Page:Famous history of the two unfortunate lovers, Hero & Leander (2).pdf/20

20 and lay his inheritance waste ; but Leander told him that should never be while he wore a sword. But no entreaties could prevail with him for his consent; and Hero having promised to die rather than marry any but Leander, though she stood much upon her obedience, Leander could not tell what would be the consequence. So coming to Hero, told her the sad news, who gave him fresh assurances of her love and constancy ; whereupon he told her the treachery of Altemansor, and that neither him nor her were safe on that shore, but if she would go with him into Greece, he would marry her royally there; but she still insisted upon her obedience, and told him that time would mollify her father’s heart.

CHAP. VII.

How prince Altemansor hired one to poison Leander, but was prevented; how he afterwards attempted to murder Leander in his bed, but was himself killed upon the spot. With several more remarkable passages; concluding with the unhappy death of these two unfortunate lovers.

By this time the news of Leander’s coming to court being known to Altemansor, the person that had escaped having told him that it was the same that overthrew him at the tournament, and had destroyed his men in the wood, he was greatly en- raged ; and having secret notice he pretended love to his mistress, ho hired one of Leander’s servants to poison him with a glass of wine, but as soon as ho was putting it towards his lips, it flew in pieces, whereupon tho wretch seeing the treachery dis- covered, fell on his knees, begging pardon, and disclosed the whole matter; upon which, this and the former treachery was published to the disgrace