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
sweetly, and so wee passed all the night in pastime and pleasure,
and never slept until it was day: but we would eftsoones refresh our
wearinesse, and provoke our pleasure, and renew our venery by drinking
of wine. In which sort we pleasantly passed away many other nights
following.




THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER