University of Virginia Library

It hapned now that twise six months had run,
Since wandring Argalus had first begun
His toylesome progresse; who, in vaine, had spent
A yeare of houres, and yet no euent,
When fortune brought him to a goodly Seat
(Wall'd round about with Hills) yet not so great
As pleasant; and lesse curious to the sight,
Then strong; yet yeelding euen as much delight,
As strength; whose onely outside did declare
The masters Iudgement, and the builders care.
Arround the Castle, nature had laid out
The bounty of her treasure; round about,
Well fenced meadowes (fill'd with summers pride)
Promis'd prouision for the winter tide,
Neere which the neighb'ring hills (well stockt and stor'd
With milkewhite flocks) did seuerally afford
Their fruitfull blessings, and deseru'd encrease
To painfull husbandry, the childe of peace;
It was Kalanders seat, who was the brother
Of lost Parthenia's late deceased mother.
He was a Gentleman, whom vaine ambition
Nere taught to vnderualue the condition
Of priuate Gentry; who preferr'd the loue
Of his respected neighbours, farre aboue
The apish congies of th'vnconstant Court;
Ambitious of a good, not great report.
Beloued of his Prince, yet not depending
Vpon his fauours so, as to be tending
Vpon his person: and, in briefe, too strong
Within himselfe, for fortunes hand to wrong:
Thither came wandring Argalus; and receiu'd
As great content, as one that was bereau'd
Of all his ioyes, could take, or who would striue
T'expresse a welcome to the life, could giue:
His richly furnisht table more exprest
A common bounty, then a curious feast;
Whereat, the choice of precious wines were profer'd
In liberall sort; not vrg'd, but freely offer'd;
The carefull seruants did attend the roome,
No need to bid them either goe or come:
Each knew his place, his office, and could spy
His masters pleasure, in his masters eye.
But what can rellish pleasing to a taste
That is distemper'd? Can a sweet repast
Please a sicke pallate? no, there's no content
Can enter Argalus, whose soule is bent
To tyre on his owne thoughts: Kalanders loue,
(That other times would rauish) cannot moue
That fixed heart, which passion now incites
T'abiure all pleasures, and forsweare delights.