Page:Famous history of the two unfortunate lovers, Hero & Leander (1).pdf/12

12 it, as imagining this stranger could be no other than his gallant deliverer; and the jests being ended, he caused a lord near him to go and invite him into the hall, where a sumptuous entertainment was provided; but Leander, who had his face all the while covered, and not yet willing to discover himself, returned the prince his humble thanks in the most obliging expressions imaginable, but desired to be excused, saying, he had taken his repast already, and obliged himself by promise to return as soon as the sport was ended.

This speech satisfied the prince, in that he ever held, that a man of honour was always punctual to his word: But the prince of Persepolis inwardly grieved at this stranger’s carrying away the glory of the day, and fearing he might prove a rival in his love, (he being passionately enamoured of the fair Hero) sent twelve of his followers after him to murder him, and then to bury him privately that it might not be known.

These men planted themselves in a wood he was to pass, and when he came opposite them, they all rushed out upon him with their drawn swords, and gave him a furious assault; but he who was never used to fear, drew his trusty sword that had never failed him, and laid about him so furiously, that in a very short time he sent eleven of them to keep company with the dead, while he that remained, fell on his knees and begged his life, which he generously gave him, upon his confessing who employed them; on hearing which, Leander could not but wonder how any nobleman could be guilty of such baseness; and then commanding him to 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