mourned; behold the one half of my life and for whose sake I now desire to live." And they all rejoiced and wept with him for company, and thanked God for that happy day.

208How Apollonius, leaving off mourning, came into the city Machilenta, where he commanded the bawd to be burned, and how Tharsia was married unto Prince Athanagoras.

209THARSIA, hearing her father's words, fell down at his feet and kissed him, saying: "O father, blessed be God that hath given me the grace to see you, and that I may die with you." But Apollonius lifted up his heart and cast away his mourning apparel, and put on other sweet and clean raiment. And when Athanagoras and the servants looked earnestly upon him and upon his daughter, they wondered, saying, "O my lord Apollonius, how like in countenance is your daughter Tharsia unto you, that, if you had no other argument, this were sufficient proof to show that she is your child." Apollonius thanked them, saying that now he stood not in any doubt thereof.

210Then Tharsia began to discourse unto her father, how she was sold unto the bawd and how he thrust her into the common brothel, and by what means she always preserved her chastity, and how much she was bounden unto good Prince Athanagoras there present. Now Athanagoras was a widower and a lusty young gentleman and prince of the city, as it is declared, who, fearing lest Tharsia should be bestowed in marriage upon some other man, and using the benefit of the time, cast himself down at Apollonius' feet and besought him for her, saying, "Most noble Prince, I beseech you for the living God's sake, which hath thus miraculously restored the father unto his daughter, bestow not your daughter upon any other in marriage than me only. I am prince of this city and through my means she hath continued a virgin, and by my procurement she is now come unto the knowledge of thee her father." Apollonius, courteously embracing him, answered: "I thank you most heartily, good Prince Athanagoras, for your friendly offer, which I may in no wise gainsay both in respect of your own worthiness and for the pleasure which you have showed my daughter, and therefore you have my goodwill to be her husband." Then, turning his face towards Tharsia, "How say you my dear daughter," said he, "are you contented to be wife unto Athanagoras?" Tharsia with blushing cheeks answered: "Yea forsooth, father; for since I came from Stranguilio's house, I never found rest nor pleasure saving through his all-only courtesy." Now whether Athanagoras rejoiced at this answer or not, I refer me to the judgement of those who, being passionate with the same affection, would be well pleased with a jointly grant of the like goodwill.

211When these matters were thus concluded, Apollonius moved Athanagoras concerning revenge to be executed upon the bawd. Then Athanagoras took his leave for a while of Apollonius and departeth unto the city, and, calling all the citizens together to the market place, he spake thus unto them: "My friends and well-beloved citizens, understand ye that Apollonius, Prince of Tyrus and father unto Tharsia, is arrived in our coast with a great fleet of ships, wherein he hath brought a mighty army of men to destroy our city for the bawd's sake, who placed his daughter in a common brothel, to hire out the use of her body for money. Wherefore look unto your selves, and advise yourselves what you were best to do, for it were pity that the whole city should perish for one wicked man's sake."

212When as he made an end of this speech, the whole multitude trembled and was sore afraid, and forthwith determined that they would all, as well men, women and children, go forth to see Prince Apollonius, and to crave pardon of him. "Not so," said Athanagoras, "but we will desire him to come peaceably into our city, and what he list to command shall be fulfilled." The people liked well of that counsel, and committed the matter unto his discretion wholly to provide for their safety. Then went he forth unto Apollonius, and desired him in the people's name to come into the city, where he should be most heartily welcome. Apollonius refused not that friendly offer, but immediately prepared himself to go with him, and caused his head to be polled and his beard to be trimmed and his nails to be pared, and put on a princely robe upon his back and a crown of gold upon his head, and so passed forth together upon the way.

213And when they were come into the city, the citizens saluted Apollonius, and he was placed in the highest seat, whence the prince was wont to give judgement, and his daughter Tharsia by his side, and he spake unto the people in this manner following: "Good people of the city of Machilenta, you see the virgin Tharsia, whom I her father have found out this present day. Her hath the most filthy bawd, as much as in him lay, constrained to dishonest her body to her utter destruction. From which his devilish purpose no entreaty could persuade him, no price could allure him. Wherefore my request unto you, good people, is that I may have due revenge on him for the injury done unto my daughter." When the people heard his reasonable demand, they cried out with one accord, saying: "My lord Apollonius, we judge that he be burned alive, and his goods be given unto the maiden Tharsia." The revenge pleased Apollonius well, and forthwith they apprehended the bawd, and bound him hand and foot; and they made a great fire, and at Apollonius' commandment cast him alive into it and burnt him to ashes.

214Then called Tharsia for the villein, and said unto him: "Because by thy means, and all the citizens, I have hitherto remained a virgin even until my father's coming, my will is that thou be free; and moreover, I here give unto thee two hundred pieces of gold for a reward." Secondly, she called for all the women that were in the bawd's brothel, and said unto them: "Good women, whose chances, perhaps, hath been as grievous unto you as mine was unto me, I set you all at liberty, and whereas heretofore you have gained money by hiring forth the use of your bodies, receive of me here this reward, that you may live hereafter more in the fear of God, and practise some more commendable way to sustain necessity." And therewithal she gave to every one of them a reward, and so dismissed them.

215And when all these things were ended, Apollonius, minding to depart, spoke unto the people, saying: "Noble Prince Athanagoras, and beloved citizens of Machilenta, I acknowledge myself much bounden to you, and I yield you hearty thanks for all your benefits bestowed upon me and my daughter. And now in recompense thereof I give unto you fifty pounds weight of gold to be divided amongst you, that, when I am gone from you, you may be mindful of me." The citizens thanked him and bowed their heads in token of reverence; and they agreed together, and they erected two statues of brass, one unto him, another to his daughter, in the market-place of the city with these superscriptions written in their bases: Unto Apollonius, Prince of Tyrus, the preserver of our houses; and unto his virtuous daughter, Tharsia, a virgin, the mindful citizens of Machilenta have erected those monuments. But Apollonius, remembering the great courtesy of Athanagoras and his promise made unto him concerning Tharsia, appointed a short time for their marriage, against which there was great provision as might be at so small warning. The solemnities, riches, bravery, cost, feasts, revels, entertainment, and all things else appertaining thereunto and requisite for so great personages, I shall not here need particularly to set down, since every man may judge what belongeth to such a matter and none can precisely describe this unless he had been there present. Of this thing sure I am, that this marriage brought great pleasure to the father, contentment to the parties, and joy to all the people.

216How Apollonius, meaning to sail into his own country by Tharsus, was commanded by an Angel in the night to go to Ephesus, and there to declare all his adventures in the Church with a loud voice.

217THE solemnities of the wedding being finished, Apollonius made haste to depart; and, all things being in a readiness, he took shipping with his son-in-law and his daughter, and weighed anchor and committed the sails unto the wind and went their way, directing their course evermore toward Tharsus, by which Apollonius purposed to pass unto his own country Tyrus. And when they had sailed one whole day, and night was come that Apollonius laid him down to rest, there appeared an Angel in his sleep, commanding him to leave his course toward Tharsus and to sail unto Ephesus, and to go into the Temple of Diana, accompanied with his son-in-law and his daughter, and there with a loud voice to declare all his adventures, whatsoever had befallen him from his youth unto that present day.

218When Apollonius awoke in the morning he wondered at the vision, and called for Athanagoras his son-in-law and his daughter Tharsia, and declared it to them in order as is before recited. Thus said he unto them," What counsel do you give me in this matter?" They answered, "Whatsoever it pleaseth to you to do that we shall like well of." Then Apollonius called unto him the master of the ship and commanded him to wind sail and coast towards Ephesus, which he did; and immediately the wind served them so prosperously that in few days they safely arrived there. Apollonius and his company forthwith forsook their ships and came a-land, and, according to the commandment of the Angel, took his journey to the Temple of Diana, whereas it is before mentioned his long-lamented wife, Lady Lucina, remained in virtuous life and holy contemplation among the religious nuns. And when he was come thither, he besought one of the nuns that had the keeping of the temple that he might have licence to go in, and she willingly granted his request and opened the door unto him. By this time, report was blown abroad that a certain strange prince was lately landed with his son-in-law and his daughter in very costly and rich ornaments, and gone into the Temple: and the Lady Lucina, as desirous as the rest to see the strangers, decked her head with rich attire and put on a purple robe and, with convenient retinue attending upon her, came into the temple.

219Now Lucina was passing beautiful, and for the great love which she bore unto chastity all men reverenced her, and there was no virgin in all the number in like estimation unto her. Whom when Apollonius beheld, although he knew not what she was, yet such was the exceeding brightness and majesty of her countenance that he fell down at her feet, with his son-in-law likewise and his daughter, for he thought she glittered like a diadem and exceeded brightest stars in beauty. But Lucina courteously lifted them up from the ground and bid them welcome, and afterward went to bestow the plate and ornaments of the temple in decent order, which thing was part of the nuns' duty.

220Then Apollonius settled himself to do as the Angel had commanded him in the vision, and thus he began to say: "I, being born Prince of Tyrus, was called Apollonius, and when in youth I had attained unto all kind of knowledge, I resolved the cruel King Antiochus' parable, to the intent to have married with his daughter, whom he most shamefully defiled and kept her from all men to serve his own filthy lust, and sought means to slay me. Then I fled away, and lost all my goods in the sea, hardly escaping myself with life, and in my greatest extremity I was courteously entertained by Altistrates, King of Pentapolis, and so highly received into favor that he left no kinds of favor on me untried, insomuch that he bestowed upon me his fair daughter and only childe, Lucina, to be my wife. But when Antiochus and his daughter, by the just judgement of God, were struck dead by lightning from heaven, I carried my wife with me to receive my kingdom, and she was delivered of this my daughter and hers upon the sea and died in the travail, whom I enclosed in a chest and threw into the sea, laying twenty sesterces of gold at her head, and as much in silver at her feet, to the intent that they that should find her might have wherewithal to bury her honorably, leaving also a superscription that they might perceive with what grief of her friends she died and of what princely parentage she descended. Afterwards I arrived at the city of Tharsus, where I put in trust my young daughter to be brought up unto certain wicked persons, and from thence I departed unto the higher parts of Egypt. But when from that time fourteen years were expired and I returned thither to fetch my daughter, they told me that she was dead, which I believing to be true put on mourning attire and desired nothing so much as to die, and while I was in the extremity of sorrow and determined to have sailed unto Tyrus, while I was on my way upon the sea, the wind turned and there arose a tempest and drove me unto the city Machilenta, where my daughter was restored unto me. Then went I with my son-in-law and my daughter once again, to have sailed unto Tyrus by Tharsus; and as I was now in the journey, I was admonished in my sleep by an Angel to turn my course unto Ephesus, and there in the temple to declare aloud all my adventures that had befallen me since my youth unto this present day, [and God] which hath hitherto guided me in all my troubles, will now send an happy end unto all mine afflictions."

221How Apollonius came to the knowledge of his wife the Lady Lucina, and how they rejoiced at the meeting of each other.

222THE Lady Lucina was not so busy in executing her office in the Church but that she gave also attentive ear unto her Lord Apollonius' talk, whom at first she knew not. But when she heard the long discourse, whereby she knew by all signs that he was her husband and she was his wife, her heart burned within her and she could scarce temper her affections until he had done talking. Yet measuring her love with modesty, as now of long time having learned the true trade of patience, she gave him liberty to make an end; which done, she ran hastily unto him and embraced him hard in her arms and would have kissed him. Which thing when Apollonius saw, he was moved with disdain and thrust her from him, as misliking such lightness in her whose modesty and good grace he had so lately before commended in his heart, and nothing at all suspecting that she had been his wife. Then she, pouring forth tears abundantly, "O my lord Apollonius," said she, "the one half of my life, why deal you thus ungently with me? I am your wife, daughter unto Altistrates, King of Pentapolis, and my name is Lucina. And you are Apollonius, Prince of Tyrus, my lord and dear husband, and you are my schoolmaster, which taught me music; and moreover you are the sea-wrecked man whom I especially loved above many, not for concupiscence' sake, but for desire of wisdom."

223When Apollonius heard those words, he was suddenly astonished; and as the strangeness of the chance appalled him much, so the great joy revived his spirits again, and he cast his eyes earnestly upon her, and immediately called her to remembrance and knew perfectly that it was she indeed, and he went unto her and fell upon her neck and for exceeding joy burst out into tears, and then lifting up his hands and eyes to heaven, he said: "Blessed be the most mighty God of heaven, which sitteth above and beholdeth the state of men on earth and dealeth with them according to his great mercy; who now also of his unspeakable goodness hath restored unto me my wife and my daughter." Then did he most lovingly embrace and kiss his lady, whom he supposed long before to be dead, and she likewise requited him with the like fruits of goodwill and courtesy, whom she surely thought she should never have seen again. And when they had continued a good space in entertaining the one another: "O my most dear lord, Apollonius," said the Lady Lucina, "where is my child, whereof I was delivered?" Apollonius answered: "My best beloved lady, it was a daughter, and she was named Tharsia, and this is she," and therewithal he showed her Tharsia. Then kissed and embraced she her daughter and likewise her son-in-law Athanagoras, and they greatly rejoiced one in another.

224And when report hereof was spread abroad, there was great joy throughout all the city of Ephesus, and the report was blown about in every place how Prince Apollonius had found out his lady and wife among the nuns in the temple. Then Lucina discoursed unto her lord and husband, Apollonius, of all the strange accidents that happened unto her after his casting her forth into the sea. Namely, how her chest was cast on land at the coast of Ephesus and taken up by a physician, and how she was revived and by him adopted and, for preservation of her honesty, placed among the nuns in the Temple of Diana, where he there found her, accordingly as it appeareth before in the history, wherefore they blessed the name of God and yielded most hearty thanks unto him, that he had preserved them hitherto and granted them so joyful a meeting.

225How Apollonius departed from Ephesus and sailed himself, his wife, his son and daughter unto Antiochia, and then to Tyrus, and from thence to Tharsus, where he revenged himself upon Stranguilio and Dionisiades.

226APOLLONIUS and Lucina his wife and the residue of their train, having rested themselves and made merry sufficient time at Ephesus, when the wind served, took leave of their friends and went aboard of their ships, and launched from the shore and departed unto Antiochia; where, according as Calamitus, the master of the ship of Tyrus, had told him before, the kingdom was reserved for him since the death of Antiochus. But when the citizens heard that he was arrived, they were all exceeding glad and put on their bravest apparel and garlands of bays upon their heads and went forth in procession to meet him, and brought him in triumph into the city and crowned him king with all joy and gladness. And when all the solemnities of the coronation, the feasts, triumphs, largesses and pardons were finished, he abode with them certain days to dispose some matters in order that required redress, and to establish certain laws for the due administration of justice.

227Which being all accomplished according to his desire, he took his leave of the citizens, and, with his wife, son and daughter, departed to the sea, and sailed unto Tyrus his own native country, where he was joyfully received of his subjects, and found his kingdom governed in good order. There placed he for his lieutenant his son-in-law, Athanagoras, which had married his daughter Tharsia, to rule the country in his absence, and when he had aboden a convenient time amongst them to make merry and to provide necessaries for his farther affairs, he levied in shorter space a mighty army of the best-approved soldiers with sufficient store of money and munition, and, taking with him moreover his lady and his daughter Tharsia, took shipping in the haven, and had so prosperous wind that in few days they landed in the coast of Tharsus.

228And when they were come all ashore, they marched forward in battle array and came into the city to the great terror of all the inhabitants. When he was come into the market-place, he commanded that Stranguilio and Dionisiades should be brought before him, which being done he thus spake unto the people. "Ye citizens of Tharsus, I am come hither in arms as you see, not moved by my will but constrained by injury. Wherefore tell me, was I ever unthankful unto your city in general, or unto any of you all in particular?" They all answered with one voice "No my lord, and therefore we are ready all to spend our lives in thy quarrel; and as thou knowest well we have erected here, in perpetual memory of thee, a statue of brass, because thou preservedst us from death and our city from utter destruction." Then said Apollonius, "Understand then this much my friends: that when I departed last from this city, I committed my daughter in trust unto Stranguilio and his wife, Dionisiades; and when I came to require her they would not deliver her unto me nor tell me the truth what is become of her."

229Immediately they were both called forth to answer unto these matters before Apollonius, where, falling down on their knees before him, Dionisiades answered in this manner: "My lord, I beseech you stand favorable unto my poor husband and me, and not to believe any other thing concerning your daughter than that she is departed this life. And as for her grave, you have seen it, and also the monument of brass erected by the whole city in the memorial of her, and moreover you have read the superscription." Then Apollonius commanded his daughter to stand forth in the presence of them all, and she said unto Dionisiades: "Behold thou wicked woman, dead Tharsia is come to greet thee, who, as thou didst well hope, should never have been forthcoming to have bewrayed thy wickedness." But when the miserable woman beheld Tharsia, her heart quaked for fear and she fell to the ground in a swoon; and when she recovered again, she cried out upon the just judgment of God and cursed the time that she was born. And all the people ran thronging about Tharsia and wondered at her, thinking how greatly they had been of long time abused by Stranguilio and Dionisiades; and they rejoiced much in her safety, and all knew by her countenance that it was she and none other.

230Oh now, who were able to declare the bitter grief and intolerable care which eftsoons assayed the wearisome consciences of these twain, the husband and the wife, when they saw her living and in good liking before their faces whose death they had so traitorously conspired? Even hell itself is not comparable unto so heavy a burden, the unspeakable weight whereof all men ought to fear and none can sufficiently describe unless he have been semblably plunged in the like gulf of horrible desperation. Then Tharsia called for Theophilus, Stranguilio's villein, and when he was come into her presence, she said unto him: "Theophilus, answer me aloud that all the people may hear, who sent thee forth to slay me?" He answered, "Dionisiades, my mistress." "What moved her thereunto?" said Tharsia. "None other thing, I suppose," said the villein, "but to enjoy the money and ornaments, and also because thy beauty and comeliness were commended above Philomacia's, her daughter's."

231Now when the people heard this, they ran upon Stranguilio and Dionisiades, and took them violently and bound them, and drew them out of the city and stoned them to death, and would likewise have slain Theophilus the villein for that at his mistress' commandment he would have murdered the innocent maiden. But Tharsia entreated for him, saying, "Not so my dear friends. I pray you let me obtain pardon for him at your hands; for unless he had given me respite to say my prayers, I had not been here now to have spoken for him." And when she had said so, the furious multitude was appeased. And Apollonius gave many exceeding rich gifts unto the city, and repaired it strongly in many places where it was decayed, and abode there with them the space of three months in feasting and making merry before he departed.

232How Apollonius sailed from Tharsus to visit his father-in-law Altistrates, King of Pentapolis, who died not long after Apollonius' coming thither.

233THE term of three months that Apollonius purposed for his delight to remain at Tharsus was almost expired, and he commanded all things to be prepared for the journey. And when the day was come, he made general proclamation upon pain of death every man to ship. And when the whole army was embarked, he took ship himself with his wife and his daughter, being honorably accompanied by the citizens unto the water-side; and after due courtesy on both sides done and received, he hoisted sail and departed towards Pentapolis, King Altistrates' city. And when they had sailed with prosperous wind ten days upon the sea, they discovered afar off the steeples and towers of Pentapolis, and the soldiers rejoiced and gave a shout for gladness that they were so near to their wished land. Then they cast about and cut towards the haven, and cast anchor and landed all safe, and Apollonius with his wife and daughter, after he had taken order for the company, rode unto the court unto King Altistrates, whom they found in good health, and merry. And when Altistrates saw his son-in-law, his daughter, and his niece, Tharsia, he bid them welcome, and rejoiced exceedingly, and sent for the nobles of his land to keep them company, and gave them the best entertainment that he could devise, and they sojourned with him an whole year in pleasure and pastime, whereof the king took great comfort as was possible for a man to do in worldly felicity.

234But as there was never yet anything certain or permanent in this mortal life, but always we be requited with sour sauce to our sweet meat, and when we think ourselves surest in the top of joy, then tilt we down soonest into the bottom of sorrow, so fared it now unto those personages in the midst of their jollity. For the good old King Altistrates fell suddenly sick, which much appalled them all, and grew every day weaker than other. Then were the physicians sent for in haste, who left nothing untried that appertained unto art and experience to do; and above all Apollonius and Lucina his wife played the parts of dutiful children in tending their aged and weak father with all care and diligence possible. But alas, old age, which of itself is an uncurable sickness and had been growing now well nigh an hundred years lacking seven upon him, accompanied with the intolerable pain of the gout and the stone of the bladder, had consumed natural moisture, so that his force gave over to the disease, and shortly after changed this transitory life for a better.

235When report was spread abroad of the king's death, there was great sorrow and lamentation made in all places, neither was there any that took not grievously the loss of so good a prince. But to describe the inward affliction of Apollonius, and the tears of Lucina and Tharsia her daughter, would make any heart of flint to bleed, considering the tender affections of women above men, and how prone they be that way, yea, sometime (God knows) in smaller cases than at the death of husband, father, or mother. But as all things have their time, so have sorrow and tears also, which are best dried up with the towel of continuance, which gave now just occasion unto Apollonius to cast off drowsy sorrow and to provide for the funerals of his father-in-law, which he accomplished with so seasonable expedition, and in so honorable a sort, as was seemly for so mighty a king, and so virtuous a prince, whom he buried among the ancient race of kings, his ancestors, in the temple within the city of Pentapolis. Which being all finished, as it is also a work of charity to fulfil the will of the dead, he applied himself to execute his father's testament, wherein he had given half his kingdom unto Apollonius and the other half to Tharsia his niece, to have and to hold to them and to their heirs for ever.

236How Apollonius rewarded the fisherman that relieved him after he had suffered shipwreck; how he dealt also with old Calamitus, and likewise with the pirates that stole away Tharsia.

237BY this time, when all cares were banished and Apollonius enjoyed his kingdom in quiet possession, he gave himself sometimes to delight as other princes are wont to do. And it fortuned that on a day, when he had dined, he walked forth for recreation unto the seaside with his wife and a few servants. And when he came there, he saw a small fisher-boat fleeting under sail, which he thought by all signs he should know well, for he supposed it to be the fisherman's boat which succored him when he had suffered shipwreck in sailing from Tharsus towards Pentapolis. Wherefore he commanded some of his servants to take another ship which rode at anchor there on the shore, to go after and take him, and to bring the fisherman unto him unto the court.

238When the poor man saw himself boarded of so many and so gay a multitude, he feared they had been pirates, and that they would have slain him; and he fell down on his knees and besought them to have compassion upon him: he was but a poor fisherman and had not that which they sought for: it were others that were more fit for their purpose to meet withal, such as ventured further in greater vessels, carrying forth great sums of money and bringing home plenty of costly merchandise. As for him, they should not only find miserable poverty in ransacking his boat, but if they were also determined to take away his life from him, they should likewise with the same stroke bereave the lives of his poor wife and many small children, which were maintained by his hand only. These or the like words uttered then the poor fisherman. But they smiling in their conceits, and mindful of their prince's commandment, bade him not fear that they would rob him, but said that he must go with them, and brought him away unto the court.

239And when he was come into the king's presence, Apollonius knew him well, and said unto the queen and the nobles that were about him: "Behold, this is the man that received me into his house, and succored me when I suffered shipwreck, and showed me the way into the city, by which means I came acquainted with good King Altistrates." And he rose out of his seat, and embraced him and said: "I am Apollonius, Prince of Tyrus, whom thou didst succor, and therefore be of good cheer, for thou shalt be rewarded." And the poor fisherman wept exceedingly for joy. And Apollonius commanded two hundred sesterces of gold to be given unto him, and thirty servants, and twenty handmaids, and forty horses, and fifty suits of apparel, and a fair palace to dwell in, and made him an earl, and used no man so familiarly as he did him all the days of his life.

240Now it was not long after that these things were done, but one called Calamitus, the master of the ship of Tyrus, an old man, who, as we have before declared, showed unto Apollonius as he was walking by the sea side with Lucina that Antiochus and his daughter were dead and the kingdom was reserved for him, came before Apollonius, and, falling down on his knees: "Remember me, my most gracious Lord Apollonius," said he, "since the time I told your grace the good tidings of King Antiochus' death." Then King Apollonius took him up by the hand, and caused him to sit down by him, and talked familiarly with him, and gave him great thanks, and made him a great lord in his country.

241Thus Apollonius busied himself, not only in bestowing himself courteously at home, but he also provided as well for the quiet government of the state abroad as it appeared by the diligence of his officers, who having lately taken certain pirates upon the sea, brought them to Pentapolis, where Apollonius then remained, to have justice executed upon them. When they were arrived, they were found guilty of the fact of which they were accused, and the next day being appointed for them to suffer, when they came unto the gallows, they confessed many robberies, and, among store, how once at Tharsus they rescued a maid named Tharsia from a villein that would have slain her, and brought her to Machilenta, where they sold her to him that offered most money, and he which bought her (as they thought) was a bawd.

242When the citizens, who were none of them ignorant of the Lady Tharsia's adventures, heard this, they stayed execution and sent word unto King Apollonius, saying: "May it please your grace to understand that we have certain pirates at the gallows ready to be executed, and it appeareth that they be those that stole away the Lady Tharsia your daughter from Tharsus, and sold her to the bawd at Machilenta. Which when we perceived, we thought it good to know your grace's pleasure what shall be done with them." Apollonius thanked them, and willed the pirates to be brought before him, and examined them diligently and found that they were the same men indeed that had preserved Tharsia's life. And he gave great thanks unto God and them, and embraced them and willingly pardoned them their lives. And for that he knew that the sinister means which they hitherto had ensued was caused most by constraint, for want of other trade or ability to live by, he therefore made them all knights, and gave them plenty of gold and silver and endowed them also with great possessions.

243How Apollonius had a young son and heir by his wife Lucina; likewise of Apollonius' age and how he died, with some other accidents thereunto incident.

244WHILE King Apollonius thus passed forth his time in rewarding his friends which had done him pleasure in his adversity -- the part of a thankful and good natured man -- and also unto his enemies in ministering justice with mercy, which is the duty of a virtuous prince, the queen Lucina in the mean season conceived child, and grew every day bigger-bellied than other. And when the time came that she attended for a good hour, she was delivered of a fair son, whom some of the ladies that were present said he was like Apollonius the father, other some, like King Altistrates the grandfather, and others judged otherwise, according as is the custom of women to do, whenas (God knoweth) there is no more likeness between them, saving that the child hath the general shape and proportion of a man, than is between Jack Fletcher and his bolt. Howbeit the boy was called Altistrates, after the grandfather's name, for whom there was much joy and triumphing, that it had pleased God to send an heir male to govern the land, for whose life and preservation the people daily prayed, that as he was like to succeed his grandfather in place and name, so he might also be successor to his father and grandfather in honor and virtue, which as they are the true goods, so are they the chiefest inheritance of a king, and to be preferred before the greedy seeking for large dominion and riches, which are the foolish scales whereby Fortune entrappeth us.

245But to return again to our story, great was the care and provision for the diligent bringing-up of this young gentleman. Who as he grew up more and more every day to the strength of lusty youth, so his father Apollonius decayed continually through the infirmity of weak old age, who, having passed his life with one lady the fair Lucina, by whom he had two beautiful children, the lady Tharsia and young Altistrates, he lived to the age of fourscore and four years, and obtained the empire of three kingdoms -- to wit, Tyrus, Antiochia and Pentapolis -- whom with the help of his son-in-law, Athanagoras, he governed peaceably and prosperously. Moreover, when he had disposed the affairs of his realms unto such of his nobility as were in credit about him, although at all times he had recourse unto his accustomed studies of humanity, yet then especially he applied his vacant time to his book, and he wrote the whole story and discourse of his own life and adventures at large, the which he caused to be written forth in two large volumes, whereof he sent one to the Temple of Diana at Ephesus, and placed the other in his own library. Of which history this is but a small abstract, promising if ever the whole chance to come into my hands, to set it forth with all fidelity, diligence and expedition.

246But when the fatal time was come that Apollonius' old age could no longer be sustained by the benefit of nature, he fell into certain cold and dry diseases, in which case the knowledge of his physicians could stand him in little stead, either by their cunning or experience. For there is no remedy against old age, which if the noble skill of physic could ever have found out, doubtless it would have obtained the means to have made the state of man immortal. Howbeit, God hath determined otherwise; and as he appointed all worldly things to have an end, so Apollonius had his dying day, wherein, in perfect sense and ready memory, he departed this transitory life in the sweet arms of his loving lady, Lucina, and in the midst of his friends, nobles, allies, kinsfolk, and children, in great honor and love of all men. His kingdom of Tyrus he gave by will unto Athanagoras and his daughter, Tharsia, and to their heirs after them for ever: who lived long time together, and had much issue, both boys and girls. Unto the queen, Lady Lucina, he gave the two kingdoms of Antiochia and Pentapolis for term of her life, to deal or dispose at her pleasure; and after her decease unto his son, lusty young Altistrates, and to his heirs for ever. But Lucina, as she could not then be young, since Apollonius died so old, enjoyed not long her widow's estate, but, pining away with sorrow and wearing with age, forsook this present world also and followed her dear lord into the everlasting kingdom that never shall have end, which so far exceedeth the kingdom which forthwith she left unto her young son Altistrates to inherit, as heavenly joys surmount the earthly and the bright sun surpasseth the smallest star.

FINIS.