Page:Famous history of the two unfortunate lovers, Hero & Leander (2).pdf/16

16 took Amorissa in his arms, and tenderly embracing her, said, for heaven’s sake let me hear that hea- venly 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 sho 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 with- out offending. Amorissa undertook this, but begged that affairs might be carried on as privately as possible, for that Altemnansor, prince of Persepolis, had de- clared 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.

How Hero and Leander met, and the mutual agreement they made ; and how Leander prepared to go to Sestus to gain her father's consent.

The 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 tho palace, to which Hero used, in the cool of the even- ing 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 ven- tured out, and with a low submission, falling at her feet, thns expressed himself. Pardon me,