13
rise, Go, wretched man, said he, and tell thy master, that treachery never prospers, and that I wear a sword which may one day let him see the difference between manhood and such inglorious acts as these.
The trembling man, glad his life was given him, having, by Leander’s orders, dragged his slain companions into the wood, with much thankfulness, took his leave: and rclated the fatal miscarriage, and also what Leander had given him in charge, put the prince of Persepolis into an extraordinary rage, so that he foamed and cursed his misfortunes; in which fret we leave him and return to Hero.
CHAP. IV.
How when the fair Hero read Leander’s letter she was transported with joy, and sent Amorissa her servant with a letter in search of him. How he killed a cruel beast which was going to devour Amorissa; with several other remarkable passages.
YOU have heard how Hero had received the present of Leander, which she curiously surveying, perceived in the curious needle that adorned the cap of it, a little roll of paper thrust in, which she eagerly, but not without blushing, took out and read it in these words:
'Fairest of creatures, it is not without cause, that all that cast their eyes on you, become lovers and admirers of your noble perfections, pardon me then, if amongst the rest, I have presumed to gaze on so bright an object, which has not only dazzled my eyes, but penetrated my heart, and inflamed it with a desire to serve you: my life and fortune, madam, I lay at your feet, and by
