Lauso ended his song, and though he thought that no one understood him, through ignorance of Silena's disguised name, more than three of those who were there knew her, and even marvelled that Lauso's modest behaviour should have gone so far as to attack anyone, especially the disguised shepherdess with whom they had seen him so much in love. But in the opinion of his friend Damon he was fully excused, for he was acquainted with Silena's conduct, and knew how she had conducted herself towards Lauso, and wondered at what he left unsaid. Lauso finished, as has been said; and as Galatea had heard of the charm of Nisida's voice, she wished to sing first, so as to constrain her to do the same. And for this reason, before any other shepherd could begin, beckoning to Arsindo to continue sounding his flute, to its sound with her exquisite voice she sang in this wise: GALATEA. E'en as Love ever seeks the soul to entame, Tempting it by the semblance of delight, E'en so she from Love's deadly pangs in flight Turneth, who knows its name bestowed by fame. The breast that doth oppose his amorous flame, The breast with honourable resistance armed, By Love's unkindness is but little harmed, Little his fire and rigour doth inflame. Secure is she who never was beloved, Nor could love, from that tongue which in dispraise Of her honour, with subtle glow doth gleam. But if to love and not to love have proved Fruitful in harm, how shall she spend her days Who honour dearer e'en than life doth deem? It could easily be seen in Galatea's song that she was replying to Lauso's malicious one, and that she was not against unfettered wills, but against the malicious tongues and wronged souls which, in not gaining what they desire, change the love they once showed to a malicious and detestable hatred, as she fancied in Lauso's case; but perhaps she would have escaped from this error, if she had known Lauso's good disposition, and had not been ignorant of Silena's evil one. As soon as Galatea ceased to sing, she begged Nisida with courteous words to do the same. She, as she was as courteous as beautiful, without letting herself be pressed, to the sound of Florisa's pipe sang in this fashion: NISIDA. Bravely I took my courage as defence In the dread conflict and onslaught of Love, My boldness bravely raised to Heaven above Against the rigour of the clear offence. But yet so overwhelming and intense The battery, and withal so weak my power That, though Love seized me not, in one short hour Love brought me to confess his power immense. O'er worth, o'er honour, o'er a mind discreet, Shy modesty, a bosom of disdain, Love doth with ease achieve the victory;