Page:Famous history of the two unfortunate lovers, Hero & Leander (2).pdf/21

21 and anger of Altemansor. Hero’s father was much displeased with this, and went sharply to reprove him, which made him rage the more, and vow revenge ; yet knowing Leander to be a princo of great courage, and having sufficiently tried his strength, durst not challenge him to the combat, but thought if he could any ways destroy him, it would open his way to Hero’s love: wherefore one night he broke into his lodgings with about twenty men, which creating some noise, Leander, who had not time to put on his clothes, got his sword, and defended himself so well, that he killed the prince and most of his followers, which so alarmed the castle, that all were up in arms, when Leander, fearing to be opposed, or that revenge would bo taken for this proud prince, mado his retreat good with the slaughter of his enemies, and getting to a window that jutted into the sea, leaped into the waves, swam to the shores of Greece, and arrived safe at Abidos. He thought for these many treacheries to have brought over a powerful army to spoil Persepolis, but the secrecy of his love, and desire not more to offend Hero’s father, who was already outrageous for the death of Altemansor, he desisted from that resolution. He sent a trusty servant to hear how things were resented, who told him on his return, that his fair mistress was confined by her father in a little tower which jutted into the sea from the castle, and there mourned her captivity and his absence. Leander at this was altogether impatient, and resolved at any terms to free her ; whereupon ho got two of his trusty servants to row him over in a little boat, in the night time, and being furnished with a ladder of ropes, came safe under the win- dow ; and calling with a loud voice, Amorissa,