Page:Famous history of the two unfortunate lovers, Hero & Leander (1).pdf/16

16 took Amorissa in his arms, and tenderly embracing her, said, for heaven’s sake let me hear that heavenly sound again. I think, continued he, you named Hero; I did so, my lord, said she, and hope you are Leander; I am so, said he: whereupon she gave him the letter. Upon reading of which, he said, I am the happiest man on earth, but think you, said he, I may ever be so blessed as to see my Hero alone, and presume to tell her my love without offending.

Amorissa undertook this, but begged that affairs might be carried on as privately as possible, for that Altemnansor, prince of Persepolis, had declared himself a lover of the princess Hero, and by reason of the power he had in that country, and his influence over the father of her mistress, might much obstruct their loves, if not make it prove of fatal consequence. To all this Leander consented, and gave himself wholly up to be conducted by her management.

CHAP. V.

joyful Leander now resolved to go to Sestus, and took Amorissa (whose horse the monster had killed) up behind him; by her directions they came to a curious garden, about half a mile from the palace, to which Hero used, in the cool of the evening to resort: of this garden she had the keys, and here they entered, where she left him till she went and fetched her mistress. When the fair Hero came near the arbour where Leander was, he ventured out, and with a low submission, falling at her feet, thus expressed himself. Pardon me,