Page:Famous history of the two unfortunate lovers, Hero & Leander (2).pdf/10

10 castle, to which he seemingly consented, but it growing dark, he took an opportunity to withdraw himself till he might better consider how to manage his love affairs ; and so went that night to a neigh- bouring village, where he refreshed himself, and presenting the master of the house with some jewels, desired him not to let any one know he was there, if enquiry was made, which he promised and per- formed.

CHAP. III.

How Leander won a rich diamond in a tournament, which he presents to Hero, with a letter in it manifesting his love; and overthrew a great many men that lay in ambush to take his life.

Hero being pretty well come to herself, made a strict enquiry after her deliverer, and when she was told he had secretly withdrawn himself, her eyes could not refrain from tears, that she had not a convenient opportunity to thank him for her de- liverance; yet more, she could not but wonder who this gallant stranger should be, and sent to divers places to enquire after him: sometimes she thought it could be none but the famed Leander, but those thoughts were again dashed with the considerations of his being passed over into Europe, and taking up there with the welcome of triumphs. After many great rejoicings for this happy deliverance, a solemn tilt and tournament was ordered, wherein the conqueror was to have a golden coronet set with diamonds, and other precious jewels. The glorious spot of marshal prowess was proclaimed by the heralds, which soon reached Leander’s ear; whereupon, not to be behind hand, he left his lodg- ing, and rodo to Persepolis, a famous city near at hand, and there bought a change of armour, having on his shield a flaming heart, on which the sun