Page:Famous history of the two unfortunate lovers, Hero & Leander (2).pdf/13

13 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 related the fatal miscarriage, and also what Leander had given him in chargo, which put the prince of Persepolis into an extra- ordinary 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 trans- ported 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 tho 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 sho 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 me with a desire to serve you : my life ‘ and fortune, madam, I lay at your feet, and by ‘ my obedience, if permitted to be ranked among the number of your adorers, I hope to gain some ‘ little spark of your condescending goodness to ‘ love me, or give mo at least your esteem, when you come to know who your faithful servant is.