at length I boldly said to Milo, Let Diophanes fare well with his
evil fortune, and get againe that which he lost by sea and land, for
I verily do yet feel the wearinesse of my travell, whereof I pray you
pardon mee, and give me licence to depart to bed: wherewithall I rose up
and went unto my chamber, where I found all things finely prepared and
the childrens bed (because they should not heare what we did in the
night) was removed far off without the chamber doore. The table was all
covered with those meats that were left at supper, the cups were filled
halfe full with water, to temper and delay the wines, the flagon stood
ready prepared, and there lacked nothing that was necessary for the
preparation of Venus. And when I was entring into the bed, behold my
Fotis (who had brought her mistresse to bed) came in and gave me roses
and floures which she had in her apron, and some she threw about the
bed, and kissed mee sweetly, and tied a garland about my head, and
bespred the chamber with the residue. Which when shee had done, shee
tooke a cup of wine and delaied it with hot water, and profered it me to
drinke; and before I had drunk it all off she pulled it from my mouth,
and then gave it me againe, and in this manner we emptied the pot twice
or thrice together. Thus when I had well replenished my self with wine,
and was now ready unto Venery not onely in minde but also in body, I
removed my cloathes, and shewing to Fotis my great impatiencie I sayd, O
my sweet heart take pitty upon me and helpe me, for as you see I am now
prepared unto the battell, which you your selfe did appoint: for after
that I felt the first Arrow of cruell Cupid within my breast, I bent my
bow very strong, and now feare, (because it is bended so hard) lest my
string should breake: but that thou mayst the better please me, undresse
thy haire and come and embrace me lovingly: whereupon shee made no long
delay, but set aside all the meat and wine, and then she unapparelled
her selfe, and unattyred her haire, presenting her amiable body unto me
in manner of faire Venus, when shee goeth under the waves of the sea.
Now (quoth shee) is come the houre of justing, now is come the time of
warre, wherefore shew thy selfe like unto a man, for I will not retyre,
I will not fly the field, see then thou bee valiant, see thou be
couragious, since there is no time appointed when our skirmish shall
cease. In saying these words shee came to me to bed, and embraced me
s